Animes Often Portray A Colorful And Exciting World, But Sometimes They Put Their Finger On Your Thoughts And Play With Your Mind Instead Of Emotions.

We don’t need methods like creating sudden scares to tell all the exciting and scary stories. Sometimes, instead of affecting the feelings and emotions of the viewer, it is enough to engage his mind so that he experiences the same uncomfortable and eerie feelings.

The world of anime has taken full advantage of this opportunity and offers products to the audience with this feature. Animes narrate their stories so deeply and impressively that the viewer can’t understand them easily.

What is the best psychological anime?

Among the best psychological animes, we can mention Death Parade, Ping Pong, Death Notebook, Parasite: General Rules, Tatami Galaxy, and Welcome to NHK anime.

Animes can take you into the strangest and most wonderful worlds you have no idea about, so sometimes you get lost in the maze of that strange and magical world. Of course, the variety of topics makes people sometimes fail to find their favorite anime. Therefore, it is important to know which case and genre amuse you more than others so you can go to the same area.

Animes centered on psychological issues is one of the most popular topics. As its name suggests, this anime plays with the viewer’s soul. It confuses his perception and beliefs and penetrates his mind so much that he continues to think about it long after the end of the anime.

Of course, it should be noted that psychology is perhaps difficult to express and interact with the viewer. Understanding an anime with such a theme is a very challenging task. However, people enjoy these collections and are entertained by the exciting and suspenseful atmosphere that dominates them.

In the future, stay with Zumji to look at some of the best psychological animes that deeply engage the viewer’s mind and keep them with you until the end of the story.

15- Death Parade Anime (Death Show)

Anime Death Parade

• Genre: Drama, Mystery
• Publication year: 2015
• Voice actors: Tomoki Maino, Asami Seto, and Rumi Okubo
• Production studio: Madhouse
• Average rating of Death Parade on IMDB: 7/9

Unlike the other anime on this list, Death Parade is neither inspired by a specific source nor connected to a main anime series. The story of this anime is taken from a short film titled “Billiards of Death,” produced by “Madhouse Studio.”

The concept of the Death Parade is straightforward and has a special look at the world after death. Although the path to reach the goal is not as simple and trivial as it seems. In the world of Death Parade, people after death must undergo a final examination to determine whether their souls should be sent to the void or, conversely, given a chance to reincarnate and live again. This is done in a place called “Quendecim.” In this place, people who have not yet understood their death face a cafe operator and a judge named Dakim, who judges people based on the results of various games they play and finally sends them to the designated places.

The charm of this anime is that Dekim makes the players reveal their deepest feelings and inner desires and show their true faces hidden behind a mask during their life.

14- Fairy song anime

Anime Elfen Lied

• Genre: Action, Drama
• Publication year: 2004
• Voice actors : Sanae Kobayashi, Chihiro Suzuki and Mamiko Noto
• Producer Studio: Arms
• The average score of Elfen Lied on IMDB: 7/9

The Fairy Song anime (Elfen Lied) is a fantasy and dark anime series based on the interaction between humans and mutant species. This series is one of the most popular works due to its unique storyline and brutal action.

Undoubtedly, this work can be prevalent among those viewers who love exciting beginnings and fights. Of course, maybe the creators of Elfen Lied have gone a little too far in this regard. Because according to some fans of this anime, the first few minutes of Parian’s song depicted such violence that is rarely seen in mainstream anime. Due to this amount of violence, and the current anger in the story of this anime, watching Fairy Song is unsuitable for young children. Therefore, it must be said that not everyone can watch this work.

Despite its violence and dark atmosphere, this series scrutinizes our view of others. Parian’s song raises the question of how a person can affect the relationships he has created and change them into healthy or unhealthy ones. It also addresses the issue of what influences the way we look at others. In this psychological anime, you can see many similarities with the real world, and it is up to the viewer to focus only on the blood and darkness or learn the lessons they should.

13- Resonant Assassination Anime (Terror in Resonance)

Anime Terror In Resonance

• Genre: Drama, Crime
• Publication year: 2014
• Voice actors: Kaito Ishikawa, Soma Saito, and Atsumi Tanezaki
• Production studio: MAPPA
• Average scores of Terror In Resonance on IMDB: 7/8

One of the famous anime production studios is MAPPA, whose works are mostly known for their music and remarkable visual effects and are distinguished from other anime works. Resonant Assassination anime, also known by names such as Assassination in Tokyo, is one of these works that has benefited from both features.

