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What’s the thrill of unraveling a complex puzzle alongside brilliant detectives and cunning criminals? Mystery anime offers just that- a captivating journey into the unknown, filled with suspense, intrigue, and mind-bending twists .
Mystery anime encompasses various sub-genres, from classic detective stories and psychological thrillers to supernatural mysteries. The core elements remains the same, a puzzle or unknown that demands to be solved.
In this article, we will explore some of the best and most captivating mystery anime So, let’s begin!
20. Bungou Stray Dogs
The armed detective agency is a group of detectives with supernatural abilities. They investigate cases that are too dangerous for the police to handle, often involving other gifted individuals with unique powers.
Bungou Stray Dogs is an action-packed anime with a unique premise, blending literary figures with supernatural abilities. The series features a colorful cast of characters and a thrilling storyline.
Image Credit: All images used in this article are sourced from IMDb
19. Akudama Drive
In a dystopian cyberpunk world, a group of criminals known as “Akudama” is brought together for a high-stakes heist. Each Akudama possesses unique skills and motivations, and they are forced to work together despite their conflicting personalities.
Akudama drives is a stylish and action-packed anime with a vibrant style and a thrilling storyline.
18. Kakegurui
Hyakkaou Private Academy is no ordinary school, its student are obsessed with gambling, and social status is determined by one’s gambling prowess. Yumeko jabami, a transfer student with a penchant for high-stakes gambling, arrives at the academy, challenging the established order and exposing the hypocrisy of the student council.
Kakegurui is a visually stunning and intensely psychological anime, exploring the thrill and danger of gambling addiction. Yumeko’s unpredictable and her willingness to risk everything make her a captivating protagonist.
17. Oshi No Ko
Ai Hoshino, a popular idol, hides her pregnancy with twins. After being murdered by a deranged fan, her children, Aquamarine and Ruby Hoshino, seek the truth behind their mother’s death.
Aqua suspects someone from the entertainment industry is responsible, leading him on a path of revenge. Oshi no Ko is a dark and complex story that explores the harsh realities of the entertainment industry, including themes of exploitation, obsession, and the pressures of fame.
16. In/spectre
Kotoko Iwanaga became the “God of Wisdom” Of the spirits at a young age, meditating disputes between the supernatural and human worlds. Years later, she falls for Kuro sakuragawa, a man half human and half youkai and together they investigate supernatural mysteries.
In/spectre is a unique blend of mystery, romance, and supernatural elements. Kotoko’s intelligence and Kuro’s enigmatic nature create an intriguing dynamic, and the mysteries they unravel are both fascinating and thought-provoking.
15. Another
Kouichi Sakakibara transfers to a new school where a mysterious curse has plagued the class for years. He becomes drawn into the dark secrets of the class and must unravel the truth behind the curse to save himself and his classmate.
Another is a horror anime with a chilling atmosphere and a suspenseful storyline. The mystery surrounding the curse and the gruesome deaths of the students make this a truly terrifying series.
14. Undead Girl Murder Farce
The story of the anime is set 19th century Europe, Aya Rindo, An immortal being whose head has been stolen, travels with her partner, the half-human,half-demon Tsugaru Shinuchi, To retrieve her body parts. They encounter various supernatural beings and solve bizarre murder mysteries along the way.
Undead Girl Murder Farce blends elements of mystery, horror, and historical fiction. The unique premise and the intriguing characters make this a captivating series.
13. Black Butler
Ciel Phantomhive, A young nobleman has made a Faustian contract with a demon, Sebastian Michaelis, In Exchange for the power to avenge the murder of his parents. Sebastian Serves Ciel as his butler, carrying out his every whim while secretly plotting to claim Ciel’s soul.
Black Butler is a dark fantasy anime with elements of mystery, action, and comedy. The dynamic between Ciel and Sebastian, their complex relationship, and the gothic atmosphere make this a popular series.
12. The Promised Neverland
Emma, Norman, and Ray are the brightest children at Grace Field House, an idyllic orphanage. However, their perfect lives are shattered when they discover the horrifying truth: the orphanage is a farm, and they are being raised as livestock for demons. Determined to escape their grim fate, the children devise a daring plan to flee the orphanage with the other children.
The Promised Neverland is a suspenseful and emotionally charged anime, blending elements of horror, mystery, and adventure. The bond between the children and their desperate struggle for survival make this a compelling story.
11. Moriarty The Patriot
This anime reimagines the classic Sherlock Holmes stories from the perspective of William James Moriarty, a brilliant mathematics professor with a strong desire to reform the rigid class system of Victorian England. He, along with his brothers, Albert and Louis, devise intricate plans to dismantle the aristocracy and create a more equitable society, even if it means resorting to criminal activities.
