Join Topshare to discover the list of top 10 horror anime to watch as of 2023! From creepy and haunting stories, to dark and mysterious dimensions, discover the bloody and dramatic anime that you should not miss. Get ready to experience extreme stress and fear in these captivating horror stories!
1 Junji Ito Collection

Junji Ito Collection - the best horror anime series as of 2023. Photo credit: Bloody Disgusting
Junji Ito Collection - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Junji Ito Collection" is a special anime series because it brings together a series of horror works by famous manga author Junji Ito. With dark, haunting, and creepy stories, this anime explores the deeper aspects of the horror genre. Each short episode in "Junji Ito Collection" offers a separate story, focusing on psychological, supernatural and spooky elements. From strange distortions, terrifying monsters, to inexplicable causes, this anime creates a completely separate space for horror.
With delicate and detailed drawings, "Junji Ito Collection" accurately recreates the haunting of Junji Ito's original works. The scenes are somber and the expressions are sharp, creating a unique atmosphere of horror. The special feature of this anime series is the variety in the stories. From mysterious cases, dangers from the past rising, to terrifying curses and supernatural events, each episode offers a new and engaging experience. The complex storylines and character development bring diversity and appeal to this anime.
"Junji Ito Collection" is not only aiming to horror the original works of Junji Ito, but also showcases the creativity and talent of the film crew. From evocative music and eerie sounds to crisp visuals, every element makes for a terrifying and unforgettable experience.
With a combination of beautiful graphic art and scary stories, "Junji Ito Collection" is a horror anime not to be missed for lovers of the genre. It offers a new perspective on Junji Ito's horror world and is a great choice to explore his unique works.
Information about the anime "Junji Ito Collection" is as follows:
Release year: 2018
Directed by: Shinobu Tagashira
Screenwriter: Kaoru Sawada
Characters: Diverse characters based on the works of Junji Ito such as Tomie, Souichi Tsujii, Fuchi, and many others.
Actors (voices): No specific actors have been specified as this is a collection of short stories.
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Fantasy
Episodes: 12
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Studio Deen
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
2 Ghost Hunt

Ghost Hunt - the best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: Apple TV
Ghost Hunt - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Ghost Hunt" is a horror and supernatural anime series based on the manga of the same name by Fuyumi Ono. This anime series focuses on the story of a special group of supernatural adventurers known as the "Ghost Hunt" and their job is to investigate ghostly phenomena and exorcisms.
The story revolves around the main character Mai Taniyama, a young girl who happens to become an assistant for the Ghost Hunt group. She along with other members of the group includes Kazuya Shibuya (also known as Naru), a genius supernatural researcher, and other members such as Lin, Ayako, Houshou, and Masako.
The episodes in "Ghost Hunt" create diverse horror stories, from haunted cases in abandoned houses, schools, hospitals to other supernatural phenomena. The Ghost Hunt team must use their analytical and supernatural abilities to investigate, uncover the causes, and find ways to deal with ghostly events. "Ghost Hunt" combines elements of horror, suspense and a bit of humor. Aside from the intense haunted scenes, the anime also features deep character development and relationships between the members of the Ghost Hunt team.
With beautiful visuals and the right music, "Ghost Hunt" offers an air of gloom and fear, while also exploring the whims of the supernatural world. For lovers of horror and detective anime, "Ghost Hunt" can be an interesting choice to enjoy.
Information about the anime "Ghost Hunt" is as follows:
Release year: 2006-2007
Directed by: Rei Mano
Screenwriter: Tsutomu Takahashi
Characters: Mai Taniyama, Kazuya Shibuya, Lin Koujo, Houshou Takigawa, John Brown
Actors (voices): Mai Nakahara (Mai Taniyama), Yuuki Tai (Kazuya Shibuya), Kazuya Nakai (Lin Koujo), Ken Narita (Houshou Takigawa), Masami Suzuki (John Brown)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
Episodes: 25
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: J.C.Staff
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
3 Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain - The best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: Looper
Serial Experiments Lain - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Serial Experiments Lain" is a bizarre and psychological anime series created by Yoshitoshi ABe. This anime is set in a modern world where information technology and the internet play an important role. The story of "Serial Experiments Lain" revolves around the main character Lain Iwakura, an ordinary 14-year-old girl with a boring life. However, when a classmate committed suicide, Lain received an email from him after he passed away. From here, Lain begins to explore the virtual world and the strange reality surrounding the internet, and the bizarre events happening around her life.
"Serial Experiments Lain" brings a dark and gloomy space, creating a sense of ambiguity and weirdness. The anime series explores the profound aspects of human psychology, the presence of technology and the internet in everyday life, and their impact on the truth and nature of reality. With a unique visual style, "Serial Experiments Lain" uses unusual musical and graphic techniques to create a different experience. It explores complex concepts such as spiritual and technological synchronicity, multi-reality existence, and controversy surrounding the digital world.
