The horror genre thrives on fear more than anything else. However, fear works differently for everyone as it is a diverse emotion.
That said, the horror genre in anime explores unique perspectives beyond our comprehension. That’s why I have made this list, which will be an introduction or re-introduction to horror anime, including the old and the new.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the list of best horror anime to watch in 2024.
10Mieruko-chan
Of all the names on this list, Mieruko-chan has to be the sore thumb because of how much fanservice it has. This horror anime could’ve been scarier, but the creator thought, why not mix it up with ecchi-comedy? So, if you are a scaredy cat, Mieruko-chan can help you ease into this genre. Hence, it is one of the best horror anime to watch in 2024.
After a fateful encounter with a horrifying spirit, Miko decides to completely ignore their existence. Life gets trickier for Miko as she encounters them everywhere, whether in a classroom, bedroom, toilet, bus, shopping malls, or even in restaurants. She finds new ways to get out of these situations.
9Dark Gathering
Dark Gathering is one of the few recent releases that does justice to the horror genre with its character, storytelling, and sound design, which is more noticeable on headphones. It might not be the extraordinary horror you are looking for, but it is worth your time.
The story revolves around Keitarou Gentouga, who attracts spirits and has recently turned a new leaf after being a shut-in for two years. He comes across Yayoi Houzuki, who is looking for her mother’s soul, which was abducted by a spirit following a car accident. They team up to catch spirits while Yayoi collects spirits to prepare herself for future encounters related to her mother’s soul.
8Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Zom 100 has to be one of the best, if not the best, zombie anime in recent times. This anime shines because of its unpredictability and entertainment-rich storyline, making it a must-watch horror anime.
Akira’s exhausted after joining a company that exploits its employees. He wishes to stop going to work but is bound by society to keep working. One random day, while he was dragging himself to work, he witnessed a zombie attack that had spread throughout the entire country. In such circumstances, while most of us cry out of fear, Akira feels a sense of freedom. Unlike others, Akira simply doesn’t want to survive this zombie apocalypse; he wants to complete his bucket list before he becomes a zombie.
7Shadows House
Shadows House has to be the most satisfying horror anime of recent times. Accompanied by genres like mystery, slice of life, and fantasy, Shadows House is as fulfilling as your soul food — yes, it’s that good. If you like an all-rounded story, regardless of the genre, Shadows House is the ONE for you.
In Shadows House, shadows and humans have exchanged their roles. Generally, a shadow follows what the human does; here, shadows are the master of the human, who acts like a servant. But how did it come to be? How are the humans being ordered around by their shadows? The unraveling of these answers makes this horror anime worth your time.
6Dorohedoro
Dorohedoro was a breath of fresh air when I started watching it. With its 2D & 3D hybrid animation approach, I wasn’t sold on the show after watching the trailer. But I decided to give it a watch despite that, and I wasn’t disappointed. Instead, I was surprised at how well-executed the psychological horror anime was.
The story takes place in the Hole, where the magic users experiment and torment the non-magic users, treating them like guinea pigs. Among them is Kaiman with a reptile head and human body. He’s like that because of an accident he doesn’t remember. With the help of Nikaidou, his only companion, Kaiman wants to unravel the mystery behind his missing human head.
5Parasyte: The Maxim
No one knows where it came from, but one thing’s for sure, it isn’t here to make friends with mankind. Parasyte is a kind of horror anime that blends with the sci-fi genre to create a unique existence in overcrowded stereotypes.
It was another regular night for high schooler Shinichi Izumi, where he plugged in his earphones while sleeping until a parasitic alien tried to burrow into his brain to gain full control over his body. Failing to do so, the parasitic alien took control of his right hand, and Izumi’s life changed drastically. He can now protect the weak and fight off bullies. But Izumi soon realizes he isn’t the only host of a parasite, let alone that he might be the only peaceful one.
4Paranoia Agent
Is the list of best horror anime even complete without Paranoia Agent? The Satoshi Kon directorial is a blessing for those who appreciate Kon’s perspective. Like his other works, you will struggle to differentiate between reality and fantasy in Paranoia Agent.
The story centers around an assailant named Shounen Bat, who uses rollerblades to glide around and beat down people with his golden baseball bat. It all starts with Shounen Bat’s first victim, Tsukiko Sagi, a character designer who is suspected at first. But with other victims appearing, two detectives get on the case to catch the infamous assailant.
3Mononoke
Mononoke is more relevant than ever. From its storytelling, animation, and sound design to the color palette, Mononoke stands out in an era where mediocre animation quality is often sold as peak fiction using makeup, also known as compositing in animation terms. It represents the exact opposite of what most of today’s work stands for.
The story is about Kusuriuri, a medicine seller who wanders around feudal Japan to exorcise malignant spirits known as Mononoke. It’s a compilation of visually pleasing stories and a unique take on animating a horror anime. Some even refer to it as an artsy version of Mushishi.
2Monster
Monster isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror, which gives you everything from the very first episode, where you just have to follow along. With Monster, you must remember the names, the places, and the incidents, connect the dots with every new episode, and anticipate what’s coming. Believe me, you’ll forget to breathe at times.
Monster revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, who gets stuck in office politics, hospital to be precise, and becomes a suspect for murders he hasn’t committed. All the while, the culprit, an 11-year-old boy named Johan Liebert, who just got his life saved by Tenma, roams around freely. Years later, their paths cross again.
1From the New World
From the New World will slowly creep up on you, and before you realize it, it’s got you in a chokehold. Although certain elements of this psychological horror are disturbing, you might want to stop watching it, but you won’t; it’s that good. So, take it as a warning, and don’t watch if you’re weak-hearted.
The story revolves around Saki Watanabe, a late bloomer among her peers who joins the Sage Academy — a special psychic school — after awakening her powers. However, her curiosity leads her to find answers to questions like – what happens to the children who can’t awaken their powers? Why can we not cross the designated border? Does the tainted cat really kidnap children? And soon, she finds herself uncovering the dark and unsettling truth about her world.
In the end, you have your own definition of horror, as does everybody else. This decides what’s good, bad, or average for you. Keeping that in mind, I have recommended this horror anime. Let me know which ones you’ve already watched, which ones you plan to watch, or if all of the above are marked as completed in your watchlist.
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