Fans of horror can have a hard time finding a great anime series. The genre often becomes an amalgamation of the genres, dulling the pure terror that many crave. While 2025 certainly has highlights of horror mashed up with comedy, romance, and action, the new year is also looking to impress with both new and returning series. This includes one highly anticipated series that first took the manga fandom by storm with its dark psychological approach to body horror and another season of what, arguably, is the best horror series ever in anime.
These seven series will help keep horror anime fans content throughout 2025. We will let you know when each series will be released and where you can stream it, so you can prepare to jump in your seats all year round. Whether it is yokai, killer cats, or flesh-hungry mermaids, there is something here for everyone.
7
‘Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun’ Season 2
January 12, 2025
Hanako-kun is the “Seventh Wonder” of Kamome Academy, a school affected by a wide range of paranormal events at the whims of the various entities that hide behind the scenes. The series follows Yashiro, a first-year high school student obsessed with the paranormal and finding a boyfriend. This leads to her meeting Hanako-kun, and the two begin a friendship that upsets the balance of the school, making both of them the target of the other wonders. Together, they navigate various challenges and dig deep into many urban legends and folklore inspired by Japanese culture.
Japanese Folklore and Urban Legends Come to Life in Spooky Fashion
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun certainly falls into the lighter fare, with the focus relying much more heavily on drama, comedy, and a bit of romance. Yet, the series has found appeal with the horror fandom, touching on various folklore and urban legends to create its many yurei (ghosts) and yokai (monsters). The series has already proven to be a faithful adaptation of the source material, capturing the wonderfully expressive and lush visual style of the manga, along with its mix of heartwarming tales of friendship and awkward comedy.
You can stream Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun on Crunchy Roll or Hulu.
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6
‘The Summer Hikaru Died’
Summer 2025
The Summer Hikaru Died follows two high school friends, Yoshiki and Hikaru, who live in a small rural town. Yet, this is not a regular friendship, with Hikaru having disappeared only to return to become something otherworldly and deadly. With his love for his friend and the threat of being killed, Yoshiki begins to rebuild the friendship and romantic passions he once held for Hikaru. Can he keep the secret of his friend’s ghastly secret, and can he learn to love the monster in front of him?
The Award-Winning Psychological Horror Manga Makes Its Way to the Screen
Don’t let the inclusion of the “Boys’ Love” (BL) genre deter you from this remarkable gem of storytelling. The original manga has garnered multiple awards and was even considered for an Eisner and a Harvey award in the West. While themes of sexual repression are explored, The Summer Hikaru Died’s approach is steeped in coming-of-age anxiety and bleakness that pushes the psychological horror forward in inventive and exciting ways. If the anime can touch on the same brilliance of the series, The Summer Hikaru Died may be more than just the best horror anime of the season.
The Summer Hikaru Died will be available on Netflix.
5
‘Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube’
Summer 2025
Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube follows a psychic teacher, Meisuke Nueno, aka “Nube,” who has the power of a demonic hand to battle evil spirits and monsters. He uses these abilities to protect his students at his school from supernatural threats inspired by urban legends and folklore. The series adapts the popular manga of the same name by Takeshi Okano and Sho Makura.
The Return of a Fan Favorite
This will be the third anime series following Nube’s battles against supernatural terrors and monsters; the character had two separate adaptations in the 1990s and a series of movies. This means there will be a built-in audience for this most recent adaption (Ryōtarō Okiayu even returns to voice Nube) and for those with a fond spot for the more gritty and sensational approach to anime that dominated the ’90s. The mix of occult, supernatural, and creatures will appeal to horror fans, but the series’ action will likely cast a broader net for the general fandom.
4
‘Nyaight of the Living Cat’
TBD
A virus has spread worldwide through cuddles, turning humans into felines. The last remnants of humanity are taking shelter and trying to escape the hordes of cats roaming the streets. This includes Kunagi, who can’t recall his past but has a deep knowledge of cat behavior and science. Kunagi must navigate the catocalypse while trying to avoid his strong desire to pet any kitten that crosses his path.
The Catocalypse Is Here, and It Is Adorably Scary
Based on the manga of the same name by Hawkman and Mecha-roots, Nyaight of the Living Cat is inspired by George Romero’s masterpiece and cats’ naturally adorable nature. Fans can expect the horrors of a zombie apocalypse straight out of the ’70s and ’80s era of horror but with a comical twist.
The manga series was also praised for its obvious love of cats, with those behind the team wanting to celebrate the adorable felines as much as creating a dark and humorous story around them. It also does not hurt that beloved eccentric Takashi Miike will be directing this absurd horror series.
Nyaight of the Living Cat will be available to stream on Crunchy Roll.
3
‘Tougen Anki’
TBD
Shiki has lived his life with an adoptive father and an uncontrollable anger that has always got him in trouble at school and work. Yet, when power awakens in him that allows him to tap into his inner ‘Oni’ (demon), he finds himself now called to a greater fight. Shiki becomes a key player in the ongoing fight between Oni and the Momotaro clan. In order to survive, he has to team up with other Oni and learn to control his powers before they consume him.
Blood Will Be Spilled
Tougen Anki will appeal more to shōnen action fans, with its focus on action at the forefront of the anime. However, the series should touch on the same amount of violence as seen in the manga, offering plenty of bloodshed through the Oni, who manage their powers through hemomancy (controlling of powers through blood). If horror was measured in the amount of bloodshed, Tougen Anki would be the scariest anime of 2025. The image of the Oni, particularly in its berserk form, also paints a pretty horrific picture which may appease the horror crowd.
2
‘This Monster Wants to Eat Me’
TBD
High school student Hinako Yaotose, is grappling with depression and survivor’s guilt after the recent passing of her parents. Living alone in a seaside town, Hinako struggles to make social connections and is struggling with suicidal ideation. This changes when a mermaid, Shiori, emerges from the sea, with the desire to eat Hinako whose rare blood makes her a desired treat by various monsters. Shiori chooses to save her treat until it becomes ‘ripe,’ and becomes an unexpected protector, while Hinako slowly begins to evolve feelings for her to-be killer.
Playing With Your Meal
Much like The Summer Hikaru Died is to BL, This Monster Wants to Eat Me is a dark psychological horror with themes of yuri (lesbian) romance. Also, like the previously mentioned series, the complexity of the situation, living with a creature that wants to eat you, gives a dark and disturbing edge to the romantic elements that horror fans will eat up. The manga the anime is based on may not be as big as The Summer Hikaru Died, but this could easily be a sleeper hit in 2025 with interest in horror/romance underscored by exploring coming-of-age and identity.
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1
‘Theatre of Darkness’ Season 14
TBD
Entering its 14th season, Theater of Darkness is a series of short horror stories, 4 to 5 minutes, with 13 episodes per season. While this may not seem like a lot of content, the series has not created over 140 tales of terror with a mix of urban legends and original stories. The animation style has seen some variance throughout the seasons, and if you ask a fan, they will have their favorites, but the show remains consistently frightening, even in small doses.
Short and Sweet Tales of Terror
Not much is known about the fourteenth season yet, but the series has become a staple of the horror fandom (it is perfect to throw on a few episodes before a movie night with friends.) Of all the 2025 anime releases, Theatre of Darkness presents the rarest and most terrifying viewing experience for horror fans. If you don’t believe it, binge the early seasons, and you will see what we mean.
You can stream Theatre of Darkness on Crunchyroll.
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