In the realm of anime, the genre of detective fiction holds a special place, offering audiences thrilling narratives, complex puzzles, and intriguing characters. From cunning sleuths to enigmatic mysteries, detective anime captivates viewers with its suspenseful storytelling and intricate plotlines. In this exploration, we delve into the top 10 detective anime series that have enthralled audiences with their masterful blend of mystery, suspense, and adventure.
10
Psychic Detective Yakumo
| Title | Psychic Detective Yakumo |
| Author | Manabu Kaminaga |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Theme | Adult Cast |
| Aired | 2010 |
| Studio | Bee Train |
| Source | Novel |
| MAL Rating | 7.3/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 6.6/10 |
‘Psychic Detective Yakumo’ is a captivating anime series that blends elements of mystery, supernatural, and psychological thriller. Based on the light novel series by Manabu Kaminaga, this anime follows the enigmatic protagonist Yakumo Saito, a college student with a unique ability to see and communicate with spirits. His striking heterochromatic eyes, one red and one blue, hint at the depth of his supernatural gift.
Set in a contemporary Japanese setting, the series revolves around Yakumo’s encounters with various paranormal phenomena and his involvement in solving perplexing mysteries. Despite his aloof and stoic demeanor, Yakumo possesses a keen intellect and sharp observational skills, which he employs to unravel the truth behind seemingly inexplicable cases. Accompanying him is Haruka Ozawa, a spirited and determined fellow student who seeks Yakumo’s help in solving the mysteries surrounding her deceased friend. Each episode presents a standalone case that requires Yakumo’s unique abilities to resolve, ranging from haunted locations to unresolved murders.
09
Black Butler
| Title | Black Butler |
| Author | Yana Toboso |
| Episodes | 36 |
| Theme | Historical, Mythology |
| Aired | 2008 – 2010 |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
| Source | Manga |
| MAL Rating | 7.7/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.7/10 |
‘Black Butler’ created by Yana Toboso, follows the story of Ciel Phantomhive, a young aristocrat in Victorian-era England, who strikes a Faustian contract with a demon named Sebastian Michaelis in exchange for revenge against those who wronged him.
The core premise revolves around Ciel’s dual identity as the head of the Phantomhive noble family and the Queen’s “Guard Dog,” tasked with solving various mysteries and crimes that plague London’s underworld. Sebastian, posing as Ciel’s ever-faithful butler, aids him in these investigations with his superhuman abilities and unwavering loyalty. What sets ‘Black Butler’ apart is its blend of intricate plotlines, rich character development, and a distinct Gothic aesthetic.
Beyond its episodic mysteries, ‘Black Butler’ delves into the supernatural realm, exploring the intricacies of demon contracts and the consequences of dabbling in forbidden magic. This supernatural element adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, keeping viewers engaged as they uncover the mysteries shrouding Ciel’s past and Sebastian’s true intentions.
08
Detective Conan
| Title | Case Closed |
| Author | Gosho Aoyama |
| Episodes | 1114+ |
| Theme | Detective |
| Aired | 1996 – Present |
| Studio | TMS Entertainment |
| Source | Manga |
| MAL Rating | 8.2/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 8.5/10 |
“Case Closed” known as “Detective Conan” in Japan, is an iconic detective anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut in 1996. Created by Gosho Aoyama, the series follows the story of Shinichi Kudo, a brilliant high school detective who is transformed into a child after being poisoned by a mysterious organization. Under the alias Conan Edogawa, Shinichi continues to solve cases while searching for a cure to return to his original form.
Each episode features a new case for Conan and his friends in the Junior Detective League to unravel, often drawing inspiration from real-life cases and forensic science techniques. This level of authenticity not only adds to the show’s credibility but also provides educational value to viewers interested in crime-solving and investigation. Apart from this, the series is also renowned for clever deductions, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
07
Un-Go
| Title | Un-Go |
| Author | Ango Sakaguchi |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Theme | Adult Cast, Detective |
| Aired | 2011 |
| Studio | Bones |
| Source | Novel |
| MAL Rating | 7.3/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 6.5/10 |
‘UN-GO’ anime is set in a dystopian future where Japan is recovering from a devastating war, the series follows the enigmatic detective Shinjuurou Yuuki and his mysterious assistant, Inga, as they unravel a series of perplexing cases in a world rife with political corruption and social unrest.
Shinjuurou Yuuki, known as the “Defeated Detective,” possesses a keen intellect and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth behind every enigma he encounters. Despite his cynical demeanor, he harbors a deep sense of justice, driven by his desire to expose the lies and deceit that plague society. In contrast, Inga, a supernatural entity capable of extracting the truth from any individual by consuming their soul, serves as both a partner and a moral enigma to Shinjuurou, challenging his convictions and pushing the boundaries of morality.
