whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama · Mystery

The best mystery drama anime you can start from the beginning

107 anime that are both drama and mystery, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Monster, Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, Shiguang Dailiren.

Filter these, or get a recommendation

The list

1. 1 Monster TV · 2004 · 74 episodes · Madhouse · #26 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Kusuriya no Hitorigoto The Apothecary Diaries TV · 2023 · 24 episodes · OLM · #33 on MyAnimeList 98% would recommend
3. 3 Shiguang Dailiren Link Click ONA · 2021 · 11 episodes · LAN Studio · #67 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
5. 5 Odd Taxi TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · OLM · #103 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
6. 6 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
7. 7 Houseki no Kuni Land of the Lustrous TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Orange · #243 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
9. 9 Princess Tutu TV · 2002 · 38 episodes · HAL Film Maker · #524 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 Gankutsuou Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo TV · 2004 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #581 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Serial Experiments Lain TV · 1998 · 13 episodes · Triangle Staff · #600 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
12. 12 Gosick TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · Bones · #685 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
13. 13 Omoide no Marnie When Marnie Was There Film · 2014 · Studio Ghibli · #692 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
14. 14 Dennou Coil Den-noh Coil TV · 2007 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #725 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
15. 15 Haibane Renmei TV · 2002 · 13 episodes · Radix · #755 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
16. 16 Natsu e no Tunnel, Sayonara no Deguchi The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes Film · 2022 · CLAP · #761 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
17. 17 Takarajima Treasure Island TV · 1978 · 26 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #787 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
18. 18 xxxHOLiC TV · 2006 · 24 episodes · Production I.G · #812 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
19. 19 Mawaru Penguindrum Penguindrum TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · Brain's Base · #890 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
20. 20 Zetsuen no Tempest Blast of Tempest TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · Bones · #995 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
21. 21 ef: A Tale of Memories. ef - a tale of memories. TV · 2007 · 12 episodes · Shaft · #1024 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
22. 22 Wolf's Rain TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Bones · #1208 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
23. 23 Tantei Gakuen Q Detective School Q TV · 2003 · 45 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1291 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
24. 24 Texhnolyze TV · 2003 · 22 episodes · Madhouse · #1292 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
25. 25 Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregotozukai The Kubikiri Cycle OVA · 2016 · 8 episodes · Shaft · #1311 on MyAnimeList 84% 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.