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

Even so, there are plenty of suspenseful anime for fans of the genre to enjoy. While some are downright disturbing and dark, others are psychological mystery thrillers that keep you constantly on edge.

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

15. Higurashi

Higurashi When They Cry is a murder mystery novel series 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 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 sole witness to all the tragedies, he tries to find a way out, unsure if there is one.

14. Kakegurui

Kakegurui is a suspense anime based on the game and student life. The show first aired in 2017 and was well-received by audiences for its animated sequence, but also received criticism for its heady plot and sexualized characters. The anime is set at 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 center, and the winner 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 novels 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 at his side, he seeks to completely overthrow the unjust society that dominates British culture, even if it means taking 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's 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 collected, the police are dispatched to deal with the "potential" criminal. This essentially means execution before the actual crime is even committed, and on what basis? The collected data! Psycho-Pass is the best example of an anime featuring a corrupt government where resources are used to overstep boundaries.

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 Yomiyama North Middle School's Class 3-3. Upon his arrival, the class becomes embroiled 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 "Misaki of 1972" curse, 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 useless NEET, is on his way to the convenience store when he's suddenly transported to a parallel world with only a shopping bag in his hand. There, he meets a girl named Satella who helps him out.

As he navigates the new world, Subaru encounters catastrophes that result in his death, though he is always revived to a point in time where he can make substantial changes. Without luck or support, Subaru begins his journey into this fantasy world where life can continually begin again, but from scratch.

9. Future Diary

Future Diary is a mix of action and dark elements, making 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, suddenly changes his life when one day he receives a "random diary." This diary grants him the ability to predict the future.

However, he soon realizes he must participate in a survival game comprised of 11 other players with the same powers as him. To survive, Yukiteru teams up with a psychopathic girl, Yuno Gasai, who ensures his safety and ends the game. However, Yukiteru is unaware of Yuno's romantic interest in him!

8. Parasyte: The Maxim

Madhouse Studios' popular seinen anime, Parasyte: The Maxim, is known for its body horror themes and science fiction 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 1990s 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. To survive, he must learn to coexist with the creature and live the life of both a parasite and a human. The beauty of this anime is that it never stagnates because of its plot and evolves even further with more intense moments.

7. The Promised Neverland

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

The rich character exploration and storytelling help build an intense plot. Initially, it feels like a slice-of-life anime, but the truth will begin to reveal itself once you finish watching the first episode. Remember to choose 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 tale of political and moral turmoil, the Holy Britannic Empire acts as a villainous force, lighting the candle at both ends. Lelouch Lamperouge, the exiled prince of Britannia, has sworn revenge on Britannia for destroying his homeland and causing his mother's death.

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 Geass mind-control 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, which 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. During a terrorist attack, they get their hands on a prototype atomic bomb. Disguised 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 series created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. The series is recognized worldwide and appreciated for the dynamic character development between Kira and L. As the name suggests, the series tells the fascinating story of high school student Light Yagami who gets his hands on a notebook that gives him the power to eliminate anyone.

Aware of the terrifying 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 brilliant detective L, Light uses every ounce of his creativity and intelligence, which could surprise anyone.

3. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is the most popular science fiction anime based on the single theme of time manipulation. The story's complex timeline takes viewers into a world of confusion and shock, and it's not for everyone. 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 a Phone Microwave that sends emails to the past. This causes changes in the past and present that they couldn't foresee. With the help of this discovery, they attempt to bring back the dead neuroscientist, Kurisu Makise, by altering the timeline, which will occupy all of Rintaro's brain cells.

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's accused of his mother's murder, Satoru's ability is triggered again, sending him back 18 years to his school days. This time, he has the chance to prevent his mother's murder and a kidnapping case that took the lives of his three best friends.

1. Monster

Monster is undoubtedly the best thriller anime fans have ever seen. Critically acclaimed for its suspenseful story and unexpected twists of events, Monster is a series that can give you chills at any moment. Series author Naoki Urasawa portrayed each character beautifully and to the point, which is why it's 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 received generally positive reviews for its intense plot and in-depth character portrayal.

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