With a gradual growth of interest in anime and manga in the past decades, it is difficult to say when it became 'mainstream'. Consequently, some claim Pokémon as the starting point, while others look to earlier series like Astro Boy. This history is even harder to pin down within the horror genre. Horror fans in the '90s would often circulate material via VHS, earning titles like Violence Jack and Midori a degree of infamy.
However, to say these titles became popular in the west off of avid collectors seem hasty, with interest most likely garnered when online video streaming allowed audiences to experience the best horror of the '90s and '80s. As a result, many of these films' were discovered much after their release, not getting their proper due compared to modern entries. However, there is an undeniable charm to each title on this list, which acts to explore the lost horror classics and celebrate those that stood the test of time.
10 Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma (1989) (Rating 6.11)
A terrible war has caused demons to emerge, fueled by the blood of the many fallen warriors known as Yoma. As a result, a skilled ninja named Hikage takes it upon himself to banish these demons from the earth. A quest made difficult by having to face resurrected friends.
Blood Reign acts as a competent light horror series framed in a historical setting. With such series as Blade of the Immortal and Berserk proving the success of historical dark fantasy series, this film may be notable because of the appreciation of the genre.
9 Laughing Target (1987) (Rating 6.28)
Forgetting he was betrothed at the age of six, Yuzuru and his girlfriend find themselves the target of a malicious woman coming to claim what is hers. Unfortunately for the duo, the to be bride also has supernatural powers and will stop at nothing to separate the couple.
A classic yandere that transforms to horror with the paranormal twist, Laughing Target feels like a product of its time by being more focused on jump scares (which don't age well with time). However, the story still holds its own and the aesthetic does help to push the supernatural aspects of the film, making it a nice (yet rough) gem
8 Wicked City (1987) (Rating 6.45)
Two agents, one human and one a demon, are tasked to protect a peace ceremony between the human and demon realm. However, a group of radicalized demons is set on stopping the ceremony from taking place, leading to a bloody battle between the agents and demon hordes.
One of the more graphic titles in this list, Wicked City rests as one of the best examples (in execution) of early 'shock anime' that fascinated horror fans. Stylish, bloody, and over the top, the sequences in the series will forever make fans squirm, which will be an ideal experience for some and a strong deterrent for others.
7 Muramasa (1987) (Rating 6.62)
Directed by the legendary Mangaka Osamu Tezuka, Muramasa tells the frightening story of a cursed samurai, who in fighting puppet-like creatures starts to transform himself.
With Tezuka being such a beloved name among some the movie is worth checking out for that reason alone. However, a strong story and unique visual style help make this a memorable experience and one of the best early horror anime features.
6 Vampire Princess Miyu (1988) (Rating 7.0)
The term 'gothic horror' certainly seemed prevalent throughout the '80s and '90s with fans clamoring for material regardless of country. Consequently, Vampire Princess Miyu, which followed a vampire who hunted demons, was catapulted into cult fandom at an early point.
The anime acts as an ideal introduction to the character, presenting four tales in a nostalgic and engaging visual style. Additionally, the 80's series of 4 OVA videos is arguably a better exploration of the classic vampire hunter than the subsequent anime series.
5 Neo Tokyo (1989) (Rating 7.04)
"Neo Tokyo" brought together three acclaimed directors in Rintaro, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, and Katsuhiro Otomo, to create an anthology film. Consequently, the name power behind this project is enough to keep it highly rated at My Anime List.
The anthology may not represent the best of the creators', but is still a fun trip with some interesting concepts that are well executed. Additionally, the entry Labyrinth Labyrinthos contains some of the most unique and stunning visual direction at the time of release.
4 Vampire Hunter D (1985) (Rating 7.10)
Vampire Hunter D was an early championed series/franchise, due to its gothic charm in both content and visual style, which spoke to the sub-culture in the '90s. Since then the series has been kept alive in the form of various films following "D", making the vampire hunter one of the more recognizable protagonists in this list.
The 80s film may not hold up in certain regards, and many are more likely to romanticize the amazing art that adorned the light novels and manga adaptations of that period. However, the film still showcases the blend of horror, science-fiction, and fantasy that made it such a beloved franchise in the first place,
3 The Guyver: Bio Boosted Armor (1989) (rating 7.13)
After stumbling on a peculiar orb-like mechanism, young Shou finds himself bound to the 'Guyver unit'. This device five him great power, turning him into the alien soldier known as Guyver. Now tasked to protect the suit, Shou comes face to face with an evil corporation that utilizes monsters' as soldiers.
Somewhat marred by being incomplete, the 1989 edition of Guyver still has a lot going for it. Notably in the bloody action sequences and the handling of the beloved characters. Still, with a strong cult following, the entry this high on the list is unsurprising.
2 Devilman: The Birth (1987) (Rating 7.16)
Mangaka Go Nagai created two of the most memorable protagonists in the horror genre of the '80s/'90s in Violence Jack and Devilman. The latter would go on to garner much more success with spinoffs like Devilman Lady and later series such as Devilman Crybaby. This barely touches on the brilliance of Nagai and the many characters he created.
As a result, the series exploring the origins of the iconic character is always going to remain in infamy among horror fans. It also does not hurt that the original series is really well executed and faithful to the lore of the character.
1 Akira (1988) (Rating 8.16)
As stated in the opening, the 80's produced one of the greatest anime films of all time in Akira. Mixing various genres while introducing a bulk of audiences to the Japanese cyber Punk Aesthetic, this entry is the only one that all anime fans should at least be aware of.
Where the movie deviates into horror is through the decline of Tetsuo, both mentally as well as physically. The characters struggle with his power sees him violently lash out against friends and strangers, while later body morphing sequences show a morbid breakdown of recognizable form. Whichever way you look at it, Akira is a true classic and tops the list by a long stretch.