Anime Horror Movies That Will Scare You Out of Your Pants
From mind-bending narratives to bloodcurdling violence, anime horror has a lot to offer. From classics like Death Note to a recent hit that dives into the intricacies of a cursed town, these anime movies are sure to scare you out of your pants.
Paprika explores the psychological trauma of dream manipulation, while Perfect Blue examines the effects of fame and fandom on an idol singer who wants to switch careers. And for those with a taste for more sophisticated violence, Devilman Crybaby delivers.
Higurashi: When They Cry
When you think of anime horror, there’s one show that most fans will instantly mention – Higurashi. It’s a dark, psychological thriller full of great kill scenes and disturbing imagery that makes you question your own grasp on reality.
It tells the story of the village of Hinamizawa and the mysterious deaths that occur there. Its brutal scenes and great mysteries are what put it on the map as a true horror franchise.
It also has a sense of depravity that isn’t often seen in other shows. It often lingers on the scenes of violence and death, almost reveling in the horror. Many have praised it as a true masterpiece of the genre and a must-watch for all anime fans. Its new adaptation by Studio Passione is currently airing on Funimation.
Perfect Blue
One of the most famous anime films to gain wide international recognition, this 1997 psychological horror film is a creepy and disturbing exploration of identity. It features the eponymous Mima, a former pop star who’s pursued by an obsessed fan. In a way, the film presents a dark and disturbing commentary on toxic fandom, in which supposed fans can be so demanding of the works they claim to love that they turn into cruel and vicious trolls.
It also looks at celebrity culture and the societal obsession with it before modern extensions like social media influencers became commonplace. While it’s heavy on style and sometimes deliberately confusing, Perfect Blue’s mind-bending narrative is a fascinating and gripping piece of animation. It’s no wonder that Darren Aronofsky paid for the rights to use a scene from this film in his own Black Swan.
Death Note
While most people think of live action gore fests when it comes to horror anime, the genre actually has a lot to offer in terms of deranged tales.
17-year-old Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that grants him godlike powers. He quickly understands the rules: anyone whose name is written in the Death Note will die. He uses the book to slay criminals and wreak havoc. He also attracts the attention of a meticulous mastermind detective known as L.
The show is a sleuth and killer flick with a climactic clash between the two protagonists. The show has been criticized for plagiarizing a manga called Fushigi na Techou (The Miraculous Book), but there is nothing wrong with taking inspiration for your work. The show has also been criticized for its abrupt time skips and the characterization of Near and Mello, who resemble the show’s creator, Takeshi Obata.
Another
Usually anime is known for blood and gore but there are some scary anime that are not necessarily about bloodshed. This one is a psychological horror show that revolves around a curse that kills people in the most horrifying ways possible. It is a tense and suspenseful series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Another is also an excellent choice for those who want to see a good horror anime without any gore. It has a fast-paced story that will have you hooked from the start. It is a great anime to watch with a group of friends and will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is filled with terrifying deaths and plot twists that will leave you wanting more.
Belladonna of Sadness
Although anime’s malleability allows it to transcend any genre, it is at its most potent when it satisfies horror cravings with images of bloody gore and sex. But it can also make the viewer uncomfortable by snatching horror from the jaws of lasciviousness, as in the case of the 1973 Japanese anime film Belladonna of Sadness.
This eerie artistic film follows the tragic story of Jeanne, a peasant girl who is gang-raped by her village’s land baron during her wedding night for failing to pay marriage taxes. To save her family, she makes a pact with the Devil that grants her wealth and power as the village money-lender but also condemns her to a miserable death. A psychedelic hodgepodge of ideas that straddles the line between Faustian fantasy and feminist screed, it is a difficult but essential work.