13 Best Psychological Anime That Will Bend Your Mind

Psychological anime is a genre that explores the complex and often dark aspects of human psychology, such as morality, identity, sanity, and reality. Psychological anime often features characters who are faced with difficult dilemmas, twisted scenarios, and mind-bending mysteries. Psychological anime can also challenge the viewers to question their own beliefs, values, and perceptions of the world.

If you are looking for some psychological anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat, stimulate your brain, and make you feel a range of emotions, then you are in luck. In this article, we will introduce you to 13 of the best psychological anime that you can watch right now. These anime are ranked based on their popularity, ratings, and personal preferences. Without further ado, let’s dive into the list.

13. Classroom Of The Elite

Classroom Of The Elite is a psychological anime that takes place in a prestigious high school where students are divided into four classes based on their academic performance. The students are also given a monthly allowance that varies depending on their class rank. The anime follows the story of Kiyotaka Ayanokoji, a student of Class D, the lowest and most looked down upon class. He meets Suzune Horikita, a cold and ambitious girl who wants to climb up to Class A, and Kikyo Kushida, a friendly and popular girl who hides a dark side. Together, they face various challenges and tests that reveal the true nature of the school and its students.

Classroom Of The Elite is a psychological anime that explores the themes of social hierarchy, human nature, and manipulation. It shows how the students use their intelligence, skills, and strategies to compete and survive in a ruthless environment. It also depicts the psychological struggles and conflicts of the characters, as they deal with their past, their motives, and their relationships.

12. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is a psychological anime that follows the story of Subaru Natsuki, a hikikomori (shut-in) who is suddenly transported to a fantasy world. There, he meets Emilia, a silver-haired half-elf who is one of the candidates for the royal selection. He also discovers that he has the ability to return by death, which means that he can rewind time by dying. He decides to use this power to protect Emilia and the people he cares about from the dangers and enemies that lurk in the world.

Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is a psychological anime that deals with the themes of death, trauma, and love. It shows how Subaru suffers from the consequences of his repeated deaths, such as physical pain, mental breakdown, and memory loss. It also shows how he grows as a person, as he learns from his mistakes, overcomes his flaws, and develops his relationships. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- is a psychological anime that will make you feel a mix of emotions, such as excitement, suspense, horror, and sadness.

11. Blast of Tempest

Blast of Tempest is a psychological anime that is based on Shakespeare’s plays, The Tempest and Hamlet. It tells the story of Yoshino Takigawa, a high school student who is secretly dating Aika Fuwa, the sister of his best friend Mahiro Fuwa. One day, Aika is mysteriously murdered, and Mahiro disappears, vowing to find the culprit and avenge his sister. A year later, Yoshino is contacted by Mahiro, who reveals that he has made a deal with Hakaze Kusaribe, the princess of a clan of magicians who can control the forces of nature. Hakaze is trapped on a deserted island by her own clan, who are trying to awaken the Tree of Exodus, a powerful entity that can destroy the world. Mahiro agrees to help Hakaze stop the clan, in exchange for her help in finding Aika’s killer. Yoshino joins them in their quest, while hiding his relationship with Aika from Mahiro.

Blast of Tempest is a psychological anime that explores the themes of revenge, fate, and logic. It shows how the characters are driven by their emotions, such as anger, grief, and love, and how they cope with the mysteries and twists that surround them. It also shows how they use their intellect, magic, and strategy to fight against their enemies and the forces of nature. Blast of Tempest is a psychological anime that will keep you hooked with its intriguing plot, dynamic characters, and stunning animation.

10. Summer Time Rendering

Summer Time Rendering is a psychological anime that is based on a popular web manga of the same name. It follows the story of Shinpei Ajiro, a young man who returns to his hometown of Hitogashima after the death of his childhood friend, Ushio Kofune. There, he reunites with his other childhood friends, Mio Shimazaki and Ryohei Kofune, Ushio’s brother. However, he soon realizes that there is something strange and sinister going on in the island, involving a mysterious cult, a hidden conspiracy, and a supernatural phenomenon. He also discovers that Ushio’s death may not be as simple as it seems, and that he may have a connection to the secrets of the island.

Summer Time Rendering is a psychological anime that combines the elements of mystery, horror, and sci-fi. It shows how Shinpei and his friends unravel the mysteries of the island, while facing the dangers and threats that lurk in the shadows. It also shows how they deal with their past, their feelings, and their choices. Summer Time Rendering is a psychological anime that will keep you guessing and wondering until the end.

9. Moriarty the Patriot

Moriarty the Patriot is a psychological anime that is based on a manga that reimagines the story of Sherlock Holmes from the perspective of his nemesis, James Moriarty. It depicts the origin and rise of Moriarty, who is born as William James Moriarty, the second son of the Moriarty family, a noble and wealthy clan in England. He is actually an orphan who is adopted by the family, along with his two brothers, Albert and Louis. He grows up to be a brilliant and charismatic professor of mathematics, who secretly leads a group of criminals who aim to overthrow the corrupt and unjust society of the British Empire. He also crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes, a genius detective who is fascinated by his crimes and schemes.

Moriarty the Patriot is a psychological anime that explores the themes of justice, morality, and revolution. It shows how Moriarty and his allies use their intelligence, cunning, and charisma to execute their plans and manipulate their enemies. It also shows how Moriarty and Holmes develop a complex and twisted relationship, as they challenge each other with their wits and ideologies. Moriarty the Patriot is a psychological anime that will make you rethink the classic tale of Sherlock Holmes and his archenemy.

8. The Promised Neverland

The Promised Neverland is a psychological anime that takes place in Grace Field House, an orphanage where children live a happy and peaceful life under the care of their “Mom”, Isabella. However, the children soon discover the horrifying truth behind their existence: they are actually livestock raised to be harvested and eaten by demons. The anime follows the story of Emma, Norman, and Ray, three of the smartest and oldest children in the orphanage, who decide to escape from their fate and save their friends. They have to use their intelligence, courage, and teamwork to outsmart Isabella and the demons, while also uncovering the secrets of the world they live in.

The Promised Neverland is a psychological anime that deals with the themes of survival, freedom, and family. It shows how the children face the harsh and cruel reality of their situation, and how they cope with the fear, despair, and hope that they feel. It also shows how they grow as individuals and as a group, as they overcome the challenges and obstacles that they encounter. The Promised Neverland is a psychological anime that will make you feel a range of emotions, such as thrill, suspense, horror, and sadness.

7. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul is a psychological anime that is set in a world where humans coexist with ghouls, creatures that look like humans but can only survive by eating human flesh. The anime follows the story of Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter with a female ghoul named Rize. He is taken in by the staff of Anteiku, a coffee shop that serves as a safe haven for ghouls. He has to adapt to his new life as a ghoul, while also facing the threats and conflicts from both the human and the ghoul society.

Tokyo Ghoul is a psychological anime that explores the themes of identity, morality, and humanity. It shows how Kaneki struggles with his dual nature, as he tries to retain his human values and emotions, while also embracing his ghoul instincts and abilities. It also shows how he interacts with other characters, both human and ghoul, who have different perspectives and motivations. Tokyo Ghoul is a psychological anime that will make you feel a mix of emotions, such as excitement, suspense, horror, and sadness.

6. ERASED

ERASED is a psychological anime that follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old manga artist who has the ability to rewind time by a few minutes before a life-threatening incident occurs. He calls this phenomenon “Revival”. One day, he is framed for the murder of his mother, who was investigating a serial kidnapping case that happened 18 years ago, when Satoru was a child. He then activates his Revival and finds himself transported back to 1988, when he was 10 years old. He realizes that he has to prevent the kidnapping and murder of his classmates, especially Kayo Hinazuki, a girl who was his first love and one of the victims. He also has to find out the identity and motive of the true killer, who is still at large in the present.

ERASED is a psychological anime that deals with the themes of time, memory, and justice. It shows how Satoru uses his Revival to change the past and the future, while also reliving his childhood and reconnecting with his friends. It also shows how he faces the challenges and dangers that come with his mission, as he tries to outsmart and stop the killer. ERASED is a psychological anime that will keep you hooked with its intriguing plot, likable characters, and emotional impact.

5. Parasyte: The Maxim

Parasyte: The Maxim is a psychological anime that is based on a manga that was published in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It tells the story of Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who becomes infected by a parasite, an alien organism that invades and takes over the brains of humans and animals. However, the parasite that tries to enter Shinichi’s brain fails and ends up in his right hand instead. The parasite, who names himself Migi, and Shinichi form a symbiotic relationship, as they have to cooperate to survive and fight against other parasites who pose a threat to them and humanity.

Parasyte: The Maxim is a psychological anime that explores the themes of identity, humanity, and coexistence. It shows how Shinichi and Migi evolve as characters, as they learn from each other and develop their bond. It also shows how they deal with the moral and ethical dilemmas that arise from their situation, as they question what it means to be human and what is right and wrong. Parasyte: The Maxim is a psychological anime that will make you feel a range of emotions, such as thrill, suspense, horror, and sadness.

4. Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a psychological anime that is based on a visual novel of the same name. It follows the story of Rintaro Okabe, a self-proclaimed mad scientist who runs a makeshift laboratory in Akihabara, along with his friends Mayuri Shiina and Itaru Hashida. They accidentally discover that their microwave oven can send text messages to the past, which they call “D-mails”. They use this device to conduct various experiments and alter the course of history. However, they soon realize that their actions have unforeseen and drastic consequences, as they get entangled in a conspiracy involving a secret organization called SERN, who are also interested in time travel.

Steins;Gate is a psychological anime that deals with the themes of time, causality, and choice. It shows how Okabe and his friends experience the effects of their D-mails, which create different timelines and realities. It also shows how they cope with the psychological and emotional toll of their actions, as they face the dangers and tragedies that result from their meddling with time. Steins;Gate is a psychological anime that will keep you hooked with its intricate plot, complex characters, and witty dialogue.

3. Terror in Resonance

Terror in Resonance is a psychological anime that follows the story of Nine and Twelve, two teenage boys who are part of a terrorist group called Sphinx, who carry out a series of bombings and attacks in Tokyo. They also leave behind cryptic riddles and clues for the police and the public, challenging them to stop them. However, their true motives and identities are shrouded in mystery, as they are actually survivors of a secret experiment that involved testing children’s intelligence and endurance. They are pursued by Kenjiro Shibazaki, a brilliant but disgraced detective who is determined to solve the case and uncover the truth behind Sphinx.

Terror in Resonance is a psychological anime that explores the themes of terrorism, justice, and revenge. It shows how Nine and Twelve use their intelligence, skills, and resources to execute their plans and evade capture. It also shows how they interact with other characters, such as Lisa Mishima, a bullied and lonely girl who joins them, and Five, a former test subject who works for the American FBI and opposes them. Terror in Resonance is a psychological anime that will make you feel a mix of emotions, such as excitement, suspense, horror, and sadness.

2. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a psychological anime that follows the story of Kaiji Itou, a young man who lives a miserable and aimless life, wasting his time on gambling, drinking, and petty crimes. He is also in debt to a loan shark, who offers him a chance to clear his debt by participating in a high-stakes gambling event on a cruise ship. There, he meets other desperate and hopeless people who are willing to risk their lives and fortunes for a chance to escape their predicaments. He also faces various games and challenges that test his luck, skill, and courage.

Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a psychological anime that deals with the themes of gambling, human nature, and survival. It shows how Kaiji and his opponents use their intelligence, strategy, and psychology to win or lose the games. It also shows how they cope with the pressure, stress, and despair that come with gambling, as they experience the highs and lows of victory and defeat. Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor is a psychological anime that will keep you hooked with its thrilling plot, dynamic characters, and intense atmosphere.

1. Monster

Monster is a psychological anime that is based on a manga that is widely regarded as a masterpiece. It tells the story of Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant and compassionate neurosurgeon who works at a prestigious hospital in Germany. He saves the life of a young boy named Johan Liebert, who was shot in the head, over the life of the mayor, who was also brought in at the same time. However, he soon regrets his decision, as he learns that Johan is actually a ruthless and charismatic serial killer, who is responsible for a series of murders and atrocities across Europe. He decides to pursue and stop Johan, while also clearing his name from the crimes that Johan framed him for.

Monster is a psychological anime that explores the themes of evil, morality, and identity. It shows how Tenma and Johan engage in a cat-and-mouse game, as they clash with their ideals and actions. It also shows how they affect and influence the lives of other characters, who have their own stories and backgrounds. Monster is a psychological anime that will keep you hooked with its intricate plot, complex characters, and profound messages.

Conclusion

Psychological anime is a genre that appeals to many anime fans, as it offers a stimulating and engaging experience that challenges the mind and the heart. Psychological anime often features characters who are faced with difficult dilemmas, twisted scenarios, and mind-bending mysteries. Psychological anime can also challenge the viewers to question their own beliefs, values, and perceptions of the world.

In this article, we have introduced you to 13 of the best psychological anime that you can watch right now. These anime are ranked based on their popularity, ratings, and personal preferences. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and that you have found some psychological anime that interest you. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading and happy watching!