Top Horror Anime to Watch This Halloween

As Halloween creeps closer, it’s time to delve into the spookier side of anime. For years, anime has hooked audiences with its knack for giving us chills, often mixing the supernatural, the psychological, and plain old gruesomeness. Back in the ’80s and ’90s, anime was known for pushing the horror envelope, a stark contrast to the kid-friendly Western cartoons. Nowadays, anime’s everywhere, so we’ve lined up the top 10 horror anime movies and TV shows to get your Halloween vibes going.

For this list, we had Eric Vilas-Boas, an anime aficionado and critic, watch a bunch of both new and classic titles. We covered a wide range of horror – paranormal, slashers, zombies, vampires, psychological scares, and even sci-fi with horror twists. Each entry was handpicked based on its ability to make you scream and its mesmerizing animation. We’ve thrown in links for easy streaming or purchase, so you can quickly get your horror fix.

Horror Anime Movies

1. Akira (1988)

Director Katsuhiro Otomo’s legendary film, Akira, isn’t just about action and post-apocalyptic chaos; it’s got some intense horror too. Watch Tetsuo’s nightmarish transformation and the chilling commentary on nuclear warfare.

2. Belladonna of Sadness (1973)

Eiichi Yamamoto’s epic, Belladonna of Sadness, is a cult classic that stunned and baffled audiences with its dark themes. It’s a visceral piece of second-wave feminist cinema with an unforgettable visual style.

3. Demon City Shinjuku (1988)

Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s Demon City Shinjuku takes you to a world overrun by demons. It’s a ’80s and ’90s classic with epic sword fights and a dark post-apocalyptic Tokyo backdrop.

4. The End of Evangelion (1997)

Hideki Anno’s The End of Evangelion is a surreal and nightmarish experience. It dives into psychosexual development and various religions, making it a true horror masterpiece.

5. Lily C.A.T. (1987)

Directed by Hisayuki Toriumi, Lily C.A.T. is a pulpier addition to our list. It’s all about a deep-space crew getting offed one by one, and it’s rich in jump scares and moody vibes.

6. Paprika (2006)

Satoshi Kon’s Paprika is a mind-bending psychological horror that delves into the nightmares of digital existence. Its dreamlike visuals are a trippy treat for the eyes.

7. Perfect Blue (1997)

Perfect Blue, also by Satoshi Kon, follows a former J-pop idol whose life spirals into darkness. It’s a chilling watch and has even inspired scenes in films like Black Swan.

8. Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust (2000)

Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, is a supernatural thrill ride in a post-apocalyptic world. Expect ruthless killings and dark vampire designs.

9. Wicked City (1987)

Wicked City is a unique horror anime with a dark tone and a treaty between demons and humans about to expire. You’ll encounter some freaky scenes, including tentacles and unsettling spider-women.

Horror Anime TV Shows

1. Attack on Titan (2013)

Attack on Titan remains one of the most terrifying shows of the 21st century. Giant, nightmarish Titans and endless character tragedies make it hard to shake off. It’s been both praised and criticized for its use of fascist symbols.

2. Berserk (1997)

Berserk, a dark-fantasy masterpiece by Kentaro Miura, tells the brutal story of Guts. It’s a stunning, violent narrative, although it leaves you hanging on a massive cliff.

3. Blue Gender (1999)

Blue Gender, created by Ryosuke Takahashi, explores a world overrun by insect-like creatures, the Blue. It’s known for its grim portrayal of survival in a harsh, post-apocalyptic world.

4. Death Note (2006)

Death Note is a suspenseful supernatural thriller about a teenager with a deadly notebook. It’s a dark and unconventional journey into the shadows.

5. Devilman Crybaby (2018)

Devilman Crybaby, adapted from Go Nagai’s classic, tells a modern tale of Lucifer’s fall. It’s surreal, explicit, and dives into themes like LGBTQ+ representation and social media.

6. Elfen Lied (2004)

Elfen Lied is a gruesome story about a superpowered girl who unleashes her trauma with violent acts. It’s a creatively daring show with nudity, decapitation, and dismemberment.

7. Hellsing Ultimate (2006)

Hellsing Ultimate takes vampires and turns them into a cool and ultraviolent spectacle. Alucard, the ultimate vampire, fights fellow vampires and other foes, giving us an action-packed horror classic.

8. Higurashi When They Cry (2006)

Higurashi When They Cry deconstructs “slice-of-life” and “harem” genres, delivering a blood-soaked narrative that resets with each arc. It uncovers the cursed town’s dark secrets.

9. Mononoke (2007)

Mononoke boasts a unique visual style like traditional Japanese paintings. It follows a medicine seller hunting mononoke spirits, creating mesmerizing murder mysteries.

10. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

Puella Magi Madoka Magica flips the “magical girl” genre on its head with a dark and twisted narrative. It’s full of blood, guts, and irony, keeping you on edge.

11. Serial Experiments Lain (1998)

Serial Experiments Lain is a techno-horror series that explores a girl’s life tangled up in the Wired, the show’s version of the internet. It’s visually striking, delving into transhumanism and identity.

12. X (2001)

X offers a hallucinatory vision of the end times, with a messianic kid fighting demons. Despite his antisocial behavior, the series is a breathtaking blend of animation and supernatural horror.

Final Thoughts

So, this Halloween season, dive into anime horror. From classics like Akira and Perfect Blue to modern gems like Attack on Titan and Devilman Crybaby, there’s something to give you the creeps. Whether you prefer movies or TV shows, you’re in for spine-tingling experiences. Get ready to be thrilled, terrified, and eagerly awaiting those hair-raising twists. So, grab your courage, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in these top 10 horror anime picks for a Halloween to remember.