Get ready for a spooky Halloween season with these 10 Halloween anime series and special episodes, spanning psychological thrillers, ghost stories, body horror, and supernatural mysteries.
The spooky season is just around the corner, and what better way to get into the mood than with some eerie, unsettling, and delightfully creepy Halloween anime? From ghost stories to body horror, these series span the horror genre with psychological thrills, gruesome visuals, and supernatural mysteries that are perfect for October nights.
Halloween-themed anime often feature supernatural creatures, 'ghosts' , and eerie atmospheres.
Shows like 'Tokyo Ghoul' and 'Parasyte' explore the darker side of human nature.
'“The Count of Monte Cristo”' is a science fiction take on Victor Hugo's classic novel, set in a futuristic world with a Halloween-like atmosphere.
These anime series offer a unique blend of horror and fantasy elements, making them perfect for fans of the holiday.
For fans of psychological thrillers and horror anime, there’s no shortage of options. One standout series is Death Note, which follows a high school student who discovers a notebook that lets him kill people just by writing their names. This chilling premise blends elements of psychological thriller and horror to explore power, justice, and corruption.
Light Yagami, a high school student, discovers the Death Note, a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it.
He uses this power to create a utopian society without crime.
On the other hand, L, a genius detective, tries to catch Light.
The two engage in a cat-and-mouse game, with L using his exceptional observational skills and Light relying on his intelligence and strategic thinking.
Their battle of wits raises questions about morality, justice, and the nature of evil.
Another must-watch is Parasyte: The Maxim, which tells the story of a high schooler whose right hand gets taken over by a parasite. With its blend of body horror, philosophical themes, and sharp character arcs, this anime delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense and some very gross (but amazing) scenes.
Parasyte: The Maxim is a Japanese science fiction horror novel by Hitoshi Iwaaki.
Published in 1988, it was later adapted into an anime series in 2014.
The story revolves around Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes host to a shape-shifting parasitic creature known as 'Migi'.
As they navigate their unusual bond, they must confront the consequences of a mysterious parasite that invades human hosts and threatens humanity's existence.
The novel explores themes of identity, coexistence, and the blurred lines between humans and parasites.
For those who prefer a more atmospheric approach to horror, Another is a slow-burn ghost story with a high school twist. When a new student arrives at the school, strange and deadly accidents begin plaguing the class, setting off a chain of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Fans of weird and disturbing tales will love Junji Ito Collection, an anthology series based on the iconic manga creator’s most unsettling works. Each episode adapts a short story from Ito’s twisted urban legends to eerie supernatural phenomena, making it essential viewing for anime fans who love the horror genre.
For something spooky but also fun, Soul Eater is a great choice. Set at a school for weapons and their human wielders, this show has witches, reapers, and tons of eerie charm. With its bold animation, memorable characters, and mix of comedy and creepiness, it’s the perfect pick if you want something spooky without losing your sense of humor.
Perfect Blue is a psychological horror classic that tells the story of a pop idol’s descent into paranoia and identity crisis after changing her career. With its surrealism, violence, and suspense, this title lingers long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological horror.
In Death Parade, people arrive at a mysterious bar where their souls are judged through unsettling games. This haunting series offers a mix of emotional depth, philosophical musings, and twisted scenarios that keep viewers questioning what it means to live a good life.
For fans of extreme horror, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is a short but brutal ride through a nightmarish alternate realm. Based on a horror video game, this anime doesn’t hold back on the gore, making it a great choice for those who love a good scare.
While not a horror anime overall, Cowboy Bebop‘s ‘Toys in the Attic‘ episode is a Halloween-themed episode that features a mysterious creature stalking the spaceship Bebop and infecting its crew. This stylish, sci-fi homage to classic horror films offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor, and taut storytelling.
Finally, Tokyo Ghoul blends different genres, such as horror and fantasy, to create something that is both chilling and unique for a Halloween screening. In an alternative-reality version of Tokyo, humans and ghouls share an uneasy co-existence, setting off a chain of events that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Whether you’re an anime veteran or just looking for something kinda scary to watch this Halloween season, these series have got you covered. So dim the lights, grab some candy, and get ready to dive into the world of spooky anime!
- howstuffworks.com | 10 Halloween Anime Series and Special Episodes for Superfans
