Top 10 Detective Anime That Will Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat

Anime is a medium that offers a wide variety of genres and themes, from action and adventure to romance and comedy. But one of the most popular and intriguing genres is detective anime, where the characters have to use their wits, logic, and intuition to solve mysteries, crimes, and puzzles.

Detective anime can be thrilling, suspenseful, and mind-blowing, as they often present complex plots, unexpected twists, and clever clues that challenge the viewers to figure out the truth before the characters do.

If you are a fan of detective anime, or if you are looking for some new titles to watch, you are in luck.

In this article, we will list the top 10 detective anime that will keep you guessing until the very end. These anime are not only well-written and well-animated, but they also have some of the most memorable and charismatic characters in the genre. Whether you prefer realistic or supernatural settings, psychological or action-packed stories, or dark or humorous tones, you will find something to suit your taste in this list.

So get ready to put on your detective hat and join us as we explore the top 10 detective anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

10. The Perfect Insider

The Perfect Insider is a mystery anime based on a novel by Hiroshi Mori. It follows Sohei Saikawa, a genius professor of engineering, and Moe Nishinosono, his brilliant and wealthy student, as they visit a remote island where a famous computer scientist named Shiki Magata lives in isolation. Magata is a prodigy who created an artificial intelligence system when she was only 13 years old, but she also has a dark past involving murder and incest. When Saikawa and Nishinosono arrive at the island, they discover that Magata has been killed in her locked room, with no signs of anyone entering or leaving. They decide to investigate the case, along with the help of Magata’s AI program, and uncover the secrets behind her life and death.

The Perfect Insider is a complex and cerebral anime that explores themes such as human nature, identity, logic, and morality. It has a slow-paced but captivating plot that gradually reveals clues and hints about the mystery, as well as the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. The anime also has a stylish and minimalist art style that suits its atmosphere and tone. The Perfect Insider is an anime that will make you think deeply and question everything you see.

9. Terror in Resonance

Terror in Resonance is a thriller anime directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the creator of Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo. It tells the story of two teenage boys who call themselves Nine and Twelve, who are part of a mysterious terrorist group known as Sphinx. They carry out a series of bombings across Tokyo, leaving behind riddles for the police to solve. Their goal is to expose a dark secret that involves them and a sinister organization called VON. However, their plans are complicated by Lisa Mishima, a bullied schoolgirl who becomes involved with them, and Shibazaki Kenjirou, a disgraced detective who is determined to catch them.

Terror in Resonance is an anime that combines action, drama, and mystery in a realistic and contemporary setting. It has a gripping plot that keeps you hooked with its twists and turns, as well as its social commentary on issues such as terrorism, corruption, nuclear power, and human experimentation. The anime also has stunning animation and music that enhance its mood and tension. Terror in Resonance is an anime that will make you feel both exhilarated and disturbed by its portrayal of violence and morality.

8. Erased

Erased is a fantasy anime based on a manga by Kei Sanbe. It follows Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist who has a strange ability called Revival, which allows him to go back in time before a life-threatening incident occurs and prevent it from happening. However, when his mother is murdered by a serial killer who is connected to his childhood, he is sent back 18 years to his elementary school days, where he has to stop the killer from murdering his classmates, including his crush Kayo Hinazuki. Along the way, he also has to deal with his abusive mother, his estranged father, and his loyal friends.

Erased is an anime that mixes mystery, drama, and romance in a supernatural setting. It has a captivating plot that keeps you invested in Satoru’s journey and his attempts to change the past and save the future. The anime also has emotional and heartwarming moments that make you care for the characters and their relationships. Erased is an anime that will make you cry and smile by its touching and thrilling story.

7. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a sci-fi anime based on a visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus. It follows Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who runs a makeshift laboratory in Akihabara with his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru Hashida. They accidentally invent a device that can send text messages to the past, which they call the Phone Microwave. However, they soon realize that their actions have unforeseen consequences, as they alter the course of history and attract the attention of a powerful organization called SERN. They have to undo their changes and prevent a dystopian future from happening, while also dealing with the effects of time travel on their memories and personalities.

Steins;Gate is an anime that combines comedy, drama, and mystery in a sci-fi setting. It has a complex and intriguing plot that keeps you hooked with its twists and turns, as well as its references to real-life science, conspiracy theories, and otaku culture. The anime also has memorable and likable characters that have great chemistry and development. Steins;Gate is an anime that will make you laugh and gasp by its witty and mind-blowing story.

6. Parasyte: The Maxim

Parasyte: The Maxim is a horror anime based on a manga by Hitoshi Iwaaki. It follows Shinichi Izumi, a 17-year-old high school student who becomes infected by a parasitic alien that takes over his right hand. He names the parasite Migi, and they form an uneasy alliance to survive against other parasites that have taken over human bodies and are killing humans for food. Along the way, they also have to deal with the moral and ethical dilemmas of coexisting with another species, as well as the threats posed by the government and other humans who are aware of their existence.

