Psychological horroris a genre that never fails to send chills down your spine. It’s the perfect blend of fear, suspense, and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Whiledark horror storieshave always been popular, psychological horror anime takes it to the next level.
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From thetwistsand turns of the plot to thecomplex characters, these series are sure to leave a lasting impression. If you are a fan of the genre and are looking for your next spooky watch, then look no further! Fromhorrifying vampire storiesto shows canceled due to brutality, this list has it all.
Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on July 02, 2025:When it comes to psychological horror anime, there are many great series with mind-bending plot twists and bone-chilling revelations that are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. We have updated our list to include five more shows for those wanting such an unforgettable and disturbing experience.
Monsteris the perfect anime for those who crave the seamless blend of psychological horror and thriller elements. This series followsDr. Kenzou Tenma, aneurosurgeonwhose selfless act sets off a nightmarish chain of events.
Exploring themes of morality,human nature, and the depths of evil, Monster takes viewers on a suspenseful journey into the minds of itscomplex characters, unraveling intricate mysteries and blurring the lines between good and evil.
14Parasyte: The Maxim
Parasyte: The Maximoffersa great sci-fiand psychologicalbody-horrorexperience, going beyond the average parasite tale. The story focuses on high schoolerShinichi Izumi, whose hand is one day taken over by a parasite.
The anime is a relentless mix of suspense,grotesque transformations,and deep philosophical questions that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat. It explores the meaning ofmoralityandhumanityand will leave you wondering what it truly means to be human.
13School-Live!
School-Live!is the perfect anime for anyone who loves both thezombieandpsychological horrorgenres. It starts out lookinginnocentand normal, but then it totally blows your expectations out of the water.
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The story is about a group ofhigh school girlstrapped inside their school, just trying tosurvive through the zombie apocalypse, while losing people dear to them. The story will keep you hooked with its crazy twists and the perfect balance of horror and psychological suspense.
12From The New World
From The New Worldis a mind-blowing anime for fans ofthought-provokingstories anddystopiansettings. It might start out like a typicalcoming-of-age tale, but soon, it takes you on a journey that’s way beyond ordinary.
The story unfolds in a world where things are not as they seem, and a group of kids starts to uncover some mind-bendingsecretsabout their society. With psychic powers, a dark underbelly, and some jaw-droppingtwists, this anime keeps you glued to the screen as it plays with your head and makes you question everything.
11Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magicais a total game-changer for anyone who thinks magical girl anime is all about sparkles and rainbows. At first glance, it looks like your typical cute-girls-with-magic-powers show, but it is way more than that.
The anime dives into the dark and gritty side of magical girl life, exploring the consequences of making a deal with a mysterious creature. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, jaw-dropping plot twists, and existential dilemmas. If you’re up fora magical journey that’s both enchantingand haunting, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a must-see.
10Neon Genesis Evangelion
For a groundbreaking anime series that transcendsthe traditional mecha genreand explores complex themes of mental health, identity, and self-discovery, look no further thanNeon Genesis Evangelion. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows the life ofShinji Ikari, a reluctant pilot of a bio-machine calledEvangelion.
The anime is amasterclassin psychological horror, as it delves into the minds of its characters, exposing their fears, anxieties, andtraumas. The haunting imagery, religioussymbolism, and mind-blowing plot twists create a sense of unease and dread.
9Happy Sugar Life
Happy Sugar Lifeis a psychological horror anime that explores thetwisted relationshipbetween a high school girl namedSatou Matsuzakaand a young girl namedShio. Satou is a seemingly sweet and innocent girl who falls in love with Shio and becomesobsessedwith keeping her all to herself.
As the story progresses, you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and horror as Satou’s true nature is revealed. The anime deals with heavy themes such asabuse, trauma, and mental illness. Its bright colors and cutesy designs add a layer of unsettling contrast to the dark storyline.
Anothercenters around acursethat plagues a small town in Japan. The story follows a transfer student namedKouichi Sakakibara, who begins to uncover the mysterious circumstances of the curse and the students in his class.
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The anime is aslow-burn horrorwith a gothic atmosphere and an intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The animation style is dark and atmospheric, and the use of shadows and sound design creates a haunting ambiance that lingers long after the show has ended.
7Higurashi: When They Cry
Higurashi: When They Crycenters around the lives of agroup of friendsliving in a small village calledHinamizawa. The story begins innocently enough, but as events unfold, it becomes clear that there is something sinister at play.
The story is divided intomultiple arcs, each with its own unique story and set of characters. The horror in Higurashi is not just in the gruesome violence andgore, but in the psychological terror it creates. You are taken on a journey ofparanoia, suspicion, and fear as the characters try to unravel the mystery behind the village’s dark history.
6Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lainis a mind-bending psychological horror that explores the intersection oftechnology, identity, and reality. You follow the story ofLain Iwakura, a teenage girl who becomes obsessed with theWired, a virtual reality network that connects everyone in the world.
As Lain delves deeper into the Wired, she begins to question her own identity and thenature of realityitself. The show is a philosophical and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, with themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning.
