10 Halloween Anime Series and Special Episodes for Superfans

When the spooky season rolls around, there’s no better time to dim the lights and dive into some eerie, unsettling, and delightfully creepy Halloween anime.

From ghost stories to body horror, these series span the horror genre with psychological thrills, gruesome visuals and supernatural mysteries perfect for October nights.

Whether you're an anime veteran or just looking for something kinda scary to watch this Halloween season, this list has the good stuff — complete with tortured souls, witches, vampires and more.

1. 'Death Note'

Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, Tubi

A high school student stumbles on a notebook that lets him kill people just by writing their names; what could be more chilling for Halloween?

"Death Note" blends psychological thriller and horror anime elements to explore power, justice and corruption. With each episode, viewers watch the main character sink deeper into a dark reality shaped by his own ego.

2. 'Parasyte: The Maxim'

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu, HiDive

If body horror is your jam, this one’s a perfect fit. When a high schooler’s right hand gets taken over by a parasite, he must battle other parasites that threaten humanity.

With gore, philosophical themes and sharp character arcs, this anime delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense and some very gross (but amazing) scenes.

3. 'Another'

Where to stream: Crunchyroll

"Another" is a slow-burn ghost story with a high school twist. When a new student arrives and meets the mysterious Mei Misaki, strange and deadly accidents begin plaguing the class.

It's scary, suspenseful, and full of gruesome deaths. The creepy atmosphere and shocking first episode make it an underrated gem for Halloween.

4. 'Junji Ito Collection'

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Apple TV

This anthology series brings the iconic manga creator’s weirdest and most disturbing tales to life. Each episode adapts a short story, from twisted urban legends to eerie supernatural phenomena.

The animation captures Ito's unique style, making it essential Halloween viewing for anime fans who love the horror genre.

5. 'Soul Eater'

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Apple TV

Looking for something spooky but also a bit fun? "Soul Eater" mixes comedy and creepy in a Halloween-ready package.

Set at a school for weapons and their human wielders, this show has witches, reapers and tons of eerie charm. The animation is bold, the characters are memorable and it’s a great pick if you want something spooky without losing your sense of humor.

6. 'Perfect Blue'

Where to stream: Apple TV

This psychological horror classic from director Satoshi Kon tells the story of a pop idol’s descent into paranoia and identity crisis after changing her career. It’s a haunting commentary on fame, delusion and the dark side of human psychology.

With its mix of surrealism, violence and suspense, it’s a title that lingers long after the credits roll.

7. 'Death Parade'

Where to stream: Crunchyroll

After death, people arrive at a mysterious bar where their souls are judged through unsettling games. "Death Parade" offers a haunting mix of emotional depth, philosophical musings and twisted scenarios that keep viewers questioning what it means to live a good life.

It’s a haunting and unsettling addition to any Halloween anime marathon.

8. 'Corpse Party: Tortured Souls'

Where to stream: Not currently available for streaming. Check your local library!

Based on a horror video game, this anime doesn’t hold back on the gore. When a group of school friends perform a charm to stay connected forever, they’re transported to a nightmarish alternate realm. There, they must survive vengeful spirits and uncover the truth behind a cursed school.

It's a short, brutal ride through extreme horror.

9. 'Cowboy Bebop' ('Toys in the Attic' Episode)

Where to stream: Crunchyroll, Hulu

While not a horror anime overall, Cowboy Bebop's Session 11 can be thought of as a Halloween-themed episode, as it features a mysterious creature stalking the spaceship Bebop and infecting its crew.

It’s a stylish, sci-fi homage to classic horror films, and it offers a perfect blend of suspense, humor and taut storytelling.

10. 'Tokyo Ghoul'

Where to stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Apple TV

Like various other anime on our list, "Tokyo Ghoul" blends different genres, such as horror and fantasy, to create something that is both chilling and unique for a Halloween screening. In an alternative-reality version of Tokyo, humans and ghouls share an uneasy co-existence.

After a harrowing encounter, Ken Kaneki, a college student, becomes half-ghoul. While able to abstain from eating human flesh, he nevertheless shares various other ghoul traits, and much of the series' drama comes from his quest to straddle two incompatible worlds.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.