whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Horror · Mystery

The best mystery horror anime you can start from the beginning

49 anime that are both horror and mystery, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Shinsekai yori, Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa, Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu.

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The list

1. 1 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
2. 2 Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain Film · 2024 · EOTA · #712 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
3. 3 Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu The Summer Hikaru Died TV · 2025 · 12 episodes · CygamesPictures · #728 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
4. 4 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Higurashi: When They Cry TV · 2006 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1001 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
5. 5 Tasogare Otome x Amnesia Dusk Maiden of Amnesia TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · SILVER LINK. · #1157 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
6. 6 Gakkou no Kaidan Ghost Stories TV · 2000 · 19 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1304 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
7. 7 Ghost Hunt TV · 2006 · 25 episodes · J.C.Staff · #1332 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
8. 8 Shiki TV · 2010 · 22 episodes · Daume · #1402 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
9. 9 Gakkougurashi! School-Live! TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #1736 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
10. 10 Blood+ TV · 2005 · 50 episodes · Production I.G · #1769 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
11. 11 Jigoku Shoujo Hell Girl TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1780 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
12. 12 Another TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · P.A. Works · #2343 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
13. 13 Ajin Part 1: Shoudou Ajin: Demi-Human Movie 1: Compel Film · 2015 · Polygon Pictures · #2578 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
14. 14 Ajin Ajin: Demi-Human TV · 2016 · 13 episodes · Polygon Pictures · #2753 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
15. 15 Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales TV · 2006 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #2754 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
16. 16 Gu Wei Nan Ting The Chosen One ONA · 2025 · 16 episodes · 2:10 Animation · #3084 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
17. 17 Shinrei Tantei Yakumo Psychic Detective Yakumo TV · 2010 · 13 episodes · Bee Train · #3170 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
18. 18 Kaidan Restaurant TV · 2009 · 23 episodes · Toei Animation · #3319 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
19. 19 Petshop of Horrors Pet Shop of Horrors TV · 1999 · 4 episodes · Madhouse · #3414 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
20. 20 Another: The Other - Inga Another: The Other OVA · 2012 · 1 episode · P.A. Works · #3432 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
21. 21 Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation Danganronpa: The Animation TV · 2013 · 13 episodes · Lerche · #3801 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
22. 22 Boogiepop wa Warawanai Boogiepop Phantom TV · 2000 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3908 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
23. 23 Kyougoku Natsuhiko: Kousetsu Hyaku Monogatari Requiem from the Darkness TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #4477 on MyAnimeList 69% would recommend
24. 24 Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) Boogiepop and Others TV · 2019 · 18 episodes · Madhouse · #4507 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
25. 25 Kikoushi Enma Demon Prince Enma OVA · 2006 · 4 episodes · Brain's Base · #4616 on MyAnimeList 69% 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.