Anime Horror Films

From Stars: Natsuki Hanae, Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, starring
Rated TV-MA

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a 2019 Japanese anime film directed by Haruo Sotozaki. The film follows Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who lives with his family on the mountainside. After his family is tragically killed by a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a journey to avenge them and save his sister from being transformed into a demon. Along the way, he meets a group of fellow demon slayers and joins the Demon Slayer Corps. With the help of his new found allies, Tanjiro must battle powerful demons and uncover the secrets of their existence. The film stars Natsuki Hanae, Zach Aguilar, Abby Trott and Yoshitsugu Matsuoka.

From Stars: Aya Hirano, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Rinka H.B.B., Brittney Karbowski, starring
Rated TV-MA

Parasyte: The Maxim is a 2014 Japanese science fiction horror film directed by Takashi Yamazaki. The film is based on the manga series of the same name written by Hitoshi Iwaaki. The story revolves around Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who is infected by an alien parasite. The parasite, dubbed “Migi”, takes over Shinichi’s right hand and begins to control his body. As the parasite matures, it gains the ability to shape-shift and the two develop a symbiotic relationship. The two soon find themselves in a battle against other parasites, who are trying to take over the world. With the help of his friends, Shinichi and Migi must use their powers to fight back and protect humanity. Along the way, Shinichi discovers a greater understanding of himself and his world, as he tries to make sense of the conflict between the humans and the parasites.

From Stars: Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei Ueki, Lynn, starring
Rated TV-14

The Promised Neverland is a 2019 Japanese sci-fi horror film directed by Mamoru Kanbe. It stars Sumire Morohoshi, Mariya Ise, Shinei Ueki and Lynn. The film follows a group of orphaned children living in an isolated orphanage in the middle of nowhere. Things seem perfect until the children start to notice strange disappearances, and soon realize they're being harvested one by one. Now, the remaining children must find a way to escape from the orphanage before it's too late. With the help of a mysterious stranger, they embark on a thrilling adventure to discover the secrets of the Outside World and make it to safety.

From Stars: Katie Gray, Crispin Freeman, Victoria Harwood, Ralph Lister, starring
Rated Not Rated

Hellsing Ultimate is an anime series directed by Stars, released in 2006. It follows the story of Alucard, an incredibly powerful vampire who serves the Hellsing Organization, a secret organization dedicated to protecting England from supernatural threats. He is accompanied in his mission by Seras Victoria, a newly turned vampire, and enlisted to help him fight a mysterious group of vampires led by the powerful vampire, Major Millennium. The Major seeks to create a new order in the world and bring about an age of darkness and chaos. Alucard and Seras must battle the Major's powerful forces and prevent the destruction of mankind before the Major can succeed. Along the way, they are joined by a colorful cast of characters, including Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing and Walter C. Dornez. Together, they must find a way to put an end to Millennium's plans and save the human race from destruction.

From Stars: Yukari Tamura, Mai Nakahara, Mika Kanai, Satsuki Yukino, starring
Rated TV-MA

When They Cry: Kai is a psychological horror anime film directed by Ten Shimoyama. Set in the fictional rural village of Hinamizawa, the story follows a group of friends whose lives are thrown into chaos when an annual festival unleashes an ancient evil. As their friendships are tested and the villagers' lives are threatened, the group must discover the truth behind the mysterious curse before it destroys them all. Along the way, they discover secrets even more terrifying than the curse itself. With a stellar voice cast, a suspenseful story and a troubling atmosphere, When They Cry: Kai is a horror anime that will leave viewers wondering what secrets lie beneath the village's peaceful facade.

From Directors: Takayuki Hirao, Takahiro Miura, starring Maaya Sakamoto, Kenichi Suzumura, Takako Honda, Jôji Nakata
Rated TV-MA

The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral (2008) is a Japanese animated film directed by Takayuki Hirao and Takahiro Miura. It is based on the novel series of the same name and is the fifth movie in the "Garden of Sinners" movie series. The film follows Shiki Ryougi, a heroine with a dual personality and the ability to "kill with her eyes". She is tasked with investigating a series of bizarre supernatural incidents that have been occurring throughout the city. Along the way, she meets other individuals with supernatural powers, including a mysterious woman named Miyuki. As the mystery deepens, Shiki discovers a massive conspiracy involving a powerful, ancient enemy that threatens to destroy the city. In order to save the city, Shiki must confront her deepest fears and fight to the death. The film features stunning animation, complex characters and an intense story. Themes of identity, guilt and redemption are explored as the characters attempt to outwit their enemies and save the city. With a thrilling conclusion and unforgettable visuals, The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral is an extraordinary example of anime artistry.

From Satoshi Kon, starring Junko Iwao, Rica Matsumoto, Shinpachi Tsuji, Masaaki Ôkura
Rated R

Perfect Blue is a psychological thriller directed by Satoshi Kon and released in 1997. The film follows Mima Kirigoe, a former pop singer who is transitioning into an acting career. After taking a role in a subversive crime drama, Mima begins to experience paranoia, hallucinations, and confusion as she is stalked by an obsessed fan. As her sanity begins to unravel, Mima must uncover the truth behind the events that are occurring and save herself from a dangerous situation. Perfect Blue showcases Satoshi Kon’s signature style of blending reality and fantasy, and is a thought-provoking exploration of the consequences of fame.

