In this post, I present to you the very best Psychological thriller anime that are filled with mystery to keep you terrified and guessing.
Contents
1. Monster
MyAnimeList score: 8.79
IMDb score: 8.6/10
An intelligent Japanese neurosurgeon Kenzo Tenma living in Germany saves the life of a boy who happens to be a psychopath.
The man must now go on a journey to stop the monster he saves and unleashed into the world.
Throughout his journey, he makes both friends and foes alike, all who’ve had a run-in with the monster known as Johan Liebert.
The anime is riddled with violence, murder, and mystery. Very little is known about the antagonist of the series, which keeps a thrilling atmosphere throughout the runtime of the series.
2. Death Note
MyAnimeList score: 8.63
IMDb score: 9.0/10
A cat and mouse game between two highly intelligent individuals, Light Yagami and L.
A high school boy discovers a new found power to murder people by simply writing their names on a notebook.
The anime explores some deep philosophical themes of vigilantism, religion, and life after death.
It will keep you on your toes as the two battle it out with psychological warfare, unique stratagem and ruse.
3. Shiki
MyAnimeList score: 7.77
IMDb score: 7.7/10
When an unusual family moves into the isolated town, mysterious events start to unfold.
Megumi Shimizu dreams of the city life after getting tiresome of her repetitive uneventful days at her hometown.
Little does she know, she is soon to die and turn into a vampire.
A doctor attempts to discover and unfold the truth of the mysterious diseases the townspeople are being infected with.
He must stop everyone in town from turning into vampires.
4. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai
MyAnimeList score: 8.21
IMDb score: 8.1/10
No, this anime isn’t close to being as cute as the art style might make you believe.
There is something weird and mysterious that starts to happen when the clock strikes.
Senseless murder and torture.
Rika must attempt to discover the murderer before the clock strikes again.
At certain points in time, you’ll find yourself turning your head away from the extreme gore and brutality.
5. Death Parade
MyAnimeList score: 8.19
IMDb score: 7.9/10
Two recently deceased individuals are spawned into a bar where they must battle in games chosen by a roulette that tests their humanity.
A very unique premise with beautiful and realistic art style where the winner shall get a second chance in life.
6. Mirai Nikki
MyAnimeList score: 7.50
IMDb score: 7.6/10
A boy receives the power to see the future on his phone through text messages.
11 other people with similar abilities must fight and kill each other and be the last man standing to become the god of the universe.
The anime also features one of the most maniacal waifus of all time.
7. Perfect Blue
MyAnimeList score: 8.50
IMDb score: 8.0/10
An idol begins to lose her sanity when she cannot distinguishing her true self from her public persona.
Satoshi Kon brings one of the most complex and unique stories in to the medium and presents it in such a masterful and realistic way.
The story will leave you baffled and in a state of paranoia from the masterful visual story-telling and plot structure.
8. The Promised Neverland
MyAnimeList score: 8.60
IMDb score: 8.5/10
A plantation of kids raised for nothing more than to be fed to demons at the ripe age of 6 or 12.
Emma, Norman and Ray discover the secrets of their nanny and the farm and must figure out a way to escape from the plantation before their impending doom.
Contains very creative and unique characters and some very inspiring and heart throbbing moments.
9. Paprika
MyAnimeList score: 8.06
IMDb score: 7.7/10
Paprika is another masterpiece by Satoshi Kon that is very Inception-esque.
A science lab has developed an instrument that allows the user to enter the dreams of other people.
Although the equipment is revolutionary, if it lands in the hands of the wrong people, it can be used for mental terrorism.
This was the last movie Satoshi Kon directed before his premature death.
The anime feature film also won several notable awards listed here on IMdb.
10. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor
MyAnimeList score: 8.28
IMDb score: 8.3/10
Cardgames and gambling designed to keep people in debt for the rest of their lives.
Kaiji must use his wits and intelligence to outsmart his opponent and get out of his immense debt he has accumulated up in his life.
