whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Comedy · Mystery

The best mystery comedy anime you can start from the beginning

52 anime that are both comedy and mystery, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei, Meitantei Conan, xxxHOLiC.

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The list

1. 1 Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei The Tatami Galaxy TV · 2010 · 11 episodes · Madhouse · #140 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
2. 2 Meitantei Conan Case Closed TV · 1996 · TMS Entertainment · #489 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 xxxHOLiC TV · 2006 · 24 episodes · Production I.G · #812 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
4. 4 City Hunter TV · 1987 · 51 episodes · Sunrise · #901 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
5. 5 Tiger & Bunny TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #1103 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
6. 6 Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya TV · 2006 · 14 episodes · Kyoto Animation · #1136 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
7. 7 Tantei Gakuen Q Detective School Q TV · 2003 · 45 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1291 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
8. 8 Migi to Dali Migi & Dali TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Geek Toys · #1521 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
9. 9 Tianbao Fuyao Lu Legend of Exorcism ONA · 2020 · 13 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #1797 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
10. 10 Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro Neuro: Supernatural Detective TV · 2007 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #1822 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
11. 11 Cike Wu Liuqi Fanwai Scissor Seven: Extra Episodes ONA · 2018 · 4 episodes · Sharefun Studio · #2009 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
12. 12 Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Diomedéa · #2147 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
13. 13 Yamada-kun to 7-nin no Majo Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #2170 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
14. 14 Meitantei Holmes Sherlock Hound TV · 1984 · 26 episodes · Gallop · #2556 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
15. 15 Mattaku Saikin no Tantei to Kitara Detectives These Days Are Crazy! TV · 2025 · 12 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #2885 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
16. 16 Lutu Weiji! Sheng Freya Hao Tebie Shijian Journey Crisis! The St. Freya Special Event ONA · 2024 · 1 episode · HuaMei Animation · #3041 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
17. 17 Gu Wei Nan Ting The Chosen One ONA · 2025 · 16 episodes · 2:10 Animation · #3084 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
18. 18 Cat's Eye TV · 1983 · 73 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #3363 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
19. 19 Matantei Loki Ragnarok Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #3402 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
20. 20 Layton Mystery Tanteisha: Katri no Nazotoki File TV · 2018 · 50 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #3511 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
21. 21 Cuticle Tantei Inaba Cuticle Detective Inaba TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · Zexcs · #3555 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
22. 22 Re:cycle of the Penguindrum Film · 2022 · Brain's Base · #3830 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
23. 23 Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin Occult Academy TV · 2010 · 13 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #4689 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
24. 24 Kaitou Joker JOKER TV · 2014 · 13 episodes · Shin-Ei Animation · #4725 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
25. 25 Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist Devils and Realist TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · Doga Kobo · #4924 on MyAnimeList 65% 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.