whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Adventure · Mystery

The best mystery adventure anime you can start from the beginning

59 anime that are both adventure and mystery, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken, Mushishi, Made in Abyss.

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The list

1. 1 Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure ONA · 2026 · David Production · #5 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
2. 2 Mushishi Mushi-Shi TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Artland · #87 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
5. 5 Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou Girls' Last Tour TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #397 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
6. 6 Tengoku Daimakyou Heavenly Delusion TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Production I.G · #454 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Great Pretender TV · 2020 · 23 episodes · Wit Studio · #464 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Meitantei Conan Case Closed TV · 1996 · TMS Entertainment · #489 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
9. 9 Kaiba TV · 2008 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #532 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
10. 10 Kanata no Astra Astra Lost in Space TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #647 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
11. 11 Dennou Coil Den-noh Coil TV · 2007 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #725 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
12. 12 Takarajima Treasure Island TV · 1978 · 26 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #787 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
13. 13 Wolf's Rain TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Bones · #1208 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
14. 14 Yeon-ui Pyeonji Your Letter Film · 2025 · LICO · #1474 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 Master Keaton TV · 1998 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #1580 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
16. 16 Layton Kyouju to Eien no Utahime Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva Film · 2009 · OLM · #1610 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
17. 17 Pandora Hearts TV · 2009 · 25 episodes · Xebec · #1644 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
18. 18 R.O.D: Read or Die R.O.D - Read or Die OVA · 2001 · 3 episodes · Studio Deen · #1758 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
19. 19 Tianbao Fuyao Lu Legend of Exorcism ONA · 2020 · 13 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #1797 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
20. 20 Kami no Tou Tower of God TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · Telecom Animation Film · #1983 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
21. 21 Nijuu Mensou no Musume The Daughter of 20 Faces TV · 2008 · 22 episodes · Bones · #1992 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
22. 22 Fantastic Children TV · 2004 · 26 episodes · Nippon Animation · #2012 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
23. 23 Meitantei Holmes Sherlock Hound TV · 1984 · 26 episodes · Gallop · #2556 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
24. 24 Bai Yao Pu Fairies Album ONA · 2020 · 12 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #3125 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
25. 25 Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi Sunday Without God TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3320 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.