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September 25, 2025
Anime | Top 15 Best Horror Anime of All Time | Scared Stiff
Anime
September 25, 2025
With Halloween coming up soon, it's time to scratch the horror itch with some anime! Here's our list of the 15 best horror anime out there!
>With Halloween coming up soon, it's time to scratch the horror itch with some anime! Here's our list of the 15 best horror anime out there!
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Horror, at its core, is a mirror - it reflects our fears, our traumas, and darkest thoughts in the most unsettling ways. In anime, that reflection is often amplified through stunning visuals, rich symbolism, and wildly imaginative storytelling. This list explores 15 of the most powerful and unforgettable horror anime ever created.
These series don’t just aim to scare. They unravel the human psyche, haunt you long after the credits roll, and blur the line between beauty and terror. Whether you are drawn to the madness of isolation, the cruelty of fate, or the monsters that lurk in both minds and worlds, each entry here offers a unique experience. Prepare to explore horror as both an art form and emotional journey.
|
Rank |
Title |
|
15 |
Devilman Crybaby |
|
14 |
Higurashi: When They Cry |
|
13 |
Hellsing Ultimate |
|
12 |
Elfen Lied |
|
11 |
Berserk |
|
10 |
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls |
|
9 |
Perfect Blue |
|
8 |
Mononoke |
|
7 |
Shiki - Corpse Demon |
|
6 |
Another |
|
5 |
Ajin: Demi-Human |
|
4 |
Junji Ito Collection |
|
3 |
Genocyber |
|
2 |
Gantz |
|
1 |
Meiruko-chan |
15. Devilman Crybaby
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.74 |
Shounen |
Action | Mythology | Gore |
Completed |
10 (ONA) |
Alongside Maquia and Liz and the Blue Bird, Devilman Crybaby stands out as one of the few avant-garde anime to grace screens in 2018. With its unique animation style, mature themes, and willingness to push boundaries through extreme violence, nudity, and provocative social commentary. It ushered in a wave of fresh, unsettling experiences.
The story follows the meek and kind-hearted Akira Fudou, who is drawn into a world of devils and moral decay by his enigmatic childhood friend, Ryou Asuka. While the narrative draws from classic roots, it's the surreal, fluid animation of Masaaki Yuasa that elevates the horror, turning grotesque transformations and rivers of blood into hypnotic spectacles paired with a deep existential dread.
14. Higurashi: When They Cry
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.87 |
Shounen |
Mystery | Thriller | Suspense |
Completed |
98 + 2 OVA |
Watching Higurashi feels like sealing a cheerful crowd in an experiment room, only to return and discover they’ve savagely torn each other apart in a gruesome frenzy. It’s chilling, it’s jarring, and still, a piece of you can’t resist pondering: what led to this carnage?
The real lure of Higurashi is its mystery. The show will leave you wondering, speculating on a variety of explanations for why the class's loveliest girl is suddenly using a big cleaver to slaughter every child in sight. With every experiment you do (arc you observe), you uncover a few more hints and develop a new hypothesis, only to have it smashed by yet another completely unanticipated horror inside the same arc. Because Higurashi is such a large-scale mystery, every detail is painstaking, and although each horrific incident first appears to be random, they all gradually come together.
13. Hellsing Ultimate
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
8.34 |
Seinen |
Action | Supernatural |
Completed |
10 (OVA) |
While it is considered an upgrade to the original 13-episode Hellsing anime from 2001, it features over-the-top violence and action sequences, set in the gothic and dark atmosphere of the original. The series focuses on Alucard, a formidable vampire and the Hellsing Organization's ultimate weapon. Alongside his master, Integra Hellsing, they face not only typical undead but also a rogue Nazi faction known as Millennium and a clandestine Vatican organization called Iscariot. The narrative also presents Seras Victoria, a police officer who transforms into Alucard's vampire servant, delving into her conflict with her newfound identity.
12. Elfen Lied
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.46 |
Seinen |
Psychological | Supernatural |
Completed |
13 + OVA |
Due to its nudity and graphic violence, Elfen Lied stands out as one of the most intense gory anime of the 2000s, leading to its ban in Russia and China to protect their younger generation.
Elfen Lied is notorious for its graphic violence, brutality, and explicit content; a blend that might cause many individuals to look away. Nevertheless, a significant number of individuals engage with this series, aware (to a certain degree) of what to expect, and it stands out as one of the most popular and highly rated shows on streaming platforms.
