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Halloween Anime Picks: What to Watch This October
Sep
Halloween is a season of chills, thrills, and playful scares. While many people immediately think of horror movies, haunted houses, and pumpkin-carving, anime fans know that this spooky season can be enjoyed in a uniquely Japanese way too.
Anime has a vast library of series and films that are perfect for Halloween viewing.
Some lean into horror with creepy monsters and psychological terror, while others embrace supernatural fun with witches, spirits, and magical adventures that capture the festive vibe without being too terrifying.
So, if you’d rather spend your October nights curled up on the couch with a bowl of candy, a warm embroidered hoodie, and a streaming service ready to go, anime is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere of Halloween.
From dark classics to modern supernatural gems, here’s a deep dive into anime you can watch this Halloween.
Why Anime Fits the Halloween Mood
Before we get into recommendations, it’s worth asking: why is anime so great for Halloween?
Anime has always been deeply tied to folklore, legends, and the supernatural. Japanese culture has a long history of ghost stories (kaidan), yokai (mystical creatures), and spiritual traditions that naturally lend themselves to Halloween themes.
At the same time, anime can blend genres in ways that Western media doesn’t always explore—combining horror with comedy, romance with the supernatural, or action with psychological tension.
Halloween isn’t only about fear; it’s about imagination, costumes, and the thrill of the unknown.
Anime embodies this spirit perfectly, offering everything from bone-chilling nightmares to whimsical tales of witches and spirits that feel just as festive.
Creepy Horror Anime for a Spine-Tingling Halloween
If you’re the type of person who loves haunted houses, ghost stories, and feeling your heart race, these horror anime will scratch that itch.
Another
Few anime scream “Halloween” quite like Another. This series tells the story of a cursed classroom where mysterious deaths keep occurring in gruesome ways.
With its haunting atmosphere, eerie pacing, and shocking twists, Another is the anime equivalent of watching a slasher film.
The dark tones, ghostly music, and sense of impending doom make it perfect for a Halloween night when you want to spook yourself. Just don’t watch it alone with the lights off—unless you’re feeling brave.
Tokyo Ghoul
What’s Halloween without ghouls?
Tokyo Ghoul takes the concept to another level by plunging viewers into a world where human-looking monsters, called ghouls, live among us, feeding on human flesh to survive.
The series follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes half-ghoul after a brutal encounter.
The gory battles, grotesque transformations, and exploration of what it means to be “human” make this a chilling but fascinating series to marathon in October.
Plus, its gothic art style and masked characters fit right into the Halloween aesthetic.
Paranoia Agent
If psychological horror is more your style, Paranoia Agent is an unsettling classic by the late Satoshi Kon.
The anime revolves around a mysterious boy with a golden baseball bat, known as “Lil’ Slugger,” who attacks random people. But the real horror lies in how paranoia spreads like a curse, distorting reality and making viewers question what’s real.
This series is perfect for Halloween if you want something that’s more disturbing than gory—a show that makes you think while sending shivers down your spine.
Higurashi: When They Cry
A cult favorite for horror fans, Higurashi starts deceptively lighthearted with cute characters in a rural village. But the tone quickly shifts to brutal murders, paranoia, and cycles of violence that repeat with slight variations.
The constant sense of dread, combined with shocking plot twists, makes it one of the best anime for a Halloween binge.
It’s unsettling, gory, and psychologically twisted—exactly the kind of anime to watch while munching on Halloween candy and listening to the wind howl outside.
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
If you want something short but scary, Yamishibai is a great choice. Each episode is only a few minutes long and tells a chilling ghost story inspired by Japanese folklore.
The series uses a paper-theater-style animation that makes it feel like an old folktale being brought to life.
Perfect for Halloween nights when you want quick scares without committing to a long series. You can watch a few episodes between trick-or-treaters knocking at the door.
Supernatural Anime That Capture the Halloween Spirit
Not everyone wants to be terrified on Halloween. For some, it’s more about playful spookiness—witches, spirits, and a dash of magic.
These anime are perfect for capturing the festive spirit of the holiday without diving into full-blown horror.
Soul Eater
If Halloween could be turned into an anime aesthetic, it would look like Soul Eater. This series is literally set in a world where grim reapers, witches, and monsters are part of everyday life.
With its gothic art style, quirky characters, and Halloween-themed setting, it feels like stepping into a haunted carnival.
It’s action-packed, funny, and spooky all at once. Watching Soul Eater in October feels like the anime equivalent of wearing a costume while dancing around jack-o’-lanterns.
