Not many anime fans may be aware, but the year 2021 is filled with new and continuing horror anime series. The releases this year will leave viewers equally thrilled and terrified. From additional seasons for existing shows to brand new series, 2021 has many exciting things to come in the world of horror.
Whether you're a fan of seinen horror series or shonen suspense thrillers, the wide variety of releases to come has got you covered. Throughout this year, horror anime fans have plenty to look forward to. Here are some of the most highly anticipated horror anime series of 2021.
10 Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness
In late 2020, Netflix announced the release of the original CG anime series, Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness. Based on the Resident Evil franchise by CAPCOM, the series picks up the story several years into the future after the plot of Resident Evil 4. The teaser for season 1, which aired on September 27, 2020, revealed the series would feature the widely recognized and lovable characters, Claire Redfield and Leon S. Kennedy. Although there is no official release date, it is set to premiere later this year.
9 Amrita No Kyouen
Director Saku Sakamoto announced the release of Amrita No Kyouen to be later this year. The movie is a prequel spinoff to his other film, Aragne: Sign of Vermillion, which follows the story of a young woman named Rin who begins living in an apartment complex where the hauntings are seemingly related to the crimes and murders taking place in the surrounding area. Similarly, the plot of Amrita No Kyouen unfolds as a high school girl named Tamahi begins seeing strange creatures and occurrences around her apartment complex.
8 Jujutsu Kaisen
While it premiered in October of 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime series that is still currently airing with new episodes every Saturday. After its release, the series quickly rose in popularity due to its unique plot and the impressive animation by MAPPA.
The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who stumbles upon a cursed item and unknowingly plunges himself into the world of Curses. Soon after, he develops superhuman powers and uses his newly found abilities to begin his journey as a Jujutsu sorcerer.
7 Gloomy The Naughty Grizzly
Mori Chack, an Osaka-based artist, first created the characters Gloomy and Pity in 2000. It wasn't long after that the characters developed a large fan base, which led to the release of merchandise and worldwide recognition. After much demand, an animated series for the characters was created and is set to premiere in April of this year. While the specificities of the plot have yet to be revealed, it is clear that the series will show the adventures of the cute, but violent bear, Gloomy, and his human owner, Pity.
6 Ling Long: Incarceration (Final Chapter)
Known as Spirit Cage among English-speaking viewers, this series is an interesting blend of horror, sci-fi, action, and drama. The story focuses on a post-apocalyptic world and the restoration of humanity in a dystopian society. With the first season airing from July to September of 2019 and the second season airing from July to October of 2020, the third, and final season is set to air later this year, more specifically, sometime during April.
5 Uzumaki
Originally published as a seinen horror manga from 1998 to 1999, Uzamaki is set to be released in an animated version later this year. It was announced by Toonami back in August of 2019, but its release was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, horror anime fans are excited and readily waiting to watch the four-part series. The story of the anime will follow the plot of the manga closely by focusing on the supernatural journey of Kirie and her boyfriend, Shuichi.
4 Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (Season 8)
Known among fans as Theater of Darkness, this anime depicts a series of scary, short stories told by a mysterious, yellow-masked storyteller. Each Japanese urban legend-based story is paired with a kamishibai to add visuals to the eerie, unsettling narration. The first season aired in July of 2013 and its success led to the release of the following six seasons from July of 2014 to July of 2019. The eighth season of the series began in January of this year and new episodes are set to premiere every Monday at 3:05 AM (JST).
3 Attack On Titan: The Final Season (Season 4)
Recognized as one of the most highly anticipated and exciting seasons in anime history, the fourth and final season of Attack On Titan premiered in December of 2020. The series is currently airing episodes every Sunday, which can be streamed on Crunchyroll, Funimation, and Hulu.
The plot of season 4 pickups after Eren Yeager and the Survey Corps learn of the truths hidden in Yeager's basement and they set off into the world beyond the walls.
2 The Promised Neverland (Season 2)
After the successful release of its first season in January of 2020, the series was renewed for a second season, which aired in January of this year. The story of The Promised Neverland is an interesting, but unsettling one that deals with innocent orphans, conniving caretakers, and horrifying demons that consume children. Season 2 focuses on the adventures of Emma, Ray, and the rest of the children as they struggle to survive after managing to escape the child farm.
1 High-Rise Invasion
Coming soon to Netflix is the ONA series, High-Rise Invasion. Set to premiere in late-February of this year, this series will follow 16-year-old Yuri and her journey through an abnormal, dangerous space filled with connected skyscrapers and countless masked murderers. The story unfolds as she finds new ways to survive, look for her missing brother, and escape. The series is projected to become a popular and widely accepted one due to its star-packed cast of voice actors, including Haruka Shiraishi, Shiki Aoki, and many more.