Introduction
Anime often delves into the darker aspects of human nature, with narratives featuring diabolical serial killers that explore intricate themes of trauma, abuse, and moral ambiguity. This genre captivates audiences, revealing how such characters can exist in varying roles—antagonists, supporting characters, or even antiheroes—in a myriad of storylines that span horror, psychological thrillers, and crime dramas.
Engaging Storylines with Complex Characters
The captivating appeal of serial killer-themed anime lies not only in their chilling narratives but also in the deep psychological exploration of the characters involved. Despite being popular for their action-packed heroes, these series demonstrate how fear can be wielded as a powerful narrative tool without relying on superhuman abilities. Over the years, these stories have gained popularity, leading to cinematic adaptations that explore these gripping tales further.
Updated January 11, 2025, by David Heath: Serial killers, as depicted in anime, can vary greatly—from broken individuals and supernatural entities to tragic victims driven to murder. Following the unsettling theme of fear, this updated list highlights notable anime series featuring serial killers, whether as central figures or impactful side characters. For those looking to dive into unsettling narratives, particularly seasonal viewers looking for Halloween thrills, this is an ideal selection.
31. Magical Girl Site
MyAnimeList Score: 6.52
| Japanese Title | Mahō Shōjo Saito |
| Creator | Kentaro Satou |
| Studio | production doA |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
Despite its seemingly innocent title, Magical Girl Site presents a chilling tale of Aya Asagiri, who grapples with extreme bullying and abuse. This dark twist on the magical girl genre introduces her to a mysterious website that grants her deadly magical abilities as she navigates a sinister plot known as “the Tempest.”
30. See Ramp: Game of Laplace
MyAnimeList Score: 6.57
| Japanese Title | Rank See: Game of Laplace |
| Director | Seiji Kishi |
| Studio | Lerche |
| Number of Episodes | 11 |
This anime honors the legacy of Ranpo Edogawa, a pioneering figure in Japanese mystery literature. In Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace, high schooler Yoshio finds himself implicated in a series of gruesome murders that echo the works of Edogawa. Together with friends and a detective, he embarks on a harrowing quest to clear his name and uncover the true murderer amidst a chilling backdrop of intellectual cunning.
29. Happy Sugar Life
MyAnimeList Score: 6.76
| Japanese Title | Happy Sugar Life |
| Creator | Tomiyaki Kagisora |
| Studio | Since then |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
In Happy Sugar Life, the story revolves around Sato Matsuzaka, who finds a newfound purpose upon meeting Shio Kobe. However, to protect her new “happy sugar life,”Sato resorts to extreme measures, including murder and manipulation. Through this grim narrative, the series examines her twisted perception of love and loyalty amid chaos.
28. Delico’s Nursery
MyAnimeList Score: 6.81
| Japanese Title | Delico’s Nursery |
| Creator | Based on the play, Trump, by Kenichi Suemitsu |
| Studio | JC Staff |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
Delico’s Nursery flips the script on vampire tales by depicting a vampire society threatened by a serial killer. As vampire investigator Dali Delico spearheads the search for the elusive murderer, the storyline intertwines themes of family and crime, creating a unique blend of drama and suspense.
27. Angels Of Death
MyAnimeList Score: 6.96
| Japanese Title | The Tenshi of Satsuriku |
| Creator | Hoshikuzu KRNKRN |
| Studio | JC Staff |
| Number of Episodes | 16 |
In a refreshing take, Angels of Death portrays the relationship between Rachel Gardner, a girl wanting to die, and Zack, a murderous figure seeking an escape. As they navigate a bizarre set of challenges in a mysterious building, viewers encounter progressively twisted characters, with Rachel’s past unfolding in unexpected ways.
26. Descendants Of Darkness
MyAnimeList Score: 7.01
| Japanese Title | Yami no Matsue |
| Creator | Yoko Matsushita |
| Studio | JC Staff |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
Descendants of Darkness follows Tsuzuki, a shinigami investigating supernatural occurrences and a formidable serial killer, Dr. Muraki. This engaging tale addresses themes of mortality and interconnected relationships while unraveling the intricacies of life after death.
25. Boogiepop Phantom
MyAnimeList Score: 7.15
Boogiepop Phantom examines the enigma surrounding Boogiepop, the Angel of Death, through interconnected stories filled with underlying dread. Each narrative unfolds in a city grappling with a series of mysterious fatalities, leaving the audience to discern the true source of terror.
24. B: The Beginning
MyAnimeList Score: 7.15
| Japanese Title | B: The Beginning |
| Director | Kazuto Nakazawa |
| Studio | Production I.G |
| Number of Episodes | 18 |
Set against a backdrop of intrigue, B: The Beginning follows the investigation of a vigilante killer known as “Killer B”and intertwines diverse plots, including those of Koku, a demihuman. This multilayered narrative presents not just a fight for justice but also highlights the connection between a criminal organization and the supernatural.
23. Talentless Nana
MyAnimeList Score: 7.17
| Japanese Title | Mother and Nana |
| Creators | Loose Boy, Iori Furuya |
| Studio | Bridge |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
Talentless Nana captivates its audience with chilling suspense as supernatural students discover they are being killed off by a masked murderer. This series crafts a unique narrative around trust, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, creating a captivating viewing experience embedded with shocking twists.
22. Danganronpa: The Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 7.20
Based on a celebrated visual novel, Danganronpa: The Animation invites viewers into a harrowing game where high school students must navigate murder, morality, and survival. This series examines the lengths individuals will go to escape death, all orchestrated by a sinister robotic teddy bear named Monokuma.
21. Future Diary
MyAnimeList Score: 7.39
Future Diary closely mirrors the thrilling dynamics seen in survival games like Squid Game. This anime presents Yukiteru as he discovers that his cellphone predicts the future, leading him into a deadly competition against other diary owners. Among these competitors is an obsessive yandere character whose unpredictable motivations intensify the already perilous stakes.
20. Beautiful Bones -Sakurako’s Investigation-
MyAnimeList Score: 7.42
| Japanese Title | Sakurako-san and Ashimoto are in a difficult situation |
| Creators | Shiori Ota, Tetsuo |
| Studio | TROYCA |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
Beautiful Bones offers a more light-hearted take on the mystery genre, focusing on Sakurako Kujo, a forensic osteologist. Exploring the correlation between beauty and death, she uses her expertise to unravel a series of mysterious cases, all linked to a serial killer. Fans of detective narratives will appreciate her keen investigative skills alongside engaging character dynamics.
19. Another
MyAnimeList Score: 7.47
Another sets the tone for horror and suspense in the anime genre. Following a group of students haunted by a curse tied to a classroom, this dark series intricately weaves themes of death and mystery, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of fear throughout its thrilling episodes.
18. Electromagnetic Girlfriend
MyAnimeList Score: 7.48
| Japanese Title | The denpa-teki na Kanojo |
| Creator | Kenta Katayama, Yamato Yamamoto |
| Studio | Brain’s Base |
| Number of Episodes | 2 |
This short OVA, Electromagnetic Girlfriend, explores supernatural themes of love and mystery. The narrative follows the tumultuous relationship between delinquent Ju Juzawa and the enigmatic Ame Ochibana, who draws him into a web of intrigue after murders start to occur.
17. Persona 4: The Animation
MyAnimeList Score: 7.51
Persona 4: The Animation allows fans of the video game to immerse themselves in Inaba’s eerie atmosphere. As characters investigate a string of serial murders connected to the urban myth of the “Midnight Channel,”this series combines mystery, supernatural elements, and engaging character development, providing a rich narrative experience.
16. Neuro: Supernatural Detective
MyAnimeList Score: 7.58
| Japanese Title | The Great Neuropathy |
| Creator | Yusei Matsui |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 25 |
Integrating supernatural elements into the detective genre, Neuro: Supernatural Detective follows Yako Katsuragi and her demon partner, Neuro, as they investigate her father’s suspicious death. This dynamic duo tackles crimes while revealing darker themes in their partnership.
15. Akudama Drive
MyAnimeList Score: 7.58
| Japanese Title | Akudama (Villain) Drive |
| Creators | Kazutaka Kodaka, Kaiho Norimitsu, Tomohisa Taguchi |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
In Akudama Drive, a group of skilled criminals—dubbed Akudama—embarks on a daring mission to free a notorious murderer known as Cutthroat. This action-packed anime presents a blend of suspense and crime, with an intricate plot that showcases various antiheroes navigating their dark world.
14. Inuyashiki: Last Hero
MyAnimeList Score: 7.63
| Japanese Title | Inuyashiki |
| Creator | Hiroya Oku |
| Studio | MAP |
| Number of Episodes | 11 |
Inuyashiki: Last Hero juxtaposes two men who acquire mechanical bodies after being struck by an explosion. While one uses his abilities for altruistic purposes, the other descends into a spree of mindless violence. This intense narrative pits good against evil, with an elderly protagonist confronting the horrors wrought by a manipulative youth.
13. Black Butler
MyAnimeList Score: 7.65
Set in a meticulously designed, gothic version of Victorian London, Black Butler follows Ciel Phantomhive and his demon butler, Sebastian, as they solve supernatural mysteries and hunt down brutal serial killers. Their intricate partnership and the tension surrounding revenge create a gripping tale full of dark humor and captivating plot twists.
12. Paranoia Agent
MyAnimeList Score: 7.66
| Japanese Title | Mōsō Dairinin |
| Creator | Satoshi Kon |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Number of Episodes | 13 |
Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent blurs the line between reality and delusion, exploring the societal impact of fear. The investigation into a series of attacks by a mysterious boy adds layers of complexity, reflecting psychological themes and the collective anxiety of modern life.
As evidenced by this selection, anime featuring serial killers intertwines rich storytelling with complex character studies, appealing to an audience that seeks thrills, psychological insights, and emotional depth. Whether for horror enthusiasts or those intrigued by the intricacies of human behavior, this list encapsulates the chilling yet fascinating world of serial killer anime.
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