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Top 20 Best Time Travel Anime Series & Movies

Here’s a question: what’s your favorite time travel anime? Are there even enough good titles in this sci-fi subgenre?

It isn’t filled to the brim each season unlike with the case of isekai titles, but it’s not impossible to find some great ones.

If you’re in the mood for some mind-boggling twists and turns (or even minor time travel elements in an otherwise typical anime) check out my list below.

And fair warning: spoilers ahead(in some cases). Some titles here have time travel itself as a key turning point or surprise in the series, so if you don’t want to know any more just skim the titles and pick one that interests you!

20. Nobunaga Concerto

I’m going to start with Nobunaga Concerto, an anime that does have time travel — but is also more of an isekai.

This is why I’m including it on my list but, but not the highest for sure. So what’s it all about?

As you may have already guessed, it involves Oda Nobunaga . Arguably one of the most popular Japanese historical figures.

He was a brutal leader, but he was also brilliant and a key figure in the reunification of Japan.

But Nobunaga isn’t the OP. In Nobunaga Concerto, he meets Saburou who mysteriously time travels from the 21st century and looks like him.

Saburou was just an ordinary high school kid, but now he must replace Nobunaga, who wishes to relax in his final years.

19. Natsu-iro no Sunadokei (Sandglass of Summer Colors)

This is an old anime. Like, really old.

But while its character design, animation, and overall quality haven’t stood the test of time, it is a worthwhile show that involves more time travel than Nobunaga Concerto.

Sandglass of Summer Colors is an adaptation of a video game, a visual novel (VN) from Princess Soft that was released way back in 2002.

Also, it only has two episodes; it’s an OVA. Still, it’s an intriguing show.

Yes it once again involves a teenage boy, this time named Kotaro Makimura.

But here, the time travel comes in the form of Kotaro waking up to the next school year, and then going back and forth to specific days of his summer vacation.

Through this he learns some very crazy news about his girlfriend Kaho Serizawa. It gets deep.

18. Buddy Complex

In 2014, Sunrise released an action-heavy mecha title that surprisingly wasn’t another entry to their sprawling Gundam franchise.

It’s called Buddy Complex, and it does enough to distinguish itself from other similar titles with its appealing trio, plot, and solid execution.

Buddy Complex starts with the main hero Aoba Watase nearly getting killed in the hands of a massive robot from the future.

Hina Yumihara saves him, and also takes him 70 years into the future for him to learn all about the fighting robots and possibly prevent his demise.

Can he go back to his actual timeline? Or is he stuck in this future of warring military forces?

17. Doraemon

Yes, Doraemon is indeed a time-travel anime — and quite a good one at that.

Some argue that the time travel aspect is a mere gimmick here. But I honestly love what the anime has done with it.

The story isn’t about a dystopian future and someone who wants to save it by going back to the past.

No, it’s about Sewashi Nobi from the 22nd century sending a cat robot to improve the life of his grandfather Nobita Nobi — and that’s wonderful.

With 1,700 episodes, Doraemon has proven that this subgenre can be wholesome for kids.

Likewise, who doesn’t want a four-dimensional pouch that can bring out all sorts of gadgets of different sizes?

16. Punch Line

Punch Line was MAPPA’s third original anime after Garo: The Animation and Zankyou no Terror, the latter being one of my all-time favorites.

No, Punch Line wasn’t a modern classic in my eyes at all.

It didn’t have the serious or ambitious tone of those previous shows.

However, Punch Line was a creative risk that needs commending — and even a reappraisal from anime fans.

It’s silly but fully aware of it.

How silly? It involves spirits, nose bleeding, panty shots.

Also, the OP has to avoid looking at panties as he travels through time as a spirit. Otherwise a meteor immediately kills all life on Earth. So that’s fun.

15. InuYasha

I’ve got another entry here from Sunrise Studio.

InuYasha was one of the biggest shounen titles before series like Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail took over — and it does have time travel.

Kagome Higurashi goes back hundreds of years to feudal Japan. The difference is instead of meeting a general, he meets a white-haired guy who also has dog ears.

Also, both Kagome and Inuyasha can travel between modern Japan and feudal Japan with relative ease.

And I suggest InuYasha just because it’s one of the best shounen series of all time. Time travel or not.

14. Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara (Iroduku: The World in Colors)

I have a soft spot for original anime. It takes a lot of guts to push through with a story you don’t know will work out.

It doesn’t have a built-in fan base unlike with adaptations of manga, LNs, and video games.

But Iroduku: The World in Colors was more than just an original anime.

It was a visually imaginative and wonderfully animated series, and it was clear that P.A. Works didn’t just do this half-heartedly.

Think of it as a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and school drama.

A grandmother sends her emotionally distant granddaughter 60 years back to the past, but she doesn’t say why.

And now that she’s back to 2018(present when released) the young girl named Hitomi Tsukishiro learns all about self-discovery and human connection. Go see it.

13. Charlotte

Look, I get it — Angel Beats was a great anime series.

That was a show that managed to make me love all the students in just 13 episodes.

Plus, I’m confident that most viewers won’t ever forget the ending.

Since then, people have been clamoring for something like it from Jun Maeda.

Well Charlotte came into the fray, but it wasn’t exactly as good as Angel Beats or Clannad.

Still, Charlotte certainly has its moments as a school drama with time travel (among other powers).

Also this is an anime original, and I think the best moments outweigh the pacing and plot issues by the end.

I don’t blame you if you haven’t heard of Zipang.

Despite being released two full years later than Naruto, Zipang somehow sports a more old-school design.

Then again, it’s a fitting choice given the military and historical setting.

Simply put, it’s about a Japanese missile destroyer (a navy warship) called Mirai that gets itself into a storm, but it was no ordinary storm.

Once Mirai gets away from the storm, its crew realizes that they’ve all time-traveled to 1942 — back to the Second World War.

Exciting, right?

Here’s the more interesting part: They must try their best not to change history. But can the crew keep themselves in the background when people are dying left and right?

11. Natsu no Arashi (Summer Storm!)

Interestingly enough, I didn’t catch this until last year — a full decade since its release.

But hey, this is an excellent example of “better late than never” because this is a fine mix of time travel and comedy.

Natsu no Arashi is about, again, a male teenager who meets a beautiful girl.

But Sayoko Arashiyama is far from an ordinary teenager.

She may not even be a teenager as Hajime Yasaka finds a photo of her in her 60s.

What’s going on? And why does Sayoko still look young?

Check out Natsu no Arashi. It’s made by Shaft so expect some visual delights.

10. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)

We’re getting closer to the highest ranking so let’s be really careful now. I did warn about spoilers, so be prepared.

When They Cry deceives its audience by portraying itself as another generic anime with a guy OP and a bunch of cute girls.

Only for it to actually be a murder mystery with a time loop to boot.

Also, it may even be the only horror and time travel anime out there.

One minute you’re seeing kids playing together, all smiles. The next, they’re splattered with blood and having edgy expressions.

Admittedly I hate what happened to the anime adaptation here (although the movie Orange: Future was way better in terms of animation quality and consistency).

I read the manga, and it had moments that could’ve catapulted the anime as a classic.

But the anime did not meet or exceed expectations.

Orange was just above average. But still good enough to warrant a spot here.

If you think the anime was good and made you cry and laugh, consider the gorgeous and much more emotional manga too.

8. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World)

I think Re:Zero is a fine isekai and time travel anime.

It could’ve been like any typical isekai after all the hype for Sword Art Online. But it etched its own place in history.

Re:Zero makes you think that it’s just another guy getting transported to a fantasy world. But the time loop aspect elevates the series to new heights of dread and sheer desperation for Subaru.

It’s not just an escape to a better world with waifu material like Emilia and Rem, it’s overall a really engaging show. And I’m definitely excited for season 2 .

7. Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name.)

Yup, this is big spoiler territory.

I sure hope that you’ve already watched the critically acclaimed movie, which also broke records around the world — or that you’ve read the novel of the same name.

Because time travel is what made audiences gasp in the middle of the movie. Kimi no Na wa is seemingly just about two people living in different regions… but what viewers didn’t know was that they also lived in different periods.

I still remember the shock everyone had in the cinemas (because I saw this twice in theaters).

There is nothing quite like the audiovisual spectacle of a Makoto Shinkai film on the big screen. And the ending is so rewarding if you’ve watched Five Centimeters Per Second.

6. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (The Tatami Galaxy)

Masaaki Yuasa needs no introduction after Devilman Crybaby garnered rave reviews from fans and critics all over the world, in part because it was available on Netflix.

But even before that, I was a huge fan of Yuasa’s directorial prowess.

He’s a man with impeccable skill, ensuring that both substance and style are way above the competition.

The Tatami Galaxy features rapid conversations (so you have to read fast if you prefer subtitles like me) and there’s so much going on when this is all about a young man’s life (and love life).

Watch him go through some sort of Groundhog Day, but in a much more artistic, magical manner.

It’s a rewarding experience across space and time (and tatami), I promise you that.

5. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

At this point, I’m not sure which of my top picks have time travel as one of its biggest turning points.

This one has a certain episode in the latter half that completely turns it from an impressive series to arguably one of the best anime of all time.

You may not agree that it’s a “deconstruction” of the magical girl genre . But it’s clear evidence that Gen Urobuchi could change the game if he had the right team.

Also, this original anime looks breathtaking.

It’s dark, it’s exciting, it’s inspirational.

Shaft had a classic in their hands and they didn’t waste the opportunity.

4. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

As one of Kyoto Animation’s first big hits, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya took the relatively small 2006 global anime community by storm.

It was hilarious, had a stellar set of characters, had a viral opening song, and had episodes that didn’t line up chronologically.

And yet the order of events didn’t ruin the story at all.

The nonlinear structure enabled a new way of looking at the character dynamics. And it made rewatches (in the chronological order) more rewarding.

Once you’ve watched the series (and bless you if you’ve seen the Endless Eight arc) go ahead and enjoy The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya .

3. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time)

Like Masaaki Yuasa and Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Hosoda is one of the best anime directors today.

And he’s done many more amazing films besides this one: Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and The Boy and the Beast, just to name a few.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time works as well as it does because of how it didn’t just use time travel as a gimmick.

It thought of how to shape the character and the story as a whole, creating tension and developing emotional impact in the latter half.

Plus I think many of us can relate to Makoto Shonno. Spending the last year of high school knowing that life is about to change, and yet you’re unsure of your own future.

It’s thrilling, hilarious, and has a heart at its core.

2. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (ERASED)

Am I making a controversial choice by putting this so high on my list?

Not really.

Sure, not everyone was a fan of the adaptation. And I admit that the suspense thriller aspect to it was a bit heavy-handed.

But like with how I feel about Zankyou no Terror, ERASED has highs that are so high, they easily make up for the lows.

It’s an imperfect masterpiece in my eyes.

The first episode was a 10/10 with how it easily grabbed my attention by the end with the change in aspect ratio, signifying the drastic change in time… it’s really interesting.

ERASED has a killer OP from none other than Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and I still think that the birthday scene of Kayo is one of the most heart-wrenching yet simultaneously heartwarming moments in anime.

Also, (big spoiler ahead) I dislike that some fans think the show was bad just because the guy didn’t end up with the girl he saved(and attempted to save again and again) in the past.

Look, you don’t just get to marry someone because you saved their life. You save someone because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect something in return.

1. Steins;Gate

Is there even any other anime that could be at the No. 1 spot?

It’s the first show that comes to mind if you ask most anime fans what the best time travel anime is. And for good reason.

Furthermore, Steins;Gate isn’t just lauded as the top time travel series ever.

It’s also in the running as possible the best anime in general, usually in competition with FMA: Brotherhood.

Steins;Gate is both an outstanding gateway show to anime and one that becomes rewarding once you’ve consumed a ton of anime.

Some claim that it’s overrated, but one thing’s for sure: It set the standard for what a time travel anime could achieve in terms of sheer brilliance and entertainment.

Millennial introvert on the lookout for slice-of-life anime, world cinema, and European music. Follow on Twitter @notspencer08

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25 Best Horror Anime of All Time: Ultimate List

When darkness falls, that’s when the best horror anime thrives. It’s not just about the jumps and shrieks; it’s about the creeping, unsettling realization that something isn’t quite right within the animated world. Devotees of fear know that horror in anime can be as nuanced and deep as any live-action thriller or horror book, if not more so due to the boundless possibilities in art and animation.

Anime horror isn’t just about the blood and gore; it’s about psychological twists that get under your skin and linger like a ghostly touch. The ability of scary anime to weave terror into its storytelling goes beyond what we often see in western horror, deftly mixing dread and beauty, the bizarre and the tragic. Animation provides a unique medium that brings our darkest fears and most haunting stories to life, allowing a suspension of disbelief that live-action sometimes struggles to achieve.

Finding the best horror anime is a journey through a nightmarish landscape that remains vivid after you’ve opened your eyes—these are tales that don’t just scare you; they haunt you. Those who crave that chill down their spine and seek out the scariest anime understand it’s a form of art that wears many terrifying masks, taking viewers into deep, dark worlds from which there is no easy escape. Welcome to our curated descent into the world of anime where only the bravest dare to tread. Below, find the best horror anime of all time.

1 Higurashi: When They Cry

Imagine a peaceful summer day shared with friends, the cicadas buzzing, the fun activities after school, and the sun beating down as everyone laughs together. Everything is perfect in the rural town of Hinamizawa.

In this quaint village of Hinamizawa, Keiichi Maebara moves in and quickly becomes friends with schoolmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. At first, life seems idyllic. However, darkness lurks underneath the village’s facade. Keiichi learns of a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances that occur annually during the Watanagashi Festival.

As he delves deeper into these mysteries , paranoia sets in. His friends start to act suspiciously, and Keiichi wonders if the village’s dark past is catching up with him. The series is unique in its presentation, split into several story arcs. Each arc begins with the same premise but diverges in its middle and conclusion, often resulting in chilling outcomes.

Why It’s One of the Most Twisted Anime

‘Higurashi: When They Cry’ is often hailed as one of the most twisted anime due to its uncanny ability to juxtapose innocent, everyday life with brutal and shocking acts of violence. The series frequently resets its narrative, causing viewers to constantly question reality. Character motivations remain uncertain, leading to an unsettling atmosphere where trust is elusive. Additionally, the series masterfully blends elements of psychological horror, suspense, and the supernatural, challenging viewers to decipher the mystery behind the cursed village. Its depiction of madness, paranoia, and the dark underbelly of a seemingly peaceful community makes ‘Higurashi’ an unforgettable and disturbing viewing experience.

Where to Stream Higurashi: When They Cry

Watch Higurashi on Hulu Here

Parasites, as many know, are types of organisms that take over a particular host. In Shinichi Izumi’s world, however, Parasytes from an alien planet overtake humans, aiming for their brains to control them.

This eventually results in the infected humans viciously murdering anyone who stands in their way, often feasting upon their flesh. On paper, Parasyte sounds like a horrible B-list horror movie, but that certainly isn’t the case. In fact, it wouldn’t be wrong to call this anime a masterpiece.

Why It’s One of the Best Horror Anime of All Time

What makes this creepy anime so amazing is a great cast of characters who go through massive character development, especially the main character, Shinichi, a once quiet boy who must deal with a Parasyte named Migi who took over his hand. In many ways, Shinichi is on his own and must fight in order to save lives.

Little by little, Shinichi becomes detached from his human self, exploring what it really means to have feelings and be a human being. This anime is filled with moments that will cause viewers to laugh, cry, and be at the edges of their seats until the very end. Parasyte is based on the manga of the same name that was originally published in the 1990s and has aged incredibly well.

Where to Stream Parasyte

Stream Parasyte on Hulu Here

See Also: Cute Anime Couples

3 Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied centers on the Diclonii, a newly evolved species resembling humans but distinguishable by two horn-like protrusions on their heads. Lucy, the story’s protagonist, is a Diclonius with formidable telekinetic powers. She escapes from a research facility, but during her breakout, she’s injured, causing her to develop a split personality: the innocent, childlike Nyu and the murderous Lucy. Washed ashore, she’s found by two locals, Kouta and Yuka, who take her in, unaware of the violent storm that follows her. As the story unfolds, Elfen Lied delves into themes of identity, the nature of humanity, love, and the consequences of prejudice.

Why it’s One of the Best Horror Anime of All Time

Elfen Lied is lauded as one of the best horror anime due to its masterful blend of gore, psychological horror, and poignant storytelling. Its unsettling and visceral imagery is counterbalanced by moments of genuine emotion and deep character development. The series does not shy away from portraying the darker aspects of humanity, making viewers question societal norms and our inherent nature. The haunting Elfen Lied opening theme, “Lilium,” coupled with the show’s memorable characters, cements Elfen Lied as a groundbreaking work, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions of the horror genre.

Where to Stream Elfen Lied

You can stream Elfen Lied on CrunchyRoll or with an Amazon Prime Video subscription .

Another , also jokingly known as Final Destination : The Anime , is a newer show that appeals to classic horror anime junkies. Taking place in a city that contains many secrets, Another focuses on the protagonist who just transferred to the high school and the eyepatch-wearing Mei Misaki.

Set in 1972, a popular student named Misaki passed away during the school year at Yomiyama North Middle School. The devastated class decided to carry on as if Misaki were still alive, leading to an eerie legend when a photo of the graduating class showed Misaki’s presence. Twenty-six years later, 15-year-old Kouichi Sakakibara transfers into the same school, finding himself in the class that carries the dark secret of Misaki.

The class is engulfed in a curse, where students and their relatives face a deadly fate. As classmates begin to die in bizarre accidents, Kouichi teams up with a mysterious girl named Mei Misaki, who the rest of the class and teachers seemingly ignore. Together, they delve deep into the mystery of the curse, racing against time to stop the chain of deaths.

The Eeriness Factor

Another stands out as one of the eeriest anime due to its masterful blend of suspense, atmospheric horror, and mystery. It does not solely rely on gore or jump scares. Instead, it creates a looming sense of dread from the very first episode, allowing viewers’ imaginations to run wild. The intricate plot, combined with a haunting soundtrack, meticulous animation detailing, and compelling character developments, plunges viewers into an unsettling environment where every corner holds a potential threat. The uncanny phenomena surrounding Mei and the truth behind the curse create an unshakeable feeling of unease. This psychological horror approach keeps audiences on the edge, making Another a standout in the horror anime genre.

Where to Stream ‘Another’

Stream on Crunchyroll

Stream Another on VRV

5 Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories

Urban legends have always been fascinating to those who love all things scary, as there are many blogs and websites solely dedicated to retelling stories that have been passed around for years and years.

Many of these stories have a historical basis or have been spread around in the form of oral storytelling. Yamishibai retells many stories that have been circulating around Japan and animates them into 3 or 4-minute shorts for everyone’s viewing pleasure. Not only is this series great for a quick scary story, but some of the episodes are also genuinely terrifying.

From ventriloquism to first loves, Yamishibai has a spooky story for anyone wanting a horror fix deeply rooted in Japanese culture.

Stream Yamishibai on VRV Here

6 Boogiepop Phantom

Urban legends, as stated before, are very fascinating and often have a scary vibe to them, so when you get an urban legend in your demon anime , super spooky magic happens.

Boogiepop Phantom takes place in an unnamed Japanese city, where an urban legend circulates about a spectral figure known as Boogiepop—a death god who saves people from the clutches of despair. The series unravels following an enigmatic event called the “light pillar,” which bathed the city in an eerie light, causing electronics to malfunction and leading to a string of mysterious disappearances.

Through interconnected episodes and a nonlinear narrative, viewers encounter various individuals and their strange experiences, eventually tying back to two entities: Boogiepop and an elusive man named Manticore. The series dives deep into the psyche of these characters, reflecting on society’s fears, neuroses, and dark underbelly. The atmospheric music, shifting points of view, and intricate character explorations paint a haunting portrait of urban life and the fragility of the human mind.

Why Boogiepop is One of the Best Psychological Anime

“Boogiepop Phantom” is celebrated as one of the greatest psychological anime due to its masterful execution of atmosphere and its introspective look into human vulnerability. Instead of relying on overt scares, it delves into the subconscious dread, the quiet traumas, and the inherent fears that plague humanity. The disjointed storytelling requires active engagement, urging viewers to piece together the puzzle. Its sophisticated approach to exploring human psychology, paired with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack and unique visual style, solidifies its status as a seminal work in the anime horror-psychological genre.

Where to Stream Boogiepop Phantom

Stream Boogiepop Phantom on Amazon Prime Video

Stream it on Crunchyroll

A few years back, vampire stories were all the rage. From romance stories to horror stories, vampires plagued young adult literature and the media. However, like most fads, just because a topic is popular doesn’t mean most of the content is good. Shiki , an anime about vampires released around this time frame, really proves this notion wrong, standing out as a great horror anime.

Taking place in the 1990s, Shiki follows the story of a village that like many of these series, happens to have mysterious deaths occurring. A doctor suspects some sort of medical epidemic until he discovers the Shiki, vampire-esque creatures who are roaming the village. A 15-year-old boy seems to face the reality of the Shiki head-on, affecting his life in many ways. The lines between good and evil are challenged, and this series stands out from the typical vampire story.

What Makes Shiki is One of The Scariest Anime

Shiki stands out as one of the scariest anime not just because it delves into the realm of the undead, but because it masterfully blurs the line between monsters and humanity. The story, set in a secluded village, begins with a series of mysterious deaths coinciding with the arrival of a peculiar family in a European-style mansion. As villagers are systematically targeted and rise as the undead, the narrative evolves into a tense standoff between humans and “shiki” (corpses).

What truly amplifies the horror is the anime’s exploration of moral ambiguity: as desperation mounts, it becomes difficult to delineate heroes from villains. This profound dive into the psyche of both the living and the undead, combined with a chilling atmosphere, haunting score, and intricate character design, establishes “Shiki” as a tale where the true horror isn’t just the presence of monsters, but the monstrous acts that ordinary people are capable of under duress.

Where to Stream Shiki

Stream Shiki on Hulu

Stream it on Amazon Prime Video

8 Paranoia Agent

Paranoia Agent takes place in the bustling city of Tokyo, where a string of mysterious assaults begins. The only clue about the attacker is his modus operandi: a golden baseball bat. As the city grows more anxious with each incident, the media dubs the assailant “Shonen Bat” (Lil’ Slugger in the English version). Detective Ikari and Maniwa are put on the case, but what they find challenges their understanding of reality itself. As they delve deeper, they discover that the victims share a pattern: each of them faced some form of psychological distress or pressure before being attacked.

The series follows different characters, intertwining their personal traumas, and each episode offers a glimpse into their psyche. As the boundaries between sanity and delusion blur, the city spirals into a state of collective paranoia.

Why It’s One of the Most Unnerving Anime

Paranoia Agent stands out as one of the most unnerving anime because of its masterful examination of the human psyche under societal pressures. Directed by the late Satoshi Kon, the series blurs the lines between reality and delusion, making viewers question their perceptions. The intricate storytelling is accompanied by eerie visuals and music, creating an atmosphere of discomfort. More than mere horror, the series probes into societal commentary, delving into the psychological breakdowns individuals face due to the pressures of modern life. It forces viewers to reflect on their own vulnerabilities, making it a deeply unsettling experience.

Where to Stream Paranoia Agent

9 dusk maiden of amnesia.

Not as much of a horror anime as it is very Halloween-themed, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia follows the life of a ghost named Yuko who is attached to the school where Teiichi, a middle school student resides.

Teiichi is able to see Yuko and investigates her death that took place in the school. There are many mysteries surrounding Yuko and her appearance, which is further investigated by the establishment of a paranormal club.

The scenery and mystery of the series make this underrated gem worth a watch, especially for the romantic aspects and implications that a ghost must endure when they are tied to a certain area until they can pass on.

Where to Stream Dusk Maiden of Amnesia

Stream Dusk Maiden of Amnesia on VRV

As the name implies, Blood+ contains quite a lot of blood, as well as vampire-like creatures who like to target human hosts. Schoolgirl Saya Otonashi’s life changes drastically after she is attacked by a creature known as a Chiropteran that feasts on the blood of its victims.

Through this, Saya learns that she must go out of her way to defeat the Chiropterans, as she is able to shatter their blood through her newfound powers. Through her journey, Saya encounters many enemies as well as finding out who her true self is. Blood+ is filled with gory action and a well-written story that will keep watchers on the edge of their seats.

Where to Stream Blood+

If you use a VPN:  you can stream it on Amazon Prime Video . Otherwise, your best bet is AnimeSurge .

11 Ghost Hunt

With many paranormal investigator shows popping up in the reality tv world, there’s bound to be an anime that has the same premise. Ghost Hunt follows student Mai Taniyama and the leader of the Shibuya Psychic Research Center, Kazuya, also nicknamed Naru the Narcissist. In this anime, the two characters, along with others, investigate many paranormal incidents around Japan as well as discover their own psychic abilities. This show has some very genuinely creepy moments as well as an eerie vibe that one would get when investigating the paranormal side of things.

Where to Stream Ghost Hunt

Stream ghost hunt on funimation, 12 tokyo ghoul.

Becoming one of the most popular anime in the last year, Tokyo Ghoul developed a very large fanbase after the premiere of the show. Tokyo Ghoul follows the story of Ken Kaneki, a young and innocent college-age student who unknowingly meets a ghoul on a date, changing his life forever. Ghouls in the anime are cannibals, often attacking humans for their need to eat flesh, often resulting in vicious murders and deaths.

Ken becomes a half-ghoul after an operation saved his life, mashing his body with those of Rize, the ghoul who attacked him. Throughout the series, Ken must face the hardships of dealing with the need for human flesh, as well as being a target for those around him. What’s interesting about Tokyo Ghoul is the blurred line between good and evil, as ghouls take Ken in and can be sympathized with.

There’s also a police force that has morally questionable values, even delving into deeper topics like discrimination and equality . Tokyo Ghoul is definitely a great anime to watch before Halloween but is definitely not for those who are grossed out by body horror and cannibalism.

13 Death Note

“The human whose name is written in this note shall die.  This note will not take effect unless the writer has the person’s face in their mind when writing his/her name. Therefore, people sharing the same name will not be affected.” –Death Note, Rule 1

If you were given the power to end someone’s life by writing their name, how would you use it? Would it be for the greater good or for your own benefit? These questions of morality are explored in Death Note , one of the most well known and talked about anime series. This adventure follows Light Yagami, an intelligent honors student who has a bright future ahead of him. One day, he stumbles upon the Death Note and quickly learns of its power to mysteriously kill people upon writing their name in the book. First, he focuses on criminals, but then his actions take a twisted turn. Light becomes power hungry and his vision is skewed as he becomes more selfish and sees himself as a god. A game of cat and mouse is played with L, a famous detective who wants to catch the man behind the murders.

With this information, you may be wondering why a detective story is considered a top horror anime. Sure, Death Note isn’t strictly horror. It has many elements of action and suspense. However, the elements of the series are so dark, including the psychological thriller aspects and manipulation of one’s mind when exposed to such power. It’s filled with dark and creepy moments that make the viewer question the meaning of one’s existence while guessing the mystery along the way. Maybe the real horror is one’s self.

Stream Death Note on Hulu Here

A deadly family reunion. We listed Higurashi as one of the top horror anime to watch, but there is another famous series by 07th Expansion that will disturb you and surprise you with a gruesome story.  Umineko is part of the When They Cry series, but with an entirely different cast and plot.

Set in 1986, members of the esteemed Ushiromiya family gather for their annual conference. However, that year is different than most, as the head of the wealthy family is about to die, and the adults are to decide how to divide his wealth among them. The main character is named Battler, the son of one of the Ushiromiya’s. He discovers that there are rumors about a witch named Beatrice who holds a riddle that leads to being the next successor to the family.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a When They Cry series without the horror element, and that’s when things get really interesting. A storm hits, and six family members are murdered. Soon after, it is revealed that if Beatrice’s riddle cannot be solved, then people will continue to die in gruesome and disturbing ways. Fantasy vs. reality is questioned, as well as the existence of witches in the human world.  Although the visual sound novel (available on Steam!) gives the complete story, and this anime stops at a point where many of the mysteries remain unsolved, it is still worth a watch to scratch that horror itch. Caution: Like Higurashi, it’s not for the weak at heart!

15 Hell Girl

Revenge . It is something we long for when things get tough, or problems persist in life. Bullies, betrayals, and more can haunt us and cause us to seek vengeance. In Hell Girl , there is a special website that those who have powerful grudges can access at midnight. There, they may enter a name and that person will be sent to hell. However, there is still a hefty price to pay. Those who request the grudge are given a voodoo doll with a red string. Revenge will be carried out if the user pulls the string. However, their soul will also be sent to hell when they die.

Not only does Hell Girl have interesting standalone stories each episode, but it also offers many situations to keep it entertaining and fresh. Not everyone pulls the string, while others get around the rules. The backstory of Hell Girl aka Ai Enma is also explored, and we find out her origins and place in the world. For those who love tales of revenge and classic horror elements, Hell Girl is definitely a fantastic choice, with plenty of seasons and episodes to watch.

16 High School of the Dead

The Walking Dead is still considered the go-to zombie series, and there is a lot of love for defeating the undead when it comes to cartoons, shows, and anime. High School of the Dead has the typical setup for a zombie horror story, deserving a spot on this list. A pandemic called the “Outbreak” spreads throughout Japan, and humans turn into zombies while groups of students struggle to survive.

