'Paranoia Agent' and 7 Other Best Psychological Crime Thrillers, Ranked by IMDb

Psychological thrillers in anime are a distinct art form – they delve into the darkest corners of the human mind. They force viewers to question the reality of what's happening and the reliability of their own sanity.

Unlike straightforward detective stories, the crime is merely the starting point. The plot always centers on a mind game, traumatic experience, or confrontation with a system that breaks individuals.

8. 'Electromagnetic Girlfriend', 2009

IMDb Score: 6.8/10

Juu is a self-confident high school student who is popular with girls, despite his wild temper. One day, he starts being stalked by a strange girl named Ame who swears her eternal devotion.

This obsessive friend draws Juu into investigating a series of brutal murders. Thanks to her deductive skills, the two discover that the crimes are connected to traumatic events from the past affecting Juu and other students at the school.

7. 'Beautiful Bones: Sakurako's Investigation', 2015

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

The inquisitive schoolboy Shotaro meets the eccentric osteologist Sakurako, who collects human skeletons. Her knowledge of anatomy and deductive reasoning help her identify the deceased and determine the circumstances of their deaths.

Shotaro occasionally finds human remains with his new friend, often ahead of the police. Sakurako uses the bones to decipher the deceased's life histories and discern the details of their deaths, easily distinguishing murders from accidents.

Although her cynicism shocks those around her, Sakurako's expertise often proves decisive in solving the most complex cases.

6. 'Talentless Nana', 2020

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

There's a special school on a remote island for teenagers with extraordinary abilities. From a young age, they are trained to fight humanity's enemies – the monsters that attacked Earth half a century ago.

Nana, who hides her gift, studies there, and because of this, everyone considers her talentless. Everything changes with the arrival of newcomers: Nanao and Kyoya.

Nanao possesses telepathic skills, and Kyoya, like Nana, prefers to keep his talents to himself. Meanwhile, a serial killer is on the loose on the island. The question is, who is hiding behind the maniac's mask?

5. 'B: The Beginning', 2018-2021

IMDb Score: 7.0/10

The island nation of Cremona exists in a high-tech world where computer networks are rapidly developing. These networks are designed to rid the planet of violence and war.

Yet, a mysterious serial killer is on the loose, leaving an enigmatic signature at crime scenes. Royal police officers Koku and Keith must stop a string of bloody murders and uncover the secret of a criminal organization threatening the world.

This Netflix original anime series successfully blends police thriller, mysticism, and science fiction. Its main strengths are a gripping detective story, a meticulously crafted cyberpunk setting, and a memorable visual style.

4. 'Black Butler', 2008-2011

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

Victorian England. The young Earl Ciel Phantomhive makes a deal with the demon Sebastian. Together, they solve crimes and fight the mafia in service to the British Queen.

Throughout their journey, the two encounter the darkest manifestations of human nature, including perverts, corrupt aristocrats, and serial killers.

Sebastian eliminates Ciel's enemies with infernal grace. Their main goal is to find the murderer of Ciel's family and exact revenge. Afterwards, Ciel's soul will be forever given to the demon.

3. 'When They Cry', 2006

IMDb Score: 7.8/10

Keiichi, a teenager, moves to the quiet village of Hinamizawa, where he soon learns of dark legends about the local deity, Oyashiro-sama, and a series of brutal murders.

At first, he spends his time carefree with his new friends: the good-natured Rena, the domineering Mion, and the shy Rika. However, the atmosphere quickly deteriorates.

His friends' suspicious behavior, rumors of a curse, and growing paranoia transform his quiet life into a cycle of repeated violence.

2. 'Paranoia Agent', 2004

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

A series of brutal attacks is occurring in Tokyo. The prime suspect is an elusive teenager on roller skates known as Shonen Batto, or Bat Boy, who mutilates victims with a golden cricket club.

Detectives Keiichi Ikari and Mitsuhiro Maniwa discover a strange link between the victims and their repressed fears. As events unfold, the line between reality and fiction blurs.

The search for Shonen Batto's identity sparks widespread paranoia, and the attacks become increasingly chaotic and inexplicable as the story becomes cloaked in legend.

1. 'Monster', 2004

IMDb Score: 8.7/10

The brilliant neurosurgeon Kenzo Tenma saved the life of a boy named Johan who had nearly died from a gunshot wound to the head. His sister, Anna, witnessed the tragedy but was left with amnesia from the shock.

Years later, the boy survives and becomes a serial killer. Plagued by guilt, Dr. Tenma decides to find his former patient and put an end to his brutal crime spree.

Anna, who has finally remembered the horrific events of her past, also wants to stop him. The two set out independently to find the maniac.