10 Best Thriller Anime of All Time: Must-Watch Psychological Series (2025)

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a great psychological anime—the kind that keeps you on edge, questioning every character’s motives, and second-guessing what’s real. The best thriller anime aren’t just about action or mystery; they get inside your head, pulling you into mind games, moral dilemmas, and unpredictable twists that leave you reeling. Whether it’s a suspenseful anime packed with shocking revelations or a slow-burning psychological battle that keeps tightening the noose, these shows know exactly how to mess with your mind in the best way possible.

From high-stakes death games to complex crime mysteries,These anime keep you hooked with tension, mind games, and the excitement of not knowing what will happen next. One wrong move could mean disaster—and you’ll be holding your breath until the very end. If you love stories that keep you guessing, challenge your perception, and refuse to play by the rules, you’re in for a wild ride.

For your enjoyment, we have also compiled lists of recommended anime in other categories, such as 10 Best Sports Anime You Need to Watch in 2025, Top 10 Must-Watch Sci-fi Anime for beginners, etc., and many more. Don’t forget to check it out! For now, let’s explore 10 of the best thriller anime of my picks. Let’s dive into it.

1. Monster

A masterpiece of psychological suspense, Monster elevates the thriller anime genre through its methodical pacing and profound exploration of human nature. Following Dr. Kenzo Tenma’s pursuit of a psychopathic former patient across Cold War Europe, the series crafts an intricate web of mystery that challenges conventional moral boundaries. What sets Monster apart is its mature approach to storytelling, eschewing typical anime tropes in favor of a realistic, noir-influenced narrative that feels more like a premium HBO drama than traditional anime. The series expertly weaves together multiple storylines, from political conspiracies to personal vendettas, creating a tapestry of psychological complexity that rewards patient viewers. Through its exploration of nature versus nurture and the making of a monster, this seinen thriller proves that anime can tackle sophisticated themes with the depth they deserve.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2004-2005
• Episodes: 74
• Studio: Madhouse
• Creator: Naoki Urasawa
• Ratings: 8.7/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Netflix

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2. Death Note

Redefining the psychological thriller genre, Death Note creates a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The intellectual battle between Light Yagami and the mysterious detective L transforms a supernatural premise into a masterclass in psychological warfare and moral ambiguity. What makes it exceptional is its ability to maintain tension through mental rather than physical confrontations, turning simple scenes of deduction into pulse-pounding moments of suspense. The series brilliantly explores themes of justice, power, and corruption while delivering intricate plots and counter-plots that challenge viewers’ own moral compass. From its iconic potato chip scene to its controversial ending, Death Note demonstrates how thriller anime can create suspense through intellectual rather than physical conflict.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2006-2007
• Episodes: 37
• Studio: Madhouse
• Creator: Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata
• Ratings: 8.6/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video

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3. Steins;Gate

Revolutionizing the sci-fi thriller genre, Steins;Gate weaves time travel mechanics with emotional storytelling to create a uniquely compelling psychological narrative. Following self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintaro’s descent into paranoia and desperation as he discovers the dark consequences of temporal manipulation, the series masterfully builds tension through its careful attention to cause and effect. What elevates it beyond typical sci-fi is its deep understanding of human nature and the psychological toll of bearing witness to multiple tragic timelines. The series expertly balances complex scientific concepts with intimate character moments, creating a thriller that resonates on both intellectual and emotional levels. From its slow-burn first half to its heart-wrenching conclusion, Steins;Gate proves that the best thriller anime can combine intricate plotting with genuine human drama.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2011
• Episodes: 24
• Studio: White Fox
• Creator: Nitroplus, 5pb.
• Ratings: 9.1/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Netflix (based on your location)

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4. Perfect Blue (Movie)

A landmark psychological thriller that transcends the boundaries of animation, Perfect Blue remains a haunting masterpiece that influenced filmmakers far beyond the anime medium. Following former idol Mima Kirigoe’s descent into paranoia as she pursues a serious acting career, the film creates a disturbing blur between reality and delusion that keeps viewers questioning until the final frame. What makes it extraordinary is director Satoshi Kon’s masterful manipulation of perspective, using animated media to portray psychological breakdown in ways live action never could. The film’s exploration of identity, fame, and obsession in the entertainment industry feels more relevant today than ever, crafting a thriller that works both as social commentary and psychological horror. From its unsettling dream sequences to its mind-bending climax, Perfect Blue demonstrates how thriller anime can push creative boundaries while delivering profound psychological depth.

Series Details

• Release Date: 1997
• Studio: Madhouse
• Creator: Satoshi Kon
• Ratings: 8.5/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Apple Tv, Amazon Prime Video (based on your location)

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5. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Blending time travel, murder mystery, and childhood drama, Erased crafts a unique thriller that resonates with both emotional warmth and spine-chilling suspense. Following Satoru Fujinuma’s desperate attempts to prevent tragedies in both past and present, the series masterfully balances its supernatural premise with grounded human relationships and authentic character interactions. What sets it apart is its ability to create tension not just through its central mystery, but through the protagonist’s race against time to save those he cares about. The series excels at building atmosphere in both its 1988 and present-day settings, creating a thriller that works equally well as a nostalgic character drama and a suspenseful crime story. From its intimate portrayal of childhood friendship to its nerve-wracking confrontations with evil, Erased proves that thriller anime can warm hearts while still chilling spines.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2016
• Episodes: 12
• Studio: A-1 Pictures
• Creator: Kei Sanbe
• Ratings: 8.4/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

