One of the most iconic titles in the psychological anime genre is Death Note.
This anime cleverly combines psychological tension, mystery, and supernatural elements.
And if Death Note fans are looking for new psychological anime to challenge their minds and emotions, the 5 anime series below will satisfy them.
5. Odd Taxi (2021)
Based on the manga series by Kazuya Konomoto, Odd Taxi seems like a fun and quirky anime due to its childish animation style and plot focusing on humanoid animals. But hidden behind this innocent exterior is a complex psychological puzzle that gradually becomes clearer with each episode.
The main character is Hiroshi Odokawa, a clumsy and withdrawn taxi driver who is caught up in the mysterious disappearance of a female student. Odakawa's journey leads him to people with their own secrets and psychological burdens. Like Death Note, Odd Taxi skillfully balances tension and suspense, keeping viewers breathless as they try to put the pieces together.
4. Terror in Resonance (2014)
Zankyou no Terror aka Terror in Resonance is a deep, thought-provoking psychological series with political overtones. The anime was directed by the legendary Shinichirō Watanabe and produced by MAPPA Studio.
The anime series follows two teenagers, Nine and Twelve, who lead attacks in Tokyo under the alias “Sphinx”. Their true motives stem from a tragic past involving government experimentation. If you enjoy psychological intrigue and morally complex characters, Terror in Resonance is a must-see.
3. Sonny Boy (2021)
Written and directed by Shingo Natsume, Sonny Boy offers a philosophical and twisted story that explores the human condition through a different perspective. The story is about a group of high school students whose school suddenly drifts into another dimension. The team named the new dimension “This World” and discovered that it obeys unique physical laws.
In this new world, they gain supernatural powers, but instead of focusing on flashy battles, the film delves into psychological and philosophical themes. Each episode is like a puzzle, forcing viewers to think critically about its abstract storytelling.
2. Steins;Gate (2011)
Although a bit dated, Steins;Gate is a timeless masterpiece that any fan of psychological thrillers like Death Note must see.
Centered around a self-proclaimed mad scientist, Rintaro Okabe, the anime shares Death Note's careful balance between intellectual tension and emotional depth. Both shows feature main characters facing the enormous burden of their genius minds, and their moral decisions shape the story in unpredictable ways.
1. The Flowers of Evil (2013) – Anime takes psychological complexity to a new level.
Based on the manga by Shūzō Oshimi, the plot revolves around Takao Kasuga, a high school student who steals gym equipment from his crush, Saeki. This action begins a series of blackmail and psychological manipulation by Sawa Nakamura, a classmate who takes advantage of Kasuga's shame to coerce him into doing things that are not right.
The horror is further emphasized by the unique rotoscoped animation style. Furthermore, what makes The Flowers of Evil stand out is its raw, unfiltered exploration of the darker impulses of human nature. It's about shame, guilt, and self-destruction.