It sounds incredibly generic, especially with the seemingly stereotypical anime tropish characters. However, High School of the Dead proves to be something more than it portrays. Morality is questioned, characters take unexpected turns, and the show is overall an enjoyable watch. The action scenes are particularly gruesome, and the story behind the pandemic is quite interesting.

There is one thing about High School of the Dead , however. There is a lot of fanservice and “ecchi” moments that do not make it a suitable watch for all audiences. Even if you aren’t a fan of this type of anime, it may still surprise you with a good horror story. Unfortunately, we may never see a conclusion, as the author of the series, Daisuke Sato passed away this year. His work will never be forgotten, serving as an example of a well-done zombie anime for years to come.

Stream High School of the Dead on Hulu Here

17 School Live!

Speaking of zombies , there’s another horror anime out there that manages to portray an apocalypse in a new and entertaining way without falling back on generic tropes. School Live! will surprise you. On the surface, it appears to be an anime about cute girls doing cute things.

Following Yuki Takeya, School Live! Seems to be about her journey with friends in the School Living Club, an organization dedicated to improving school life. That is, until the end of the episode. There, it’s revealed that all of the main characters are actually trying to survive a zombie apocalypse. The “living” part of the club refers to staying alive, as the undead roam around the outside world with the girls being the only survivors.

Similar to Madoka Magica , this anime tends to focus on the psychological aspect of surviving where death is imminent. The girls try to reject this idea and try to make their lives normal, locking themselves up in the school and pretending. The way that they act is almost more horrific than the apocalypse itself, as it’s all in their head while the world crashes and burns around them.

18 Danganronpa 3: Hope and Despair Arcs

If you are an anime fan or a lover of survival-type horror stories, you probably heard of Danganronpa , one of the most successful visual novels in Japan. If you haven’t, the story follows students of the prestigious Hope Peak’s Academy, each with ultimate “talents” that deem them the best in their area. However, there is an insane twist. Students are trapped in Hope’s Peak with a killing game being the only way to escape.

Discovering the mysteries of the academy is horrific and really insane, especially when the mastermind is revealed and half of the students die. Although Danganronpa the Animation features the story of the first game, Danganronpa 3 offers two sides, a conclusion to the first two games, and a prequel to the second game. In many ways, Danganronpa Hope and Despair Arcs are more disturbing and really play up the horror element well.

The Future Arc explores the conclusion to the events after the second game. Without spoiling, it involves members of the Future Foundation being pinned against one another in a new killing game. Someone is a traitor who is killing one person whenever they are forced to sleep. There are many creepy, interesting moments and backstories of the Future Foundation leaders revealed. It also ties MOST of the mysteries from the first few games together.

The Despair Arc is more terrifying, showing how an entire class became inflicted and manipulated into despair. It starts off as a happy school life anime with a tragic twist of fate that leads to the deaths of thousands, as well as the first test of the killing game amongst student council members. There isn’t a happy ending, which makes it a great choice for Danganronpa fans who wish to be horrified.

It is recommended that you play Danganronpa 1 and 2 before watching the 3rd anime.

19 Mirai Nikki (Future Diary)

For some, nothing seems to be more horrific than killing games, where people are forced to murder each other in order to escape their situation. Mirai Nikki is brutal, pitting diary users against each other in order to become the successor to the god of space and time. The protagonist, Yukiteru, is a shy boy who lacks real-life friendships and is afraid of nearly everything.

Becoming part of the game of gods, he realizes that his classmate, Yuno, is also a participant. Protecting him, Yuno becomes one of the most possessive and obsessive love interests in the history of anime, living up to her yandere trope. She’ll kill anyone to protect Yuki, getting them through the tough game they play despite his timidness.

Although this anime would be considered more psychological torment than horror, there are plenty of twisted scenes and deaths within the killing game. Yuki’s psyche breaks down over the course of the 25-episode adventure, allowing for character development out of fear. Yuki and Yuno’s relationship, although toxic, is explored and developed as well. If you pick up this series, make sure to watch the special 30 min epilogue OVA, as it explains the confusing mess that was episode 25 and makes a lot more sense with time travel and alternate worlds.

Stream Murai Nikki on Hulu Here

20 Corpse Party: Tortured Souls

In the haunted Heavenly Host Elementary school, a terrible fate awaits students who decide to perform a ritual within the classroom. Within seconds, an earthquake shatters and they fall into another dimension, filled with the souls of those trapped there. Can they survive the ghosts of those brutally murdered years ago?

Dubbed as one of the most gruesome anime series in existence, the Corpse Party OVAs are not for those who cringe at horror. It’s perfect to binge watch in one go, especially if you are looking for a horror anime that won’t take a while to get through. What Corpse Party lacks, however, is a developed story that is found in the visual novel counterparts. Although some parts are covered, especially about the antagonist.

This just gives viewers more of a reason to invest in the games for a more complete picture. However, the fact that this is animated certainly ups the scare factor quite a bit. Grab this small series for a horror night with friends.

Stream Corpse Party on VRV

When we think of horror and surgeons, we think of the classic tale of Frankenstein, but the anime Monster aims to tell a different kind of story. Featuring a young prominent, brain surgeon named Tenma, the story unfolds as he is forced to make a grave decision one night, save the life of a boy or a mayor with high social standing. He chooses to save the boy who came in first, and the mayor dies. Not only does Tenma lose his reputation, but mysterious murders also begin to occur around him, all related to the boy he decided to save.

In an interesting turn of events, Tenma realizes that the child may be intertwined with fate itself, making for an interesting psychological horror story intended for a more mature audience. Monster is considered one of the classic horror anime that is timeless and a masterpiece of a story for years to come.

22 The Promised Neverland

In The Promised Neverland, Grace Field House seems like a paradise for the orphans living there. They’re provided with every comfort, and the loving caretaker, “Mama” Isabella, looks after them. The children are required to take daily tests, and they’re free to play as they wish, with only one rule: never venture beyond the fence surrounding the orphanage. However, the illusion shatters when the three brightest children – Emma, Norman, and Ray – discover the dark secret of the orphanage. They learn that the facility is actually a farm, and the children are being raised as food for demons .

Determined to escape this grim fate, the trio devises a plan to break free, while also aiming to save all the other children.

Why It’s One of the Best Horror Anime

The Promised Neverland stands out due to its masterful blending of psychological horror with a gripping narrative. The anime excels in building suspense and a feeling of unease, without resorting to gratuitous gore or jump scares. Its horror lies in the chilling realization of the children’s purpose at the orphanage and the omnipresent threat of the world outside. Character development is rich, and the strategic battles of wit between the children and Mama create a tense, high-stakes atmosphere. The anime delves into themes of innocence lost , the value of life, and the lengths one would go to survive. This intellectual and emotional depth, combined with its suspenseful storyline, makes The Promised Neverland a standout in the horror anime genre.

Where to Stream The Promised Neverland

Stream The Promised Neverland on Hulu Here

Sci-fi horror at its finest, Gantz is definitely not for those who are disturbed by gruesome murders and disturbing scenes. The world of Gantz is deadly, disgusting, and unavoidable. One day, two men attempt to save the life of a homeless man but end up dead themselves. They then find themselves in a barren apartment, with a black sphere known as Gantz. Here, their lives belong to a being who forces them to do missions to kill aliens.

They cannot leave until a mission is completed. Once a participant scores 100 points, they have 3 options: return to their normal lives with memories of Gantz erased, a unique and powerful weapon, or revive someone who has died by Gantz.

At first, it sounds cheesy, but Gantz really is horrific. Limbs are severed, heads are blown up, and people face death in classic sci-fi horror fashion. This is not for the faint of heart and for mature audiences only.

Stream Gantz on Funimation

24 Kara no Kyoukai (Garden of Sinners)

Kara no Kyoukai (Garden of Sinners) is an intricately woven series of films adapted from a light novel series, set in an urban environment brimming with supernatural occurrences. The narrative revolves around Shiki Ryougi, a girl with the unique ability to perceive death lines, allowing her to destroy almost anything with precision. After surviving a life-threatening accident, she awakens with a split personality: a male side and a female side.

The series delves into her complicated relationship with Mikiya Kokutou, who is unyieldingly devoted to her despite the dangers surrounding her. As they navigate through a series of mysterious events, including a series of suicides and murderous occurrences, the line between the ordinary and the paranormal blurs, testing their bond and resolve.

Why “Kara no Kyoukai” is Considered One of the Best Horror Anime

Kara no Kyoukai stands out due to its atmospheric storytelling, richly detailed animation by the acclaimed Ufotable studio, and haunting soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura . The series masterfully combines philosophical dialogues, psychological horror, and a non-linear narrative that challenges viewers to piece together its multifaceted plot. Its character depth, particularly the exploration of Shiki’s duality, introduces a profound layer of complexity. Moreover, the anime delves into themes of isolation, identity, and the nature of evil, raising it above conventional horror, and making it a masterclass in atmospheric and psychological terror.

History of Horror Anime

Ah, the spine-chilling allure of horror anime! It’s not just about the jump scares or the eerie soundtracks; it’s an art form that’s been sending shivers down our spines for DECADES.

Our journey begins in the late 1960s , a time when anime was just starting to find its footing. The horror genre, inspired by traditional Japanese ghost stories and folklore, began to weave its dark tapestry into the world of animation. Series like GeGeGe no Kitaro paved the way, introducing yokai and spirits to the small screen, and boy, were we hooked!

Fast forward to the 1980s and 1990s, and horror anime was in full swing. With classics like Akira and Perfect Blue , the genre began to explore the psychological terrors of post-war Japan, blending dystopian futures with mind-bending plots.

It wasn’t just about monsters and ghosts anymore; it was a deep dive into the human psyche, and anime fans lapped it up.

So, fellow otakus, as we stand on the shoulders of these giants, let’s tip our hats to the pioneers who turned our nightmares into animated masterpieces. Onward to more goosebumps !

Must-Watch Horror Anime by Decade

Now that you have a little bit of horror anime history, it’s paramount to spotlight the masterpieces that have defined and redefined the genre across the decades. From the nostalgic vibes of the 1980s to the innovative narratives of the 2020s, each era has contributed uniquely to the horror realm. So, sit back, perhaps with a cup of ramen, and let’s dive deep into this animated chronicle.

1980s: The Dawn of Darkness

The ’80s, a vibrant era of neon lights and burgeoning pop culture , also marked the ascent of horror anime. A standout of this period is Vampire Hunter D , set in a post-nuclear world, masterfully blending gothic horror with sci-fi elements, introducing the dhampir protagonist, D. Another hallmark is Wicked City , which narrates a tale of two parallel dimensions – our human world and a shadowy counterpart. Its blend of noir and grotesque creatures made it an instant classic.

1990s: Psychological Horrors Take Center Stage

The ’90s pivoted from tangible monsters to the more abstract terrors of the mind. Perfect Blue , helmed by the illustrious Satoshi Kon , is a riveting psychological drama that delves into the tumultuous world of fame, duality, and fixation. Its intricate narrative and evocative imagery have cemented its legendary status. Another gem, Serial Experiments Lain , addresses the burgeoning digital age’s existential anxieties, weaving a tale that blurs the boundaries between the tangible and the virtual.

2000s: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The dawn of the new millennium ushered in a harmonious blend of the archaic and the contemporary. Higurashi: When They Cry transports viewers to the secluded village of Hinamizawa, plagued by annual enigmatic deaths. Its convoluted timelines and spine-chilling revelations make for a gripping watch. On the more traditional end of the spectrum, Mononoke introduces us to the enigmatic Medicine Seller, who exorcises spirits using a triad of their Form, Truth, and Reason. Its distinct artistic flair and episodic narratives rooted in Japanese legends make it a memorable experience.

2010s: Dark Fantasies and Dystopian Futures

This decade was characterized by genre amalgamations. Tokyo Ghoul paints a world where ghouls, humanoid creatures with a penchant for human flesh, coexist in the shadows of society. Through the transformative journey of Kaneki, a human-turned-half-ghoul, the series delves into profound themes of identity, humanity, and societal fractures. Another titan of this era, quite literally, is Attack on Titan . While primarily categorized as action-packed, its horror undertones, from the nightmarish Titans to the bleak existence within towering walls, make it a pivotal addition to the horror genre.

2020s: The New Wave of Horror

As we step into the current decade, the horror genre continues to evolve, drawing from its rich past while innovating for the future. Series like Jujutsu Kaisen seamlessly blends action with horror, introducing cursed spirits and the dark arts of Jujutsu sorcerers. Another noteworthy addition is The Promised Neverland , which, beneath its veneer of an idyllic orphanage, hides sinister secrets and a fight for survival. As the decade unfolds, we eagerly await the new terrors and tales it will unveil.

The Cultural Impact of Horror Anime

Anime, particularly the horror genre, has long been a mirror reflecting societal fears, cultural norms, and historical events. Its influence is not just limited to Japan but has permeated global pop culture, reshaping how audiences perceive and interact with animated content.

The roots of horror anime are deeply intertwined with traditional Japanese folklore and legends. These tales, often filled with spirits, monsters, and moral lessons, have been adapted and reimagined in countless anime series. By doing so, they bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern storytelling, allowing new generations to connect with age-old tales in a contemporary setting.

But the cultural impact of horror anime goes beyond mere entertainment. According to a report from Statista , the combined revenue of the domestic and overseas markets of the anime industry reached a staggering 2.74 trillion Japanese yen (roughly $18.2M USD) in 2021. This growth is not just a testament to its commercial success but also an indicator of its widespread acceptance and influence.

Horror anime, with its ability to tackle complex themes, has been instrumental in addressing societal issues. For instance, post-war Japan saw a surge in anime that dealt with the horrors of war, nuclear fear, and the consequences of human actions. Series and films delved into psychological trauma, the fragility of human life, and the moral dilemmas of survival. This not only provided audiences with a medium to process collective trauma but also sparked discussions on peace, recovery, and the human spirit.

In the global arena, horror anime has challenged the stereotypical perception of animated content being solely for children. Shows that explore mature themes, intricate character developments, and moral ambiguities have attracted adult audiences worldwide. This shift in demographic interest has paved the way for more profound and thought-provoking content, further elevating the status of anime in global entertainment.

The international success of horror anime has led to cultural exchanges. Concepts of Japanese horror, like vengeful spirits (Yūrei) and cursed places, have found their way into Western horror films and literature. Conversely, Western horror concepts have been integrated into anime, creating a fusion of styles and narratives.

The digital age, with its streaming wars, has further amplified the reach of horror anime. Major platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have invested heavily in anime, recognizing its potential to draw global audiences. The competition among these platforms has spurred the Japanese streaming market, leading to collaborations with animation production companies. This symbiotic relationship has resulted in content tailored for international audiences, further solidifying the cultural impact of horror anime.

The cultural significance of horror anime definitely has a few different layers. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, a medium for societal commentary, and a catalyst for global cultural exchange. As the lines between cultures continue to blur in our interconnected world, horror anime stands as a testament to the universal appeal of storytelling, regardless of its origin.

Horror Anime Adaptations: From Manga to TV and Beyond

The world of anime is vast, but its roots often trace back to the intricate illustrations and compelling narratives of manga. Manga, the Japanese equivalent of comic books or graphic novels, has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for decades. It’s no surprise then that many of our beloved horror anime series and films find their origins in these black-and-white pages. But the journey of adaptation doesn’t stop there; the silver screen, live-action renditions, and even stage plays have embraced these chilling tales, bringing them to life in diverse formats.

Manga to Anime: A Natural Progression

The transition from manga to anime is perhaps the most common form of adaptation. Manga serves as a storyboard, providing a visual guide for animators. Series like Tokyo Ghoul and Parasyte began as manga, capturing readers with their intricate plots and character developments. Their popularity inevitably led to anime adaptations, where voice acting, music, and animation added layers of depth, enhancing the storytelling experience. However, this adaptation process isn’t without challenges. Pacing is crucial; while a manga reader can consume content at their own pace, an anime episode has a fixed duration. Balancing character development, plot progression, and thematic depth within this timeframe requires finesse.

Anime to Live-Action: A Leap of Faith

Live-action adaptations of horror anime are a testament to the genre’s widespread appeal. These adaptations aim to bring the animated world into our reality, grounding fantastical elements with real-life actors, settings, and practical effects. Films like Death Note (2017) and Attack on Titan have ventured into live-action territory, with varying degrees of success. The challenges are manifold: capturing the essence of characters without the exaggeration permitted in animation, recreating iconic scenes with practical effects, and meeting fan expectations. Yet, when done right, live-action adaptations offer a fresh perspective, making familiar stories feel novel.

Beyond the Screen: Stage Plays and Musicals

Perhaps the most unexpected form of adaptation is the transition of horror anime to the stage. Believe it or not, series like Black Butler and Tokyo Ghoul have been reimagined as stage plays in Japan. These productions merge theatre’s raw immediacy with the narrative depth of anime. Actors bring characters to life, sans any digital enhancements, relying solely on their craft. Sets, costumes, and live music immerse the audience, making the world of horror anime tangible. The ephemeral nature of theatre means every performance is unique, offering a different experience each time.

Why We Love Adaptations

Adaptations, in all their forms, underscore the cultural impact of horror anime. They signify the genre’s versatility and its ability to transcend mediums. Each form of adaptation caters to a different audience: manga appeals to readers who enjoy delving deep into narratives at their own pace; anime brings stories to life with motion and sound; live-action films offer a grounded, real-world rendition; and stage plays provide an immediate, immersive experience.

Adaptations play a major role in introducing horror anime to broader audiences. Not everyone reads manga or watches anime, but they might catch a live-action film adaptation in theaters or stumble upon a stage play while traveling in Japan. These adaptations serve as gateways, drawing new fans into the intricate worlds of horror anime.

More Good Horror Anime to Check Out

Psycho Pass, Berserk, Ergo Proxy, Deadman Wonderland, Elven Lied, Hellsing Ultimate, Ghost Hunt, Mononoke, Petshop of Horrors, Btooom!, Corpse Princess, Castlevania (Netflix) Terra Formars

What’s YOUR Favorite Scary Anime?

Want more anime content? Check out our list of the 21 best fantasy anime of all time.

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The 20 Best Time Travel Anime

The time travel genre isn't the most prevalent in anime, but it's one that more often than not is done very well.

Despite the existence of time-loops, stable and malleable timelines, and parallel dimensions, there are really only two types of time travel in anime , which are further divided into two subgroups. One where every action has massive consequences and one where time travel is only a device to comment on the era that the protagonist is exploring.

As a rule of thumb, Time Camping media tends to be pretty uncomplicated and does not leave viewers with an aftertaste of bitter existential dread. On the other hand, anime about time travel are more rewarding to watch for those into intricate narrative mechanics and unexpected plot twists.

Updated on April 2nd, 2024 by Chelsea Steele: Time travel is a classic sci-fi concept that can be found in just about every form of media under the sun, and that includes anime. In fact, some of the greatest anime series of all time feature this unique premise, offering mind-bending stories that often delve into the psychological genre. We've updated this list to meet CBR's current publication standard, providing more info on some of the best time travel anime currently available.

7th Time Loop And 9 Other Amazing Time Loop Anime

20 tokyo revengers follows takemichi a he travels back in time to save his loved ones, tokyo revengers rating scores.

Tokyo Revengers provides a familiar "do over" time travel plot, filtered through a bunch of classic delinquent tropes. The lead is Takemichi Hanagaki, a man leading a life full of regrets until he gains the ability to go back in time. Eager to save his childhood girlfriend, Takemichi's actions send him down a dangerous road of trying to give everyone a better future.

Tokyo Revengers is a series that will appeal to a certain brand of anime fan. Though the sci-fi elements are always prevalent, the true focus is on all the delinquents in Takemichi's life , and whether Takemichi can truly change as a person. With a deep, emotional story, a strong cast of characters, and tons of thrilling fight scenes, Tokyo Revengers joins together the action of classic shonen and the otherworldliness of sci-fi for a series like no other.

Tokyo Revengers

Hanagaki Takemichi lives an unsatisfying life right up until his death. Waking up 12 years in the past, he reckons with the eventual fate of his friends and tries to prevent an unfortunate future.

19 Iroduku: The World In Colors' Hitomi Tsukishiro Seeks Help From The Past

Iroduku: the world in colors rating scores, 10 most whimsical anime, ranked.

Iroduku: The World in Colors offers fans a bittersweet time travel romance series. In the year 2078, Hitomi Tsukishiro is a young witch who lost the ability to see colors after her mother abandoned her. Out of a desire to help her, Hitomi's grandmother Kohaku sends Hitomi back to the distant past of 2018. Though Hitomi has no idea what to do there, the people she meets in the Magic Photography Arts Club show her a different type of magic, as they restore the color to her life.

Fans of time travel and slice of life will find Iroduku an easy weekend binge. As ever with P.A. Works, fans can expect a visual showcase , as the studio outdoes themselves with Iroduku 's gorgeous and lush color palette. However, watching Hitomi learn how to reconnect with people is also a delight, even if the ending is obvious from the jump.

18 Re:Zero -Starting Life In Another World- Sees Subaru Stuck In A Time Loop Of Life & Death

Re:zero -starting life in another world- rating scores.

At the start of Re:Zero , protagonist Subaru Natsuki thinks he's going to have it easy when he awakens in an alternate world. He's expecting pretty women, and awesome special powers to navigate this new fantasy environment. However, what he discovers is he has one ability: when he dies, time rewinds back to an earlier point. What follows is Subaru figuring out a way through this new world, while dealing with the pain of his Return By Death ability . As he battles the despair of his new reality, he tries his best to use his power for good and help those around him.

Re:Zero is perfect for people who love time loop storylines. Over the course of the series, Re:Zero gradually turns into a puzzle, where Subaru is challenged to come up with the best possible option not just for himself, but the people around him. It's easily one of White Fox's best series, and time travel fans who don't mind a gritty fantasy world would do well with this one.

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

After being suddenly transported to another world, Subaru Natsuki and his new female partner are brutally murdered. However, Subaru awakens to a familiar scene, meeting the same girl again. The day begins to mysteriously repeat itself.

17 Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song Stars An AI Songstress Fighting To Save The Future

Vivy: fluorite eye's song rating scores.

Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song is like if Terminator 2's main hero was the T-800. One hundred years in the future, AI evolves enough to strike out at mankind, wiping out most of the population. The last chance is an advanced AI, Matsumoto, going back one hundred years with the knowledge of the future, to try and prevent the war between humanity and AI. In the past, Matsumoto relies on Vivy, the original sentient AI, to help him protect humanity.

Vivy is one of the best sci-fi series in recent memory. Following a captivating lead protagonist, viewers gradually see the development of human history, wondering whether the war with AI is inevitable or if the future can be changed. Wit Studio's beautiful animation makes every episode a treat, and the short runtime means people can get through the show in a single weekend if they like.

Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song

In Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song, Vivy, an AI tasked with singing to make people happy, is approached by a mysterious program asking for her help in destroying AI.

16 Link Click's Cheng Xiaoshi & Lu Guang Jump Through Time Using Photographs

Link click rating scores.

With Link Click , LAN Studio brings fans an awesome new time travel anime. In the series, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang operate a business they call "Time Photo Studio". An innocuous name, but with their powers they're able to travel back in time by looking at photographs. While living in these snapshots through time, the two try to fulfill their client's requests, while also trying not to alter the past too much.

Link Click is one of the hottest new sci-fi anime , and its on pace to become a modern classic. The series offers an expertly crafted mystery that demands binging thanks to its awesome cliffhangers. LAN Studio's excellent animation also makes this anime quite the looker, which stands out that much more when Link Click goes into its superbly choreographed fight scenes. For fans of thrilling time travel stories, there's no reason not to check this series out.

Link Click (2021)

Using superpowers to enter their clientele's photos one by one, Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang take their work seriously at "Time Photo Studio," a small photography shop set in the backdrop of a modern metropolis.

15 Occult Academy Follows Time Travelers On A Mission To Save Earth

Occult academy rating scores.

Directed by Tomokiho Ito, Occult Academy adeptly blends magical girls and time travel, weaving these two seemingly unrelated concepts into a seamless tapestry. The show revolves around a pre-apocalyptic scenario in which the heroes have to travel back in time to save the world.

Set in the year 2012, the world of Occult Academy has been ravaged by alien invaders. As mankind is on the brink of extinction, time travelers are sent back to 1999 and tasked with destroying an artifact named the Nostradamus Key, in hopes that this will stop the invasion from ever happening. Assuring humanity's survival requires the combined powers and battle expertise of a Traveler named Fumiaki and Maya, the headmaster of the Occult Academy. A unique mixture of sci-fi, mystery, and supernatural, Occult Academy is a fascinating approach to the classic time travel premise and is sure to appeal to fans of postapocalyptic stories.

14 Orange Follows Naho As She Tries To Change The Past

Orange rating scores, why orange hits way harder as an adult.

Orange is a dramatic romance series that takes a very different approach to time travel. There aren't any battles against evil or earth-shaking disasters. On the contrary, the protagonist begins her character arc as a high school student traversing her way through life. This particular time travel incident starts when Naho Takamiya receives a letter allegedly written by her older self.

While reluctant to believe it at first, enough things happen for Naho to eventually accept the truth. As a result, she begins taking the advice offered by her older self, including watching out for a transfer student who vanishes in the future. Thus begins Naho's emotional journey as she and her group of friends slowly change reality and alter the past, ultimately saving the life of Kakeru Naruse in the process. One of anime's most unique time travel stories, Orange is an emotional and heartfelt story of friendship, love, and overcoming grief.

High school student Naho Takamiya receives a letter from her future self that warns her to avoid mistakes she will make involving a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, a troubled boy whom she meets and begins to fall in love with.

13 Zipang Follows Modern Soldiers As They Travel Back To WWII Japan

Zipang rating scores.

Plenty of books and movies have taken modern-day soldiers and equipment into the past. For example, the naval drama The Final Countdown placed a U.S. carrier group into the Pacific a day before Pearl Harbor. Much like the 1980 film, Zipang also places 21st-century warriors into World War II , but not where they can serve as saviors.

Instead, they land in Japan in the early 1940s, which is a radically different place. With their accumulated knowledge, they figure out how their country's forces can defeat the Allies. However, they're painfully aware of what the Showa era was like in Japan, which is why they desperately attempt to stay away from anything resembling warfare. A remarkable re-telling of WWII Japan, Zipang follows Commander Kadomatsu and his crew as they set off an unstoppable chain of events that alter history as they know it.

12 Buddy Complex Is The Story Of An Unlikely Hero Sent To The Future

Buddy complex rating scores.

Buddy Complex is technically part of the Gundam family . And yet, it has a completely different vibe to it than the rest of the franchise. Instead of a fight for the freedom of the present, the hero determines if he wants to get himself involved in a future battle between mecha forces. The story is simple and much shorter than most Gundam series, but it's nonetheless engaging, with a well-executed time travel premise that fans are sure to enjoy.

Buddy Complex begins when protagonist Aoba Watase is almost killed by a giant robot. Although he's saved from this gruesome fate, Aoba is simultaneously sent 70 years into the future. In this time, the world is ravaged by war, and Aoba quickly finds himself caught in the crossfire. He spends most of the story camping in that specific timeline, as his rescuers want him to learn all about the Gundams, allegedly to prevent his imminent death.

11 Summer Storm! Stars A Young Couple With The Ability To Jump Through Time Together

Summer storm rating scores.

Plots about characters being immortal or younger than their visual representations have been around since Oscar Wilde wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray . In Summer Storm! , this unique narrative notion is revised into a teenage romantic comedy. Here, a young adolescent named Hajime Yasaka meets a beautiful and charming girl named Sayoko Arashiyama. As they continue to develop a bond, Yasaka discovers that Sayoko is no ordinary girl.

Why she may appear average on the surface, Sayoko is actually the ghost of a girl who passed during the WWII era. After sensing a connection between them, Sayoko uses Yasaka to travel through time, where the two work together to save victims of the war. An underrated gem of the 2000s, Summer Storm! is probably one of the most unique time travel series out there.

10 Steins;Gate Is One Of Anime's Most Beloved Time Travel Stories

Steins;gate rating scores, why steins;gate is considered one of anime's best english dubs.

Though there have been many amazing time travel stories throughout anime history, few can compare to Steins;Gate . One of the most popular time travel anime out there, this thrilling psychological series is considered one of the best modern depictions of time travel to date. Steins;Gate stars Rintarou Okabe, an eccentric genius scientist who discovers a way to travel back in time using a bizarre device he has named the "Phone Microwave". Using this gadget, Rintarou is able to send messages to the past that alter the future.

Though a groundbreaking discovery, Rintarou soon finds that messing with the past has dire consequences. Thus, the series follows him on a harrowing journey as he desperately tries to fix his mistakes, ultimately creating a thread of alternate realities in the process.

Steins;Gate (2011)

After discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.

9 Noein: To Your Other Self Uses Real-Life Science & Quantum Theory To Tell Its Story

Noein: to your other self rating scores.

With its complex storyline based on real-life science theories, Noein: To Your Other Self could also be titled Quantum Physics 101. This mind-boggling series features a universe divided between two factions, the Shangri-La who want to destroy the time-space continuum, and the Lacryma who refuse to let that happen. However, the key to saving everyone turns out to be the Dragon Torque, who is actually the protagonist, Haruka Kaminogi.

The writers rely on modern quantum theory as the almost-mystical motor of the story. Combined with elements of sci-fi and fantasy, this lesser-known time travel anime is easily one of the most unique within the genre. Noein: To Your Other Self is a great mix of various themes and subgenres because it manages to combine really chill slice-of-life episodes with epic space battles and even magical girls, all without breaking a single string theory along the way.

