whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Mystery

The best mythology mystery anime you can start from the beginning

25 anime that are both mystery and mythology, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Mo Dao Zu Shi, Mononoke Movie 1: Karakasa, Kuroshitsuji.

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The list

1. 1 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% 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 Kuroshitsuji Black Butler TV · 2008 · 24 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #1609 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
4. 4 Tianbao Fuyao Lu Legend of Exorcism ONA · 2020 · 13 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #1797 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
5. 5 Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro Neuro: Supernatural Detective TV · 2007 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #1822 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
6. 6 Ya She YaShe ONA · 2024 · 12 episodes · Colored Pencil Animation · #1917 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
7. 7 Koukyuu no Karasu Raven of the Inner Palace TV · 2022 · 13 episodes · Bandai Namco Pictures · #2063 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
8. 8 Hakkenden: Touhou Hakken Ibun Hakkenden -Eight Dogs of the East- TV · 2013 · 13 episodes · Studio Deen · #2716 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
9. 9 Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales TV · 2006 · 11 episodes · Toei Animation · #2754 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
10. 10 Kemono Jihen TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Ajia-do · #2876 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
11. 11 Matantei Loki Ragnarok Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Studio Deen · #3402 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
12. 12 Tactics TV · 2004 · 25 episodes · Studio Deen · #3707 on MyAnimeList 69% would recommend
13. 13 Kyougoku Natsuhiko: Kousetsu Hyaku Monogatari Requiem from the Darkness TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #4477 on MyAnimeList 69% would recommend
14. 14 Kikoushi Enma Demon Prince Enma OVA · 2006 · 4 episodes · Brain's Base · #4616 on MyAnimeList 69% would recommend
15. 15 Blue Seed TV · 1994 · 26 episodes · Production I.G · #4845 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
16. 16 Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist Devils and Realist TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · Doga Kobo · #4924 on MyAnimeList 65% would recommend
17. 17 Mao TV · 2026 · 26 episodes · Sunrise · #5120 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
18. 18 Da Li Si Rizhi White Cat Legend ONA · 2020 · 12 episodes · Nice Boat Animation · #5144 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
19. 19 Kyokou Suiri In/Spectre TV · 2020 · 12 episodes · Brain's Base · #5261 on MyAnimeList 66% would recommend
20. 20 Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin Midnight Occult Civil Servants TV · 2019 · 12 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #6125 on MyAnimeList 59% would recommend
21. 21 Muhyo to Rouji no Mahouritsu Soudan Jimusho Muhyo & Roji's Bureau of Supernatural Investigation TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Studio Deen · #6608 on MyAnimeList 57% would recommend
22. 22 Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou Concrete Revolutio TV · 2015 · 13 episodes · Bones · #7044 on MyAnimeList 55% would recommend
23. 23 Gregory Horror Show TV · 1999 · 25 episodes · Milky Cartoon · #7058 on MyAnimeList 59% would recommend
24. 24 Blue Seed 1.5 OVA · 1996 · 2 episodes · Production I.G · #7696 on MyAnimeList 53% would recommend
25. 25 Shabake TV · 2025 · 13 episodes · Bandai Namco Pictures · #7946 on MyAnimeList 49% 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.