Numerous famous anime and manga series have been built around the mystery/police/detective theme; detective anime has enjoyed ongoing success in both media. There are so many anime fans around the world. But picking a decent show from all the options is not simple. There are so many anime series, but there are some best detective animated series ever.
I’ll go over 20 of the best detective anime series with you, and you’ll be surprised by some of the unanticipated masterpieces that made this list. So come along with me as we examine these programs and discover more about what makes a fantastic detective anime.
Here, I am sharing the best detective anime series. The great detective anime and good detective stories include suspense and thriller,; these are the best anime of all time.
20. Ghost Hunt
- Creator: Luci Christian
- Cast: Colleen Clinkenbeard, Todd Haberkorn
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Streaming Platform: Funimation
It is one of the best detective anime and anime of all time. The writer of the anime is Fuyumi Uno.
The star cast includes Cherami Leigh as Mai Taniyama, Eric Vale, J. Micheal Tatum (Lin Kojo), and many other famous and great personalities. The IMDb rated it as 7.5 out of 10. Currently, great Anime is streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc.
The series centers on a specialized team of spiritualists and other professionals investigating the weird occurrences. It is a detective show investigating the occult and other incomprehensible phenomena throughout Japan.
The show has been praised for its uniquely Japanese take on the ghost hunting and paranormal adventure genre, introducing many aspects of Japanese mythology and folk tales.
19. The Beginning 5
- Director: Kazuto Nakazawa
- Writer: Jalen K. Cassell
- Cast: Hiroaki Hirata, Hiroki Touchi
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The detective anime is Directed by Kazuto Nakazawa (Chief) Yoshinobu Yamakawa, Produced by Rui Kuroki, Written by Katsuya Ishida, and Music by Yoshihiro Ike. The cast includes Hiroaki Hirata, Hiroki Touchi, Asami Seto, and many more.
The IMDb rating is 7.1 out of 10, and Rotten Tomatoes provided a 50% Tomatometer (Critic rating 6) and 77% audience score (76 user rating). The anime is streaming on Netflix.
In the future, more sophisticated criminals like vigilante serial killer Killer B have emerged.
Koku, who has the power to create wings or blades out of his body at will, joins Keith Kazama Flick in the investigation of this heinous crime.
Flick can solve even the most complex crimes thanks to his savant-like powers. Still, he must contend not only with the criminals but also with mysterious groups that appear to be watching the police station and obstructing them from within.
18. Psycho-Pass
- Director: Naoyoshi Shiotani
- Writer: Gen Urobuchi
- Cast: Kana Hanazawa, Miyuki Sawashiro
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The series was directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani, written by Gen Urobuchi, and features character designs by Reborn manga artist Akira Amano.
It stars Tomokazu Seki as Shinya Kogami, Kana Hanazawa as Akane Tsunemori, and Shogo Makishima. The IMDb rating is 8.2/10. The rotten tomatoes’ average score is 74%. You can watch it on Netflix.
In this detective anime, The Sibyl System, which employs various biomechatronic techniques to continuously measure the biometrics of Japanese residents’ brains and mentalities, is primarily used to administer criminal justice in Japan.
This evaluation, known as a Psycho-Pass, then exposes the person to police targeting because they tend to commit a crime or are suspected of doing so.
The series does an excellent job of exploring these societal and psychological issues, particularly those related to dissent and thoughtcrime, in a manner reminiscent of the Minority Report. This is also the best detective anime.
17. Heaven’s Memo Pad
- Director: Katsushi Sakurabi
- Writer: Hikaru Sugii
- Cast: Brittney Karbowski, David Matranga
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
In this Detective anime, the main characters are Alice Narumi Fujishima, a reclusive high school student who joins NEET, a detective organization run by the enigmatic genius Alice.
The crew is led by Alice, who provides most of the information required to solve cases thanks to her exceptional computer skills. She has not revealed her true identity, but it is assumed that she is a young girl who has fled her home and doesn’t go to school.
