Anime horror gamescan trick you into playing them by being cute and sweet in the beginning. After you start playing and get engaged in the story, you soon realize that is not the case. They are known to make quick turns with jump scares orunexpected eventsthat are sure to send shivers down your spine.
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Most of the time,it is anime,dark manga series, or light novels that inspire the creation of these anime horror games. The visuals are always astounding, and the soundtrack creates the perfect horror experience. The genre can jump from sci-fi to drama or to an exciting and horrifying adventure.
Updated by Peter Hunt Szpytek on July 20, 2025:This list has been updated to include a video version (featured above.)
15Detention
Metascore - 83
Detentionisa horrifying indie gamethat draws inspiration from East Asian horror. Set in 1960s Taiwan during martial law, the game’s eerie atmosphere is amplified by its hand-painted 2D visuals and a haunting soundtrack. As you explore a haunted, desolate school, the oppressive backdrop becomes a character in itself, adding to the dread.
The game’s narrative is equally disturbing, dealing with themes of guilt, regret, and supernatural elements intertwined with psychological horror. The well-designed puzzles and exploration mechanics draw you deeper into a narrative that masterfully blends historical and cultural elements, making Detention a uniquely terrifying horror experience.
Red Candle Games
Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC
Metascore - 82
Ibis a captivating indie horror game witha pixel-art aestheticthat combines cuteness with terror. The game unfolds in an eerie, haunted art gallery, where you guide the young protagonist, Ib, through a nightmarish journey. The contrast between the adorable character design and the unsettling, grotesque art pieces creates an atmosphere of dread.
With its minimalist pixel art and clever puzzles, Ib tells a haunting narrative that takes you on a psychological rollercoaster. As you uncover dark secrets within the gallery’s walls, the game’s eerie ambiance and unique visual style make it a terrifying and memorable horror experience.
Nintendo Switch, Ps4, PS5, PC
Metascore - 77
Chaos;Head Noahis a gripping visual novel game with a distinctive blend of anime-style art and psychological horror. The game follows the story of Takumi Nishijo, a recluse who becomes entangled in a series of bizarre and increasingly terrifying events.
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The striking anime character designs and detailed environments set the stage for a captivating yet unsettling narrative. The game’s unique selling point lies in its exploration of delusions, paranoia, and a blurred line between reality and fantasy. This psychological complexity, along with a thrilling soundtrack, engulfs you in a gripping tale filled with suspense and supernatural mysteries.
Developers
Nintendo Switch
12Angels of Death
User Score - 7.3
Angels of Deathis a captivating anime-style horror game that has also been adapted into an anime series. The game follows the journey of Rachel Gardner, a young girl who awakens in a mysterious building and must navigate through a series of deadly trials.
The art style combines anime aesthetics with dark and chilling environments that contribute to the game’s eerie atmosphere. As you progress through the story, the game maintains a suspenseful tone enhanced by its well-composed soundtrack. However, Angels of Death was made with RPG Maker, so if it is high graphics you search in a horror game, this may not be it.
Hoshikuzu KRNKRN
Nintendo Switch, PS4, PC, Xbox One
11PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
Metascore - 85
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjois an intriguing anime-style horror game that transports players into a realm of supernatural enigma. Situated within the enigmatic Honjo High School, the game seamlessly blends captivating anime characters with an uncanny atmosphere.
What sets this game apart is how it skillfully allows you to self-insert into the role of the character you are playing. As you navigate the eerie corridors and confront the spectral apparitions, you become one with your in-game persona, feeling the fear and curiosity as if they were your own.
Furthermore, the game keeps you on your toes thanks to a myriad of plot twists. Just when you think you’ve unraveled a part of the enigma, a new layer of mystery unfolds. This constant sense of anticipation and intrigue makes it nearly impossible to simply stop playing until you reach the spine-tingling conclusion.
Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS
10World Of Horror
World of Horror, known as Kyofu no Sekai, is a great horror role-playing game that is like a love letter toJunji ItoandH.P. Lovecraft. The story takes place in 1980s Japan, immersing players in a world that oozes sickly and macabre imagery. If you’re a fan of the dark and twisted, this game is a perfect match for your morbid interests. However, it’s important to note that the game’s nightmarish atmosphere might be too intense for those with a faint heart.
You fighthideous monstersand meet ancient gods, all while trying to maintain your sanity in this relentless descent into madness. This survival horror game is mostly a text-based adventure, but the gameplay still has surprising depth and complexity, drawing you deeper into its disturbing narrative. The haunting soundtrack intensifies the feeling of urgency, relentlessly pushing you to play faster and faster, as the horrors of World of Horror never cease to haunt your thoughts, even when you step away from the screen.
9Higurashi
User Score For Chapter 1 - 8.4
Higurashiisa great visual novelseries with eight chapters, each telling its own story while still being part of the larger plot. The game takes place in the fictional little village ofHinamizawa, where acursehas been plaguing the villagers for five years. You appear in the fifth year and attempt to figure out who is going to be the curse’s next victim and if the curse is even real.
Higurashi deals with dark themes such as paranoia, isolation, and mental illnesses. Playing the games, though, feels more like reading a book, as most of the choices you make do not really affect the story.
07th Expansion
Nintendo Switch, PC, iOS, PS4
8Shin Hayarigami
Metascore - N/A
Shin Hayarigamiwas a series that was severely underrated andonly available in Japanesefor years untilShin Hayarigami: Blindmanwas finally released as a mobile game for the English-speaking audience. As a visual novel, it may not be for everyone, especially those who prefer more action-oriented games, and the absence of voice acting might disappoint some players.
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Nevertheless, for those who appreciate the intricacies of detective narratives and the thrill of solving mysteries, Shin Hayarigami offers a unique and captivating experience. The soundtrack, while compensating for the lack of voice acting, adds an engaging layer to the gameplay. With its horrifying murder scenes, brutal imagery, and a cast of suspicious characters in a small urban Japanese village, Shin Hayarigami immerses players in a chilling world of suspense and intrigue that deserves more recognition in the gaming community.
7The Witch’s House
User Score - 8.7
The Witch’s Houseis a game that was originally released over a decade ago, but its remastered release onSwitchhas brought it back to fame. It is a short butgreat adventure horror RPGthat will give you a terrifying experience. You playViola, a young girl who awakens inside a mysterious manor.
It makes for a perfect horror game with its creepy rooms, unsettling sound effects, and horrifying jump scares. The Witch’s House is perfect for anyone who likes pixel-art games,solving puzzles, and avoiding traps.
6Misao: Definitive Edition
User Score - 7.8
Misao: Definitive Editionis the remake of the same-named game that was released almost a decade ago. With better graphics, improved puzzles, and added event scenes, it makes for an evengreater anime horror experience. The game deals with dark subjects, such as the effects of bullying and cruelty. As you step into the shoes of a young high school student tasked with solving the mystery behindMisao’s disappearance, the eerie atmosphere and sinister storyline grip you from the beginning.
However, some players wished for a bit more character interaction within the game. The sense of loneliness and the occasional aimless wandering through the corridors can make the experience feel somewhat isolating. Nevertheless, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise compelling and emotionally charged horror adventure.
