Anime is one of the media gems that comprises of various subgenres that suit every kind of audience. From fantasy to thrillers, each otaku has recommendations for everyone according to their taste! In this article, ComingSoon lists eight of the most loved and best psychological thriller anime that any newbie wishing to explore the genre can try.
Monster
Director: Masayuki Kojima
Monster revolves around the story of an elite neurosurgeon working in Germany. Dr. Kenzou Tenma, as he is called, lives a righteous life. However, an unintentional saving of one of his patients later puts his mind in a crisis. Already dwelling on existential questions, he meets Johan Liebert, who adds complexity to his world. The story ventures into the doctor’s pursuit of justice and redemption as he confronts his haunting past.
Steins;Gate
Directors: Hiroshi Hamasaki and Takuya Satō
Steins;Gate shows the expeditions of the eccentric scientist Rintarou Okabe and his allies, Mayuri Shiina and Itaru Hashida. As they unfold mysteries related to time, they discover an ordinary microwave takes them on a thrilling adventure. Together, the triad faces several challenges while trying not to lose sanity as they confront SERN.
Psycho-Pass
Director: Naoyoshi Shiotani
Psycho-Pass investigates the dynamic 22nd century Japan, wherein justice is served without extremes. As such, the country is judged by the Sybil System that determines the threat that the citizens have to endure. Amidst this, Akane Tsunemori, along with Shinya Kougami, points out the flaws in this system and questions the very existence of justice. Together, they clash with the politically flawed and corrupt system that brings various challenges for them.
Perfect Blue
Director: Satoshi Kon
One of Kon’s brilliant works, Perfect Blue examines Mima Kirigoe’s life as she leaves the pop idol group and joins CHAM! as an aspiring actor. However, this life is one of horror as she faces everything from stalking, impersonation, and other forms of crime. As she continues with her newfound life, reality and fantasy overlap and create unexpected emotional turmoil.
Death Note
Director: Tetsurō Araki
Death Note is a classic when it comes to exploring the genre of the best psychological thriller anime. It features mysterious creatures called Shinigami and two geniuses—Light Yagami and L Lawliet—in a cat-and-mouse chase. As Light obtains a notebook that makes him the master of people’s fates, he takes justice into his own hands and aspires to create a world with no criminals. However, chaos ensues as he faces an obstacle in his plans due to L’s masterful investigations.
Odd Taxi
Director: Baku Kinoshita
Odd Taxi introduces the audience to Hiroshi Odokawa, a strange taxi driver. He leads an ordinary life, which takes a sudden turn when he gets involved in a case that involves a missing girl. As a result, his once-simple life becomes filled with chaos and excitement as he navigates the case pursued by some corrupt authorities.
Death Parade
Director: Yuzuru Tachikawa
Through Death Parade, viewers embark on a 12-episode-long journey of Quindecim’s afterlife. There, the bartender Decim plans intense games to judge what happens to the souls that enter this realm. However, the entry of a mysterious amnesiac woman creates chaos as Decim’s plotting faces unusual challenges. Aside from that, the narrative explores the profundity of the human spirit and its existence.
Erased
Director: Tomohiko Ito
Erased explores the thrilling journey of Satoru Fujinuma, who is bestowed with the ability to manipulate time. With the power to rewind the past, he battles against his luck to unveil a murder mystery that took place long ago. Moreover, the story unfolds as he is accused wrongly and is thrown back in the year 1988. It is then that he meets with the chance to mold the past in an attempt to save the people he loves.
