The Best Horror Anime of 2025

The anime industry in 2025 has provided an incredible variety of horror and supernatural storytelling that captivates and unsettles audiences. New seasons of established hits and fresh adaptations of classic manga have dominated the streaming charts with their dark themes and visceral animation. This year marks a significant shift toward psychological depth and atmospheric tension within the genre. The following list showcases the highest quality horror experiences that aired or premiered during this intensive year of animation.

‘Kingdom’ (2012–2025)

This long running epic continues to depict the brutal realities of ancient Chinese warfare with its visceral combat and political intrigue. The series focuses on a young orphan who dreams of becoming a great general while navigating a landscape filled with betrayal and mass conflict. Recent seasons have leaned into the psychological trauma and horror associated with large scale sieges and the loss of life. Its depiction of tactical brilliance amidst chaotic violence makes it a standout for fans of dark historical narratives.

‘The Feast of Amrita’ (2023–2025)

A high school girl encounters strange incidents in her apartment complex that lead to a series of grotesque and supernatural events. The story explores the boundaries of reality as the protagonist witnesses her neighbors transforming into terrifying creatures. This production utilizes a unique art style to enhance the feeling of dread and claustrophobia within the urban setting. It serves as a haunting expansion of the universe established in previous psychological horror projects.

‘Darwin’s Game’ (2020–2025)

A normal student becomes trapped in a high stakes mobile game where players must kill each other using special abilities. The series transitioned into its most recent phase with increased tension and more elaborate death traps. Players are forced to make impossible moral choices to survive the relentless pursuit of psychopathic competitors. The animation highlights the gore and speed of the battles while maintaining a sense of constant peril for the main cast.

‘T・P BON’ (2024–2025)

This series follows a student who joins a time traveling organization tasked with saving people during historical disasters without altering the course of history. The horror elements emerge during visits to some of the most violent and tragic periods of human existence. The protagonists witness firsthand the terror of plague and war as they struggle to complete their missions. It combines science fiction concepts with the grim reality of past atrocities to create a unique viewing experience.

‘Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction’ (2024–2025)

Two teenage girls navigate their daily lives in Tokyo while a massive alien mothership looms over the city. While the series often appears lighthearted it maintains an underlying current of existential dread and societal collapse. The horror is found in the normalization of the alien presence and the slow degradation of human empathy. As the situation escalates the girls face the terrifying possibility of an unavoidable planetary apocalypse.

‘Wistoria: Wand and Sword’ (2024–2025)

In a world where magic is everything a young boy without magical ability must use a sword to survive a dangerous dungeon. The creatures within the lower levels of the tower are designed with nightmarish aesthetics that provide a strong horror influence. He faces overwhelming odds as he encounters eldritch abominations that defy the laws of physics and magic. The contrast between the bright academy setting and the dark depths of the dungeon creates a compelling sense of unease.

‘Bye Bye, Earth’ (2024–2025)

Belle Lablac is the only human in a world populated by animal people who view her as a monster. She journeys through surreal landscapes while fighting off strange beings with a sword that can change its form. The series explores themes of body horror and societal exclusion through Belle’s encounters with grotesque creatures. The atmospheric world building makes every discovery feel both beautiful and deeply unsettling.

‘Mecha-Ude: Mechanical Arms’ (2024–2025)

A student gains a sentient mechanical arm that has its own personality and a mysterious origin related to an alien race. The story takes a dark turn as hostile mechanical entities begin to hunt the protagonist and his friends across the city. There is a strong emphasis on the body horror involved in being fused with alien technology. The battles are fast and brutal with significant consequences for the human hosts involved in the conflict.

‘Monogatari Series: Off & Monster Season’ (2024–2025)

This installment of the long running franchise delves deeper into the strange aberrations that haunt the lives of its supernatural cast. The narrative focus shifts to the darker side of the apparitions and the psychological burdens they place on their victims. Fans enjoy the signature visual flair that makes even the most unsettling scenes look artistically distinct. The dialogue heavy scenes build tension through intricate wordplay and a pervasive sense of supernatural mystery.

