Top 25 Supernatural Anime You Must Watch

 

Death Note

"Death Note" is a captivating supernatural anime series that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Created by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, this psychological thriller was serialized from 2003 to 2006 . The series has gained widespread popularity and has been adapted into various media forms, including an anime series and live-action films.

Death Note Plot Overview

The story revolves around Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who stumbles upon a mysterious notebook called the "Death Note" . This supernatural artifact grants its user the power to kill anyone by writing their name in its pages, provided they know the person's face . Light's discovery of the Death Note sets in motion a complex chain of events that blur the lines between justice and murder. As Light begins to use the Death Note to eliminate criminals, he attracts the attention of law enforcement agencies worldwide. The enigmatic detective known as L takes on the case, leading to an intense battle of wits between the two geniuses . The story unfolds in Tokyo, where Light's actions as the vigilante "Kira" spark both fear and admiration among the public .

 

Death Note Characters

The series features a diverse cast of compelling characters:

1. Light Yagami: The protagonist who takes on the persona of "Kira" and believes he can create a utopia by eliminating criminals .
2. Ryuk: A Shinigami (death god) who drops the Death Note into the human world out of boredom and observes Light's actions with amusement .
3. L: A brilliant detective tasked with capturing Kira, becoming Light's primary adversary .
4. Misa Amane: A devoted Kira supporter who acquires a second Death Note and becomes Light's ally .
5. Near and Mello: Two young men raised as potential successors to L, who enter the story later in the series .

Death Note Themes

"Death Note" explores several profound themes that contribute to its enduring popularity:

1. Morality and Justice: The series delves into the complexities of right and wrong, challenging viewers to question the nature of justice .
2. Power and Corruption: Light's journey demonstrates how absolute power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals .
3. Psychological Warfare: The cat-and-mouse game between Light and L showcases intense psychological battles and strategic thinking .
4. Consequences of Actions: The narrative highlights how seemingly small decisions can have far-reaching and often unforeseen consequences .
5. The Nature of Good and Evil: The series blurs the lines between hero and villain, presenting morally ambiguous characters and situations .

"Death Note" has captivated audiences with its intricate plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. Its exploration of supernatural elements combined with psychological depth has solidified its position as a must-watch supernatural anime series.

 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

 "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is a critically acclaimed Japanese anime series that has captivated audiences worldwide. This adaptation, produced by Bones and directed by Yasuhiro Irie, faithfully follows the entire storyline of Hiromu Arakawa's original manga . The series premiered in April 2009 and ran for 64 episodes until July 2010, offering viewers a comprehensive and engaging narrative .

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Story

The story revolves around brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who live in the remote village of Resembool in the country of Amestris. After losing their mother to illness, the boys attempt to bring her back to life using alchemy, a powerful form of science in their world. This forbidden act of human transmutation goes horribly wrong, resulting in Edward losing his left leg and Alphonse losing his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brother, Edward sacrifices his right arm to bind Alphonse's soul to a suit of armor . The brothers embark on a quest to find the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary object that could restore their bodies. Their journey leads them to become State Alchemists, working for the government while uncovering a deep conspiracy involving homunculi, artificial humans created through alchemy .

 

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood World

The world of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is a unique blend of historical and fantastical elements. The setting draws inspiration from Eastern Europe during the Industrial Revolution, World War I, and partly World War II . Amestris, the central nation where most of the story takes place, has a distinctly European feel in its towns, locations, and culture . Alchemy plays a crucial role in this world, allowing practitioners to alter matter using innate energy. The concept is rooted in real-world alchemical lore, including the pursuit of transmuting basic metals into gold . A fundamental principle of alchemy in the series is the Law of Equivalent Exchange, which states that to obtain something, one must sacrifice something of equal value .

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Characters

The series boasts an extensive cast of well-developed characters, each with their own unique goals and motivations . Edward Elric, the protagonist, is a State Alchemist known as the "Fullmetal Alchemist," while his brother Alphonse serves as the muscle of the duo . Other notable characters include:

1. Roy Mustang: A charismatic and ambitious State Alchemist with fire-based abilities .
2. Riza Hawkeye: Mustang's loyal subordinate and a skilled markswoman .
3. Winry Rockbell: The Elric brothers' childhood friend and a talented automail mechanic .
4. Izumi Curtis: The brothers' alchemy teacher and a formidable fighter .

