If you’re into anime that melts your brain, shatters your trust, and leaves you dramatically whispering “No way… it was THEM?!”—congrats, you’re in the right place. We’re diving into some of the best mystery anime out there, where every twist hits like a betrayal and every clue has you second-guessing your own memory.
Mystery anime is the ultimate genre for fans of twists, tension, and ten-outta-ten “WHAT IS HAPPENING” moments. Whether it’s a slow-burn psychological thriller or a fast-paced supernatural whodunnit, these shows will keep you glued to the screen—and questioning everyone’s motives.
So grab your detective notebook (or just snacks, let’s be real), and dive into our list of the best mystery anime that deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Watch Mystery Anime Now: Crunchyroll | Netflix | Hulu
🕵️♀️ Mystery Anime TV Shows: Twists, Turns, and Trust Issues
Murder. Mind games. Missing memories. If you’re into anime that makes you think—or scream at your screen at 2am—this one’s for you.
Mystery anime is where plot twists thrive and no one is safe (emotionally or physically). Whether it’s a high-stakes psychological battle, a creepy small-town cover-up, or a detective who probably skipped sleep for three days straight, these shows know how to keep you guessing.
From iconic classics to underrated gems, here’s a list of the best mystery anime series that serve suspense, spice, and sometimes straight-up existential dread. 🍜
Let the binge-watching begin—but maybe keep the lights on. Just in case.
1. Death Note (2006)
Genre: Psychological thriller, supernatural mystery
Episodes: 37
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
The king of psychological chess matches. High schooler Light Yagami stumbles across a mysterious notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it (yes, it’s that dramatic). With a god complex the size of Japan, he sets out to create a utopia by offing criminals—until he’s hunted by L, an eccentric detective with serious sugar cravings and zero social skills.
It’s intense. It’s iconic. It’s literally murder. Think cat-and-mouse, but with death gods, fake names, and enough twists to snap your neck.
Watch if you like: Genius rivalries, moral dilemmas, dramatic monologues in the rain.
2. Erased (Boku Dake ga Inai Machi, 2016)
Genre: Supernatural mystery, time travel, thriller
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Imagine waking up in your 10-year-old body… and knowing someone’s about to be murdered. That’s Satoru’s life. After a tragic event in the present, he’s sent back to the past with a chance to stop a childhood classmate’s disappearance—and maybe fix his own broken future in the process.
Tense, emotional, and beautifully animated, Erased is a rollercoaster of nostalgia, dread, and “OMG I THINK I KNOW WHO DID IT.” Short, sharp, and hits you right in the feels.
Watch if you like: Time travel with consequences, childhood trauma, and yelling “TELL AN ADULT!!” at your screen.
3. Monster (2004)
Genre: Psychological thriller, crime mystery
Episodes: 74
Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
What happens when doing the right thing turns out very wrong? Dr. Kenzo Tenma saves a young boy’s life instead of a mayor’s… and years later, that boy becomes a literal serial killer. Whoops. Cue one of anime’s most terrifying slow-burn mysteries.
Monster is dark, cerebral, and more “HBO drama” than traditional anime. It’s a winding European-set story of morality, identity, and one extremely polite murderer. Buckle in—it’s a long one, but absolutely worth the ride.
Watch if you like: Gritty true crime vibes, morally grey everything, and brainy slow-burns with payoff.
4. The Promised Neverland (2019)
Genre: Horror mystery, psychological thriller
Episodes: 12 (Season 1 only—trust us)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
Perfect kids. Perfect orphanage. Perfect lies. Emma, Norman, and Ray live the good life—until one night, they discover the real reason they’re not allowed to leave. And it’s… a lot.
Season 1 is a masterclass in tension. Think stealth missions, mind games, and a clock constantly ticking toward doom. DO NOT Google the spoilers. DO NOT watch season 2 (seriously).
Watch if you like: Creepy secrets, brainy kids outwitting adults, and screaming “RUN!” at 2am.
5. Paranoia Agent (Mousou Dairinin, 2004)
Genre: Surreal mystery, psychological horror
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Satoshi Kon said “Let’s make anxiety an anime,” and Paranoia Agent was born. A mysterious figure called Lil’ Slugger is attacking people with a golden baseball bat… but it’s not just a whodunnit. It’s a what-is-even-happening.
Each episode peels back layers of urban fear, personal trauma, and collective denial. It’s weird, it’s brilliant, and it’ll leave you googling theories at 3am with wide eyes.
Watch if you like: Black Mirror, unreliable narrators, and questioning your grip on reality.