‘Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master’ (2024–2025)

Set in a world where people can transform into giant ravens this series follows the political struggles of a royal court. The horror elements appear in the form of cannibalistic monsters and the ancient secrets hidden within the mountain kingdom. The courtly intrigue is often punctuated by sudden acts of violence and terrifying supernatural revelations. It offers a dark take on traditional fantasy tropes by focusing on the primal nature of the raven transformations.

‘Sengoku Youko’ (2024–2025)

Humans and demons clash in a supernatural version of the Sengoku period with massive battles and powerful magic. The story follows a pair of siblings who strive to protect the world from the most malevolent spirits. The horror stems from the detailed designs of the antagonistic demons and the psychological toll of the constant warfare. It blends historical action with dark fantasy elements to create a high stakes narrative of survival.

‘TASUKETSU -Fate of the Majority-‘ (2024–2025)

People are forced into a deadly game where they must vote on who lives and who dies based on specific criteria. The psychological pressure leads to a breakdown of trust and the emergence of extreme cruelty among the participants. The horror is rooted in the social experiments conducted by a mysterious figure who controls the game from the shadows. Each episode increases the stakes as the remaining survivors realize the true nature of their predicament.

‘Delico’s Nursery’ (2024–2025)

This gothic series follows noble vampires who must balance their supernatural duties with the challenges of raising children. Beneath the domestic setting lies a world of dark secrets and ancient blood feuds that threaten the stability of the vampire society. The horror manifests through the inherent violence of the vampire nature and the external threats that target their lineage. It provides a unique blend of supernatural drama and atmospheric suspense.

‘Mayonaka Punch’ (2024–2025)

A group of vampires attempts to become successful content creators while hiding their true identities from the public. While it features comedic elements the series frequently pivots to the danger and bloodlust associated with being a creature of the night. The protagonists must navigate a world that is increasingly hostile toward the supernatural. The tension arises from the constant threat of exposure and the dark urges that the vampires struggle to control.

‘Bucchigiri?!’ (2024–2025)

Delinquents find themselves involved in supernatural battles after encountering powerful spirits that grant them immense strength. The series features aggressive animation and character designs that emphasize the rough and dangerous nature of the underworld. The horror elements come from the vengeful ghosts and the physical transformations that the characters undergo during combat. It creates a high energy environment where every fight feels like a life or death struggle.

‘Ninja Kamui’ (2024–2025)

A former ninja escapes his clan and goes into hiding only to have his family murdered by his former comrades. He returns to his violent past to seek revenge using high tech weaponry and ancient martial arts. The series is known for its intense gore and dark tone as the protagonist hunts down those who betrayed him. The horror lies in the cold and efficient way the ninja killers operate within the modern world.

‘Metallic Rouge’ (2024–2025)

On a futuristic Mars an android girl and her partner hunt down a group of rebellious synthetic beings known as the Immortal Nine. The story features significant body horror as the characters transform into armored combat forms to battle their enemies. The psychological struggle of the androids as they question their humanity adds a layer of depth to the action. The dark sci-fi setting is filled with neon lights and shadowy corners where danger lurks.

‘High Card’ (2023–2025)

Players use magical playing cards to gain supernatural abilities and participate in a secret war for control over the deck. The series features stylized violence and psychological games as the characters bet their lives on the outcome of each encounter. Many of the card abilities have terrifying side effects that distort the user or their environment. The fast paced narrative keeps the audience on edge as the conspiracies behind the cards are revealed.

‘Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest’ (2019–2025)

A bullied student is transported to a fantasy world and betrayed by his classmates before falling into the depths of a lethal dungeon. He survives by consuming the flesh of monsters and gaining their dark powers at the cost of his own humanity. The newest season continues his journey through a world that is hostile to his presence. The series is defined by its focus on survival and the transformation of a victim into a ruthless predator.

