Top 22 Best Horror Anime To Watch !! 2023

(Last Updated On: January 3, 2023)

Horror Genre is not everyone’s favorite. It is the worst for some, especially watching them with those who love it. Trust me, it’s not a good experience. But, for those who love it, it is the best genre. Getting the chills, those jumpscares, everything that makes your heart race, it feels surreal. For those horror lovers, here are 22 horror anime series for you to cherish.

22. B: The Beginning

Anime recommendation for the police-thriller lovers. B: The Beginning is a 2-seasons-long mystery anime about a vigilante labeled as “Killer B” who takes justice into his own hands. Keith Flick, a seasoned, yet eccentric detective is asked to help. With the increase in incidents from stealthy assassinations to strikes on public figures, it became clear that more than one person was responsible.

With the help of his impulsive sidekick Lily Hoshina and unexpected aid from Killer B himself, Keith begins to unravel plots involving secret organizations, domestic terrorism, and human experiments. When the involvement of the RIS extends beyond the scope of justice, the extent of the government’s corruption—as well as the trustworthiness of close allies—are thrown into question.

21. Paprika

Madhouse has some of the best-underrated horror films that failed to get the much-deserved hype. With gems like Perfect Blue, Paprika, it really has some of the best-underrated films you should certainly watch. Paprika is a 1-hour-30-min long horror-thriller movie about two, Atsuko Chiba and Kosaku Tokita, who have invented the machine that is capable of exploring the dreams of people, curing them of their psychological disorders.

But, in the wrong hands, the DC Mini could be used as a form of psychological terrorism and cause mental breakdowns in the minds of targets. When the machine is stolen, they figure that they have a serious problem on their hands. Enlisting the help of Officer Konakawa, who has been receiving this experimental therapy, they search both the real and dream worlds for their mental terrorist.

20. Terror in Resonance

Terror in Resonance may not be a horror genre for some, but it certainly has the ability to be one. It is certainly one of the best-underrated anime that failed to get the spotlight it definitely deserved. Terror in Resonance is an 11-episodes-long thriller anime about two boys, Nine and Twelve, who identify themselves as “Sphinx” and challenge the police, threatening to cause destruction and mayhem across Tokyo.

Due to the mass panic among the public, the police are unable to handle the matter efficiently, with Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki caught in the middle of it all. The boys shouldn’t exist, yet they stand strong in a world of deception and secrets while they make the city fall around them, all in the hopes of burying their own tragic truth.

19. Perfect Blue

Here’s another movie recommendation for those with less time on their hands. Perfect Blue is a 1-hour-21-min long horror anime movie that should only be watched by above 18. Perfect Blue is about Mima Kirigoe, a J-pop idol group CHAM!’s a member. Her life changed drastically when she decided to leave the pop idol group to pursue her acting career.

Her role in a crime drama series becomes more demanding, with an obsessed fan stalking her, creating a new anonymous website that impersonates her life with intricate detail. One by one, each disturbing development drives Mima to become increasingly unhinged and unable to distinguish reality from fantasy.

18. High-Rise Invasion

If you love the mystery-horror genre specified in killing, High-Rise Invasion is an excellent recommendation for you. Netflix has animated the High-Rise Invasion manga but was not received positively. Not because of animation, the animation is on point, but due to story-telling. High Rise Invasion is a 13-episodes long anime about a high school girl, Honjou, who finds herself in a strange building. With no way out, she rushes to the rooftop to find herself in a world full of high-rise buildings. She finds about some masked murderers who terrorize victims for their desires and try to find her brother while defending against them.

17. Berserk

Berserk might not have the best anime adaptation, but still, it does not make it a bad one to ignore. Only those who have seen it know how good it really is. Berserk is a 2-seasons long action-horror anime about Guts, who embarks on a journey to defy his gruesome fate of being destined to be hunted by demons until the day he dies. Steeling his resolve, he picks up his blade Dragonslayer and vows to exact vengeance from the one responsible, the man he once called his friend and looked upon. If you haven’t read the manga, you can go with it. But, the anime adaptation is not that good as compared to the manga.

