15 Greatest Horror Anime of All Time [A Comprehensive List]

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It is true that horror movies and television programs may not appeal to many people as not everyone can stomach being scared. However, there are quite a good number of people out there who are fans of horror movies. Such persons find the scary nature of this genre of film mind lifting and enthralling. So for fans and lovers of horror movies, this article brings you 15 greatest horror anime of all time in no particular order. If ever plan a binge watch for horror anime, take your pick from this list.

A Comprehensive List of 15 Greatest Horror Anime of All Time

1. Another

This Japanese horror animated series is based on a novel written by Yukito Ayatsuji titled ‘Another’. The horror anime series centers around a young boy named Koichi Sakakibara who upon his transfer to Yomiyama Middle School, meets Mei Misaki a pretty strange young girl. Soon Koichi finds himself entangled in the mysterious disappearance, cruel and meaningless death of students as well as members of his class. Another gave justice to the meaning of horror in this anime which made receive lots of positive reviews from film critics.

2. Parasyte

Parasyte is a science-fiction horror manga that follows the life of a boy named Shinichi – a high school student living with his parents in a peaceful neighborhood in Tokyo, Japan. All was well and easy-going in this neighborhood until some strange worm-like creatures infected the neighborhood. These creatures took over the brains of their human hosts, causing them to do horrendous and terrifying things before finally eating them up from inside out. Shinichi who prevents the strange creatures from taking over his brain must do all he can to fight and end these creatures. This manga series was well received by its audiences recording positive reviews and impressive ratings. It also earned the Kodansha Manga Awards in 1993 and the Seiun Award in 1996.

3. Death Note

This is an animated television series that was adapted from the 2003 manga book series of the same name. The storyline of this animated series is about a young high school boy named Light Yanagi. A series of events unfold in the film causing the boy to discover a strange notebook that grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Death Note was a fan favorite when it was released and it recorded generally positive reviews from critics. On the Rotten Tomatoes rating site, it was able to score an impressive 100% rating.

4. High School of The Dead

As its name implies, one can already sense the horror in this anime series and the film did justice to its name. The storyline had it that an unexpected worldwide pandemic outbreak turned humans to zombies hereby causing them to behave inhumanly. A group of students who weren’t affected had to fight for their lives and find a way to survive the Zombie Apocalypse. High School of The Dead series received worldwide acceptance, impressive ratings, and positive reviews from most film critics.

5. Tokyo Ghoul

Ghoul Tokyo is one of the greatest horror anime of all time and it is so because of its interesting storyline which centers around some creatures known as Ghouls. These creatures who look like humans survive by eating human flesh and they have to hide their identities from the real world. A normal human was bitten by a Ghoul but he somewhat survived the attack after a series of surgeries were conducted on him. However, he later found out that he was now half-human and half-ghoul. Like others of his kind, he must also feed on human flesh to survive and hide his present identity. The movie was a fan favorite and at the time of its release in 2015, it was listed as one of the best selling horror animes.

6. Hell Girl

Imagine you had the access to send someone who has deeply antagonized you to hell. Well, Hell Girl is a dark fantasy horror series that centers around revenge, hatred, and injustice. Ai Enma who happens to be the hell girl alongside her companions grants people the wish and opportunity to send anyone to hell. However, this comes with the condition that they will also go to hell and suffer their own torments after their lifetime has ended. Hell Girl got lots of positive reviews from critics and in general, it received a good reception.

7. Blood+

Filled with so much suspense, Blood + is a dark fantasy anime series that commenced on October 8, 2005, till September 23, 2006, with a total of 50 episodes. It tells the story of Chiroptera – some strange bat-like immortal creatures that can easily take any form. They disguise as humans and attack the peaceful city of Okinawa, causing so much tragedy and gruesome killings in the city. A young girl with memory loss is the only one who can save the city from these blood-sucking monsters but she has to first regain her memory. This mind-blowing anime was recognized for its excellent work of art at the 9th Annual Japanese Media Art Festival in 2015 and the next year, it was listed among TV Asahi’s top 100 horror animes

8. Monster

This Japanese manga series centers on crime, psychological disorder, and mystery. It shows how a German-based Japanese surgeon gets entangled in a tragic event after getting involved with a former patient whose identity is later revealed as a psychopathic serial killer. The surgeon who now regrets saving this killer’s life must do all he can to stop him from killing more people. The movie received critical acclaims with very impressive ratings from its audience. More so, at the 1997 Japanese Manga Festival, it won the Prize for Excellence and is also the proud recipient of the 46th Shogakukan Manga Awards. In addition to this, Monster won the Best Drama Manga Awards at the Anime Expo.

9. Corpse Party: Tortured Soul

This scary, gruesome and terrifying four-episode anime series is a sequel to Corpse Party: Missing Footage OVA. The story revolves around a group of students who made a friendship charm that will unite them as friends forever. However, shortly after they performed their ritual, an earthquake took place and they found themselves in Heavenly Host Elementary School. This place is a ghost-infested location filled with a lot of mystery and horror. The series which was released on July 24th, 2013 recorded lots of positive reviews from critics and it was recognized as one of the cruelest and most gruesome tales ever.

10. Hellsing

This manga series reeks horror at its peak which makes it rank among the greatest horror anime of all time. It is an adventurous, dark fantasy, horror series that tells the tale of a secret Hellsing Organisation. They are charged with the responsibility of hunting down every Vampire, Ghoul, Zombies and other forces of evil posing as a huge threat to the lives of the Queen and the country of England. This manga series did not only receive a good reception but was also ranked among the top manga series that have ever been made.

11. Ninja Scroll

The 1993 action-horror anime follows a skilled ninja, Jubei who was forced to kill his clan following which he became a hired assassin. During the course of his missions, he has to face the Devils of Kimon, the demonic ninjas who are planning to take over power from the Japanese government. Ninja Scroll was well received with an impressive rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. It also had a lot of positive reviews and won the Citizens Awards in 1993 ranking among the best anime films for the year.

12. Elfen Lied

This horror anime follows a teenage girl named Lucy who seeks revenge on humans for rejecting her because she is not human but a Diclonii. Her species- almost looking like humans, are mutant species differentiated by their horns and their telekinetic arms which makes them superhumans. This series started on July 25th, 2004 and ended on October 17, 2004, with 13 episodes. Although it did not get a lot of positive reviews, Elfen Lied was still praised for its content.

13. Shiki

Shiki is a mysterious and suspense-filled anime series which follows a strange family who recently moved to a small village. As soon as they had settled in there new territory, tragic and gruesome death follows which were caused by vampire-like creatures – Shiki. This anime captivated the interests of many horror fans and it currently ranks high on the list of notable horror animes.

14. Ghost Stories

Ghost Stories is a horror anime that tells the story of a young girl who found a book that can help get rid of ghosts once and for all. She and her friends are now tasked with the responsibility to do all they can to stop these ghosts from hunting their town. The storyline of this animated television series is based on a book written by Tōsu Tsunemitsu. The series was released on October 22, 2000, running through March 25, 2001.

15. Future Diary

This manga series is a multidimensional film that blends mystery, horror, thriller, and even romance. Future Diary follows a young boy who received a future diary from the god of time and space. This diary can predict the future as far as 90 days. Now in a game known as the royal battle which is very gruesome and deadly, the participants must fight and the only survivor becomes the heir taking over from the god of time and space. The series had a good reception.

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