Top 10 Supernatural Anime [Updated Recommendations]
We love the mystery and suspense of a world we’ve never seen before, a world in which the laws of nature and science are tested and twisted. Ghosts, monsters, spiritual powers, and magic items all play a part in retelling the world around us to give us something new and exciting! Sometimes sinister, sometimes hilarious, you never know what you’ll be walking into. Let’s take a look at these top 10 supernatural anime that caught our attention in recent years!
10. Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai (Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai)
Sakuta has had enough strange misfortune to last a lifetime before transferring to his new school, but rumors of his mysterious past circulating the classrooms make it hard for him to move on. Stranger still is the beautiful, semi-famous student Mai walking around in a bunny outfit in the library and everyone acting like it’s normal. After pressing her for answers, Sakuta realizes that the unexplained phenomenon called Adolescence Syndrome that affected him and his sister is causing Mai to appear invisible in certain crowds. With much unknown save for a common connection, the two try to unravel this mystery and help those also suffering at their school. The strange atmosphere of the show balanced by the everyday worries of high schoolers makes this a relatable but gripping anime. When faced with the knowledge that no one could see you, would you not also wear a crazy costume to see what you can get away with? The mysteries surrounding each of the students stem from psychological problems and present themselves in supernatural ways that don’t always have obvious solutions. Aside from his supernatural appeal, the characters are very fleshed out making you more interested in what’s happening to them!
9. Fruits Basket (2019)
Tooru is a girl who has been through a lot of hardship and is resolved to make life better for others. She feels that her luck has changed for the better when the kind but mysterious Souma family takes her in, but then she learns their secret… when hugged by someone of the opposite sex, the members are transformed into the zodiac animal possessing them. Tooru wants to help the Soumas who were sympathetic to her problems, but how can she get close to people with a curse that is activated by being too close? Fruits Basket is one of the most beloved shoujo manga/anime in North America for its nostalgic appeal and compelling story about redemption, multi-generational trauma, and connecting with others. While most of us aren’t cursed, we often find ourselves feeling trapped and powerless to reach out to others and Fruits Basket takes a fantastical narrative and gives us incredibly poignant wisdom. These life lessons are dolled out while you’re gripped by the drama and mystery surrounding the Souma family making it so intriguing!
8. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou (Higurashi: When They Cry – NEW)
Hinamizawa is a small, peaceful town that welcomes transfer student Keiichi. Surrounded by his new cute and sweet friends, Keiichi almost doesn’t notice how there seems to be something off about the town. But it’s not long before he can no longer ignore the subtle changes in his friends and how everyone seems to know something he doesn’t. Worst of all, it seems some unknown, horrible phenomenon is doomed to repeat unless Keiichi, Rika, Satoko, and the rest of the gang can figure out how to break the cycle. Part remake, part continuation, Higurashi has something for newcomers and old fans alike. However, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you’ve not only seen the previous anime adaptations but also Umineko no Naku Koro ni. The same haunting atmosphere with danger lurking in unexpected places persists but now there’s a new twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat! You never know who you can trust and just who or what is pulling the strings.
7. Mob Psycho 100
Mob has exceptional psychic powers that failed to attract the attention of his first crush Tsubomi and could threaten humanity if not properly controlled. It’s not until 8th grade when he puts himself under the tutelage of ‘psychic’ (con artist) Reigan that Mob starts to feel that his powers may not be such a bad thing. Mob Psycho 100 is both funny and frightening with high stakes and big laughs. He’s such an innocent, helpful guy with dangerous powers he only hopes to use for good. The first part of the anime is malicious spirits interrupting Mob’s normal, everyday life, and then it becomes less slice-of-life and more drama-like! If you like spooky ghosts in a less than terrifying atmosphere, this is a good anime to pick up!
