Who doesn't enjoy a bit of the supernatural? From demons to vampires, the human race has been fascinated by stories of unseen and unknowable forces since the dawn of storytelling itself. These entities appear in every medium, be it games, books, comics, TV shows, or live-action movies. They are always in vogue.
Anime is no exception, with many incredible tales focusing on supernatural themes. While there are plenty of shows for fans to choose from, some stand out above the rest as being extra special. Crucially, supernatural stories can complement nearly any other genre, be it horror, comedy, action, drama, fantasy, or even slice of life. Even if someone does not specifically seek out supernatural anime, there is a good chance that one of their favorite series also falls within the category.
What are the best supernatural anime ever?
Updated on March 8, 2025 by Mark Sammut: As the Winter 2025 season gradually approaches its end, supernatural stories like Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun and Blue Exorcist's latest cour have kept viewers busy. If those shows/storylines are not landing, there are plenty of old greats that can fill that void.
Only series will be included. Also, while the overall quality matters, the anime's incorporation of supernatural themes will also be taken into account. If that element is just an afterthought, it will impact the ranking.
19 The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
MyAnimeList: 8.41 (Season 1)
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2016 - 2018-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
- Studio
- J.C.Staff
- Number of Episodes
- 56
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Shūichi Asō
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
Despite being primarily associated with action anime, supernatural anime covers a fairly wide spectrum of genres, be it horror, slice of life, romance, or, crucially for this series, comedy. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Follows Kusuo, a high school student who is (basically) an esper. While there is seemingly nothing he cannot do, the protagonist has the unfortunate ability to attract troublemakers to him, which undermines his desire to keep a low profile.
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The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. Is simply hilarious. Kusuo serves as the perfect stoic foil for the rest of the cast’s comedic shenanigans, and it is always a blast when this near-omnipotent force of nature is left speechless by the actions of a make-believe battle shonen hero, the perfect girl chosen by the gods, and an indecipherable idiot.
18 Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
MyAnimeList: 8.23
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2018
WHERE TO WATCH
- Japanese Title
- Seishun Buta Yarou wa Bunny Girl Senpai no Yume wo Minai
- Studio
- CloverWorks
- Number of Episodes
- 13
- Based On
- Light Novel
- Creator
- Hajime Kamoshida
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is a bit of a weird case. On the one hand, all the arcs revolve around "supernatural" cases brought on by Puberty Syndrome, which means that a teenager's insecurities manifest in some form or another. For example, Mai is a famous actress who believes her true self is not seen by anyone, which causes her to start to disappear. Sakuta, a male classmate, notices Mai walking around in a bunny suit and, after learning about her issue, decides to help. Each arc revolves around Sakuta aiding another girl.
Clearly, Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai is drenched in supernatural goodness; however, Puberty Syndrome is not that well-defined, nor are the mysteries that interesting. The anime shines in its character banter, with Sakuta and Mai having a particularly endearing relationship. Someone's mileage with this series will likely come down to their appreciation of the dialogue, rather than the supernatural element.
17 Devilman Crybaby
MyAnimeList: 7.75
Devilman Crybaby
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2018 - 2018-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- Science SARU
- Number of Episodes
- 10
- Creator
- Go Nagai (Original Devilman Manga)
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
Go Nagai’s Devilman is unquestionably influential, not only for shonen and seinen, but also for the entire manga and anime industries. Unsurprisingly, the story has received plenty of adaptations over the years, most of which are fine but also suffer from being products of their time that have not aged particularly well.
Fortunately, in 2018, Devilman Crybaby debuted on Netflix, providing a modern take on Go Nagai’s legendary source material. Reflecting the original story’s tendency to lean into violence and gore, Science SARU’s adaptation is intended for adult eyes and can be an uncomfortable watch at times. However, Devilman Crybaby's themes, animation, and storytelling are all top-notch and represent the supernatural anime genre at its peak. To be able to fight demons, Akira effectively becomes one himself (well, half of one), setting himself up as a savior who has to shoulder humanity’s future and past.
16 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
MyAnimeList: 7.78 (Season 1)
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 6, 2012
- Japanese Title
- JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken
- Studio
- David Production
- Number of Episodes
- 190
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Hirohiko Araki
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is arguably more straight fantasy than supernatural, but the latter is present through the usage of vampires and an impeccable power system, Stands. More importantly, the series maintains an impressive standard of quality throughout its run, with even the weakest entry (Phantom Blood) introducing one of the most iconic villains in anime, Dio.
JoJo is split into parts set during diverse eras and revolving around different characters, although the protagonists are linked through their blood. Each part is distinct too, be it the adventurous battle shonen classic “Stardust Crusader” or the more unconventional Diamond Is Unbreakable. With great action, bizarre but funny humor, and usually likable heroes (and detestable villains), JoJo is just an all-around masterpiece that has been doing its thing for decades.
While Hirohiko Araki’s manga is the best way to consume JoJo, the 2012 anime series faithfully translates the source material.
15 Dororo
MyAnimeList: 8.25
Dororo
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2019
- Directors
- Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Writers
- Yasuko Kobayashi
- Studio
- Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Osamu Tezuka
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
When a samurai lord will do anything to make his prefecture prosper, he makes a deal with twelve demons that leave his firstborn son born horribly with no eyes, limbs, or even skin. Tossed into a river to die and be forgotten, the baby is found by a medicine man who creates prosthetics so that the young Hyakkimaru can live.
