Top 10 thriller anime series you must watch

Who doesn’t love anime series? After all, it transports you to a world of fantasy and beauty. However, as charming as anime can be, it can be thrilling as well. So, if you are bored watching your usual action anime series, dive into the thriller genre.

As we explore the fascinating world of anime, be ready for a thrilling journey. You’ll be hooked by the action and suspense in these animated series. This genre offers a wide range of stories that will make your heart race, from puzzles to dramatic psychological warfare. Thriller anime is renowned for its ability to elicit powerful emotions and keep you guessing until the very end, thanks to its intriguing characters and surprising plot twists. 

Join us as we delve into the eerie and exciting world of anime, where peril abounds, and surprises are around every corner. Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure that will leave you wanting more.

Stein’s Gate

Episodes: 24

Genre: Thriller, Comedy, Drama

Release date: April 6, 2011

Rating: 8.8/10

Network: Hulu, Apple TV, Amazon Prime

Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Asami Imai, Kana Hanazawa

Anime Steins Gate tells the tale of friends and a self-proclaimed crazy scientist Rintarou Okabe. They unintentionally stumble onto a means of communicating with the past, which has disastrous results. They become entangled in a web of conspiracies as they experiment with time travel and are forced to race against the clock to avert a bleak future. Steins Gate tackles the effects of tampering with time and the sacrifices one must make to keep the people one cares about. It is filled with suspense, twists, and interesting characters.

Death Note

Episodes: 37 

Genre: Crime, Drama

Release date: October 21, 2007

Rating: 8.9/10

Network: Netflix

Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile, Vincent Tong

The anime “Death Note” centers on Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers the Death Note, a strange notebook. Light chooses to utilize the notepad to eradicate criminals after realizing that anyone whose name is put in it will perish. He attracts the notice of a clever investigator by the name of L, who is out to put an end to Light’s administration of justice. The cat-and-mouse game played between Light and L, as well as morality and power, are all explored in the episode.

Monster

Episodes: 74

Genre: Crime, Drama

Release date: April 6, 2004

Rating: 8.7/10

Cast: Hidenobu Kiuchi, Liam O’Brien, Mamiko Noto

The anime “Monster” chronicles the narrative of the gifted surgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma. One day, he intervenes to save the life of a young kid named Johan, only to learn later that Johan is a violent and cunning serial killer. Tenma sets out on an unrelenting quest to stop Johan and discover the sinister secrets surrounding his background, driven by guilt. Tenma becomes entangled in an intense psychological thriller that delves into the darkest corners of human nature as he encounters various personalities and struggles with moral decisions.

Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin

Episodes: 26

Genre: Crime, Drama

Release date: April 2, 2010

Rating: 8.2/10

Network: Crunchyroll, Anime Planet

Cast: Shun Oguri, Romi Park, Takaya Kuroda

The anime “Rainbow” is set in post-World War II Japan, where six young boys are imprisoned in a severe reformatory. Despite suffering abuse and hardship, they develop a kinship and help one another through their challenges. The show chronicles their journey of camaraderie, fortitude, and resolve to combat the injustices they encounter. “Rainbow” is an inspiring and heartfelt story of perseverance and friendship in the face of hardship, with themes of hope, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Higurashi When They Cry

Episodes: 26

Genre: Drama, Horror

Release date: April 12, 2006

Rating: 7.8/10

Network: Netflix

Cast: Mai Nakahara, Satsuki Yukino, Soichiro Hoshi

The anime “When They Cry” is set in the serene village of Hinamizawa. But as the narrative goes on, sinister secrets and riddles start to come to light. Several terrifying incidents, including eerie deaths and bizarre happenings, involve a group of friends, including the main character, Keiichi. The drama examines themes of paranoia, psychological torment, and the protagonists’ frantic searches for the truth about the sinister occurrences in their idyllic-seeming community. Prepare for a tense and terrifying adventure into the unknown.

Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

Episodes: 24

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Release date: October 5, 2004

Rating: 7.9/10

Network: Crunchyroll, JustWatch

Cast: Joji Nakata, Johnny Yong Bosch, Beau Billingslea

Anime “Gankutsuou” was influenced by the well-known book “The Count of Monte Cristo.” The plot centers on Albert, a young nobleman who befriends the enigmatic and mysterious Count. As their connection grows, hidden secrets and retaliation come to light. “Gankutsuou” examines themes of treachery, retribution, and the effects of one’s actions in a future and opulent environment. The anime presents a fascinating and captivating tale of intrigue and deception with its distinctive visual aesthetic and compelling plot.

Shiki

Episodes: 24

Genre: Drama, Horror

Release date: June 27, 2010

Rating: 7.6/10

Network: Hulu, Apple Tv, Crunchyroll

Cast: Toru Ohkawa, Koki Uchiyama, Kazuyuki Okitsu

The anime “Shiki” is set in the isolated village of Sotoba, which is affected by a deadly and enigmatic epidemic. A young doctor named Toshio and a child named Natsuno attempt to determine the cause of the fatalities as individuals begin dying. They quickly learn that the outbreak is being caused by the Shiki, a tribe of vampires. As the villagers defend themselves from the otherworldly onslaught, the show dives into issues of terror, morality, and the struggle for existence.

Death Parade

Episodes: 12

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Release date: January 1, 2015

Rating: 7.9/10

Network: Hulu , Apple TV, Amazon Video

Cast: Jamie Marchi, Alex Organ, Asami Seto

An anime dubbed “Death Parade” takes place at the enigmatic Quindecim bar. People are sent there to be judged once they pass away. The barman, Decim, pushes the group to play difficult games that expose their actual selves. The guests’ memories and emotions are put to the test while they play, resulting in disclosures that could change their lives. The program looks into the complexity of human nature as well as issues of life and death. “Death Parade” presents a singular and compelling investigation of the afterlife and the value of a person’s soul through thought-provoking games and moving stories.

The Promised Neverland

Episodes: 24

Genre: Action, Adventure

Release date: April 14, 2019

Rating: 8.3/10

Network: Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Crunchyroll

Cast: Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei Ueki

The animated film title “The Promised Neverland” centers on a group of children who reside in the bucolic Grace Field House orphanage. However, they quickly learn that their cherished career is part of a malicious plot. The youngsters go out on a perilous quest to learn the truth about their existence and the unspeakable secrets of the outside world because they are determined to escape their predicament. The show addresses themes of survival, trust, and the unbreakable spirit of kids confronting impossible obstacles. It is suspenseful and well-planned.

Re:Zero

Episodes: 78

Genre: Adventure, Drama

Release date: April 3, 2016

Rating: 8.1/10

Network: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max

Cast: Yusuke Kobayashi, Rie Takahashi, Sean Chiplock 

Anime “Re:Zero” is about a high school boy named Subaru who is unintentionally transferred to a fantastical setting. After dying, he learns that he can go back in time to a particular moment. Subaru, who is adamant about protecting his new allies, encounters many dangerous situations and struggles psychologically as a result of his frequent deaths and resurrections. “Re:Zero” tackles themes of resiliency, self-discovery, and the effects of one’s actions in a world full of magic and peril with its blend of fantasy, action, and drama.

Thrillers have a distinct position in the enthralling world of anime because they provide tension, intrigue, and unforgettable storytelling. The world of thriller anime promises to keep you on the edge of your seat, seeking more adrenaline-fueled adventures and surprising twists at every turn, whether you enjoy mind-bending puzzles or heart-pounding psychological conflicts. Get ready to be engrossed in the thrilling world of thriller anime, delighted, and captured.