In the vast and diverse world of anime, there’s a subgenre that never ceases to captivate viewers – and we’re not talking about Yaoi, or Boys Love. With its mysterious and otherworldly charm, supernatural anime has evolved in many ways though this particular variety of anime often flies under the radar.
With a rich blend of otherworldly creatures, mystical powers, and mind-bending mysteries, these shows create unique and compelling narratives that explore the boundaries of reality and the unknown. If you’re a fan of the supernatural, and have enough nightmares from Japanese horror movies, here’s a list of supernatural anime series that you absolutely can’t miss.
1) Another
In the gloomy and captivating world of Another, a student’s death in 1972 casts a dark and enduring curse over classroom 3-3 at Yomiyama North Junior High. This perplexing story unfolds as the class, deeply affected by the tragedy, acts as though the deceased student never met his untimely end. However, during their graduation, a shocking revelation emerges when a class photo reveals the deceased student mysteriously present.
This chilling incident marks the beginning of a supernatural curse that haunts classroom 3-3 year after year. Students, teachers, and even immediate family members connected to the class meet untimely and grisly ends. Another offers plenty of shock horror, while taking cues from the likes of supernatural maestros Stephen King and M. Night Shyamalan.
2) Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror / Mononoke
Ayakashi offers a unique twist to the supernatural horror genre, presenting three classic tales infused with symbols and elements from traditional Japanese stories that include gods, demons, and spirits. Its distinctive art style and innovative storytelling techniques help to shed light on Japanese mythology and folklore.
Its spin-off, Mononoke, continues the Medicine Seller’s adventures from Ayakashi‘s final arc. Not to be confused with the film Princess Mononoke, this anthology series takes the unique art style to psychedelic heights. It is brimming with symbolism, metaphors, and layered dialogue that invites multiple interpretations. Characters are intricately developed, and every detail serves a purpose. For fans of the supernatural genre, Mononoke is an absolute must-watch that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, with a feature-length film set for release in 2024.
3) Death Billiards / Death Parade
Whether it’s ghosts, spirits, or journeys to the afterlife, death has always shared an intriguing relationship with the supernatural.
Death Billiards is a half-hour anime short that follows two characters thrust into an extraordinary situation. Initially convinced that victory in their high-stakes “game” is the key to survival, they soon discover a grim truth — they’ve already departed from the realm of the living. What’s at stake isn’t life or death but rather the ultimate fate of their souls: the chance of reincarnation versus an eternity in the abyss – it’s practically a setting that screams The Twilight Zone.
Death Parade expands this concept into a 12-episode series with several other games at play. This thought-provoking series delves deep into the afterlife’s mysteries while challenging the very essence of existence.
4) Devilman Crybaby
This supernatural spectacle follows Akira Fudo, a timid and unassuming high schooler. His life takes a dark turn when he becomes entwined with a powerful demon, transforming him into a hulking, fierce, and louder version of himself. Soon, he has to grapple with a peculiar duality — juggling his demonic possession and his innate humanity.
As the world succumbs to dark desires and plunges into chaos, Akira remains steadfast in his mission to shield his loved ones. Devilman Crybaby stands as a testament to director Masaaki Yuasa’s distinctive style, where surreal art merges seamlessly with an earnest portrayal of youth in an otherworldly narrative.
5) Ghost Hunt
Unlike many supernatural anime, Ghost Hunt distinguishes itself by its meticulous attention to detail and layered characters. The series goes to great lengths to draw upon extensive research and present the spiritual and psychic realms with authenticity. It delves into the world of scientific experiments conducted to prove the existence of ghosts and relies on prevalent theories within the paranormal community. The equipment featured in the show even mirrors what genuine paranormal researchers might employ. Meanwhile, the story is crafted with precision to offer a faithful portrayal of the methods and practices employed by these researchers, as well as exorcists, in their quest to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural.
6) Higurashi: When They Cry
Higurashi: When They Cry is a captivating series that unfolds through various story arcs, all starting innocently enough in a remote countryside village. The protagonist befriends a group of charming girls, setting the stage for a classic harem rom-com. However, this idyllic beginning takes a shocking and inexplicable turn.
What makes Higurashi exceptional is its enigmatic nature. The series keeps viewers constantly guessing about the horrifying transformation of seemingly sweet characters into violent aggressors. Each story arc offers glimpses of the truth, only to shatter those theories with unexpected horrors. While there are elements of science fiction, the heart of Higurashi lies in its supernatural mystery. The precise plotting sees seemingly random events eventually find their place, compelling viewers to uncover the truth.