Moriarty the Patriot offers a unique and compelling perspective on the Sherlock Holmes universe, exploring themes of social inequality, justice, and the ends justifying the means.
10 Psycho-Pass
In a futuristic society where human emotions are constantly monitored and quantified by the Sibyl System, detectives wield “Dominators,” weapons that can only be used on individuals with a high “Crime Coefficient.” Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector, joins the Public Safety Bureau’s Criminal Investigation Department and is forced to confront the ethical dilemmas of a society where justice is determined by an algorithm.
Psycho-Pass is a thought-provoking cyberpunk anime, exploring themes of free will, social control, and the nature of justice in a technologically advanced world.
09. Pluto
This anime is inspired by the “Astro Boy” story “The Greatest Robot on Earth,” Pluto tells the story of Gesicht, a Europol robot detective investigating a series of robot murders. As Gesicht delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the fragile peace between humans and robots.
Pluto is a mature and introspective anime, exploring themes of prejudice, artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human.
08. Erased
Satoru Fujinuma has the ability to “Revival”, Which Allows him to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. When his mother is murdered, Satoru uses his power to travel back to his childhood to solve the mystery and prevent her mother’s death.
Erased is a suspensful and emotionally resonant anime, exploring themes of time travel, childhood trauma, and the importance of human connection.
07. Terror In Resonance
Nine and Twelve, two mysterious teenagers, unleash a series of terrorist attacks on Tokyo, leaving cryptic messages as clues. Detective Kenjiro Shibazaki is tasked with solving the mystery behind their motives and stopping their plans.
Terror in Resonance is a suspenseful and thought-provoking anime, exploring themes of terrorism, social alienation, and the search for meaning in life.
06 Ergo Proxy
In a post-apocalyptic future where humans and androids coexist in domed cities, Re-l Mayer, a security officer, investigates a mysterious “Cogito virus” that grants androids self-awareness. Her pursuit leads her to encounter the enigmatic Proxy One, a powerful being tied to the city’s secrets and the very nature of humanity’s existence.
Ergo Proxy is a dark, philosophical cyberpunk anime exploring themes of consciousness, identity, and the search for meaning in a world ravaged by ecological disaster and societal collapse.
05. Summertime Render
Shinpei Aikawa returns to his remote island hometown for his childhood friend’s funeral, only to realize that something sinister is unfolding. Due to a mysterious supernatural power, he becomes trapped in a time loop, reliving the same days repeatedly. Now, with the help of his friends, he must break the loop and uncover the mastermind behind the eerie events plaguing the island
Summertime render is a suspenseful and thrilling anime with elements of mystery, horror, and time travel.
04. Great Pretender
Makoto “Edmame” Aboshi is a skilled con artist in japan. He gets involved with Laurent Thierry, a charismatic and highly skilled con man, and his team, who target wealthy and corrupt individuals around the world.
Great Pretender Is a stylish and fast-paced heist anime with intricate plots. The series is full of twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end.
03. Code Geass
Lelouch Lamperouge, a brilliant and rebellious student, gains the power of Geass, a supernatural ability that allows him to command people. Using his newfound power, Lelouch leads a rebellion against the tyrannical Britannia empire, seeking to create a better world for his sister Nunnally.
Code Geass is a complex and politically charged anime, exploring themes of revolution, morality, and the cost of war. Lelouch’s strategic brilliance and his willingness to make a difficult choice make him a compelling protagonist.
02. Death note
Death note anime is centered around high school boy name Light Yagami, one day yagami stumbles upon a mysterious notebook, the death note, which grants him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. driven by a warped sense of justice, light uses the death note to rid the world of criminals, becoming the vigilante known as “kira”.
However, his actions attract the attention of Interpol and the enigmatic detective L, who is determined to expose kira’s true identity. Death note is a thrilling cat and mouse game, exploring themes of justice, power and the corrupting influence of absolute authority. the battle of wits between light and l is legendary making this anime a classic.
01. Monster
Dr.kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon, makes a fateful decision to save the life of a young boy, Johan Liebert, Instead of the city’s mayor. Years later Johan reappears as a charismatic and utterly terrifying serial killer.
Tenma is consumed by guilt and embarks on a desperate quest to stop johan’s reign of terror, unraveling the dark secrets of his past and confronting the monstrous nature that lurks within humanity. Monster is a psychological thriller master piece.
Monster explores themes of morality, the nature of evil, and the burden of responsibility. it’s a complex and suspenseful story that will leave you pondering long after the credits roll.
Conclusion
Mystery anime offers a unique blend of suspense, intrigue, and thought-provoking themes. From psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries, there’s something for every fan of the genre.
The anime listed above represent some of the best that the genre has to offer, each with its unique strength and captivating stories. What are your favorite mystery anime? Let us know in the comments.
