Halloween is the perfect time to dive into stories that revel in the eerie and the unknown. There’s nothing like supernatural suspense, psychological thrillers, and haunting atmospheres that anime can bring to life. There is a good deal of anime to choose from for fans new to the horror genre or returning fans looking for recommendations.
Whether it’s a story that will leave viewers at the edge of their seats or entertain them with fun, spooky laughs, some anime are a must-watch during this frightful season. Horror anime offers the right blend of mystery and chills to set the Halloween mood for anime fans everywhere. In the days leading up to Halloween, these are the best anime to indulge in.
10 Ghost Stories
Animated By Pierrot, Based On The Novels By Tōru Tsunemitsu
Ghost Stories takes the concept of haunted tales to another level with its famously unconventional English dub. Originally intended as a straightforward horror anime, it follows a group of kids who discover that malevolent spirits haunt their town. To put a stop to these ghosts, they must uncover the mystery behind each apparition with their school’s ancient ghost encyclopedia and chants to banish the spirits back to where they belong. However, due to low reception in Japan, English voice actors were allowed to improvise the dialogue, creating a comical ghostly adventure.
What makes Ghost Stories a Halloween gem is its blend of horror and absurd humor, especially in the dub, where unexpected comedic lines add a twist to the spooky storyline. The anime’s ghostly encounters keep the creepy atmosphere alive, while the dub’s tongue-in-cheek approach injects humor in unpredictable ways, making it both hilarious and suspenseful. This odd mix is a perfect experience for those who need a break from the jump scares and heavy tension of other series or movies and creates an unforgettable experience.
9 Mieruko-Chan
Animated By Passione, Based On The Manga By Tomoki Izumi
Mieruko-chan is an anime series based on the manga by Tomoki Izumi, following high school student Miko Yotsuya, who unexpectedly gains the ability to see grotesque spirits. Despite her fear, Miko attempts to live an ordinary life by pretending not to notice the horrifying entities, blending elements of horror and comedy.
- Cast
- Alexis Tipton , Sarah Wiedenheft , Lindsay Sheppard , David Matranga , Wendy Powell , Suzie Yeung
- Release Date
- October 3, 2021
- Seasons
- 1
- Franchise(s)
- Mieruko-chan
- Writers
- Kenta Ihara
- Directors
- Yuki Ogawa
- Creator(s)
- Tomoki Izumi
Mieruko-Chan puts a unique twist on the horror-comedy genre. The story follows Miko Yotsuya, an ordinary high school girl who suddenly gains the ability to see terrifying spirits that no one else can. Rather than confronting them, Miko decides to ignore these apparitions in an attempt to continue her daily life with as much normalcy as possible.
Mieruko-Chan is perfect for Halloween because it captures the uneasy feeling of being watched, an experience that would send chills down anyone’s spine. The anime’s spirits are unsettling, with grotesque designs that seem to haunt every corner of Miko’s world, including her room where she should feel safest. Blending horror with dark humor, Mieruko-Chan is a perfect experience for those who are new to the horror genre of anime and offers an eerie yet humorous narrative.
8 Tokyo Ghoul
Animated By Pierrot, Based On The Manga By Sui Ishida
Tokyo Ghoul explores the dark underside of society through Ken Kaneki, a college student whose life gets turned upside down when he becomes a half-ghoul after a nearly fatal attack. He is thrown into a world unfamiliar to him, where ghouls live in human society and must consume human flesh in order to survive. Ken Kaneki has to learn how to adapt to his new life and explore the psychological impacts of being turned into what the world considers an evil being.
With a combination of horror, tragedy, and moral ambiguity, Tokyo Ghoul is certain to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The constant threat of attacks, unsettling body horror, and the haunting exploration of identity make it a chilling experience for the season. This anime has masterful moments and heartfelt scenes that leave viewers hoping for the best amid a society where humans and ghouls have difficulty coexisting.
7 Danganronpa: The Animation
Animated By Lerche, Based On The Videogame Series By Spike Chunsoft
In this suspense-driven series, Makoto Naegi unexpectedly joins the elite Hope’s Peak Academy, only to discover a deadly game of survival. Students must murder classmates to graduate, unleashing a tense struggle of wits and deception among prodigious peers in a harrowing quest for truth and freedom.
