Anime is a form of media everyone can enjoy; there are dozens of different series with various art styles, unique stories, exciting characters, and interesting genres. The occult detective is a genre in anime that pulls viewers into the world of the paranormal and unknown; usually, a mysterious string of unexplained deaths or an otherworldly visit from a vindictive spirit plaguing a small community arises, and it is up to the everyday crime solver, the seasoned spirit investigator, or even kid detective to save the day.
The main protagonist dives feet first into the deep end of strange and supernatural occurrences and looks the abyss in the face. These anime keep fans on the edge of their seats with every episode and an ending that is sure to surprise.
7 In/Spectre
Kotoko Iwanaga is a liaison between the world of the living and the world of the spirits, otherwise called Youkai. For most of her life, she has carried the burden of upholding the peace between the Youkai and human worlds by herself. However, things change after she meets Kurou Sakuragawa, a young man somewhat down on his luck who Kotoko senses a strange aura around him.
Kotoko and Kurou become attached and travel head first into the world of supernatural occurrences and mysteries that prove to be life-threatening. Along the way, Kurou may discover something strange about his existence that will cement his place in the spiritual world.
6 Gosick
Gosick is a classic anime that has stood the test of time since its release. The story takes place after a young exchange student goes on an adventure after encountering a young girl with clairvoyant capabilities.
Together the two face dangerous challenges as they engage with powerful supernatural forces, such as an alchemist and a mysterious phantom ship. The trials and tribulations that the mismatched pair go through strengthen their bonds and resolve until the end, where the path fate has led them down now shows a clear destination.
5 Durarara!!
Durarara is a high-octane thrill ride into the world of supernatural occurrences, headless motorists, and gang wars. When Mikado finally made the decision to move to Tokyo with his friend, excitement was the key goal, but a full dose of violence and bizarre interactions may have been a bit much on his first day.
In the heart of the city where crime, violence, and thievery are at an all-time high, Mikado tries his best to make it on the streets of Tokyo that are filled with the criminal element; things become even more hectic as mysterious chaos spreads and ignites a fight between Tokyo’s most dangerous elements.
4 Ghost Hunt
Mai is just an average school girl when her life is turned upside down after getting pulled into a part-time job as the assistant to a private detective investigating the occult and supernatural.
Sneaking into the abandoned school near her home, Mai runs into Shibuya during one of his investigations and damages his equipment; to repay him, she is coerced into aiding him in his investigations. At first, Mai thinks very little of Shibuya for his pore attitude and self-centered persona. However, as the mysteries slowly become stranger and stranger, she gains much respect for his work. Shibuya and Mai take on the wicked things that go bump in the night with nothing but their wit and a flashlight.
3 Un-Go
Set in a dismal post-apocalyptic future, Un-go is a mystery series that takes viewers on a ride of the tragic truth of justice vs. the willful ignorance of upholding the status quo. Yuuki Shinjuurou is a disheveled and disheartened detective working in the ruined remains of Tokyo. Throughout the city, he has a reputation as a detective that has been scorned too many times.
The series follows as he and his assistant solve numerous homicides in the city, catching serial killers and dishing out justice. However, from the shadows is another predator hunting the hunters and this perilous mystery revolves around young Yuuki. Un-go is sure to give fans a nail-biting adventure in an eleven-episode path of mystery, murder, and mayhem as it tackles grief and looks evil in the eye.
2 Bakemonogatari
Bakemonogatari is a wild and twisted series that dives head first into the world of the supernatural and occult. Aragi Kyomi is a high school student and a survivor of vampyrism who becomes entangled in a goal to aid those plagued by curses and demonic afflictions.
Bakemonogatari takes place over several series that explore Aragi’s journey and encounters with the paranormal. The first series kicks off when Aragi meets Hitagi and discovers her curse of weightlessness. While at the start, Hitagi is highly hostile toward Aragi, he wins her trust and rushes to cure her of her ailment.
1 Another
Another is a dark and gruesome series involving the mysterious curse that plagues a local high school. After a young student's untimely death, a series of deaths occur every new school year, claiming countless students'. Kouichi arrives just as the school curse kicks into gear and immediately feels out of place when he is met with a strange tension from his fellow classmates.
As his classmates slowly meet their fate at the hands of the suspected ghost of the dead student, Kouichi attempts to solve the mystery and break the curse to save his friends' lives; unfortunately, this task pushes Kouichi and his friends to their limit, and many break under the heavy mental strains as their lives hang in the balance.