whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Horror

The best psychological horror anime you can start from the beginning

41 anime that are both horror and psychological, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Kenpuu Denki Berserk, Perfect Blue, Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu.

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The list

1. 1 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Perfect Blue Film · 1998 · Madhouse · #136 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu Parasyte: The Maxim TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #308 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
5. 5 Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain Film · 2024 · EOTA · #712 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
6. 6 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen - Memorial Edition Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition TV · 2022 · 13 episodes · Studio 4°C · #876 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
7. 7 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Higurashi: When They Cry TV · 2006 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1001 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
8. 8 Change!! Getter Robo: Sekai Saigo no Hi Getter Robo: Armageddon OVA · 1998 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #1189 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
9. 9 Tokyo Ghoul TV · 2014 · 12 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1206 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
10. 10 Memories Film · 1995 · Madhouse · #1371 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
11. 11 Shiki TV · 2010 · 22 episodes · Daume · #1402 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
12. 12 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I - Haou no Tamago Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King Film · 2012 · Studio 4°C · #1413 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
13. 13 Gakkougurashi! School-Live! TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #1736 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
14. 14 Jigoku Shoujo Hell Girl TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1780 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
15. 15 Elfen Lied TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Arms · #2394 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
16. 16 Gantz:O Film · 2016 · Digital Frontier · #2582 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
17. 17 Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales TV · 2006 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #2754 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
18. 18 Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation Danganronpa: The Animation TV · 2013 · 13 episodes · Lerche · #3801 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
19. 19 Ayashi no Ceres Ceres, Celestial Legend TV · 2000 · 24 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #3905 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
20. 20 Boogiepop wa Warawanai Boogiepop Phantom TV · 2000 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3908 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
21. 21 Cong Hong Yue Kaishi Since The Red Moon Appeared ONA · 2023 · 16 episodes · Foch Film · #3912 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
22. 22 Kyougoku Natsuhiko: Kousetsu Hyaku Monogatari Requiem from the Darkness TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #4477 on MyAnimeList 69% would recommend
23. 23 Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) Boogiepop and Others TV · 2019 · 18 episodes · Madhouse · #4507 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
24. 24 Umineko no Naku Koro ni Umineko: When They Cry TV · 2009 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #4790 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
25. 25 Gantz TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Gonzo · #5000 on MyAnimeList 66% 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.