- Cast
- Megumi Ogata , Yoko Hikasa , Chiwa Saitô , Akira Ishida , Miyuki Sawashiro , Masaya Matsukaze , Nobuyo Ōyama , Kanata Hongô , Junichi Suwabe , Takuya Eguchi , Toshiyuki Morikawa , Saki Fujita , Rie Kugimiya , Mai Nakahara , Keiji Fujiwara , Kenta Miyake , Hidekatsu Shibata , Inori Minase , TARAKO , Takako Sasuga , Aya Hirano , Aya Uchida , Hekiru Shiina , Kouki Miyata , Kohsuke Toriumi , Kappei Yamaguchi , Takahiro Sakurai , Kazuya Nakai , Kujira , Makiko Ohmoto , Megumi Toyoguchi
- Character(s)
- Makoto Naegi , Kyoko Kirigiri , Aoi Asahina , Byakuya Togami , Touko Fukawa , Yasuhiro Hagakure , Monokuma , Ryota Mitarai , Juzo Sakakura , Sonosuke Izayoi , Kyosuke Munakata , Seiko Kimura , Daisaku Bandai , Chisa Yukizome , Koichi Kizakura , Great Gozu , Kazuo Tengan , Ruruka Ando , Monokuma/Monomi , Monaka Towa , Komaru Naegi , Celestia Ludenberg , Chihiro Fujisaki , Kiyotaka Ishimaru , Hifumi Yamada , Leon Kuwata , Mondo Owada , Sakura Ogami , Sayaka Maizono , Junko Enoshima
- Release Date
- July 5, 2013
- Seasons
- 1
Danganronpa follows a group of high school students who are trapped in an elite academy where they are forced to play a deadly game by Monokuma. To escape, students must kill one of their peers and avoid detection during a class trial. If they succeed, they go free, however, if they’re caught, they face a brutal execution in front of their peers.
This twisted setup keeps both the characters and the audience constantly questioning the motives behind every action, leading to a suspenseful atmosphere and shocking twists. Danganronpa takes psychological horror to the next level by wrapping up episodes in disturbingly playful tones. With its themes of betrayal, paranoia, and survival, Danganronpa creates an eerie thrill perfect for Halloween.
6 Parasyte
Animated By Madhouse, Based On The Manga By Hitoshi Iwaaki
Parasyte: The Maxim (2014) is an anime series that follows high school student Shinichi Izumi, who becomes partially infected by a parasitic alien. As the parasite takes control of his right hand, the two must coexist and collaborate to survive against other parasites that seek to consume humanity. The series explores themes of identity, morality, and survival within a modern urban setting.
- Cast
- Adam Gibbs , Luci Christian , Brittney Karbowski , Terri Doty , Hilary Haag , Rob Mungle
- Release Date
- October 8, 2014
- Seasons
- 1
- Franchise(s)
- Parasyte
- Writers
- Shoji Yonemura , Shinzô Fujita
- Directors
- Ken’ichi Shimizu
- Creator(s)
- Hitoshi Iwaaki
Parasyte revolves around Shinichi Izumi, a high school student whose life takes a horrifying turn when a parasitic alien invades his right hand. Instead of taking over his brain as was originally intended, the parasite, named Migi, becomes a reluctant ally to Shinichi. As they work together to survive, Shinichi struggles with his humanity and navigates a world where other parasitic creatures have taken over humans.
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Parasyte blends horror with existential dread in a way that keeps viewers captivated by the storyline. The unsettling transformation of humans into grotesque creatures adds a layer of fear, while the philosophical questions about identity and survival add intrigue. The intense action sequences and graphic depictions of the parasitic invasions create a fast-paced narrative that will leave viewers waiting for what’s next in store.
5 Higurashi
Animated By Studio Deen, Based On The Light Novel Series By 07th Expansion
Higurashi: When They Cry is an anime series based on the visual novel by 07th Expansion. Set in the rural village of Hinamizawa, the story follows Keiichi Maebara and his friends as they uncover dark secrets and mysterious events surrounding their community. The series blends elements of horror, mystery, and psychological thriller, exploring themes of paranoia and friendship.
- Cast
- Grant George , Rebecca Forstadt , Mela Lee , Megan Hollingshead , Michelle Rojas , Jennie Kwan
- Release Date
- April 4, 2006
- Seasons
- 2
- Franchise(s)
- Higurashi
- Writers
- Toshifumi Kawase
- Directors
- Chiaki Kon
- Creator(s)
- Ryukishi07
Higurashi: When They Cry takes place in a seemingly peaceful village where a group of friends enjoys their annual festival. However, beneath the surface lies a dark history of murder and insanity that resurfaces each year, culminating in terrifying events that threaten their lives. As the story progresses, the characters experience disturbing events from multiple perspectives, revealing a web of secrets that plague the village and its residents.
The anime is a great choice for Halloween due to its dark themes and its stark contrast with its cheerful setting. Higurashi creates a sense of dread as the narrative slowly unravels and leaves viewers guessing what will come next. The shift in character development and shifting timelines build tension and leave viewers guessing about whom to trust as the lines between sanity and madness blur.
