This genre is widely popular in the anime community, however, it is sometimes overlooked or disappears in the spotlight of shōnen anime.

Still, there are plenty of suspenseful anime out there for fans of the genre to enjoy. While some of them are downright disturbing and dark, other series are psychological mystery thrillers that keep you constantly on edge.

And in today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best thriller anime that will blow your mind. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

15. Higurashi

Higurashi When They Cry is a series of murder mystery novels set in the year 1983. The series focuses on a group of young friends living in the fictional village of Hinamizawa and the strange events that occur there in 1983. A few days after moving to Hinamizawa, Keiichi Maebara begins to notice small oddities surrounding the lives of his fellow villagers.

He then finally discovers a connection between mysterious disappearances and murders in the village and the annual village festival. An increasingly paranoid Keiichi vows to get to the bottom of this mystery. With the help of Rika Furude, the only witness to all the tragedies, he tries to find a way out, without knowing if there is one after all.

14. Kakegurui

Kakegurui is a thriller anime based on the theme of gambling and student life. The show first aired in 2017 and was appreciated by the audience for its animated sequence, but it also received criticism for its heady plot and sexualized characters. The anime is set in a prestigious high school, Hyakkaou Private Academy, where students go to learn and explore life.

During the day, the school seems normal, but at night it turns into a mini-game showdown, and whoever wins is respected by the other students. Yumeko Jabami, a beautiful transfer student, tries out this special school curriculum. Her involvement brings more fun and excitement to the table, taking the game to the next level.

13. Moriarty the Patriot

Moriarty the Patriot is a mystery manga series written by Ryōsuke Takeuchi and illustrated by Hikaru Miyoshi. The series is based on Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series and received an anime adaptation by Production I.G. The anime tells the story of Sherlock Holmes from the perspective of his antagonist.

That anime with a genius main character Set in the late 19th century, it follows the story of an ordinary nobleman, William James Moriarty. With his brothers by his side, he seeks to completely overthrow the unjust society that dominates British culture, even if it means ending lives to get there.

12. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk thriller anime produced by Production IG. Focusing on social and psychological themes, the series is set in a near future when it is possible to instantly measure and quantify a person's state of mind and personality. Using this technique, the mental state of each passing citizen is scanned to calculate the likelihood of committing a crime.

Based on the information recorded, the police are sent to deal with the “potential” criminal. Basically, this means execution before the actual crime is even committed, and on what basis? The data collected! Psycho-Pass is the best example of an anime with a corrupt government where resources are used to overstep limits.

11. Another

Another is a horror mystery novel written by Yukito Ayatsuji that received an anime television series in 2012. The series follows the life of Kōichi Sakakibara, who transfers to class 3-3 at Yomiyama North Middle School. Upon his arrival, the class finds themselves involved in a strange phenomenon involving the deaths of students and their families.

Sakakibara investigates the matter and concludes that the series of deaths are all linked to the curse of "Misaki 1972", an annual calamity that has horrified Class 3-3 since 1972. Accompanied by a peculiar student named Mei Misaki, Sakakibara tries to find a solution to end this massacre and save the lives of other students.

10. Re: Zero

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World is a well-known isekai anime where the main character is transported to another world. Subaru, a good-for-nothing NEET, on his way to the convenience store, is suddenly transported to a parallel world with only a shopping bag in his hand. There he meets a girl named Satella who helps him with the situation.

While dealing with the new world, Subaru encounters catastrophes that result in his death, although he is always revived to a point in time where he can make substantial changes. Without luck and support, Subaru begins his journey in this fantasy world where life can continually start over, but from “zero”.

9. Future Diary

Future Diary is a mix of action and dark elements which makes it a good suspense anime to watch. The anime revolves around a psychic girl who goes beyond her limits for the sake of her love. Yukiteru Amano, a lonely high school student’s life suddenly changes when one day he receives a “random diary”. This diary grants him the ability to predict the future.

However, he soon realizes that he needs to participate in a survival game made up of 11 other players with the same powers as him. To get out alive, Yukiteru teams up with a psychopathic girl, Yuno Gasai, who ensures his safety and ends the game. However, Yukiteru doesn't know about Yuno's romantic mania for him!

8. Parasyte: The Maxim

Madhouse Studios' popular seinen anime, Parasyte: The Maxim is known for its body horror themes and sci-fi elements. Parasyte is dark from the start and features a large number of gory scenes that can be disturbing to anyone. The original manga was initially published in the early 90s and is one of the few animes that are banned in China for the public.

