Top 15 Best Detective Anime
If you are a fan of mystery and thrilling detective stories, here is a list of the top 15 detective anime. Each series offers a unique experience with intriguing characters and complex plots that will keep you hooked.
1. Detective Conan (Case Closed)
Year of Release: 1996
Number of Episodes: 1100+ (ongoing)
Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Adventure
The story follows Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned. He continues solving mysteries while searching for the criminals responsible for his condition.
2. Death Note
Year of Release: 2006
Number of Episodes: 37
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime, Supernatural
Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student, finds a notebook that allows him to kill anyone by writing their name in it. A cat-and-mouse game begins between him and the genius detective L, who is determined to stop him.
3. Psycho-Pass
Year of Release: 2012
Number of Episodes: 22
Genre: Sci-fi, Crime, Psychological Thriller
In a futuristic world, the "Psycho-Pass" system predicts people's potential for committing crimes. Akane Tsunemori, a new inspector, works with enforcers to prevent crimes before they happen.
4. Monster
Year of Release: 2004
Number of Episodes: 74
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime
Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a skilled surgeon, saves the life of a young boy, only to discover that the boy grows up to be a sociopathic killer. Tenma embarks on a journey to stop him, uncovering a deeper and darker conspiracy.
5. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Year of Release: 2002
Number of Episodes: 26
Genre: Sci-fi, Crime, Action
Set in a world where humans can enhance themselves with cybernetic parts, Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team investigate cyber crimes and terrorism in a complex futuristic society.
6. Bungo Stray Dogs
Year of Release: 2016
Number of Episodes: 36 (across 3 seasons)
Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
The Armed Detective Agency, composed of individuals with supernatural powers, solves complex mysteries and faces dangerous rival organizations.
7. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)
Year of Release: 2014
Number of Episodes: 11
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Crime
Two enigmatic teenagers launch a series of terrorist attacks in Tokyo. As panic spreads, a determined detective races against time to uncover their motives and stop them.
8. Hyouka
Year of Release: 2012
Number of Episodes: 22
Genre: Mystery, Slice of Life, School
Oreki Houtarou, a laid-back student, reluctantly joins his school's Classic Literature Club and finds himself solving small but intriguing mysteries with the help of his friends.
9. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)
Year of Release: 2016
Number of Episodes: 12
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Supernatural
Satoru Fujinuma has the ability to travel back in time and prevent tragic events. When his mother is murdered, he is sent 18 years into the past to solve a kidnapping case that shaped his life.
10. The Millionaire Detective: Balance - Unlimited
Year of Release: 2020
Number of Episodes: 11
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Action
Daisuke Kanbe, a detective with unlimited financial resources, teams up with Haru Kato, a justice-driven detective. Their unique approaches to solving crimes often lead to both chaos and success.
11. Gosick
Year of Release: 2011
Number of Episodes: 24
Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance
Set in the 1920s, Kazuya Kujo partners with Victorique, a brilliant yet reclusive detective, to solve various mysteries while uncovering deeper conspiracies.
12. Un-Go
Year of Release: 2011
Number of Episodes: 11
Genre: Mystery, Sci-fi, Supernatural
In a post-war future, Shinjurou Yuuki, known as "the defeated detective," solves mysterious cases that no one else can solve, with the help of a mysterious boy.
13. Danganronpa: The Animation
Year of Release: 2013
Number of Episodes: 13
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
A group of elite students are trapped in a school where the only way to escape is to kill one of their peers and avoid being caught in the subsequent trials.
14. ID: Invaded
Year of Release: 2020
Number of Episodes: 13
Genre: Sci-fi, Psychological, Mystery
Detectives use a device that allows them to enter the subconscious of serial killers to solve cases. However, the protagonist harbors his own dark past, complicating his investigations.
15. Paranoia Agent
Year of Release: 2004
Number of Episodes: 13
Genre: Psychological, Mystery, Supernatural
A mysterious figure, "Lil' Slugger," terrorizes the citizens of Tokyo with a bat. As paranoia spreads, detectives must uncover the truth behind these bizarre attacks.
These anime series are some of the best in the detective genre, offering exciting mysteries, brilliant detective work, and captivating stories. Whether you're into psychological thrillers or classic mystery-solving, this list has something for everyone.