8 Sagrada Reset Stars A Strange Girl With A Unique Power

Sagrada reset rating scores.

Do not be fooled by Sagrada Reset 's slice-of-life exterior, as this anime is basically camouflage for an X-Men level backstory chock-full of philosophical dialogues. In this series, protagonist Kei Asai lives in Sakurada, a strange town where all its inhabitants possess otherworldly abilities. Kei's ability gives him an eidetic memory, which means he remembers practically everything. Meanwhile, his new friend Misora has the power to reset time up to three days in the past. Together, Kei and Misora combine their gifts to help others and make life in Sakurada better for everyone.

While they both join the Service Club to help people, the end of the first episode turns the slice-of-life premise on its head. Viewers soon realize that there are other powers moving the pieces of this small village, and it's up to these young heroes to unravel the mystery. A thrilling story of a supernatural conspiracy, Sagrada Reset is a must-watch for time travel and mystery fans alike.

Sagrada Reset (2017)

Set in the seaside town of Sakurada, where everyone possesses unique abilities, Kei Asai encounters Misora Haruki, a girl who can "reset" anything around her up to three days prior. However, she loses her own memories of the reset period. Kei, with his photographic memory, assists Misora in using her power to help others in town, forming a service club. As they solve various mysteries and challenges, Kei develops feelings for Misora, while questioning the ethics and consequences of altering the past.

7 The Disappearance Of Haruhi Suzumiya Introduces An Alternate World Where Haruhi Doesn't Exist

The disappearance of haruhi suzumiya rating scores.

The Haruhi Suzumiya franchise is well-known for its bizarre plots that feature many mind-bending and often confusing situations, from alternate dimensions to frustrating time loops. As such, it's no surprise that The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya carries on this trend. In the film, protagonist Kyon wakes to find himself in an alternate version of his reality, where everyone and everything has changed. Most notably, titular heroine Haruhi is nowhere to be found.

Thus, as the only one aware of this reality shift, Kyon must make choice. Either he accepts this new reality and lives a normal life, or he travels through time and space to restore things to the way they once were. Considered by many to be the best storyline in the entire franchise, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is hailed as one of the best time travel concepts in anime.

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

A week before Christmas, Kyon wakes up in a world where the SOS Brigade doesn't exist. Mikuru and Yuki don't recognize him, and Haruhi and Itsuki seem to have vanished.

6 Future Diary Combines Classic Battle Royale With Time Travel Elements

Future diary rating scores, the 15 deadliest death games in anime.

In the iconic series Future Diary , protagonist Yukiteru Amano gets dragged into a battle to the death where the victor becomes a God. His main weapon is a special cellphone that receives messages and tips from his future self. This allows him to foresee what will happen, albeit to a limited degree. However, all the other combatants also have similar cell phones, further adding to the challenge.

Future Diary has a tournament format where every episode features a serious duel between Yukiteru and the other candidates. Further, the mechanics of time travel are extremely well-developed in this series, particularly the unstable timeline/parallel worlds concept. Combined with the classic battle royale concept, Future Diary stands out as one of the more unique time travel series in anime.

Future Diary

A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the succesor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.

5 Erased Is A Gripping & Emotional Murder Mystery Story

Erased rating scores.

It's difficult to talk about Erased without mentioning The Butterfly Effect and the video game Life Is Strange. Both of them share several themes and mechanics with this plot. Erased stars Satou, a man who can travel backward in time a few minutes to stop disasters, but he doesn’t have perfect control over this ability. Nevertheless, Satou tries to use his ability to help others as best as he can.

However, when he’s accused of matricide, Satou's mysterious gift sends him back to his high school days, right before one of his classmates was murdered by a serial killer. Now living in the past, Satou sets out to solve the mystery and save Kayo Hinazuki before it's too late and history repeats itself. Those who've watched The Butterfly Effect know that Erased 's Satou has his work cut out for him, despite his time-traveling powers.

Erased (2016)

29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.

4 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Follows Makoto As She Learns That Time Traveling Has Its Consequences

The girl who leapt through time rating scores.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time stars Makoto Konno, an outgoing high school girl who accidentally gains the ability to leap through time. She promptly uses this unanticipated blessing to make her life easier in a myriad of different ways as she tries to figure out what she wants in life. Unfortunately, Makoto soon realizes that she also has a number tattooed on her arm, representing the total amount of time leaps she can make. Not only that, but as she meddles with time, she starts to see the unexpected consequences of her time jumps and what that means for her future.

Although this plot is not epic or action-packed in any way, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time introduces an intriguing concept. Makoto's ability to use cumulative time-leaps is similar to asking a genie for more wishes. The anime is beautiful to watch and its slice-of-life setup is sure to appeal to those put off by historical time travel or overly elaborate sci-fi.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

A high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own.

3 The Tatami Galaxy Gives A Bitter College Student A Chance To Re-Do His Life

The tatami galaxy rating scores.

The Tatami Galaxy is framed within a Groundhog Day device of a single day resetting unto itself. The series follows a young man named Watashi, who keeps reliving the same first day of college and trying to get the perfect “rose-colored” college life he's always dreamed of. After lamenting bitterly to himself about his regrets, Watashi is sent through time to re-start his college days, in hopes of doing it right this time. Thus, he goes on a journey to face his regrets and finally do everything he wished he could before.

Although the structure of all the episodes is similar, the great thing about this 11-episode series is the incredibly original style and the fantastic soundtrack. The conclusion is also refreshing, as it highlights the optimistic aspects of time travel. In other words, the most important thing is not to make the perfect decision but to make a decision and enjoy it to the max.

The Tatami Galaxy

The Tatami Galaxy" follows an unnamed third-year college student at Kyoto University, dissatisfied with his unremarkable college experience. Encountering a demigod, he receives the chance to relive his past three years, hoping to experience the ideal "rose-colored campus life" he believes he missed. Each episode presents a different timeline where he joins a new club (such as the rowing club, the filmmaking club, or the mystery research club), hoping to find fulfilling friendships and romance, particularly with his classmate Akashi. However, due to his awkwardness, impulsiveness, and misguided decisions, each attempt ends in disappointment, leading him back to the beginning of the loop. Through these comedic and melancholic cycles, the series explores themes of self-discovery, missed opportunities, the impact of choices, and the importance of cherishing the present.

2 Thermae Romae Is A Hilarious Story Of What Would Happen If Someone From The Ancient World Came To The Future

Thermae romae rating scores, thermae romae novae is a fantastic change from the classic isekai formula.

A popular theme in time travel stories is the concept of bringing someone from the past to present and exposing them to the marvels of the modern world. Historical comedy Thermae Romae does just this, transporting an ancient Roman to the future. When Lucius, an ancient thermae (Roman bathhouse) architect, gets fired, he also somehow manages to time-travel to modern Japan through a Roman bath sinkhole. Here, he makes a name for himself as a genius architect whose ingenuities are far head of his time.

This hilarious series follows Lucius' daily adventures as he navigates the modern world, shocked and delighted by the future's modern technology. Thermae Romae is one of the most unique anime based on the time travel trope, as well as the most lighthearted. Those who complete the three-episode anime series might also want to view a brilliantly scripted live-action movie.

1 Nobunaga Concerto Follows Saburou As He Travels To Feudal Japan & Trades Places With A Legendary Warrior

Nobunaga concerto rating scores.

Nobunaga Concerto is a historical shonen series following the adventures of Saburou, a carefree high school student whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly finds himself transported back in time to the Sengoku Era. Here, he meets Nobunaga Oda, the legendary leader of the Akechi Clan. After this chance encounter, Saburou suddenly finds himself swapping identities with Nobunaga, posing as the general himself. Now in an unfamiliar time forced to pose as a feudal lord, Saburou must use his modern knowledge to get him by as he helps to unite Japan.

With its unique visuals and refreshing take on historical fiction, Nobunaga Concerto is a highly underrated time travel series. The story is simple and straightforward, yet gripping and emotional, with brilliant character development that really gets the audience invested.

25 Time Travelling Anime That Will Blow Your Mind

Time Travel, a concept so infinite and unexplainable. A staple in the works of science fiction mystery, and fantasy, the focus of Time Travel is to make changes either by accident or intentionally.

Imagine going back in time to right that one wrong you made, that one mistake that costed you everything in the future.

You could also change the future so that your past self would be better informed of what is to come. The possibilities of Time Travel are endless, and these 25-hand selected anime prove the concept of time is not only infinite but conventional as well.

1. Your Name.

2. re:zero -starting life in another world-, 4. steins; gates, 5. mahou shoujo madoka★magica, 6. the girl who leapt through time, 7. tokyo revengers, 8. bokutachi no remake, 9. future diary, 10. the melancholy of haruhi suzumiya, 11. buddy complex, 12. higurashi when they cry, 13. mekakucity actors, 14. sakurada reset, 15. zegapain, 16. urusei yatsura movie 2: beautiful dreamer, 18. little busters, 19. occultic;nine, 20. date a live, 21. iroduku: the world in colors, 23. nobunaga concerto, 24. punchline, 25. charlotte.

The protagonists are Tachibana Taki, who lives in Yotsuya, Tokyo, and Miyamizu Mitsuha, who lives deep in the mountains of Hida. When they wake up one morning, Taki’s consciousness shifts to Mitsuha’s body and Mitsuha’s to Taki’s, and the two begin their life as swapping bodies. They are strangers who do not know each other, and they are in the midst of puberty.

They sometimes complained about the unfamiliarity and confusion, but before they knew it, they had grown into an indispensable part of each other’s lives.

Technically speaking, labeling this film a “masterpiece” is an insult by omission. Given that Shinkai is a master, anything he makes is obviously going to be a “masterpiece,” but among silt there is gold, and among gold there may be diamonds. This movie is a diamond, easily the prettiest feature-length film.

• The story is conceptually very simple, but a lot of depth is added as the story goes on. The show drives several important points, which can be very philosophical, without being too complicated for the average viewer to understand
• There was not a single sound that felt out of place. All the characters’ voices suited their appearances, leading to a very immersive experience
• Spectacular animation. There is one particular scene near the beginning which has a sort of “3D camera rotation” that looks so real that I thought it was rendered; but at the last second, the character turned their head, and I was able to tell that it had been entirely hand-drawn

Based on the novel of the same name by Tappei Nagatsuki , abbreviated as Re-Zero . The story begins when Subaru, a NEET high school student, is summoned to another world on his way home from a convenience store. As soon as he arrives, he is tangled up with a gang of thugs and in a pinch, but it is Emilia, a spirit user, who saves him.

Every time he loses a battle and loses his life, he always wakes up at the same point in time. Subaru had unknowingly acquired the ability to rewind time back to death. Subaru was exhausted by his mentally and physically damaging ability, but it was the demon maid, Rem, who loved and encouraged him.

Can Subaru rely on his “return to death” to protect his loved ones? And which love will he accept?

• The character designs are very lovely. They are usually rather detailed, especially their facial expressions and features during moments when their faces are zoomed in on. Vibrant colors also help to bring the characters and scenery to life
• An Isekai MC that is not insanely overpowered, making it easier for the audience to connect with his challenges
• As a light novel adaptation, you’ll probably find many standard tropes ranging from the generic jealousy of certain girls to the childish antics of Beatrice. Subaru also tends to make himself look like a fool in front of others which can be irritating to watch. Still, the comedy of the show on most occasions is properly timed to balance out the darker themes

Satoru Fujinuma, an unsuccessful manga artist, has a mysterious ability called “replay (revival),” which is triggered in a pinch and repeatedly rewinds until the unfavorable outcome is corrected.

Eighteen years ago, Kayo Hinatsuki died in a series of kidnappings, and her mother, Sachiko, recognized the kidnappers and turned the tables on them. When Satoru is about to be accused of his mother’s murder, a revival is triggered.

The place where Satoru’s consciousness was transferred was inside 11-year-old Satoru in 1988, the year the kidnapping took place. March 1, the day Kayo disappeared. Can he keep Kayo away from the incident and protect her? Satoru runs through time for the future where his loved ones are still alive.

• The suspenseful atmosphere which Erased is able to create, and the facial expressions which arouse suspicions on various characters are perfectly executed which supports its mystery genre incredibly well
• OP and ED are amazingly executed. They even became a staple for online anime content creators for a time
• The way ‘Revival’ is portrayed by showing a blue butterfly across the screen and the way history or the future is compared with the timeline using movie reels makes Erased more interesting to watch

A TV animation based on a hypothetical science ADV game by 5pb. The “Future Gadget Laboratory” in Akihabara is a rather strange invention club led by Rintaro Okabe and consisting of lab members Itaru Hashida and Mayuri Shiina.

They have discovered that their invention, a “telephone range (tentative),” can be used as a time machine to send cellular phone e-mails to the past. Further experiments revealed that the past can be altered by D-mail.

By the time they had succeeded in advancing their research and commercializing the time leap machine, they were being stalked by a mysterious organization. The past alteration involves great risk, and we learned the cruel fact that one of our friends will always die, whether in the alpha or beta world line…

Mayuri, his childhood friend, and Kurisu, to whom he is attracted. Can Okabe find a way to save them both?

• The art style simply has a way more realistic feel to it than your generic anime
• The characters are written in such a way that you are bound to like them. They all have their own likable and recognizable traits, which are perfectly described from the start: Makise Kurisu the tsundere, Daru the nerd, Mayuri the childish girl, and so on
• The voice talent in the anime is strong, with Miyano Mamoru’s performance as Okabe in particular standing out. The other performances are somewhat overshadowed by this, but are solid performances nonetheless

Director Akiyuki Shinbo and Shaft have teamed up to create a masterpiece of dark fantasy. It depicts the daily battles of girls who choose to live as “magical girls” in exchange for a wish.

Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are saved by the magical girl Mami when they wander into a witch’s ward, and they have a strong yearning for each other. However, they are reminded of the reality when they witness the horrific scene of Mami being eaten by a witch.

M adoMagi takes a turn from the heartwarming everyday life and takes on a darker fantasy aspect. What is the harsh fate that magical girls bear? What decision will Madoka make?

• Magical Girl overtones combined with the trance-like aesthetics of Shaft and the glorious character designs by a small green man who lives on top of an all-girls Japanese high school dormitory
• The script is written by Urobuchi Gen , known for his work on Fate/Zero (hence the poem) and the highly acclaimed (and crazy good) visual novel Saya no Uta
•  Madoka has an uncanny knack for going from quaint to disturbing incredibly fast. It also has the ability to BLOW YOUR MIND

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a juvenile novel written by Tsutsui Yasutaka . It became a TV drama, movie, and manga several times. However, this movie is its first anime adaptation. The main character, Konno Makoto, is brighter and more easygoing than any other characters in movies or TV dramas made before. At once she knows she acquires the power of “time leap.” She uses it without hesitation to satisfy her own desire.

Makoto Konno is in her last year of high school, but is having a hard time deciding what to do with her future. In between enduring the pressure of her teachers and killing time with her best friends, Makoto’s life suddenly changes when she accidentally discovers that she is capable of literally leaping through time.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time follows Makoto as she plays around with her newfound power. However, she soon learns the hard way that every choice has a consequence, and time is a lot more complicated than it may seem.

• Tsutsui Yasutaka is a prolific author and known for science fiction works featuring dark humour/satire. His most famous work is probably The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
• The art in this movie is special. Featuring what seems to be simple character work, yet extremely detailed environments, you begin to feel sort of immersed into the characters because of discerning features, particularly of their personality, rather than by simply their appearances alone
• This is an excellent, dramatic movie with a small amount of romance thrown in. The movie can actually be quite funny at times, especially with Makoto’s priceless reactions to some things

Takemichi Hanagaki’s second year of middle school was the highest point in his life. He had respect, a gang of friends he could count on, and even a girlfriend. But that was twelve years ago. Today, he’s a nobody: a washed-up nonentity made fun of by children and always forced to apologize to his younger boss. 

A sudden news report on the Tokyo Manji Gang’s cruel murder of the only girlfriend he ever had alongside her brother only adds insult to injury. Half a second before a train ends his pitiful life for good, Takemichi flashes back to that same day twelve years ago, when he was still dating Hinata Tachibana.

After being forced to relive the very same day that began his downward spiral, Takemichi meets Hinata’s younger brother. Without thinking, he admits to his seeming death before flashing back to the past. Takemichi urges him to protect his sister before inexplicably returning to the future. 

Miraculously, he isn’t dead. Stranger still, the future has changed. It seems as though Takemichi can alter the flow of time. Given the chance to prevent his ex-girlfriend’s tragic death at the hands of the Tokyo Manji Gang, Takemichi decides to fly through time to change the course of the future.

• From fluid fight scenes to encapsulating settings, the animators really put their hearts into it
• The OSTs, opening themes and ending are all bangers! (It was the first anime to feature a yodelling segment in the OP)
• The story can feel slow at times, but from it comes huge buildups for future events/arcs which you won’t want to miss

Life is not going well for 28-year-old Kyouya Hashiba. Having left his office job to pursue a career in the video game industry, his internship at a popular game studio abruptly ends, leaving him unemployed and forcing him to move back in with his parents. 

Additionally, his jealousy toward the success of the “Platinum Generation”—a group of similarly-aged creators—has caused him to regret his decision to attend a traditional university instead of an arts college. Even though he believes there are no second chances in life, Kyouya is suddenly given one when he wakes up one day and finds himself 10 years in the past.

Instead of choosing a business school like he originally had, Kyouya decides to pursue his passions and attends the Oonaka University of Art. There, he meets classmate Eiko Kawasegawa, the woman who had hired him as an intern in the present, alongside his new housemates and future Platinum Generation members: underachieving artist Aki Shino, an aspiring singer and actress Nanako Kogure, and naturally-gifted writer Tsurayuki Rokuonji.

With each project they complete together, Kyouya and his friends venture closer to discovering their true potential as creators and remaking their lives into the ideal versions they desire.

• With a character cast of young adults, the anime has an overall more mature feeling. While the anime is very light on fan service, it still has some compromising moments and the obligatory beach episode
• This isn’t a difficult anime to get into and you can watch this without breaking a sweat. It’s a simple show that uses time travel as a plot device but ultimately doesn’t rely on it to sell its main story
• One of the bigger selling points of the show is realism. It’s very refreshing to see young amateurs build their way up and learn about the video game industry

Based on the suspense manga of the same title by Esuno Sakae . For Yukiteru Amano, who is not good at interacting with others, the only people he can call friends are the imaginary creatures “Deus” and “Murmur”. When Yukiteru was typing in his diary on his cell phone as usual, a text that he does not remember was floating on the cell phone screen.

He also announced a survival game for the 12 owners of future diaries, starting with the first owner, Yukiteru, and ending with the 12th, with the winner of the game taking the title of god.

The diary owners join hands and cheat each other. During the battle, we learn that classmate Yuno Gasai, the 2nd, is actually Yukiteru’s single-minded stalker. How will the survival game turn out? Will Yuno’s paranoid love reach him?

• It explores how one’s actions and willpower can change the future and how good people can go insane or do terrible things because of traumatic experiences
• The pacing is fairly fast, but not forced, even when there’s no intense action going on, you find yourself on the edge of your seat knowing that an enemy could pop up at any time
•  The music (OSTs, OP, and ED) is decent, they wisely avoided sound during some of the intense, dark & scary moments where they let the suspense and fear build up in the viewers

Kyon is a high school boy who has taken a liking to his eccentric classmate Haruhi Suzumiya. Haruhi, seeking something out of the ordinary, starts a club of her own, and invites Yuki Nagato, a former member of the Literature Club, Mikuru Asahina, a moe, and Itsuki Koizumi, a mysterious transfer student, to form the SOS-dan (Haruhi Suzumiya’s group to make the world a more exciting place).

Unexpectedly, Haruhi’s activities are to “seek out and play with aliens, people from the future, and psychics,” which she has set as her mission statement. Yuki Nagato was an alien who observed Haruhi, Mikuru was a futurist who monitored Haruhi, and Koizumi was a psychic who belonged to an “agency.

The second season episode, “Endless Eight,” depicts a summer vacation that never ends due to a time loop. 8 episodes, almost two months of the same story, were aired (the drawings and direction were different for each episode), giving the viewers the feeling of being in a time loop. It became a topic of conversation among anime fans.

• There’s one episode where a particular character is singing and they have the lyrics/drummer/guitarist synced perfectly. Beautiful fight scenes (though these are short and infrequent) too
• It’s presented to you out of chronological order. That means episode 4 comes after episode 6, and episode 8 comes before 5 (not the actual order of the show). Don’t worry though, the episodes are out of order with purpose and intention, and it makes the anime all the more interesting
• The characters are spins on stereotypes. Kyon is the ‘boring unexceptional brown-haired guy’, Mikuru is the walking pile of moe, Yuki is the aloof meganekko, and then there’s Haruhi. She’s so original that I cannot even place her in a set category

Buddy Complex , a.k.a. BuddyCon , an original robot anime produced by Sunrise , follows Aoba, a high school student living in the year 2014, who is transported to the future 74 years in the future, where he lives as a confused pilot.

In 2014, Aoba, a high school student, is relentlessly pursued by Bizon, a passenger on the giant robot “Nebiros”. To protect Aoba, it is her classmate Hina Yumihara who fights back with “Carla”. The moment Bizon tries to take her along by self-destructing, a singularity appears. Hina is sent to the future of 2078, and Aoba is sent to the future of 2088.

Aoba arrives in the world of 2088, and a chick that looks exactly like Hina appears in front of him. Why does Bizon attack Aoba? What happened behind the time leap between Hina and Hina?

• They are easily likable and feel human enough not to feel two-dimensional. Also, when they get emotional, there are clear reasons behind them, and there are also no noticeable plot holes that I have noticed while casually watching the show
• Coming from Sunrise , it is not much of a surprise that the art and sound are well done. The background music during the battles and while they are on standby fit in very well, and the OP and ED are catchy
• The plot did a great job creating a sci-fi-action anime with a romantic kind of atmosphere at some parts

The original is a computer game produced by the doujin circle 07th Expansion . The first season includes “Onikakushihen”, “Watanagashihen”, “Chousakushihen”, and “Biyasushihen” the question-and-answer version, and “ Meakashihen ” and “ Kakushihen ” the solution version, for a total of 6 parts.

The setting is the village of Hinamizawa in 1983. Keiichi Maehara, a transfer student from the city, was enjoying his life in the village surrounded by Rena, Enone, Satoko, Rika, and other cheerful friends.

However, the situation gradually changes, and he finds himself drawn into the vortex of a mysterious incident in Hinamizawa. When they are tormented by anxiety and unable to trust others, who reaches out to them? You will have to see for yourself why this is a “time-lapse” work!

• The pacing is excellent, and the suspense is palpable. You know terrible things are going to happen, but you don’t know exactly what
• Each experiment you run (arc you see) reveals a few more clues, and you formulate a new theory, only to find it shattered by another totally unexpected horror in the very same arc
• Higurashi would appeal to two types of people. The megalomaniacs who cackle madly in seeing a happy community descend into the depth of oblivion, and the curious scientist who watched each arc with intense interest… for they want to know exactly *why* everything goes wrong (though they can also cackle madly just a little)

The animation division of the Kagerou Project by Jin (Enemy of Nature P). A long time ago, Azami, a medusa, fell in love with a young human named Tsukihiko and created “Kagerou Days,” a world that will never end because of the shortness of human life.

When her granddaughter Marie was beaten to death, Azami brought her back to life by drawing her into the Kagerou Days and giving her the power to control all snakes!

Meanwhile, a reclusive young man named Shintaro encounters a strange group called the Mechakushidan as soon as he steps out into the outside world for the first time in two years because of a prank played on him by a mysterious software program called Dennou Shoujo Ene. Kido, the leader of the Mekakushi-dan, has the ability to “hide his eyes,” Set has the ability to “steal eyes,” and Kano has the ability to “deceive eyes”.

The members of the Mekakushi-dan, a group of people with abilities related to “eyes,” seem to have powers that stem from their respective pasts. This is a time-lapse work in which the Mekakushi-dan, made up of such unique members, are active!

• What Mekakucity does do, as a result of its roundabout approach to storytelling, is repeatedly twist your perception of the main characters. The show’s big ‘mystery’, where you have to guess which character is actually the one holding the witch’s power, is one that takes a while to become obvious
• Produced by Jin , the music was quite popular before the anime was released. Which helped the anime skyrocket popularity with viewers
• The voice actors of Mekakucity Actors bring so much more into the story, really justifying the anime adaptation, and a special mention goes to Ene’s voice actor Kana Asumi – her character never fails to bring a smile to your face!

The popular novel by Yutaka Kono , consisting of seven volumes, has been adapted into an anime. The story depicts the love and friendship between high school boys and girls in Sakurada, a town where people with supernatural powers gather. Kei Asai, who can retain all her memories, and Misora Haruki, who can rewind the world for up to three days, have a mission to accomplish.

They are still trying to bring back Violet Aima, their classmate, who died two years ago as a result of the resetting process.

During these days, Kay and Harusaki meet two important figures in Sakirata’s history: Sasano, an old man who can enter photographs, and a witch who has the ability to see into the future.

• There are scenes that have a really deep impact while having a good harmony with the soundtrack
• The characters manage to develop well in a very surprising way, they start getting more emotional over time while dealing with very philosophical and psychological events that will help them understand more about themselves, the story of Sakurada, and the ability users
• If you aren’t into a slow-paced story with characters that will develop quite slowly, this show certainly might not be for you. but if you are patient enough, certainly this anime will keep you hooked and will reward those that stick to the end

Sunrise presents this robot coming-of-age anime. The story centers on Kyou, a carefree high school student living in Maihama City, his childhood friend Ryoko, and a mysterious beautiful girl named Shizuno.

At Shizuno’s invitation, Kyou sets out in his giant robot Zegapain. He is convinced that what he sees is a virtual world that bears no resemblance to the peaceful everyday world, but what he sees is the real world of war.

In fact, it has been a long time since humans disappeared from the earth, and Kyou and Ryoko were nothing more than “phantom bodies,” personality memory bodies, and data without substance. Their high school life in Maihama and club activities were all virtual spaces created by computers.

Is the phantom body human? Or is it …? What was the answer they came up with after all their troubles? The story of Ryo, a high school student, struggling to discover what is important to him will touch your heart.

• Zegapain manages to maintain a complex fully explored setting and plot advancements without any of those, the show is maturely handled, always evolving with its characters and plot developments, always rewarding, and never breaking its rules
•  All the characters have a purpose and add something to the show but some of the side characters can lack some presence occasionally and are rather forgettable despite being well fleshed-out and having solid development and backdrop
•  Something that can also throw a lot of shows off the deep end is a shoehorned romance or love triangle that just isn’t well handled in general, Zegapain deals with its romance very well

This is the second theatrical version written and directed by Mamoru Oshii , who was the chief director of the TV series. It is highly regarded as the original “loop” film, and is known as a work that had a great influence on creators in later generations.

The main character, Ataru Moroboshi, attends Tomobiki High School, which is in an uproar with the school festival coming up the next day. The day before the school festival is about to begin, the students are in an uproar, but something unusual is discovered when Ataru’s exhausted homeroom teacher, Onsen Mark, complains, “I feel like I’m repeating the day before the school festival”.

Sakura, a public health doctor, embarks on an investigation and comes upon the frightening sight of the entire town of Tomobiki being transported on a giant stone statue of a turtle. Not Urashima Taro on the back of a turtle, but Tomobikicho… What on earth is going on? And will Ataru and his friends be able to escape from the loop?

• The animation has a lot of fun stylistic choices and tends towards being very inventively surreal
• Music–it’s a combination of atmospheric creepy tones and 80s synth. Oh and let me tell you, the 80s synth gets really hilarious really quickly
•  The characters never keep you in a state of being uninvested, and the story has a certain weight to it that truly lends itself to some of the heavier dialogue

The anime Orange is based on a shoujo manga by Takano Ichigo . At the opening ceremony of her second year of high school, Naho Takamiya receives a letter from “herself in 10 years”. In the letter, it told Naho what would happen to her in the future and the actions she should take to avoid it.

At first, Naho was skeptical, but then a boy named Kakeru Naruse transferred from Tokyo, just as the letter said. In the letter, it was written that Naho would fall in love with Sho from now on, but that Sho would die in an accident in the winter of his seventeenth year. 

It was also discovered that similar letters had been sent to Naho’s friends, Hiroto Suwa and Takako Chino. Naho and his friends believe the contents of the letters and cooperate to prevent Sho’s accident.

• The opening “Hikari no Hahen” by Yu Takahashi is really splendid and set the mood for the next 20 minutes of the show while the ending “Mirai” by Kobukuro acts as a catalyst to all those feelings we go through
• The main casts do get their developments due to the main cast being in a group and there are some romantic tensions here and there
• The animation was consistent throughout and the visuals on how the camera was used were used to great effects, such as sudden transitions on weird differing angles, made a rather mundane occurrence, intense at times, huge praise goes to its backgrounding artwork as it was utterly gorgeous at the best of times

Based on the romance adventure game produced by Key, Little Busters! (Abbreviated as “ LITBUS “). The main character, Naoe Riki, who lost his parents when he was a child, was saved by the “Little Busters,” an ally of justice led by his childhood friend Kyosuke.

