In an effort to dispel the popular myth that anime can't do horror stories well, one of the largest anime communities online assembled a list of the best horror-themed anime series. However, the results of poll, particularly those titles that made the top 25 list, is now under fire for its inclusion of Berserk and Chainsaw Man.
On the r/anime forum on Reddit, a poll of the best horror anime series was created based on the input of 833 users. "A lot of people say that anime 'can't do horror,'" the infographic said. "It certainly doesn't very often, but there's still some great options out there. So, 833 r/anime users put forth up to 10 anime. Their #1 choice received 3 points, #2 and #3 each received 2 points, and the rest received 1 point."
The Top 25 Horror Anime as Ranked By a New Poll
Based on this grading system, below are the top 25 horror anime series as voted by the r/anime community. The results were uploaded on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Berserk Is Claimed to Be Another Kind of 'Horror' Anime Thanks to Its 2016 Adaptation
The reception to the top 25 list has been much divided, with some opposing the admittance of the likes of Berserk and Chainsaw Man. Both shows -- while known for their horrific imagery -- typically aren't classified as being in the horror genre. Arguably, half of the shows listed in the poll aren't horror-centric either, with the comments reflecting that. "Most of these aren’t even horror," one user wrote. "Dark themes do not a horror make!" Another comment reads, "Over half of these aren't even horror ... They have horror elements but are nowhere near the main genre." One user did make light of the controversial situation with, "The real horror in Berserk is the 2016 adaptation."
Ironically, while one user criticized the horror poll by comparing it to a popularity contest akin to the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Reddit's own anime awards received heavy criticism as well. While most agreed with Vinland Saga Season 2 winning Anime of the Year as the Public Winner (voted for by the community), there was bewilderment over the anime idol band BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! winning the title from the r/anime voting jury.
Additionally, BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! also won Best Drama and Best Comedic Character on the juror's side. This led to fierce debate on the r/anime board regarding the negative reception of the results, with a few theorizing that the r/anime jurors intentionally propelled MyGO!!!!! to increase its presence in the West. However, no further comments from the r/anime jurors were made regarding the polarizing results.
Source: Reddit
