The murder mystery genre, be it in TV dramas or anime series, is thrilling and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and suspense.
From intricate whodunits to psychological thrillers steeped in darkness, murder mystery anime series offer an immersive experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. These anime series explore the complexities of crime-solving, the essence of human nature and the thrill of uncovering hidden truths.
From classic anime that are a must for beginners like Death Note and Monster to laidback mystery stories of The Apothecary Diaries and Gosick, in the shadowy world of murder mystery anime, every clue, every suspect and every revelation holds the key to solving these mind-boggling puzzles.
And, the best murder mystery anime series are a perfect cocktail of all these elements.
Here are 8 best murder mystery anime series to add to your watchlist
Death Note (2006)
When Light Yagami discovers a mysterious notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it, he decides to use the Death Note to rid the world of criminals and establish himself as a god-like figure. A brilliant detective is tasked with catching him, as the killings attract the attention of law enforcement agencies around the world. Thus begins a high-stakes cat-and-mouse chase.
The psychological thriller is hailed as one of the best anime of all time mixing diverse genres like crime, mystery and supernatural elements. The anime series questions justice, morality and the abuse of power, posing ethical dilemmas for both its protagonists.
IMDb rating: 8.9/10
Monster (2004)
When faced with a moral dilemma regarding which patient to prioritise during surgery, Dr Kenzou Tenma chooses to save the life of a young boy Johan Liebert instead of the mayor. This decision sets off a chain of events that leads to the mayor’s death and Johan’s disappearance.
Years later, Tenma discovers that Johan has grown up to become a manipulative sociopath responsible for a series of murders. Feeling responsible for Johan’s actions, the doctor sets off to stop him and discover the mysteries surrounding his past.
Like Death Note, Monster explores the evil nature, the thought process of human beings and notions of dilemma, creating an excellent murder mystery watch for the viewers.
IMDb rating: 8.7/10
The Apothecary Diaries (2023)
Maomao is a young woman who is sold into servitude and becomes an apprentice to the imperial court pharmacist in the capital of a fictional ancient Chinese empire. She possesses extensive knowledge of medicine and pharmacology and uses her skills to solve mysteries, uncover secrets and aid in the treatment of various ailments afflicting the imperial family and court officials.
While The Apothecary Diaries does not involve the protagonist dealing with murders, it involves diverse mysteries in each episode. Additionally, it offers a combination of historical fiction and drama genres and makes for an engaging watch.
IMDb rating: 8.6/10
Erased (2016)
Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling manga artist with a supernatural ability called Revival, allowing him to go back in time moments before a life-threatening event occurs. When his mother is murdered, the manga artist involuntarily travels back in time to his childhood in 1988. He realises that the murder of one of his classmates, Kayo Hinazuki, is connected to his mother’s death.
Erased intricately weaves mystery, suspense and psychological thriller genres as Satoru races against time to uncover the truth and prevent further tragedies.
IMDb rating: 8.5/10
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Ergo Proxy (2006)
In Ergo Proxy, Re-l Mayer is an investigator from the domed city of Romdeau, looking into mysterious murders and encounters beings known as Proxies, who are entities with immense power. Vincent Law, a fellow citizen with a mysterious past becomes entangled in the events surrounding the Proxies. As Re-l and Vincent journey outside the safety of their domed city, they uncover dark truths about the nature of their world, the origins of humanity and the existence of the Proxies.
With a dystopian setting, Erho Proxy combines multiple elements including sci-fi and mystery and explores existential questions with its storyline.
IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Higurashi: When They Cry (2006)
Higurashi: When They Cry is set in the village of Hinamizawa, where a series of mysterious and gruesome events occur during the Watanagashi Festival every year. A group of friends, including Keiichi Maebara, Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou and Rika Furude, become entangled in the village’s dark secrets.
As the events unfold, the characters find themselves trapped in a time loop, experiencing tragic and horrifying events that culminate in murder, paranoia and supernatural occurrences.
Well, everything is never what it seems. Higurashi: When They Cry might seem like just another mystery anime series but it gets intense with every episode, thanks to the different horror tropes.
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Gosick (2011)
Set in the fictional European country of Sauville in the early 20th century, Gosick follows Kazuya Kujo, a Japanese exchange student attending Saint Marguerite Academy. He meets and befriends Victorique de Blois, a mysterious girl with a penchant for solving mysteries. Kazuya and Victorique head on various adventures, solving perplexing mysteries and discovering dark secrets hidden within the halls of Saint Marguerite Academy and the wider Sauville.
In the initial episodes, much emphasis is placed on Kazuya and Victorique’s engagement in various criminal investigations. As the anime series progresses, Victorique’s past and familial history resurfaces, casting a shadow over her present and challenging her in unforeseen ways.
IMDb rating: 7.3/10
Talentless Nana (2020)
Talentless Nana is set in a world where children with supernatural abilities are sent to an isolated island to train and fight against creatures known as Enemies of Humanity. Life on this island provides for their every need, with communication with the outside world strictly prohibited until graduation. Enter Nana Hiiragi, a new student whose amiable personality swiftly earns her companionship within the class. However, she has an extraordinary ability to read minds.
But here’s the twist: Nana is a Talentless government assassin, sent to kill the Talented, whom the government deems the true Enemies of Humanity. Soon, another student Nanao is suspected when students on the isolated island start dying mysteriously, creating a tricky situation.
IMDb rating: 6.9/10
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(Hero and feature image credit: IMDb/ Death Note and Monster)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Which anime has the best mystery?
Death Note, Monster, Erased, Talentless Nana and The Apothecary Diaries are some of the best mystery anime series.
– Who is the best anime detective?
L from Death Note is hailed as one of the best anime detectives of all time.
– Which anime has the most suspense?
Monster, Erased, Death Note and Ergo Proxy are some of the anime series with lots of suspense.
– Is Death Note a mystery anime?
Death Note is a blend of crime, mystery, psychological thriller and supernatural genres.
