whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Mystery

The best adult cast mystery anime you can start from the beginning

65 anime that are both mystery and adult cast, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Monster, Shiguang Dailiren, Mushishi.

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The list

1. 1 Monster TV · 2004 · 74 episodes · Madhouse · #26 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Shiguang Dailiren Link Click ONA · 2021 · 11 episodes · LAN Studio · #67 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
3. 3 Mushishi Mushi-Shi TV · 2005 · 26 episodes · Artland · #87 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Odd Taxi TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · OLM · #103 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
5. 5 Guimi Zhi Zhu: Xiaochou Pian Lord of Mysteries ONA · 2025 · 13 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #106 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
6. 6 Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei The Tatami Galaxy TV · 2010 · 11 episodes · Madhouse · #140 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
7. 7 Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV · 2002 · 26 episodes · Production I.G · #213 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Baccano! TV · 2007 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #290 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
10. 10 Koukaku Kidoutai Ghost in the Shell Film · 1995 · Production I.G · #364 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
11. 11 Great Pretender TV · 2020 · 23 episodes · Wit Studio · #464 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Yuukoku no Moriarty Moriarty the Patriot TV · 2020 · 11 episodes · Production I.G · #509 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
13. 13 Paprika Film · 2006 · Madhouse · #675 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
14. 14 Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa Mononoke the Movie: Phantom in the Rain Film · 2024 · EOTA · #712 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
15. 15 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
16. 16 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
17. 17 City Hunter TV · 1987 · 51 episodes · Sunrise · #901 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
18. 18 Ergo Proxy TV · 2006 · 23 episodes · Manglobe · #930 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
19. 19 Undead Girl Murder Farce Undead Murder Farce TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Lapin Track · #1083 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
20. 20 Tiger & Bunny TV · 2011 · 25 episodes · Sunrise · #1103 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Id:Invaded ID: INVADED TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · NAZ · #1143 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
22. 22 Bungou Stray Dogs Bungo Stray Dogs TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Bones · #1165 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
23. 23 Texhnolyze TV · 2003 · 22 episodes · Madhouse · #1292 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
24. 24 Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregotozukai The Kubikiri Cycle OVA · 2016 · 8 episodes · Shaft · #1311 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
25. 25 Higashi no Eden Eden of The East TV · 2009 · 11 episodes · Production I.G · #1392 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.