4 Perfect Blue
Animated By Madhouse, Based On The Novel By Yoshikazu Takeuchi
Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon. The film follows Mima Kirigoe, a pop idol who transitions to acting, only to find herself stalked by an obsessive fan and plagued by mental instability. As she grapples with her evolving career and identity, Mima’s sense of reality begins to blur, culminating in a suspenseful and haunting narrative.
- Director
- Satoshi Kon
- Release Date
- August 5, 1997
- Writers
- Sadayuki Murai , Yoshikazu Takeuchi , Lia Sargent
- Cast
- Junko Iwao , Rica Matsumoto , Masaaki Ôkura
- Runtime
- 81 Minutes
- Budget
- $830,000
Perfect Blue is an anime film that follows Mima Kirigoe, a former pop idol who transitions into an acting career only to find her life spiraling into chaos. As she takes on increasingly dark and disturbing roles, Mima becomes the target of a stalker and begins to lose her grip on reality. The psychological descent in Mima’s life leaves a strong impression on those who watch her story unfold.
Perfect Blue has an unsettling atmosphere and psychological tension, making it an exceptional choice for Halloween. The film dives into the fragility of the human mind and offers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers questioning what is real and what is a product of Mima’s mind. Its exploration of the darker side of fame and striking animation and visuals create an experience perfect for those who are looking to embrace psychological horror for the Halloween season.
3 Junji Ito Collection
Animated By Studio Deen, Based On The Works Of Junji Ito
Junji Ito Collection brings to life the chilling and surreal tales of renowned horror mangaka Junji Ito. This anthology series features a selection of his most famous works and is the perfect gateway into exploring Junji Ito’s works. Each episode presents a different narrative with stories that delve into the grotesque, the macabre, and the uncanny.
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The collection is ideal for Halloween due to its short and spooky storylines that capture horror in many different forms. Some tales focus on psychological dread, while others focus on supernatural horror. The anthology is perfect for those who want quick scares and unsettling moments instead of watching an entire series. Junji Ito’s mastery of storytelling and ability to evoke fear from everyday situations transform ordinary life into a nightmare, leaving a lasting impression on viewers who dare to watch.
2 Shiki
Animated By Daume, Based On The Novel Series By Fuyumi Ono
When many deaths occur in the quiet village of Sotoba, Doctor Toshio Ozaki initially suspects an epidemic but soon becomes convinced that something else is causing them.
- Cast
- Tôru Ohkawa , Koki Uchiyama , Kazuyuki Okitsu , Wataru Takagi , Yasuaki Takumi , Izumi Sawada , Nozomi Sasaki , Haruka Nagashima
- Release Date
- June 27, 2010
- Seasons
- 1
Shiki is set in a remote Japanese village that is plagued by a series of mysterious deaths, which coincide with the arrival of a new family in an old mansion. As the villagers begin to succumb to strange illnesses, it becomes clear that something more sinister is at play. The story follows Natsuno Yuuki, a skeptical teenager who, along with others, uncovers the truth behind the deaths in his village.
What makes Shiki a top pick for Halloween is its slow-burn tension and exploration of themes like isolation, fear, and mortality. The anime creates an atmosphere of dread, drawing viewers into the tragic dilemma between humans and non-humans. The deep character development enhances the horror as viewers watch the transformation of the village and its residents as they struggle against an unseen enemy. With haunting visuals and a compelling storyline, Shiki is a must-watch for Halloween.
1 Another
Animated By P.A. Works, Based On The Novel Series By Yukito Ayatsuji
Another is a Japanese horror anime series directed by Tsutomu Mizushima, based on Yukito Ayatsuji’s novel. The story takes place in 1998 at Yomiyama North Middle School, where a transfer student named Koichi Sakakibara discovers a chilling mystery surrounding a seemingly cursed class. As events spiral out of control, Koichi and his classmates confront eerie occurrences, attempting to uncover the truth behind the ominous phenomena.
- Cast
- Greg Ayres , Monica Rial
- Release Date
- January 10, 2012
- Seasons
- 1
- Franchise(s)
- Another
- Writers
- Ryō Higaki
- Directors
- Tsutomu Mizushima
- Creator(s)
- Yukito Ayatsuji
Another is a haunting tale centered around Koichi Sakakibara, a transfer student who arrives at a seemingly normal high school. However, he quickly discovers that the class he joined is cursed, leading to a series of tragic and mysterious deaths among the students and faculty. As Koichi investigates the unsettling occurrences, he encounters a girl named Mei Misaki, who seems to hold the key to unraveling the mystery behind the curse.
Another is a perfect fit for Halloween, creating a narrative filled with tension and eerie horror. The mystery behind the curse leaves viewers guessing as to what is truly going on behind the scenes and a sense of paranoia. The shocking deaths and psychological impact make Another the perfect choice for those looking to indulge in the fear of Halloween.
