Numerous famous anime and manga series have been built around the mystery/police/detective theme, which has enjoyed ongoing success in both media. But it’s not simple to pick a decent show from all the options. Among those, some notable gems will make you interested in the case as much as the characters in it. Here are the chosen 10 detective anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat and immerse you in its beautiful writing.
Detective Conan
- Episodes: Unknown
- Studios: TMS Entertainment
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Mystery, Detective
Let’s begin the list with a well-known anime that comes to everyone’s mind when the word “detective” is mentioned, Detective Conan. Gosho Aoyama is the author and illustrator of the Japanese detective anime and manga series Case Closed, usually referred to as Detective Conan. Surprisingly, animation has been existing since 1996 and is still being produced.
Gosick
- Episodes: 24
- Studios: Bones
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Romance, Historical
A mystery girl genius and a Japanese exchange student look into crimes in 1920s Europe. In essence, the tale revolves around these two and follows a number of other subplots, each with its own mystery. It is a simple easy to understand take on investigations so anyone can watch it.
Beautiful Bones -Sakurako’s Investigation
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: TROYCA
- Genres: Drama, Mystery, Suspense
Also known as Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru, it is a story of two people, where Sakurako Kujou shows in her own way that bones can tell how one died and help in deciphering the case. On the other hand, Shoutarou Tatewaki makes her realize that there is more to life than just bones and investigation. You still learn about investigation a lot though so its a pretty interesting series.
Death Note
- Episodes: 37
- Studios: Madhouse
- Genres: Supernatural, Suspense, Psychological
The series is focused on Light’s attempts to use the Death Note to carry out a global purge of people he views as immoral and to establish a society free from crime. He is a self-proclaimed vigilante and uses the Alias Kira (God). The other protagonist, detective L is one of the best detectives on the task force who is given the goal of capturing this vigilante who has named himself Kira. If you want to enjoy this anime, please only watch the anime, not the live-action.
Psycho-Pass
- Episodes: 22
- Studios: Production I.G
- Genres: Action, Sci-Fi, Suspense, Adult Cast, Detective, Psychological
A cyberpunk psychological thriller anime called Psycho-Pass is produced in Japan. It centers on police officer Akane Tsunemori, who abides by the Sibyl System’s orders because she believes in justice and humanity. However, she starts to doubt Sibyl and herself when she encounters a criminal mastermind who can evade this ideal system.
ID: Invaded
- Episodes: 13
- Studios: NAZ
- Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Adult Cast, Detective, Psychological
The narrative centers on a detective who is imprisoned for trying to exact revenge on the murderer of his daughter. He starts working with the police on cases using a technique that steals identities. The detective anime follows a unique way of solving mysteries that cannot be solved without knowing the victim’s mind.
Hyouka
- Episodes: 22
- Studios: Kyoto Animation
- Genres: Mystery, Slice of Life, School
As Chitanda’s unquenchable curiosity propels them, Hyouka follows the four Classics Club members which include Hotaro Oreki, Satoshi Fukube, and Mayaka Ibaraas they unravel the unimportant yet fascinating secrets that permeate their daily lives. It’s a lighthearted detective anime primer that’s refreshing and straightforward about school life.
Zankyou no Terror
- Episodes: 11
- Studios: MAPPA
- Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Psychological
In Japan, a criminal group by the name of Sphinx damages a nuclear facility and challenges the authorities to apprehend them before they cause further harm. There isn’t much to say about it as any information can ruin the experience so I would suggest watching it yourself and enjoying the ride.
Bungo Stray Dogs
- Episodes: 12
- Studios: Bones
- Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Adult Cast, Organized Crime, Super Power
Along with Dazai and his companion Doppo Kunikida, Atsushi Nakajima unexpectedly joins forces with them to solve situations that are too risky for the police or the military. Atsushi is forced to join their company, a unique detective agency whose employees possess supernatural talents, taking on bizarre cases that the police cannot handle, along with his numerous mysterious coworkers, while strange events occur.
Yuukoku no Moriarty
- Episodes: 11
- Studios: Production I.G
- Genres: Mystery, Suspense, Adult Cast, Historical, Psychological
The second son of the Moriarty family, William James Moriarty, has a typical noble life. But he harbors a secret yearning to topple the system now ruling British society and the people who profit from it. William, along with his brothers Albert and Louis, will shed any amount of blood necessary to transform the vile world he lives in. If you haven’t guessed it by now, Moriarty is inspired by the villian in Sherlock Holmes and we follow the story from his perspective rather than Watson.
With that, let’s wrap up this list of detective-themed anime. Hopefully, you find an anime up to your liking. For more content, follow our site and check out various anime and manga related content.