06
Tantei Gakuen Q
| Title | Detective School Q |
| Author | Seimaru Amagi |
| Episodes | 45 |
| Theme | Detective |
| Aired | 2003 – 2004 |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Source | Manga |
| MAL Rating | 7.7/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7/10 |
‘Tantei Gakuen Q’ also known as “Detective School Q,” is a captivating anime series that follows the journey of Kyu, a young and brilliant amateur detective who enrolls in the prestigious Dan Detective School to hone his skills. Created by writer Seimaru Amagi and illustrator Fumiya Sato, the anime is set in a world where gifted individuals with sharp deductive abilities exist. Alongside Kyu, there’s Ryu, a martial arts expert; Megu, a skilled hacker; Kazuma, a master of disguise; and Kinta, a photography enthusiast. Together, they form the Q Class, a special class dedicated to solving mysteries and tackling challenging cases.
What sets ‘Tantei Gakuen Q’ apart is its focus on the process of deduction and problem-solving. Viewers are taken on a thrilling ride as the characters meticulously gather clues, analyze evidence, and piece together the truth behind each mystery. The anime cleverly incorporates elements of logic, forensic science, and psychology, making it both entertaining and educational.
05
The Millionaire Detective
| Title | The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited |
| Author | Yasutaka Tsutsui |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Theme | Adult Cast, Detective |
| Aired | 2020 |
| Studio | CloverWorks |
| Source | Novel |
| MAL Rating | 7.5/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.2/10 |
Set in a modern metropolis, ‘Millionaire Detective’ follows the exploits of the enigmatic millionaire heir, Kanbe Daisuke, and his reluctant partner, detective Haru Katou, as they tackle high-profile criminal cases that baffle even the most seasoned law enforcement officials. Kanbe, with his vast wealth and unorthodox methods, often clashes with the traditional, by-the-book approach of Katou. Their partnership is characterized by a constant tension between Kanbe’s extravagant lifestyle and Katou’s sense of duty and justice.
04
Gosick
| Title | Gosick |
| Author | Kazuki Sakuraba |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Theme | Historical |
| Aired | 2011 |
| Studio | Bones |
| Source | Light Novel |
| MAL Rating | 8/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.3/10 |
Gosick is a captivating detective anime set against the backdrop of the 1920s, featuring the brilliant Victorique de Blois, a prodigious girl with an unparalleled talent for solving mysteries. Her life takes an intriguing turn when she meets Kazuya Kujo, a young boy who has traveled from Japan to attend St. Marguerite Academy.
Throughout the series, Victorique and Kazuya embark on a series of thrilling adventures, solving complex mysteries while a tender romance begins to blossom between them. From unraveling a murder mystery on a boat to investigating a string of serial killings, Gosick offers a wealth of suspense and intrigue for fans of detective anime.
03
Terror in Resonance
| Title | Terror in Resonance |
| Author | Shinichirō Watanabe |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Theme | Detective, Psychological |
| Aired | 2014 |
| Studio | MAPPA |
| Source | Original |
| MAL Rating | 8.1/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
‘Terror in Resonance’ is an original anime directed by Shinichirō Watanabe and produced by studio MAPPA. The series first aired in 2014, leaving a lasting impact on viewers with its blend of mystery, suspense, and social commentary. Set in a near-future Tokyo, ‘Terror in Resonance’ follows the enigmatic terrorist duo known only as Nine and Twelve as they carry out a series of meticulously planned attacks on the city.
With each bombing, they leave behind cryptic clues and riddles, challenging the authorities and garnering widespread attention from the media and the public. Enter Detective Kenjirou Shibazaki, a seasoned investigator disillusioned with the corrupt bureaucracy of the police force. Drawn into the cat-and-mouse game between the terrorists and law enforcement, Shibazaki becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Nine and Twelve’s motives and prevent further bloodshed.
02
Erased
| Title | Erased |
| Author | Kei Sanbe |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Theme | Psychological, Time Travel |
| Aired | 2016 |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
| Source | Manga |
| MAL Rating | 8.3/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
Adapted from the manga written by Kei Sanbe, ‘Erased’ follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a struggling manga artist with a peculiar ability called “Revival,” which sends him back in time moments before a life-threatening incident occurs.
The anime begins with a shocking event: Satoru’s mother is murdered, and he is wrongfully accused of the crime. In a desperate attempt to clear his name and prevent the tragedy from occurring, Satoru is unexpectedly thrown back in time to his childhood in 1988, just before a series of kidnappings and murders haunted his hometown. Armed with his adult consciousness trapped within his child body, Satoru embarks on a race against time to unravel the mystery and save his friends from a sinister fate.
01
Bungou Stray Dogs
| Title | Bungo Stray Dogs |
| Author | Kafka Asagiri |
| Episodes | 61 |
| Theme | Adult Cast, Detective, Organized Crime, Super Power |
| Aired | 2016 – Present |
| Studio | Bones |
| Source | Manga |
| MAL Rating | 7.8/10 |
| IMDB Rating | 7.8/10 |
The story begins with Atsushi discovering his latent ability to transform into a powerful white tiger. After being saved by the enigmatic and eccentric detective Osamu Dazai, Atsushi joins the agency, which is filled with gifted individuals. Bungou Stray Dogs skillfully balances intense action scenes with intriguing mysteries, all while exploring the characters’ backstories and personal growth.