6. Hyouka (2012)
Genre: Slice-of-life mystery, school drama
Episodes: 22
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Not all mysteries involve serial killers—some just need an extremely lazy teen with Sherlock Holmes-level deduction skills. Oreki Houtarou doesn’t want to solve mysteries. But he keeps accidentally doing it.
Hyouka is quiet, charming, and surprisingly deep. School club mysteries, local legends, and tiny personal secrets become oddly compelling when told through stunning animation and smart storytelling.
Watch if you like: Low-stakes puzzles, deadpan detectives, and beautiful vibes with brains.
7. Another (2012)
Genre: Horror mystery, supernatural thriller
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Welcome to Class 3-3. Try not to die. Literally. When Kouichi transfers to a new school, he notices something’s… off. The students avoid a certain girl, no one wants to talk about a past tragedy, and then the deaths start. Final Destination-style.
Another is campy, creepy, and packed with “what just happened??” moments. Come for the mystery, stay for the umbrella scene that lives rent-free in every anime fan’s head.
Watch if you like: Ghost stories, cursed classes, and creative (read: gruesome) death scenes.
8. The Perfect Insider (Subete ga F ni Naru, 2015)
Genre: Locked-room mystery, psychological, thriller
Episodes: 11
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
One genius professor, one creepy island lab, one unsolvable murder. When a brilliant but reclusive scientist is found dead inside a locked, high-security room, it’s up to moody college student Souhei and sassy prodigy Moe to crack the case.
Slick visuals, philosophical dialogue, and a genuinely twisty plot make this one a hidden gem. A bit of a slow burn, but the payoff is satisfying if you love classic mystery setups.
Watch if you like: Locked-room murders, stylish crime dramas, and solving puzzles before the characters do.
9. Odd Taxi (2021)
Genre: Noir mystery, psychological drama
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
A socially awkward walrus taxi driver. A missing girl. A world full of talking animals with very human secrets. Odd Taxi sounds ridiculous, but trust us—it’s one of the smartest, sharpest mysteries out there.
What starts as quirky slice-of-life turns into a masterfully plotted crime thriller, full of interconnected stories and chef’s kiss foreshadowing. Bonus: the ending sticks the landing. Hard.
Watch if you like: Pulp fiction energy, plot twists galore, and animal characters that act more real than most humans.
10. Psycho-Pass (2012)
Genre: Cyberpunk, sci-fi mystery, crime
Episodes: 22 (Season 1)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
In a dystopian future where your brain can be scanned for “crime potential,” rookie cop Akane joins a unit that hunts people before they do anything wrong. One problem: the system isn’t as perfect as it seems.
Psycho-Pass blends action with philosophical questions, brutal cases, and one seriously iconic villain. It’s moody, stylish, and will leave you questioning your moral compass.
Watch if you like: Minority Report, ethical dilemmas, and a side of existential dread with your justice system.
11. Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Genre: Psychological, sci-fi, cyber-mystery
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
“Who is Lain?” is the question, and you might not be the same after trying to answer it. When shy schoolgirl Lain starts receiving emails from a classmate who supposedly died, her world fractures—blurring the lines between the real world and the Wired (basically proto-internet).
Trippy, cryptic, and cult-classic weird, Lain is less about solving a mystery and more about experiencing one. Definitely not for casual watching, but deeply rewarding if you’re in the mood to Think™.
Watch if you like: Brain-melting symbolism, glitchy vibes, and conspiracy-core aesthetics.
12. Case Closed (Detective Conan, ongoing)
Genre: Classic mystery, crime, detective
Episodes: Literally 1000+ (but start anywhere!)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (selected episodes)
He’s a teenage detective turned into a child by a shady drug—because anime. Shinichi Kudo becomes Conan Edogawa and solves crimes while pretending to be an average kid. Which means murder. Lots and lots of murder.
Case Closed is a long-running legend with every type of mystery under the sun: locked rooms, poisoned tea, secret codes, and elaborate revenge plots. Campy? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
Watch if you like: Classic whodunnits, Agatha Christie energy, and solving weekly murders with a pint-sized detective.
13. Elfen Lied (2004)
Genre: Psychological horror, mystery, sci-fi
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Naked girl with invisible telekinetic arms escapes from a lab and goes on a murder rampage. Sound chaotic? Oh, it is. But beneath all the gore and flying limbs, Elfen Lied is a tragic mystery about identity, trauma, and humanity.
Lucy may be a sweet amnesiac one moment and a bloodthirsty killer the next—but why? And who created her? As the story unfolds, the secrets of the sinister research facility and Lucy’s past start to unravel. Brutal, emotional, unforgettable.