‘Ishura’ (2024–2025)

After the death of the Demon King a group of powerful warriors competes to decide who will become the next true hero. Each contestant possesses terrifying abilities that can destroy entire cities in a matter of seconds. The series showcases the horrific collateral damage and psychological impact of their battles on the surviving populace. The dark atmosphere is reinforced by the moral ambiguity of the protagonists as they fight for ultimate power.

‘The Witch and the Beast’ (2024–2025)

A cursed man and a young girl travel across a magical world to find the witch who stole their true identities. Their journey leads them to encounter various supernatural horrors including cursed villages and necromantic experiments. The series features a dark gothic aesthetic and a focus on the more malevolent aspects of magic. The partnership between the two leads is built on a shared desire for revenge against the dark forces of their world.

‘Go! Go! Loser Ranger!’ (2024–2025)

This series subverts the traditional superhero genre by showing that the heroic rangers have actually enslaved the monsters they fight. A low level minion infiltrates the rangers to destroy them from within and reveal the dark truth to the world. The horror elements are found in the grotesque treatment of the monsters and the sociopathic behavior of the heroes. It offers a cynical and violent look at justice and the corruption of power.

‘Lazarus’ (2025)

In the year 2052 a Nobel Prize winning neuroscientist develops a miracle drug that is later revealed to be a slow acting poison. The protagonist must lead a team to find the doctor and a cure before the entire human population dies. The series explores the psychological horror of a society counting down to its own extinction. The high stakes action is matched by the dread of an inevitable medical catastrophe.

‘Link Click’ (2021–2025)

Two friends use their ability to enter photographs to complete dangerous requests for their clients. The supernatural thriller takes a dark turn when their actions in the past begin to have terrifying consequences in the present. They face a mysterious antagonist who shares their powers and uses them for murder and manipulation. The series is praised for its emotional depth and its ability to create heart pounding suspense.

‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ (2008–2025)

A boy who can see spirits inherits a book that allows him to control the supernatural beings listed within it. While many episodes are heartwarming the latest season continues to explore the more frightening and lonely aspects of the spirit world. Some of the spirits are vengeful and terrifying creatures that represent the darker side of Japanese folklore. The series balances beauty and fear as the protagonist seeks to live in harmony with both humans and ghosts.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–2025)

Special fire departments battle the phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion where people turn into living flaming monsters known as Infernals. The series enters its final stages with revelations about the dark origin of the flames and the religious cult seeking to burn the world. The horror of losing one’s humanity to the flames is a constant theme throughout the narrative. The animation of the fire creates a sense of both awe and terrifying destruction.

‘Kaiju No. 8’ (2024–2025)

A man working in a monster cleanup crew gains the ability to transform into a powerful kaiju himself while hiding his identity from the defense force. The series features massive battles against grotesque creatures that threaten to wipe out humanity. The body horror of the protagonist’s transformation is balanced by the high octane action of the defense force. The scale of the destruction and the biological designs of the monsters provide a strong sense of threat.

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2011–2025)

The son of Satan continues his quest to become an exorcist and defeat his father despite the fear and prejudice of his peers. The newest season explores the dark past of the Knights of the True Cross and the emergence of more powerful demons. The series combines high school drama with visceral supernatural battles against the forces of Gehenna. The horror elements are enhanced by the intricate designs of the demon kings and their followers.

‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ (2020–2025)

A high school girl makes a deal with a ghost that haunts the school bathrooms to have her wish granted. The latest season delves into the tragic backstories of the various school wonders and the dark secrets of the supernatural world. The unique art style contrasts with the often grim and violent nature of the ghost stories. The boundaries between the living and the dead become increasingly blurred as the characters face new threats.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024–2025)

Jinwoo Sung continues his rapid growth in power as he faces increasingly lethal dungeons and ancient shadows. The second season features more intense battles against nightmarish creatures that test his mental and physical limits. The horror is found in the brutal nature of the leveling system and the eldritch truths behind the gates. The animation captures the speed and violence of the combat with stunning detail and atmosphere.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023–2025)

A group of criminals and their executioners explore a mysterious island in search of the elixir of life while fighting monstrous deities. The island is filled with grotesque flora and fauna that represent a perverted version of paradise. The second season increases the stakes as more factions arrive and the true nature of the island’s rulers is revealed. The body horror and psychedelic visuals make every encounter feel like a fever dream of violence.