The story is about two young brothers, 9 and 12 years old, who are survivors of a secret experiment. During these experiments, orphaned children are turned into human weapons. Still, now the tide has turned, and these two children have grown up and threaten to destroy the city of Tokyo unless the mystery of a mysterious mystery is solved. In Resonant Assassination Anime, secrets and acceptance of change have gained significant importance in a world where law enforcement cannot do its job. The world we look at from any angle is not unlike our world.

As an exciting product with a mood of psychological issues, the resonating terror anime takes a deep look at the problems of modern society as well as the consequences of terrorist attacks, especially in the minds of children. As a result, it is recommended to all those who are fans of psychological anime to watch this anime.

12- Ping Pong anime

Anime Ping Pong The Animation

• Genre: Drama, Sports
• Publication year: 2014
• Voice actors : Kuki Uchiyama, Yusaka Yara and Yusei Bon
• Production studio: Tatsunoko Production
• Average rating of Ping Pong The Animatio on IMDB: 8.6

Ping Pong animation is one of the best short anime with an interesting storyline and good characterization. This series is about two close friends who deeply love playing table tennis. But after the memory of a bitter defeat against an opponent from China, one of these two friends decides to give up sports forever. This issue also affects his friend’s game because he now doubts his abilities. But fortunately, his coach noticed the young player’s potential and tried to show him how to overcome his mental obstacles and play with more motivation.

Ping Pong is among the most underrated sports anime, perhaps because of its rough and manga-like visuals that some viewers may not like. However, there is no denying that this work is a piece of jewelry that deals with issues such as psychological trauma created after unpleasant experiences and shows how an athlete can successfully come out of such a situation and step on the path of growth and development again. take away

11- Ergo, proxy anime

Anime Ergo Proxy

• Genre: Action, Adventure
• Publication year: 2006
• Voice actors: Koji Yusa, Akiko Yajima, and Liam O’Brien
• Production studio: Manglobe
• The average score of Ergo Proxy on IMDB: 7/9

The TV series Ergo Proxy is a post-apocalyptic utopia where humans and androids live side by side. All is well until a virus infects the androids and causes them to become self-aware. The result of this development is a series of heinous murders. , The androids are the main culprits. In the meantime, a young girl is responsible for investigating this case. He discovers a more advanced plan hidden behind the story of the murders, and eventually, everything ties into secret government experiments.

Ergo Proxy was noted for its sophisticated visuals and cyberpunk aesthetic, while critics also praised the intellectual themes displayed in the anime. In general, this anime is more than a philosophical or psychological work; it is a practical examination of the world from the point of view of the science fiction world—a representation of a post-apocalyptic utopia that is easily subject to collapse. The collection also explores one of the age-old questions, what exactly makes us who we are?

10- Anime Psycho-Pass

Anime Psycho-Pass

• Genre: Action, Crime
• Publication year: 2012
• Voice actors : Kana Hanazawa, Miyuki Sawashiro and Takahiro Sakurai
• Producer Studio: Production IG
• The average score of Psycho-Passk on IMDB: 2/8

The anime Psycho-Pass is an exciting work with a cyberpunk and psychological mood, which became one of the best crime anime series from the very beginning of its broadcast. Many critics praised this work for presenting social and psychological themes. Psycho-Pass examines the characters and their interaction in a dystopian environment, which makes this work different.

The story of this anime takes place shortly when humans can measure and check people’s personalities of people’s immediate. Information is recorded and processed, and the person’s mental state is evaluated. In such a situation, an officer named Shinya Kogami is responsible for managing the crime situation in such a world. And n the dark world of Psycho-Pass, anyone found to be a criminal by nature is dealt with in a deadly manner. In the meantime, the question is whether the system always provides the right information to the executives. Is it possible for the system to go wrong?

The anime Psycho-Pass questions the line between good and evil and challenges viewers to re-examine or revise their understanding of justice.

9- Welcome to NHK anime

Anime Welcome To The NHK

• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Publication year: 2006
• Voice actors: Yutaka Koizumi and Yui Makino
• Production studio: Gonzo
• Average rating of Welcome To The NHK on IMDB: 3.8

The fascinating series Welcome to Enchiki is an interesting series that deals with the lives of young people suffering from depression and anxiety. Tatsuhiro Sato is a dropout who has difficulty as a hikikomori or avoids people and lives in isolation. Meanwhile, one of his friends, who is worried about his behavior, tries to save Tatsu from this misery and help him to improve his social interactions. He wants Sato to get the chance of a good life, see the beauty of life with his own eyes, and experience this unique world.

The story of this anime is based on a true story that investigates a conspiracy theory about an entire TV network in Japan. Even the creator of this series revealed in an interview that the level of this anime is his true account of the life of a hikikomori struggling with depression. In this anime, various methods and mechanisms for dealing with psychological problems are used, and their purpose is to question everything. At the same time, this anime seeks to highlight a question: What is your place in society? And what will happen if you turn away from being in this predetermined position and try to swim against the direction of the water?