Watch if you like: Dark origin stories, disturbing secrets, and anime that punches you in the feelings (and the face).
14. Death Parade (2015)
Genre: Psychological, supernatural mystery
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
When you die, you don’t go to heaven or hell—you go to a bar. And you play a game to determine your soul’s fate. Sounds fun, until you realize the games are messed up and the bartender judging you has a deadpan stare and an existential crisis.
Death Parade is gorgeous, emotional, and packed with slow-burn mystery as it explores what makes people tick. The episodic cases are all mini mind-games, but there’s a deeper arc that’ll have you questioning morality, memory, and what it means to be human.
Watch if you like: Morally grey vibes, stylish purgatory, and crying about strangers you just met 20 minutes ago.
15. Banana Fish (2018)
Genre: Crime thriller, mystery, drama
Episodes: 24
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Don’t let the name fool you—there’s nothing fruity about Banana Fish. This is a gritty crime drama wrapped in government conspiracies, underground gangs, and a chemical mystery that’ll keep you guessing (and stressing).
Ash Lynx is a street-smart teen caught in a web of corruption and secrets, trying to uncover what Banana Fish actually is—while protecting the one person who sees him as more than a weapon. Brutal and beautiful in equal measure.
Watch if you like: Gritty crime mysteries, emotional gut-punches, and characters you’ll sob over for weeks.
16. Danganronpa: The Animation (2013)
Genre: Murder mystery, psychological, high-stakes game
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Sixteen elite students locked inside a high school by a homicidal teddy bear. The only way out? Kill a classmate and get away with it. Welcome to Danganronpa—where each murder is a mystery, and every trial is a wild ride of lies, logic, and despair.
It’s based on a visual novel, so expect big personalities, dramatic courtroom showdowns, and a mascot that’s 50% cute, 50% evil, and 100% chaotic. Think Ace Attorney meets Battle Royale with a pink blood aesthetic.
Watch if you like: Death games, plot twists, and solving murders while your classmates spiral into stylish madness.
17. Heavenly Delusion (2023)
Genre: Sci-fi mystery, post-apocalyptic, psychological
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney+
Inside the walls: kids being raised in a pristine facility. Outside the walls: chaos, monsters, and mystery. Heavenly Delusion jumps between two timelines that seem unrelated—until they’re very much related.
This one’s got secrets buried under secrets, world-building that unfolds like a puzzle box, and a plot that’ll make you gasp, then rewind. Also: terrifying “man-eaters” and major emotional gut-punches. Buckle in.
Watch if you like: Dystopian puzzles, found family, and slowly losing your mind (in a good way).
18. Moriarty the Patriot (2020–2021)
Genre: Historical mystery, crime, drama
Episodes: 24
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
What if Sherlock Holmes’ greatest enemy was… the hero? This stylish retelling flips the script and gives us a Moriarty who’s less “twirling his mustache” and more “burning down the corrupt aristocracy with style.”
Expect sharp suits, sharper minds, and murder with a moral purpose. Bonus points for Sherlock also being hot and chaotic.
Watch if you like: Anti-heroes, British murder vibes, and morally complex crime drama with flair.
19. Higurashi: When They Cry (2006 / 2020 reboot)
Genre: Horror, psychological mystery
Episodes: So many. OG series: 26 episodes. Reboot + sequel: 39+
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Welcome to Hinamizawa, population: secrets, paranoia, and the occasional extremely bloody murder. What starts as a cute countryside slice-of-life goes full-on psychological horror with time loops, conspiracies, and friends going stabby.
You’ll ask “what’s happening?” a lot. And then you’ll love it for messing with your brain.
Watch if you like: Cute girls, terrifying deaths, and mystery that spirals into madness.
20. Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope’s Peak High School (2016)
Genre: Murder mystery, psychological, action
Episodes: 24 (divided into Future Arc, Despair Arc, and Hope Arc)
Where to Watch: Funimation
Not to be confused with Danganronpa: The Animation, this is the chaotic finale that ties everything from the games and anime together. Split into two parallel arcs, it’s a death game + backstory sandwich, topped with emotional breakdowns and Monokuma-brand mayhem.
Definitely not entry-level Danganronpa, but if you’re already in the fandom? It’s required viewing.
Watch if you like: Mind-bending timelines, emotional closure (sort of), and stylish suffering.
21. Tokyo Ghoul (2014)
Genre: Dark fantasy, horror, psychological mystery
Episodes: 12 (plus multiple seasons/spinoffs)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
Kaneki just wanted to go on a date. Instead, he gets turned into a half-ghoul and dragged into an underground world of violence, identity crises, and shady government secrets.
