There were so many psychological thrillers I could’ve put on this list for anime, including iconic series like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Death Note, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, and Steins; Gate, just to name a few.
Those are all cult classics that are must-watches, setting trends that are still done for the genre to this day.
For this list, however, I tried to find psychological thriller anime that have a following but are sometimes overlooked when talking about it in general with this genre. They range from one from 2014, so a decade ago, to one from 2020, and an anime that is from 2022.
Horror Science Fiction Anime that is Action Packed with a Netflix Live Action Spinoff
https://://gty.im/967521970
Netflix dropped a live-action spin-off from the 2014 anime Parasyte: The Grey in April that sets as a partial sequel to the original psychological thriller animated series. Parasyte: The Maxim was popular enough back then to even get a direct live-action adaptation of a two-parter in film form back around 2015 when it was airing.
I believe it was one of the first that nailed many horror aspects of a science fiction show. It is also available to watch on Netflix or Crunchyroll.
While the execution of the new Parasyte 2024 spin-off is great, not enough people talk about it and its numerous great attributes that most animated series don’t get. It has solid character development with Shinichi, the main character, and Migi, the alien that attaches itself to him.
It is also the perfect length for a season, with 24 ending the story in one season and wrapping up many loose ends, making it one of the rare complete stories that was done right.
The OST for the series was pleasantly unique, as I was just getting into anime back then, especially its opening, “Let Me Hear” by Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
I have honestly never heard scream death metal in anime before, and it made the show itself more memorable, setting the tone for the psychological horror and action thriller elements of this drama. It also has a futuristic techno side, matching its involvement with alien creatures.
Its ending song, “IT’S THE RIGHT TIME,” is hauntingly pleasant and calming to listen to, making it the best contrast between the show and its opening. It makes what happens in the show more emotional and relaxing, which is rare in any series.
On IMDB, it has an 8.3 rating and would be one I would recommend before watching the Korean drama within the same universe. Even a decade later, this anime set itself apart from the rest in the horror science fiction genre.
Anime with Super Powers and a Who-Done-it Plot that is Suspense Heavy in a Futuristic Setting
I watched Talentless Nana, aka Munou na Nana, while it was airing live back in 2020, and while it most likely won’t get a second season, it mixed enough tropes but had enough surprises to make it enjoyable back then, and remembering it was memorable enough for me to put it on this list.
This anime has a little of everything: some elements of My Hero Academia, along with a classic detective series in a thriller setting that is dark like Death Note. It reminds me of the common Shounen power show with its bright color palette and the unique powers each student possesses.
With a 6.9 rating on IMDB, it certainly isn’t the best out there in terms of this genre, nor is it anything super unique. It had a mixed reception, and some say it had a lot of wasted potential with how it ended.
However, I see it for what it is—a great concept that executed its middle portion well enough that I didn’t mind the last few episodes. It is short but typical for what we see nowadays, with 13 episodes, but makes the most of it, with the suspense building every week while it is live.
Now, I am not sure how I would feel about rewatching the season all at once, but I still had to put it on the list because I believe it is a sleeper hit, has its fans, and does many things I would prioritize in an animated series that involves psychological thrillers.
Like Squid Game or Death Strategy Game Anime, but even more Twisted and Personal
Tomodachi Game falls along the lines of the popular Korean drama Squid Game or the Japanese live-action show Alice in Borderland, both on Netflix, or even another anime in Danganronpa, based on a video game.
What makes this different from other death game series is that the penalty is even worse than death. It’s poverty.
This animated show from 2022 makes a lasting impression with its cast of characters, who are “supposedly close friends” in high school. But witnessing their collapse in relationships and trust in each other makes it intriguing to see the limits they go to and whether or not they turn on each other for their motivations.
I will admit I am a sucker for these shows, but I thought this had realistic but unique stakes and a great setup, along with drama with each of the characters that we see unfold in messy ways.
There hasn’t been a green light for season two, but compared to the 2020 anime, this one has a higher chance of getting one to finish the story. On IMDB, it has a 7.6 rating, which is pretty good in comparison to similar shows for horror and psychological thriller anime.
Anime to Watch: Rom-Coms, Shounen, Classic Anime from the 90s, Spring 2024 Anime, Netflix Anime
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