Beat the Heat with a Fright: 15 Horror Anime to Watch This Summer

As this relentless heat wave continues, how are you holding up? I know I've been complaining every day about how it's just too hot to even think about going outside. On days like these, when it's dangerously hot to venture out, there's no better escape than staying in and binge-watching anime.

With that in mind, this article introduces 15 horror anime to help you beat the heat! While the cool air from your AC is great, these titles will give you a different kind of chill—one that goes straight to your bones.

Please note: This article contains some spoilers for certain series. Additionally, the genre classifications used were created by the writer for this article.

■Survival Horror & Thriller

"Highschool of the Dead"

©Daisuke Sato, Shoji Sato/Fujimishobo/H.O.T.D.Production Committee

When it comes to horror, zombies are the first thing that comes to mind! With that in mind, our first pick is "Highschool of the Dead," an anime based on the manga of the same name, written by Daisuke Sato and illustrated by Shoji Sato.

This nail-biting survival thriller shows how a peaceful school life can turn into hell with just one intruder. In this series, zombies are referred to as "them," and similar to traditional zombies, if "they" bite or eat someone's flesh, that person dies and becomes one of "them."

While there are many intense scenes, the dynamic artwork and fast-paced plot are unique to this work!

Where to watch:
Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video.

©Daisuke Sato, Shoji Sato/Fujimishobo/H.O.T.D.Production Committee

"School-Live!"

The 2nd work is "School-Live!," an anime based on the manga of the same name, written by Norimitsu Kaiho and illustrated by Sadoru Chiba.

Don't be fooled by the cute character designs thinking it's just another laid-back slice-of-life series! This show also features an ordinary school life suddenly threatened by zombie-like creatures. However, what sets it apart is how it gradually builds a sense of unease from the initial cheerful everyday scenes. This approach creates a different kind of fear, distinct from the typical zombie horror.

By the way, keep an eye on the opening sequence of each episode. It subtly changes over time, which is definitely worth watching out for!

Where to watch:
Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and HIDIVE.

©Nitroplus / Norimitsu Kaiho, Sadoru Chiba, Houbunsha / School-Live! Production Committee

■ Supernatural & Occult Horror

"Otherside Picnic"

© Iori Miyazawa, Hayakawa Publishing / DS Lab

The 3rd work is "Otherside Picnic," an anime based on the light novel series of the same name by Iori Miyazawa.

In this story, we encounter the "Otherside," a realm where dangerous entities from real-life urban legends appear, such as the "Kunekune”, the "Hasshaku-sama", and the "Kisaragi Station."

The most terrifying aspect of this series is undoubtedly the existence of the eerie and uncanny "Otherside." This parallel world resembles reality, but also distorted, with its own set of rules. The fact that you are constantly on edge, not knowing what will happen next, heightens the fear.

*Kunekune (The Wriggler) is a Japanese urban legend about a tall, white figure seen in open fields on hot days, named for its constant and unnatural wriggling movement.
*Hasshaku-sama (Miss Eight Feet Tall) is a Japanese urban legend about a terrifying, eight-foot-tall woman who wears a long white dress and hat.
*Kisaragi Station is a popular Japanese urban legend that originated on the internet, told as a real-time account of a young woman who boards her usual train and inexplicably finds herself at a non-existent station.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll

"The Summer Hikaru Died"

The 4th work is "The Summer Hikaru Died", an anime based on the manga of the same name by Mokumokuren.

This series, which has garnered significant attention by reaching the top spot on Netflix's daily rankings in Japan and securing first place in ABEMA's anime rankings, is a horror story set in the rural village of Kubitachi. It revolves around a young boy named Hikari and his best friend, Yoshiki, as they uncover the village's hidden mysteries and supernatural phenomena.

The balance between unsettling atmosphere and visual beauty in this work is truly remarkable! It creates a sense of discomfort in the best possible way, allowing viewers to feel the clinging heat of summer. As the story progresses, the eerie and frightening elements intensify, making it impossible to look away as you wonder how it will all end.

