The Top Horror Anime Of All Time, Ranked

Ranker Anime
List Curator
Updated January 15, 2024 4.0M views
Ranked By
267.2K votes
57.1K voters
16 reranks
Latest additions: Dark Gathering
Most divisive: Zombie-Loan
Over 57.1K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Very Best Horror Anime

There are plenty of scary movies and horror films for film lovers to choose from, but what about anime fans? Don't worry, there's lots of popular dark anime and good horror anime for fans to watch! This list of horror anime has been ranked from best to worst by fans of the genre. When it comes to scary, creepy,Ā and zombie anime, if you want only the best, this list of top horror anime will help you find it! Don't forget about our list of the best horror manga too if you're a reader or the goriest animeĀ if you like blood and guts.

If you're not a fan of anime, you might think it's all about school girls and giant robots. However, the top 10+ shows below can be downright terrifying, as they're some of the scariest anime of all time. Some are psychological horror like Paranoia Agent, while others involve fun action, zombies, and creatures, like High School of The Dead.

Either way these spooky JapaneseĀ animated shows are all guaranteed to creep you out, make you scared, and make you want to lock your door. Vote up the creepiest anime series!Ā We also have lists for things like the best vampire anime, the best mystery anime, and the best gore anime, so check those out as well!

If you enjoy horror anime check out the best Blood+ quotes and the best Serial Experiments Lain quotes.

Ranked by
  • When They Cry
    1
    1,442 votes

    The small, seemingly idyllic village of Hinamizawa becomes a breeding ground for paranoia and suspicion in this blood-curdling thriller, where Keiichi Maebara and his newfound group of friends find themselves entangled in a web of sinister conspiracies. As disquieting whispers of a curse grow louder, the tight-knit community's facades crumble, exposing a chilling history of violence and torture. Its combination of psychological terror and jaw-dropping twists keeps viewers enthralled, while the nonlinear narrative adds an additional layer of intrigue, making it a standout horror show that'll leave you questioning who to trust.

  • Another
    2
    15,377 votes

    Delving into the realm of the supernatural, this spine-chilling series follows transfer student Kouichi Sakakibara as he uncovers the dark secrets hidden within Yomiyama North Middle School. Alongside classmate Mei Misaki, Kouichi discovers a gruesome pattern involving the deaths of students and teachers alike, forcing them to question the nature of reality in their cursed town. With its eerie atmosphere and intense storytelling, this hair-raising show expertly combines the traditional Japanese horror elements with an intricate plot, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats and begging for more.

  • Shiki
    3
    2010
    5,751 votes

    The picturesque rural town of Sotoba conceals a horrifying secret in this slow-burning vampire mystery, where junior doctor Toshio Ozaki and the enigmatic Natsuno Yuuki confront an ancient evil that threatens the lives of their friends, family, and neighbors. As the body count rises, the line between good and evil blurs, forcing the protagonists to question their own morality and beliefs. With its chilling atmosphere, complex character dynamics, and unnerving pace, this morbid tale of life, death, and the eerie unknown is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

  • Elfen Lied
    4
    9,445 votes

    Mixing intense bloodshed with a complex exploration of identity, this terrifyingly brutal yet emotionally poignant series introduces the mysterious Lucy, a deadly but deeply tormented mutant capable of unimaginable destruction. Her fateful encounter with a young man named Kouta brings forth an unlikely alliance and a struggle for survival, as the duo must confront both their inner demons and the relentless forces hunting them down. With its visceral visuals, heart-wrenching character arcs, and thrilling action sequences, this unsettling story expertly weaves together horror, darkness, and redemption in a way that's impossible to forget.

  • Parasyte: The Maxim
    5
    6,446 votes

    Introspective high school student Shinichi Izumi finds himself entwined with an alien being named Migi when a parasitic organism burrows into his hand, giving him incredible powers while changing his life forever. As they learn to coexist, the duo must combat other parasitic creatures who pose a danger not only to their own lives, but to the entire human race as well. This twisted sci-fi horror anime explores chilling themes of identity, morality, and the nature of existence, all while delivering heart-pounding action sequences and suspenseful storytelling that keeps viewers enthralled and gasping for breath.

  • Perfect Blue
    6
    1,687 votes

    A horrifying descent into madness awaits viewers in this psychological thriller, where up-and-coming pop idol Mima Kirigoe finds herself stalked by an obsessive fan who blurs the line between reality and fantasy. As her grip on sanity slowly slips away, Mima's world becomes a feverish hellscape where hallucinations and reality seamlessly intertwine. With its unnerving visuals, chilling atmosphere, and mind-bending storytelling, this mesmerizing anime film delves deep into the abyss of fame, obsession, and the human psyche, creating a terrifying and unforgettable experience.