Crime based anime stories have delighted and entertained audiences worldwide, drawing them into the intricate, thrilling worlds of morally complex characters and gripping storylines. The most popular crime anime series delves into the depths of human nature, exploring themes of justice, morality, and the darker side of society.
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These captivating tales span various settings, from dystopian futures to historical eras, and feature enigmatic detectives, cunning criminals, and even supernatural beings. These top 10 crime anime smartly weave together elements of suspense, drama, action, and psychology, making them must-watch series for fans of the genre and newcomers alike.
10Great Pretender
Great Pretender follows Makoto Edamura, a skilled Japanese con artist who becomes entangled with a group of international swindlers. Each case in the series centers around elaborate heists designed to expose the crimes of powerful and corrupt individuals, with cons that often involve deception and disguise.
As Makoto navigates this high-stakes world of crime, he grapples with his own morality and discovers unexpected camaraderie. This stylish and fast-paced anime offers a captivating mix of humor, drama, and thrilling con games, with a touch of heart.
9Ergo Proxy
Ergo Proxy is aNoir animeset in a post-apocalyptic future where humans coexist with androids called AutoReivs. Re-l Mayer, a government detective, and her AutoReiv partner, Iggy, are tasked to investigate a series of mysterious murders linked to the Cogito Virus, which grants self-awareness to androids.
As the duo uncover the truth, they encounter a humanoid monster called Proxy, whose existence threatens the foundations of their city-state, Romdeau. Through its dark, atmospheric storytelling, Ergo Proxy offers a compelling and enigmatic crime story set in a dystopian world.
91 Days begins in the Prohibition era, revolving around a young man named Avilio Bruno who seeks revenge against the mafia for the murder of his family. Adopting a false identity, Avilio infiltrates the Vanetti crime family and forms a friendship with the don’s son, Nero.
As he manipulates events from within, Avilio balances loyalty and vengeance in a tale of deceit and betrayal. This gritty, atmospheric crime drama captures the essence of the Prohibition period with elements of revenge, loyalty, and the consequences of violence.
7Durarara!!
Durarara!! takes place in Tokyo’s vibrant Ikebukuro district, where a diverseensemble of charactersbecome intertwined in a series of mysterious events. The story features gang members, a headless motorcyclist, supernatural beings, and other individuals whose lives intersect unexpectedly.
While the series doesn’t solely focus on crime, it delves into the criminal underworld, exploring the conflicts between various factions, including the notorious color gangs. Durarara!! blends urban legends, supernatural elements, and complex relationships, offering a unique, intriguing crime story that will keep you guessing.
6Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon follows Rokuro Rock Okajima, a Japanese businessman who, after being kidnapped by mercenaries called the Lagoon Company, joins their ranks. Operating in the crime-ridden city of Roanapur, the crew takes on various missions involving smuggling, gunrunning, and other criminal activities.
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As Rock adapts to his new life, he forms an unlikely bond with Revy, the group’s skilled and volatile gunfighter. This action-packed anime delves into the darker side of humanity and explores the moral complexities of its characters while navigating the dangerous world of organized crime.
5Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex exists in a futuristic world where cybernetics are commonplace, blurring the lines between humans and machines. The series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team in Public Security Section 9, a special police unit that investigates cybercrimes and high-tech offenses.
As they tackle various cases, they face advanced cyber threats, political agendas, and a master hacker, the Laughing Man. This cyberpunk crime anime explores themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and the implications of technology on society while delivering intense action.
Baccano! follows multiple storylines involving a diverse cast of characters, including gangsters, thieves, and immortals. Their stories unfold in a nonlinear fashion, gradually revealing connections between them as the series progresses.
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Central to the plot is the events surrounding a mysterious immortality elixir and its far-reaching consequences. The anime showcases power, greed, and the human condition as the characters cross paths and become embroiled in each other’s lives. Baccano! delivers a captivating blend of action, dark humor, and supernatural intrigue wrapped in a stylish crime narrative.
3Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is acyberpunk animethat exists in a society where the Sybil System monitors people’s mental states to predict criminal potential. The story follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie detective, and her colleagues in the Public Safety Bureau as they track down potential criminals based on their psychological profiles.
The team faces complex cases while grappling with the implications of the AI technology governing their society. This cyberpunk crime anime explores themes of justice, free will, and the consequences of relying on technology to control human behavior, offering a thrilling and thought-provoking story.
Monster revolves around Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a gifted neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert, inadvertently unleashing a dangerous sociopath. As mysterious murders and conspiracies unfold, Tenma learns of Johan’s dark past and connection to the crimes.
Driven by guilt and a sense of justice, Tenma decides to stop Johan and uncover the truth behind his actions. This psychological thriller delves into the depths of human nature, highlighting elements of morality, redemption, and the nature of evil in a gripping crime narrative.
1Death Note
InDeath Note, high school genius Light Yagami stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called Death Note with a mysterious power: if you write a name in it, that person dies. Embracing the persona of Kira, Light embarks on a crusade to cleanse the world of criminals.
As Kira’s reign of terror escalates, the enigmatic detective L enters the fray, determined to unmask and stop him at all costs. This exhilarating crime anime ignites an electrifying battle of wits, where morality, justice, and the intoxicating allure of power collide.
