Supernatural anime has always thrived on the idea that there’s more to the world than what our eyes can see. Spirits walk among us, curses twist destinies, and immortals roam the earth while humans try to make sense of it all. The genre stretches across horror, action, mystery, and even comedy, depending on the story being told.
Some series lean heavily into darkness and tragedy, while others use supernatural elements to explore family, morality, or even political systems. What ties them all together is their ability to pull us into a space where the natural world collides with the otherworldly.
Here are eight standout supernatural anime that showcase the full range of what the genre can offer — from classic shōnen to eerie horror and even whimsical spins on the supernatural.
1. Witch Hunter Robin (2002)
At its core, Witch Hunter Robin is a slow-burn mystery with a supernatural twist. Robin Sena, a young witch trained in Italy, is sent to Japan to work with the STN-J, an organization that hunts rogue magic users. What starts as episodic “case-of-the-week” witch hunts soon evolves into a larger conspiracy.
Why it works: The show’s gothic art direction, muted color palette, and thoughtful storytelling give it a unique place in supernatural anime. It doesn’t just revel in flashy magic battles — it digs into the moral gray areas of persecution, power, and identity.
2. Shaman King (2001 / 2021 reboot)
Yoh Asakura is a carefree teen with an unusual ambition: to become the Shaman King, a leader who bridges the living and spirit worlds. Alongside his ghost companion Amidamaru, Yoh enters a tournament where shamans from around the globe fight for the crown.
Why it works: Shaman King embodies the energy of early-2000s shōnen anime while grounding itself in spiritual traditions. It’s equal parts fun, action-packed, and heartfelt, and the reboot breathed new life into a story fans already cherished. Its focus on heritage, bonds with spirits, and destiny places it firmly in supernatural territory.
3. Castle Town Dandelion (2015)
A lighter entry in this lineup, Castle Town Dandelion follows the Sakurada family, descendants of royalty — and every child has a unique supernatural ability. The twist? Their powers are monitored by surveillance cameras throughout the city, and the next monarch will be chosen by public vote.
Why it works: It’s a delightful spin on supernatural anime, leaning more toward comedy and slice-of-life than horror or action. Still, the show’s central conceit — mixing superpowers with the idea of civic duty and responsibility — sets it apart from typical “superpowered” anime.
4. Paranoia Agent (2004)
Satoshi Kon’s Paranoia Agent is one of the most unsettling anime of its era. The story follows an urban legend: Lil’ Slugger, a boy on golden rollerblades with a bent baseball bat, who attacks people across Tokyo. But is he real, or a manifestation of society’s anxieties?
Why it works: The supernatural in Paranoia Agent isn’t just about spirits or curses — it’s about how fear, trauma, and paranoia can take on a life of their own. Blurring the line between reality and delusion, it proves that the genre can be deeply psychological without losing its supernatural edge.
5. Mnemosyne / RIN: Daughters of Mnemosyne (2008)
This OVA series is not for the faint of heart. Rin Asogi, an immortal private investigator, takes on dangerous cases that often lead to gruesome encounters. Over decades — and across violent deaths she always returns from — Rin’s story collides with angels, assassins, and conspiracies.
Why it works: Mnemosyne embraces the dark side of supernatural anime. It’s visceral, violent, and deeply philosophical, exploring themes of immortality, desire, and the human cost of eternal life. For mature viewers, it stands as one of the genre’s boldest experiments.
6. Bleach (2004–2012; 2022 revival)
One of the most iconic shōnen anime of all time, Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who accidentally gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. Tasked with defending humans from monstrous Hollows and guiding spirits to the afterlife, Ichigo finds himself drawn into wars that span worlds.
Why it works: Bleach blends action spectacle with a rich supernatural framework. The idea of the Soul Society, Hollows, and spiritual energy systems created a mythology that still resonates today. Its recent revival proves that audiences haven’t lost their appetite for Ichigo’s supernatural battles.
7. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (2013)
If you want supernatural horror dialed up to its bloodiest, Corpse Party delivers. Based on a cult video game, it follows a group of students who perform a ritual that accidentally traps them in a haunted school filled with vengeful spirits.
Why it works: This OVA is short, brutal, and not afraid to embrace gore. While not for everyone, it nails the haunted, cursed atmosphere that defines supernatural horror. The spirits here aren’t tragic — they’re terrifying.
8. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–1995)
Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent, dies saving a child — and is given a second chance at life as a Spirit Detective. With his allies Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei, Yusuke faces demons, tournaments, and spirit-world conspiracies.
Why it works: Yu Yu Hakusho is a cornerstone of supernatural action anime. It mixes martial arts with folklore-inspired demon lore, balancing character growth with inventive battles. Its humor and heart ensure it remains beloved decades later.
Final Thoughts
Supernatural anime is far more versatile than many give it credit for. From the gothic intensity of Witch Hunter Robin to the high-octane battles of Bleach and Yu Yu Hakusho, the genre stretches across tones and styles. Even lighthearted entries like Castle Town Dandelion bring something new to the table, proving that “supernatural” doesn’t always have to mean dark and scary.
Whether you’re drawn to psychological horror (Paranoia Agent), unflinching gore (Corpse Party), or action-packed classics (Shaman King, Bleach), this list proves one thing: anime’s take on the supernatural is as vast and unpredictable as the otherworld itself.
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