Time passed, and the members of the Little Busters became high school students. Kyosuke announces the formation of a baseball team and orders Riki and Suzu to gather the members. Kyosuke watches over each member as Riki takes care of each one of them. Before the first game, Kyosuke tells the team that the leader will be replaced.

Riki begins to climb the stairs to adulthood, fighting his desire to be pampered by Kyosuke. Meanwhile, the “secret of the world” is revealed. With Kyosuke at the helm, Riki forms an emotional bond with his childhood friends who support him. It is a moving work that will inevitably bring tears to your eyes when you discover the truth behind peaceful everyday life!

• If you love slow-paced storylines, this is a time-travel anime made for you
• The voice actors/actresses sound more natural and the dialogue feels more fluid than forced between the characters
• *Psst*, heard you were looking for fanservice, if so, there’s lots of it here for you

Based on a novel by Chiyomaru Shikura , creator of “STEINS;GATE”. Gamon Yuta, a.k.a. “Gamotan,” is a high school sophomore who runs the occult-related website “Kirikiribasara” for affiliate income.

He visits Hashigami, an “occult-oriented” professor who has attracted media attention, on the recommendation of the site’s staff member, Ryoutan (Narusawa Ryoka), and comes face to face with Hashigami’s corpse, which has been murdered by someone!

A few days later, a large number of dead bodies surface in a pond in Inokashira Park, titled Case 256, and since there is no major damage to the bodies, suicide or brainwashing is suspected. Gamotan and “Kiribasa” officials were interested in the case, but they were confronted with an unexpected fact…

In fact, Gamotan and the others were victims of the 256 incidents and had become ghosts without their knowledge. How did they end up dying? Gamotan and his team, now in spirit form, take on the giant organization behind the case!

• The sound is amazing and is composed by Yokoyama Masaru ( Your Lie in April , Plastic Memories ) with it just adding to the immersion in certain scenes
• The art style is a breath of fresh air with the character designs being relatively unique
• The animation as expected from this studio is relatively good with most scenes being aesthetically pleasing and generally fluid

The Date A Live series is an anime work based on science fiction and romantic comedy themes. Based on a light novel by Tachibana Kouji.

The setting is a world 30 years after the spatial earthquake, a catastrophe caused by the appearance of mysterious life forms called “spirits”. The main character, Shidou Itsukawa, meets a spirit girl, Juka Yatogami, at the place where the spatial earthquake occurred. However, Shido was caught up in the battle between the human and the spirit and collapsed. When he woke up, he found himself on board the Fluxinus, an aerial ship. There, he learns that his sister, Kotori Gokawa, is the commander of Ratatosk, an organization dedicated to the peaceful resolution of spatial tremors.

Kotori’s surprise solution to stop the spatial earthquake is to “date the spirits and make them fall in love with each other”? In order to negotiate with the spirits, Shido has to repeatedly go on dates with various beautiful spirit girls.

• The art style and animations are beautiful to look at. If there is one thing DAL does great its the animations. There were no derp faces, the fight scenes looked crisp, the backgrounds were well done, and everything about was done to a tee
• The soundtrack is another category DAL excels at. The BGM fits almost every scene and really brought the most out of each scene
• Buddy, look at me, harem plus ecchi, you get the best of both worlds

Iroduku: The World in Colors is an anime work written by Yashio Natsuka and produced by P.A. WORKS. 13 episodes were broadcast as an original anime.

Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, in the year 2078 A.D., is a mysterious world where magic is available. Hitomi Tsukishiro, a girl with color blindness who cannot use magic very well, is a girl with little emotion because she lost her color vision at an early age. Her grandmother, Tsukishiro Amber, a great magician, is worried about Hitomi and sends her back in time to the year 2018 in Nagasaki Prefecture.

The place where Hitomi crosses time and space is the room of a high school boy, Yuiyo Aoi. She rushes out of the room, but sees vivid colors on the picture he drew.

• The pacing is slow, but this is intentional since the author wants you to learn every characters growth/story
• As it’s part of the plot, the show’s visuals manages to capture the essence of that at its finest
• From Hitomi joining the photography club to experiencing the cultural festival together with friends, P.A. Works manages to sell this series as a modern coming of age fantasy

The anime ISLAND is based on the Windows video game software released by Front Wing. A young man washes ashore on an island called Urashima, which has an exclusive climate.

The young man has amnesia and believes from his fragmented memories that he has come to the past to save the world from the future. A girl named Rinne Ohara gave him a name, which he changed to Sanzenkai Setsuna.

Urashima holds many mysteries, such as “Baimon disease,” which kills people when exposed to sunlight, and “Boryujima,” which only appears on stormy days. Kirina, together with Rinne, Kurutsu Karen, Garando-Sara, and others, will explore the mysteries of the island.

• The story is well written and will have you at the edge of your seat waiting to find out what happens at the end of each episode
• The art style is very unique and its animation has received high praises
•  The characters’ personalities were as well-written as the story as well. Each of the four main characters—Rinne, Setsuna, Sara, and Karen—had their own character developments which developed quite nicely

The original story of Nobunaga Concerto is a shonen manga by Ayumi Ishii . It won the 57th Shogakukan Manga Award in the Juvenile Division.

Saburo, a high school boy living in the present day, accidentally travels back in time to the 18th year of the Sengoku Period (1549). In Sengoku-era Japan, Saburo meets Nobunaga Oda, a man with a face identical to his own. Nobunaga, who is sickly and frail, unlike the legends of history, asks Saburo to switch places with him and live as Nobunaga Oda.

At first, Saburo does not accept the idea of taking Oda Nobunaga’s place. However, Saburo skillfully survived the Warring States period with his bold words, actions, and ideas.

• The storytelling is brilliant – no cliches, no harems, no love triangles, it’s all about Oda Nobunaga quest to unite all of Japan in Saburo’s way
• The sound is amazing too (listening to the ED as I write this), making you cry at times – from sadness and happiness alike
• Character development is subtle yet clear, you might even end up cheering for the once-disgusting guy

An original work by the animation production company MAPPA. The story is about a high school student, Yuta Irritatsu, who aims for the survival of the earth after he sees a pair of underpants that will lead the human race to the end of the world.

The story begins when Yuta and the residents of Furukaikan, Labura, encounter a bus hijacking. Strange Juice, an ally of justice (who is actually Mikatan, a resident of Korokan), rushes in and quickly defeats the enemies, but the leader of the group takes his back and is killed by a man.

Yuta awakens when he sees the underwear of the unconscious labra, and dives into the river with the man in tow. As Yuta is pulled out of the river, all he sees is Strange Juice Mikatan’s underwear!

The amount of energy released exceeds the limit and Yuta dies, and the human race faces extinction. Yuta, now in spirit form, decides to go back in time and fight in order to regain his reality and save the earth from destruction.

• Punch Line is a good flex of narrative muscle, bringing together originally stereotypical characters into a community that gives them just a little more innovation than the rest of the industry can do right now
• It’s a riotous comedy that inverts all sorts of terribleness from the known-to-all loved-by-none (or degenerate) genre of ecchi. It has everything; a zany premise, harem situation, superpowers, nose bleeds, the promise of sex jokes, robots, time travel, ninjas, mascot characters, archetypal cast, forgettable lead, low-budget setting, and the list goes on
• This completely absurd show with no boundaries and just a handful of troupes that the scriptwriter wanted to toy with actually manages to make you care. That is Punch Lines’s charm

The second original anime by Key . Yuu Otosaka is enjoying carefree high school life, abusing her ability to “take over another person’s body for 5 seconds” for her own trivial desires. However, the sudden appearance of Nao Tomori, the president of Hoshinoumi Academy, uncovers Yuu’s evil ways and forces him to help out with student council activities.

At first, he was reluctant to join the student council, but as he learns of his destiny as a gifted student, he gradually discovers what he is meant to do. When he realizes that his ability is “looting,” an extremely dangerous ability, he makes an important decision.

• Each Character is given a whole episode for introductions and has a backstory. And as you continue through this series you will see the main character Otosaka Yuu changing positively, as he was a narcissist
• Music and art-wise, this anime has it all and even spawned memes that are still used until this day
• An outstanding, dramatic, and heartwarming story that will make the biggest man “shed dem tears”

The power of time travel elevates your perspective and increases possibilities by infinite multiples. We either go back in time to fix something we once fumbled, or we go to the future and explore new horizons that have yet to be encountered. 

Time an infinite concept, and with these kinds of anime comes a variety of paths to be explored. We all have that one moment where we wish we could have gone back in time, so let’s experience that with this grand list of anime to binge and chill too. 

Be sure to keep checking back on our site for more great anime recommendations!

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Time travel anime

animation series that is about time travel

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1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (2006–2009)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Drama

The crazy adventures of the SOS Brigade, led by the insane but charismatic Haruhi.

Stars: Tomokazu Sugita , Aya Hirano , Yûko Gotô , Daisuke Ono

Votes: 9,133

2. In Search of the Lost Future (2014–2015)

TV-14 | 23 min | Animation, Drama, Mystery

An astronomy club gets caught up in a bizarre series of events at an old school building while trying to unravel the circumstances revolving around the sudden appearance of a mysterious transfer student named Yui.

Stars: Kappei Yamaguchi , Takuma Terashima , Tomoe Tamiyasu , Kei Mizusawa

3. Re: Zero, Starting Life in Another World (2016– )

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Adventure, Drama

After being suddenly transported to another world, Subaru Natsuki and his new female partner are brutally murdered. However, Subaru awakens to a familiar scene, meeting the same girl again. The day begins to mysteriously repeat itself.

Stars: Yûsuke Kobayashi , Sean Chiplock , Kayli Mills , Rie Takahashi

Votes: 23,912

4. Noein: To Your Other Self (2005–2006)

TV-PG | 25 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A teen girl is approached by a pilot who claims to be her from the future where a force from a parallel dimension is attempting to invade and destroy our universe and only she has the key that can stop this.

Stars: Haruka Kudô , Fujiko Takimoto , Kazuya Nakai , Kôki Miyata

Votes: 1,032

5. Charlotte (2015–2016)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Family

The story takes place in an alternate reality where a small percentage of children manifest superhuman abilities upon reaching puberty. A focus is placed on Yuu Otosaka, a high school boy who awakens the ability to temporarily possess others, which brings him to the attention of Nao Tomori, the student council president of a school founded as a haven for children with such abilities.

Stars: Kôki Uchiyama , Ayane Sakura , Momo Asakura , Takahiro Mizushima

Votes: 8,096

6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica (2011)

TV-14 | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

A creature named Kyubey offers Madoka and Sayaka a wish if they agree to become 'magical girls' and fight abstract beings called 'witches'. However, a magical girl named Homura is, for uncertain reasons, determined to stop this agreement.

Stars: Aoi Yûki , Chiwa Saitô , Emiri Kato , Cristina Valenzuela

Votes: 11,286

7. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 1: Beginnings (2012)

Not Rated | 130 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

A mysterious creature "Kyubey" offers a young girl named Madoka Kaname the chance to have any one wish granted to her. In exchange she must battle evil creatures named "Witches" at the risk of losing her life.

Directors: Mamoru Hatakeyama , Yukihiro Miyamoto , Akiyuki Shinbô | Stars: Aoi Yûki , Chiwa Saitô , Eri Kitamura , Kaori Mizuhashi

Votes: 1,714 | Gross: $0.18M

8. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part 2: Eternal (2012)

Not Rated | 109 min | Animation, Fantasy, Mystery

As the truth behind the girls' contracts with Kyubey is revealed, Madoka has to make the ultimate decision to either see those she love the most die before her eyes or to sacrifice her life as a normal girl and help out her friends in need.

Directors: Yukihiro Miyamoto , Akiyuki Shinbô | Stars: Aoi Yûki , Chiwa Saitô , Eri Kitamura , Kaori Mizuhashi

Votes: 1,678 | Gross: $0.06M

9. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: The Rebellion Story (2013)

Not Rated | 116 min | Animation, Drama, Fantasy

Madoka Kaname used to be a normal girl living happy days of her life. This all ended when she sacrificed herself in order to save other magical girls from the utterly cruel fate that ... See full summary  »

Votes: 4,134 | Gross: $0.38M

10. Dragon Ball Z (1989–1996)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Action, Adventure

With the help of the powerful Dragonballs, a team of fighters led by the saiyan warrior Goku defend the planet earth from extraterrestrial enemies.

Stars: Doc Harris , Christopher Sabat , Scott McNeil , Sean Schemmel

Votes: 147,394

11. Erased (2016)

TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Crime, Drama

29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.

Stars: Shinnosuke Mitsushima , Tao Tsuchiya , Minami Takayama , Ben Diskin

Votes: 58,048

12. Steins;Gate (2011–2015)

After discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.

Stars: Mamoru Miyano , Asami Imai , Kana Hanazawa , Ashly Burch

Votes: 73,243

13. The Future Diary (2011–2013)

TV-MA | 25 min | Animation, Action, Drama

A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the succesor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.

Stars: Brina Palencia , Jessie James Grelle , Leah Clark , Emily Neves

Votes: 19,993

14. Buddy Complex (2014– )

24 min | Animation, Action, Sci-Fi

When a giant robot suddenly attacks the city, a high-school student named Aoba is saved by a classmate piloting her own mecha.

Stars: Saori Hayami , Kôki Uchiyama , Kana Hanazawa , Yoshitsugu Matsuoka

15. Nobunaga Concerto: The Movie (2016)

126 min | Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi

This adaptation to a popular manga is the story of a contemporary teenager travelling back in time to the Sengoku period of the sixteenth century. There he meets with the historical figure ... See full summary  »

Director: Hiroaki Matsuyama | Stars: Shun Oguri , Kô Shibasaki , Takayuki Yamada , Osamu Mukai

16. Nobunaga Concerto (I) (2014– )

Animation, Comedy, History

Saburou, a clever teenager, finds himself in Japan's Sengoku Era after mysteriously time-travelling. Furthermore, he must take on the identity of Nobunaga Oda, the famed warlord destined to unite Japan.

Stars: Mamoru Miyano , Nana Mizuki , Yûichi Nakamura , Aoi Yûki

17. The Ambition of Oda Nobuna (2012– )

TV-14 | 25 min | Animation, Action, Comedy

Suddenly finding himself in the Sengoku era, regular high school student Yoshiharu Sagara is about to be killed in the battlefield.

Stars: Luci Christian , Takuya Eguchi , Molly Searcy , Krystal LaPorte

18. Zipang (2004–2006)

TV-PG | 24 min | Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi

The Japanese AEGIS Destroyer "Mirai" of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force is on its way to Pearl Harbor for training missions when it's suddenly engulfed in a strange electrical storm.

Stars: Roland Angelo Crisolo , George N. Cahill III , Takahiko Sakamoro , Tetsu Inada

19. 12 Monkeys (2015–2018)

TV-14 | 42 min | Adventure, Drama, Mystery

Follows the journey of a time traveler from the post-apocalyptic future who appears in present day on a mission to locate and eradicate the source of a deadly plague that will nearly destroy the human race.

Stars: Aaron Stanford , Amanda Schull , Noah Bean , Barbara Sukowa

Votes: 48,654

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DualShockers

9 best time travel anime.

From Tokyo Revengers to Steins;Gate, these are the best anime that focus around the concept of time travel.

• Time travel in storytelling requires attention to detail and tying together diverted paths can be difficult indeed.
• The choices characters make, regardless of size, can have massive consequences, making time travel stories engaging rollercoasters.
• Time travel can serve as a bittersweet method of communication, enhancing themes of actions, consequences, and personal growth.

Whether it's a mere five minutes or an entire decade, time travel is one of the most compelling yet complicated devices in storytelling. What makes it complicated is the attention to detail required: one story must already be established in order for diverted paths to take place, and tying them together effectively can be very difficult indeed.

RELATED: Saddest Deaths In Anime, Ranked

The choices that characters make, regardless of how small or big they perceive them to be, can have massive consequences. More often than not, the audience discovers the stakes of these choices along with the characters themselves. Therefore, a time travel story can become quite the rollercoaster, with a sometimes unpredictable track. Here are some of the best anime for fans of the fascinating concept of time travel.

9 Irodoku: The World in Colors

Despite coming from a long line of witches, Hitomi Tsukishiro has a rather strained relationship with witchcraft. Unable to truly master her her potent magic , she loses her ability to connect with the world around her in a literal sense. She can no longer see colors. Her grandmother hopes to reconnect her with her roots by sending her back in time to meet a younger version of the guardian.

Irodoku is a story of true connection with the world and, in a way, with one’s heritage. It speaks earnestly to the challenges one faces when it comes to mental health, and presents hope as an answer through the lens of Hitomi’s grandmother’s past.

People are not the ones to travel through time here: letters do instead. Naho Takamiya finds a letter addressed to her, soon discovering that it is from her future self. Future Naho gives herself glimpses of the future and shares regrets she had during high school. In doing so, she hopes to convince Present Naho to make different, bolder decisions that could just save someone they both care for dearly.

Orange is, in a way, a melancholy ode to those who sit on the sidelines of their own lives. It is also a reminder that reaching out may seem small and insignificant to some, but it can mean the world to others. Time travel is a bittersweet method of communication in this story that only serves to enhance these messages as the show progresses.

7 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Hit the brakes and check out this early 2000s anime movie classic . Based on a novel by the same name, the story follows Makoto Konno as she is suddenly granted the ability to leap through time. Makoto starts to use these leaps to her own advantage, often for selfish reasons. However, she only has so many she can use, and some decisions lead to terrible consequences.

It's expected that a teenager like Makoto may make a few silly, albeit selfish, decisions when discovering a new power like time travel. The story becomes even more compelling when she becomes aware of this and tries to remedy some of the decisions she’s made. In doing so, this movie truly broaches the subject of actions and consequences, on both a small and large scale.

6 The Tatami Galaxy

Take a trip that starts with something quite familiar to the college-age demographic: ramen. A third-year college student finds himself at a mysterious ramen stand, where he reflects on his lonely years thus far. Jealous of the surrounding couples, he secretly harbors the regret of not trying harder to be in a relationship like his peers. He is then thrown back into the beginning of his college years once more, for another chance to do just that.

RELATED: Best Anime Set In College

This show is a journey and a half for anyone not used to a more surrealist animation style. Yet, all-in-all, it is a story about a young man trying to find his place among his peers. It speaks honestly to the reality that sometimes life is a series of repetitive situations and different choices.

5 Tokyo Revengers

It’s a jarring reality to go from having it all to losing something dear and cherished. Takemichi Hanagaki used to have a more joyful life, supported by friends and his girlfriend. As time progresses, though, he loses his footing in the world and his ex-girlfriend. It isn’t until he finds himself gifted with the ability to alter time that he decides to use this ability to save the girl he once loved.

RELATED: Best Anime Like Tokyo Revengers

Based on the manga of the same name by Ken Wakui, the world of Tokyo Revengers is brutal and precise, especially with what Takemichi is attempting to achieve. He is also an underdog character, as he is not strong right from the get-go. Rather, he grows from his experiences and keeps to his wits as much as he can to achieve his desired outcome.

4 Your Name

Small-town-girl-meets-city-boy is taken to an entirely different level when it comes to this CoMix Wave film. While Mitsuha Miyamizu lives her life in the rural village of Itomori, Japan, Taki Tachibana lives his life in the bustling city of Tokyo. Both begin to have strange "dreams" where they swap lives without knowing it, until suddenly, they realize they are actually swapping bodies.

Winning three awards both for its stunning animation and its compelling story, Your Name is a tragic yet beautiful story worth falling into . The movie uses tension and suspense through the narrative of time, showing its audience slices of its protagonists’ lives.

When accused of murdering someone near and dear to him, Satoru Fujinuma turns to the past in order to clear his name. His ability, called Revival, allows him to travel into the past and alter events about to happen. While at one point he traveled mere minutes prior to an event, this time he is sent back to when he was just a child in order to solve the murder of one of his classmates.

Erased wraps a mystery within a time travel blanket that does nothing but enhance the suspense of its story. Time seems almost autonomous in the show, as it serves as a guide for Satoru while he decides to make the ultimate decisions. In a sense, he is not in it alone either, because he finds support in the most convenient of places: home.

2 Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Just in the blink of an eye, Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy realm called the Kingdom of Lugunica. Initially, he is more than excited to escape the mundanity of his regular life. Soon enough, though, he discovers that there are still challenges around the bend that he must face. Luckily, he has an ability that no one around him realizes: the ability to return to a specific point in time after "dying."

The story of Subaru takes some unexpected turns that lead him down a much darker road than he ever anticipated. Yet, part of what makes Re:Zero such a successful story is its protagonists’ slow growth over time. Each "death" is an opportunity for Subaru to truly take in his surroundings and learn to make conscious decisions. Additionally, the show is certainly dedicated to its small details and world-building. This only enhances the viewing experience for the audience.

1 Steins;Gate

Every great scientific discovery starts with something simple, right? For Rintarou Okabe and his team, that beginning comes in the form of a microwave. However, after attending a conference on time travel, Rintarou starts to see their invention in a new light. This discovery leads him into dangerous territory that not only puts his team at risk, but also his mind.

This anime is a roller coaster that makes its audience question what’s real and what isn’t. Humor turns into horror, and that horror leads into the core questions that Steins;Gate asks: What is the cost of time travel? What do we truly have control over when it comes to some of life’s most haunting consequences?

NEXT: Anime Characters Who Can Outsmart Senku

Screen Rant

10 best time loop anime ever.

Time loops have become significantly more popular in anime. The trope has the ability to add intense mystery and higher stakes to a story.

Warning: The following contains minor spoilers for the series mentioned throughout!!

• An anime series featuring a time loop presents its protagonist with a unique challenge of attempting to solve a multitude of mysteries ranging from what's causing them to be trapped in an endless loop, and how to stop it.
• Some time loop anime feature "closed loops" or "multiple loops", which require specific conditions to be met in order for the protagonist to progress and discover new clues.
• Despite repeating multiple events over and over, anime that feature time loops have the unique ability to develop their characters through their seeingly endless struggle trying to break the loop.

The best time loop anime send their beleaguered heroes through the same pocket of time to solve some sort of problem. Whether this problem is external, a villain they have to defeat, for instance, or internal, a personal flaw they have to overcome, reminiscent of Groundhog Day, they won't be able to move on until they figure it out. If they're particularly unlucky, this conundrem can take multiple loops before they even begin to understand what's happening to them.

There are many anime that feature unwilling time travelers standouts – including Re:Zero , Erased , and Tokyo Revengers – but only a specific subset either create a single closed loop that can't be changed, or multiple loops that require a condition to finally make time move forward normally again. In these loops, heroes fully realize the power of every decision they make.

10 The Mekakushi-Dan Are Doomed To Die In Every Loop

Mekakucity actors, produced by shaft, based on the original series of vocaloid songs by jin.

All Shintaro Kisaragi wanted was a new keyboard for his beloved computer. Instead, when he steps out of his house for the first time in years, he's caught up in an attack at his local department store – and that's the least stressful part of his day. Escaping draws him into the world of the Mekakushi-Dan, a group of teens with mysterious powers.

Mekakucity Actors more or less follows the plot established by the original Kagerou Project music videos starring the same characters. It also shares the reveal that many of the Mekakushi-Dan, Shintaro included, have been stuck in time loops caused by a mysterious character named Marry, sending them through the same events thousands of times over, trying in vain to keep it from ending in their deaths. Shintaro's dormant ability turns out to be pivotal to saving them all: his Retaining Eyes unlock the memories of every past loop .

Watch On Funimation

9 Yoshikage Kira Covers His Tracks With Time Loops And Explosions

Jojo’s bizarre adventure, produced by david productions, based on the original manga by hirohiko araki.

The climax of Part 5, Golden Wind, sees the heroic but ruthless Giorno also utilize a terrifying time loop to dispatch the villain for good.

While Diamond is Unbreakable isn't a time loop anime in a traditional sense, its climax centers around the villain's ability to create individual deadly loops. Serial killer Yoshikage Kira has one of the scariest Stands in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure : Killer Queen. Naturally, he uses it to commit grisly murders, and its secondary weapon, Bites the Dust, covers his tracks. It's how Kira has kept his identity secret for so many years.

Bites the Dust is automatically implanted in a host's body when the host, purposefully or accidentally, discovers Kira's identity. If the host spills the beans in any way, Bites the Dust first blows them up, then the people they talked to, and finally time itself. It creates a loop of the previous hour before it went off, with everyone blown up and destined to die again at the end of that hour, with only the original host aware of what's happening, but unable to say anything for fear of setting the Stand off again.

Watch On Netflix

8 Higurashi's Cast Are Stuck In Loop After Deadly Loop

Higurashi: when they cry, produced by studio deen & passione, based on the visual novels by ryukishi07.

Higurashi is one of the most famous horror anime ever made , and not only because of its complex time loop structure. Based on a series of equally popular murder mystery visual novels, it ostensibly centers around Keiichi Maebara, who's just moved to Hinamizawa village. As he gets to know some of the local girls, he discovers bloody, awful surprises around every corner.

It quickly becomes apparent that Keiichi, though unfortunate, is secondary to the girls of Hinamizawa. Trapped in time loops, they struggle to find a way to escape . Rika Furude, Satoko Hojo, and the other kids are driven to murder, torture, and all manner of other horrific things. If they're given a possible hint about a way of ending the loops, they'll jump on it at any cost.

Watch On Crunchyroll

7 Rintarou Okabe Needs One Perfect Loop To Save His Friend

Steins;gate, produced by white fox, based on the visual novel by 5pb & nitroplus.

Rintarou Okabe would have been perfectly happy to be left alone in his lab, messing with his gadgets and toying with the fabric of space and time. When he stumbles onto the dead body of a dear friend, they are both saved by a text message from Okabe's future self. Now, Okabe and company must work quickly to figure out all the secrets of time travel before the shadowy organization after his discovery gets to them, too.

It's hard to count all the crazy things that happen in Steins;Gate . Okabe's journey to master time travel and save his friend's life is, realistically, not straightforward, even if he does start the show with a groundbreaking discovery, reprogramming his microwave to send emails to the past. It takes numerous trial-and-error loops, help from other friends, and other experiments before finally working.

6 Nana Daiba Dreams Of An Eternal Stage

Shoujo kageki revue starlight, produced by kinema citrus, originally created by bushiroad.

The first step to escaping a time loop is the protagonist realizing they're trapped in one in the first place, which is easier said than done. The seventh episode of Revue Starlight , "Nana Daiba", throws viewers for a loop when it's revealed what's been going on. One would never expect the comic relief character called Banana to have secretly trapped her entire school in a time loop to redo their class performance of Starlight eternally.

Like many theater kids, Nana has fond memories of her high school production. When she wins Top Star, she wishes for the power to keep herself and her class in that happy piece of time forever, protected from the ravages and disappointments of adult life, and she's kept restarting the loop so many times that even the giraffe doesn't know how long it’s been going on. Hikari is a spanner in the works Nana didn’t anticipate, but she's determined not to let her get in the way of her vision — or her own cherished place in her classmates' lives.

Watch On Hoopla

5 Haruhi Suzumiya's Powers Extend To Endless Time Loops

The melancholy of haruhi suzumiya, produced by kyoto animation, based on the light novels by nagaru tanigawa.

One of the biggest anime of the 2000s wasn't a time loop show for most of its runtime. However, late in season 2 of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya , one of the most infamous story arcs in anime sparks a big one. The Endless Eight literally lasts near-endlessly in-universe, but it certainly felt endless for viewers in real life as well.

Haruhi never wants her summer with the SOS Brigade to end, so she unconsciously uses her reality-bending powers to trap them in a loop. Many time loop anime don't put a number to their loop cycles, but Yuki can: Haruhi forces everyone to relive the same two weeks 15,532 times. Because this was neither advertised nor explained while it was first airing, audiences were caught in the loop as well, repeating the same events over and over for eight straight weeks.

4 Kyousuke's Class Is Trapped In Loops Of Regret

Girls go around, created by chido eita.

Kyousuke Sayama was completely cool with having a boring and uneventful high school career. Unfortunately for him, he's the only one: his classmates are so distraught at the idea that they didn't make the most of their teenage years that they form multiple time loops trapping them in their regret. It’s up to Kyousuke to free them and help them all move forward.

Kyousuke works with the creator of the looping phenomenon until he's pinpointed and solved each girl's regret and its cause , similar to the conflict found in Bunny-Girl Senpai and Bakemonogatari . Slowly and steadily, all are determined to finally face life after high school.

3 Time Loops Are Business As Usual For Princess Rishe

7th time loop produced by studio kai & hornets, based on the light novels by touko amekawa.

The first time Rishe was betrayed and exiled by her fiancé, the crown prince, she was heartbroken. The seventh time, she's not only completely unbothered but mashing the A button to speed through his dialogue: she's got big plans for this latest reincarnation and no time to waste. To her surprise, she winds up engaged to the prince the next kingdom over: the man who, in her last life, plunged the world into war and killed Rishe herself.

One of the newest entries in the time loop subgenre, 7th Loop is already gaining popularity halfway through its first season. By the time viewers meet her, Rishe has acquired the skills, knowledge, and experiences of six different lives, which she utilizes every chance she gets. Though the politics and dark sides of her new kingdom are intimidating, Rishe is determined to save not only the world but her enigmatic fiancé, who has much more to him than she expected.

2 The Narrator Loops His College Years Over & Over

The tatami galaxy, produced by madhouse, based on the original novel by tomihiko morimi.

The Narrator and friends get into more time travel shenanigans in the 2022 sequel, Tatami Time Machine Blues.

