In the wide and varied landscape of anime, one genre that piques the interest of even the most discerning viewers is the crime thriller genre. The appeal of watching a complex mystery unfold and the character navigating a morally gray situation, diving into the complex psyche of those committing the crime, has all been similar in cinematic and literary masterpieces. And the same extends towards anime, where unique visuals and genre-bending narratives deliver the most chilling takes ever.
Of course, there are two sides to the coin. On one side are renowned and celebrated anime series, and on the other lies a trove of underrated gems. These hidden gems offer a refreshing alternative to the mainstream offerings that cater to the palates of almost all viewers. This list focuses on 10 such underrated crime thrillers, each one a testament to the creativity, depth, and stylistic flair the medium can achieve.
10
‘Trickster’ (2016 – 2017)
The world of Trickster presents a near-futuristic Tokyo, where Kogorou Akechi has formed a Boys’ Detective Club to tackle both bizarre and harrowing mysteries. Also central to the story are Yoshio Kobayashi, an emotionally detached boy who cannot die, and Kensuke Hanasaki, a junior detective who strikes a deal with the former to join the club and help solve cases in exchange for them to find a way for Kobayashi to die.
Most Shocking Twists and Turns
Trickster’s strength is in the way it takes the conventions of the crime thriller genre and combines them with a captivating character-driven narrative. There are personal struggles to navigate, psychological intrigue to delve into, and dangerous confrontations to make at every turn. The balance between Kobayashi’s existential dilemma and the larger narrative about crime and pursuit of justice makes the anime unique and electrifying.
9
‘B: The Beginning’ (2018 – 2021)
B: The Beginning
- Release Date
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2018 – 2020
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Yoshiko Okuda
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Asami Seto
Lily Hoshina (voice)
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Hiroaki Hirata
Keith Kazama Flick (voice)
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Minoru Inaba
Meyer Boris (voice)
Set in the technologically advanced islands of Cremona, B: The Beginning weaves together multiple narratives. A series of murders plague the city and the notorious “Killer B” takes matters into his own hands by delivering vigilante justice. On the other hand, Keith Flick, a brilliant but eccentric detective, begins to unravel the truth about secret government exploits and domestic terrorism. The two find themselves on a collision course.
Crime, Suspense, and the Supernatural
B: The Beginning mesmerizes viewers with its stunning animation and an intricately plotted narrative that pushes the boundaries of traditional crime thrillers because there’s also a supernatural twist to Koko’s powers. That, combined with the atmospheric visuals and an evocative soundtrack, creates an engaging experience. Overall, it is a rollercoaster that takes time to find its footing, but it offers great entertainment.
8
‘Fuuto PI’ (2022)
The continuation of the beloved Kamen Rider W saga, Fuuto PI follows Shotaro Hidari, a hard-boiled private investigator, and his inquisitive partner, Philip, as they investigate the crimes that have the city of Fuuto on edge. The plot thickens as the duo stumbles upon Gaia Memories – devices that can transform users into monstrous “Dopants” – and a mysterious woman with memory loss who may be linked to it all.
Classic Tokusatsu Meets Noir Aesthetic
This one boasts a winning formula. It takes nostalgia and jams it in with gripping storytelling, merging the old-school tokusatsu charm with modern-day sophistication. Its animation, thanks to Studio Kai, is vibrant, and the character dynamics are sharper, which breathes new life into the legacy of Kamen Rider W. Fans of crime thrillers and tokusatsu will absolutely delight in this spin-off and its innovative fusion of genres.
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7
‘Mezzo Forte’ (2000 – 2001)
In Mezzo Forte, danger and mystery go hand in hand and mercenaries carry out multiple high-stakes missions. One of the main characters is Mikura, a tough-as-nails operative for the Danger Service Agency, who is assigned the task of a seemingly straightforward kidnapping. But opposite her and her eclectic teammates is Momomi, the daughter of an underworld boss and a cold-blooded killer herself.
Gripping and Character-Driven Crime Saga
Mezzo Forte takes a deep plunge into the unforgiving criminal world of Japan, featuring unexpected betrayals and life-threatening confrontations between compelling characters to keep the plot interesting. Tightly packed with action sequences and a lot of tension, the story combines humor, danger, and whimsy, leaving the audience anticipating the next scene at all times. Considering its gritty realism and noir-like aesthetic, it’s a shame the anime is so underrated.
6
‘Danganronpa: The Animation’ (2013)
Danganronpa: The Animation
- Release Date
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2013 – 2013-00-00
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Megumi Ogata
Makoto Naegi
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Yoko Hikasa
Kyoko Kirigiri
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Akira Ishida
Byakuya Togami
Danganronpa: The Animation is nothing but a deadly game of survival. It begins with Makoto Naegi, a teenager with no skill whatsoever, being accepted into the prestigious Hope’s Peak Academy, which is a dream come true for all elite students wanting a good future. However, Naegi’s school fantasy is hijacked by the presence of Monokuma, a sadistic bear, who presents a new rule for the freshmen – kill a classmate without getting caught or be trapped in the school forever.