Parasyte: The Maxim is an anime that blends action, drama, and mystery in a horror setting. It has a thrilling plot that keeps you engaged with its intense battles, shocking revelations, and philosophical questions. The anime also has dynamic and realistic characters that have interesting interactions and growth. Parasyte: The Maxim is an anime that will make you think and feel by its gruesome and thought-provoking story.

5. Psycho-Pass

Psycho-Pass is a cyberpunk anime directed by Gen Urobuchi, the creator of Madoka Magica and Fate/Zero. It follows Akane Tsunemori, a rookie inspector who works for the Public Safety Bureau in a futuristic Japan where people’s mental states are measured by a system called the Sibyl System. The system assigns each person a Psycho-Pass, which indicates their criminal potential and determines their fate in society. Akane works with a team of enforcers, who are former criminals who are used as hunting dogs to capture other criminals. However, she soon discovers that the system is not as perfect as it seems, as she encounters cases that challenge her beliefs and values.

Psycho-Pass is an anime that mixes action, drama, and mystery in a cyberpunk setting. It has a compelling plot that keeps you intrigued with its futuristic concepts, social issues, and moral dilemmas. The anime also has diverse and complex characters that have conflicting views and motivations. Psycho-Pass is an anime that will make you question and reflect by its dark and thought-provoking story.

4. Higurashi: When They Cry

Higurashi: When They Cry is a horror anime based on a visual novel by Ryukishi07. It follows Keiichi Maebara, a transfer student who moves to a rural village called Hinamizawa in 1983. He befriends a group of girls who invite him to join their club, where they play games and have fun. However, he soon learns that the village has a sinister history, involving a series of mysterious deaths and disappearances that occur every year during the annual festival. He also discovers that his friends are not as innocent as they seem, as they hide secrets and madness that are related to the curse of the village.

Higurashi: When They Cry is an anime that combines comedy, drama, and mystery in a horror setting. It has a nonlinear and unpredictable plot that keeps you hooked with its multiple arcs, each with a different perspective and outcome. The anime also has cute and creepy characters that have drastic personality changes and development. Higurashi: When They Cry is an anime that will make you laugh and scream by its funny and frightening story.

3. Death Note

Death Note is a supernatural anime based on a manga by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata. It follows Light Yagami, a genius high school student who finds a notebook that can kill anyone whose name is written in it. He decides to use it to create a utopian world where he is the god, by killing criminals and anyone who opposes him. However, he meets his match in L, a mysterious detective who is hired by the international police to catch him. They engage in a cat-and-mouse game of wits, where each tries to outsmart and expose the other.

Death Note is an anime that blends action, drama, and mystery in a supernatural setting. It has a captivating plot that keeps you engaged with its strategic battles, moral conflicts, and psychological themes. The anime also has iconic and charismatic characters that have intense interactions and rivalry. Death Note is an anime that will make you admire and despise by its brilliant and ruthless story.

2. Detective Conan

Detective Conan is a comedy anime based on a manga by Gosho Aoyama. It follows Shinichi Kudo, a prodigy detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned by a mysterious organization. He adopts the alias of Conan Edogawa, and lives with his childhood friend Ran Mouri and her father Kogoro Mouri, who is a private detective. He secretly helps them solve cases using his deductive skills and gadgets, while also trying to find a way to return to his original body and uncover the identity of the organization.

Detective Conan is an anime that mixes comedy, drama, and mystery in a realistic setting. It has an entertaining plot that keeps you amused with its humorous moments, romantic subplots, and clever mysteries. The anime also has lovable and diverse characters that have fun and exciting adventures. Detective Conan is an anime that will make you enjoy and learn by its amusing and educational story.

1. Monster

Monster is a psychological anime based on a manga by Naoki Urasawa. It follows Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon who saves the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert, who turns out to be a sociopathic serial killer. He becomes obsessed with finding him and stopping him from committing more crimes, while also being pursued by the police as the prime suspect. He travels across Europe, where he encounters various people who are connected to Johan’s past and present.

Monster is an anime that combines action, drama, and mystery in a realistic setting. It has an intricate plot that keeps you fascinated with its historical references, political themes, and ethical questions. The anime also has complex and realistic characters that have deep backgrounds and motivations. Monster is an anime that will make you amazed and horrified by its masterful and chilling story.

Conclusion

Detective anime are some of the most popular and intriguing genres in the medium, as they offer thrilling, suspenseful, and mind-blowing stories that challenge the viewers to solve mysteries, crimes, and puzzles along with the characters.

They also feature memorable and charismatic characters who use their wits, logic, and intuition to uncover the truth behind various cases. Whether you prefer realistic or supernatural settings, psychological or action-packed stories, or dark or humorous tones, you will find something to suit your taste in this list of the top 10 detective anime that will keep you guessing until the very end.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn and start watching these amazing detective anime that will keep you entertained and engaged for hours.