whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Mystery

The best detective mystery anime you can start from the beginning

73 anime that are both mystery and detective, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Pluto, Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex, Psycho-Pass.

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The list

1. 1 Pluto ONA · 2023 · 8 episodes · Studio M2 · #206 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 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
3. 3 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
4. 4 Koukaku Kidoutai Ghost in the Shell Film · 1995 · Production I.G · #364 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
5. 5 Meitantei Conan Case Closed TV · 1996 · TMS Entertainment · #489 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
6. 6 Zankyou no Terror Terror in Resonance TV · 2014 · 11 episodes · MAPPA · #638 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
7. 7 Koukaku Kidoutai 2.0 Ghost in the Shell 2.0 Film · 2008 · Production I.G · #821 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
8. 8 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
9. 9 Undead Girl Murder Farce Undead Murder Farce TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Lapin Track · #1083 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
10. 10 Id:Invaded ID: INVADED TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · NAZ · #1143 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Bungou Stray Dogs Bungo Stray Dogs TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Bones · #1165 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
12. 12 Tantei Gakuen Q Detective School Q TV · 2003 · 45 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1291 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
13. 13 ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #1556 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
14. 14 Mousou Dairinin Paranoia Agent TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Madhouse · #1583 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
15. 15 Meitantei Precure! Star Detective Precure! TV · 2026 · Toei Animation · #1612 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
16. 16 Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro Neuro: Supernatural Detective TV · 2007 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #1822 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
17. 17 Kamonohashi Ron no Kindan Suiri Ron Kamonohashi's Forbidden Deductions TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Diomedéa · #2147 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
18. 18 Fugou Keiji: Balance:Unlimited The Millionaire Detective – Balance: Unlimited TV · 2020 · 11 episodes · CloverWorks · #2186 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
19. 19 Meitantei Holmes Sherlock Hound TV · 1984 · 26 episodes · Gallop · #2556 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
20. 20 Koukaku Kidoutai Arise: Ghost in the Shell - Border:1 Ghost Pain Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 1: Ghost Pain Film · 2013 · Production I.G · #2593 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
21. 21 Karakuri Zoushi Ayatsuri Sakon Sakon The Ventriloquist TV · 1999 · 26 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #2725 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
22. 22 Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Satelight · #2869 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
23. 23 Kemono Jihen TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Ajia-do · #2876 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
24. 24 Mattaku Saikin no Tantei to Kitara Detectives These Days Are Crazy! TV · 2025 · 12 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #2885 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
25. 25 Fuuto Tantei Fuuto PI TV · 2022 · 12 episodes · Studio KAI · #2974 on MyAnimeList 76% 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.