6. Fumetsu no Anata e (To Your Eternity)
An orb known only as "It" descends to Earth, capable only of taking on the forms of objects and living beings it comes across. As time trickles on, It becomes a rock, then moss, then a sentient animal, slowly gaining more consciousness and understanding of life. As It continues to learn what it means to be truly alive, we explore the adventure of finding meaning in life through the lens of one experiencing it as an outsider. Even though it’s still currently airing, To Your Eternity has already caught the attention of many supernatural anime fans. Without a clear idea of where the story is going, we are compelled to keep watching and finding meaning in the lives of those It outlives. Very strange and melancholic, you’ll find the strange and the familiar intertwined beautifully.
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5. Mairimashita! Iruma-kun (Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-kun)
Poor Iruma has led a life of misfortune being constantly taken advantage of by others. Strangely enough, it’s his parents selling him to the demon Sullivan that turns his life around! While every day is perilous as this sweet boy pretends to be a powerful demon at the school Sullivan presides over, Iruma finds some unlikely friends. If only he can keep his human identity a secret from the rest of the man-eating monsters around him! A lone human in the underworld, Iruma has to navigate attending classes AND learning about the demon world. It’s a lot to ask of such a young boy, but his loving ‘grandfather’ Sullivan dotes endlessly on Iruma. There are all kinds of different demons and spirits with different forms and powers and you get to learn alongside Iruma about the laws of the land. Fascinating and educational!
4. Zombieland Saga (Zombie Land Saga)
Sakura thinks she’s met with a fate worse than death when she’s reanimated into a zombie. The eccentric Koutarou has brought back 5 other girls from different time periods for the purpose of creating an idol group to revitalize the prefecture of Saga. Skeptical at first, the girls are shocked at how far makeup and costuming can take them. Maybe zombie idols are just what Saga needs after all! The zombie idols are a parallel for what Kotarou wants to do for Saga, bringing new life into something that was essentially dead. While being a zombie may seem like a step down from being a living human, the girls are able to accomplish more in walking death than they could in life. This is one zombie anime that won’t have you scared for what’s next but you will probably shed an unexpected tear or two over some moving scenes.
3. Enen no Shouboutai (Fire Force)
Spontaneous Human Combustions that turn innocent people into mindless, raging ‘Infernals’ plague the world, causing people to inflict massive injuries and destruction before they burn to death. Humanity’s response to this unknown phenomenon is the Special Fire Force. This group of pyrokinetics uses their controlled abilities to put down and mitigate damage from infernals so no other innocent lives need be lost. After losing his family many years ago, Shinra is eager to join the force but finds that his path to becoming a hero will be more complicated than he realized. While Shinra’s hotheaded attitude toward his team and authority, in general, makes for funny banter, the premise of Fire Force is very morbid. The idea that without warning you could suddenly burst into flames and your only hope is to be put out of your misery quickly is a pretty unnerving thought. Fire Force has a good bit of lightheartedness in this cruel world and lots of fiery action to keep you excited.
2. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
After losing almost his entire family, save for his sister Nezuko, Tanjiro is committed to protecting his last family member even though she’s become a demon. But the path of one protecting a demon is wrought with pain and sacrifice. Tanjiro enlists into the Demon Slayer Corps so that he can hunt down the one who turned his sister and perhaps reverse her condition. However, not everyone will support his mission, especially not other humans who have lost loved ones to demons. Demon Slayer is immensely popular and with great reason. From the striking artwork to the entrancing narrative, you’ll feel transported to a completely different realm. The characters are so fleshed out that even despite their hilarious flaws, you’ll feel endeared to them. Tanjiro is a particularly compelling character because he’s so strong and determined yet also gentle and kind. Fans of demons and ancient worlds won’t want to miss Demon Slayer!
1. Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuuji was living a pretty happy life with his school friends, visiting his hospitalized grandpa who crassly instilled in Yuuji to be kind. After Yuuji’s grandpa passed away, it's a quick downward spiral for Yuuji as his friends are attacked by a ‘curse’ and he nearly loses his life. When he swallows a cursed item, a finger from the King of Curses, Sukana Ryoumen, Yuuji sets in motion a string of events that will either doom humanity or save countless lives from these evil curses. Jujutsu Kaisen is both side-splittingly hilarious and gut-wrenchingly painful. Somehow, neither of these things feel out of place in the story. Jujutsu Kaisen gives us a world of sentient curses with horrible powers and evil desires and death is pretty rampant in the series. However, the main characters are very funny and charming, making you want to see more despite knowing it’s going to hurt! With lots of twists, suspense, and danger, this is a supernatural anime you won’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
We have certainly been blessed in recent years with the high level of supernatural anime coming out despite the pandemic. Instead of rehashing tired ideas, people have learned to evolve the supernatural with the changing times and create refreshing stories with engaging characters for our enjoyment. Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen particularly shine with their ability to maneuver through various emotions without losing what makes supernatural anime so intriguing. Let us know in the comments which anime was your favorite!
From ghosts to evil spirits, demons as well as various mythological constructs, supernatural anime have been around for an incredibly long time. Many of the shounen titles we encountered when we were younger bore various supernatural themes which added to their experience and became very much a mainstay within the shounen subculture. However, that being said, we are all aware of the masses of anime with supernatural themes which are not only shounen mainstays, but from a plethora of different genres. With so much out there, it is difficult to draw up the best of the best because some of these titles are some of the best written or the most entertaining shows out! So onwards, Top 10 Supernatural Anime. Are you scared of ghosts?
10. Baccano!
Chicago, the 1930s. The Flying Pussyfoot, a transcontinental train, is about to embark on a journey which cause widespread violence across the country. In New York, a scientist is looking for the elixir of immortality, all while mafia groups in the area engage in a brutal war. With alchemists, the mafia, scientists and several seemingly unrelated stories, protagonists Miria and Isaac explore the various aspects while trying to further their own mission. Baccano!’s supernatural aspect is apparent in the way in which the anime presents the concept of immortality, explored through the concept of alchemy, which draws much from a supernatural frame of mind. The anime is an amalgamation of different concepts and elements, featuring a very familiar alchemical concept: the Homunculi. Much like in Fullmetal Alchemist, Baccano! explores some of the same themes, juxtaposing them with ideas of immortality and special abilities.
9. Mob Psycho 100
Kageyama “Mob” Shigeo is a 14-year-old who, from an early age, has possessed incredible latent psychic potential. However, he soon realises the potential danger of his abilities and vows to suppress his powers. In an attempt to learn how to control his powers, Mob takes up one Arataka Reigen, a con artist claiming to be a psychic, up to be his mentor. Reigen; however, uses Shigeo’s authentic powers to make a quick buck. Mob now participates in exorcisms and various other paranormal activities every single day; however, if his emotions go unchecked his powers stand to cause incredible destruction for the world around him and he simply can’t be stopped. Mob Psycho 100 is written by the same author as One-Punch Man, ONE, and that is apparent in the anime’s art style. However, the presence of individuals with psychic abilities in the show. These are generally telekinetic powers; however, with the announcement of a second season for the show out, we can expect to see a plethora of other psychic abilities present in the show.
8. Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)
Assiah is the realm of the humans, Gehenna, the realm of the demons. Demons arrive in the human realm through possessing human beings. Satan, the ruler of the demon realm is too powerful and hence cannot find a suitable host to possess. He finally figures out a plan: he will send his son to rule Assiah and become a host suitable enough for the Demon King himself. The son, Okumura Rin, lives a difficult life as a troublesome teenager who lives in an orphanage. His life becomes more difficult when demons begin to attack him and he finds out that he is the son of Satan. He vows to become an exorcist to protect Assiah from his father with his brother Yukio. Ao no Exorcist is a fast-paced anime ripe with religious allegory and narrative, as well as sporting a roster of characters who strive to become exorcists, the supernatural content in this show is heavy. The presence of concepts of Assiah and Gehenna relate to many belief systems and superstition, as well as the obvious presence of demons, such as Amaimon, and Kuro, Rin’s demon cat.