The series’ modest yet varied score is a highlight, and it is notable for addressing societal themes specific to Japan, like bullying and hikikomori. The IMDb rated it 6.6/10.
16. Detective School Q
- Director: Noriyuki Abe
- Writer: Makoto Hayashi
- Cast: Hideo Ishikawa, Tomoko Kawakami
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Streaming Platform: Gogoanime
In the anime Detective School Q, A well-known famous detective and a genius detective from Japan named Morihiko Dan helped him with his cases. They started a detective school (Dan Detective School) to educate other detectives and solve mysteries.
Kyu Renjo and his classmates attempt to unravel these nearly unsolvable murder mystery perfect crimes while facing out against the powerful organization Pluto. Kyu attended the prestigious dan detective school.
To succeed Morihiko Dan, all students are vying for the position. They are all working to solve mysteries and the trickiest cases. Even though the series closely follows the manga, its direction is a little mediocre, but it is still a lot of fun to watch. The IMDb of the anime is 8.1/10.
15. Black Butler
- Director: Ian Sinclair
- Writer: John Burgmeier
- Cast: J. Michael Tatum, Michael C. Pizzuto
- IMDb Rating: 7
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Sebastian Michaelis, a demon, assists Ciel Phantomhive in solving crimes in the Victorian-era underworld of London. Black Butler is a 2014 Japanese period-style action fantasy film directed by Kentarō Ōtani and Keiichi Satō. The film is based on the manga of the same name by Yana Toboso.
This assistance has a cost because the demon will consume Phantomhive’s soul after he exacts revenge on his parent’s murderers.
After this agreement, Phantomhive is sent back to look into crimes that threaten England or are significant to the Queen.
Despite some somewhat grim themes, the series has been a massive hit in Japan and worldwide thanks to its original plot and Michaelis, a mysterious yet seductive woman. The IMDb is 7.7/10—the rotten tomatoes rated 60% in the audience score.
14. Ryoko’s Case File
- Director: Tarō Iwasaki
- Writer: Hiroyuki Kawasaki
- Cast: Hitomi Nabatame, Hidenobu Kiuchi
- IMDb Rating: 7
- Streaming Platform: Gogoanime
Ryoko’s Case File cast includes Kenji Nojima, Houko Kuwashima, and Misato Fukuen.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department is home to top police officer Ryoko Yakushiji. Tasked with looking into strange incidents or events that seem to defy explanations using conventional police methods, occasionally collaborating with private security companies.
Because of her family’s connection to these private companies, she has inside information on high-ranking authorities, which allows her to get away with using her unique tactics.
Ryoko’s Case File, a mystery-science fiction hybrid that also incorporates elements of Japanese mythology, has a tenacious and unyielding protagonist. The IMDb is 7/10.
13. Terror In Resonance
- Director: Shin’ichirô Watanabe
- Writer: Kenta Ihara
- Cast: Kaito Ishikawa, Sôma Saitô, Atsumi Tanezaki
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
This television show, set in an alternate reality remarkably similar to ours, centers on two young people who steal an experimental atomic bomb and go by the names Nine and Twelve.
Despite claiming to be using it for terrorist activities, it turns out that they are using it to expose Rising Peace Academy, a group that turns orphaned children into weapons.
They go by the name Sphinx and threaten to destroy Tokyo if their demands are unmet. They run into a fellow student and include her in their schemes. The IMDb rating is 7.1/10.
12. Gosick
- Director: Hitoshi Nanba
- Writer: Mari Okada
- Cast: Aoi Yûki, Takuya Eguchi
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Gosick, a stylized gothic, centers on a brilliant girl and her detective brother and is set in a hypothetical European nation in the early 1900s. He uses her insightful reasoning to unravel mysteries that at first appear insurmountable.
The intelligent Victorique de Blois connects with Kazuya Kujo, a Japanese exchange student who falls short of her abilities.
