Anime has been around in Japan for over a century. However, not until the mid-1990’s did it become an international phenomenon in North America and Europe with worldwide growth since the late 1990’s. Why are these 10 anime so popular?
“mystery animes” is a category of anime that will keep you guessing. The genre has been around for many years and has become popular recently, with shows such as “Death Note”.
What person doesn’t like a good mystery?
The pleasure of the story tightening as the twists happen, the angry accusing and finger-pointing at a character who later turns out to be a red herring. It’s all fantastic.
Then, of course, everything comes to a tidy conclusion, and all the threads… or at least part of them… knot themselves off.
Yes, we’re looking at some anime with narratives that will keep you wondering till the very end for this rating.
I’ve done my best to avoid big and small spoilers, but at the end of the day, I’m only a good-looking and pleasant person, so consider this a spoiler warning for anything I could have missed.
Death Note No. 1
At this time, Light Yagami and L Lawliet’s cat and mouse exploits have become anime folklore.
I’m not sure how much more I can say about it.
But I’ll do it because I’m here to amuse you!
This drama is full of unexpected twists and turns, including apparent and physical betrayals, murders, and otherworldly powers.
And we all know who the bad guy is, which only goes to show how entertaining the journey is!
If it doesn’t seem like a formula for a mystery that will leave you guessing as to why and how, I’m not sure what would.
For good reason, Death Note is a classic.
2. Creature
Despite the fact that this is an older title, there is no reason to miss out on one of the finest mystery/thriller anime adaptations ever done.
Granted, it’s not for the faint of heart — there’s a lot of blood and corpses!
But for the risk takers out there reading this, you’ll be rewarded to a program that I enjoyed so much that I watched it three times even though I already knew how it ended!
With a surprise that will blow your socks off, this film is bold, harsh, and dramatic. That is how I would characterize this anime.
Monster will not only keep you guessing, but will also make you wonder how you missed it all along.
3. The Color Blue
This anime comes with a strong warning, since it contains gratuitous… Basically, everything.
And although Perfect Blue is jammed into a film’s duration rather than a series’, it doesn’t hold back.
Perfect Blue will have you wondering and cringing as it develops in its horrible dream-like narration, delving into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the acting and music industries.
This film is often cited as a source of inspiration for Hollywood films.
Satoshi Kon’s debut is a magnificent piece of work.
It’s a difficult film to watch at times (to get a sense of what’s involved, check up the differences between the rated and unrated versions).
Nonetheless, it is not to be missed.
Higurashi, no. 4 (When They Cry)
Another anime that develops and twists until it reaches its startling conclusion.
Higurashi toys with our emotions and leaves us guessing till the very end.
It’s high-octane material that keeps shocking you and dragging you in further.
The animation, I suppose, is the only criticism I have with Higurashi. It’s a little… “Shonky,” I suppose is the scientific phrase.
Thankfully, Season 2 and onwards are a bit easier on the eyes!
While the recurring subtle anxieties and flashbacks are difficult to witness, they all build up to a wonderfully rewarding finale as the pieces fall into place.
5. Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita (Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita) (Humanity has Declined)
So this is on the list because of the extremely insane twist at the end.
This is a show that has a gleaming, joyful exterior, but as you watch it, it becomes darker and darker.
If the title didn’t give it away, the world has ended – and we’re treated to a hilarious perspective on what happens next.
There’s also a lot of social criticism that works, and it frequently goes along with the chuckles.
But it’s the conclusion that ties everything together. While the questions leading up to it have been accumulating for some time, the program just takes a few minutes to blast it all open.
This is a must-see film!
6. Hyouka
Here’s a somewhat different perspective on a mystery series, as this slice of life anime is a slow burner that’s nevertheless enjoyable to watch.
Hyouka covers the exploits of a high school investigative club, which is engrossed in a mystery involving ancient evil and enigmatic old texts.
The program doesn’t move at a breakneck rate; in fact, it occasionally appears as if the pacing is stumbling over the answers.
However, the romantic and story-telling subplots provide enough to justify the wait.
Hyouka could be the show for you if you want your mysteries to be a bit less gory.
7. Kanojo Denpa Teki (Electromagnetic Girlfriend)
Based on the posters and the title, you might be excused for believing this isn’t a murder mystery program.
While there are romantic components in this game, the guessing games take center stage!
Visitors from a previous life, a character who merely wants to be left alone, and the aforementioned murder all combine to create a scenario in which nothing turns out the way we anticipate.
Oh, and there’s also a twist!
With that stated (and without giving anything away), Electromagnetic Girlfriend establishes itself as a show that is more more than meets the eye – and well worth watching.
Terror in Resonance is number eight.
From the creator of Cowboy Bebop comes a mystery thriller series.
Please include me right away!
While no space cowboys appear, we are treated to a sci-fi-style adventure around a modern-day (at the time!) Tokyo, where terrorists have left clues to their cause and identity.
A second unknown organization is busy doing much more mysterious (and maybe world-ending) things at the same moment.
It’s a maze of secrets upon mysteries.
And this seems like a true race against the clock, with lots of twists and turns that keep entertaining and throwing curveballs until the very end.
It’s a bad there’s just one season. But what we receive in return is well worth it.
Paprika, no. 9
Satoshi Kon is back, and he’s influencing more Hollywood films than ever before!
Yes, Paprika was used in the ice-cold mega-blockbuster “Inception.” And when you watch it, you’ll realize why it was such an easy decision.
Paprika, in a nutshell, is incredible.
Isn’t it really perplexing? Yes.
Parts of it are puzzling? Yes, as well.
But isn’t that the goal of the article?
I’ve been guessing since I saw this movie five years ago!
It’s nonstop craziness, with you jumping between dream states and odd reality-bending adventures that will make you ask “huh?” at some point.
If you haven’t seen it yet, you should.
Second Season of the Monogatari Series
While the first season of Monogatari (Bakemonogatari) has a decent amount of mystery, it is the second season that completely embraces and explores the mystery genre.
In Monogatari, there are mystical mysteries afoot all over the place, with each episode providing minor cognitive workouts that all lead to the main missing person riddle.
There’s also a lot of nice underlying criticism in the narrative about how mysteries and issues can’t always be addressed via pure physical might.
While it might be a touch fan-servicey at times, this is without a doubt the series’ best season.
Maybe start with the first season to get a feel for it, but whether you like it or not, I highly recommend you to try this one as well.
The “mystery anime 2021” is a popular genre of anime that will keep you guessing. With many different mysteries to solve, it’s hard not to get hooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top 10 recommended anime?
A: The following is a list of the top 10 recommended anime. If you are interested, please feel free to ask questions about any specific titles on this list or for more recommendations.:
What is the number 1 ranked anime?
A: The number 1 ranked anime is currently Naruto.
What is the most iconic anime ever?
A: My favorite anime is Cowboy Bebop. It has a very unique style and the story was ahead of its time.
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