15 Best Anime Horror Games, Ranked

Anime horror games can trick you into playing them by being cute and sweet in the beginning. After you start playing and get engaged in the story, you soon realize that is not the case. They are known to make quick turns with jump scares or unexpected events that are sure to send shivers down your spine.

Most of the time, it is anime, dark manga series, or light novels that inspire the creation of these anime horror games. The visuals are always astounding, and the soundtrack creates the perfect horror experience. The genre can jump from sci-fi to drama or to an exciting and horrifying adventure.

Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on the 31st of October 2023: Gamers will never get tired of haunting stories full of gore and terrors. That is why we have added five more anime horror games that are worth checking out for their terrifying soundtracks, haunting art styles, and overall horror experience. We have also added more relevant information to each entry, including metacritic and user scores.

15 Detention

Metascore – 83

Detention is a horrifying indie game that draws inspiration from East Asian horror. Set in 1960s Taiwan during martial law, the game’s eerie atmosphere is amplified by its hand-painted 2D visuals and a haunting soundtrack. As you explore a haunted, desolate school, the oppressive backdrop becomes a character in itself, adding to the dread.

The game’s narrative is equally disturbing, dealing with themes of guilt, regret, and supernatural elements intertwined with psychological horror. The well-designed puzzles and exploration mechanics draw you deeper into a narrative that masterfully blends historical and cultural elements, making Detention a uniquely terrifying horror experience.

14 Ib

Metascore – 82

Ib is a captivating indie horror game with a pixel-art aesthetic that combines cuteness with terror. The game unfolds in an eerie, haunted art gallery, where you guide the young protagonist, Ib, through a nightmarish journey. The contrast between the adorable character design and the unsettling, grotesque art pieces creates an atmosphere of dread.

With its minimalist pixel art and clever puzzles, Ib tells a haunting narrative that takes you on a psychological rollercoaster. As you uncover dark secrets within the gallery’s walls, the game’s eerie ambiance and unique visual style make it a terrifying and memorable horror experience.

13 Chaos; Head Noah

Metascore – 77

Chaos;Head Noah is a gripping visual novel game with a distinctive blend of anime-style art and psychological horror. The game follows the story of Takumi Nishijo, a recluse who becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and increasingly terrifying events.

The striking anime character designs and detailed environments set the stage for a captivating yet unsettling narrative. The game’s unique selling point lies in its exploration of delusions, paranoia, and a blurred line between reality and fantasy. This psychological complexity, along with a thrilling soundtrack, engulfs you in a gripping tale filled with suspense and supernatural mysteries.

12 Angels of Death

User Score – 7.3

Angels of Death is a captivating anime-style horror game that has also been adapted into an anime series. The game follows the journey of Rachel Gardner, a young girl who awakens in a mysterious building and must navigate through a series of deadly trials.

The art style combines anime aesthetics with dark and chilling environments that contribute to the game’s eerie atmosphere. As you progress through the story, the game maintains a suspenseful tone enhanced by its well-composed soundtrack. However, Angels of Death was made with RPG Maker, so if it is high graphics you search in a horror game, this may not be it.

11 PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

Metascore – 85

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo is an intriguing anime-style horror game that transports players into a realm of supernatural enigma. Situated within the enigmatic Honjo High School, the game seamlessly blends captivating anime characters with an uncanny atmosphere.

What sets this game apart is how it skillfully allows you to self-insert into the role of the character you are playing. As you navigate the eerie corridors and confront the spectral apparitions, you become one with your in-game persona, feeling the fear and curiosity as if they were your own.

Furthermore, the game keeps you on your toes thanks to a myriad of plot twists. Just when you think you’ve unraveled a part of the enigma, a new layer of mystery unfolds. This constant sense of anticipation and intrigue makes it nearly impossible to simply stop playing until you reach the spine-tingling conclusion.

10 World Of Horror

Metascore – 82

World of Horror, known as Kyofu no Sekai, is a great horror role-playing game that is like a love letter to Junji Ito and H.P. Lovecraft. The story takes place in 1980s Japan, immersing players in a world that oozes sickly and macabre imagery. If you’re a fan of the dark and twisted, this game is a perfect match for your morbid interests. However, it’s important to note that the game’s nightmarish atmosphere might be too intense for those with a faint heart.

You fight hideous monsters and meet ancient gods, all while trying to maintain your sanity in this relentless descent into madness. This survival horror game is mostly a text-based adventure, but the gameplay still has surprising depth and complexity, drawing you deeper into its disturbing narrative. The haunting soundtrack intensifies the feeling of urgency, relentlessly pushing you to play faster and faster, as the horrors of World of Horror never cease to haunt your thoughts, even when you step away from the screen.

9 Higurashi

User Score For Chapter 1 – 8.4

Higurashi is a great visual novel series with eight chapters, each telling its own story while still being part of the larger plot. The game takes place in the fictional little village of Hinamizawa, where a curse has been plaguing the villagers for five years. You appear in the fifth year and try to figure out who is going to be the curse’s next victim and if the curse is even real.