The melancholy European landscape is characterized by a mysterious and wealthy atmosphere, emphasizing dark and ominous hues. Gosick delivers on the desire of most detective-themed anime viewers for a complex plot.
11. Hyouka (detective series)
- Director: Yasuhiro Takemoto
- Writer: Miyuki Egami
- Cast: Yûichi Nakamura, Satomi Sato
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Hotaru Oreki demonstrates his aptitude for logical reasoning and clear thinking when invited to join the Kamiyama High School’s Classic Literature Club because there aren’t enough members, and the school has mysteries surrounding it.
This slice-of-life series with vital detective aspects eventually assigns him the responsibility of solving the mysteries around the school (mystery surrounding).
As additional literature club members contribute their knowledge and skills, challenging puzzles can be solved through teamwork while providing several exposition opportunities.
10. Death Note
- Director: Tetsurô Araki
- Writer: Gracie P. Aylward
- Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Brad Swaile
- IMDb Rating: 9
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Having a detective anime list without Death Note is impossible, much like trying to race without an engine. Light Yagami, a clever high school student who discovers a mysterious book that turns out to be an object that offers the power to kill someone by writing their name in it, has an unusual name by Japanese norms that profoundly influences the plot.
Yagami, who purports to kill people for moral reasons, attracts the attention of the police, especially L, a brilliant detective with a sweet tooth.
The two cooperate as they attempt to out each other, further exacerbating Yagami’s issues. The death note anime series is also very famous.
9. Paranoia Agent
- Director: Satoshi Kon
- Writer: Satoshi Kon
- Cast: Shôzô Îzuka, Seishi Minakami
- IMDb Rating: 8
- Streaming Platform: Funimation
The police are focusing their efforts on apprehending Lil’ Slugger since he is terrorizing Tokyo, even though the show includes a sizable cast of characters who are either directly or indirectly impacted by Lil’ Slugger’s acts.
Lil’ Slugger’s mystery suggests something sinister is going on, and reviewers of the series frequently note how the story is scary and unique but not for viewers who prefer a straightforward show.
8 The Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok
- Director: Hiroshi Watanabe
- Writer: Boaz Dror
- Cast: Kira Vincent-Davis, Illich Guardiola
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime
Loki’s sole option after being exiled to Earth by Odin is to assume the shape of a little boy and fight against evil to return to the realm of the gods. Yamino Ryusuke and Mayura Daidouji assist them as they look into occult-related questions with the aid of Loki’s ability to predict the future.
Loki assumes that this is the most excellent approach to deal with evil, allowing him to defeat it in exchange for the auras required for Odin to reaccept him.
There are several appearances by other Norse gods, but the series is praised for its heartfelt moments and thrilling fight sequences.
7. Bungo Stray Dogs
- Director: Takuya Igarashi
- Writer: Kafka Asagiri
- Cast: Kaiji Tang, Mamoru Miyano
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The Armed Detective Agency, with its focus on Yokohama, is tasked with protecting the city, and its star is the weretiger, Atsushi Nakajima.
All of the other team members have supernatural abilities, providing a variety of unusual approaches to solving the crimes. Due to the presence of a book that, when used in conjunction with his powers, can change reality, Nakajima is a target.
The squad faces several challenges from a multi-faceted foe while heavily fusing detective aspects with an action and adventure theme.
6. Un-Go
- Director: Seiji Mizushima
- Writer: Shô Aikawa
- Cast: Emily Neves, Adam Gibbs
- IMDb Rating: 7.4
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
After several terrorist incidents, Japan amends Article 9 of its constitution and builds an army to defend itself. To aid in preventing new attacks, additional regulations are approved, granting tech business boss Rinroku Kaichou access to practically all data in Japan. He collaborates with Shinjujo Yuki and his paranormal partner Inga to solve these crimes.
Inga needs souls to survive, and as part of a pact with Yuki, she agrees not to kill any people as long as Yuki gives her the souls she requires. Inga possesses the beneficial ability to ask just one person and always receive the truth.
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5. The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited
- Director: Tomohiko Itô
- Writer: Jeramey Kraatz
- Cast: Mamoru Miyano, Yûsuke Ohnuki
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Daisuke Kambe offers a unique perspective on the detective genre. He hails from a very affluent family and is a detective who is not beyond accepting the odd bribe if it helps him complete the case and detective agency.
He teams up with Haru Kato, who has a profound distaste for Kambe’s tactics. The advent of numerous devices and crime-fighting computers gives the series a vital sci-fi component. It is also not afraid to include action scenes that will make your heart race.
But this isn’t some cheesy, one-dimensional production. Every episode is shrouded in mystery and has a tonne of unexpected turns. Unquestionably worth watching if you’re searching for a novel approach to the genre.
4. Psychic Detective Yakumo
- Director: Tomoyuki Kurokawa
- Writer: Manabu Kaminaga
- Cast: Ayumi Fujimura, Daisuke Ono
- IMDb Rating: 66
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Yakumo Saitou, the main character, has unique abilities that allow him to see and speak with ghosts. Here, the main character is playing the role of a Psychic detective.
Haruka Ozawa typically steers clear of this eye, but she is thrilled now that she knows he can aid spirits. She feels terrible that she might have caused her twin’s death. To save lost souls, they uncover puzzles as Saitou accepts Ozawa’s request for assistance.
The show, like the Ghost Hunt described above, emphasizes interpersonal connections and the difficulties they encounter, especially as Saitou’s past comes to light.
3. Detective Conan
- Director: Yasuichirô Yamamoto
- Writer: Gosho Aoyama
- Cast: Minami Takayama, Wakana Yamazaki
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Shinichi Kudo is followed as he helps police with their cases in Detective Conan, commonly known as Case Closed, one of the most popular television shows ever.
The criminal organization known as the Black Organization attempts to murder him to get him out of the way. Still, they employ a risky experimental medicine that transforms him into a child instead.
He adopts the alias Conan Edogawa and keeps helping the police by residing with a friend whose father is a detective.
When the detective needs to learn who committed the crime and how they did it, Edogawa changes his voice and sedates him. Shinichi Kudo conceals his true identity from everyone and with his childhood friend Ran Mouri.
Despite the numerous spinoffs, Detective Conan is still one of the most-watched series ever.
2. Himitsu — Top Secret
- Director: Hiroshi Aoyama
- Writer: Yûji Kobayashi
- Cast: Daisuke Namikawa, Tomokazu Seki, Ai Nonaka
- IMDb Rating: 6.6
- Streaming Platform: Gogoanime
This future mystery series follows the detectives of the 9th Forensics Laboratory of the National Research Institute of Police Science, as they use a brain-scanning device that can examine people’s memories.
Even though it invades privacy, the technology has a remarkable capacity to solve crimes because it can read the memories of the deceased.
The primary character is the NRI’s director and Ikkou Aoki’s employer, Tsuyoshi Maki. Both of these characters share traits with most NRI members, including the ability to read lips and possibly even have supernatural powers.
Although this show is rather violent, the emotional, ethical, and moral concerns it raises are fascinating and compelling. The IMDb rated it as 6.6/10.
1. Erased
- Director: Tomohiko Itô
- Writer: Taku Kishimoto
- Cast: Ben Diskin, Tao Tsuchiya
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Living in Chiba, close to Tokyo, is Satoru Fujinuma, who possesses the unique talent known as rebirth. When a life is in jeopardy, this is set off, bringing the person back to the moment of their death.
When his mother is killed, the power takes him back 18 years in time, allowing him to solve other crimes.
The show has received appreciation for addressing sorrow, bewilderment, self-loathing, and feelings of helplessness that can develop following a death.
The time travel component has a lot of nonlinearity, which adds to the suspense because you never know where the story is heading. The IMDb rating is 8.5/. It is streaming on Netflix and Hulu.