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Dororo follows his story as he tries to kill the demons that cursed him and regain parts of his true self as he does so. Along the way, Hyakkimaru meets the titular Dororo and the two become fast friends and traveling companions. An impressive adaptation of an influential manga, Dororo blends its supernatural premise into its historical setting very well. The lead characters also go throw quite a lot of growth throughout the season.
14 To Your Eternity
MyAnimeList: 8.34 (Season 1)
To Your Eternity
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 12, 2021
- Japanese Title
- Fumetsu no Anata e
- Studio
- Brain's Base, Drive
- Number of Episodes
- 40
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Yoshitoki Ōima
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
To Your Eternity was one of the biggest hits to come out of the Spring 2021 anime season and its opening episode is fantastic enough to justify earning a place as one of the best supernatural shows out there. Thankfully, the rest of the series is also pretty good. It was written by Yoshitoki Ooima, the mind behind A Silent Voice, so viewers need to be ready for a powerfully emotional affair.
The story is about an immortal being who experiences humanity and slowly learns about people and life. With greater dark powers at play, this supernatural drama is worth watching to see how it all unfolds. To Your Eternity packs an emotional punch as death is a central theme, which makes sense since the protagonist will outlive everyone else. Although losing some steam toward the end, season 1 is generally great, while its sequel is decent but lacks the same weight. Season 3 is confirmed to be in the works.
13 Blue Exorcist
MyAnimeList: 7.48 (Season 1)
Blue Exorcist
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2011-00-00
- Directors
- Tensai Okamura, Koichi Hatsumi, Daisuke Yoshida
- Writers
- Ryōta Yamaguchi
- Japanese Title
- Ao no Exorcist
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures, Studio VOLN
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Kazue Kato
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
While not the most consistent anime ever, Blue Exorcist is nevertheless a must-watch for supernatural fans; in fact, it is arguably the genre's definitive battle shonen, at least in terms of premise. Set in a world where demons exist, Rin has a unique lineage since his father is, well, Satan. Feared by many, Rin wants to prove that he is not inherently evil, so he heads to an exorcist school to learn how to both control himself and subdue other demons. His brother, Yukio, is a qualified exorcist who teaches at the same academy.
Blue Exorcist: Strongest Demons, Ranked
These demons have the power to shake the core of society leaving them almost unstoppable.
Blue Exorcist has suffered from an inconsistent release schedule, and the first season's final stretch of episodes are non-canon and, consequently, completely ignored by the sequels. Even if not every arc hits the mark, the anime is, overall, filled with ambiguous characters, fascinating world-building, and pretty great action.
12 Bleach
MyAnimeList: 7.97 (Original Series)
Bleach
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2004 - 2012-00-00
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Number of Episodes
- 366
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Tite Kubo
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu
Bleach is inconsistent. At its peak, the series is right up there with the best action supernatural anime of all time, delivering top-notch fight sequences, relentlessly cool designs, and creative powers; at its worst, the show can be frustrating and feel like a waste of time. The original 2006 anime started very strong with the Agent of Shinigami and Soul Society arcs, both of which hold up pretty darn well. After that, the rest of the series becomes inconsistent and struggles to maintain momentum.
Fortunately, the 2022 revival, Thousand-Year Blood War, is just all-around fabulous, at least from action and animation perspectives. Admittedly, getting there requires sitting through quite a lot of underwhelming content, but the highs are worth suffering through the lows.
11 Dandadan
MyAnimeList: 8.55
Dandadan
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2024 - 2025-00-00
- Studio
- Science Saru
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Yukinobu Tatsu
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
Dandadan is not only awesome, but also quite versatile. Most stories would settle for either supernatural, fantasy, or sci-fi elements, but this manga and its anime adaptation are not most stories. Dandadan specifically revolves around ghosts AND aliens, with two very likable teenagers finding themselves dragged at the same time into these dangerous and entertaining worlds.
Dandadan: 8 Strongest Spirits In The Manga, Ranked
Dandadan features some ruthless spirits, but these eight leave the most lasting impression.
Focusing specifically on the yokai, the anime features quite a few creative ghosts that tend to have incredible (and creepy) designs along with fun powers. Sometimes, they even have heartbreaking backstories that leave the heroes (and viewers) on the verge of tears. Although the ghost aspect is neat, Dandadan's brilliance lies in the way it blends genres and themes. The series could be recommended to people craving comedy, romance, action, sci-fi, or supernatural stories, and they will likely come out of the experience satisfied. It is just that well-rounded.
10 Fruits Basket
MyAnimeList: 8.21 (Season 1)
Fruits Basket
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 6, 2019
- Studio
- TMS Entertainment
- Number of Episodes
- 63
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Natsuki Takaya
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
While a more obvious recommendation for romance fans, Fruits Basket is nevertheless one of the greatest supernatural anime of all time, and its focus on the Chinese Zodiac sets it apart from the crowd. Homeless but trying to keep her spirits up, Tohru ends up being invited by her classmate, Yuki, to live with his family, the locally famous Sohmas. Seeming perfect at a glance, this family has a strange secret that, sooner rather than later, is revealed to Tohru: each member transforms into an animal based on the zodiac.
Along with quite a bit of humor, Fruits Basket uses this premise to tell a powerful story that touches upon themes of family, guilt, abuse, and (most importantly) love. The 2001 series has its positives, but newcomers should start with the 2019 version since it is a far more complete adaptation of the manga. They can look forward to three fantastic seasons.