This anime not only brings horror elements but also philosophy and spirituality. It challenges viewers to think about and question the real world, human nature, and the role technology plays in society. "Serial Experiments Lain" is a unique and different work in the anime genre. With its deep plot and exciting exploration of modern issues, it appeals to those who love psychological anime and want to explore the dark and complicated aspects of modern life.
Information about the anime "Serial Experiments Lain" is as follows:
Release year: 1998
Directed by: Ryutaro Nakamura
Screenwriter: Chiaki J. Konaka
Characters: Lain Iwakura, Arisu Mizuki, Masami Eiri, Taro, Alice
Actors (voices): Kaori Shimizu (Lain Iwakura), Ayako Kawasumi (Arisu Mizuki), Yasuyuki Kase (Masami Eiri), Yutaka Aoyama (Taro), Rei Igarashi (Alice)
Genre: Science Fiction, Psychological, Mystery
Episodes: 13
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Triangle Staff
Age restriction: 17+ (contains complex psychological content and violence)
4 Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - the best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: IMDb
Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - The trailer for the best horror anime series as of 2023.
"Corpse Party: Tortured Souls" is an action horror and horror anime series based on the video game of the same name by Team GrisGris. This anime series focuses on the story of a group of high school students trapped in a haunted school and facing terrifying and deadly events. The plot begins when a group of classmates decide to hold a farewell ceremony at the abandoned old school. However, thanks to a strange poem, they are sucked into a parallel world full of demons and the suffering souls of those who have died in the past. The group must face attacks from carnage creatures and find a way out of this harrowing and haunting school.
"Corpse Party: Tortured Souls" brings a horror and gloomy atmosphere, with gore scenes and many blood vessels. The anime creates a tense and scary atmosphere, exploring the horror and cruelty of death and the emotional transcendence of the characters. With carefully crafted and animated images of horror creatures and landscapes, "Corpse Party: Tortured Souls" offers an engaging experience for horror lovers. The plot is tense and full of surprises, along with the multidimensional and painful characters, providing an insight into the cruelty and harshness of the demonic world. However, due to its horror nature and violent scenes, "Corpse Party: Tortured Souls" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Corpse Party: Tortured Souls" is as follows:
Release year: 2013
Directed by: Akira Iwanaga
Screenwriter: Shoichi Sato
Characters: Satoshi Mochida, Naomi Nakashima, Yuka Mochida, Ayumi Shinozaki, Seiko Shinohara
Actors (voices): Satomi Arai (Satoshi Mochida), Yuka Nanri (Naomi Nakashima), Ayana Taketatsu (Yuka Mochida), Asami Imai (Ayumi Shinozaki), Eri Kitamura (Seiko Shinohara)
Genre: Horror, Spiritual Horror, Mystery
Episodes: 4 (OVA)
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Asread, Mages
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
5 Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied - the best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: IMDb
Elfen Lied - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Elfen Lied" is a horror and psychological anime series, based on the manga of the same name by author Lynn Okamoto. This anime series offers a horror and emotional story that explores brutality and humanity.
The plot of "Elfen Lied" revolves around Lucy, a creature with supernatural abilities and formidable power. Imprisoned and tortured, she escapes captivity and finds protection from a young man named Kouta and his adopted sister, Yuka. However, despite Lucy's benevolent heart, her past and powers lead to bloody confrontations and terrifying secrets being revealed.
"Elfen Lied" brings a dark and haunting space, with scenes of violence and gore a lot. The anime series explores the complex psychological aspects of the character, human cruelty and greed, along with the meanings of love and forgiveness. With its delicate and beautiful visuals, "Elfen Lied" renders scenes of violence and horror vivid and evocative. The music and sound elements also create an atmosphere of tension and fear, while highlighting the emotional levels of the story.
This anime series explores issues of human rights, violence, and self-actualization. It raises questions about the meaning of existence and the value of life. "Elfen Lied" is not only a horror anime, but also an impressive spiritual and philosophical work. However, due to its horror nature and heavy violence, "Elfen Lied" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Elfen Lied" is as follows:
Release year: 2004
Directed by: Mamoru Kanbe
Screenwriter: Takao Yoshioka
Characters: Lucy, Kohta, Nyu, Yuka, Nana
Actors (voices): Sanae Kobayashi (Lucy/Nyu), Chihiro Suzuki (Kohta), Emiko Hagiwara (Yuka), Yuki Matsuoka (Nana)
Genre: Horror, Psychological, Violence, Romance
Episodes: 13
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Arms
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror, violence and sensitive content)
6 Another

Another - The best horror anime series as of 2023. Photo credit: Boca do Inferno
Another - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Another" is a horror and mystery anime series, based on the light novel of the same name by author Yukito Ayatsuji. This anime series offers a haunting and tense story, with elements of mystery and death.