Season 1 is a standout blend of mystery and horror, as Kaneki tries to survive in both the human and ghoul worlds—and figure out who he really is.
Watch if you like: Brooding boys, urban horror, and the slow unravelling of sanity.
22. Kakegurui (2017)
Genre: Psychological, gambling, high school drama
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Netflix
It’s not murder, but it is insane. Welcome to Hyakkaou Academy, where your social standing depends on how well you can bluff, cheat, and bet your literal life in high-stakes games.
Yumeko Jabami? A gambling goddess in pigtails who gets off on risk. And every match is a deliciously over-the-top mental showdown.
Watch if you like: Chaos queens, intense showdowns, and faces so dramatic they belong in a telenovela.
23. Bungou Stray Dogs (2016–present)
Genre: Supernatural mystery, action, detective
Episodes: 60+ (ongoing)
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
What do you get when you throw a bunch of depressed authors into a detective agency and give them supernatural powers? Literary drama and supernatural chaos.
Each arc dives into mysteries—often with a side of trauma, poetry, and power battles. Bonus: characters are named after real-life writers, so it’s technically educational.
Watch if you like: Found families, dramatic monologues, and supernatural crime-solving with literary flair.
24. ID: Invaded (2020)
Genre: Sci-fi mystery, psychological, crime
Episodes: 13
Where to Watch: Funimation
Inside the minds of killers lies a digital dreamscape—twisted, abstract, and full of clues. Enter Sakaido, a detective who literally dives into “id wells” to solve murders from within the subconscious.
It’s Inception meets Criminal Minds, with stunning visuals and a haunting mystery at its core.
Watch if you like: Sci-fi puzzles, layered storytelling, and wondering if you need therapy after every episode.
🎬 Mystery Anime Movies: Short, Sharp, and Seriously Twisted
Not ready to commit to 12 episodes of stress? That’s okay. Mystery anime films pack all the tension, emotion, and what did I just watch energy into a single sitting.
We’re talking psychological thrillers, dreamy sci-fi puzzles, bittersweet dramas with a twist—these movies don’t waste a second. One moment you’re vibing with a high schooler, next thing you know you’re unraveling a conspiracy in their subconscious. Classic anime.
Whether you want mind-bending visuals, emotional gut punches, or a little slice of mystery with your melancholy, these anime films are tight, tense, and totally rewatchable.
Perfect for your next movie night—just don’t expect easy answers.
25. Perfect Blue (1997)
Genre: Psychological thriller, mystery, horror
Runtime: 81 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Apple TV
A pop idol retires to become an actress—but her new career comes with a stalker, hallucinations, and a crumbling grip on reality. Perfect Blue blurs the line between fantasy and truth so well, it’ll leave you questioning everything.
A haunting masterpiece by Satoshi Kon, and a major influence on films like Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream.
Watch if you like: Psychological mind-benders, unreliable narration, and anime that gets under your skin.
26. Paprika (2006)
Genre: Sci-fi mystery, psychological thriller
Runtime: 90 minutes
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
Dreams are no longer private. With the DC Mini, therapists can literally walk through your subconscious. But when the tech goes rogue? Yeah, things get surreal fast.
From the legendary Satoshi Kon, Paprika is a dazzling, mind-warping trip that inspired Inception—but wilder, weirder, and more unapologetically anime.
Watch if you like: Trippy visuals, dream logic, and that sweet spot between genius and chaos.
27. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)
Genre: Sci-fi romance, mystery, coming-of-age
Runtime: 98 minutes
Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Makoto gains the power to time travel, and uses it for super important things—like skipping school or getting to dessert faster. But then things get serious, and every leap has consequences.
This one’s sweet, emotional, and full of little mysteries that unfold beautifully. Bittersweet and brilliant.
Watch if you like: Time travel with heart, teen angst, and quiet unravelings.
28. Detective Conan: The Darkest Nightmare (2016)
Genre: Mystery, action, crime
Runtime: 112 minutes
Where to Watch: Amazon, Tubi
You could pick any Conan movie and get your mystery fix, but Darkest Nightmare is a standout. It’s got amnesia, undercover spies, secret organizations, and—of course—Conan doing what he does best: solving crimes in a bowtie.
High stakes, twists, and a surprisingly emotional core. Plus, car chases. Lots of car chases.
Watch if you like: Classic whodunnits, suave kids, and mystery with flair.
29. A Silent Voice (2016)
Genre: Drama, slice of life, emotional mystery
Runtime: 130 minutes
Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Not a mystery in the crime sense, but there’s an emotional mystery at its heart: Why do we hurt the people we care about? And can we ever make it right?