Most people have high expectations of their college years, and plenty of people wish they could go back and change things now that they know better. The unreliable narrator of The Tatami Galaxy actually gets the chance, several times over. In the pursuit of a rose-colored college life, he turns back time to try new paths through his youth, determined to find the perfect one.

However, perfection isn't easy, and the narrator is quick to blame everyone around him for his misfortunes. The real purpose of the loop is to force him to take a good, hard look at himself and realize that the one who needs to change the most is him. Attentive viewers will notice that the people close to him change in appearance as the show goes on to reflect his new perspective — one closer to reality.

1 Homura Has Been Forever Changed By Her Endless Loops

Puella magi madoka magica, produced by studio shaft.

For most of the series, Homura Akemi is hellbent on making sure Madoka absolutely does not make a contract to become a magical girl, and neither Madoka nor the audience has any idea why. At least, not until episode 10, which reveals Homura's backstory and her powers. She can reverse time, which she's been doing to relive the days leading up to Madoka's contract and inevitable doom.

In the first timeline, all the main characters were magical girls, with Homura the odd one out. When all of them were killed, Homura contracted with Kyubey and made her wish to save Madoka's life, only to fail countless times, watching Madoka die or become a world-destroying witch. This reveal recontextualizes Homura's entire character and the show itself, and, most importantly, gives Madoka the key she needs to make a final decision that changes both the past and future.

The 24 Best Time Travel Anime To Explore Alternatives

• 20 April 2023

Introduction

The concept of traveling across time has always been one of the most interesting aspects of storytelling, and anime is not an exception to this rule. Anime that takes place in the past or the future can provide viewers with an experience that is both exciting and inventive. This is because the show’s characters are able to move across time. Anime about time travel can be interesting, thought-provoking, and even mind-bending at times. Some examples of these qualities include the exploration of different histories and the consideration of the ramifications of altering the past. This article will provide you with an overview of 24 of the most notable time travel anime series that you can watch in order to satiate your passion for the subgenre. Prepare yourselves to travel through both time and space by fastening your seatbelts and getting ready to take off!

Yumeiro Patissiere

Ichigo journeys back in time to the Meiji era with the assistance of her newly made friends and spirit patissiers. There, she meets the great patissier Henri Lucas and learns the tricks of the trade for creating delectable desserts from him.

Ichigo must triumph over a number of obstacles along the way in order to realize her goal of becoming a pastry chef of world-class caliber. Yumeiro Patissiere is a joy for anime fans of all ages thanks to its wonderful characters, mouth-watering desserts, and time-traveling adventures.

Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL

Yuma Tsukumo, a young kid with dreams of becoming the best duelist in the world, is the protagonist of the popular time-travel anime Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL, tells the story of Yuma’s journey. One day, he comes upon a curious piece of equipment known as the “Numbers,” which grants him the ability to call forth strong monsters to assist him in battles.

Yuma goes across time with the assistance of his friends and allies who come from alternate versions of the past in order to retrieve all of the Numbers and keep them from falling into the wrong hands. Along the way, he will also have to engage in combat with a variety of adversaries, including his most sworn enemy, Kaito Tenjo.

lovers of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, as well as lovers of time travel anime in general, should make it a point to watch Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL because of the intense dueling action, complicated plot, and memorable characters it features.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes

The adventures of two extraordinary military commanders, Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Empire and Yang Wen-li of the Alliance are told throughout the series. These characters are tasked with navigating the intricate political and military terrain of their respective factions.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes is widely recognized as one of the best anime of all time and a masterpiece in the subgenre of time travel animation due to the epic scale of its story, the political intrigue it depicts, and the captivating characters it features.

El Hazard: The Wanderers

In this strange realm, Makoto learns that he possesses magical talents and becomes embroiled in a fight between the reigning queen of El Hazard and her defiant sister. In addition, Makoto finds himself in the middle of the conflict. While Makoto and his friends are on their journey back to their own planet, they will encounter many different magical creatures and villains along the road.

They will need to overcome these obstacles in order to succeed. El Hazard: The Wanderers is a fun anime that will undoubtedly leave you with a smile on your face because of its endearing cast of characters, creative world-building, and hilarious adventures involving time travel.

The DC Mini is a potent dream-reading device, but when one of its prototypes ends up in the wrong hands, it unleashes a wave of turmoil as people’s dreams and realities start to converge. The only person who can halt the mayhem is Paprika, a brilliant but odd scientist who utilizes her knowledge of dream therapy to discover the truth about the DC Mini and prevent the end of the world.

Fans of time travel anime and psychological thrillers should not miss Paprika because of its strange imagery, complex plot, and thought-provoking concepts.

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei

He comes across a particular individual who presents him with the opportunity to recreate his time spent in college but with different options and results. After accepting the offer, the protagonist without a name finds himself trapped in a time loop that causes him to relive his college years but with a variety of new experiences and results in each time.

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei is a one-of-a-kind anime that pushes viewers to reflect on the decisions they make in life and the outcomes of those decisions through the use of non-linear storytelling, vibrant animation, and philosophical concepts.

Haruko reveals that she is an alien who is on a quest to find the “Pirate King,” and Naota finds entangled in a unique and surreal journey that involves robots, guitars, and time travel. Haruko is on a mission to find the “Pirate King.”

FLCL is a must-watch for lovers of time travel anime who are searching for something new and unorthodox because of the show’s hectic speed, strange characters, and offbeat humor.

Time Travel Shoujo: Mari Waka to 8-nin no Kagakusha-tachi

Mari has been given the mission of locating eight historical personalities who are in possession of the knowledge necessary to save the planet from an impending catastrophe. Along the way, Mari is exposed to the diverse history and culture of Japan, while simultaneously coping with the repercussions that would result from altering the past.

Time Travel Shoujo: Mari Waka to 8-nin no Kagakusha-tachi is an entertaining and enlightening anime that is ideal for anyone who is interested in Japanese history or time travel. The show features characters that are interesting to watch, material that is instructive, and exciting time travel adventures.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Based on Yasutaka Tsutsui’s book of the same name, “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” is a 2006 Japanese animated film directed by Mamoru Hosoda. The movie tells the tale of Makoto Konno, a high school student who discovers she has the power to time travel following an unusual meeting in her school’s science lab. As she experiments with her newly acquired abilities, she learns that changing the past might have unanticipated results.

Youth, friendship, and the effects of our acts are among the issues covered in the movie. Makoto is a likable lead character with genuine challenges, making her easy to support. The animation in the movie is breathtakingly gorgeous, with vivid colors and exquisitely detailed settings that vividly depict the world of the story.

The way “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” strikes a balance between comical and serious subjects is one of its strongest points. The movie is frequently lighthearted and amusing, but it also explores more serious topics like regret, the passing of time, and the value of savoring the moments we have. The movie is a rich and emotionally evocative experience because of this balance of comedy and drama.

Orange: Mirai

In an effort to alter the course of events, Naho and her friends band together to offer Kakeru their support and try to spare him from a horrible conclusion. In spite of this, as they work to change the course of history, they are compelled to face the demons and insecurities that have plagued them throughout their lives.

Orange: Mirai is a must-watch for fans of time travel anime who are looking for an emotionally affecting examination of the human experience. The show’s poignant tale, characters that are easy to relate to, and beautiful animation make it a must-watch.

Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V

When Yuya learns that he has the capacity to travel between parallel universes, each of which has its own distinct history and cast of characters, his life takes a dramatic and unexpected turn for the worse. As Yuya travels across these parallel universes, he will face off against formidable adversaries and attempt to solve the enigma surrounding his own past.

Fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and anyone searching for an intriguing time travel anime should not pass up the opportunity to watch Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V because of the intense dueling sequences, dynamic characters, and deep plot it has.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

A dark and perverse spin on the conventional magical girl genre is Madoka Magica. The narrative centers on a group of girls who, in exchange for having their desires granted, are offered the chance to transform into magical girls and battle witches. But being a magical girl comes with a high price, and the girls quickly learn the horrible reality of their abilities.

The distinctive and artistically gorgeous animation style of Madoka Magica is one of its most prominent features. Traditional animation and experimental creative forms, such as surrealism and avant-garde cinematography, are combined in the series.

Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle

He does this with the intention of achieving contentment at last. However, as he continues his voyage across time and space, he gradually realizes the significance of staying in the present moment and the effects of his choices.

The Tatami Galaxy is the perfect choice for time travel anime fans looking for a unique and thought-provoking viewing experience because of its peculiar aesthetics, witty dialogue, and important themes that are tackled throughout the entire series.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

During the course of Keiichi’s investigation into the sinister goings-on in Hamlet, he comes to the realization that he is able to go back in time and alter the way things turned out. However, as he explores deeper into the riddle, he comes to the realization that changing the past will have severe repercussions for the future.

Fans of time travel anime who also appreciate horror and suspense should not miss out on the opportunity to see Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai because of the show’s distinctive characters, dramatic and startling story twists, and unsettling atmosphere.

Re: Creators

While they are struggling to understand their new world and the nature of their existence, they must also face their creators and fight against the forces that wish to control their destinies. This must be done concurrently with their struggle to comprehend their new reality.

Re: Creators is a must-watch for fans of time travel anime who are searching for a new and original take on the genre due to the show’s dynamic characters, deep plot, and beautiful action sequences.

A Certain Scientific Railgun

After Mikoto uncovers a hazardous plot that involves the manipulation of time and space, she is forced to use her abilities, along with the assistance of her friends, in order to put an end to the villains and save the city.

Fans of time travel anime who also appreciate science fiction and superhero stories should definitely check out A Certain Scientific Railgun because of the exciting action sequences, interesting characters, and detailed world-building that the show features.

While she is in training to reach her objective, she must also contend with the mental and physical hurdles that come with becoming a pilot, as well as the prospect of traveling across time.

Gunbuster is an absolute must-watch for everyone who enjoys vintage animation and storytelling, as well as fans of time travel anime. It features breathtaking animation, dramatic action sequences, and a touching plot.

Mirai Nikki

Yukiteru finds out as the game goes on that he possesses a potent talent to anticipate the future, which he employs in an effort to outwit his opponents and stay alive. Along the way, he stumbles across Yuno Gasai, a mysterious girl who ends up being his ally as well as the object of his romantic interest.

Fans of time travel anime who are also fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful stories should definitely check out Mirai Nikki because of the show’s strong action, complicated characters, and mind-bending plot twists.

Time Travel Tondekeman!

The events that occurred during their time there form the core of the story. As they look for a method to get back to the present, they encounter interesting characters from the past and become involved in exciting adventures along the way. All of this happens while they are trying to find their way back to the present.

Fans of time travel anime who also enjoy comedies and stories about exciting adventures will find that Time Travel Tondekeman! is an absolute must-watch owing to the show’s bright animation, humorous characters, and fascinating storyline. Time Travel Tondekeman!

At the same time that they are debating the moral and ethical repercussions of their situation, they have to negotiate the intricate and perilous political terrain of the conflict and determine whether or not to intervene in the course of history or to allow it to unfold in the way that it did. Zipang is a must-watch for fans of time travel anime who enjoy war stories and alternate history situations.

The historical background of the show has been thoroughly studied, and it presents a realistic picture of military tactics and technology. In addition, the show’s examination of time travel topics provides food for thought.

yu-gi-oh! 5d’s

Yusei needs to break out of prison and discover the truth about the scheme that led to his being locked up, and he can do so with the assistance of his friends and his skill as a duelist. Along the way, he makes the startling discovery that he possesses the power of the fabled Crimson Dragon, a creature that has the ability to bend time and space.

Fans of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise, as well as fans of time travel anime in general, should not miss out on watching Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s because of the intense dueling action, interesting characters, and time travel components it has.

Fate/stay night

With the aid of his friends and his abilities as a duelist, Yusei can escape prison and learn the truth about the plot that resulted in his being imprisoned. Along the way, he startlingly learns that he possesses the strength of the legendary Crimson Dragon, a being with the power to change time and space. Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s, with its intense dueling action, intriguing characters, and time travel elements, is a must-watch for lovers of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and time travel anime in general.

High School DxD BorN

The story recounts their adventures together. Issei is inducted into the devil family of Rias and given the responsibility of assisting in the defense of their realm against a variety of dangers. In the third season of “Born,” Issei and the rest of BorN’s companions are given the mission of traveling back in time to stop a disastrous event from taking place in the present.

For viewers interested in the supernatural and time travel anime, High School DxD BorN is an absolute must-see due to the special way in which it combines comedy, action, and time travel.

Scrapped Princess

Shannon and Raquel, Pacifica’s adoptive siblings and accomplished warriors, guard her. Together, they travel, attempting to elude the Church and learn the meaning of the prophecy. They run into both friends and foes along the road, including a young prince and a gang of ruthless assassins.

Additionally, the series has been turned into a manga and an anime, both of which stick to the same core plot. Strong character development and action-packed combat are hallmarks of the anime adaptation.

Over the years, time travel anime has grown in popularity, with many of them examining the advantages and drawbacks of time travel. The anime on this list offer a variety of various genres and styles, each having its own distinctive perspective on time travel, from action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales. There is an anime on this list for everyone, whether you enjoy romance or science fiction. These time travel anime are sure to enthrall and entertain you with their complex plotlines, engaging characters, and beautiful animation.

So make sure to check out the programs on this list if you’re looking to learn more about the potentialities of time travel while also enjoying some fantastic anime. Each one presents a distinctive viewpoint on time travel and is certain to provoke thought long after the final episode.

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The Best Time Travel Anime, Ranked

Whether it’s going to the past or the future, anime such as Attack on Titan, Steins;Gate or Your Name, have severely hyped the sci-fi genre.

Time traveling is a fascinating concept that has everyone mesmerized for decades. It’s no surprise that anime depicting the events surrounding it has become a hot topic for fans. Whether it’s going to the past or future, anime such as Attack on Titan, Steins;Gate or Your Name , has severely hyped the genre. If executed well, time traveling can be an interesting base to make any kind of anime worthwhile to watch . To give credit where it’s due, here are some of the best time travel anime, ranked.

6 Iroduku: The World in Colors

As a depressed teen, Hitomi Tsukishiro is no longer able to see color in the world. To help her find happiness again, her grandmother decides to send her back 60 years in the past. This is so Hitomi can befriend the young version of her grandmother. By going back in time, she meets Yuito Aoi, an artist that helps her see colors in the world again. The art blends exceptionally well with the concept. Meanwhile, the voice actors put all the emotions into their characters so that the message of each scene is conveyed properly to the viewers.

Satoru Fujinuma discovers early on that he has the ability to time travel. But only by a few minutes or days. However, one day it takes him back to the year 1988, when he was only an elementary school student. He soon discovers a dark secret - his classmate, Kayo, didn’t die naturally. In fact, she was kidnaped and killed by a man. With his little body, Satoru realizes that he can’t protect his friend with strength. Now he has to devise a plan to out-smart the kidnaper and save his friend from losing her life. Although Satoru is just an average Joe, he tries his best to come up with a strategy to change Kayo's fate and put the criminal behind bars, without making the two come across any harm. While this story is beautifully drawn, it has some deep, heartbreaking moments .

Related: The Most Anticipated Anime of 2023, Ranked

4 Your Name

Two teenagers, living two separate lives. Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu are high school students that experience a weird phenomenon one day: they wake up in each other’s body. Without knowing who the body belongs to, they leave notes for the other so that they can read it and comply with any rules in case they exchange bodies again. Soon they realize that this isn’t a harmless body-switch, but time traveling. While Taki goes back in time, Mitsuha goes to the future. To make matters worse, they soon discover that Mitsuha’s town is destroyed by a comet. Now, they must find a way to save the town and her life. One of the reasons why this anime was so well-received was because of the breathtaking animation. It truly made fans feel like they were inside the film, experiencing every detail.

3 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

This Madhouse film follows a high school girl, Makoto Konno, who is lost in life. She is about to graduate but doesn’t know what to do in the future. One day, she discovers her ability to time leap and uses it to solve mundane issues, such as getting good grades. However, she soon discovers the hard way that messing with time travel can have grave effects, especially since she only has limited time leaps left to fix it all.

Related: Is Sailor Moon the Most Powerful Anime Character?

2 Tokyo Revengers

As a 26-year-old, Takemichi has no career, goals or girlfriend. He is at his lowest point in life, when he discovers that his high school girlfriend had died in an accident. With the help of her policeman brother, he discovers that he can somehow time travel back to the past at a random time. Together, they use this ability to investigate and prevent her death. However, they soon discover the depth of the situation, as her death is surrounded by a web of accidents revolving around the Tokyo Manji gang . Now, not only do they have to help revolve events that lead to Hina’s death, but also figure out how to protect the gang from going ashtray.

1 Steins;Gate

Considered as a blueprint concept for the time-traveling genre, Steins;Gate took the internet by storm with its unique, intriguing and mysterious storyline. Rintaro Okabe is a self-declared mad scientist that, together with his group of friends, conducts experiments, writes equations, and other silly things that can be considered mad. One day, he discovered that he accidentally created a time machine that can send messages and other objects to the past. Soon after, he is able to even transport his consciousness to the past. Trouble comes knocking when a secret organization, SERN, steals this technology and kills one of his friends in the process. To prevent this, Okabe travels back in time and creates a time paradox beyond repair. Each episode is well-directed and is perfect for those who are looking to enjoy rom-com and drama, with a splash of time traveling.

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Creating—and maintaining—a sense of dread in the audience takes priority, eliciting shock, fear, or disgust through atmosphere and frightening scenarios. Mood must be of equal or greater importance than setting and characterization in horror stories. Almost always, the main cast will be under constant threat of danger. Many stories can incorporate elements of horror as a plot device to unnerve the audience, but the overarching narrative must be focused on evoking and maintaining apprehension to be Horror. Contrast with Suspense where the audience craves to know what will happen next rather than fearing it.

Tokyo Ghoul

A sinister threat is invading Tokyo: flesh-eating "ghouls" who appear identical to humans and blend into their population. Reserved college student Ken Kaneki buries his nose in books and avoids the news of the growing crisis. However, the appearance of an attractive woman named Rize Kamishiro shatters his solitude when she forwardly asks him on a date. While walking Rize home, Kaneki discovers she isn't as kind as she first appeared, and she has led him on with sinister intent. After a tragic struggle, he later awakens in a hospital to learn his life was saved by transplanting the now deceased Rize's organs into his own body. Kaneki's body begins to change in horrifying ways, and he transforms into a human-ghoul hybrid. As he embarks on his new dreadful journey, Kaneki clings to his humanity in the evolving bloody conflict between society's new monsters and the government agents who hunt them. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu

Parasyte: the maxim.

All of a sudden, they arrived: parasitic aliens that descended upon Earth and quickly infiltrated humanity by burrowing into the brains of vulnerable targets. These insatiable beings acquire full control of their host and are able to morph into a variety of forms in order to feed on unsuspecting prey. Sixteen-year-old high school student Shinichi Izumi falls victim to one of these parasites, but it fails to take over his brain, ending up in his right hand instead. Unable to relocate, the parasite, now named Migi, has no choice but to rely on Shinichi in order to stay alive. Thus, the pair is forced into an uneasy coexistence and must defend themselves from hostile parasites that hope to eradicate this new threat to their species. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Ghoul √A

Ken Kaneki has finally come to accept the monstrous, flesh-craving part of himself that he has feared and despised for so long. After escaping captivity and torture, Kaneki joins Aogiri Tree—the very militant ghoul organization that had abducted him, leading his friends to question his true motive and loyalty. As tension between the government and the ghouls continues to rise, the Commission of Counter Ghoul, the government's specialized anti-ghoul agency, has intensified their efforts to completely purge Tokyo of ghouls. This threatens the transient peace of Kaneki's friends and former comrades—the ghouls at the Anteiku coffee shop. Aware of the dangerous situation, Kaneki faces several battles that puts his precious fleeting humanity on the line. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

In class 3-3 of Yomiyama North Junior High, transfer student Kouichi Sakakibara makes his return after taking a sick leave for the first month of school. Among his new classmates, he is inexplicably drawn toward Mei Misaki—a reserved girl with an eyepatch whom he met in the hospital during his absence. But none of his classmates acknowledge her existence; they warn him not to acquaint himself with things that do not exist. Against their words of caution, Kouichi befriends Mei—soon learning of the sinister truth behind his friends' apprehension. The ominous rumors revolve around a former student of the class 3-3. However, no one will share the full details of the grim event with Kouichi. Engrossed in the curse that plagues his class, Kouichi sets out to discover its connection to his new friend. As a series of tragedies arise around them, it is now up to Kouichi, Mei, and their classmates to unravel the eerie mystery—but doing so will come at a hefty price. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Lucy is a special breed of human referred to as "Diclonius," born with a short pair of horns and invisible telekinetic hands that lands her as a victim of inhumane scientific experimentation by the government. However, once circumstances present her an opportunity to escape, Lucy, corrupted by the confinement and torture, unleashes a torrent of bloodshed as she escapes her captors. During her breakout, she receives a crippling head injury that leaves her with a split personality: someone with the mentality of a harmless child possessing limited speech capacity. In this state of instability, she stumbles upon two college students, Kouta and his cousin Yuka, who unknowingly take an injured fugitive into their care, unaware of her murderous tendencies. This act of kindness will change their lives, as they soon find themselves dragged into the shadowy world of government secrecy and conspiracy. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Highschool of the Dead

It happened suddenly: The dead began to rise and Japan was thrown into total chaos. As these monsters begin terrorizing a high school, Takashi Kimuro is forced to kill his best friend when he gets bitten and joins the ranks of the walking dead. Vowing to protect Rei Miyamoto, the girlfriend of the man he just executed, they narrowly escape their death trap of a school, only to be greeted with a society that has already fallen. Soon, Takashi and Rei band together with other students on a journey to find their family members and uncover what caused this overwhelming pandemic. Joining them is Saeko Busujima, the beautiful president of the Kendo Club; Kouta Hirano, an otaku with a fetish for firearms; Saya Takagi, the daughter of an influential politician; and Shizuka Marikawa, their hot school nurse. But will the combined strength of these individuals be enough to conquer this undead apocalypse? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Deadman Wonderland

It looked like it would be a normal day for Ganta Igarashi and his classmates—they were preparing to go on a class field trip to a certain prison amusement park called Deadman Wonderland, where the convicts perform dangerous acts for the onlookers' amusement. However, Ganta's life is quickly turned upside down when his whole class gets massacred by a mysterious man in red. Framed for the incident and sentenced to death, Ganta is sent to the very jail he was supposed to visit. But Ganta's nightmare is only just beginning. The young protagonist is thrown into a world of sadistic inmates and enigmatic powers, to live in constant fear of the lethal collar placed around his neck that is slowed only by winning in the prison's deathly games. Ganta must bet his life to survive in a ruthless place where it isn't always easy to tell friend from foe, all while trying to find the mysterious "Red Man" and clear his name, in Deadman Wonderland. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Ghoul:re

Two years have passed since the CCG's raid on Anteiku. Although the atmosphere in Tokyo has changed drastically due to the increased influence of the CCG, ghouls continue to pose a problem as they have begun taking caution, especially the terrorist organization Aogiri Tree, who acknowledge the CCG's growing threat to their existence. The creation of a special team, known as the Quinx Squad, may provide the CCG with the push they need to exterminate Tokyo's unwanted residents. As humans who have undergone surgery in order to make use of the special abilities of ghouls, they participate in operations to eradicate the dangerous creatures. The leader of this group, Haise Sasaki, is a half-ghoul, half-human who has been trained by famed special class investigator, Kishou Arima. However, there's more to this young man than meets the eye, as unknown memories claw at his mind, slowly reminding him of the person he used to be. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Devilman: Crybaby

Devils cannot take form without a living host. However, if the will of an individual is strong enough, they can overcome the demon and make its power their own, becoming a Devilman. Weak and unassuming, Akira Fudou has always had a bleeding heart. So when his childhood friend Ryou Asuka asks for his help in uncovering devils, Akira accepts without hesitation. However, to Akira's surprise, the place they go to is Sabbath: an immoral party of debauchery and degeneracy. Amidst bloodshed and death, demons possess the partiers, turning their bodies into grotesque monsters, and begin wreaking havoc. In a reckless attempt to save his best friend, Akira unwittingly merges with the devil Amon and becomes a Devilman, gaining the power to defeat the remaining demons. Though it grants him great power, this new partnership awakens an insatiable and primeval part of Akira. Having the body of a devil but the same crybaby heart, Akira works alongside Ryou, destroying those that harm humanity and his loved ones. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation

Danganronpa: the animation.

Makoto Naegi, a teenager with no remarkable talent, is surprised to learn that he has been accepted into Hope's Peak Private Academy: an elite school that gathers the best students from various fields. Despite believing his admission was just a fluke, Naegi is delighted to attend an institution known for ensuring success to those who graduate. Determined, he enters the front doors of the prestigious academy. However, after losing consciousness inside, Naegi wakes up in a seemingly abandoned classroom. Failing to comprehend how he got there, Naegi begins to explore, and to his surprise, finds his classmates assembled in the gym. While everyone is trying to figure out what happened, they are confronted by the school principal—Monokuma, a robotic teddy bear. The mysterious toy explains that the freshmen are trapped inside the school with only one means of escape—kill a classmate without being discovered. Tension fills the air as Naegi and his classmates realize that they are faced with two choices: participate in Monokuma's killing game, or reside together in the school for the rest of their lives. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hellsing Ultimate

There exist creatures of darkness and evil that plague the night, devouring any human unfortunate enough to be caught in their grasp. On the other side is Hellsing, an organization dedicated to destroying these supernatural forces that threaten the very existence of humanity. At its head is Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, who commands a powerful military and spends her life fighting the undead. Integra's vast army, however, pales in comparison with her ultimate weapon: the vampire Alucard, who works against his own kind as an exterminator for Hellsing. With his new vampire servant, Seras Victoria, at his side, Alucard must battle not only monsters, but all those who stand to oppose Hellsing, be they in the guise of good or evil. In a battle for mankind's survival, Hellsing Ultimate proves that appearances are not all they may seem, and sometimes the greatest weapon can come in the form of one's worst nightmare. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Ghoul:re 2nd Season

After the conclusion of the Tsukiyama Family Extermination Operation, the members of the Commission of Counter Ghouls (CCG) have grown exponentially in power and continue to pursue their goal of exterminating every ghoul in Japan. Having resigned from Quinx Squad, the now seemingly emotionless Haise Sasaki begins taking on more and more tasks from the CCG with no regard to the difficulty. Despite his vacant expressions, Ken Kaneki's memories are resurfacing in Haise, leaving him in a state of internal conflict. Meanwhile, his new coldhearted behavior is affecting the people around him. Quinx Squad are left in shambles, having to cope with the death of one of their members without the support of their former mentor. Amidst this turmoil, both Quinx Squad and Haise must continue to fulfill their duties to the CCG, whether willingly or not. However, the presence of a mysterious group behind the CCG has been made known to Haise, and certain whispers of corruption have not gone unheard by the Quinx Squad as well. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Japan, 1988. An explosion caused by a young boy with psychic powers tears through the city of Tokyo and ignites the fuse that leads to World War III. In order to prevent any further destruction, he is captured and taken into custody, never to be heard from again. Now, in the year 2019, a restored version of the city known as Neo-Tokyo—an area rife with gang violence and terrorism against the current government—stands in its place. Here, Shoutarou Kaneda leads "the Capsules," a group of misfits known for riding large, custom motorcycles and being in constant conflict with their rivals "the Clowns." During one of these battles, Shoutarou's best friend Tetsuo Shima is caught up in an accident with an esper who finds himself in the streets of Tokyo after escaping confinement from a government institution. Through this encounter, Tetsuo begins to develop his own mysterious abilities, as the government seeks to quarantine this latest psychic in a desperate attempt to prevent him from unleashing the destructive power that could once again bring the city to its knees. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Koutetsujou no Kabaneri

Kabaneri of the iron fortress.

The world is in the midst of the industrial revolution when horrific creatures emerge from a mysterious virus, ripping through the flesh of humans to sate their never-ending appetite. The only way to kill these beings, known as "Kabane," is by destroying their steel-coated hearts. However, if bitten by one of these monsters, the victim is doomed to a fate worse than death, as the fallen rise once more to join the ranks of their fellow undead. Only the most fortified of civilizations have survived this turmoil, as is the case with the island of Hinomoto, where mankind has created a massive wall to protect themselves from the endless hordes of Kabane. The only way into these giant fortresses is via heavily-armored trains, which are serviced and built by young men such as Ikoma. Having created a deadly weapon that he believes will easily pierce through the hearts of Kabane, Ikoma eagerly awaits the day when he will be able to fight using his new invention. Little does he know, however, that his chance will come much sooner than he expected... [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Higurashi: when they cry.

Keiichi Maebara has just moved to the quiet little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983, and quickly becomes inseparable friends with schoolmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. However, darkness lurks underneath the seemingly idyllic life they lead. As the village prepares for its annual festival, Keiichi learns about the local legends surrounding it. To his horror, he discovers that there have been several murders and disappearances in the village in the recent years, and that they all seem to be connected to the festival and the village's patron god, Oyashiro. Keiichi tries to ask his new friends about these incidents, but they are suspiciously silent and refuse to give him the answers he needs. As more and more bizarre events occur, he wonders just what else his friends might be keeping from him, and if he can even trust them at all. When madness and paranoia begin taking root in Keiichi's heart, he will stumble straight into the mysteries at work in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, a story that is told across multiple arcs. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shinsekai yori

From the new world.