The series also features a group of antagonists known as the homunculi, artificial humans who seek to control the world . These complex characters, along with the intricate plot and themes of loss, fate, and the consequences of one's actions, contribute to the enduring popularity of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" .

 

Natsume's Book of Friends

Natsume's Book of Friends Premise

"Natsume's Book of Friends" (夏目友人帳, Natsume Yūjin-chō) is a Japanese manga series by Yuki Midorikawa that has captivated readers with its unique blend of supernatural elements and human emotions. The story revolves around Takashi Natsume, an orphaned teenage boy with the extraordinary ability to see and interact with yōkai, or spirits . This rare gift, inherited from his late maternal grandmother Reiko, has been both a blessing and a curse for Takashi throughout his life. Upon Reiko's death, Takashi inherits the "Book of Friends," a powerful artifact containing the names of hundreds of yōkai that his grandmother had defeated and bound to her service . This book becomes the central focus of the series, as Takashi embarks on a mission to release the spirits from their contracts and return their names .

Natsume's Book of Friends Yokai

The world of "Natsume's Book of Friends" is rich with diverse yōkai, each with its own unique personality and abilities. These supernatural beings, also known as ayakashi or apparitions, coexist with humans, though they are typically invisible to most people . The yōkai in the series range from benevolent to malicious, with some seeking Takashi's help and others attempting to harm him to obtain the Book of Friends . Yōkai in the series have varied habitats and diets, with some preferring fruits and vegetables while others have developed a taste for human flesh, particularly those with strong spiritual powers . Their temperaments are equally diverse, with some harboring a strong hatred towards humans and others displaying kindness and a sense of duty .

 

Natsume's Book of Friends Relationships

Throughout the series, Takashi forms meaningful relationships with both humans and yōkai. One of his most significant connections is with Madara, a powerful spirit who takes the form of a lucky cat statue and becomes Takashi's self-proclaimed bodyguard . While initially motivated by his desire to possess the Book of Friends upon Takashi's death, Madara gradually develops a genuine attachment to the boy . Takashi's journey also leads him to form friendships with other humans who can perceive the supernatural world to varying degrees. These relationships help Takashi find a sense of belonging and acceptance that he had long been denied due to his unique abilities . As he navigates the complexities of both the human and yōkai worlds, Takashi learns valuable lessons about trust, friendship, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

Noragami

Noragami Gods and Spirits

In the world of Noragami, gods are spiritual beings venerated in the Shinto religion. These deities, known as kami, embody or inhabit elements of the landscape and forces of nature . Gods are born from and through wishes made by humans, and they must fulfill these wishes, having different natures such as war, poverty, learning, and marriage . The series introduces the concept of Shinki, spirits that gods use for various tasks and purposes. Shinki are made from loose spirits of deceased humans, particularly those who died through murder or accidents . When a god names a Shinki, they bestow two names: one for the human form and another for the vessel form . The vessel form can take the shape of objects, weapons, clothing, or even animals .

 

Noragami Main Characters

The story revolves around Yato, the titular stray god who aspires to build his own shrine. Formerly a god of calamity, Yato now calls himself a "delivery god" and charges five yen for his services . He is gullible and often wastes money on scams and good-luck charms . Yato's existence depends on human faith, and he has developed athazagoraphobia, the fear of being forgotten . Hiyori Iki, a middle school girl, becomes entangled in Yato's world after saving him from a bus accident. This incident turns her into a Half-Phantom, causing her soul to slip out of her body involuntarily . Despite the inconvenience, Hiyori refuses to have her bond with Yato severed, as it would mean forgetting him . Yukine serves as Yato's current Shinki, taking the form of a katana in his vessel state. Initially rebellious, Yukine becomes more obedient and loyal to Yato after undergoing an ablution . He later evolves into a Blessed Vessel, proving his dedication to Yato .