Higurashi deals with dark themes such as paranoia, isolation, and mental illnesses. Playing the games, though, feels more like reading a book, as most of the choices you make do not really affect the story.

8 Shin Hayarigami

Metascore – N/A

Shin Hayarigami was a series that was severely underrated and only available in Japanese for years until Shin Hayarigami: Blindman was finally released as a mobile game for the English-speaking audience. As a visual novel, it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer more action-oriented games, and the absence of voice acting might disappoint some players.

Nevertheless, for those who appreciate the intricacies of detective narratives and the thrill of solving mysteries, Shin Hayarigami offers a unique and captivating experience. The soundtrack, while compensating for the lack of voice acting, adds an engaging layer to the gameplay. With its horrifying murder scenes, brutal imagery, and a cast of suspicious characters in a small urban Japanese village, Shin Hayarigami immerses players in a chilling world of suspense and intrigue that deserves more recognition in the gaming community.

7 The Witch’s House

User Score – 8.7

The Witch’s House is a game that was originally released over a decade ago, but its remastered release on Switch has brought it back to fame. It is a short but great adventure horror RPG that will give you a terrifying experience. You play Viola, a young girl who awakens inside a mysterious manor.

It makes for a perfect horror game with its creepy rooms, unsettling sound effects, and horrifying jump scares. The Witch’s House is perfect for anyone who likes pixel-art games, solving puzzles, and avoiding traps.

6 Misao: Definitive Edition

User Score – 7.8

Misao: Definitive Edition is the remake of the same-named game that was released almost a decade ago. With better graphics, improved puzzles, and added event scenes, it makes for an even greater anime horror experience. The game deals with dark subjects, such as the effects of bullying and cruelty. As you step into the shoes of a young high school student tasked with solving the mystery behind Misao’s disappearance, the eerie atmosphere and sinister storyline grip you from the beginning.

However, some players wished for a bit more character interaction within the game. The sense of loneliness and the occasional aimless wandering through the corridors can make the experience feel somewhat isolating. Nevertheless, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise compelling and emotionally charged horror adventure.

5 Zero Escape: The Nonary Games

Metascore – 87

Zero Escape: The Nonary Games, also known as 999, is a great sci-fi and mystery visual novel with lots of brutal horror scenes. You play as Junpei, a young college student who has been kidnaped. 9 people thrust into a nightmarish scenario have been given 9 hours to open 9 doors in order to escape a sinking ship. You are forced to take part in a twisted killing game, and you cannot refuse, as you have a bomb placed in your body.

The game’s allure lies in the choices you make, each of which has meaningful consequences, shaping the course of the narrative. However, some players have found themselves puzzled by the unpredictable nature of these outcomes. While some consequences are evident and lead you down a certain path, others may bring you to an abrupt and unexpected ending. Zero Escape has six possible endings, with one being the canon one.

4 Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony

Metascore – 81

The Danganronpa series boasts some of the best-looking visual novels in the genre, and Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony is no exception. With its stunning art style and compelling character designs, it captivates players from the get-go. However, while it excels in aesthetics and world-building, the ending and final twist took a different direction than many fans had expected.

This unexpected turn in the narrative left some players feeling disappointed, with a portion of the fanbase expressing that it didn’t meet their expectations and, in some cases, even stating that it tarnished the franchise for them. Despite this, the game remains worth playing due to its refreshing cast of characters and the intricately crafted world it presents, which still offers a unique and engaging experience for those who appreciate the Danganronpa universe.

3 Corpse Party (2021)

Metascore – 81

The Corpse Party series offers some great horror scenes, but the first one has one of the most horrifying ones. The over-a-decade-old first part of the series got another remake in 2021. Voice acting was added, which is entirely in Japanese and adds to the creepy atmosphere.

If you have not played any of these cult classic games yet, you are missing out on great horror games that drag you into hell. Few things are more horrifying than being trapped in a decaying school full of dead bodies.

2 Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

Metascore – 85

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus is the premium version of the game, and it’s undoubtedly worth the investment if you’re seeking a refreshed experience from the free version. This game serves as a remarkable experiment in the visual novel genre, encouraging players to step outside their comfort zones and explore unique gaming experiences rather than sticking to the same old formulas.

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus takes the already great free horror game and enhances it with improved visuals and additional content, making it an even more engaging journey. The story, initially lighthearted and cheerful, takes a haunting turn that leaves players questioning their own sense of control while unraveling a truly heart-wrenching narrative.

1 Mad Father

User Score – 8

Mad Father is a criminally underrated RPG with great psychological horror elements. Despite its simple graphics, the game’s sound design and well-timed jump scares come together to create a truly horrifying atmosphere that’s a treat for horror game enthusiasts. It may initially resemble any other indie game, but as you delve deeper into the storyline, Mad Father reveals its dark and chilling narrative.

You play as little Aya, who likes to sneak around her father’s laboratory, where screams can often be heard. Playing as an innocent child adds to the urgency of the situation and creates more suspense. In the remake of this horror classic, the characters’ expressions are much more vivid and expressive, and the monsters appear even more grotesque, contributing to an enhanced horror experience.