From Stars: Sôichirô Hoshi, Mai Nakahara, Satsuki Yukino, Yukari Tamura, starring
Rated TV-MA

When They Cry is a 2006 horror film directed by Stars, starring Sôichirô Hoshi, Mai Nakahara, Satsuki Yukino, and Yukari Tamura. The film follows a group of high school students in a remote mountain village, who are terrorized by mysterious forces that cause them to forget the events that have recently taken place. As the group try to unravel the terrifying mystery of the village and discover the truth behind the strange events, they soon realize that the key to the mystery lies in the distant past. With the help of a mysterious girl and other strange forces, they must work together to uncover the shocking events of the past and prevent them from happening again. With a suspenseful and twisted plot, When They Cry is a thrilling and intense horror film that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Stars: Sanae Kobayashi, Chihiro Suzuki, Mamiko Noto, Sam Saletta, starring
Rated TV-MA

Elfen Lied is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Lynn Okamoto. It was adapted into a Japanese anime television series directed by Mamoru Kanbe, which aired from July to October 2004. Elfen Lied focuses on the Diclonius, a newly mutated species. They possess a pair of horns on their heads and invisible telekinetic hands, known as "Vectors". The story follows the life of a Diclonius girl named Lucy, who easily defeats humans with her Vectors, but is shot by a human researcher who is immune to her powers. She survives and escapes into the human world, where she is found by two college students, Kouta and his cousin Yuka. The story revolves around Lucy's journey of self-discovery and her search for acceptance. As the series progresses, she befriends the other characters and starts to understand the human world. At the same time, she struggles with understanding and controlling her own powers, which often lead her to violence and conflicts with other humans. The series features plenty of action and thrilling moments, as Lucy clashes with her enemies and attempts to take control of her own life.

From Stars: Jamie Marchi, Alex Organ, Tomoaki Maeno, Asami Seto, starring
Rated TV-MA

Death Parade is a 2015 psychological thriller anime film directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa and produced by Madhouse studios. The film stars Jamie Marchi, Alex Organ, Tomoaki Maeno, and Asami Seto as the lead characters. The film follows two people, a lonely bartender named Decim, and a mysterious woman named Chiyuki, who find themselves in a strange and seemingly empty bar in the afterlife. Decim serves as an arbiter of sorts, presiding over the bar and judging people who find themselves in the afterlife, based on their memories and actions from life. Throughout the film, Decim and Chiyuki come to learn more about themselves, as well as the true purpose of the bar. As Decim judges more and more people, he comes to understand the true nature of life and death, and his role in it. In the end, he and Chiyuki must face what lies in the depths of the afterlife.

From Directors: Tatsuya Oishi, Akiyuki Shinbô, starring Hiroshi Kamiya, Takahiro Sakurai, Maaya Sakamoto, Yui Horie
Rated TV-MA

Kizumonogatari Part 3: Reiketsu is a 2017 Japanese animated film directed by Tatsuya Oishi and Akiyuki Shinbô. It is the third and final installment of a three-part film series based on the light novel of the same name by NisiOisin. The film follows the story of protagonist Koyomi Araragi as he embarks on a quest to retrieve the severed limbs of Kiss-Shot Acerola-Orion Heart-Under-Blade in order to save her from a vampire hunters. Along the way, Koyomi meets a variety of characters, including the enigmatic vampire Shinobu Oshino and the human boy Meme Oshino. As Koyomi journeys through the city of Tokyo in search of Kiss-Shot's limbs, he must battle a variety of creatures, including vampire hunters and powerful supernatural beings. In the end, Koyomi is able to restore Kiss-Shot to her former glory, and the two of them set off on a journey of self-discovery as they explore the mysteries of their past and their place in the world.

From Stars: Natsuki Hanae, Austin Tindle, Brina Palencia, Sora Amamiya, starring
Rated TV-MA

Tokyo Ghoul is a 2014 Japanese anime film adaptation of the manga series of the same name. It stars Natsuki Hanae, Austin Tindle, Brina Palencia, and Sora Amamiya. The story follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a disastrous encounter with a ghoul. He must now live in a world where humans and ghouls co-exist, but must keep his identity a secret in order to survive. With the help of his mentor, Yoriko, and his newfound allies, Ken must learn to accept his new identity and protect his human friends from the dangers posed by the ghoul world.

From Directors: Tatsuya Oishi, Akiyuki Shinbô, starring Hiroshi Kamiya, Takahiro Sakurai, Maaya Sakamoto, Yui Horie

Kizumonogatari Part 2: Nekketsu is the second installment in the Kizumonogatari anime film trilogy, directed by Tatsuya Oishi and Akiyuki Shinbo. The film follows Araragi Koyomi, a high school student who is transformed into a vampire after a chance encounter with the mysterious Kiss-shot Acerola-orion Heart-under-blade. After being abandoned by Kiss-shot, Araragi embarks on a quest to regain his humanity by retrieving the limbs Kiss-shot has scattered throughout Japan. Along the way, he meets Oshino Meme, a peculiar man with extensive knowledge of the supernatural, and Hanekawa Tsubasa, his classmate who has a mysterious connection to the events unfolding around him. As they venture deeper into their quest, they face powerful adversaries and must find a way to defeat them in order to save Araragi’s humanity.