7. Bungou Stray Dogs
Nakajima Atsushi’s orphanage has been under attack by a mystical tiger that only he can see. Unfortunately, he is kicked out of the orphanage into the dangerous streets where he could come into contact with the beast. While sitting on a riverbank, struggling to figure out where his next meal will be coming from, he saves a strange man named Dazai Osamu from drowning. Dazai is a supernatural detective who has been investigating the very same tiger Atsushi has been afraid of. With the help of fellow investigator, Kunikida Doppo, the tiger case is solved; however, its odd outcome sees Atsushi joining the band of supernatural investigators at their firm which handles the cases regular police simply cannot. Bungou Stray Dogs is a fast-paced, expansive, intricate supernatural anime which captures various supernatural elements, but uses a unique system for its characters. Characters’ names and abilities are all modelled on real-life authors and poets from various parts of the world, ingraining a fourth-wall breaking lore. Each episode follows Atsushi’s experience with a firm of supernatural investigators, all of whom possess supernatural abilities themselves.
6. Noragami
The Yato God is a minor deity who calls himself a “Delivery God”, dreaming of one day having millions of worshippers. However, he currently has no shrine dedicated to his name. His days are spent collecting five yen coins per odd job, at least until his sentient weapon partner becomes sick of the life they live and leaves him. Yato’s luck finally changes when 15-year-old Iki Hiyori saves Yato from a car accident, sustaining no serious injury, apart from the fact that her soul is now loose and capable of leaving her body. She demands that Yato turn her body back to normal, but his condition is that she help him find a new weapon partner – perhaps he’ll find one who won’t leave this time around. Noragami is an anime very much influenced by the Buddhist as well as Shinto-Japanese pantheon of deities, featuring characters based on significant deities such as Bishamonten, the God of War, warriors and the punisher of evildoers. The anime applies several supernatural concepts, such as the concepts of deities, deification, souls leaving the body, as well as the concept of souls becoming posthumous tools used by deities to battle against phantoms.
5. Nanatsu no Taizai (The Seven Deadly Sins)
In a world inspired by the European Middle Ages, the Holy Knights of Britannia use their incredible magic powers to protect the Kingdom of Liones. However, a small subset of Holy Knights fell out of favour when they attempted to overthrow the ruler of Liones in a quickly extinguished act of treason. Defeated by the Holy Knights, rumours of the survival of this group of knights, dubbed the “Seven Deadly Sins” persisted. Ten years after the defeat of the Seven Deadly Sins, the Holy Knights themselves staged a revolt and took over rule of the kingdom. Elizabeth, third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, spurred by a desire to take back the kingdom from the clutches of the Holy Knights, sets out to find the Seven Deadly Sins in order to enlist them for their help in returning justice to the kingdom. Giants, fairies, demons, enchanted weapons and magic, Nanatsu no Taizai is a medieval melting pot of mythology and legend. Incorporating elements of the Legend of King Arthur into the fabric of the story presents a unique outlook on some of the legendary characters of the legend, as well as medieval thoughts on the supernatural. The series is exciting, bringing into play extreme fights, electrifying magical techniques and skills, and, the best part: an expansive lore featuring several supernatural concepts which give an intricate kaleidoscopic feel to the show.
4. Devilman: Crybaby
Demons require living hosts in order to be able to take form. However, should an individual possess a strong enough will, it is fully possible for them to overcome demonic possession and transcend both being human and a demon, a Devilman. Fudou Akira is a teenage boy who has always been considered weak and his extreme levels of empathy fuelled such labels. It is this empathy which causes Akira to agree when his childhood friend, Asuka Ryou, asks for his help in discovering demons. To his surprise, the two of them end up at Sabbath – a wild party which goes horribly wrong as blood is shed and people are killed in the midst of demons possessing the partygoers and causing intense destruction. In a bid to save his friend, Akira unwittingly merges with the powerful demon, Amon and becomes a Devilman, one with the power to defeat all the demons present. However, this new partnership changes various aspects of Akira’s personality and physical body, but not his empathetic heart. Released in 2018, Devilman: Crybaby is a reboot of Nagai Go’s 1970’s series, Devilman. The series is built around a supernatural premise, with demons being an integral part of the show’s plot and characters. It is quite an intense watch at times, not holding back on much of the gore which comes as a result of its demonic subject matter. The series does much to explore its characters in the short time that it has, in ways which can stand to jar the viewer for a very long time to come… like one is possessed by the show.
