From old ghost stories to today’s urban legends, there is something about Japanese horror that just has more of a nope factor than western horror.
For those less familiar with Japanese horror you might associate it with films like The Grudge or The Ring and if you’ve seen the Japanese versions then you know that Japanese horror is no joke.
Halloween may have come and gone, but that won’t stop horror fans from seeking out the spookiest shows out there, and with that in mind, why not give Japanese horror a watch?
If you’re an anime fan already or if you’re just a bit curious and looking for something a little different – here are 5 horror anime series that you should binge right now.
Hellsing
Starting off with an anime horror classic, Hellsing has all the classic vampire lore all wrapped up in one anime.
Blood, monsters, vampires, ghouls and of course that anime action that we all love. Don’t let Halloween Season pass without a good Hellsing fix and if you’ve watched it a few times over already how could we not give an honourable mention to Hellsing Ultimate? Happy hunting!
Where to Watch? –
You can find both Hellsing and Hellsing Ultimate at the following streaming services; (sorry US audience no Hellsing on Netflix, however, you do have Ultimate). Hulu, Netflix, Funimation, and Crunchyroll.
Tokyo Ghoul
If you’re into the whole half-human half-monster story trope, then you’re going to love Tokyo Ghoul.
A classic story of the unsuspecting character getting themselves into some pretty scary unexpected situations. Tokyo Ghoul has got ghouls and some psychological thriller vibes that will always add to a good Horror binge party.
Where to Watch? –
You can find Tokyo Ghoul at the following streaming services; Funimation, Hulu, and Netflix.
The Promised Neverland
Children in an orphanage are being taken care of by their “mama” who only lets them travel so far. Sounding creepy already, right?
The Promised Neverland has mystery, horror and suspense all together for your binge-watching pleasures. Definitely keep the lights off and don’t worry about the story moving too slowly – you’ll be taken right in within the first episode.
Where to Watch? –
You can find The Promised Neverland at the following streaming services; Netflix and Crunchyroll.
Higurashi: When They Cry
Have you ever watched anime and said to yourself “well that escalated quickly?”
Exactly, and we all have but Higurashi: When They Cry takes that phrase to a whole other level.
If you like the kind of horror that lulls you into a false sense of security right before stuff starts to go down then put this at the top of your Horror watch list.
Where to Watch? –
You can find Higurashi: When They Cry at the following streaming services; Hulu and Funimation
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
We saved this one for last because if you’re really wanting to dig deep into Japanese horror and the legends that birth such, then you’re going to want to watch this one.
The episodes are all stories that are based on legends, urban legends and ghost stories that originated in Japan.
The art style is made in a traditional storytelling sort of way which adds to the creepiness of it all – not to mention the masked storyteller who draws you into each story.
Yamishibai is definitely worth the watch if you’re needing something not only to creep you out but keep you up at night.
Where to Watch? –
You can find Theater of Darkness: Yamishibai at the following streaming service; Crunchyroll.
Wrapping it up
This warning probably should have been in the beginning but if you don’t have to watch these alone just don’t. If you are that type that can watch horror alone then good for you (keep it up) go on as you were. One thing to remember with the horror genre in anime (as stated earlier) is often times you are lulled into a false sense of security. You’re watching as normal and nothing seems to really be happening until it does. Either way, if you didn’t have plans this Halloween, now you do – you’ll be binge-watching some scary anime. You may not sleep much or you may dream of a man in a yellow mask – whatever the outcome is we hope you enjoy!
By Rosa Wilcox
Twitter: @eawilcox_