16. Akira

Don’t have the time to watch a full series? Don’t worry, we also have some good horror anime films. Akira is an amazing horror sci-fi anime film that is termed a “classic”. Akira is set in Japan, 2019, now known as Neo-Tokyo, which was earlier destructed in 1988. Shoutarou Kaneda leader of the Capsules,” a group of misfits known for riding large, custom motorcycles are in constant conflict with their rivals “the Clowns.”

His friend, Tetsuo Shima gets caught up in an accident with an esper, who recently escaped confinement. After this, Shima himself starts developing mysterious powers, while the government tries to confine this latest psychic, to prevent the same disaster that occurred in 1988.

15. Angels of Death

If you just simply love horror, this first episode was probably very entertaining and gave you hope for the series. But if you want dramatic horror with a good story and characters, you might be disappointed. Angels of Death is a 16-episodes long horror psychological anime about Rachel Garden, who wishes to die. Waking up in a strange building, she meets a bandaged murderer Zack. Promising to kill her as soon as they step out, they both band up to escape his mysterious building. But, on every floor, they meet someone more weird people, all of them familiar with Rachel.

14. From the New World

In 2012, many would have skipped From the New World anime. But, in reality, they have skipped out on something really incredible. It is a diamond in the ruff. Shinsekai Yori is a horror mystery anime about 12-year-old Saki Watanabe, who is delighted at the awakening of her psychic powers, as she is now able to reunite with her friends at the Sage Academy. But, she soon begins to feel uneasy, wondering about those children who are unable to awaken their psychic powers.

Shinsekai Yori tells the unique coming-of-age story of Saki and her friends as they journey to grow into their roles in the supposed utopia. Accepting these roles, however, might not come easy when faced with the dark and shocking truths of society, and the impending havoc born from the new world.

13. Danganronpa

Danganronpa is a horror anime, adapted after the immense success of the game Danganronpa. It is 3-seasons long, with each season being equally magnificent. Danganronpa is about Naegi and his classmates being enrolled in the prestigious school Hope’s Peak Academy. But, they are soon trapped by the principal, Monokuma. Their hopes of escape are hinged on one of them successfully murdering their classmates. But, if they are caught, they will be executed. This will continue until only one winner is left behind.

12. Higurashi

Higurashi (When They Cry) is an excellent underrated anime that prove to be quite entertaining and tells you not to judge anything from its cover. Higurashi is a horror mystery anime about Keiichi Maebara who recently moved into the little village of Hinamizawa. During the annual function, he discovers several murders and disappearances that could be linked to urban legends. Failed to extract the information from his friends, he wonders what exactly are they hiding and whether he can trust them or not?

11. Hellsing Ultimate

Hellsing Ultimate is one of the few Netflix anime that is actually quite good. The remake of Hellsing, Hellsing Ultimate is much more gore and blood than the original. Hellsing Ultimate is about Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, head of the Hellsing organization that faces off against the undead. With his ultimate card, Arucard, and his new side, Seras Victoria, they must now fight now not only monsters but anyone who opposes them. In a battle for mankind’s survival, Hellsing Ultimate proves that appearances are not all they may seem, and sometimes the greatest weapon can come in the form of one’s worst nightmare.

10. Devilman Crybaby

Netflix has been in a tough spot, after the recent anime series not being welcomed by the fans. Devilman Crybaby is a Netflix-original anime that is only 10-episodes long, and total mind-bending. It is a horror-action anime about Akira, a crybaby. He, along with his best friend, Ryou go to Sabbath to record the existence of devils. In an attempt to save his friend, Akira fuses with the devil Amon, becoming a Devilman. Having the body of a devil but the same crybaby heart, Akira works alongside Ryou, destroying those that harm humanity and his loved ones.

9. Deadman Wonderland

Deadman Wonderland is another victim of the No-Second-Season disease. But still, that doesn’t make it a bad anime. Deadman Wonderland is a horror sci-fi anime about Ganta Igarashi who is accused of massacring his classmates. Fater he is convicted, he is imprisoned at a prison amusement park, Deadman Wonderland, a place full of sadistic inmates. While, defending his life, he must find the mysterious red-man, the real culprit.