In the town of Kamisu 66, 12-year-old Saki Watanabe has just awakened to her psychic powers and is relieved to rejoin her friends—the mischievous Satoru Asahina, the shy Mamoru Itou, the cheerful Maria Akizuki, and Shun Aonuma, a mysterious boy whom Saki admires—at Sage Academy, a special school for psychics. However, unease looms as Saki begins to question the fate of those unable to awaken to their powers, and the children begin to get involved with secretive matters such as the rumored Tainted Cats said to abduct children. Shinsekai yori tells the unique coming-of-age story of Saki and her friends as they journey to grow into their roles in the supposed utopia. Accepting these roles, however, might not come easy when faced with the dark and shocking truths of society, and the impending havoc born from the new world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hellsing, an organization specializing in dealing with supernatural threats, is called in to eliminate a vampire that is turning the villagers of Cheddar into ghouls. To put an end to this, the leader of the organization, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, dispatches her most formidable asset: a powerful vampire known as Alucard. Armed with only a single handgun, Alucard wreaks havoc on the monsters plaguing Cheddar. However, a young police officer, Seras Victoria, gets caught up in the chaos and becomes mortally wounded as a result. Taking pity on the girl, Alucard gives her a choice: die as a human or live on as a vampire. Seras accepts his offer and begins a new life as a member of Hellsing. Though it was her decision, Seras struggles with the fact that she is no longer human. Nevertheless, she must embrace being a creature of the night soon if she wants to survive on the front lines in the fight between humans and the supernatural. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Perfect Blue

J-pop idol group CHAM! has spent the last two years entertaining its fans. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and CHAM! must see one of its members, Mima Kirigoe, leave the group to pursue her acting career. While Mima's choice is met with a mixed response, she hopes her fans will continue to support her. However, Mima's life begins to change drastically after her departure from the group. Wanting to shed her pop-idol image, she takes on a role in a crime drama series, and her career as an actress gradually becomes more demanding and taxing for both Mima and her manager, Rumi Hidaka. To add to Mima's growing unease, an obsessed fan who is incapable of accepting that Mima has quit being an innocent idol, begins stalking her; a new anonymous website begins to impersonate her life with intricate detail; and CHAM! also appears to be doing better without her. One by one, each disturbing development drives Mima to become increasingly unhinged and unable to distinguish reality from fantasy. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Satsuriku no Tenshi

Angels of death.

With dead and lifeless eyes, Rachel Gardner wishes only to die. Waking up in the basement of a building, she has no idea how or why she's there. She stumbles across a bandaged murderer named Zack, who is trying to escape. After promising to kill her as soon as he is free, Rachel and Zack set out to ascend through the building floor by floor until they escape. However, as they progress upward, they meet more twisted people, and all of them seem familiar with Rachel. What is her connection to the building, and why was she placed in it? Facing a new boss on each floor, can Rachel and Zack both achieve their wishes? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Kenpuu Denki Berserk

Guts, a man who will one day be known as the Black Swordsman, is a young traveling mercenary characterized by the large greatsword he carries. He accepts jobs that offer the most money, but he never stays with one group for long—until he encounters the Band of the Falcon. Ambushed after completing a job, Guts crushes many of its members in combat. Griffith, The Band of the Falcon's leader and founder, takes an interest in Guts and duels him. While the others are no match for Guts, Griffith defeats him in one blow. Incapacitated and taken into the Band of the Falcon's camp to recover, Guts wakes up two days later. He confronts Griffith, and the two duel yet again, only this time with a condition: Guts will join the Band of the Falcon if he loses. Due to his fresh injuries, Guts loses the fight and is inducted by Griffith. In three years' time, Guts has become one of the Band of the Falcon's commanders. On the battlefield, his combat prowess is second only to Griffith as he takes on large groups of enemies all on his own. With Guts' immense strength and Griffith's leadership, the Band of the Falcon dominate every battle they partake in. But something menacing lurks in the shadows, threatening to change Guts' life forever. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sankarea: Undying Love

Ever since he was a child, zombie-obsessed Chihiro Furuya has wanted an undead girlfriend. Soon enough, his love for all things zombie comes in handy when his cat Baabu gets run over, prompting Chihiro to try to make a resurrection potion and bring him back to life. During his endeavor, he sees a rich girl named Rea Sanka yelling into an old well every day about her oppressive life. After meeting and bonding with her, Chihiro is convinced by Rea to persevere in saving Baabu. Eventually, he succeeds with the help of the poisonous hydrangea flowers from Rea's family garden. Unaware of the potion's success and seeking to escape the burdens of her life, Rea drinks the resurrection potion, mistakenly thinking she will die. Though it doesn't kill her, the effects still linger and her death from a fatal accident causes her to be reborn as a zombie. With help from Chihiro, Rea strives to adjust to her new—albeit undead—life. For a boy wanting a zombie girlfriend, this situation would seem like a dream come true. But in Sankarea, Chihiro's life becomes stranger than usual as he deals with Rea's odd new cravings and the unforeseen consequences of her transformation. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Life is idyllic and unassuming in the small town of Sotoba, a simple place where everyone knows everyone. However, tragedy strikes when Megumi Shimizu, a young girl with high aspirations, unexpectedly passes away from an unnamed illness. Over the torrid summer months, as more unexplained deaths crop up around the village, the town's doctor—Toshio Ozaki—begins to suspect that something more sinister than a mere disease is at play. Toshio teams up with Natsuno Yuuki, an apathetic and aloof teenager, and siblings Kaori and Akira Tanaka, two of Megumi's friends, to unravel the dark mystery behind the deaths in Sotoba. With their combined efforts, the investigation leads them toward an eerie secret pertaining to the new family in the Kanemasa mansion. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ajin: Demi-Human

Mysterious immortal humans known as "Ajin" first appeared 17 years ago in Africa. Upon their discovery, they were labeled as a threat to mankind, as they might use their powers for evil and were incapable of being destroyed. Since then, whenever an Ajin is found within society, they are to be arrested and taken into custody immediately. Studying hard to become a doctor, Kei Nagai is a high schooler who knows very little about Ajin, only having seen them appear in the news every now and then. Students are taught that these creatures are not considered to be human, but Kei doesn't pay much attention in class. As a result, his perilously little grasp on this subject proves to be completely irrelevant when he survives an accident that was supposed to claim his life, signaling his rebirth as an Ajin and the start of his days of torment. However, as he finds himself alone on the run from the entire world, Kei soon realizes that more of his species may be a lot closer than he thinks. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hole—a dark, decrepit, and disorderly district where the strong prey on the weak and death is an ordinary occurrence—is all but befitting of the name given to it. A realm separated from law and ethics, it is a testing ground to the magic users who dominate it. As a race occupying the highest rungs of their society, the magic users think of the denizens of Hole as no more than insects. Murdered, mutilated, and made experiments without a second thought, the powerless Hole dwellers litter the halls of Hole's hospital on a daily basis. Possessing free access to and from the cesspool, and with little challenge to their authority, the magic users appear indomitable to most—aside for a few. Caiman, more reptile than man, is one such individual. He hunts them on a heedless quest for answers with only a trusted pair of bayonets and his immunity to magic. Cursed by his appearance and tormented by nightmares, magic users are his only clue to restoring his life to normal. With his biggest obstacle being his stomach, his female companion Nikaidou, who runs the restaurant Hungry Bug, is his greatest ally. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto

Zom 100: bucket list of the dead.

After graduating from a top university with an impressive extracurricular record in the rugby club, Akira Tendou has nailed every step of the way to securing his dream job. On top of that, a beautiful and kind co-worker always brightens his day in the office! Life seems to be going very well for Akira until he slowly realizes that sleepless nights and brutal work are his new reality. Due to three years of mind-numbing labor in an exploitative company, Akira is unable to recognize the tired, unaccomplished person he has become. On track to losing all passion in life like several of his overworked colleagues, Akira finds his saving grace in the most unexpected way possible—the breakout of a zombie apocalypse. With the free time he finally has, Akira decides to complete a bucket list of a hundred things he wants to do before he eventually gets turned into a zombie. Although he is surrounded by the dead, Akira has never felt more alive! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mieruko-chan

Miko Yotsuya's eyes water as she fixates on a single spot on her phone—she ignores yet another dreadful, horrific monster that is in her face, uttering the disturbing words: "Can you see me?" Before now, Miko enjoyed her unassuming high school days, with late-night horror shows serving only as a form of entertainment. But ever since one fateful day, she is the only person aware of the invisible monsters walking freely among humans. Courageously, Miko makes a bold decision: she will never, under any condition, acknowledge the presence of the horrid specters. However, even though she pretends they do not exist, she can still see how they disturb the people around her, especially her best friend, the energetic and lovely Hana Yurikawa. In order to protect them from the monsters' annoyances, Miko gives it her best to continue her school life and avoid every troublesome crisis—even when they scare her to tears. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Higurashi: when they cry – kai.

In the small village of Hinamizawa, Rika Furude and her friends live together in relative harmony. Beneath this mask of peace, however, lies a hidden darkness, one that Rika understands all too well. In this eternal summer, she has been witness to unspeakable horrors. Every time the clock resets, Rika must try to find the villain behind these senseless deaths before tragedy strikes again. However, trying to decipher a mystery when only half the clues are present proves time and again to be disastrous, and each time she believes that things will change, she inevitably fails. As the annual festival approaches, Rika begins her descent from hope to despair in her struggle to break the chains of fate entangling them all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gakkougurashi!

School-live.

Carefree high school senior Yuki Takeya every day looks forward to the School Living Club. Consisting of the president Yuuri Wakasa, the athletic Kurumi Ebisuzawa, the mature Miki Naoki, the supervising teacher Megumi Sakura, and club dog Taroumaru, the club prides itself on making the most of life at school. There is only one rule the club members have to follow: all members must live their entire lives within school grounds. Gakkougurashi! follows the adventures of the School Living Club as they promote independence and self-determination through their lively time residing at Megurigaoka Private High School. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tasogare Otome x Amnesia

Dusk maiden of amnesia.

Seikyou Private Academy, built on the intrigue of traditional occult myths, bears a dark past—for 60 years, it has been haunted by a ghost known as Yuuko, a young woman who mysteriously died in the basement of the old school building. With no memory of her life or death, Yuuko discreetly finds and heads the Paranormal Investigations Club in search of answers. A chance meeting leads Yuuko to cling to diligent freshman Teiichi Niiya, who can see the quirky ghost. They quickly grow close, and he decides to help her. Along with Kirie Kanoe, Yuuko's relative, and the oblivious second year Momoe Okonogi, they delve deep into the infamous Seven Mysteries of the storied school. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou

Corpse party: tortured souls.

Nine students gather in their high school at night to bid farewell to a friend. As is customary among many high school students, they perform a sort of ritual for them to remain friends forever, using small paper charms shaped like dolls. However, the students do not realize that these charms are connected to Heavenly Host Academy—an elementary school that was destroyed years ago after a series of gruesome murders took place, a school that rests under the foundation of their very own Kisaragi Academy. Now, trapped in an alternate dimension with vengeful ghosts of the past, the students must work together to escape—or join the spirits of the damned forever. A feast for mystery fanatics, gore-hounds, and horror fans alike, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou shows a sobering look at redemption, sacrifice, and how the past is always right behind, sometimes a little too close for comfort. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Saya Otonashi is a seemingly ordinary girl living a mundane life with her adoptive family in Okinawa City. In fact, her only peculiarities are suffering from anemia and being unable to remember any of her life beyond the previous year. However, Saya's forgotten past quickly comes back to haunt her—one night, she is attacked at school by a creature that feeds on human blood. Just when all hope seems lost, a mysterious man named Haji appears and fends off the creature temporarily. But when her rescuer forces her to drink his blood, Saya suddenly enters a trance and slays the monster with ease, using her own blood as a catalyst. Saya then learns of an organization named Red Shield, founded for the sole purpose of defeating the hellish beasts. Now Saya and Haji must work together with Red Shield to fight these fearsome monsters and unlock the secrets to the girl's past. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Peaceful schoolgirl by day, fearsome monster slayer by night, Saya Kisaragi is leading a split life. Equipped with a ceremonial sword given to her by her father for sacred tasks, she vanquishes every monster who dares threaten her quiet little village. But all too soon, Saya's reality and everything she believes to be true is tested, when she overhears the monsters speak of a broken covenant—something she knows nothing about. And then, unexpectedly, a strange dog appears; it asks her to whom she promised to protect the village, curious as to what would happen if she were to break that promise. Tormented by unexplainable visions and her world unraveling around her, we travel with Saya through her struggle to find a way to the truth in a village where nothing is as it seems. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Berserk (2016)

Now branded for death and destined to be hunted by demons until the day he dies, Guts embarks on a journey to defy such a gruesome fate, as waves of beasts relentlessly pursue him. Steeling his resolve, he takes up the monstrous blade Dragonslayer and vows to exact vengeance on the one responsible, hunting down the very man he once looked up to and considered a friend. Along the way, he encounters some unlikely allies, such as a small elf named Puck, and Isidro, a young thief looking to learn swordsmanship from the former mercenary. As the ragtag group slowly comes together after having decided to join Guts in his quest, they will face incredible danger unlike anything they have ever experienced before. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Jigoku Shoujo

It is said that if someone seeks revenge, they should dig two graves—and this is especially true of those who use the Hell Correspondence website. At the stroke of midnight, this ominous web domain becomes accessible, and whoever inputs the name of their grudge will get a visit from Ai Enma, the Hell Girl. Ai explains that she will send the target's soul to hell, but the requester will also end up in hell when they die. For some, that price is far too steep; for others, where they will spend their afterlife has no bearing on their current, day-to-day hell. But one thing is certain: the Hell Girl will always be available to those in need of revenge, while she stoically performs her duty of ferrying souls into the darkness. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Knowing that he is risking his life, Kei Kurono makes the uncharacteristic decision to jump onto train tracks to save a homeless man from death, only to perish in the process. But when he comes to, Kei finds himself in a room with several other recently deceased people, as well as a large, mysterious black ball. While the people in the room are trying to make sense of their situation, the ball suddenly opens, revealing a cache of weapons and strange black suits. The ball then instructs everyone that they have to hunt down an alien and teleports them to an unknown location. With very little information to work off of, Kei teams up with his childhood friend Masaru Katou and an unfamiliar woman, and the trio explore their new surroundings. It quickly becomes apparent, however, that they have stumbled into a dark and dangerous world where anything could happen to them. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen - Mirai-hen

Danganronpa 3: the end of hope's peak high school - future arc.

After Makoto Naegi and his fellow survivors escaped Hope's Peak Academy to the world beyond, they soon join the Future Foundation, an organization dedicated to combating despair. Just when all seems to be looking up, Naegi is arrested and tried for betrayal due to defending a malicious group of Remnants of Despair. Standing before all of the Future Foundation executives, he finds himself, along with Kyouko Kirigiri and Aoi Asahina, facing an unknown fate. The matter at hand only escalates when the organization's supposedly impenetrable security is hacked into by a familiar face: Monokuma. Much to Naegi's horror, the mechanical bear immediately announces the beginning of a new killing game, as moments later, the first victim appears as a signal for despair to resume its brutal conquest. Naegi, the Super High School-Level Lucky Student, must once again unravel the mystery as his colleagues and friends begin falling around him. However, there are no more class trials; among the 16 desperate participants, there is only one killer—and their death means the end of this infernal game. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tenkuu Shinpan

High-rise invasion.

Upon witnessing a man's head cracked open with an axe, 16-year-old Yuri Honjou trembles in fear and confusion as she flees from the masked assailant, only to find out she's trapped in an abandoned building where every door is mysteriously locked. Desperately searching for a way out, Yuri runs to the rooftop, but a world with no signs of life stands before her, surrounded by high-rise buildings. Though filled with despair, once she learns that her brother is also in this strange place, Yuri is determined to find him and escape. However, she soon finds that there are more masked murderers in the area, anxious to terrorize their newfound victims and satiate their sickest desires, leaving Yuri to question if they will be able to make it out alive. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

The "Medicine Seller" is a deadly and mysterious master of the occult who travels across feudal Japan in search of malevolent spirits called "mononoke" to slay. When he locates one of these spirits, he cannot simply kill it; he must first learn its Form, its Truth, and its Reason in order to wield the mighty Exorcism Sword and fight against it. He must begin his strange exorcisms with intense psychological analysis and careful investigative work—an extremely dangerous step, as he must first confront and learn about the mononoke before he even has the means to defeat it. The Medicine Seller's journey leads him to an old-fashioned inn where Shino, a pregnant woman, has finally found a place to rest. The owner has reluctantly placed her in the last vacant room; however, as she settles in, it quickly becomes clear that the room is infested by a lethal band of mononoke, the Zashiki Warashi. With his hunter's intuition, the Medicine Seller begins his investigation to discover the Form, the Truth, and the Reason before the Zashiki Warashi can kill again. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen - Zetsubou-hen

Danganronpa 3: the end of hope's peak high school - despair arc.

Hope's Peak Academy's unconventional class 77-B is about to have an even more eccentric addition: Chisa Yukizome, an alumna with the title of Super High School-Level Housekeeper—and their new homeroom teacher. Cheerful, passionate, and capable, Chisa immediately sets about correcting the students' problematic behavior and strengthening their relationships. It may not be easy dealing with diverse pupils ranging from princesses and nurses to yakuza and impossibly lucky students, but anything is possible with the power of hope. Meanwhile, Hajime Hinata, an unremarkable boy from the school's Reserve Course, longs for a talent. One day, he has an unexpected meeting with class 77-B's Super High School-Level Gamer Chiaki Nanami, who presents to him a new, hope-filled outlook on life. However, unbeknownst to him, the school's upper echelon is about to execute a sinister project centered around Hajime that will bring Hope's Peak—and the rest of the world—to its knees. Zetsubou-hen chronicles the daily lives carried out at the talent-cultivating academy, and the darkness that lurks beneath. As despair slowly infects hope, plans are put into motion to start the Biggest, Most Awful, Most Tragic Event in Human History, and the end begins. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Happy Sugar Life

Satou Matsuzaka is a beautiful high schooler who has a reputation for being permissive with men. However, a chance encounter with a young girl named Shio Koube makes Satou realize that this is her first and only true feeling of love. Telling others that she lives with her aunt, Satou secretly shares an apartment with Shio. Despite her innocent appearance, Satou is willing to do anything to protect her beloved, resorting to desperate measures to ensure that their "happy sugar life" remains intact. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ajin Part 2

Ajin: demi-human 2nd season.

After escaping certain death, Kei Nagai and his new companion Kou Nakano plot revenge on Satou, their fellow Ajin who is hellbent on world domination. As Satou embarks on a string of public executions, the human race rushes to come up with a solution to stop the immortal villain. Kei discovers unlikely allies in the form of two former adversaries: high-ranking government official Yuu Tosaki, whose extensive research on Ajin gives him a tactical advantage in the fight against Satou, and Tosaki's Ajin assistant Izumi Shimomura. As his faction continues to gather allies, Kei races against time to put a stop to Satou's crusade before it brings about an end to civilization as he knows it. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou

Higurashi: when they cry – gou.

Rika Furude and her group of friends live in the small mountain village of Hinamizawa; in June 1983, they welcome transfer student Keiichi Maebara into their ranks, making him the only boy in their group. After school, they have fun playing games and spending each day living their lives to the fullest. Despite this seemingly normal routine, Keiichi begins noticing strange behavior from his friends, who seem to be hiding the town's dark secrets from him. Elsewhere, a certain person watches these increasingly unsettling events unfold and remembers all the times that this, and other similar stories, have played out. Using that knowledge, this person decides to fix these broken worlds. However, when certain variables change, the individual is faced with a horrifying realization: they have no idea what to expect or how to stop the impending tragedy. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Ghoul: "Jack"

Tokyo ghoul: jack.

Former baseball player turned delinquent Taishi Fura accidentally witnesses the man-eating "ghoul" known as Lantern injuring his old friend and murdering another. Before the situation gets any worse, Fura's classmate Kishou Arima arrives―as he is actually an undercover investigator for the Commission of Counter Ghoul (CCG)―and forces the ghoul to flee. Seeking revenge for his friends, Fura joins forces with Arima to hunt down ghouls in the 13th Ward—ultimately aiming to bring down Lantern. Tokyo Ghoul: "Jack" unveils snippets of life in the past for the CCG's fearsome "Reaper," Arima, giving insight into how he spent his high school days. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Ousama Game The Animation

King's game.

It can be rough transferring to a new school—even more so if you don't want to make any friends, like Nobuaki Kanazawa. But the reason for his antisocial behavior soon becomes clear when his class receives a text from someone called "The King." Included are instructions for the "King's Game," and all class members must participate. Those who refuse to play, quit halfway, or don't follow an order in the allotted time of 24 hours will receive a deadly punishment. Having played the game before and watched as those around him died, Nobuaki tries to warn his clueless classmates. Unfortunately, they only believe him after the King's Game claims its first casualties. Stuck in a horrific situation with no chance of escape, Nobuaki has a choice: put his own survival above those around him, or do what he couldn't before and save his classmates. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mahou Shoujo Site

Magical girl site.

Every day, Aya Asagiri thinks about killing herself. She is bullied relentlessly at school, and at home, her older brother Kaname physically abuses her to relieve the academic stress put on him by their father. One night, as she lies awake wishing for death, a mysterious website called Magical Girl Site appears on her laptop, promising to give her magical powers. At first, she dismisses it as a creepy prank, but when she finds a magical gun in her shoe locker the next day, she doesn't know what to believe. Deciding to take it with her, she soon runs into her bullies once again. But this time, desperate for anything to save her, she uses the gun—and her assailants are transported to a nearby railroad crossing, where they are run over. Aya's conscience is unable to handle the fact that she murdered two of her classmates with magic, and she desperately tries to understand the situation. However, when she finds herself in trouble again, she is saved by Tsuyuno Yatsumura, a classmate who can use magic to stop time. This duo has a lot to do: not only do they have to fight alongside and against other magical girls, but they also need to uncover the truth behind the website and the apocalyptic event known as "The Tempest" that is soon to occur. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Terra Formars

During the 21st century, humanity attempted to colonize Mars by sending two species which could endure the harsh environment of the planet to terraform it—algae and cockroaches. However, they did not anticipate the species' remarkable ability to adapt. Now in the 26th century, a lethal disease known as the Alien Engine Virus has arrived on Earth, and the cure is suspected to be found only on Mars. The problem is, Mars in the present is overrun by creatures known as "Terraformars," incredibly powerful and intelligent humanoid cockroaches that mutated from those originally sent to the planet. The Annex I team, consisting of a hundred men and women genetically enhanced with characteristics of powerful organisms from earth, has been sent to Mars on a mission to find the cause of the Alien Engine Virus and to help cure humanity—signalling the start of the crew's fight for survival. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

While at school, Mai Taniyama and her friends like to exchange ghost stories. Apparently, there is an abandoned school building on their campus that is the center of many ghost stories. During the story, they are interrupted by a mysterious male figure. The person turns out to be Kazuya Shibuya, a 17-year-old who is president of the Shibuya Psychic Research Company. He was called by the principal to investigate the stories surrounding the abandoned school building. The next day, on the way to school, Mai passes the school building in question. While examining a strange camera she spotted inside, she gets surprised by Kazuya's assistant. Unknowingly interfering with the investigation, Mai breaks the camera and Kazuya's assistant gets injured. Kazuya forcefully hires Mai in order to pay for the camera and replace his injured assistant. From that point on, Mai begins to learn about the paranormal world and the profession of ghost hunting. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Boogiepop wa Warawanai (2019)

Boogiepop and others.

Hushed exchanges among the female student populace of Shinyo Academy center around an enigmatic supernatural entity. This entity is Boogiepop, a Shinigami who is rumored to murder people at the height of their beauty before their allure wanes. Few know of his true nature: a guardian who, between periods of dormancy, manifests as the alter ego of a high school girl named Touka Miyashita to fend off "the enemies of the world." Now, a string of mysterious disappearances—presumed by the school to be merely runaways—has caused Boogiepop to awaken. But somewhere in the academy, a menacing creature hides, waiting for its opportune moment to strike. Boogiepop wa Warawanai subtly explores the intrinsic associations between human beings and their perception of time, while delving into its characters' complex relationships, emotions, memories, and pasts. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I - Haou no Tamago

Berserk: the golden age arc i - the egg of the king.

In the Kingdom of Midland, a mercenary named Guts wanders the land, preferring a life of conflict over a life of peace. Despite the odds never being in his favor, he is an unstoppable force that overcomes every opponent, wielding a massive sword larger than himself. One day, Griffith, the mysterious leader of the mercenary group Band of the Hawk, witnesses the warrior's battle prowess and invites the wandering swordsman to join his squadron. Rejecting the offer, Guts challenges Griffith to a duel—and, much to the former's surprise, is subsequently defeated and forced to join. Now, Guts must fight alongside Griffith and his crew to help Midland defeat the Empire of Chuder. However, Griffith seems to harbor ulterior motives, desiring something much larger than just settling the war... [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen III - Kourin

Berserk: the golden age arc iii - the advent.

The Band of the Hawk has dwindled in the year since Guts left them on his journey to forge his own destiny. Unaware of their fate, Guts returns to the Hawks—now being led by his former ally Casca—after a rumor about them passes his way. Once the saviors of the kingdom of Midland, the Band of the Hawk are now hunted as they desperately fight for their lives while plotting to free their leader, Griffith, after he was imprisoned for committing treason. But the man they save is far from the Griffith they remember. Griffith is a shell of his former charismatic self after a year of continuous, horrific torture. No longer able to walk, speak, or even hold a sword, he has nothing but the small, strange trinket, the Crimson Behelit, that will not leave him. The entire Band of the Hawk want to rise to greatness once more, but how much are they willing to sacrifice to return to their past glory? It doesn't seem possible, but when Griffith's heart darkens and a solar eclipse blackens the sky, the Behelit offers a choice that will leave the Band of the Hawk with a blood-soaked fate that will haunt them for the rest of their days. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Umineko: when they cry.

Considered as the third installment in the highly popular When They Cry series by 07th Expansion, Umineko no Naku Koro ni takes place on the island of Rokkenjima, owned by the immensely wealthy Ushiromiya family. As customary per year, the entire family is gathering on the island for a conference that discusses the current financial situations of each respective person. Because of the family head's poor health, this year involves the topic of the head of the family's inheritance and how it will be distributed. However, the family is unaware that the distribution of his wealth is the least of Ushiromiya Kinzou's (family head) concerns for this year's family conference. After being told that his end was approaching by his longtime friend and physician, Kinzou is desperate to meet his life's true love one last time: the Golden Witch, Beatrice. Having immersed himself in black magic for many of the later years in his life, Kinzou instigates a ceremony to revive his beloved upon his family's arrival on Rokkenjima. Soon after, a violent typhoon traps the family on the island and a string of mysterious murders commence, forcing the eighteen people on the island to fight for their lives in a deadly struggle between fantasy and reality. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

The Lost Village

A bus full of eccentric individuals is headed towards the urban legend known as Nanaki Village, a place where one can supposedly start over and live a perfect life. While many have different ideas of why the village cannot be found on any map, or why even the police cannot pinpoint its location, they each look forward to their new lives and just what awaits them once they reach their destination. After a few mishaps, they successfully arrive at Nanaki Village only to find it completely abandoned. Judging from the state of disrepair, it has been vacant for at least a year. However, secrets are soon revealed as some of the group begin to go missing while exploring the village and amidst the confusion, they find bloody claw marks in a forest. As mistrust and in-fighting break out, will they ever be able to figure out the truth behind this lost village? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Ghoul: "Pinto"

Tokyo ghoul: pinto.

Shuu Tsukiyama is a "ghoul": a creature who eats human flesh, and he likes to enjoy his meals to the fullest. One night, while relishing in the premeditated murder of his dinner, Shuu's much anticipated first bite is disturbed by a sudden flash of light. The flash turns out to be from the camera of high schooler Chie Hori, who presents Shuu with the perfect picture capturing his true nature; the extremely clear shot of a bloody corpse and an overly excited Shuu threatens to expose his ghoul identity, thus Shuu needs to sort out this situation quickly. After Shuu discovers that Chie attends the same high school as him and is even in the same class, the reason behind his feelings of obsession changes from self-preservation to morbid curiosity. As he grows closer to the absent-minded and extremely odd photographer, he challenges them both to learn more about each other's conflicting worlds; Shuu promises that Chie will come out of this experience with a photograph superior to the one she already has. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen II - Doldrey Kouryaku

Berserk: the golden age arc ii - the battle for doldrey.

The Band of the Hawk and their enigmatic leader Griffith continue winning battle after battle as their prestige throughout the kingdom of Midland grows. But their latest task is one that has seen failure from everyone who has attempted it: the subjugation of the impenetrable fortress of Doldrey. But with members like Guts—the captain of the Hawks' raiders who can easily fell 100 men with his gigantic sword—such tasks prove to be trivial. However, in the aftermath of the battle, Guts decides to leave the Hawks in order to pursue his own dream and bids farewell to his companions, despite Griffith's attempts to make him stay. This single event causes Griffith to lose his composure, and leads him to make a decision that will alter his and the Hawks' fates forever. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gakkou no Kaidan

Ghost stories.