From Hikaru Kondo, starring Maaya Sakamoto, Kenichi Suzumura, Takako Honda, Hiroki Touchi

The Garden of Sinners: A Study in Murder - Part 2 is a 2009 Japanese animated psychological horror film directed by Hikaru Kondo. The film takes place four years after the events of the first film, and the story focuses on a series of gruesome murders. Mikiya Kokutou meets Shiki Ryogi, a mysterious and beautiful girl who is connected to the murders. As they investigate the murders and uncover the truth behind them, they must fight a powerful and deadly enemy. The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the price of justice. With its dark atmosphere and stunning visuals, The Garden of Sinners: A Study in Murder – Part 2 is a gripping and thrilling ride.

From Stars: Tôru Ohkawa, Koki Uchiyama, Kazuyuki Okitsu, Wataru Takagi, starring
Rated TV-MA

Shiki is a supernatural horror film directed by Stars Tôru Ohkawa, Koki Uchiyama, Kazuyuki Okitsu, and Wataru Takagi. Set in a rural area of Japan, it follows the mysterious disappearances of people in a small village. As rumors of the undead begin to spread, an elderly doctor, his two assistants, and a young girl who has recently moved to the village must band together to find out what is behind the mysterious deaths and disappearances. With the help of the local villagers, they unravel the truth, which turns out to be an ancient curse that involves vampire-like creatures called shikis. With their lives in danger, the group must devise a plan to protect the village and stop the shikis before it's too late.

From Mamoru Oshii, starring Mako Hyôdô, Jinpachi Nezu, Keiichi Noda

Angel's Egg is a 1985 surrealist fantasy anime film directed by Mamoru Oshii. The film follows a young girl living in a post-apocalyptic world who finds a mysterious egg. She protects it and cares for it, forming a deep bond with the mysterious creature that dwells within. As she journeys through her barren world, she is challenged by surreal and enigmatic forces, struggling to understand the egg's origin, purpose, and destiny. Angel's Egg is an evocative and visually stunning film, heavy on symbolism and allegory. Its ambiguous narrative and captivating visuals make it an unforgettable experience.

From Stars: Yuichiro Umehara, Yui Ogura, Brad Hawkins, Hayden Daviau, starring
Rated TV-MA

Goblin Slayer is a 2018 Japanese dark fantasy anime film produced by White Fox and directed by Takaharu Ozaki. The film is based on the popular Goblin Slayer light novel series written by Kumo Kagyu and illustrated by Noboru Kannatsuki. The film follows the adventures of a young man named Goblin Slayer and his companions as they battle evil monsters, goblins, and orcs in an effort to save the world. The film stars Yuichiro Umehara as Goblin Slayer, Yui Ogura as Priestess, and Brad Hawkins as High Elf Archer. The film also features Hayden Daviau as Cow Girl and Katsuyuki Konishi as Lizard Priest. Goblin Slayer is an action-packed adventure with intense battles and characters who have to rely on each other in order to survive. The film has received mixed reviews but has been praised for its animation and action sequences.

From Stars: Atsushi Abe, Natsumi Takamori, Tomoaki Maeno, Monica Rial, starring
Rated TV-MA

Another is a 2012 Japanese horror film directed by Takeshi Furusawa. The film follows Kouichi Sakakibara, a student at Yomiyama North Middle School who transfers to the school in the spring of 1998. Upon his arrival, he meets Mei Misaki, a mysterious girl who doesn't appear to be acknowledged by anyone. As he gets closer to Mei, he starts to find out about a strange phenomenon that has been affecting the school for decades. When Kouichi and Mei try to figure out the cause of the phenomenon, they discover a horrifying truth that will put their lives in danger. The film stars Atsushi Abe, Natsumi Takamori, Tomoaki Maeno, and Monica Rial.

From Directors: Tatsuya Oishi, Akiyuki Shinbô, starring Hiroshi Kamiya, Takahiro Sakurai, Maaya Sakamoto, Yui Horie

From Stars: Brittney Karbowski, Jessica Boone, Emily Neves, Clint Bickham, starring
Rated TV-14

From Mitsuru Obunai, starring Maaya Sakamoto, Kenichi Suzumura, Takako Honda, Mamiko Noto

From Stars: Jun'ichi Suwabe, Eri Kitamura, Nobuyuki Hiyama, Hitomi Harada, starring
Rated TV-MA

From Toshifumi Kawase, starring Yui Horie, Sôichirô Hoshi, Mika Kanai, Naoko Matsui

From Stars: Monica Rial, Greg Ayres, Romi Park, Kana Hanazawa, starring
Rated TV-MA

From Stars: Mai Nakahara, Satsuki Yukino, Mika Kanai, Yukari Tamura, starring
Rated TV-MA