The plot of "Another" revolves around a mysterious curse that haunts class 3-3 of Yomiyama High School. When transferring schools here, a new student named Kouichi Sakakibara discovers that the class carries a dark secret and a terrifying supernatural being. Together with Mei Misaki, a strange girl in her class, Kouichi must investigate the cause behind the curse and solve a series of strange deaths.
"Another" brings a dark and tense atmosphere, with much horror and suspense. The anime creates an atmosphere of fear and mystery, exploring the cruelty and the unexpected in life and death. With dark images and a focus on horror details, "Another" creates a scary and unforgettable space. The plot is fascinating and full of surprises, along with unpredictable puzzles and opens up many dark sides of humanity.
"Another" explores psychological aspects and stressful situations, questioning truth and belief, and confronting death and dying. This anime series is aimed at people who love the horror genre and want to explore the mysteries and horrors in the story. However, due to its horror nature and violent scenes, "Another" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Another" is as follows:
Release year: 2012
Directed by: Tsutomu Mizushima
Screenwriter: Ryou Higaki
Characters: Kouichi Sakakibara, Mei Misaki, Reiko Mikami, Naoya Teshigawara, Izumi Akazawa
Actors (voices): Atsushi Abe (Kouichi Sakakibara), Natsumi Takamori (Mei Misaki), Madoka Yonezawa (Reiko Mikami), Yuuki Kaji (Naoya Teshigawara), Misato Fukuen (Izumi Akazawa)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, School, Supernatural
Episodes: 12
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: P.A. Works
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
7 Parasyte

Parasyte - The best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: Netflix
Parasyte - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Parasyte" (also known as "Parasyte -the maxim-") is a horror and science fiction anime series, based on the manga of the same name by author Hitoshi Iwaaki. This anime series takes viewers into a world where humans and aliens find a way to live together in confrontation and battle for survival.
The plot of "Parasyte" focuses on Shinichi Izumi, an ordinary high school student. One day, the Parasyte parasite invaded the Earth and invaded the human body by evolving and taking over the brain. However, when a Parasyte tries to attack Shinichi, it only captures his hand. The two creatures begin to live together in the same body and face fierce confrontations with other Parasytes.
"Parasyte" offers a space of horror and violence, with bloody scenes and harsh settings. The anime explores the dark side of humanity, the struggle between instinct and reason, along with questions about existence and morality. With sharp images and a unique art style, "Parasyte" recreates the horror scenes and especially the shapeshifting of Parasyte. The anime creates an atmosphere of tension and fear, and explores the protagonist's growth and change as he takes on the presence of Parasyte within him.
"Parasyte" also raises questions around human-nature relations, the struggle between moral values and the survival instinct. This anime series is aimed at horror and science fiction lovers who want to explore the dark and stressful aspects of life and people. However, due to its horror nature and violent scenes, "Parasyte" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Parasyte" (also known as "Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu") is as follows:
Release year: 2014-2015
Directed by: Kenichi Shimizu
Screenwriter: Shoji Yonemura
Characters: Shinichi Izumi, Migi, Satomi Murano, Ryoko Tamiya/Reiko Tamura
Actors (voices): Nobunaga Shimazaki (Shinichi Izumi), Aya Hirano (Migi), Kana Hanazawa (Satomi Murano), Kiyono Yasuno (Ryoko Tamiya/Reiko Tamura)
Genre: Action, Horror, Fantasy, Psychological
Episodes: 24
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Madhouse
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
8 Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - The best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: Lost in Anime
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" (also known as "When They Cry") is a horror and mystery anime series, based on the visual novel of the same name by author Ryukishi07. This anime series takes viewers into a world full of mystery and fear, exploring the horrors and twists of fate.
The plot of "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" takes place in a small village called Hinamizawa, where there is an annual summer festival. But after the festival, strange and brutal murders happen. The story revolves around a group of close friends, including Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Hojo, and Rika Furude, as they try to solve the mystery of the village and the horrifying events happening around them.
"Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" offers a tense and gloomy atmosphere, with a lot of horror and violence. The anime creates an atmosphere of anxiety and fear, with brutal pieces and mysterious connections between the characters. With an image that intertwines the beautiful and the horror scenes, "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" creates an impressive contrast. The tangled and complex plot, with unpredictable transitions and layers of veils, makes for a compelling and curious story in the viewer.
"Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" raises questions about truth and loss, about friendship and trust, and about heartbreak and love. This anime series is aimed at people who love the horror genre and want to explore the mysteries and dark sides of humanity. However, due to its horror nature and violent scenes, "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni" is as follows:
Release year: 2006
Directed by: Chiaki Kon
Screenwriter: Toshifumi Kawase
Characters: Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, Rika Furude
Actors (voices): Sōichirō Hoshi (Keiichi Maebara), Mai Nakahara (Rena Ryuuguu), Satsuki Yukino (Mion Sonozaki), Mika Kanai (Satoko Houjou), Yukari Tamura (Rika Furude)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Supernatural
Episodes: 26
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Studio Deen
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
9 Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul - The best horror anime series as of 2023. Image source: MGN.vn
Tokyo Ghoul - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
"Tokyo Ghoul" is a horror and action anime series, based on the manga of the same name by author Sui Ishida. This anime series offers a dark and brutal world where humans and ghouls confront and fight for existence.
The plot of "Tokyo Ghoul" takes place in the city of Tokyo, where ghouls exist and hide among the human population. Ghouls are cannibals and are capable of using "kagune" - demonic arms - to attack. Kaneki Ken, an ordinary student, is attacked by a ghoul and then becomes a semi-ghoul. He must face his new life, his struggles with himself, and the infighting between humans and ghouls. "Tokyo Ghoul" offers a violent and dark atmosphere, with horror scenes and bold action. The anime explores the dark side of humanity, the brutality and envy of ghouls, along with fierce confrontations and loss.
With its sharp visuals and unique art style, "Tokyo Ghoul" renders horror and action scenes brilliant and captivating. Music and sounds also create an atmosphere of tension and add drama to the story. "Tokyo Ghoul" raises questions about existence and humanity, about the struggle between good and evil, and about love and sacrifice. This anime series is aimed at lovers of action and horror genres who want to explore dark worlds and human confrontation.
Information about the anime "Tokyo Ghoul" is as follows:
Release year: 2014
Directed by: Shuhei Morita
Screenwriter: Chūji Mikasano
Characters: Ken Kaneki, Touka Kirishima, Rize Kamishiro, Kishou Arima, Juuzou Suzuya
Actors (voices): Natsuki Hanae (Ken Kaneki), Sora Amamiya (Touka Kirishima), Kana Hanazawa (Rize Kamishiro), Daisuke Namikawa (Kishou Arima), Rie Kugimiya (Juuzou Suzuya)
Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural, Psychological
Episodes: 12
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)
10 Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan - the best horror anime series as of 2023. Photo credit: Moveek.com
Attack on Titan - The best horror anime series trailer as of 2023.
Attack on Titan (also known as "Shingeki no Kyojin") is an action, horror and fantasy anime series, based on the manga of the same name by author Hajime Isayama. This anime series brings to a destructive and brutal world where humans fight giant creatures called Titans to protect their existence. The plot of "Attack on Titan" takes place in an era when humans are hunted and devoured by a swarm of Titans. Protagonist Eren Yeager, along with his friends Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, joins the Titan Slayer Army to fend off the Titans' attack and uncover the secret behind their appearance.
"Attack on Titan" offers a space of tension and despair, with plenty of action and horror scenes. The anime creates an atmosphere of drama and pressure, with battles for survival and bloody confrontations between humans and Titans. With beautiful and cinematic visuals, "Attack on Titan" recreates fierce battles and breathtaking action. Music and sound design also play an important role in creating an intimidating and tense atmosphere.
"Attack on Titan" raises questions about freedom and restraint, trust and responsibility, and explores human suffering and bravery in battle with the Titans. This anime series is aimed at lovers of action and horror genres, who want to experience adventure filled with adventure and human struggle against the terror of monsters. However, due to its violent nature and horror scenes, "Attack on Titan" is not suitable for sensitive or under-aged audiences.
Information about the anime "Attack on Titan" (also known as "Shingeki no Kyojin") is as follows:
Release year: 2013-2021 (season 1 to season 4)
Director: Tetsurō Araki (season 1-3), Yuichiro Hayashi (season 4)
Screenwriter: Yasuko Kobayashi
Characters: Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, Armin Arlert, Levi Ackerman, Erwin Smith
Actors (voices): Yuki Kaji (Eren Yeager), Yui Ishikawa (Mikasa Ackerman), Marina Inoue (Armin Arlert), Hiroshi Kamiya (Levi Ackerman), Daisuke Ono (Erwin Smith)
Genre: Action, Horror, Fantasy, Psychological
Episodes: 75 (including all seasons)
Status: Completed
Country: Japan
Studio: Wit Studio (season 1-3), MAPPA (season 4)
Age restriction: 17+ (contains horror and violence)