Years ago, all of the ghosts in a haunted schoolhouse were banished by a certain student. Now, they're back—and they want revenge... Satsuki and Keiichirou Miyanoshita are two siblings recovering from the tragic loss of their mother. After moving to their mother's hometown, they learn that the local school they have transferred to is an old building—one said to be haunted. Despite initially brushing it off as a silly rumor, the two soon discover that ghosts are indeed real and that they're after them! Gakkou no Kaidan is the creepy tale of the lives of these siblings and their newfound friends as they try to survive the school's ghosts—with a little help from their pet cat along the way. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Vampire Hunter D (2000)

Vampire hunter d: bloodlust.

The story revolves around D, the infamous "dhampir" (born of a vampire father and a human mother) outcast and renowned vampire hunter. His prowess at hunting the creatures of the night allowing his acceptance among humans, he is called upon to locate Charlotte Elbourne, the lovely daughter of an affluent family who has been mysteriously kidnapped. When the sun sets, the hunt goes on! Charlotte's father offers a rich bounty, be she dead or alive, a task D willingly accepts, even with notorious Markus brothers and their gang of bounty hunters seeking the prize as well. Amidst the chase and unknown to all lurks, a sinister evil which has been secretly manipulating their every move and has set a chilling trap that none will expect and few will survive. With the tables turned and the secrets revealed, the hunters could quickly become the hunted! (Source: AniDB)

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei

Higurashi: when they cry – rei.

The infamous series of unexplainable murders in Hinamizawa have been solved and the chains of fate have broken due to the efforts of Rika Furude and her friends. Rika believes she has finally obtained the normal and peaceful life she desired with her friends; however, she is proven wrong when the wheels of fate begin turning once again after an unfortunate accident. Rika suddenly finds herself in a "perfect" world, the constant cycle of brutal killings having never taken place, where all of her friends are content and satisfied. Not wanting to abandon the world that she fought so hard for, she learns she must destroy an essential "key" to get back. But can Rika abandon the faultless world she is given the chance to live in, after all of her battles have brought her this far? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Elfen Lied: Tooriame nite Arui wa, Shoujo wa Ikani Shite Sono Shinjou ni Itatta ka? - Regenschauer

Elfen lied: in the passing rain, or, how can a girl have reached such feelings.

Having been accepted into the Kaede Inn, Nana struggles to find some way to contribute, though she inadvertently brings more trouble than assistance. However, Nana's worries are directed more towards fellow resident Nyu, whom she had only known as Lucy, the violent Diclonius. Fearful that Nyu will unleash the same horrific savagery—violence that scars Nana to this day—upon those close to her, Nana faces a dilemma: attempt to live peacefully alongside Lucy with all the uncertainty that that entails or dispose of the source of her worries, shattering the relationships she has formed at the inn. As Nana struggles to come to a decision, Nyu recalls a painful memory of one of her dearest friends and one of her greatest rivals. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Another: The Other - Inga

Another: the other.

Shortly before the start of a new semester, Misaki Fujioka visits her twin sister Mei Misaki in Yomiyama City. The girls make full use of the last days of summer, roaming around a heat-weary town and visiting various places including a shopping center and shooting stall. When they prowl around her basement, Mei expresses uneasiness about her new class, which is said to be cursed. Craving more entertainment, the twins decide to pay a visit to the local amusement park. But the leisure of a sleepy summer day could soon turn woeful as Mei sees the color of death on her sister—an unmistakable omen that a tragedy is bound to strike. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Abandoned by their abusive parents and with only each other to depend on, siblings Utsutsu and Yume Hasegawa find themselves led astray by beautiful red butterflies that have appeared in their world. Unbeknownst to them, these crimson winged heralds trumpet the beginning of a cannibalistic nightmare—a mysterious virus known as Pupa is about to hatch. After succumbing to the full effects of Pupa, Yume undergoes a grotesque metamorphosis into a monstrous creature with an insatiable desire for flesh; Utsutsu, on the other hand, is only partially affected, gaining remarkable regenerative powers instead. Reaffirming the resolve to keep the promise he made to himself years ago, Utsutsu is willing to sacrifice everything in order to always be there for his precious little sister. Pupa tells the story of a loving brother's desperate struggles to save his sister while protecting the world from her uncontrollable hunger. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Berserk 2nd Season

Berserk: season ii.

Demons have now become commonplace around the kingdom of Midland, which has fallen into chaos. The swordsman Guts still cannot stay in one place for long due to his demonic brand. He could always manage to protect himself when he was alone, but now he has the added challenge of protecting former Commander Casca, a shell of her former self who neither remembers nor trusts him. They never have a moment's rest with the constant threat of demons, and they need a place where Casca will be safe till they find a way to heal her. Their elf ally, Puck, tells of the mystical land of Elfhelm, which is supposed to be a safe haven from the demons that ravage the lands. Tired and with only a vague hope, they struggle on to find a place to live—and they still need to find those responsible for the madness they are forced to endure. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mnemosyne: Mnemosyne no Musume-tachi

Rin: daughters of mnemosyne.

Immortality is something many people would wish for. But would it be such a coveted ability if people knew they would be subject to countless attacks because of it? Such is the case for Rin Asougi, an immortal private investigator, because there is no shortage of people who want her dead. Over the centuries, she has met many grisly ends, but each time, she returns to life as if nothing had happened. In 1990, while looking for a lost cat, Rin runs into Kouki Maeno, a man who feels that his memories are wrong. Agreeing to help him, Rin discovers that Kouki is not what he seems, all the while drawing closer to her true enemy. This adversary knows Rin and her kind all too well, and if she dies by his hand, she may stay dead permanently. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Danganronpa 3: The End of Kibougamine Gakuen - Kibou-hen

Danganronpa 3: the end of hope's peak high school - hope arc.

The Future Foundation is in shambles after the Final Killing Game and the revelation of the true culprit. As a desperate plot arises from one of the survivors to rid the world of despair once and for all, the remaining Future Foundation members must band together to stop this atrocity from taking place. Fortunately, they find themselves with help from a group of unlikely allies as they race against the clock to stop their world from being changed. In this finale to the Hope's Peak storyline of the Danganronpa series, the players in this neverending death game begin to understand the true meaning behind despair, hope, and atonement. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Itou Junji: Collection

Junji ito collection.

In the light of day and in the dead of night, mysterious horrors await in the darkest shadows of every corner. They are unexplainable, inescapable, and undefeatable. Be prepared, or you may become their next victim. Sit back in terror as traumatizing tales of unparalleled terror unfold. Tales, such as that of a cursed jade carving that opens holes all over its victims' bodies; deep nightmares that span decades; an attractive spirit at a misty crossroad that grants cursed advice; and a slug that grows inside a girl's mouth. Tread carefully, for the horrifying supernatural tales of the Itou Junji: Collection are not for the faint of heart. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shingetsutan Tsukihime

Lunar legend tsukihime.

Shiki Toono wakes up in a hospital ward with the ability to see invisible lines. These thin threads, which make up all matter in Shingetsutan, instantly destroy an object when severed. Shiki discovers that if he traces the lines of something, its destruction soon follows. While keeping his supernatural vision a secret, Shiki proceeds to live his sophomore life in peace. However, this peace is short-lived when Shiki encounters a mysterious woman with bright red eyes on his way back from school. Following a sudden psychotic lapse, he appears to kill the woman, and passes out shortly after. As if things couldn't get any worse, Shiki is assailed by a pair of demonic hounds the next day—facing certain death, Shiki is saved by the timely arrival of the same woman from yesterday. She introduces herself as Arcueid Brunestud, a vampire princess. Deciding to team up, Shiki and Arcueid embark on a journey to uncover the truth behind their lineage and the recent string of murders around town. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gantz 2nd Stage

Gantz: second stage.

Despite having seemingly returned to their normal lives, Kei Kurono, Masaru Katou, and Kei Kishimoto are forced back into the lethal game after Gantz's recent activity. The black sphere continues to summon recently deceased people to fight alien invaders. And having survived the two previous encounters, the trio are more than prepared for the upcoming missions. As they progress through the tournament's stages, the three proceed in their attempt to earn 100 points, which is said to be the only way to leave the parallel dimension for good. However, with the constant onslaught of alien invaders and the threat of imminent death, they must first focus on the task at hand—immediate survival. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori

Hell girl: two mirrors.

Ai Enma and her companions continue to offer their service of revenge against those who have wronged others, and the price is as steep as ever—for damning the offender to hell, the person exacting vengeance is sent to the abyss as well. As they cast soul after soul into the darkness, a new sinister force is watching them: a little girl named Kikuri. While Ai continues her duties, she meets a boy named Takuma Kurebayashi, known as the "Devil's Child" because of the horrific events that occur around him. Unfortunately, Takuma's reputation leads the townspeople to use him as a scapegoat for those who have been ferried off to hell. When things quickly spiral out of control, Ai must find a way to bring an end to this senseless violence, as it poses a threat to her very existence. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Corpse Party: Missing Footage

Someday a group of classmates will perform a charm at night after school—the Happy Sachiko charm. This paper doll ritual is meant to make them stay friends forever, but performing it incorrectly will lead them to be dragged down into a dilapidated phantom of Tenjin Elementary School, which had been torn down years ago. Trapped until they can reunite and perform the charm correctly, the students will have to solve the mystery of the haunted school in order to make it out alive. Before that ill-fated event, however, the friends led ordinary lives. Corpse Party: Missing Footage reveals an insight into the students' lives on the day before they were thrust into a waking nightmare. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Juubee Ninpuuchou

Ninja scroll.

Jubei Kibagami wanders feudal Japan as an itinerant swordsman-for-hire. After a past betrayal left him masterless, he has no more patience for warring political factions and their schemes. Unfortunately, both past and political intrigue collide when he meets and saves a female ninja named Kagero from a man with the ability to make his body as hard as stone. The sole survivor of a ninja clan, Kagero continues her team's last mission: investigate a mysterious plague that wiped out an entire village. Jubei wants nothing to do with this, but the stone-like man's allies, a group of ninja with supernatural powers known as the Devils of Kimon, make that option difficult. To make matters worse, a government spy poisons Jubei, promising him an antidote if he can unravel the true intentions of the Devils of Kimon and their connection to the plague. The trail leads to shadow leaders, a plot to overthrow the government, and a man that Jubei thought he would never see again.

Zombie-Loan

Do you know when you are going to die? Michiru Kita does, as she has the ability to see a "ring of death" on the necks of those around her—and the darker the ring, the closer one is to death. One day, she notices that two boys in her class, Chika Akatsuki and Shito Tachibana, have completely black rings. Seeking to warn them of their impending demise, she stumbles onto their secret: they are already dead, but are kept alive due to a contract with Zombie-Loan, a mysterious loan office. Of course, nothing comes without a price, as the boys must hunt down and kill zombies in order to pay off their debt. And once they learn about Michiru's "Shinigami Eyes," they drag her into their crazy world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

The story starts off with a face-off between two rival heroes, ZET and ALPHAS, and then traces their origins - Jin Kanzaki, a young man with the ability to transform into a superhuman being known as ZET, and Kouga Amagi, a young man with a strong sense of justice who uses technology to fight as ALPHAS. The fates of these two men and those around them intertwine as they fight to protect mankind and destroy monstrous abominations known as Players. (Source: ytv ENGLISH)

Boogiepop wa Warawanai

Boogiepop phantom.

Five years ago, a string of grisly murders shook the city to its core and now the rumors have begun once more. Boogiepop... Everyone knows about Boogiepop: meet her one dark night and you are taken. People tell each other the stories and laugh: no one believes that she can possibly exist in this day and age. Still, strange things appear to be going on and the darkness is taking on many forms. Something is out there. Are you safe? (Source: RightStuf)

Deadman Wonderland: Akai Knife Tsukai

Deadman wonderland: the red knife wielder.

Two years after the catastrophic tidal wave that swept over Japan, police officer Kiyomasa Senji is trying to make the world a safer place. Using his Branch of Sin powers, he stops criminals in whatever ways he can. After rescuing a boy named Izuru Tsukiyoshi from a gang called Goreless Peace, the conflict between Kiyomasa and his adversaries heats up rapidly, to the point of being explosive. Offering a glimpse into the past of the future Deadman, the story follows Senji, helping to further develop the reasoning that drives his actions later in life. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Memories is a compilation of three standalone short films encompassing different genres. Magnetic Rose In the far reaches of space, after tracing a distress signal to a large abandoned space station, a pair of engineers—Heintz Beckner and Miguel Costrela—find a derelict mansion and decide to explore on foot. Their investigation reveals a dark secret surrounding the fate of Eva Friedel, a renowned opera singer with a tragic history. Hallucinations soon begin to plague them, and they must fight to retain their sanity in order to escape the station alive. Stink Bomb Hapless lab technician Nobuo Tanaka consumes some pills at his laboratory to cure a cold. Unknown to him, however, the pills are actually experimental drugs that enhance his flatulence to a lethal degree. As the toxic gas escaping him kills everyone in his vicinity, he is ordered by his superiors to retreat to the company headquarters in Tokyo. The journey to the city is made all the more arduous as Nobuo struggles with his deadly odor while the police, military, and foreign adversaries are hot on his trail. Cannon Fodder In a fortress city filled to the brim with cannons, a young boy wishes to surpass his father by becoming a revered artillery officer. Despite no proof of an enemy nation, he cannot resist the urge to partake in the daily bombardment routines organized by the city. Whether at school or just before bedtime, he only dreams of someday firing a cannon for the sake of his homeland. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shinrei Tantei Yakumo

Psychic detective yakumo.

Haruka Ozawa's sophomore year is getting seriously scary. One of her friends is possessed, another has committed suicide and Haruka could be the next one to flunk the still-breathing test. Her only way out of this potentially lethal dead end? Yakumo Saito, an enigmatic student born with a mysterious red eye that allows him to see and communicate with the dead. But the deceased don't always desist and some killers are more than ready to kill again to keep dead men from telling any more tales. That doesn't stop Haruka's knack for digging up buried secrets, and there's even more evidence of bodies being exhumed by both Yakumo's police contact and an investigative journalist with a newly made corpse in her closet! Can this pair of anything but normal paranormal detectives solve the ultimate dead case files or will they end up in cold storage themselves? (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

Koutetsujou no Kabaneri Movie 3: Unato Kessen

Kabaneri of the iron fortress: the battle of unato.

Half a year has passed. Arriving in the Iron Fortress, Ikoma and Mumei set foot in Unato: another ravaged zone that fell into the grip of the deadly Kabane. In this war-torn zone, the group fends off more dangerous Kabane that are attacking with patterns they had never seen before. The Iron Fortress crew eventually meet up with a survival group which requests their aid in reclaiming the zone. The newly forged alliance ventures deeper into the area of the castle and investigates the peculiar case of these new Kabane. But their search for answers unearths truths that are far more horrifying than they imagined. Forced to confront the reality behind the Kabane, Ikoma, Mumei, and their allies come to realize the despair buried within Unato. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Dark Gathering

Spirits have always been attracted to Keitarou Gentouga due to his strong spiritual presence. A traumatic encounter with one had caused his right hand to be cursed, forcing him to wear a glove at all times. Now a college freshman, Keitarou is trying to live as normal a life as possible. With the encouragement of his childhood friend Eiko Houzuki, he becomes a private tutor. Since he is at the top of his intake class, his first client is the tutoring firm's most promising student, Yayoi Houzuki. To Keitarou's surprise, Yayoi is Eiko's cousin, and she possesses two pupils in each eye—allowing her to see into the spirit world and purposely seek vengeful spirits to exorcise. Ever since a car accident killed both her parents, Yayoi has been searching for the powerful spirit that kidnapped her mother's departed soul. Seeing that spirits are so attracted to Keitarou, she ropes him into helping her collect other evil spirits that will assist in her future fight. Although her quest is dangerous, Keitarou reluctantly decides to join her, even as each new spirit they meet has him questioning his resolve at every turn. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Shikabane Hime: Aka

Corpse princess: aka.

Living at a shrine with other orphans, Ouri Kagami is no stranger to corpses. But when he sees the patron of his orphanage, Keisei Tagami, seemingly revive the scarred corpse of schoolgirl Makina Hoshimura, he cannot help but feel incredibly shocked. Intrigued by the mysterious circumstances surrounding Makina, he learns that she is a Shikabane Hime—an undead being tasked with eliminating others like her who pose a threat to society. As Ouri goes about his daily life, his inexplicable run-ins with her are shrouded in abnormality. But as each encounter grows more intense, the two are brought closer together, and it may be their intertwining fates that hold the key to unveiling the secrets behind the world of Shikabanes. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Uzumaki: Spiral into Horror

In the town of Kurouzu-cho, Kirie Goshima lives a fairly normal life with her family. As she walks to the train station one day to meet her boyfriend, Shuuichi Saito, she sees his father staring at a snail shell in an alley. Thinking nothing of it, she mentions the incident to Shuuichi, who says that his father has been acting weird lately. Shuuichi reveals his rising desire to leave the town with Kirie, saying that the town is infected with spirals. But his father's obsession with the shape soon proves deadly, beginning a chain of horrific and unexplainable events that causes the residents of Kurouzu-cho to spiral into madness. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Blood: The Last Vampire

Teropterids are evil beasts which pose as humans and live only to drink human blood. Fortunately for the human world there are groups dedicated to destroying them. A brooding and mysterious girl named Saya is the best teropterid slayer there is, and now, in 1960s Japan, she is sent to a U. S. army base which may be infested... (Source: ANN)

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Sotsu

Higurashi: when they cry – sotsu.

Rika Furude and Satoko Houjou are best friends who have lived in the small village of Hinamizawa for their entire lives. Alongside their other friends, they spend every day together, and every moment is filled with fun and laughter. However, as Rika and Satoko begin to grow older, a life-changing opportunity presents itself to both of them. Rika is determined to follow her dreams and wants Satoko by her side. Although Satoko is hesitant, she decides to walk this path with Rika. However, the realization of her dream forms a rift between them. This leaves the girls living in completely different worlds, with Rika enjoying her new life and making new friends while Satoko grows more and more isolated. Longing to return to the nostalgic days in Hinamizawa, Satoko despairs and wishes things could be changed. Just when she is at wits' end, an encounter with a supernatural entity changes Satoko's perception and imparts new revelations about her best friend Rika. This begins her journey to get the future she desires—by any means necessary. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sankarea OVA

Two OVA episodes are bundled as DVDs with each of volumes 6 and 7 of the manga. The first OVA is a prequel story written by the manga's author. Before the beginning of the main story, Rea and Chihiro have already met at a certain place: an outdoor hot-spring bath. The second OVA takes place after the series (effectively episode 14). The Furuya family finds a mysterious young girl hiding under the household temple.

Yami Shibai

Theatre of darkness: yamishibai.

The mysterious, yellow-masked Storyteller is a man whose true name and origin are both unknown. He appears at dusk where children gather and recites sinister tales based on Japanese urban legends, to which his young audience eerily intakes. However, the Storyteller is no ordinary teller of tales. He incorporates a kamishibai, a traditional paper-scrolling device, to add visuals to his already demented narration. A series of short horror stories, Yami Shibai begins with a bachelor who, after moving into a new apartment, immediately starts sensing a malevolent glare being pressed into him. A single talisman rests on his ceiling, but he has no way of knowing it is one of the few safeguards that separate him from a bottomless pit of suffering. Each story is more terrifying, more appalling, and more sickening than the last as the Storyteller's audience find themselves being sucked into the vicious world of his words. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Super Danganronpa 2.5: Komaeda Nagito to Sekai no Hakaimono

Super danganronpa 2.5: nagito komaeda and the destroyer of the world.

At Hope's Peak Academy, a school full of extraordinarily talented individuals, Nagito Komaeda is an ordinary boy with no special traits or interesting skills to speak of—except for his incredible unluckiness. Just walking to school in the morning leads to a number of unfortunate accidents, which only escalate as the day goes on. Despite this, Komaeda leads a relatively normal life and is satisfied with his modest slice of happiness. But everything changes when a mysterious boy who declares himself the "Destroyer of the World" arrives to shatter this hopeless paradise. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae

Hell girl: three vessels.

Following the events of Jigoku Shoujo Futakomori, Ai Enma, the Hell Girl, has disappeared. Her former companions decide to lead normal lives, until their absent mistress returns to them with a new companion, and in a way that none of them anticipated. Yuzuki Mikage is a normal schoolgirl who soon comes to understand the Hell Girl on an intimate level. During a dream-like trance in the bathtub, Ai kisses Yuzuki and possesses her. So when Yuzuki's friend decides to type in the name of their teacher in the Hell Correspondence website, Ai makes use of Yuzuki's body to accomplish her own task of ferrying the teacher's soul to hell. Yuzuki is disturbed by her new circumstances and wonders why she was chosen to continue Ai's work. Unfortunately for her, the Hell Girl and her assistants resume operation of Hell Correspondence, and she is dragged along for the ride towards hell itself. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Blood-C: The Last Dark

Having escaped the many horrors of her village, Saya Kisaragi vows to hunt down the monster responsible and make him pay with his life. As she tears through flesh and bone for her vendetta, she encounters SIRRUT, a group of ingenious hackers, who enlist Saya to help them defeat a common enemy—someone she knows all too well. Unfortunately, the path she follows is paved with tragedy, as once again, Saya faces betrayal at the hands of those she has come to trust. With her back against the wall, the fearsome monster slayer must fight with all her strength and skill if she is to overcome this final mission and exact vengeance. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Death does not have to be the end; one can live again, but only through beating the game posed by the black ball called Gantz. On his way home to celebrate his younger brother's birthday, brave and kind-hearted student named Masaru Katou is stabbed to death. He awakes in a small room with a cityscape view in the heart of Tokyo—and he is not alone. To his surprise, it is not the afterlife, but the waiting room for a high stakes game with their lives on the line. Before he has the chance to process the situation, Masaru is handed a gun and teleported into the center of Osaka to carry out one simple task: eliminate any alien on sight. Accompanied by the aged Yoshikazu Suzuki, the stunning idol Reika Shimohira, and the cold but experienced Jouichirou Nishi, Masaru must overcome his fears in order to survive the game and return home to his waiting brother. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hellsing: The Dawn

During the height of World War II, Nazi Germany seeks to strengthen their soldiers with technology crafted under the influence of vampiric biology. Out of fear of this technology turning the tide of war in the Axis's favor, Sir Arthur Hellsing enlists his butler and soldier Walter C. Dornez and vampire Alucard to put a stop to the German plot, sending the two men into a conflict that will scar them both forever. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

In 12th-century Japan, swordsman Kurou escapes ghastly pursuers into a deep forest with his servant Benkei. Seeking shelter, the two find themselves within the secluded abode of the mysterious and beautiful Kuromitsu. While they are warmly accepted, the men are warned to never enter Kuromitsu's room. However, driven by innate curiosity and perhaps a condemned love, Kurou peeks through the ajar door, only to find Kuromitsu feasting on the blood of fallen men. He soon learns Kuromitsu is an immortal vampire, and dedicates himself to her—even becoming a vampire himself in order to spend eternity with her. But the cryptic organization known as the Red Army has enlisted the help of Benkei, who betrays Kurou and severs his head. Awaking centuries into the future in an apocalyptic modern-day Japan, Kurou sets off to reunite with his lover and exact revenge on the Red Army. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuchou: Tou

Tokyo majin.

Something evil is stirring in the shadows of Tokyo... During the spring of his senior year in high school, quiet Tatsuma Hiyuu transfers to Magami Academy in Shinjuku. The mysterious boy's "outsider" status and his profound skills in martial arts quickly earn him the friendship of class delinquent Kyouichi Houraiji. Through an uncanny connection and a happenstance challenge, he also meets Yuuya Daigo of the wrestling club, the captain of the girls' archery club, Komaki Sakurai, and Aoi Misato, the Student Council President. During their encounter, there is a sudden, harsh disruption of the Ryumyaku (literally Dragon Pulse, otherwise known as Dragon Vein or Dragon Stream), the flow of arcane energy. The surge awakens within the five teenagers a latent power, giving them each a supernatural ability. Enlightened to their newly acquired gifts by Hisui, the young heir of the Kisaragi Clan who maintains his family's antiques shop - as well as their duty to protect Tokyo from Oni (demons) - the Magami students decide to use their power to protect the city from the onslaught of dark forces. Battling the demons alongside Hisui Kisaragi, the five unlikely friends discover that they may have to face a greater threat to Tokyo other than destroying a few malevolent, random monsters. The Ryumyaku had been disrupted by force, from someone invoking the Dark Arts - and that person has a wicked desire to unleash a long-dead evil. Can the teenagers overcome their own fears and flaws to fight against the Dark Arts? And soon they will also have to face their own destinies as they discover their Stars of Fate. This anime is based on a manga, which was based on the Nintendo role-playing video game originally released in 1998.

Terra Formars: Revenge

In Terra Formars Revenge, the crew members of the Annex I continue to fight against Terraformars—the large humanoid cockroaches that evolved from the ones sent to Mars centuries ago. However, far from discovering the cure for the lethal Alien Engine Virus that has been plaguing Earth, the Annex I team have learned that some squadrons have agendas from their own countries. Now, the squadrons must not only fight against the Terraformars for their survival, but also each other in the never-ending battle for international dominance. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Vampire Hunter D

10,000 years in the future, the world has become a very different place; monsters roam the land freely, and people, although equipped with high tech weapons and cybernetic horses, live a humble life more suited to centuries past. The story focuses on a small hamlet plagued by monster attacks and living under the shadow of rule by Count Magnus Lee, a powerful vampire lord who has ruled the land for thousands of years. When a young girl is bitten by the Count and chosen as his current plaything, she seeks out help of a quiet wandering stranger, D. It so happens that D is one of the world's best vampire hunters, and he takes it upon himself to cut through Magnus Lee's many minions, and put an end to the Count's rule. (Source: AniDB)

Sankarea: Wagahai mo... Zombie de Aru...

Sankarea: i, too, am... a zombie....

Extra episode included on BD/DVD vol. 6; effectively episode 13. Despite their decaying bodies, Rea’s zombie power comes in handy both at school and at home, and Babu gets interested in another cat—although this particular feline is one of the living. (Source: FUNimation)

Blue Gender

Blue Gender takes place in the not too distant future in a world where things have gone terribly wrong for humanity. Humans have been replaced at the top of the food chain by the Blue, a race of bug-like aliens that have colonized Earth and pushed humans aside. A space station, Second Earth, has been constructed as a safe haven for humans, with the hope of one day reclaiming the Earth once more. Yuji Kaido was cryogenically frozen, having been suffering from a disease known as B-Cells. Once awakened, he joins a team of soldiers that have come to Earth to extract him. Unfortunately, nothing goes according to plan as they make their way back to Second Earth. Yuji will have to deal with the horrors of fighting a bloody war as he and the fighters from Second Earth look to survive. Will they be able to win back Earth without losing their humanity?

Evil or Live

Severe internet addiction has become an epidemic infecting the nation's youth, ultimately resulting in their extreme dependence on the world wide web. Those who are too far gone are enrolled at Elite Reeducation Academy in order to help them grow into successful adults. Hibiki is one such teenager who awakens in the facility unaware of how he came to be there. He learns from the head instructor that he was knocked out and brought to the school at his mother's behest, concerned with how belligerent her son was becoming as a result of his internet addiction. Stuck in a place more akin to a prison than an academy, and with no escape from the abuses of the instructors, Hibiki decides to end his life by jumping from the roof. But as fate would have it, he meets a mysterious man named Shin who promises to give his life meaning... [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Tasogare Otome x Amnesia: Taima Otome

Dusk maiden of amnesia: ghost girl.

Tired of Yuuko's antics for causing more ghost stories to be spread amongst the students, Kirie challenges her to a series of games which if Yuuko loses, she must behave. (Source: Wikipedia)

Kaibutsu Oujo

Princess resurrection.

When Hiro Hiyorimi tries to save a beautiful young woman from certain death, he ends up a dead hero himself! However, since the drop-dead girl is Hime, daughter of the King of the Monsters, his "reward" is to come back as a not-quite-living soldier in her honor guard of horror! That means helping fight off the army of supernatural monstrosities Hime's siblings are unleashing against her in hopes of moving up the ladder of succession. And if facing off with vampires and zombies isn't bad enough, how can anyone be prepared for the REALLY weird ones, like were-sharks, pandas and killer dumplings? This sure as hell isn't the afterlife Hiro was hoping for, but the really sad part is that Hime is the good girl in all of this... or at least as close to good as you can come when you're on the wrong side of the gates of hell! (Source: RightStuf)

Shikabane Hime: Kuro

Corpse princess: kuro.

A direct continuation of Shikabane Hime: Aka, taking place six months after Tagami Keisei's death at the hands of the Shichisei (Seven Stars), a group of elite Shikabane who act on more than just regrets. As per Keisei's dying wish, Kagami Ouri formed a temporary contract with Makina to save her from degenerating into a Shikabane. Since then, Ouri's been training to become a proper monk so that he can remain contracted to Makina and help her fight against the Shichisei -- the ones who originally killed Makina, the entire Hoshimura family, and now Keisei. However, the traitorous monk Shishidou Akasha has sided with the Shichisei in an attempt to destroy all Shikabane Hime and the entire monk organization that uses them -- Kougon Sect.

Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror

A collection of three classic Japanese horror stories: "Yotsuya Kaidan", the story of a wife betrayed by her husband who seeks vengeance even in death. "Tenshu Monogatari", the story of forbidden love between a goddess and a human, and "Bakeneko", the story of a mysterious cat monster with a vendetta against a certain family.

Ibara no Ou

King of thorn.