8- Tatami galaxy anime

The Tatami Galaxy anime

• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Publication year: 2010
• Voice actors: Shintaro Asanuma, Hiroyuki Yoshino, and Rin Mizuhara
• Production studio: Studio Madhouse
• The average score of The Tatami Galaxy on IMDB: 4/8

Tatami Galaxy is a psychological novel and dark comedy written by Tomihiko Morimi. In 2010, Madhouse Studio, inspired by this novel, produced a twelve-part series with the same name. The story of this anime is the story of a student’s life and what his fate and life would be like if he joined any of the university associations. The viewer witnesses parallel worlds in each of which the life of the story’s main character takes on a different color and flavor.

This surreal anime should be considered one of the best psychological anime, which is noted for its strange nature. People with unfamiliar faces, friends who are worse than enemies, and time jumps are just some things that Tatami Galaxy has prepared for the audience. However, despite all these strange things, the story of this anime is full of symbolism and reviewing life lessons that you should pay attention to. The life story of a young man who embarks on an ups-and-downs journey to find a friend, find love, and experience life.

7- The anime of Lin’s serial experiences

Anime Serial Experiments Lain

• Genre: Drama, Horror, Psychological Thriller
• Publication year: 1998
• Voice actors: Kaori Shimizu, Sho Hayami, and Ryosuke Obayashi
• Production studio: Triangle Staff
• The average rating of Serial Experiments Lain in IMDB: 1/8

The anime of Lin’s serial experiences has a mysterious mood and deals with psychological issues in an advanced way. The story is about Lane, whose choices affect the real and virtual worlds of “Wired.” When many people think of this anime at the very beginning, it becomes animes that engage the human mind and psyche; often scary and disturbing pees take the viewer on a mental journey. It must be acknowledged that every moment of this anime is calculated, and every part of it can be interpreted.

This anime examines philosophical issues such as reality, identity, and communication. Critics praised the anime for its originality of story, visual effects, and insightful portrayal of the paranoia-filled, socially alienated world of the 21st century. In addition, this anime reveals the dangers of our excessive dependence on technology, the biggest threat that can threaten the future of humanity.

6- Neon Genesis Evangelion anime

Anime Neon Genesis Evangelion

• Genre: Drama, Action
• Publication year: 1995
• Voice actors : Megumi Ogata, Megumi Hayashibara and Kotono Mitsuyishi
• Production studio: Gainax
• Average rating of Neon Genesis Evangelion on IMDB: 8.5

Anime Neon Genesis Evangelion was one of the most-watched anime series of the 90s. This anime should be considered lacking a source, although there was a manga version of the series before the anime was released. But in reality, the storylines of manga and anime are completely different and have nothing in common.

The story of Neon Genesis anime takes place fifteen years after a global catastrophe. When the protagonist becomes a member of a secret organization to pilot a giant biological machine called Ongleon, he must prepare to fight against beings who call themselves angels. The series also explores the experiences and emotions of the pilots tasked with piloting these massive machines as they try to prevent larger disasters from occurring.

Neon Genesis anime is always among the best psychological anime of all time because regardless of its theme, action, and epic scenes, this anime mostly revolves around the development of characters and their strengths and weaknesses. We should also point out that this anime looks at psychological issues and issues related to the human mind and psyche from a unique angle.

5- Ghost in the Shell anime

Ghost In The Shell anime

• Genre: Action, Crime
• Publication year: 2002 to 2005
• Voice actors : Shiro Saito, Atsuko Tanaka and Osamu Saka
• Producer Studio: Production IG
• Average rating of Ghost In The Shell on IMDB: 8.5

The sci-fi action drama Ghost in the Shell delves into enough dark and psychological themes to appeal to fans of the genre. The charm of this anime even encouraged Hollywood to make a movie of the same name starring Scarlett Johansson, which was shown in 2017.

The story of this anime takes place in 2029 in post-apocalyptic dystopian Japan, and it focuses on the life story of a cyborg security officer named Motoko Kusanagi. One day he meets a mysterious man who illegally hacks the programmed minds of cyborg/human hybrids. Makoto and his friend follow the man out of curiosity to find out the truth about the cyborg human mind and understand the main purpose of their presence in society. Meanwhile, Motoko has another motivation; she wants to discover her identity.

The Ghost in the Shell anime is another classic that has stood the test of time and is still popular. This wonderful psychological anime deals with the era when the use of machines and modern technologies is common and tries to look at the things that shape our identity in this different world. It also examines the topic of soul and body and their separation or convergence. It seeks to find the answer to exactly at what stage and under what conditions we lose our emotions and become something mechanical and soulless. Questions that we are unlikely to have to ask ourselves in the real world very soon.