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6. Odd Taxi

Reinventing the mystery thriller genre through its deceptively simple premise, Odd Taxi delivers a masterclass in storytelling that proves sophistication doesn’t require flash. Following walrus taxi driver Hiroshi Odokawa’s increasingly complex entanglement in a missing persons case, the series crafts an intricate web of interconnected stories that culminate in one of anime’s most satisfying conclusions. What makes it brilliant is its ability to turn seemingly mundane conversations into crucial puzzle pieces, with every character interaction carrying hidden significance. The series expertly juggles multiple plot threads while maintaining perfect pacing, creating a thriller that rewards attentive viewers with layers of meaning in every scene. From its clever social commentary to its pitch-perfect character writing, Odd Taxi demonstrates how thriller anime can excel through subtlety and substance rather than spectacle.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2021
• Episodes: 13
• Studio: OLM, P.I.C.S.
• Creator: Kazuya Konomoto
• Ratings: 8.7/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

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7. Psycho-Pass

Set in a dystopian future where mental states can be quantified, Psycho-Pass redefines the cyberpunk thriller through its exploration of justice, free will, and societal control. Following Inspector Akane Tsunemori’s evolution from naive rookie to hardened investigator, the series creates a world where technology’s promise of perfect justice reveals humanity’s darkest aspects. What makes it exceptional is its intelligent examination of law enforcement and morality, questioning the price of safety in a world of algorithmic judgment. The series brilliantly combines philosophical depth with pulse-pounding action sequences, creating a thriller that engages both mind and adrenaline. From its morally complex antagonists to its unflinching portrayal of systemic corruption, Psycho-Pass demonstrates how thriller anime can tackle sophisticated themes while delivering visceral entertainment.

Series Details

• Release Date: 2012
• Episodes: 41
• Studio: Production I.G
• Creator: Gen Urobuchi
• Ratings: 8.3/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

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8. Summer Time Rendering

Transforming a remote island setting into a playground of supernatural suspense, Summer Time Rendering masterfully blends mystery, horror, and time-loop elements into an unforgettable thriller experience. Following Shinpei Ajiro’s return to his hometown and subsequent discovery of dark forces at work, the series crafts an intricate puzzle box of temporal manipulation and doppelganger horror. What elevates it beyond typical supernatural thrillers is its tight plotting and emotional core, using its time-loop mechanic not just for suspense but to explore themes of grief, sacrifice, and determination. The series excels at building tension through its clever use of information revealed across multiple timelines, creating a thriller that rewards careful attention while delivering emotional payoffs. From its sun-drenched island atmosphere to its shadow-lurking horrors, Summer Time Rendering proves that thriller anime can successfully juggle complex narratives while maintaining both coherence and heart

Series Details

• Release Date: 2022
• Episodes: 25
• Studio: OLM
• Creator: Yasuki Tanaka
• Ratings: 8.6/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu

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9. The Promised Neverland

Transforming a remote island setting into a playground of supernatural suspense, Summer Time Rendering masterfully blends mystery, horror, and time-loop elements into an unforgettable thriller experience. Following Shinpei Ajiro’s return to his hometown and subsequent discovery of dark forces at work, the series crafts an intricate puzzle box of temporal manipulation and doppelganger horror. What elevates it beyond typical supernatural thrillers is its tight plotting and emotional core, using its time-loop mechanic not just for suspense but to explore themes of grief, sacrifice, and determination. The series excels at building tension through its clever use of information revealed across multiple timelines, creating a thriller that rewards careful attention while delivering emotional payoffs. From its sun-drenched island atmosphere to its shadow-lurking horrors, Summer Time Rendering proves that thriller anime can successfully juggle complex narratives while maintaining both coherence and heart

Series Details

• Release Date: 2019
• Episodes: 23
• Studio: CloverWorks
• Creator: Kaiu Shirai
• Ratings: 8.5/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Crunchyroll

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10. Death Parade

A unique psychological thriller that transforms the concept of judgment after death into a series of intense mind games, Death Parade elevates the genre through its intimate exploration of human nature under extreme pressure. Following the mysterious bartender Decim’s observation of souls forced to play deadly games that reveal their true character, the series crafts a sophisticated examination of morality that goes far beyond its premise. What makes it exceptional is its ability to create intense psychological suspense from simple bar games, turning dart throws and bowling frames into matters of life and death. The series masterfully balances episodic character studies with an overarching narrative about the nature of human judgment, creating a thriller that questions the very basis of moral evaluation. From its deceptively upbeat opening theme to its emotionally complex conclusion, Death Parade demonstrates how thriller anime can combine philosophical depth with psychological intensity to create something uniquely compelling

Series Details

• Release Date: 2015
• Episodes: 12
• Studio: Madhouse
• Creator: Yuzuru Tachikawa
• Ratings: 8.2/10 (MyAnimeList)
• Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll (based on your location)

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Conclusion

Thriller anime have a way of messing with your mind, keeping you hooked with twists you never see coming. Whether it’s intense psychological battles, eerie mysteries, or high-stakes survival, these series know how to keep the tension high. If you love stories that challenge your perception and leave you thinking long after the credits roll, these are a must-watch. So, which one’s your favorite? Or did we miss a great one? Let us know in the comments!

Along with the best thriller anime recommendations, we’ve also made lists on several genres, like the 10 best sports anime and 10 best sci-fi anime, and many more anime recommendations for you! Just click here to discover all our anime recommendations for you!