Serial killer anime offer a gripping blend of suspense, horror, and intense psychological thrills. These shows delve deep into the minds of both the murderers and those who try to stop them, creating some of the most nail-biting and intriguing viewing experiences in anime. Whether you’re drawn to supernatural elements, deep psychological twists, or chilling dystopian settings, this list on Animeking has it all.
Let’s dive into the top 10 serial killer anime you won’t want to miss!
10. Paranoia Agent
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.67
- Japanese Title: Mōsō Dairinin (Paranoia/Delusion Agent)
- Creator: Satoshi Kon
- Studio: Madhouse
- Number of Episodes: 13
Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent is a mind-bending series with deep psychological layers. Known for his thought-provoking movies, Kon’s only TV series follows an investigation into a mysterious baseball bat-wielding boy called Li’l Slugger. As Tokyo descends into paranoia, the show explores the societal effects of fear, making it a chilling ride from start to finish.
9. The Kubikiri Cycle
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.75
- Japanese Title: Kubikiri Cycle: Aoiro Savant to Zaregotozukai
- Creator: NisioIsiN
- Studio: Shaft
- Number of Episodes: 8
NisioIsiN, famous for the Monogatari series, presents an ironic murder mystery set in a luxurious island retreat. The Kubikiri Cycle tells the story of a sickly genius hosting other scholars, one of whom turns up dead. The genius minds try to solve the brutal murder, but this mind-twisting series is as much about human frailty as it is about logic.
8. Tokyo Ghoul
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.79
- Japanese Title: Tokyo Ghoul
- Studio: Pierrot
- Number of Episodes: 24
- Release Date: July 4, 2014
Tokyo Ghoul is a dark and gory tale that explores the existence of human-ghoul hybrids. After receiving an organ transplant from a ghoul, Ken Kaneki must navigate both human society and the violent, flesh-eating world of ghouls. With plenty of serial killer ghouls lurking in the shadows, this anime offers a grim reflection on identity, survival, and fear.
7. ID: Invaded
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.82
- Japanese Title: ID: INVADED
- Director: Ei Aoki
- Studio: NAZ
- Number of Episodes: 13
This anime stands out with its Philip K. Dick-esque concept. Using the Mizuhanome System, detectives dive into criminals’ minds to solve murders. Akihito Narihisago, a former detective, enters these twisted worlds to uncover the truth about a series of murders. The psychological depth and immersive world-building make ID: Invaded a must-watch for fans of Psycho-Pass.
6. Higurashi: When They Cry
- MyAnimeList Score: 7.88
- Japanese Title: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
- Studio: Studio Deen, Passione
- Number of Episodes: 100
- Release Date: April 5, 2006
Don’t be fooled by the cute and idyllic setting of Higurashi: When They Cry. Beneath its surface lies a gripping horror story involving gruesome murders and dark village secrets. As the plot unfolds, the paranoia intensifies, with each character hiding dangerous secrets. Its blend of mystery and horror makes it one of the best psychological thrillers in anime.
5. Erased
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.30
- Japanese Title: Boku dake ga Inai Machi
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Release Date: January 8, 2016
In Erased, Satoru Fujinuma has the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. When he’s accused of his mother’s murder, he’s sent back to his childhood in 1988, tasked with saving his childhood friend and preventing a string of kidnappings. The combination of mystery, time travel, and serial killer thrills makes Erased unforgettable.
4. Psycho-Pass
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.33
- Japanese Title: Psycho-Pass
- Studio: Production I.G, Tatsunoko Production
- Number of Episodes: 41
- Release Date: October 12, 2012
Set in a dystopian future where society is governed by the Sibyl System, which monitors and arrests citizens based on their mental state, Psycho-Pass explores the concept of justice in a corrupt system. The story follows rookie Inspector Akane and her Enforcer, Shinya, as they confront criminals and serial killers in a world where intent is everything.
3. Perfect Blue
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.55
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- Studio: Madhouse
- Release Date: February 28, 1998
Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller that dives deep into themes of identity and the impact of fame. As idol-turned-actress Mima deals with a dangerous stalker and the pressures of her new career, the boundaries between reality and delusion blur. The murders that follow are just one piece of this chilling psychological puzzle.
2. Death Note
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.62
- Japanese Title: Death Note
- Studio: Madhouse
- Number of Episodes: 37
- Release Date: October 4, 2006
Death Note tells the story of Light Yagami, a high school student who stumbles upon a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. What begins as a quest for justice turns into a god-complex as Light transforms into a serial killer, pursued by the genius detective L. This iconic series is a masterclass in suspense.
1. Monster
- MyAnimeList Score: 8.88
- Japanese Title: Monster
- Studio: Madhouse
- Number of Episodes: 74
- Release Date: April 7, 2004
Monster stands at the pinnacle of serial killer anime. After Japanese surgeon Kenzo Tenma saves a young boy named Johan, he learns that the boy grows up to become a monstrous serial killer. Torn by guilt, Kenzo pursues Johan across Europe, trying to stop his reign of terror. This gripping, psychological thriller will keep you on edge with its intricate plot and chilling characters.
