The anime universe is an excellent option for those who want to know Japanese narratives. Unlike Western works, the way in which themes are treated is very peculiar, which makes it a valuable option for those who want to diversify the stories that accompany them.

An easy example of realizing this is in horror anime. The works vary a lot, but the approach is always very specific, focusing on disturbing situations. For those who want to know a little more about this universe, Waifu For Laifu have prepared a list with eight options that can please the most different tastes.

8. Another (Anazâ)

Another has only one season and works almost like a long, non-episodic production. The plot revolves around a student who tries to find out why his classmates are mysteriously dying. For this, he counts on the help of a girl who can communicate with the supernatural world. It is an excellent way to start watching horror anime, as it has dense content but not so gloomy or surreal.

7. Boogiepop Phantom (Boogiepop Wa Warawanai)

Another option is anthologies, which tell isolated stories. In the case of Boogiepop Phantom, they are linked by a Japanese urban legend known as Boogiepop, the personification of death. The stories present a series of murders that may occur; however, as the narrative mixes reality and fantasy, it is difficult to know what really happened and what is not real.

6. Hell Girl (Jigoku Shôjo)

The Hell Girl plot features a website that sends a person to hell if their name is written there. However, in doing so, those who access the site are also condemned to hell when they die. The series shows several cases and has several distressing and disturbing moments when the deaths start to attract attention.

5. Junji Ito Collection (Junji Itô: Korekushon)

Junji Ito is one of the biggest references when it comes to horror manga. And in this anthology based on his works, it is possible to understand why his name is so essential for fans of the genre. For those who want to start with a more disturbing work, this is undoubtedly one of the best options, as the stories vary from the surreal to the grotesque, being difficult to remain indifferent in each of the episodes.

4. Paranoia Agent (Môsô Dairinin)

This is for those who like stories of persecution and, as the title suggests, paranoia. The tension of Paranoia Agent focuses on a mysterious figure who attacks people with a baseball bat. When the threats become more and more real throughout the episodes, the story delivers a higher level of tension, reaching a climax near the end, with an unexpected conclusion.

3. Parasyte: The Maxim (Kiseijû: Sei No Kakuritsu)

This is an anime of physical terror. The story shows a kind of alien that parasites the human brain, taking care of the host's body. Shinichi manages to prevent his brain from being dominated, and the parasite takes control of only his left hand. From that point, a bizarre story and a struggle for survival of both the protagonist and the parasite that lives in symbiosis with him begins.

2. The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland)

Like a good gloomy fairy tale, The Promised Neverland features an orphanage where children are confined because there are demons outside. They don't know that they are there just to feed these creatures, and there is nothing they can do. Meanwhile, a group of three young people discover what's behind that prison and try to prevent "Mama", who is responsible for taking care of the place, from continuing her terrible plan.

1. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (Yami Shibai)

Another disturbing anthology, Yamishibai, is one of the most creative works of contemporary Japanese terror. As each episode lasts only 5 minutes, it is excellent for those who want to know good horror stories based on Japanese urban legends. Besides, it has a unique language and art that sets it apart from other anime.