Viewer Discretion Advised: 10 horror anime to watch this Halloween

9. Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai (2013–2019)

This hauntingly disturbing series is a hidden gem in the world of horror anime. Theatre of Darkness is a collection of Japanese folktales and urban legends told in the most unsettling art style imaginable.

Each episode, not longer than a few minutes, offers a different story portrayed with unique paper puppet animation, adding to the beyond eerie and unsettling ambiance this series gives as it depends on it. The narrator uses a traditional kamishibai (paper drama) method to tell these spooky tales, making it a visually unsettling watch that will give you that dreadful uncanny valley feeling as well as the obligatory discomfort and anxiety this genre already gives.

The series goes deep into many different and dark themes, paying homage to Japan’s rich tradition of ghost stories and supernatural occurrences in an intriguing and hair-raising experience for viewers.

Good luck keeping the lights off.

10. Wicked City (1987)

This weirdly good series is set in a parallel universe filled with evil demons. Its dark ambiance, paired with just the right amount of gore and supernatural elements, definitely screams “Halloween”. Its ominous soundtrack adds more to this ambiance, intensifying the already grim and suspenseful scenes and ensuring your heart is racing the whole time.

In Wicked City, the human and demon worlds have been able to coexist for centuries, but peace is now hanging by a thread. Taki Renzaburo and Makie are a human and demon, respectively, who are part of a secret organization tasked with maintaining harmony between the worlds – and they’re assigned to protect a 200-year-old man who holds the key to keeping the peace.

Taki and Makie find themselves in danger, treachery, and… unexpected attraction. This anime series is not for children. The weird and complex plot working together with the amazing late 80’s animation style ensures you’re hooked, while the unsettling elements of this show satifies that craving for the creepy.

These are only 10 out of many horror anime that tackle different kinds and elements of the genre. If you don’t have a weak stomach and you want to get into the horror side of Japanese animation, check these out – at your own risk – and try something new this Halloween!

Will you be checking out any horror anime this Halloween season?