10 Best Dark Psychological Anime to Watch
10. Ghost Hound
Ghost Hound is a captivating anime created by the acclaimed Masamune Shirow. Known for his work on iconic series like Ghost in the Shell, Shirow brings his unique vision to Ghost Hound, a series that takes viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the realms of the paranormal and the human psyche.
Ghost Hound unfolds in the out-of-date town of Suiten, a place covered in mystery and haunted by both supernatural forces and the shadows of the past. The story revolves around three main characters—Tarou Komori, Masayuki Nakajima, and Makoto Ogami—who share a common link through traumatic childhood experiences.
Each protagonist possesses a unique ability, unlocking the door to the ethereal world that exists alongside the physical world. As the trio embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of Suiten, they confront their own fears and psychological scars, ultimately connecting the threads of their destinies.
| Production | Production I.G. |
| Number of Episodes | 22 |
| Genres | Psychological, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Suspense |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |
9. Erased
Erased, also known as “Boku Dake ga Inai Machi,” is a captivating anime that weaves elements of mystery, suspense, and time travel together. Based on the manga written and illustrated by Kei Sanbe, Erased takes its viewers on an emotionally charged journey as it explores the themes of regret, redemption, and the impact of one’s choices.
Erased is about Satoru Fujinuma, a manga artist with an unusual ability called “Revival.” He can go back in time to prevent life-threatening incidents but has little control over when it happens. Satoru is sent back in time to his childhood days in 1988 and discovers that the tragic events in his adult life are connected to a series of kidnappings and murders from his past.
As Satoru grapples with this revelation, he becomes determined to prevent the abductions and murders of his classmates, including a young girl named Kayo Hinazuki. In the past, Satoru must navigate the complexities of childhood relationships, confront bullies, and unravel the mystery behind the serial kidnappings. All the while, he strives to alter the course of events to save not only his friends but also his future self from the false accusations and tragedy that await him.
| Production | A-1 Pictures |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Psychological, Mystery, Thriller, Time travel |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video |
8. Terror in Resonance
The story is set in Tokyo where a teenage group called “Sphinx” stages a series of terrorist attacks. The two mysterious members of Sphinx, Nine and Twelve, seek revenge against those who experimented on them in the past. Lisa Mishima, a troubled high school student, gets involved with the group. The series explores themes of government secrecy, unethical experimentation, and the moral ambiguity surrounding terrorism. Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki leads the investigation to unravel Sphinx’s motives and prevent further destruction. The story also delves into the psychological toll on the characters as they grapple with their traumatic past.
Terror in Resonance is a noteworthy creation by Watanabe, a director renowned for his stellar works like Samurai Champloo and Cowboy Bebop. What sets this anime apart from his other shows is its serious and dramatic tone. It is not afraid to explore deep and complex themes, which can be a bit overwhelming for some viewers.
The anime is steeped in realism, reflecting the uncertainty and chaos of the world we live in. It is a story of corruption, greed, and the devastating consequences of these ills on innocent people.
The pacing of the anime is slow at times, and the story can be a bit confusing, but it all comes together in the end. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are complex. The animation is top-notch, and the soundtrack is hauntingly beautiful. In conclusion, Terror in Resonance is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally charged anime. It is a masterpiece that will leave you captivated and moved by its story and characters.
| Production | MAPPA |
| Number of Episodes | 11 |
| Genres | Mystery, Psychological thriller |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |
7. Serial Experiments Lain
Serial Experiments Lain is a psychological thriller anime that explores the blurred boundaries between the virtual and real worlds. The story revolves around a teenage girl named Lain Iwakura, who becomes immersed in a mysterious and increasingly complex virtual reality known as the Wired.
As Lain navigates the digital realm, she encounters various characters and entities, including the mysterious hacker group known as the Knights, who seem to have a profound influence on the Wired. The anime explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the impact of technology on society, leading to a mind-bending narrative that questions the nature of reality.
Serial Experiments Lain is known for its thought-provoking storytelling and exploration of philosophical and psychological concepts. The anime combines elements of cyberpunk, psychological horror, and existential drama to create a unique narrative that challenges viewers to think critically about the role of technology in our lives.
| Production | Triangle Staff |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
| Genres | Cyberpunk, Psychological horror, Sci- Fi, Supernatural |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll |
6. Future Diary
Future Diary or Mirai Nikki is a psychological thriller anime about a deadly competition. A mysterious entity named Deus Ex Machina organizes this game, and the story follows Yukiteru Amano, a socially withdrawn teenager who becomes a part of it.
Yukiteru discovers that his cellphone can predict the future, and he’s not the only one. Eleven other participants also have Future Diaries that predict events in their unique ways. The contestants have to eliminate each other, and the last one standing will be crowned the victor.
Deus Ex Machina explains that the winner of the game will become his successor and rule over a new world. Yukiteru forms a partnership with Yuno Gasai, a classmate who is deeply infatuated with him. They try to survive by engaging in strategic battles, and the true nature of the game is gradually revealed.