High-Stakes Murder Mystery
The anime is popular with a small demographic of fans and the reason is how well it mashes up outrageous theatrics with a layered crime narrative that is also surprisingly thought-provoking. The flashy visuals, over-the-top characters, twisted plot shifts, all amplify its dramatic undertones while sending once-promising students into a grim, psychological death game where forging alliances and using innate skills are the only way out.
5
‘Gosick’ (2011)
Gosick
- Release Date
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2011 – 2011-00-00
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, AT-X, TV Aichi, TVQ
- Directors
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Satomi Nakamura, Hisatoshi Shimizu, Keisuke Onishi, Tomoki Kyoda
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Hidenobu Kiuchi
Grevil de Blois (voice)
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Noriko Shitaya
Avril Bradley (voice)
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Yui Kano
Cecile Lafitte (voice)
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Miyuki Sawashiro
Cordelia Gallo (voice)
Set in a fictional 1920s Southern European-inspired country of Sauville, Gosick follows Kazuya Kujou, a Japanese exchange student with jet-black hair and a nickname, “Black Reaper,” given by his peers, whose fate intertwines with that of Victorique de Blois, a brilliant and eccentric girl with the power of foresight, who is confined to a giant library inside the premises of Saint Marguerite Academy.
Mystery Stories with Gothic Charm
When the two protagonists of Gosick meet, they realize that they were meant to solve mysteries together and uncover long-buried truths about their own lineage. Every case in the anime is steeped in historical intrigue, cerebral detective work, and a dash of romance. The show distinguishes itself from other whodunits with its lush animation and elegant details. It didn’t gain mainstream popularity but is beloved by a small number of fans.
4
‘My Home Hero’ (2023 – Present)
Adapted from the manga series written by Naoki Yamakawa and illustrated by Masashi Asaki, this one revolves around Tetsuo Tosu, a seemingly ordinary salaryman, who discovers that his daughter is in an abusive relationship with a dangerous man named Nobuto Matori. To safeguard Reika, he confronts the boy but ends up killing him, which forces Tetsuo and his wife to deploy every possible tactic to protect themselves and their daughter from Nobuto’s father, who is a ruthless mob boss.
Tense and Intriguing
My Home Hero thrusts the protagonist into a treacherous landscape where he must confront his own moral boundaries and the consequences of his actions to make sure his family stays safe. It is an outstanding addition to the crime thriller genre because the intensity of each episode creates a palpable suspense that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. The characters, especially Tetsuo, drive the narrative forward and ultimately redefine heroism.
3
‘The Kubikiri Cycle’ (2016 – 2017)
The Kubikiri Cycle is an excellent and underrated crime thriller anime that centers on Iria Akagami, a genius living in a secluded mansion on an isolated island. To keep herself entertained, she invites guests to her mansion, like fortune-teller Maki Himena and renowned cook Yayoi Sashirono. It’s all fun and games until one of the guests is found brutally murdered, and the suspicion falls equally on all because there’s no obvious motive.
Elegant Mystery with Cerebral Undertones
This one is a true hidden gem for the way it crafts a murder mystery ripe with psychological and intellectual tension. With a cast of brilliant minds present in the same room, the series explores the interplay of logic and trust while fooling around with the idea of intent. The atmosphere is always tense and uneasy, but it’s perfect for audiences who revel in the slow-burn unfolding of facts.
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2
‘ID:Invaded’ (2020)
ID: Invaded plunges viewers into the twisted subconscious of criminals. A psychological thriller, it introduces the Mizuhanome System, which allows law enforcement to access the mindscape of criminals with the help of fragments left behind at a crime scene. These fragments are manifested into a virtual world where detectives can examine them, the “id well,” and uncover clues about the killer.
A Mind-Bending and Horrific Anime
Fans of Criminal Minds and Inception, gather around, because this one is just a synthesis of the two in anime form. The cerebral crime-solving concept of the series is not just unique, but also mind-bending. Because the tormented detective, Sakaido, who enters the “id wells” is not just an asset but also a liability. The mysteries are darker and more abstract in each episode and the characters, all layered, hold intense emotional depth.
1
‘The File of Young Kindaichi’ (1997 – 2020)
In the bustling streets of Tokyo, high school sleuth Hajime Kindaichi has the most exciting adventures as he indulges in heart-pounding investigations and solves chilling murder mysteries. On the outside, he’s an average teenager, but Kindaichi descends from a long line of renowned detectives and thus, not only has an uncanny knack for cracking the most complex cases, but also finds himself drawn towards them. The more baffling, the better.
A Legacy of Crime Solving
The File of Young Kindaichi is proof of just how the appeal of the crime thriller genre is so enduring. The long-running series balances elements of traditional mystery solving with a youthful energy. The classic aesthetic shifts from eerie crime scenes to high-tension courtroom-style revelations and the contrast is engaging. Supported by a cast of brilliant characters and unique plots, it has a legacy that continues despite its underappreciated status.