"Medusa," a deadly virus becomes a worldwide epidemic. In order to escape from this deadly virus, a handful of people are chosen to be put into a cold sleep, laying in a capsule hoping for the future cure. Kasumi, a teenage girl is one of the 160 chosen for this procedure, and is guided to a Cold Sleep Capsule Center (CSCC) inside an ancient castle. Understanding that it is hardly possible, Kasumi goes to sleep still anticipating for a reunion with her twin sister Shizuku, who also is infected with the virus. As Kasumi and the others awake, they notice that the CSCC is not as they remembered. Just like the story of "Sleeping Beauty," the castle is covered with thorn, and the awaken are attacked by unknown creatures and monsters! How long were they asleep? Where did the monsters come from? What has happened to the world? Abandoned in the midst of an enigma, the escapade of the seven survivors begins... (Source: kingofthorn.net)

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Best Anime About Time Travel on Crunchyroll & Hulu

By Marla Añonuevo

What are some of the best anime about time trave l? There are quite a few popular anime involving time travel, but not all of them are necessarily sci-fi. Here is a guide on some of the best anime about time travel.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

More popularly known as Madoka Magica, this series is interesting and worth watching because it has a different approach when it comes to the magical girls genre. The series also has a distinct art style that sets it apart from other shows. Madoka Magica follows a group of middle school students who become magical girls. However, being a magical girl isn’t as magical as they hoped it would be. The series is quick to binge-watch since it only has 12 episodes.

The official synopsis from Crunchyroll reads:

“She has a loving family and best friends, laughs and cries from time to time… Madoka Kaname, an eighth grader of Mitakihara middle school, is one of those who lives such a life. One day, she had a very magical encounter. She doesn’t know if it happened by chance or by fate yet. This is a fateful encounter that can change her destiny- This is a beginning of the new story of the magical witch girls-“

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a well-praised anime, considered one of the best during its time. The story follows Rintaro Okabe and his friends, who discover by accident that they can time travel by sending text messages to the past. This is a must-watch for fans who like anime series that take a dark turn, and where the protagonist goes insane. The series has a total of 24 episodes, which doesn’t make it too hard to binge-watch.

The official synopsis from Crunchyroll states:

“Steins; Gate follows an eclectic group of individuals who have the ability to send text messages to the past. However throughout their experimentation process, an organization named SERN who has been doing their own research on time travel tracks them down. Now it’s a careful game of cat and mouse to not get caught and moreover, try to survive.”

Steins;Gate is streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Looking for more anime recommendations? Check out our guide on the best BL gay anime shows to watch and stream on Crunchyroll .

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15 Best Psychological Horror Anime

Psychological horror is a genre that never fails to send chills down your spine. It's the perfect blend of fear, suspense, and intrigue that keeps you on the edge of your seat. While dark horror stories have always been popular, psychological horror anime takes it to the next level.

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From the twists and turns of the plot to the complex characters , these series are sure to leave a lasting impression. If you are a fan of the genre and are looking for your next spooky watch, then look no further! From horrifying vampire stories to shows canceled due to brutality, this list has it all.

Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on October 23, 2023: When it comes to psychological horror anime, there are many great series with mind-bending plot twists and bone-chilling revelations that are sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. We have updated our list to include five more shows for those wanting such an unforgettable and disturbing experience.

Monster is the perfect anime for those who crave the seamless blend of psychological horror and thriller elements. This series follows Dr. Kenzou Tenma , a neurosurgeon whose selfless act sets off a nightmarish chain of events.

Exploring themes of morality, human nature , and the depths of evil, Monster takes viewers on a suspenseful journey into the minds of its complex characters , unraveling intricate mysteries and blurring the lines between good and evil.

Parasyte: The Maxim

Parasyte: The Maxim offers a great sci-fi and psychological body-horror experience, going beyond the average parasite tale. The story focuses on high schooler Shinichi Izumi , whose hand is one day taken over by a parasite.

The anime is a relentless mix of suspense, grotesque transformations, and deep philosophical questions that'll keep you at the edge of your seat. It explores the meaning of morality and humanity and will leave you wondering what it truly means to be human.

School-Live!

School-Live! is the perfect anime for anyone who loves both the zombie and psychological horror genres. It starts out looking innocent and normal, but then it totally blows your expectations out of the water.

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The story is about a group of high school girls trapped inside their school, just trying to survive through the zombie apocalypse , while losing people dear to them. The story will keep you hooked with its crazy twists and the perfect balance of horror and psychological suspense.

From The New World

From The New World is a mind-blowing anime for fans of thought-provoking stories and dystopian settings. It might start out like a typical coming-of-age tale , but soon, it takes you on a journey that's way beyond ordinary.

The story unfolds in a world where things are not as they seem, and a group of kids starts to uncover some mind-bending secrets about their society. With psychic powers, a dark underbelly, and some jaw-dropping twists , this anime keeps you glued to the screen as it plays with your head and makes you question everything.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a total game-changer for anyone who thinks magical girl anime is all about sparkles and rainbows. At first glance, it looks like your typical cute-girls-with-magic-powers show, but it is way more than that.

The anime dives into the dark and gritty side of magical girl life, exploring the consequences of making a deal with a mysterious creature. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, jaw-dropping plot twists, and existential dilemmas. If you're up for a magical journey that's both enchanting and haunting, Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a must-see.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

For a groundbreaking anime series that transcends the traditional mecha genre and explores complex themes of mental health, identity, and self-discovery, look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion . Set in a dystopian future, the story follows the life of Shinji Ikari , a reluctant pilot of a bio-machine called Evangelion .

The anime is a masterclass in psychological horror, as it delves into the minds of its characters, exposing their fears, anxieties, and traumas . The haunting imagery, religious symbolism , and mind-blowing plot twists create a sense of unease and dread.

Happy Sugar Life

Happy Sugar Life is a psychological horror anime that explores the twisted relationship between a high school girl named Satou Matsuzaka and a young girl named Shio . Satou is a seemingly sweet and innocent girl who falls in love with Shio and becomes obsessed with keeping her all to herself.

As the story progresses, you are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense and horror as Satou's true nature is revealed. The anime deals with heavy themes such as abuse , trauma, and mental illness. Its bright colors and cutesy designs add a layer of unsettling contrast to the dark storyline.

Another centers around a curse that plagues a small town in Japan. The story follows a transfer student named Kouichi Sakakibara , who begins to uncover the mysterious circumstances of the curse and the students in his class.

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The anime is a slow-burn horror with a gothic atmosphere and an intricate plot that keeps you guessing until the very end. The animation style is dark and atmospheric, and the use of shadows and sound design creates a haunting ambiance that lingers long after the show has ended.

Higurashi: When They Cry

Higurashi: When They Cry centers around the lives of a group of friends living in a small village called Hinamizawa . The story begins innocently enough, but as events unfold, it becomes clear that there is something sinister at play.

The story is divided into multiple arcs , each with its own unique story and set of characters. The horror in Higurashi is not just in the gruesome violence and gore , but in the psychological terror it creates. You are taken on a journey of paranoia , suspicion, and fear as the characters try to unravel the mystery behind the village's dark history.

Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain is a mind-bending psychological horror that explores the intersection of technology , identity, and reality. You follow the story of Lain Iwakura , a teenage girl who becomes obsessed with the Wired , a virtual reality network that connects everyone in the world.

As Lain delves deeper into the Wired, she begins to question her own identity and the nature of reality itself. The show is a philosophical and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, with themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for meaning.

Hell Girl , also known as Jigoku Shoujo , is a great psychological horror series that follows one of the best female characters , Ai Enma . Ai offers a unique service to those seeking revenge, and the show centers around the urban legend of the Hell Correspondence . Anyone wishing to send someone to hell can access a website at midnight and request Ai's services.

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The story explores themes of revenge , morality, and the consequences of one's actions. It is a thought-provoking and haunting anime thanks to its complex and multifaceted characters and dark animation.

Shiki is a chilling psychological horror anime that takes place in a small village called Sotoba. The story follows the mysterious deaths that start to occur in the village after the arrival of a family of outsiders. The villagers are soon faced with a deadly epidemic , and they must uncover the truth behind the deaths before it's too late.

Shiki is a slow-burn horror that builds tension and suspense throughout its run time. Morality, mortality, and the human condition are all themes the story explores. It is a must-watch series for anyone who wants a unique take on the vampire genre .

Elfen Lied is a brutal and visceral psychological horror anime, following the story of Lucy , a powerful and deadly mutant with telekinetic abilities . Lucy escapes from a research facility and begins a violent and bloody quest for revenge against her captors.

The show is known for its graphic violence and gore , but it also deals with issues such as identity and trauma. The animation style is dark and atmospheric, with a haunting and beautiful soundtrack that adds to the overall emotional impact of the story.

If you want to watch a disturbing and unsettling psychological horror anime, which is also Japan's most banned one, then Midori is for you. It follows the story of a young girl named Midori who is sold into a freak show by her abusive parents.

Midori is subjected to brutal violence and abuse from her captors, and the show is not for the faint of heart. The animation style is dark and disturbing with surreal and grotesque imagery that adds to the overall feeling of unease. Trauma, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit are all themes the anime explores.

Perfect Blue

Perfect Blue is a masterful anime that explores the dark side of the entertainment industry and the toll it can take on an individual's psyche. The story follows the journey of Mima Kirigoe , a pop idol who decides to leave her singing career to pursue acting . As she begins to take on darker and more challenging roles, she starts to question her own identity and reality.

The show is a haunting and atmospheric exploration of the human mind and the impact of media on society. It offers a unique and though-provoking look at the human condition and the dangers of obsession and celebrity culture.

NEXT: Best Horror Anime Series

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The Best Horror Movies About Time Travel

How many time travel horror movies can you name? This list ranks the best time loop horror movies, where manipulating time plays a major role in the film's plot. All of these scary movies are about time travel in one way or another, but not every film features a character that is going into the past or future. In Event Horizon , for example, there is a rift in the space time continuum, but the main characters themselves do not actually time travel.

Some good horror movies with time traveling include Mine Games , Time Lapse , and Insidious 2 , the sequel to the Blumhouse hit from 2010. We've included a few debatable entries like Donnie Darko , so just know that before seeing the scary time travel movies below.

Vote up your favorite time loop horror films, and downvote any that you really wouldn't recommend to other horror fans.

Army of Darkness

In Army of Darkness , director Sam Raimi expertly weaves together the threads of time travel and horror to create a thrilling and darkly comic experience for viewers. The protagonist, Ash Williams, finds himself involuntarily transported back to medieval times, where he must battle hordes of undead and demonic creatures to save humanity and return to his own era. With innovative special effects, compelling characters, and a unique blend of horror and humor, Army of Darkness  presents a fresh and engaging take on the time travel-horror subgenre that continues to entertain audiences today.

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Event Horizon

Event Horizon takes its name from the concept of the point of no return surrounding a black hole, and indeed, the film delves into the harrowing abyss of psychological terror and otherworldly horror as it explores the dangers of tampering with time and space. The story follows a crew of astronauts who must investigate the mysterious reappearance of a long-lost spaceship believed to possess advanced technology capable of bending the very fabric of reality. As they uncover the nightmarish truth behind the ship's disappearance and its seeming encounters with alternate dimensions, the film effectively combines the unsettling atmosphere of cosmic horror with the chilling implications of uncontrolled time travel, resulting in a gripping and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

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Donnie Darko

Donnie Darko is a haunting and enigmatic tale that masterfully intertwines elements of time travel, mental illness, and existential horror, all within the context of an American high school setting. The film's eponymous protagonist is plagued by visions of a grotesque, otherworldly rabbit figure who informs him of an impending apocalypse, prompting Donnie to embark on a journey through both time and his own fragile psyche to uncover the truth. With a dreamlike atmosphere and a complex narrative structure that rewards repeat viewings, Donnie Darko  is a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre that has garnered a strong cult following since its initial release.

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The Final Girls

The Final Girls injects a fresh twist into the time travel-horror formula by playfully riffing on the tropes and clichés of classic slasher films. When a group of friends find themselves trapped inside a 1980s horror movie, they must come to terms with their newfound role as potential victims of a masked killer while also trying to uncover the secrets of time manipulation to return to their own reality. With its self-aware humor and engaging characters, The Final Girls  demonstrates that the subgenre of horror-time travel stories still has plenty of room for innovation and creativity.

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Triangle is an atmospheric and chilling entry in the time travel-horror subgenre that will leave viewers questioning their own sanity as they witness the protagonist's struggle to escape a never-ending temporal loop. Set primarily aboard a seemingly deserted ship, the film follows Jess as she grapples with the escalating paranoia and fear spawned by her nightmarish encounters with alternate versions of herself and her fellow passengers. Boasting a moody and tense atmosphere, Triangle  is a mind-bending and unsettling exploration of the darker side of time travel and its potentially disastrous consequences.

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John Dies at the End

Based on the cult novel by David Wong, John Dies at the End  is a frenetic and wild ride through a world where time travel, alternate dimensions, and unspeakable cosmic horrors collide. The film follows two friends who stumble upon a mysterious drug known as "Soy Sauce," which grants them paranormal abilities but also exposes them to a horrifying reality beyond our own. With its off-kilter humor and relentless pacing, John Dies at the End  showcases the captivating chaos that can arise when horror and time travel elements are combined in a truly unique and unpredictable fashion.

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Devil's Pass

Devil's Pass takes a chilling real-life mystery – the Dyatlov Pass incident – and infuses it with elements of sci-fi horror and time travel intrigue. As a documentary crew investigates the unexplained deaths of nine hikers in 1959, they discover a terrifying secret involving paranormal phenomena and time manipulation. Blending the found footage format with a skillful incorporation of time travel lore, Devil's Pass  manages to evoke a chilling and immersive sense of dread while exploring the sinister implications of tampering with the flow of time.

Timecrimes is a tense and suspenseful Spanish thriller that delves into the dark complications of time travel while maintaining an engrossing sense of dread throughout its runtime. When a man accidentally travels back in time, he must confront his past self and grapple with a series of increasingly dire consequences resulting from his actions. With its cerebral narrative and tightly-woven plot, Timecrimes  is a compelling exploration of the inherent horror of meddling with time and the devastating ripple effects it can create.

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Coherence is a mind-bending and claustrophobic exploration of the horrors that can emerge when time travel and parallel universes collide. Set during a dinner party, the film's characters must confront the terrifying implications of their actions as they navigate an increasingly fractured reality populated by alternate versions of themselves. With its clever script and innovative approach to storytelling, Coherence  is a standout example of how time travel can be used to heighten the suspense and intrigue of a horror film.

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The Jacket is a gripping psychological horror film that expertly utilizes time travel as a means of exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the nature of reality. The protagonist, a war veteran suffering from amnesia, is subjected to an experimental treatment that inadvertently sends him through time, forcing him to confront his own past and the intertwining destinies of those around him. With its intense performances and haunting atmosphere, The Jacket  is a standout example of how time travel can be used to enhance the emotional resonance and depth of a horror story.

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Premonition

Premonition is an engrossing psychological thriller that combines elements of time travel and supernatural horror to create an unnerving and uniquely disorienting atmosphere. The film follows a woman who, after experiencing a premonition of her husband's death, becomes caught in a disjointed, non-linear timeline that forces her to question her own sanity. With its evocative imagery and tense pacing, Premonition  expertly utilizes time travel as a narrative device to explore themes of grief, fate, and the fragility of human memory.

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Insidious 2

Insidious: Chapter 2 elevates the supernatural horror of its predecessor by incorporating elements of time travel and astral projection, creating a unique and unsettling viewing experience. As the Lambert family continues to grapple with malevolent spirits and a dark family secret, they must reckon with the terrifying reality that their nightmares are not limited by the boundaries of time. With its expertly-crafted scares and eerie exploration of time-bending phenomena, Insidious: Chapter 2  solidifies its place as a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre.

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Insidious: The Red Door

Insidious: The Red Door further expands upon the interconnected timelines and supernatural horrors established in previous films in the series, adding another layer of complexity and terror to the narrative. As the characters continue to navigate the treacherous landscape of the astral plane, they discover that time functions differently in this realm, giving rise to new and unexpected horrors. The film's expert integration of time travel themes into its narrative serves to enhance the overall sense of dread and unease that permeates the Insidious franchise.

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Lake Mungo is a chilling Australian mockumentary that combines elements of time travel, supernatural horror, and psychological thriller to create a haunting and unforgettable cinematic experience. The film focuses on a grieving family who, after the death of their daughter, becomes caught up in a web of time-bending intrigue and deception as they attempt to uncover the truth behind her mysterious demise. With its nuanced performances and eerie atmosphere, Lake Mungo  deftly demonstrates the potential for time travel to serve as a powerful narrative device within the horror genre.

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Frankenstein Unbound

Frankenstein Unbound , based on the novel by Brian Aldiss, is a unique fusion of classic literary horror and time travel sci-fi that offers a fresh perspective on Mary Shelley's iconic story. Set in a dystopian future where a scientist unwittingly unleashes a time-traveling monster, the film follows him back to the 19th century where he encounters both Victor Frankenstein and Mary Shelley herself. By injecting time travel elements into this familiar narrative, Frankenstein Unbound  not only revitalizes the source material but also presents a chilling exploration of the consequences of playing God with the fabric of time.

Blair Witch

Though primarily known as a found footage horror classic, Blair Witch  also incorporates subtle elements of time travel to enhance the film's chilling atmosphere and sense of disorientation. As the three filmmakers venture deeper into the woods, they find themselves caught in a seemingly endless loop of time and space, exacerbating the terror and paranoia that permeates their doomed expedition. With its innovative storytelling and haunting visuals, Blair Witch  exemplifies the potential for time travel elements to amplify the horror of an already gripping narrative.

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Detention is a wildly inventive and genre-defying film that blends time travel, horror, comedy, and high school drama to create a refreshingly original and fast-paced viewing experience. As a group of teenage outcasts discovers a mysterious time-traveling device, they find themselves caught in a race against time to prevent a series of grisly murders and avert the apocalyptic consequences of their actions. With its whip-smart script and dynamic characters, Detention  showcases the immense potential for genre-blending and innovation within the horror-time travel subgenre.

Mine Games is an atmospheric and suspenseful thriller that expertly melds time travel, psychological horror, and classic slasher tropes to create a truly unique and engaging experience for viewers. As a group of friends exploring an abandoned mine discovers that they are seemingly trapped in a looping timeline, they must race against time to unravel the mystery of their predicament and escape an unseen killer. With its clever narrative twists and evocative setting, Mine Games  is a standout example of the inventive storytelling possibilities afforded by the inclusion of time travel in horror cinema.

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension

Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension adds a new layer of terror to the franchise's already bone-chilling formula by incorporating elements of time travel and alternate dimensions into its storyline. As the protagonists uncover a series of eerie videotapes that seem to predict their own grisly fates, they must confront the horrifying implications of the supernatural forces at work in their home. The film's expert use of time travel not only expands upon the Paranormal Activity mythos but also raises the stakes for its characters, resulting in a truly chilling cinematic experience.

Time Lapse is a suspenseful and engrossing sci-fi horror film that expertly explores the darker side of time travel and its potentially disastrous consequences. When a group of friends discovers a mysterious machine that produces photographs of the future, they find themselves caught up in a web of deceit, paranoia, and murder as their fascination with the device spirals out of control. With its cerebral narrative and taut pacing, Time Lapse  is a haunting exploration of the perils of tampering with time and the human psyche.

The Caller is a tense and atmospheric thriller that masterfully utilizes time travel as a narrative device to heighten the sense of paranoia and unease that permeates its storyline. When a woman receives a series of chilling phone calls from a mysterious stranger claiming to be calling from the past, she becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that transcends time itself. The film's innovative approach to storytelling and skillful handling of time travel elements combine to create a gripping and chilling cinematic experience.

Haunter is a chilling and atmospheric ghost story that ingeniously incorporates elements of time travel to create a unique and compelling viewing experience. The film follows a teenage girl who, trapped in an endless loop repeating the same day in 1985, must unravel the mystery of her predicament and confront the malevolent spirit responsible for her family's curse. By weaving together the threads of supernatural horror and time-loop intrigue, Haunter  creates a tense and unnerving atmosphere that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

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The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations

The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations is a worthy installment in the time-travel horror series that explores the harrowing consequences of meddling with the past. As the protagonist uses his time-traveling abilities to solve crimes, he finds himself embroiled in a complex and dangerous web of deception, betrayal, and murder. The film's expert utilization of time-travel mechanics and its haunting exploration of the darker aspects of human nature make it a standout entry in the horror-time travel subgenre.

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Blood Punch

Blood Punch is a darkly comedic, twisted love triangle thriller that uses time travel as an integral part of its narrative to create an engaging and suspenseful viewing experience. When a group of friends becomes trapped in a time loop during a drug-manufacturing operation gone wrong, they must confront their own demons and unravel the complex web of deceit that ensnares them. With its unique blend of humor, action, and time-travel horror, Blood Punch is a compelling and highly entertaining addition to the subgenre.

Camp Slaughter

Camp Slaughter takes a familiar setting - the classic 1980s-style summer camp - and injects it with a heavy dose of time travel horror and slasher film tropes. When a group of modern-day friends inadvertently becomes trapped in a seemingly endless loop set in 1981, they must confront the murderous spree of a masked killer while also trying to unravel the secrets of their time-warped predicament. With its nostalgic nod to the heyday of slasher films and an inventive twist on the time travel subgenre, Camp Slaughter  offers a thrilling and entertaining experience that horror fans won't want to miss.

In S. Darko , the sequel to the cult classic Donnie Darko , viewers are once again drawn into a mysterious and surreal world where time travel and existential horror collide. Following Donnie's younger sister, Samantha, the film explores her journey through a disorienting and nightmarish landscape populated by strange characters and unsettling visions of impending doom. Though not as universally acclaimed as its predecessor, S. Darko  nevertheless showcases the potential for time travel and cosmic horror to create a unique and memorable cinematic experience.

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As they say in well-written scripts, "You mean... like time travel?" + also a few bizarre stories about real people who have claimed, despite every law of physics, they have traveled through time.

6 Creepy Books About Time Loops and Time Travel

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Time is arbitrary! Isn’t that wonderful? Don’t think about it too hard. But with another Leap Day come and gone, it can be tough not to grapple with the slippery nature of measured time. To further bend your brain, here are six dark sci-fi-and horror tales that play with time loops, time travel, and multiverse theory. 

All You Need is Kill , Hiroshi Sakurazaka

The wildly underrated Emily Blunt-Tom Cruise time loop action thriller Edge of Tomorrow (rebranded upon its DVD release as Live, Die, Repeat , for some mystifying reason) was based on this manga (seriously, go seek it out if your idea of a fun moviegoing experience is watching Tom Cruise die a couple dozen times). The alien Mimics are waging full-scale war on humanity, who can’t seem to gain a foothold. Keiji, a soldier, dies on the battlefield – and immediately wakes up to live the same day over and over again, dying in various horrible and occasionally embarrassing ways, until he meets a legendary soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Best described as Groundhog Day , but with full-on alien warfare.

Apple | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

The Fold , Peter Clines

This one’s a little bit of a cheat, since it deals with top-secret, bleeding-edge technology that allows people to fold timespace and travel across vast distances with a single step, but I love it too much not to include it. Mike, our protagonist, is brought in to evaluate the project’s safety, and very quickly his eidetic memory tells him that something isn’t right – after trips through the machine, small things shift, behaviors change, and the situation gets stranger and stranger. The first three-quarters of this book read like an engaging, fast-paced sci-fi thriller, but when the horror comes in the final act, it comes fast, fierce, and bloody.

The Shining Girls , Lauren Beukes

The time traveler in Lauren Beukes’ excellent novel is actually a serial killer, a drifter whose attempt to squat in an empty house leads him to the discovery that the house is a sort of elevator through time, one which spits him out in different years across two centuries. He is driven to find women who “shine” with potential and violently extinguish them. When one of his victims survives his horrific attack, she makes it her mission to track him down – but how do you find a murderer who kills across time? 

11/22/63 , Stephen King

In the back of an old diner in Maine, Jake Epping finds a portal to 1963, and becomes obsessed with stopping the assassination of President Kennedy. Of course, this is far easier said than done, and when an attempt goes wrong, he can reset the timeline again by going back to the diner. Over the course of his attempts, he lives many lives – some violent and short, some long and full of love. But this is a Stephen King novel, of course, so his success will come with costs he never could have anticipated.

“Allochthon ,” Livia Llewellyn

In this short story from Llewellyn’s collection Furnace , a dissatisfied Depression-era housewife on a picnic outing with neighbors finds herself thrown back to the beginning of the day over and over as she increasingly comes unhinged from time and sanity. Llewellyn’s stories brim with existential and cosmic dread, and this one is no exception.

The Gone World , Tom Sweterlitsch

NCIS officer Shannon Moss is assigned to investigate the murder of the family of a Navy SEAL who was involved in top-secret time travel missions. Believing that the stress of time travel may have caused the SEAL to kill his own family, Moss undertakes her own travels through time to question those involved – but in doing so, she stumbles upon the Terminus, an ever-advancing future point that those with security clearance believes will be the end of humanity as we know it.

[And, since it was just Leap Day, I’d like to give a special shout-out to Leap Day William , the closest 30 Rock ever got to horror.]

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5 Horror Movies That Involve Time Travel

While time travel is a fun little tool when it comes to science-fiction movies it can also be quite effective when talking about horror movies.

When it comes to time travel, the genre that uses it most tends to be straight science fiction films for very obvious reasons. However, it's worth noting that the idea of time travel is well-suited for the horror genre for a couple of different reasons. There is the fact that when a character travels into the past or the future, they might think they know what they are going to encounter, but the fact of the matter is that all kinds of nightmares can unfold.

It turns out that horror movies tend to combine with science fiction more often than people realize. Certainly, there are monsters or killers that aren't rooted in science at all. But there are plenty of times when the villains are either using an aspect of science or birthed by science itself. Time travel is one of those aspects of science that is easy to lean on when trying to show the dangers of science fiction precisely because so much can go wrong. That's why some of the best horror movies out there tend to use time travel as a major plot device.

RELATED: 5 Hidden Horror Gems Inspired By H.P. Lovecraft

Project Almanac

Some might find Project Almanac to be an odd movie to start off this list because it's not strictly a horror movie. However, it does have dark enough elements that it can be featured as a horror movie that relies heavily on science fiction. The movie features a group of teens that first discover and then complete a time machine that has limited range but still gives them plenty of ability to travel back in time and change things so that they can benefit.

Fixing ever-growing mistakes is part of the horror aspect as things start to go wrong at a rather alarming rate. But it's the fact that when these teens actually run into themselves in the time stream, they essentially wipe themselves out that the movie really starts to grip its audience as a horror movie. Especially since the way that they are obliterated is very, very creepy.

When it comes to some of the best horror movies that deal with time travel, it's really about being caught in a time loop that makes them scary. Melissa George stars in this particular time loop/time travel movie where she and a group of friends board a seemingly abandoned ocean liner that just happens to be in the Bermuda Triangle . At first, they think it's quite an interesting little setting but things soon turn violent and deadly as they realize that a hooded figure is hunting down the friends and killing them one by one.

It turns out that the killer is actually none other than George's character who is attempting to break the time loop she's realized they're all trapped in. This movie is one of the better but lesser-known horror movies that deal with time travel because it has a little of everything. There are the more traditional slasher aspects of the film, mixed in with the time loop to give it a pretty original premise.

While Abigail Breslin's best-known horror movie is likely Zombieland , she starred in another spooky ghost story that involved time travel and time loops. In Haunter , Breslin plays a ghost girl by the name of Lisa who is doomed to relive the day in 1985 when her entire family was killed. She has to do this while the rest of the world moves on around her. However, while Haunter starts out as a movie that's about a kind of time loop, it eventually turns into something a little more time travel-focused like Quantum Leap .

Lisa realizes that she can essentially "jump" into the present by inhabiting the body of another young girl who now lives in the house. Unfortunately, she soon finds out that the killer can do the same kind of body leaping that she can. The film does a nice job of combining a more straightforward slasher film with an interesting spin on a ghost story that is told from the perspective of the ghost and a time loop aspect.

The Endless

Yet another movie that is more about the inability to travel in time, than time travel, this time loop-based horror movie still counts thanks to the fact that parts of this world move in different times depending on where the characters are located. The movie by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead sees them star as a pair of brothers who escaped a kind of cult years ago. They end up going back to where the cult was located and discover that many of the people they left behind decades ago don't seem to have aged at all. The cult, Camp Arcadia, is located on a strange plot of land filled with various time loop pockets that allow for a very original take on the kind of cosmic horror that comes from time travel. There's also a really good mystery wrapped up into this film that amps up the tension and that makes the horror of the situation that much better.

Army Of Darkness

While some people might feel that Army of Darkness is more of a comedy than a straight horror movie, it's important to note Sam Raimi simply liked to add a dash of humor into his horror films . The third film in the original Evil Dead trilogy saw Ash get transported back in time by the Necronomicon. He ends up being transported to the middle ages where he has to try and help the folks there overcome an invasion of the evil dead.

While there are plenty of good and funny moments in this movie, such as Ash explaining to everyone what his "boomstick" is, there's also plenty of monsters and skeletons and creepy crawlies that were no doubt plenty creepy, especially when the film first came out. This is one of those films that isn't going to have chills running up and down a viewer's spine but it certainly fits into the horror genre thanks to quite a bit of death and destruction that takes place thanks to truly evil beings.

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