Some refer to it as a 'masterpiece', others label it 'perverted', some are at a loss for words, and some deem it 'horrible'. The first statement is accurate, the second is an overstatement, the third is reasonable, and the fourth is completely incorrect.
11. Berserk
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
8.60 |
Seinen |
Dark Fantasy | Adventure |
Completed |
25 |
Of the 1997 and 2016 anime adaptations of Kentaro Miura’s Berserk manga, the former remains a fan favorite, as it breathes life into Miura’s imagination. It tells the story of Guts, the vengeful Black Swordsman, as he roams a medieval world of castles, wars, and tragedy. The plot’s raw emotion and layered characters shine. Despite the anime trimming the manga’s vast detail, the dated art enhances the rough, ancient vibe. At the same time, the chilling soundtracks amplify the horror and heart.
Nonetheless, Berserk undeniably earns the title of "epic" in anime history. A must-see for anime fans, it's a timeless classic, standing tall with Evangelion, Miyazaki's masterpieces, and other anime legends that never fade. It sparkles among them, as the bloodiest gem of all.
10. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
6.41 |
Seinen |
Mystery | Supernatural |
Completed |
4 |
Drawing inspiration from the concept of haunted, derelict school and the vengeful spirit of children who died there, Team GrisGris developed an RPG (Role-Playing Game) that birthed several manga works, drama CDs, theme park attractions, live action films, and an anime series. One of these being Corpse Party: Tortured Souls.
In any case, this could be the most unsettling sight you will ever see. Not only is this the most unsettling animated show you will ever see, but it may also be the most unsettling piece of fiction you will ever enjoy. In all candor, the 4-episode OVA doesn’t have much in the way of plot to carry it but, it’s a bit crazier than even some horror movies.
9. Perfect Blue
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
8.55 |
Seinen |
Psychological | Thriller |
Completed |
Movie |
Satoshi Kon’s “golden chance”, the scariest animated movie ever, the anime that leaves you with deep psychological scars; all these and more are names that have been associated with Perfect Blue. It aired in 1998, at the start of Generation Z, almost as though it was made to introduce them to the glory of horror.
Reviews about how it blurs the line between reality and hallucinations aside, the animation alone gives it an old but gold vibe. The disorienting, suspenseful plot about Mima Kirigoe, the pop idol who grapples with an identity crisis and obsession, births a non-linear structure and experience that keeps viewers hooked. If the combination of psychological horror, stalker threat, graphic violence, body horror, and disturbing imagery tickles your fancy, you definitely should give this a watch.
8. Mononoke
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
8.41 |
Seinen |
Mythology | Supernatural |
Ongoing |
12 + 3 OVA |
No, this isn’t the children’s fantasy story Princess Mononoke. Mononoke follows the mysterious Medicine Seller as he exorcises evil spirits called Mononoke throughout medieval Japan. He must discover their Katachi (Form), Makoto (Truth), and Kotowari (Reason) to get rid of them, delving deeply into the emotional and psychological traumas of the haunted individuals.
The series, which was initially a spin-off of Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales, was made on a tight budget, but its dramatic directing and eye-catching, ukiyo-e-inspired images transformed its constraints into creative strengths. Mononoke has received critical praise for its beauty, evocative storytelling, and philosophical depth despite its limited appeal. Its beauty is in the way it depicts horror as tragedy, repressed emotion, and consequence, in addition to terror.
7. Shiki – Corpse Demon
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.72 |
Shounen |
Psychological | Supernatural |
Completed |
22 + 2 OVA |
There are only two vampire horror anime series: Shiki and the rest. Tongues may wag, and opinions would differ, but all would agree that Shiki is an incredible horror anime, in that it not only presents an interesting twist of a medical doctor becoming a vampire hunter, but also reminds you of how scary humans (yes, humans, not vampires) can be.
Moving on to the undead themselves, the anime series does not romanticize them or spare any stroke in depicting them as cold, vicious, and mindless killers. Amidst the chaos and the hunt, you get to see the horrors of human nature paling in comparison to that of the undead, forcing you to question who the real monsters are between humans and vampires. If you aren’t squeamish, you definitely wouldn’t go wrong with this.
6. Another
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.46 |
Seinen |
Mystery | Psychological |
Completed |
12 + OVA |
Ask any horror fan what makes Another a favorite horror anime, and the response you’d get would be nothing short of “it’s a mystery-driven and terrific wonder!” While Yukitso Ayatsuji’s manga of the same name only delivers part of the experience, the anime uses heavy shadows and colors to depict shocking, bloody deaths, like a student impaling herself on an umbrella or elevator accidents, evoking visceral horror akin to films like Final Destination.
The eerie atmosphere is brought alive by creepy doll imagery, which amplifies the oppressive, foggy town setting. The opening jolt music and haunting music-box notes adds an unsettling vibe. Kouichi Sakakibara’s investigation alongside the enigmatic Mei Misaki make this one intense ride.
5. Ajin: Demi-Human
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.38 |
Seinen |
Supernatural | Action |
Completed |
26 +3 OAD |
Ajin did its fans a great disservice by leaving everyone guessing till this moment on whether or not there would be a third season, especially as there’s been no announcement, yet there’s more to see in the manga than the anime took away. Ajin is a fan-favorite horror anime that’s not only eerie in narrative, but also in itself.
Kei Nagai’s story is very similar to that of Ken Kaneki in Tokyo Ghoul. Both feature protagonists who transform into non-human entities (Ajin/ghoul) after a near-death experience. However, what peaks Ajin over Tokyo Ghoul is that it focuses on Kei’s pragmatic survival and strategic use of immortality and emphasizes individual rebellion. Its horror stems from immortality’s existential dread and graphic violence, like repeated deaths and black ghosts.
4. Junji Ito Collection
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
6.56 |
Shoujo + Josei |
Supernatural | Suspense |
Completed |
12 + 2 OVA |
After about 30 years, the chilling works of renowned Japanese horror manga artist Junji Ito were adapted into animation. This series presents stand-alone episodes, each focusing on a distinct eerie protagonist, including familiar characters such as Tomi, Soichi, and Fuchi. While the animation style has evoked mixed reactions, the storyline continues to resonate with the unsettling genius of Ito’s manga: grotesque transformations, psychological dread, and surreal horror.
The Junji Ito Collection focuses less on jump scares and more on a sense of discomfort that creeps under the skin. For longtime fans and curious newcomers alike, it’s an unsettling invitation into the twisted mind of horror’s quiet master.
3. Genocyber
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
5.80 |
Seinen |
Mecha | Sci-Fi |
Completed |
5 |
The extremely violent OVA Genocyber (1994) is a crazy adventure filled with an odd and startling reality. Originating from Tony Takezaki's unfinished 1992 manga, the anime deviates greatly from the original plot, telling a chaotic cyberpunk story about psychic sisters creating a devastating bioweapon. Known for its graphic content, such as toddlers being torn apart by gunshots, it stunned viewers in the 1990s and became a cult favorite in Brazil because of TV Manchete's uncensored broadcast.
For spooky visuals, the first episode combines early computer-generated imagery with Claymation. It is a strange, memorable Seinen horror classic because of its distinctive brutality and eerie soundtrack, even with its complicated storyline.
2. Gantz
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
6.97 |
Seinen |
Sci-Fi | Survival | Action |
Completed |
26 |
After being killed in a train accident, Kei and his childhood friend Kato find themselves in a mysterious room with strangers and a giant black sphere called GANTZ. Instead of the afterlife, they’re forced into brutal, high-stakes missions hunting bizarre and deadly aliens. Armed with futuristic weapons and suits, the group must fight for survival under impossible odds. Each mission comes with the constant threat of death, and the promise of freedom grows more uncertain. As Kei struggles with morality, desire, and fear, Gantz unfolds as a violent, psychological sci-fi thriller where death is just the beginning of the nightmare.
1. Mieruko-chan
|
MyAnimeList |
Demographic |
Genres |
Status |
Episodes |
|
7.38 |
Ecchi |
Comedy | Slice of Life |
Unknown |
12 |
Possibly the only teenager-friendly horror title on this list, Mieruko-chan strikes a surprisingly perfect balance between comedy and genuine creepiness. It follows Miko, an ordinary high school girl who suddenly starts seeing terrifying ghosts no one else can. Instead of fighting them or running away, she does her best to pretend they’re not there, no matter how horrifying or close they get. That mix of fear and deadpan reactions makes for hilarious and chilling moments. Underneath the scares, though, the story has heart, with real emotional stakes. Mieruko-chan is spooky, funny, and weirdly relatable; a fresh twist on the horror genre.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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