Parasyte is the story of 17-year-old Shinichi Izumi, who is partially infected by a space-faring Parasyte that kills and consumes humans. In order to survive, he must learn to coexist with the creature and live the life of both a parasite and a human. The good thing about this anime is that it never degrades because of its plot and evolves even more with more intense moments.

7. The Promised Neverland

Hailed as one of the best anti-shonen and suspense anime series, The Promised Neverland is a must-watch if you enjoy thrilling moments and unexpected plot twists! The anime consists of only 12 episodes and follows a group of orphaned children as they plan to escape from the orphanage after discovering the dark truth behind their existence and the purpose of the orphanage.

The rich character exploration and storytelling help build an intense plot. Initially, it seems like a slice-of-life anime, but the truth will begin to unfold once you finish watching the first episode. Remember to pick up the manga of the series, as the anime adaptation is considered the worst anime of all time.

6. Code Geass

Code Geass is a story of war between three superpowers: the Holy Britannic Empire, the Chinese Federation, and the European Union. In this classic event of political and moral turmoil, the Holy Britannic Empire acts as a villainous force that burns the candle at both ends. Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, has sworn revenge on Britannia for destroying his homeland and causing the death of his mother.

After inheriting the power of complete disobedience through his supernatural ability called “Geass,” Lelouch creates a superhero alter ego to overthrow Britannia once and for all. Using high-powered mechs, his mind-controlling Geass power, and his own wits, Lelouch does whatever it takes to overcome his opposition.

5. Terror In Resonance

Terror in Resonance is another great thriller anime produced under the banner of MAPA Study. One of the best anime directors, Shinichiro Watanabe directed the series and this can also be seen in its narrative that brings to light the main problems faced by modern society and the consequences caused by a terrorist attack on a child.

The anime follows two brothers, Nine and Twelve, who are survivors of a secret experiment that turns orphaned children into human weapons. In a terrorist attack, they get their hands on a prototype atomic bomb. Disguising themselves as the “Sphinx,” they threaten to destroy the city of Tokyo unless a cryptic riddle can be solved.

4. Death Note

Death Note is a top-notch dark fantasy anime show made by the duo Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The series is recognized worldwide and appreciated for the character dynamics between Kira and L. As the name suggests, the series tells the fascinating story of a high school student Light Yagami who gets his hands on a notebook that gives him the power to eliminate anyone.

Aware of the terrible divine power that has fallen into his hands, Light – under the pseudonym “Kira” – follows his twisted sense of justice with the ultimate goal of cleansing the world of all evildoers. To execute his master plan without being caught by the genius detective L, Light uses every ounce of his creativity and intelligence that could surprise anyone.

3. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is the most popular science fiction anime based on the sole theme of time manipulation. The story's complex timeline takes viewers into a world of confusion and shock, and it's not to everyone's taste. The main protagonist, Rintaro Okabe, and his friends are amateur scientists who spend their free time inventing whatever comes to mind.

One day, they create a machine called the Phone Microwave that sends emails to the past. This causes changes in the past and present that they did not foresee. With the help of this discovery, they try to bring back the dead neuroscientist, Kurisu Makise, by altering the timeline that will occupy all the brain cells in Rintaro's mind.

2. Erased

The suspenseful and suspenseful anime series, Erased is certainly the best anime with 12 episodes You can binge-watch it in a day! The show is about a pizza delivery boy, Satoru Fujinama, who possesses an ability called 'Revival', which sends him back in time moments before a tragic incident is about to occur. With this ability, he prevents many accidents that could have been serious.

But one day, when he is accused of his mother's murder, Satoru's ability is triggered again and sends him 18 years back in time, where he returns to his school days. This time, he has the chance to also prevent his mother's murder, while also avoiding a kidnapping case that took the lives of his three best friends from school.

1. Monster

Monster is arguably the best thriller anime series that fans have ever come across. Critically acclaimed for its suspenseful crime story and unexpected twists of events, Monster is a series that can give you chills at any moment. The series’ author, Naoki Urasawa, has portrayed each character beautifully and to the point, which is why it is also the highest-rated manga on MyAnimeList.

Monster is the story of a Japanese neurosurgeon, Kenzo Tenma, whose life is turned upside down when he becomes involved with one of his former patients, who now turns out to be a dangerous serial killer. Comprising 74 thrilling episodes, the series has received mostly positive reviews for its intense storyline and in-depth character portrayal.

Which of the following thriller anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.