Blue Exorcist (Ao no Exorcist)
For fans who love demons and exorcisms, Blue Exorcist is a must-watch. The series follows Rin Okumura, a teenager who discovers he’s the son of Satan.
With a sword that unleashes his demonic powers, Rin trains to become an exorcist and fight against dark forces.
The series balances action and humor with spooky supernatural battles, making it a perfect pick for Halloween marathons.
It has that blend of darkness and fun that captures the playful fear of the season.
Noragami
Noragami isn’t horror, but it’s full of spirits, phantoms, and gods roaming among humans.
The story follows Yato, a minor deity trying to make a name for himself, and Hiyori, a girl who ends up stuck between the human and spirit worlds.
With its supernatural themes, witty banter, and touching emotional arcs, Noragami offers a lighter but still seasonally appropriate anime for Halloween.
It’s like watching a magical adventure that just happens to be set in a slightly spooky universe.
Death Note
No Halloween anime list would be complete without Death Note.
This classic psychological thriller follows Light Yagami, a high schooler who gains a notebook that lets him kill anyone whose name he writes in it.
The cat-and-mouse game between Light and detective L is tense, chilling, and thought-provoking.
The Shinigami (death gods), creepy visuals, and moral grayness make it a perfect watch for a spooky, thought-heavy Halloween night.
Mushishi
For a more atmospheric experience, Mushishi offers quiet, eerie stories about strange life forms called “Mushi” that exist unseen by most humans.
Each episode tells a different story, often blending beauty and melancholy.
While not traditionally “scary,” Mushishi captures the mysterious and otherworldly essence of Halloween.
It’s perfect for a calm, reflective night when you want something haunting but not horrifying.
Fun and Whimsical Anime for a Lighthearted Halloween
Halloween doesn’t always have to be about scares—it can also be about fun, costumes, and candy. These anime are great for viewers who want the festive vibe without the nightmares.
Little Witch Academia
This delightful series is essentially a love letter to classic witch stories.
Following Akko and her friends at a magical academy, it’s filled with broomsticks, spells, and whimsical adventures.
With its vibrant colors and cheerful tone, Little Witch Academia is the perfect Halloween anime for younger audiences—or for anyone who wants cozy witch vibes instead of horror.
Pokémon: Ghost-Type Episodes
Believe it or not, Pokémon has some excellent Halloween-friendly episodes, especially those involving ghost-type Pokémon like Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar.
Episodes set in haunted towers or featuring spooky pranks are perfect for nostalgic Halloween viewing.
If you don’t have time for a full series, watching a handful of ghost-themed Pokémon episodes can still get you into the spirit of the season.
Kiki’s Delivery Service
From the legendary Studio Ghibli, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a heartwarming tale about a young witch finding her way in the world.
While not scary at all, it embodies the charm of witches, flying broomsticks, and magical adventures—classic Halloween symbols.
Watching Kiki soar through the skies with her black cat Jiji feels festive, magical, and perfectly seasonal.
Halloween Anime Movie Picks
If you prefer a single movie instead of binging a series, there are plenty of anime films that fit the Halloween mood.
- Perfect Blue – A psychological thriller that blurs the line between reality and illusion.
- Vampire Hunter D – A gothic action-horror film with vampires and dark fantasy.
- Blood: The Last Vampire – A stylish, action-packed vampire story.
- Spirited Away – While not horror, this Ghibli masterpiece captures the eerie, mystical feeling of stepping into another world.
Make Your Halloween Anime Marathon Cozy
Watching anime on Halloween isn’t just about the shows—it’s about creating the perfect atmosphere.
Put on a comfy embroidered sweatshirt or hoodie, grab a blanket, light some candles, and stock up on snacks. Whether you’re watching alone or with friends, make the night feel special.
If you’re feeling creative, you can even wear anime-inspired costumes while watching, or prepare Halloween-themed treats inspired by your favorite series.
Imagine eating Pocky during Death Note or having pumpkin mochi while watching Soul Eater.
Final Thoughts
Anime brings something unique to Halloween: a mix of spooky folklore, supernatural adventures, and playful magic that makes the season feel richer.
Whether you’re looking for spine-chilling horror, lighthearted witchy fun, or atmospheric stories that transport you into another world, there’s an anime out there for you.
This Halloween, instead of just watching the same old horror movies, why not switch it up with an anime marathon?
With series like Another, Tokyo Ghoul, Soul Eater, and Little Witch Academia, you can celebrate the season in style—wrapped in comfort, with embroidered hoodies keeping you cozy, and candy close at hand.
Halloween is about imagination, after all, and anime is one of the most imaginative art forms out there.
