While some mediums are more popular than others, horror has come in many different forms. Most might have been introduced to the genre through movies like Sinister or Halloween. Some might have been introduced to the great works of Junji Ito who has created terrifying works like Uzumaki. But the anime industry is full of fantastic horror anime for everyone to watch. Some of which might only have horror elements but they are nonetheless great things to watch whether for Halloween or another occasion.
Here are 10 of the best anime to watch for any spooky occasion.
10 Akira - 8.16
Akira is the anime sensation created by Katsuhiro Otomo. Although the original manga held many elements that were missing from the anime, it is still incredibly well-made and influential to many films. Being referenced in different animes. As the direction was also done by Otomo. Although it is primarily a science fiction tale, many of the gory elements are very horror-like with some of the elements being present in other places.
Currently, on Myanimelist, Akira gained an 8.16 rating overall thanks to its fantastic animation and art direction. Not only that, but the thematic elements have been influential to many films that came later such as The Matrix, and inspiring much other science-fiction anime to come. This anime is perfect for those that want a piece of fiction with strong science-fiction and horror elements.
9 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen III - Kourin - 8.22
Also known as Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III - The Advent, it is a continuation of many OVA's created for the Berserk franchise. After leaving the Band Of The Hawk in order to forge his own fate, Guts returned only to see things have completely changed. Now branded as traitors, they go out of their way to save their leader, Griffith.
But due to immense torture, a far darker man came out and their lives are changed forever as a result. A true testament to the dark legacy of Berserk.
8 Shinsekai Yori - 8.37
Known as From The New World in English, this A-1 pictures anime is about Sake Watanabe whose psychic abilities have just manifested. Reuniting with her friends in Sage Academy, she begins to feel uncomfortable when she begins to question what happens to those that don't manifest their powers.
Shinsekai Yori is a coming of age story about the roles that they all play. A unique show for anyone interested in magic.
7 Mononoke - 8.42
Mononoke is the story about the Medicine Seller who travels all over Japan in order to stop a series of spirits respectively called "Mononoke." During one of his travels, he stays at an inn.
Meeting a woman named Shino, he later figures out that her room is infested with Mononoke and it's up to him to figure things out. Mononoke was well-received overall and has gained 8.42 in Myanimelist.
6 Parasyte The Maxim - 8.42
The anime adaptation to one of the best horror mangas, it follows Shinichi Izumi as he falls victim to parasites, aliens from another world. Fortunately, it only affects his right hand.
Striking a deal with the parasite, they have to co-exist together as they fight against other parasite monsters. Attempting to survive as a result. The series is a beloved anime for any fan and newcomer alike.
5 Hellsing Ultimate - 8.42
The second anime adaptation to the Hellsing manga, the story follows Alucard formerly known as Dracula who fights against monstrous beings under Integra Helsing.
The series is incredibly gory with plenty of monstrous stakes for all of the characters. Things get even more complicated as the series continues forward. Combined with the strong animation by Madhouse and one of the best horror anime.
4 Perfect Blue - 8.44
The classic psychological horror directed by Satoshi Kon, it focuses on former pop-idol turned actor Mima Kirigoe. The story focuses on her struggles and stress with both her new role as well as dealing with fans that don't accept her new change.
From dealing with a stalker to learning new developments, Perfect Blue is an exciting thriller that will entice newcomers and veterans alike. Seeing things they might not expect.
3 Berserk - 8.48
The first anime adaptation of the Berserk manga, it follows the Black swordsman named Guts who gets recruited into the Band Of The Hawk. Over the course of the anime, Guts slowly gets his worldview changed. But just like its manga counterpart, Berserk is a horrific and brutal dark fantasy about finding one's path.
While also dealing with tragedies that only get worse from there.
2 The Promised Neverland - 8.65
An anime adaptation of the manga of the same name, it follows orphans Emma, Ray, and Norman. After learning about the origins and meaning behind their birth, they plan out a way to escape from the orphanage. Many things are enjoyed by The Promised Neverland from the suspense all the way to the horror elements.
The first season of the anime focuses on the first four volumes of the Manga which was well-received by fans of Myanimelist. With twelve episodes total, the anime series is a solid psychological thriller that fits the expectations of those that love the manga.
1 Monster - 8.73
Monster is the work created by legendary Mangaka Naoki Urasawa. Following the same steps as the manga, Monster is the story about Dr. Kenzou Tenma who had to make a drastic choice between saving a child and saving the mayor. Deciding to choose the former, it has only lead to consequences not expected from Tenma.
The anime has thankfully maintained what was so loved of the original manga. With the thrills and the art style of Urasawa being thankfully recreated, the show ended up getting around 74 episodes overall. An incredibly solid show for those that love detective animes and psychological horror.