The narrative focuses on the characters’ backstories, motivations, and psychological states. The line between ally and enemy becomes increasingly blurred, and the participants have to confront their fears, desires, and personal demons to survive.
| Production | Asred |
| Number of Episodes | 26 |
| Genres | Psychological thriller, Mystery, Drama, Action, Romance |
| Where to watch | Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |
5. Paranoia Agent
The anime Paranoia Agent takes place in Tokyo, where a mysterious attacker known as Shonen Bat is on the loose. He attacks people with a golden baseball bat, seemingly at random. The story is about the interconnected lives of the characters affected by the attacks.
One of the characters is Tsukiko Sagi, a character designer, who is both a victim and suspect as her creation, Maromi, seems to have a connection to the attacks. Other characters include detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa, who are trying to solve the mystery behind Shonen Bat. The story explores themes of societal pressure, modern life, and the line between reality and delusion.
As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Satoshi Kon’s storytelling style, which includes dream sequences, symbolism, and non-linear narrative elements, adds to the sense of paranoia and confusion.
| Production | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
| Genres | Psychological, Mystery, Drama, Suspense, Supernatural |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |
4. Monster
The Monster anime follows the story of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a talented neurosurgeon living in Dusseldorf, Germany. One fateful night, he is faced with a difficult decision when he must choose between saving the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert or the mayor of the city. Tenma chooses to save Johan, believing that all lives are equal. However, his decision sets off a chain of events that leads to a series of mysterious deaths.
As the story unfolds, Tenma soon realizes that Johan is not an ordinary boy and is actually a sociopathic serial killer. Tenma becomes determined to stop Johan and prevent any more bloodshed, but he must navigate a dangerous world filled with political conspiracies, corrupt organizations, and moral dilemmas.
Throughout the series, Tenma encounters a diverse cast of characters, including Inspector Lunge, who is determined to capture Johan; Nina Fortner, a young woman searching for her lost twin brother; and Eva Heinemann, Tenma’s former fiancée who becomes entangled in the chaos surrounding Johan.
As the cat-and-mouse game between Tenma and Johan escalates, the boundaries between good and evil blur, and Tenma must confront his own moral beliefs and decisions. Ultimately, the Monster anime delves into themes of morality, justice, and the dark side of human nature as Tenma fights to stop Johan and save countless lives.
| Production | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 74 |
| Genres | Psychological, Mystery, Drama, Suspense |
| Where to watch | Netflix |
3. Boogiepop Phantom
Boogiepop Phantom follows the mysterious occurrences happening in a city where a rumoured urban legend called Boogiepop lurks. Boogiepop is said to be a shinigami who appears whenever darkness threatens to take over the city. The story unfolds as a series of seemingly unrelated events and characters are introduced, only to be later revealed to be interconnected in surprising ways.
The anime focuses on a group of high school students who are caught up in the chaos caused by Boogiepop’s presence. Each episode explores a different character’s perspective on the events unfolding, shedding light on their past and motivations. As the mystery deepens, the true nature of Boogiepop and the city’s dark secrets are slowly revealed.
Through a mix of psychological horror, supernatural elements, and intense character development, Boogiepop Phantom delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the human psyche. As the characters struggle to make sense of the madness surrounding them, they must confront their own fears and inner demons in order to survive the nightmarish events unfolding in the city.
| Production | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Psychological thriller, Urban Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery, Horror |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |
2. Perfect Blue
Mima Kirigoe is a successful pop star who decides to leave singing to become an actress. She gets a role in a TV drama and starts to experience strange things. She feels like reality and fantasy are becoming mixed up. As she gets more involved in acting, she becomes increasingly bothered by an unknown person who seems to know everything about her life.
As the pressure on Mima grows, it becomes harder for her to tell what is real and what is not. She starts to lose touch with reality and has a breakdown. She must face her deepest fears and find out who is controlling her life.
Throughout the movie, we explore themes of identity, obsession, and the problems that come with being famous. The movie is known for its complex story, psychological depth, and excellent direction by Satoshi Kon. It is a classic work in the psychological thriller genre that will keep you hooked until the very end.
| Production | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Genres | Psychological, Drama, Supernatural, Horror |
| Where to watch | Amazon Prime Video |
1. Psycho-Pass
In a futuristic society where individuals’ mental states and personalities are constantly monitored by a system known as the Sibyl System, individuals are assigned a Psycho-Pass which indicates their propensity towards committing crimes. The story follows a group of detectives known as the Enforcers who are tasked with apprehending individuals whose Psycho-Pass levels become dangerously high.
The main protagonist, Akane Tsunemori, is a rookie detective who joins the Enforcers and quickly becomes entangled in a series of complex cases involving individuals with unstable mental states. As she begins to question the ethics of the Sibyl System and the Enforcers’ methods of apprehending criminals, she must navigate a dangerous world where the line between justice and injustice becomes increasingly blurred.
As the series progresses, Akane and her colleagues uncover a sinister conspiracy involving the Sibyl System and the true nature of the society they live in. With their own Psycho-Passes on the line, they must confront their own moral dilemmas and decide where their loyalties truly lie.
The series explores themes of morality, free will, and the nature of justice in a world where technology reigns supreme. As Akane and the Enforcers delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Sibyl System, they must confront their own darkest fears and question everything they once believed to be true.
| Production | Production I.G. |
| Number of Episodes | 41(all 3 Seasons) |
| Genres | Action, Crime, Psychological thriller, Cyber-punk, Horror |
| Where to watch | Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video |