Where to watch:
Netlflix

©Mokumokuren/KADOKAWA/The Summer Hikaru Died Partners

"The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window"

The 5th work is "The Night Beyond the Tricornered Window," an anime based on the manga of the same name by Tomoko Yamashita.

This work is a new kind of "psychic entertainment" that has all three elements: "horror x mystery x buddy love," and is a rare horror work with a bromance element.

The timid nature of Kosuke Mikado, a bookstore clerk who can see spirits, and the mysterious nature of Rihito Hiyakawa, an exorcist with a special power to exorcise spirits, is a perfect combination for those who like this kind of thing! While I personally felt the mystery elements were stronger than the horror aspects, the show does include psychological thriller elements, and since spiritual things lurking in daily life are scary, I chose it as a horror work.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll

■ Dark Fantasy Horror

"Tokyo Ghoul"

The 6th work on our list is "Tokyo Ghoul," an anime based on the manga of the same name by Sui Ishida.

Set in Tokyo, the story unfolds in a world where a species known as "ghouls" - beings that feed on human flesh - have become prevalent. The horror in this work comes not only from the scenes of Ghouls eating human flesh, but also from the psychological distress of the characters, which is another element that heightens the fear.

What makes the situation even more chilling is that ghouls look exactly like humans, making it impossible to distinguish them from ordinary people. The anguish and conflict of the protagonist, Ken Kaneki, who becomes a "half-Ghoul," living in the gray area between "human" and "Ghoul," further elevates the story.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix

"Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe"

The 7th work is the anime film "Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe,” based on Shigeru Mizuki's manga series "GeGeGe no Kitaro."

This film, which tells a new story that has never been told before in “GeGeGe no Kitaro,” such as the meeting of Kitaro's two fathers and the story of how Kitaro was born, has surpassed 3 billion yen in box office revenue and 2.08 million in attendance in Japan, causing an unprecedented "Gegege" boom. (Note: These figures combine the totals for both "Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe" and "Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe - True Birth Edition.") The fan theories on social media were also amazing!

There are two versions of this movie: "Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe" and "Birth of Kitaro: The Mystery of GeGeGe - True Birth Edition." The main differences between the two lie in the depiction of blood and the overall artwork. While the standard version already contains plenty of grotesque scenes, the True Birth Edition takes it to another level of intensity.

The altered artwork in the True Birth Edition allows for more detailed facial expressions of the characters, which further enhances the horror element. If you are a horror lover, I highly recommend watching the “True Birth Edition”!

Where to watch:
Netflix

"Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun"

The 8th work is "Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun," an anime based on the manga of the same name by AidaIro.

While this work has horror and mystery elements, it also has comical scenes, so you can enjoy not only fear and eeriness but also a sense of excitement

The highlight is Hanako-kun's mysteriousness! Hanako-kun, a ghost who lives in the girls' bathroom at school, is a scary being, but he has a cheerful and humorous personality. However, what makes him incredibly captivating is the gap between this demeanor and the hidden past he can't reveal to others, as well as his enigmatic character.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll and Hulu

"Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube"

© Sho Makura, Takeshi Okano / Shueisha / Toei Animation

The 9th work is "Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube," an anime based on the manga of the same name, written by Sho Makura and illustrated by Takeshi Okano.

When the remake was announced, it became a hot topic! As someone who watched the original '90s version in real-time, I was really looking forward to this remake.

One of the notable changes from the original version is that everyone now has smartphones, and tablets are used in class. However, it's not just about being modern; there are nostalgic touches too, as the protagonist Nube's smartphone ringtone is the original OP "Baribari Saikyo No. 1."

And rest assured, the new version is still plenty scary! I thought maybe it was only frightening when I was a kid, but watching it now, it's genuinely scary (laughs). The grotesque movements of the yokai, the music, and the overall atmosphere have been powered up, making it a horror work that adults can enjoy as well.

Where to watch:
It's Anime YouTube channel

"Mieruko-chan"

Number 10 on our list is "Mieruko-chan," an anime based on the manga of the same name by Tomoki Izumi.

This work follows the protagonist Miko Yotsuya, who suddenly starts seeing things that shouldn't be seen in her daily life, as she desperately tries to pretend she can't see them.The situation where she absolutely has to pretend she can't see them is truly terrifying!

