18 Anime Exploring Ghosts and the Supernatural

Gone are the days when the word ‘ghost’ sent shivers down your spine! The fascinating realm of ghost anime gives you a chill, yes, but with an unexpected twist – that of enthralling storytelling.

Fusing spine-tingling elements of the supernatural with enthralling narratives, these anime ghost stories promise a roller coaster ride into the unseen world.

A fan favorite in anime with ghosts is ‘Ghost Hunt.’ Weaving an array of supernatural investigations led by a teenage girl and a ghost-hunting prodigy, it paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of paranormal anime.

It’s the perfect blend of fright and fun, where spectral spooks and unexpected plot twists keep you on edge!

A jewel in the crown of spirit anime, Mushishi delves into the interaction between humans and Mushi – ghost-like creatures inhabiting our world.

While invisible to many, they influence the lives around them in mysterious ways. This anime is about comprehending the unseen, bringing to life the obscure side of the paranormal world.

Another stellar anime ghost story that blends human emotion with supernatural elements is Natsume’s Book of Friends.

This captivating series portrays the tale of a young boy who, inheriting his grandmother’s ability to see spirits, embarks on a journey to free them. The interplay between human and spiritual realms beautifully unfolds in this heartwarming series.

Ghost Hound is a gripping ghost anime that takes a psychological spin on the genre. Following three boys investigating paranormal occurrences, the narrative dips into themes of trauma, transcendence, and the spiritual world.

As a viewer, you are simultaneously enthralled and spooked by the mystical occurrences unraveling before you.

In Mononoke, the tale is spun around a mysterious medicine seller, known as Mononoke, who exorcises spirits.

Each episode of this anime with ghosts unravels a new ghost story, displaying a unique blend of horror and mystery. The vibrant art style juxtaposed with chilling narratives makes this ghost anime an unforgettable watch.

Don’t let the lighthearted exterior of “Ghost Sweeper Mikami” fool you. It’s a classic ghost anime that delivers everything from comedy to supernatural spectacles. The story revolves around Reiko Mikami, an exorcist who turns ghost-busting into a profitable business, adding humor to the eerie world of spirits.

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a paranormal anime that beautifully weaves a tale of love and mystery. A high-school ghost, Yuko, having no memory of her past, starts to discover her history with the help of Teiichi, a student who can see her. This story of unraveling secrets and blooming romance stands out in anime ghost stories.

Hell Girl presents a dark, supernatural narrative revolving around a website that can only be accessed at midnight. The website gives a chance to send tormentors straight to Hell, adding a grim flavor to the world of ghost anime.

It’s a chilling exploration of revenge and consequences that unfolds in each episode.

Bleach is a popular series in the world of ghost anime. A teenager gifted with the ability to see ghosts becomes a Soul Reaper, charged with protecting the living world from dark spirits known as Hollows. Its well-developed characters and intertwining friendship, action, and supernatural narratives make it a captivating watch.

Diving deeper into the world of ghost anime, Another paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of mystery and the supernatural. Following a curse that befalls a class causing unexplained deaths, the narrative uncovers the dark underbelly of ghost stories. It’s a classic anime with ghosts where the suspense doesn’t end until the final episode.

Mob Psycho 100 spins an exciting narrative of a schoolboy with overpowering psychic abilities. His quests to exorcise evil spirits make for a compelling paranormal anime, offering a unique blend of action and comedy.

This is an anime with ghosts that manages to maintain a lighthearted vibe while delivering exhilarating supernatural showdowns.

Last on our list but by no means the least, Requiem from the Darkness is a ghost anime that takes you back to Japan’s Edo period. With stories inspired by traditional Japanese ghost stories and folklore, it offers a unique, dark, and eerie journey into the supernatural world. It’s not for the faint of heart, but a must-watch for any horror and paranormal anime fan.

Tokyo Ghoul twists the concept of anime with ghosts and ghouls into an intriguing narrative. This series takes you through a world where ghouls lurk among humans, feeding off their flesh to survive.

A tale of survival, acceptance, and blurred lines between humans and ghouls, this paranormal anime is sure to leave you spellbound.

Death Note, a highly acclaimed spirit anime, revolves around a high school student discovering a supernatural notebook. This leads him down a thrilling path of morality and vigilantism, bringing a chilling exploration of power and consequences.

It’s a unique ghost anime that delivers a dramatic ride through the occult and the mortal world.

Zombie Land Saga puts an entertaining spin on the concept of ghost anime. It follows the story of a girl who wakes up as a zombie and is made a part of an idol group with other zombie girls. This anime deftly weaves comedy, music, and supernatural elements to create an unforgettable experience.

Soul Eater takes you on a thrilling journey of students who are either ‘weapons’ or their ‘meisters’ in a school run by Death himself. Their goal? To create the ultimate weapon by hunting down 99 evil humans and one witch. This anime with ghosts blends humor, action, and spooky elements in a captivating concoction.

Living up to its haunting title, Corpse Party: Tortured Souls ensnares a group of students in a vengeful ghost-ridden alternate dimension, following a seemingly benign friendship charm. This grisly series amplifies gore to unparalleled heights, exploiting the merits of animation to fabricate scenes potent enough to torment dreams for a lifetime.

Offering a genuinely horrific experience through graphic content and an eerie setting, it promises to satisfy horror enthusiasts after the four-episode journey.

20 Ghost Characters in Anime Shows

1. Yuuko Kanoe – “Dusk Maiden of Amnesia”: A spirit who has lost her memories, Yuuko’s cheerful personality hides her tragic past.
2. Menma (Meiko Honma) – “Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day”: A childhood friend who returns as a ghost, Menma’s presence compels her friends to confront their unresolved emotions.
3. Ghost Girl (Yūko) – “Nichijou”: The titular Ghost Girl of “Nichijou” is a fun, innocent character, making everyday life intriguing with her spectral antics.
4. Rea Sanka – “Sankarea: Undying Love”: After dying in an accident, Rea becomes a zombie with her consciousness intact, exploring life and love after death.
5. Ayame – “Ghost Stories”: Ayame is a gentle spirit who only wishes to be reunited with her lost love.
6. The Medicine Seller – “Mononoke”: A mysterious figure who banishes malevolent spirits, the Medicine Seller’s enigmatic nature is part of the intrigue.
7. Oogami – “Clannad After Story”: Appearing in the illusionary world, Oogami’s existence is tied to the emotional climax of the series.
8. Botan – “Yu Yu Hakusho”: A guide to the spirit world, Botan’s compassion and loyalty make her a favorite among fans.
9. Ichiko Yagura – “Occult Academy”: A ghost with ties to the main character’s past, Ichiko’s story adds depth to the series’ plot.
10. Misaki Mei – “Another”: Considered a “ghost” by her classmates to avoid a curse, Misaki’s quiet demeanor hides a complex character.
11. Sadao Maou – “The Devil is a Part-Timer!”: Although a demon, not a ghost, Sadao’s adventures in the human world provide an unusual perspective on everyday life.
12. Hiyori Iki – “Noragami”: Stuck between the human world and the afterlife, Hiyori adds a unique perspective on life and death.
13. Mukuro Rokudo – “Katekyo Hitman Reborn!”: Mukuro uses his powers to possess and manipulate others, making him a formidable antagonist.
14. Masako Hara – “Ghost Hunt”: A spiritual medium, Masako lends her abilities to the series’ supernatural investigations.
15. Elsie – “The World God Only Knows”: A demon tasked with capturing runaway spirits, Elsie’s sweet nature contrasts with her ghostly duties.
16. Momo – “Shinigami no Ballad”: As a shinigami or “death god,” Momo guides souls to the afterlife with compassion and understanding.
17. Enma Ai – “Hell Girl”: Ai ferries vengeful souls to Hell, but her story is as tragic as those she punishes.
18. Mayoi Hachikuji – “Bakemonogatari”: A lost spirit searching for her way home, Mayoi’s story resonates with themes of regret and redemption.
19. Yuyuko Saigyouji – “Touhou Project”: As the ghost princess of the netherworld, Yuyuko is a lively and playful character despite her spectral status.
20. Kitaro – “Gegege no Kitaro”: Kitaro, the last of the Ghost Tribe, works to maintain peace between humans and yokai (supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore).