Anime detective shows have a certain appeal. In particular, classic ones that are only focused on solving mysteries and, ideally, proving the authorities incorrect about underestimating the main character who solved said mysteries A good mystery is worth the time and emotions that fans devote to it, even if viewing detective anime after detective anime can be extremely taxing.
This list includes a rundown of the top 5 detective series that anime lovers absolutely must miss (in no particular order). They span several genres and originate from several eras (the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s) (horror, supernatural, psychological, and comedy). Basically, there is a programme out there for everyone, and the greatest thing is that they have all already aired, allowing you to binge-watch all the episodes at once.
One of anime’s most enigmatic genres, mystery is also one of the most adored by viewers. There are several anime that incorporate mystery as the primary or subgenre, ranging from detectives who apprehend frightening ghosts to a group of high school students in a club to apprehend supernaturals.
Some anime viewers still have a soft place for shows that involve detectives trying to solve a crime, even if mystery shows aren’t always well-liked or taken as seriously as other anime. The top 15 anime series with endearing detectives are listed below.
1. Detective Conan/Case Closed
Any list of detective anime must contain Detective Conan. Shinichi Kudo is a bright young man who has transformed into a 7-year-old child after consuming an unknown poison. He keeps his identity a secret out of fear for his safety and uses his sharp mind to discover the mysteries of his little community. Of course, the police ignore him since he is a “child.” He must assume a more responsible character, so he goes as Conan Edogawa and helps everyone around him (influenced by Arthur Conan Doyle and Ranpo Edogawa).
An exceedingly well-liked detective anime called Case Closed debuted on January 8, 1996. Detective Conan is the name of the anime’s Japanese adaptation. There have been 993 episodes total in the anime, which has been running for 29 seasons. The story centres on the investigations of our lead character, a detective who discovers a child’s body. High school student Shinichi Kudo collaborates with the police on investigations. The anime’s premiere episode depicts Shinichi’s transition into a high school student. Shinji’s nickname in the English version is Jimmie.
A hugely successful franchise is Case Closed. The original manga series served as the inspiration for the anime. The franchise contains 23 full-length movies as well as two manga spinoffs. Also included are two OVAs (original video animations) and a TV special. Gosho Aoyama, the creator of the whole franchise, has said that he does not currently have any intentions to stop it.
2. Monster
Seventy-four episodes of the seinen anime Monster were broadcast between April 7, 2004, and September 28, 2005. Also published in 2010 were two more episodes. Despite being fairly dated, Monster is nevertheless regarded as a masterpiece among anime detective programs.
The show centers on Dr. Kenzou Tenma, a prominent neurosurgeon, and the enigmatic situations he encounters. The anime’s amazing capacity for picking viewers’ attention is one of the key factors contributing to its success. An anxious segment concerning a little boy’s risky procedure introduces the anime. As a result of his hospital’s unethical procedures, the protagonist is seen grappling with moral questions. Dr. Tenma finds it repugnant that patients are treated with political prejudice.
He makes the decision to follow a moral course after witnessing a widow furious because her deceased spouse wasn’t given prompt medical attention. Dr. Tenma chooses to operate on a little kid who was shot rather than the mayor as the show comes to a close. Following this exciting first episode, the plot only intensifies as Dr. Tenma’s enemies begin to perish progressively. Dr. Tenma is innocent despite police suspicions.
After nine years, the murders only become worse. We learn the horrible reality of the killings as the narrative progress. The protagonist is also shown coming face to face with his previous demons. The narrative of Monster is incredibly complex and full of turns. It makes sense why it ranks one among the finest anime detective series. All fans of anime series and those who enjoy a good mystery should definitely watch it. You’ll have plenty of time on your hands if you watch these anime series.
3. Death Note
Fans of anime can’t possibly be unaware of this masterpiece’s existence. And while the psychological mind tricks used in this anime receive a lot of attention, the actual investigative work carried out by Light and his companions is sometimes disregarded. Detective L’s only tools for capturing his arch-enemy are his extraordinary mind and the resources of the Japanese police department, whereas Kira has the strength of his Death Note at his side.
One of the most well-known and classic detective animes is Death Note. The anime series is so well-known that even people who are new to anime are familiar with it. The shounen anime series, which had 37 episodes, ran from October 4, 2006, until June 27, 2007. Death Note’s outstanding popularity and positive reviews on MyAnimeList and IMDb say volumes about it.
The anime has a great plot that is created with just the proper amount of tension. Each episode keeps viewers waiting impatiently for the next instalment. Our main character, Light Yagami, discovers the mysterious notebook known as the “Death Note” at the start of the series. The owner of the notebook has the ability to murder anyone so long as they can be identified by name and face. Under the guise of Kira, Light may be seen using this power throughout the series to banish evil from the planet.
Due to his vigilante-like behaviour, the elite team of law enforcement officials on the prowl for him gets into difficulty. The show is a collection of breath-taking turns and surprises that astound spectators.
4. Psycho-Pass
22 episodes of the detective anime Psycho-Pass were broadcast between October 12, 2012, and March 22, 2013. It takes place in a futuristic Japan that runs on the “Sybil System.” The way the Sybil System works appears to be enigmatic. It can reveal what’s going through your head in public and reveal if you have bad intentions or not.
Every Japanese person has their brain examined to ascertain their propensity for crime. This is known as their Psycho-Pass, and by keeping an eye on these criminal minds, the law is preserved. However, Shogo Makishima, a criminal, is what causes the true issue. His criminally sick psyche makes it so he keeps eluding capture by the law. Through Akane Tsunemori’s eyes, viewers see the Psycho-Pass narrative. Tsunemori is a new Inspector who is driven to uphold the law.
5. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
A seinen detective anime called Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex ran from October 1, 2002, to October 1, 2003. 52 episodes make up the anime’s two seasons, with the second season being dubbed “Ghost In The Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG.” In the year 2030, when humans may live as cyborgs, the anime takes place. In the classic detective anime Ghost In The Shell, Public Security Section 9—a team of former law enforcement and military personnel—investigates crimes.
Given that the anime explores the worlds of political intrigues and terrorism, the narrative is quite adult. The media series known as Ghost In The Shell has gained a lot of following. The two seasons of the anime are based on the manga series that started it all. The series consists of two movies and one OVA. Based on the plot, an American live-action movie was also made. Scarlett Johansson plays the main character in the live-action movie.