The design of the strange phenomena is also very unsettling, and it becomes even scarier when you think about what it would be like if you could "see" them yourself.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll and Apple TV

■ Grotesque & Bizarre Horror

"Another"

The 11th work on our list is "Another," an anime based on the novel of the same name by Yukito Ayatsuji.

“Another,” a horror-mystery work by Yukito Ayatsuji, a legend in the mystery world, has a great atmosphere! In a good way, it's gloomy, and the continuous tragedies and abnormal situations amplify the fear.

While the mystery elements are more prominent than the horror aspects, the series still satisfies horror enthusiasts with its abundance of gruesome depictions. These include deaths caused by misfortune or curses, as well as graphic scenes such as elevator falls and impalements on iron poles.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video

"Junji Ito Collection"

The 12th work is the anime "Junji Ito Collection," based on horror manga stories from Junji Ito's "Junji Ito Masterpiece Collection" and "Fragments of Horror."

When you think of horror, Junji Ito might be one of the first names that come to mind! Known for his beautiful yet terrifying works, Ito has created numerous unforgettable and intense characters that leave a lasting impression.

Among these, one of the most famous is "Tomie." Appearing in this series as well, Tomie is described as the most beautiful woman in the world. She uses her beauty to charm many men and lead them to ruin. That alone would make her just a scary woman, but Tomie's true horror is that she can regenerate and multiply even after being minced or burned.

Tomie's very existence is like a curse, inspiring nothing but fear. Yet, everyone seems drawn to her beautiful and deadly nature.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll and Prime Video

■ Psychological & Suspense Horror

"From the New World"

The 13th work on our list is "From the New World," an anime based on the novel of the same name by Yusuke Kishi.

Set in Japan 1000 years in the future, this world features individuals who can use psychokinetic powers known as "Juryoku" (telekinesis).

While it falls under the horror genre, this series has a strong science fiction element, and the plot is notably complex. Following the story can be quite challenging, but as you begin to grasp its intricacies, it becomes an incredibly engaging experience. It's definitely one of those shows you shouldn't give up on!

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll

"The Lost Village"

The 14th work is an original anime series titled "The Lost Village,” a joint project between anime production company Diomedea and Pony Canyon.

This thrilling ensemble drama revolves around a group of young men and women who participate in "The First Life Reset Tour," a bus tour designed for those who want to escape from reality and start a new life. All participants carry some form of trauma or personal struggles. The story unfolds in the mysterious and isolated village of Nanaki Village setting the stage for an enigmatic and suspenseful narrative.

The true horror of this series lies in the existence of "Nanaki." These are manifestations of the characters' emotional scars and traumas. Each Nanaki appears differently to each person, taking shape based on their individual traumas. The way it hits you with the psychologically unpleasant aspect of your own inner darkness being manifested is truly gut-wrenching.

Where to watch:
Crunchyroll

"Higurashi When They Cry"

Number 15 on our list is "Higurashi When They Cry," an anime based on a computer game created by Ryukishi07 and his doujin circle, 07th Expansion.

When it comes to horror anime, you simply can't leave out "Higurashi When They Cry"! There are many scary parts to this work, but the scariest part for me was the psychological distress in extreme situations. The way characters are mentally pushed to their limits by the mysterious phenomenon known as "The Curse of Oyashiro-sama," leading to paranoia and the breakdown of relationships, is truly horrifying.

The atmosphere of the setting, Hinamizawa Village, is equally eerie. The sound of cicadas crying, as referenced in the title, only serves to heighten the sense of unease.

Where to watch:
The first four seasons of the original series are available on HiDive for streaming or Amazon Prime Video for purchase.

This Summer, It's All About Horror!

From spine-chilling classics that might make you think twice about watching at night to horror-comedies that'll have you laughing as much as screaming, we've rounded up 15 anime series that'll send shivers down your spine. There are various genres of horror, so you can watch your favorite genre or watch a full-fledged horror movie to cool down!

I hope you can find a horror work that suits you. Happy watching!

[By Chisato Gotanda]

*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation