The best horror movies and anime in Japan typically take place during summer. Maybe it’s the humidity making you sweat, the cicadas loudly singing, or the heat in your apartment that causes you to imagine that little speck of horror in the darkness of your room. Either way, summertime is primetime for scary stories in Japan, and the TOM Staff is happy to recommend to you some of our favorite scary anime. We hope you’ll enjoy these horror gems!
Name: Katie
Anime: Happy Sugar Life
It's not horror in the traditional sense, but it's definitely eerie and on the darker side! You'll definitely want to marathon it, as the twists and turns come one after another!
Name: Riii
Anime: Higurashi When They Cry
This anime isn’t particularly scary or full of horror. After all, even I could watch it. So, it’s a good recommendation for fans looking for their first horror anime… I think…
Name: Agatha
Anime: Mushishi
While this isn't at all a horror anime per se, Mushishi is virtually unparalleled when it comes to creating an eerie, mystical, melancholy atmosphere. Fans of eldritch/cosmic horror might find something to appreciate in its surreal depictions of inhuman, unknowable creatures. The art direction and music are hauntingly good!
Name: Sadako Skywalker
Anime: Odd Taxi
It’s not a major horror anime, but “Odd Taxi” has its own special, creepy atmosphere that it brings to the conversation. And in that way, it’s pretty scary. Even though the characters are shown as animals, the real statement of how scary humanity can be is gradually depicted through cases of disappearance and various secrets. “Odd Taxi” is filled with this feeling that something is off, which may be even worse than pure fear or terror. That feeling doesn’t go away or leave you as you continue to watch the anime unfold.
Name: M
Anime: Perfect Blue
It's a classic that has entered the zeitgeist, both in Japan and the US, for a reason. Did it give me nightmares? Yes. Has it stuck with me for the past fifteen years since I first saw it? Also yes
Name: Herman
Anime: Ghost Stories (the English dub version)
If you haven't seen any clips.....just YouTube it....