8. HighSchool of the Dead

Looking for some good horror anime while being horny? highSchool of the Dead will be your favorite. Highschool of the Dead is a horror anime about zombies swarming the city. Takashi Kimuro had to kill his best friend, and sworn to protect his girlfriend. They both run off from the school, finding the society already fallen. Together, with others, they must find a way to survive. Highschool of the Dead anime has a lot of fanservice, which might repel some.

7. Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a psychological horror anime that is only 13-episodes long. It is an excellent anime recommendation if you are looking for a short and sweet horror anime. Elfen Lied is about Lucy, a special breed of humans with horns and invisible telekinetic hands. She has been a victim of government experimentation, and during her escape, she received a head injury, leaving her with a spilt personality. Two college students take her into their care, slowly getting dragged with the world of government and conspiracy.

6. Monster

Monster anime got so famous recently, after almost 15 years. The respect is definitely deserving, considering the excellent plot and characters. Watching this will make you question the psychological thoughts of man itself, showing the true nature of man. Monster is a thriller anime about a surgeon, Kenzou Tenma, who chooses to save the life of a child over that of a mayor. His life gets turned over when the saved child becomes a serial killer. With every death, his guilt also gets heavier. Burdened with the guilt of so many deaths, Kenzou resolves to kill the monster he saved himself.

5. Another

Ever felt your school is haunted? If yes, then watch Another for your fantasy. Another is an excellent horror thriller anime that will make your thoughts about your school replace with doubts. Another is an anime about the student, Kouichi Sakakibara, who transfers into classes 3-3 of Yomiyama North. There, he finds himself oddly attracted to a girl named, Mei. But, the other students behave like she doesn’t exist. Another follows Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates as they are pulled into the enigma surrounding a series of inevitable, tragic events—but unraveling the horror of Yomiyama may just cost them the ultimate price.

4. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland would have been such a great horror anime if they had made a good Season 2. But, what we got was an utter disappointment in the name of The Promised Neverland Season 2. The Promised Neverland is a horror mystery anime about an orphanage that looks like an ideal one at a glance. A house, food, loving Mama, everything looks so peaceful and lovable. But, when the elder three kids find out the horrific truth about the orphanage, they plan to flee from there, saving their entire family along with. But, they will have to save themselves and their family from the one they called – Mama.

3. Parasyte: The Maxim

top anime like jujutsu kasien — Parasyte

Parasyte is an amazing anime with one of the best character development. It has superb action scenes, amazing characters, and a good plot. Only the art style could be a little bit demotivating, but everything else is great. Parasyte is a 24-episodes-long horror anime about Shinichi Izumi, a high school student, who fell victim to strange parasite creatures trying to take over human brains.

He managed to halt it from taking over his brain, forcing him to reside in his right hand. Now, the duo must cooperate to exist in this society full of humans and parasites. The psychological element of Parasyte will make you think about the possibility of the existence of unknown creatures, if invaded earth, then what?

2. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul would have been a much better anime if it had been adapted correctly. Season 2 being non-canon turned out to be a disaster for the series. Tokyo Ghoul is a 4-seasons-long action-horror anime that you will surely love. Tokyo Ghoul is about Ken Kaneki, a shy boy, whose date night turned out wrong when his date turned out to be a human-eating Ghoul. Miraculously, he was saved when a bunch of beams falls on her. In order to save him, her organs were transferred into Kaneki, making him a one-eyed Ghoul. Now, stuck between the Human society and the Ghouls society, Kaneki must find a place for himself.

1. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is certainly the best horror anime you will ever find. Those chills you get while watching the Titans ruthlessly munching down on Humans will make you feel uneasy. But, at the same time, the plot and world-building will make you fall in love with the series. Attack on Titan is about Humanity fighting Titans, just that. Humanity fighting Titans. Anything else will be a huge spoiler for you, spoiling such a great masterpiece. Attack on Titan is currently airing, with Season 4 Part 2 scheduled to be released in Winter 2022.