*Keep up with our ongoing end of the decade coverage here*
This past decade has not only been tremendous for anime as a whole, but there have been incredible works of horror-related anime in particular. With shows exploring various subgenres of horror, the 2010s have offered viewers an awesome selection of anime entertainment that exudes chills and adrenaline.
Before we dive into the focus of this article, I want to express sincere gratitude to the audience who reads Anime Horrors. Anime was one of the first art forms I ever discovered in life, and I’m so incredibly thankful to Bloody Disgusting for allowing me this opportunity. Shifts had to take place earlier in the year where the column came out bi-monthly, but I am proud to share that as of 2020, I am back to releasing new installments on a monthly basis.
So with that said, let’s talk about some of the best horror anime of the 2010s.
One of the defining qualities coming out of horror anime this decade has been the emphasis on psychological and thriller based stories. Packing numerous twists and brutal tension, these titles do a tremendous job keeping the viewer in the dark and excited for what is to come next.
Looking back at the earlier part of the decade, anime audiences were gifted the incredibly subversive and grim Puella Magi Madoka Magica. At first the show comes across as a slightly darker version of the typical magical girl anime we’ve all come to know and love; however, it doesn’t take long for the show to not only flip audience’s expectations, but also submerge them in an eerie and heartbreaking story. School-Live! was also a surprising gem many did not see coming. It’s still one of the best anime to go into totally blind, for it subverts anime tropes in a fascinating way and presents a chilling psychological tale.
Where pre-2010 anime fans had the incredible Death Note, post-2010 anime fans have The Promised Neverland. As one of the more highly anticipated shows of 2019, The Promised Neverland’s first season proved to be a riveting experience. The narrative makes for a consistent rush of suspense and tension, keeping viewers on edge and awaiting each new shocking surprise.
The 2010s also saw two fantastic supernatural driven narratives, Another and Shiki. These shows do a tremendous job exuding unease throughout their narratives; as each story progresses, the characters find themselves mixed up in haunting and gruesome terror. Embracing mystery and supernatural elements, Another and Shiki offer viewers nightmarish atmospheres, gory visuals, and large doses of emotional storytelling.
Along with all the suspenseful and psychological anime titles, however, there have also been an excellent amount of action driven shows incorporating creepy imagery. This decade saw the likes of Tokyo Ghoul and Attack on Titan; the latter is one of the standout anime titles of the 2010s, making for a terrific blend of action, emotion, and philosophical intrigue. Each show utilizes haunting visuals, providing adrenaline and tension throughout their various conflicts. Another title that has been seeing great recent success is Demon Slayer. With its stunning visuals, as well as enjoyable characters and intense emotional depth, Demon Slayer has been shaping up to be an awesome anime for those who love fantastical battles.
An interesting development that took place this decade was the increase in anime releases from none other than Netflix. The massive streaming service has certainly helped to elevate the mainstream appeal of anime, offering such titles as the live action Full Metal Alchemist and Death Note movies, as well as providing a means to stream the iconic Neon Genesis Evangelion. However, some of the strongest contributions to come out of Netflix are its original content; among all of Netflix’s anime titles, that of Devilman Crybaby and Castlevania are the most epic and satisfying works of action-driven horror.
The short first season of Castlevania was just enough to get viewers excited for season 2; the latter not only offered killer action set pieces, but also displayed an excellent blend of emotion and creepy imagery. This sentiment extends to Devilman Crybaby – a show brimming with gruesome violence and tragic drama. What begins as a riveting ride of ultraviolence eventually develops into existential anxiety that reflects the darkness of humanity.
The 2010s was amazing for horror, and anime fans got their fair share of fantastic works. Moving into 2020, I personally am looking forward to Attack on Titan and The Promised Neverland; among the Netflix library, I’m on the edge of my seat for the next season of Castlevania, as well as the new Devil May Cry anime the platform will be releasing. And of course… there’s the adaptation of Junji Ito’s classic story, Uzumaki (releasing through Adult Swim). I am beyond thrilled to see the animation behind this haunting manga. Along with these titles, I’m sure we will see many other surprising gems throughout the next decade.
What are the horror anime titles that you enjoyed during the 2010s? Other than the titles mentioned here, what are other anime you feel also deserve recognition?
Thank you again to the readers who look forward to and read Anime Horrors – I’m really excited to bring this project into the new year and beyond!