[Top 10] Horror Anime That Are Actually Scary

Updated:

18 Feb 2021

Finding a good horror anime isn't easy.

Fans of the horror genre, sadly, know this truth all too well. For whatever reason, horror anime just doesn't pack the same punch as horror from other mediums. That being said, in this list are everything from gorey horror anime to psychological horror anime that all pretty terrifying in their own right.

10. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

This story is the story of a fun ritual gone wrong and the tragedy it causes.

A group of friends decided that they’d perform a ritual so that their friendship would last forever, but little did they know the charms they used are connected to Heavenly Host Academy, a school with a dark past. The students find themselves trapped in an alternate dimension with dangerous ghosts, and if they want to escape they’ll have to stay calm and be smart. This OVA is based off of the popular game that’s known to be bloody and it’s regarded as one of the goriest anime out there.

What We Love About Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

The disturbing art is a perfect fit for the disturbing plot
There’s no holding back on the blood
There’s a great OST that makes everything even scarier

9. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

The yellow-masked storyteller is just as mysterious as the stories he tells are haunting.

The yellow-masked storyteller is a mysterious man who appears at dusk to tell children sinister stories based on Japanese urban legends using a kamishibai, a paper-scrolling device. Though each story is short, they’re disturbing enough to create memories for a lifetime. Interestingly, this anime features primarily still animation that mimics the use of the kamishibai used by the strange storyteller.

What We Love About Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

The art is unique heavily contributes to the story’s atmosphere
The sound present manages to capture all the right emotions
The episodes are short but fulfilling

8. Another

There is a dark secret surrounding Mei Misaki and the despondant class of 3-3.

Kouichi Sakakibara has just transferred into class 3-3 of Yomiyama North and is drawn to the mysterious student Mei Misaki. He notices that there seems to be a dark atmosphere surrounding the students, and as Kouichi grows closer to Mei, he also grows closer to learning about why his class is the way that it is. Though some praise this show for having a brilliant plot, others disagree and believe the anime could have done better.

What We Love About Another

There’s a gripping element of mystery surrounding the story
The amazing art makes this show a treat to watch
It has a tight but lovable cast of characters

7. Hell Girl

When people are given the chance to act on their grudges, Hell Girl helps them out.

Hell Correspondence is a website available to those with strong grudges, but only after midnight. Those with a strong grudge are able to condemn anyone of their choice to hell, but the catch is that they also condemn themselves to hell. The Hell Girl does not judge, she will simply punish whoever she is hired to with the help of her three straw dolls. While the element of supernatural is strong, it’s not what makes the series horrifying.

What We Love About Hell Girl

Its take on morality and humanity
Its episodic nature
Its unique character designs

6. Paranoia Agent

The paranoia caused by the elusive Shounen Bat can create just as much damage as the boy himself.

Shounen Bat has been terrorizing Musashino City by beating up people one after another with his trademark golden bat. Detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa enter the scene to try and identify this mysterious person, but they can’t stop the paranoia that spreads as the attacks continue and rumors begin spreading. What makes this anime even more interesting is the fact that each episode is directed by a different director, yet the series still feels connected and suspenseful.

Why We Love Paranoia Agent

The one-of-a-kind designs signature to Satoshi Kon
The astounding amount of details in each scene
Its take on mature themes

5. Shiki

The cause of the disase plaguing Sotoba isn't a natural one, which makes it all the more dangerous.

The village of Sotoba was a quiet village until Megumi Shimizu died, and that marked the start of a terrible disease that left villagers pale and exhausted until they passed away. Doctor Toshio Ozaki begins looking into this disease and soon finds himself discovering that its cause may be supernatural. This anime is a new take on the popular vampire troupe that many enjoy thanks to its dark nature.

Why We Love Shiki

The vampires in this series are portrayed similar to classical vampires
The realistic reactions of characters
Its intelligent and captivating plot

4. When They Cry

As tragedy after tragedy occurs, Keiichi must figure out what is going on before the next one strikes.

It’s summer and Keiichi Maebara has just moved to the quaint village of Hinamizawa. He soon befriends the four girls Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude, and they spend plenty of time together having fun. However, when the annual festival comes around, things take a turn for the worse and Keiichi is at a loss. This anime’s main appeal is in it’s mystery because as you watch, the main question you’ll be asking is why?

Why We Love When They Cry

The likeable and memorable characters
The mystery that begs to be solved with a limited amount of clues
The beautiful blend of plot and gore

3. Mononoke

If The Medicine Seller cannot kill the Mononoke, disaster may strike.

The Medicine Seller travels across Japan in search of harmful spirits known as Mononoke in order to kill them. Killing them, however, is no mean feat and in order to do so he must learn the spirit’s Form, Truth, and Reason so that he can wield the mighty Exorcism Sword. His journey takes him to an inn that he discovers is full of a horde of Mononoke. It is up to the Medicine Seller to learn about these beings and defeat them before they cause any great damage. This series’ unique artstyle undoubtedly adds to its unsettling atmosphere.

Why We Love Mononoke

The diversity of each arc
Its bright artstyle
Its function as a social commentary

2. Monster

Dr. Tenma thought he saved a child when he saved Johan, but what he really saved was a monster.

Johan Liebert would have died a young boy had he not been treated by Kenzou Tenma, a famous neurosurgeon who had to decide between saving the orphan or saving the mayor of Düsseldorf. Tenma believed he made the right choice, despite that choice ruining his career, until he learns what Johan became. Years after his life was saved, Johan has become a monster, and Tenma takes it upon himself to right the wrong he is responsible for. This anime is regarded as a classic and rightfully so for its top-notch plot and characters

Why We Love Monster

The pacing of the show that leaves viewers on the edge
The complex characters and their relationships
Its exploration of evil’s forms and meanings

1. Perfect Blue

Leaving behind the life of an idol and becoming an actress will change Mima's life in more ways than she anticipated.

Mima Kirigoe has left her idol group but hopes her fans will continue to support her as she takes on acting. However, a number of disturbing developments, starting from Mima taking up a role in a crime drama series to a website impersonating her, causes her to become more and more uneasy, and eventually altogether unhinged. This movie is terrifying in a psychological sort of way and is thought of as one of the best, if not the best, in its genre.

Why We Love Perfect Blue