3. Durarara!!
Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district is home to some of the city’s most interesting characters, as well as some of its most inexplicable happenings surrounding anonymous gangs, dangerous individuals and supernatural entities. The existence of a headless “Black Rider” is a legend which stands out to most residents of Ikebukuro. Ryuugamine Mikado has always wanted to live in the city, drawn by the potential excitement of the city. When he is convinced to move to Tokyo by his friend, Mikado has the fortune of witnessing the Black Rider on his first day in town. It seems that Mikado’s longing for an exciting life will be satisfied, but with more supernatural events occurring around Ikebukuro, Mikado finds himself mixed up in the various occurrences which bring out the life in the city. Durarara!! is an anime written with the intent of delivering several different interwoven stories at the same time, linking them all to a central figure or concept. Durarara!!’s signature concept is its shameless exploration of supernatural concepts and juxtaposing them with the mundanity of everyday life for some of the characters concerned. The anime features the Irish myth of the Dullahan, a headless rider; as well as a certain character’s experience with a demon sword.
2. Mahoutsukai no Yome (The Ancient Magus’ Bride)
15-year-old Hatori Chise is a fifteen year old girl who was sold at an auction to a mysterious tall gentleman. After being abandoned at a young age and misunderstood by her peers, she sold herself to any buyer in order to have some chance of finding a home. With several strangers sizing her up, she is led by her owner to a study where he introduces himself. Elias Ainsworth, a magus. Soon after, they are teleported to Elias’ cottage in England, surrounded by various supernatural entities such as fairies and sprites. Chise’s purpose as assigned by Elias is to become his apprentice, and soon, his bride. Drawing inspiration from traditional mythological and supernatural concepts, The Ancient Magus’ Bride is an anime which beautifully blends concepts of magic and traditional fantasy world lore in order to offer us an anime which explores concepts of family, self-worth and the sense of belonging. It also incorporates slice of life elements into its episodes, developing its characters through the exploration of the ordinary living of extraordinary lives.
1.Bakemonogatari
Third-year high school student Araragi Koyomi survives a vampire attack during his summer break with the help of a strange man named Oshino Meme, who lives in an abandoned building. Despite maintaining his status as a human, the aftereffects of his vampiric encounter leave him with superhuman healing as well as enhanced vision. Despite all this, Koyomi still tries to live as a normal student; however, when his fellow classmate, Senjougahara Hitagi, falls down the stairs and he catches her, Koyomi realises that she is weightless. Determined to help her, Koyomi enlists the help of Oshino Meme, the expert in supernatural predicaments. Starting with the series’ name, the Monogatari Series is a collection of supernatural stories which are driven or characterised by the conditions of the characters within the show. There are several different mythological references throughout the show, with vampires, giant crab deities as well as the concept of the monkey’s paw making an appearance at several junctures within the anime. The dialogue-driven story is filled with witty interactions between characters, as well as interesting combinations of narration and exposition, all happening within an intricate supernatural context.
Final Thoughts
The supernatural genre is one which seems to come almost naturally to the anime medium, and this is perhaps owed to rich influences in Japanese myths and legends, as well as those of cultures and religions around the world. Anime is a medium which allows these aspects to be explored, dissolved and reformulated several times. The supernatural genre is hence an anime mainstay, and one which serves some of anime’s greatest shows. Are there other supernatural anime you’re interested in? Drop a comment below and tell us all about them!
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