This one unpacks guilt, forgiveness, and healing through the story of a boy trying to make amends for bullying a deaf classmate. Beautiful, painful, and quietly powerful.
Watch if you like: Crying into your hoodie, nuanced characters, and stories that stick with you.
30. The Case of Hana & Alice (2015)
Genre: Mystery, slice of life, comedy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Where to Watch: HIDIVE, Prime Video
A girl transfers to a new school and stumbles onto a bizarre rumor about a murder. What follows is a quirky, heartwarming amateur investigation by two teenage girls with chaotic energy and endearing awkwardness.
It’s a coming-of-age mystery with a soft vibe and stunning rotoscope animation.
Watch if you like: Low-stakes mysteries, lovable weirdos, and a gentle tone with surprising depth.
🧭 If You Love Mystery Anime, Try These Genres Next
Mystery anime fans are a special breed. You crave plot twists, tension, morally grey characters, and just the right amount of emotional damage. So what next, once you’ve unravelled all the whodunnits and conspiracy plots?
Here are some genres that hit those same vibes—with a twist:
🔪 Psychological Thriller
Mind games? Manipulative characters? Reality slowly unraveling? Yes please.
Try: Paranoia Agent, Monster, Texhnolyze, Kaiji
🎭 Drama with Dark Secrets
Not every mystery needs a murder—sometimes it’s emotional trauma in disguise.
Try: March Comes in Like a Lion, Orange, A Silent Voice, Your Lie in April (it’s not what you think!)
🚪 Supernatural / Paranormal
Ghosts, curses, and other creepy things that go bump in the narrative.
Try: Another, Noragami, Parasyte: The Maxim, Mob Psycho 100
🧠 Sci-Fi with Twists
When your mystery comes with tech, time travel, or other science-adjacent chaos.
Try: Steins;Gate, Ergo Proxy, Serial Experiments Lain, Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song
💀 Horror (But Smart)
Mystery anime already flirts with fear—horror turns it into a full relationship.
Try: Hellsing Ultimate, Shiki, Hell Girl, Yamishibai
💬 People Also Asked: Mystery Anime Edition
You’ve got questions. The anime community has opinions. And Google has thoughts. We dug into the most-Googled mystery anime queries and answered them with our usual mix of sass, sincerity, and serious recommendation energy. Let’s go:
🎯 Which is the best mysterious anime?
Depends on your flavour of chaos.
If you want iconic? Death Note.
Twisty but emotional? Erased.
Short and punchy? Death Parade.
Completely unhinged? Higurashi: When They Cry.
There’s no single winner, but Death Note and Monster are the usual suspects at the top of fan lists. Both will leave your brain fried—in the best way.
🧩 What is the biggest mystery in anime?
Honestly? Half of Serial Experiments Lain.
But if we’re talking fandom obsession, Attack on Titan delivered massive mysteries that unraveled over multiple seasons—what’s in the basement, who are the Titans, and what even is freedom?
Other contenders:
– Steins;Gate’s butterfly effect chaos
– The Promised Neverland’s farm-to-fear plot
– Paranoia Agent’s very confused reality
Mystery is more than murder—it’s about WTF is going on here? energy. And anime excels at that.
🌍 Who is the world No. 1 anime?
Oooh, spicy.
Statistically? One Piece dominates globally in viewership and sales.
Culturally? Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Attack on Titan are right up there.
But in the mystery anime realm? Death Note still reigns supreme as the gateway drug for psychological thrillers.
There’s no official crown, but plenty of fan wars.
🫣 What anime has a lot of suspense?
The kind where you hold your breath and forget to blink? We gotchu:
– Monster (slow-burn tension done right)
– Paranoia Agent (creeps up on you—literally)
– Perfect Blue (you’ll question reality)
– Tokyo Ghoul (gory, tragic, high-stakes)
– Made in Abyss (don’t let the cute fool you)
If you like to suffer emotionally in HD, these are your best bets.
🔎 Case Closed… For Now
From death gods with notebooks to detectives with a flair for drama (and sugar), the world of mystery anime is packed with twists, turns, and total brain-melters. Whether you’re here for the psychological warfare, the dark secrets, or just love yelling “WHAT?!” at your screen at 2am—we salute you.
But don’t stop here. 🕵️♀️
We’ve got plenty more anime lists for you to deep-dive into next—whether you’re craving chaos, romance, vibes, or violence (anime-style, of course).
👉 Ready to keep the binge going? Check out our other anime lists and recommendations right here.