As Halloween approaches each year, horror movie fans gather to enjoy classic horror films together, indulging in the thrills of ghosts, monsters, and slasher flicks for entertainment. But what about anime enthusiasts? Of course, there are plenty of captivating anime films suited for this occasion, even though they might not be as abundant or widespread as live-action horror movies. Below are some “must-watch” anime titles that are perfect for Halloween:
Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek
“Kakurenbo: Hide & Seek” tells the story of a group of children playing hide and seek in the ruins of an abandoned neighborhood. However, the game quickly turns into a terrifying experience as they encounter a grizzly fate. While this anime does not contain excessive gore, it maintains a compelling atmosphere and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, despite its short duration of about 25 minutes.
King of Thorn
When the “Medusa” virus spreads worldwide and there’s no cure, a scientific team develops a solution: hibernation. From the survivors of Earth, 160 individuals are selected to enter a long sleep with the hope of finding a cure in the future. “King of Thorn” presents a mysterious narrative with a thrilling conclusion and features numerous haunting moments throughout its runtime.
The Empire of Corpses
“The Empire of Corpses” is a steampunk-inspired anime that revolves around Victor Frankenstein and his infamous creations. The film successfully garnered audience attention with its unique narrative and complex characters, offering a fresh perspective on the horror genre.
The Garden of Sinners
“The Garden of Sinners” is a series of seven films revolving around the life of Ryougi Shiki and her friend Kokutou Mikiya. Although each film has its own storyline, the series collectively focuses on the dynamic between Shiki and Mikiya. This anime delves into themes of supernatural phenomena and existential dilemmas, prompting viewers to reflect deeply on the narrative.
Blood: The Last Vampire
If you’re fond of gruesome scenes and violence, this 48-minute anime is an excellent choice for Halloween. “Blood: The Last Vampire” is set in Japan during the 1960s and follows Saya, a girl who is the last remaining vampire hunter hunting the Teropterid, a bloodsucking monster.
Lily C.A.T.
“Lily C.A.T.” mixes sci-fi with horror, featuring a plot that unfolds in a distant future as a space agency encounters a horrifying alien microorganism. The main character, a member of the crew, faces relentless danger, making this anime an entertaining yet thrilling choice for viewers.
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
“Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust” is one of the most complete anime films that features supernatural creatures, including vampires, werewolves, and ghouls. The main character, D, is a dhampir (half human, half vampire) known for his vampire-hunting skills. Viewers will enjoy the captivating action scenes and intense bloodshed in this film.
Gyo
Based on the manga by horror master Junji Ito, “Gyo” is a horror anime that features horrifying imagery that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. The story follows Kaori, a girl attempting to escape a gruesome invasion of mutant fish that come ashore, causing a wave of terror.
Resident Evil
Unlike the live-action adaptations, the fully CGI animated films of “Resident Evil” unfold within the same universe as the original game series. With two parts, “Degeneration” and “Damnation,” fans get to revisit and understand more about beloved characters like Leon and Claire, facing new terrifying threats, including bio-organic weapons and zombies. Additionally, the third installment titled “Vendetta” is set to be released in 2017.
These anime titles offer a mix of horror, suspense, and thrilling narratives, making them excellent choices for a spooky Halloween movie marathon.