Noragami Themes

Noragami explores several profound themes, with human connection and recovery from abuse standing out prominently . The series has a melancholy and lonely atmosphere, yet it portrays the importance of relationships in character growth and development . The connections between characters like Yato, Yukine, and Hiyori demonstrate how relationships can help individuals overcome personal issues . The anime also delves into the concept of usefulness versus genuine care in relationships. While Shinki are meant to be used by gods, characters like Yato and Bishamon show deep concern for their Shinki as individuals . This contrasts with antagonistic figures who view others merely as tools . Noragami strikes a balance between light-hearted moments and darker themes, exploring the complexities of divine and human nature while maintaining an engaging narrative .

 

Mushishi

Mushishi Concept

"Mushishi" is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yuki Urushibara, later adapted into an anime series . The story follows Ginko, a man with one green eye who can see and attract supernatural creatures called Mushi . Ginko travels as a Mushi expert, solving problems caused by these enigmatic beings . The series emphasizes that Mushi are not evil, but simply trying to survive like any other life form .

Mushishi Episodic Stories

The anime adaptation follows an episodic format, with each episode presenting a self-contained story . This structure allows for diverse narratives, exploring various themes and atmospheres . The episodes often draw inspiration from traditional Japanese folklore, with Ginko approaching each case from a scientific perspective . These stories delve into different aspects of human senses and experiences, such as sight, which has been the focus of multiple episodes .

 

Mushishi Atmosphere

"Mushishi" is renowned for its unique atmosphere, which combines visual, auditory, and narrative elements to create a distinct mood in each episode . The anime features highly detailed backgrounds and carefully crafted lighting that matches the tone of each story . Toshio Masuda's soundtrack, utilizing traditional Japanese instruments, captures the mystical essence of the Mushi and expresses deep human emotions . The series also pays great attention to environmental sounds, enhancing the viewer's immersion in the world . The show's pacing is deliberately slow and quiet, allowing for a contemplative viewing experience . This atmospheric approach has led many to regard "Mushishi" as one of the best TV anime ever made . The series effectively presents Shintoist influences and themes in an organic manner, exploring the relationship between humans, nature, and the supernatural .

Conclusion

The world of supernatural anime offers a captivating blend of fantasy, mystery, and human emotion. From the psychological thriller "Death Note" to the heartwarming tales of "Natsume's Book of Friends," these series showcase the genre's ability to explore complex themes and create rich, immersive worlds. The diverse range of stories, characters, and supernatural elements highlighted in this list demonstrates the genre's broad appeal and its capacity to tackle profound questions about life, death, and the nature of existence. Whether you're drawn to the action-packed adventures of "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" or the contemplative atmosphere of "Mushishi," supernatural anime has something to offer every viewer. These series not only entertain but also encourage us to reflect on our own beliefs, relationships, and place in the universe. As the genre continues to evolve, it remains a powerful medium for storytelling, pushing the boundaries of imagination and inviting audiences to explore the extraordinary within the ordinary.

 

FAQs

What are some of the best supernatural anime to watch? Some highly recommended supernatural anime include "Fruits Basket The Final Season," "Owarimonogatari Second Season," "MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season," "BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War," "Mob Psycho 100 II," "Monogatari Series Second Season," "JUJUTSU KAISEN Season 2," and "Clannad: After Story." Which anime is considered the best of all time? "Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood" is frequently cited as one of the top anime series of all time, alongside others like "Hunter x Hunter," "Steins;Gate," "Code Geass," "Cowboy Bebop," "Fighting Spirit," "Gurren Lagann," and "Death Note." What defines the supernatural genre in anime? The supernatural genre in anime typically involves series based on the themes of ghosts, spirits, demons, gods, mystical forces, or psychic abilities. Is 'Supernatural: The Animation' worth watching? Yes, 'Supernatural: The Animation' is worth watching. It features well-written and engaging stories with exceptional graphics and animation. The animation stands out for its complex views, design, and beautiful color contrasts, making it a visually appealing and enjoyable experience.