‘Castlevania: Nocturne’ (2023–2025)

Richter Belmont carries on the family tradition of hunting vampires during the height of the French Revolution. The second season features a darker tone as the vampire messiah attempts to enslave humanity through supernatural means. The series is celebrated for its fluid animation and its uncompromising approach to gore and horror. The gothic atmosphere of the revolution provides a perfect backdrop for the visceral vampire combat.

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022–2025)

The conflict between the Soul Reapers and the Quincy reaches its violent conclusion in the latest parts of the adaptation. The series features some of the most creative and terrifying character designs in the history of the franchise. The horror elements are found in the reality warping powers of the antagonists and the extreme violence of the battles. The high production values bring a new level of intensity to the supernatural war.

‘Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World-‘ (2016–2025)

Subaru Natsuki uses his ability to return from death to navigate a fantasy world filled with political intrigue and monstrous threats. The third season features some of the most psychologically taxing arcs for the protagonist as he faces the Archbishops of Sin. The horror stems from the graphic depictions of Subaru’s deaths and the overwhelming power of the enemies he must outsmart. The emotional weight of the constant cycles of failure and success remains a core part of the experience.

‘Dan da dan’ (2024–2025)

A girl who believes in ghosts and a boy who believes in aliens find themselves hunted by both supernatural and extraterrestrial entities. The series is known for its frantic energy and its bizarre creature designs that blend folk horror with science fiction. The characters must work together to reclaim their stolen body parts from vengeful spirits. The animation captures the chaotic and often terrifying nature of their encounters with the unknown.

‘Uzumaki’ (2024–2025)

This adaptation of the legendary manga by Junji Ito depicts a town that becomes obsessed with the shape of the spiral. The residents experience horrific physical and mental transformations as the spiral curse takes over their lives. The black and white animation perfectly captures the unsettling and surreal atmosphere of the original source material. It remains a masterpiece of psychological and body horror that continues to haunt viewers long after the credits roll.

‘Leviathan’ (2025)

Set in a world where bio-engineered monsters fought in the first global war this series follows the crew of a massive airship. The horror elements emerge from the sentient biological weapons that still haunt the skies and the ruins of the old world. The characters must survive encounters with eldritch beings that were designed solely for destruction. The atmospheric animation and dark historical setting create a unique sense of scale and dread.

‘Devil May Cry’ (2025)

The legendary demon hunter Dante returns to take on the forces of hell in this high octane action horror series. The show features a dark and stylish aesthetic with a focus on the brutal combat between Dante and various demonic entities. The horror is found in the visceral designs of the monsters and the bleak nature of the human world they invade. The animation captures the speed and power of the supernatural battles with a focus on stylized violence.

‘Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc’ (2025)

Denji encounters a mysterious girl named Reze who turns out to be a powerful hybrid capable of massive explosions. The film explores the dark and tragic nature of their relationship amidst the violent world of devil hunting. The horror stems from the visceral transformations and the cold reality of the life of a public safety officer. The high production values enhance the intensity of the battles and the emotional weight of the story.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle’ (2019–2025)

The final confrontation between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan Kibutsuji begins within the shifting dimensions of the Infinity Castle. The demons within the castle possess terrifying and unique abilities that push the heroes to the brink of death. The horror is amplified by the high stakes and the gruesome fate of those who fall in battle. The animation continues to set the standard for the industry with its breathtaking depictions of supernatural combat.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–2025)

The world is thrown into chaos as ancient sorcerers are revived to participate in a deadly ritual of mutual destruction. The series features some of the most disturbing and creative supernatural powers in modern anime. The horror lies in the sudden and violent deaths of the participants and the dark consequences of the Culling Game on society. The psychological toll on the main characters is depicted with raw intensity as they fight for their lives.

Please share your thoughts on these horror series and which ones kept you up at night in the comments.