whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Horror · Suspense

The best suspense horror anime you can start from the beginning

38 anime that are both horror and suspense, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Perfect Blue, Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu, Shinsekai yori.

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The list

1. 1 Perfect Blue Film · 1998 · Madhouse · #136 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu Parasyte: The Maxim TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #308 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
4. 4 Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain Film · 2024 · EOTA · #712 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
5. 5 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Higurashi: When They Cry TV · 2006 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1001 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
6. 6 Tokyo Ghoul TV · 2014 · 12 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1206 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
7. 7 Memories Film · 1995 · Madhouse · #1371 on MyAnimeList 86% 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 Jigoku Shoujo Hell Girl TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #1780 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
11. 11 Ling Long: Incarnation Ling Cage ONA · 2019 · 6 episodes · YHKT Entertainment · #1820 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
12. 12 Elfen Lied TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Arms · #2394 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
13. 13 Gantz:O Film · 2016 · Digital Frontier · #2582 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
14. 14 Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales TV · 2006 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #2754 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
15. 15 Koutetsujou no Kabaneri Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Wit Studio · #3210 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
16. 16 Another: The Other - Inga Another: The Other OVA · 2012 · 1 episode · P.A. Works · #3432 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
17. 17 Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation Danganronpa: The Animation TV · 2013 · 13 episodes · Lerche · #3801 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
18. 18 Boogiepop wa Warawanai Boogiepop Phantom TV · 2000 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3908 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
19. 19 Cong Hong Yue Kaishi Since The Red Moon Appeared ONA · 2023 · 16 episodes · Foch Film · #3912 on MyAnimeList 70% would recommend
20. 20 Terra Formars: Bugs 2-hen OVA · 2014 · 2 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #4201 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
21. 21 Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019) Boogiepop and Others TV · 2019 · 18 episodes · Madhouse · #4507 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
22. 22 Highschool of the Dead High School of the Dead TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #4559 on MyAnimeList 67% would recommend
23. 23 Umineko no Naku Koro ni Umineko: When They Cry TV · 2009 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #4790 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
24. 24 Gantz TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Gonzo · #5000 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
25. 25 Satsuriku no Tenshi Angels of Death TV · 2018 · 16 episodes · J.C.Staff · #5027 on MyAnimeList 63% 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.