4- Parasite anime: general rule

Anime Parasyte: The Maxim

• Genre: Action, Drama
• Publication year: 2014
• Voice actors: Aya Hirano, Nobunaga Shimazaki, and Rinka
• Production studio: Studio Madhouse
• Average rating of Parasyte: The Maxim on IMDB: 3/8

The popular anime Parasite: General Rule is known and loved for its horror theme and sci-fi elements. Of course, this anime also has unpleasant scenes that may be uncomfortable for people, so China banned the showing of this anime to the public. From the beginning, the atmosphere of Parasite anime is dark, so people with weak hearts will probably not feel good watching it. But the good thing about Engel is that he never abandoned his storyline, and even amid difficult and tense situations, he continued to move forward and evolve in this direction.

The anime Parasite is about seventeen-year-old Shinichi Izumi, infected by a space parasite engaged in butchering humans. He must now learn how to coexist with this terrifying creature and fight for his survival to survive. These aliens feed on the brains of weak humans and turn them into zombies, but Shinichi tries to keep his brain and mind and not allow the parasite to abuse them.

This anime may look like an ordinary horror thriller, but its main focus is on human nature and knowledge, so it always has a place on the list of the best psychological anime.

3- Deleted anime

Anime Erased

• Genre: Drama, Crime
• Publication year: 2016
• Voice actors: Tao Tsuchiya, Shinosuke Mitsushima, Aoi Yuki, and Chinatsu Akasaki
• Production studio: A-1 Pictures
• Average scores of Erased on IMDB: 8.5

The deleted anime introduces Satoru Fujinoma to the viewer. A 29-year-old young man suddenly finds himself involved in the case of his mother’s murder while he is the main suspect. But during an unexpected event, Satoru is sent back 18 years ago to prevent somehow the events that ultimately lead to his mother’s death. The events started with a series of kidnappings during his childhood.

The deleted anime received a lot of attention and was classified as top-rated anime only shortly after its release. The deep story, the play with the concept of time, the presence of mysterious elements, and, of course, the suspense in this series are among the reasons that have made it so popular. Of course, while some have strongly welcomed this series and consider it one of the best psychological anime, another group has a different opinion. Therefore, everyone should watch this anime and decide whether the deleted anime deserves this place.

2- Monster anime

Anime Monster

• Genre: Drama, Crime
• Publication year: 2004
• Voice actors : Hidenobu Koichi, Mamiko Noto and Nozomo Sasaki
• Production studio: Madhouse
• The average score of Monster on IMDB: 7/8

Monster anime is undoubtedly one of the best psychological series with many fans. Monster has been praised for its exciting crime mystery plot and is a unique work of art. The portrayal of the characters has been done as beautifully as possible, for which special thanks to Naoki Urasawa.

This 74-episode anime follows the life of a brain surgeon named Kenzo Tenma, who blames himself for saving the life of one of his former patients, who is now the prime suspect in a series of serial murders. He is now trying to make up for this mistake in any way he can and stop this dangerous killer.

The intense storyline and deep characterization of this anime brought a positive reaction from critics. In addition, the direction of this work and its soundtrack have made this series appear as an artistic masterpiece and be widely welcomed.

1- Death Note anime

Anime Death Note

• Genre: Drama, Crime
• Publication year: 2006
• Voice actors : Mamoru Miyano, Kappi Yamaguchi, Shido Nakamura and Aya Hirano
• Production studio: Madhouse
• The average score of Death Note on IMDB: 8/9

Undoubtedly, one of the era’s most popular psychological crime animes is the death office anime, a first-class show. You will rarely find anyone who loves the world of anime who has not watched or heard of Death Note. It can be said that once you start watching it, it is unlikely that you will stop following its story.

The Death Note anime is about a student named Light Yagami who gains unexpected power after finding a mysterious note. Writing anyone’s name in this book means announcing the end of his life. At first, Light tries to use the office for positive purposes. But as the story progresses, the situation changes, and Light does things that complicate the case for both him and others.

Each episode of this series should be considered a game of life and death that shocks the fans, and this is the biggest reason this series will never be forgotten.

By reviewing this fascinating anime, we have reached the end of the list of the best psychological anime. This list cannot cover all the attractive animes in this field, and there are certainly many gaps in between. What do you think about anime with this style of story? Which anime gap in this list caught your attention? In your opinion, which is the best psychological anime? It is eagerly waiting to hear your comments, be sure to share them with us and your other friends; thank you.