7) Jujutsu Kaisen
What sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart from similar action-packed peers, like Demon Slayer and Bleach, is the way it dives deep into the supernatural world and how it explores the darker side of humanity. In the series, hatred and negative emotions give rise to harmful, spectral Curse Spirits.
Jujutsu Kaisen has a wide range of references to the occult. Its strongest take on supernatural horror arrives in episodes nine to 12 of the first season. This story arc unfolds as an investigation into bizarre deaths and unsettling found-footage. At the heart of the narrative is Junpei Yoshino, a boy tormented by relentless bullying. In a moment of despair, he wishes for their demise, and then shockingly stumbles upon their lifeless, grotesque bodies, with a mysterious figure looming nearby. The story that follows borrows heavily from the genre, integrating persistent confusion, gradual disempowerment and ultimately hopeless battles of supernatural horror.
8) Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is a supernatural comedy with an emphasis on character-driven stories. The central characters gradually discover that supernatural entities and spirits are not necessarily evil simply because of their non-human nature.
In between feats that defy the laws of physics, the series also takes time to explore everyday struggles with emotional heft. Mob Psycho 100 deftly translates these tensions into a tangible psychic gauge: a percentage tracker that vividly illustrates protagonist Mob’s suppressed emotions. When this meter reaches 100%, it triggers a cataclysmic outburst, unleashing Mob’s devastating psychic powers. This unique element brilliantly conveys the delicate balance between the supernatural and human emotions, making Mob Psycho 100 a captivating and emotionally-charged experience.
9) Mushishi
In a similar vein to Mononoke, Mushishi follows Ginko, a “Mushi Master” who travels through a mystical world investigating Mushi, ethereal creatures that exist beyond the realm of normalcy. Each episode unveils a new, mesmerising tale that explores the supernatural in a tranquil and contemplative manner. There’s always a profound lesson to be learned from the characters’ relationship with the spiritual Mushi.
10) Natsume’s Book of Friends
In Natsume’s Book of Friends, the titular Natsume has inherited a book containing the names of spirits bound by his grandmother. As he returns these spirits’ names to free them, Natsume embarks on a heartfelt journey to understand their stories and the meaning of connection. This heartwarming series explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the coexistence of humans and spirits in a beautifully-animated world.
11) Paranoia Agent
Paranoia and the supernatural go hand-in-hand — after all, there’s something worrying about the otherworldly and the unknown. Paranoia Agent expertly captures this sense of dread through various stories linked by an assailant with a golden baseball bat. Even when it appears that the truth might be revealed, there’s something more sinister and supernatural behind-the-scenes, giving way to a larger mystery that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.
12) Requiem from the Darkness
Requiem from the Darkness unfolds as a 13-episode anime series that lures you in with the promise of dark horror. However, at its core, it’s a compelling exploration of the dark facets of human nature set against a backdrop of eerie folklore. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s rich spiritual heritage, the series masterfully weaves in references to classical yokai from Japanese folklore, including tanukis, fox spirits, and willow women.
The story revolves around a young writer who embarks on a journey across Japan in search of 100 ghost stories for an upcoming book. However, his path takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a trio of genuine supernatural beings who administer divine retribution to those guilty of heinous acts of violence and murder. The severe justice meted out by his spiritual associates clashes with his own principles of righteousness, leading to a moral dilemma.
13) Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun
Each story arc in Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun is intricately woven with the supernatural mysteries that define its premise. While many of them revolve around the seven enigmatic school mysteries, the series occasionally surprises viewers by uncovering hidden truths from the most unexpected sources.
Where the anime truly shines is in its ability to deliver top-tier comedy and remarkable character chemistry. Every character brims with charisma, unapologetically embracing their overdramatic personas. In the world of supernatural comedy, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun knows its purpose and revels in it, creating a captivating and entertaining experience for its audience. Interestingly, an anime reboot is set to premiere in October 2023, approximately three years after the original adaptation.
So, there you have it — these supernatural anime gems await your watchlist, just in time for Halloween. A niche undertaking more often than not, they deserve more attention and recognition from the mainstream audience. Not all of them wield dark and morbid overtones, so newcomers can start from the less intense titles first, and slowly build their way up. As for genre veterans, feel free to pick your poison.
Edwin is a seasoned raconteur with a lifelong passion for video games, comic books, movies, and more. He thrives on captivating stories and immersive world-building, with a soft spot for adorable monsters.
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