“Spooky Anime Episodes to Watch This Halloween”

When Halloween rolls around, it’s not just about candy and costumes—it’s about getting the chills, staying up late, and watching something that leaves your skin crawling or your mind spinning. While horror movies are the usual go-to, anime offers a unique brand of eerie—with unsettling visuals, psychological twists, and some genuinely creepy storytelling.

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to binge entire horror anime series. Sometimes, one perfectly creepy episode is all you need for that Halloween thrill.

In this blog, we’re sharing spine-tingling anime episodes—not full seasons—that are perfect for Halloween night, whether you’re watching solo under a blanket or with friends at a themed party.

What Counts as a “Spooky Anime Episode”?

For this list, “spooky” means episodes that fall under:

• Psychological horror
• Supernatural themes
• Creepy or ghostly encounters
• Thriller or tension-heavy atmosphere
• Halloween-themed stories (yes, there are a few!)

These aren’t just gory—they’re haunting in tone and unforgettable in experience.

Spooky Anime Episodes to Watch This Halloween

1. Death Note – Episode 1: “Rebirth”

• Genre: Psychological Thriller
• Why It’s Spooky: The introduction of the Death Note and Ryuk’s entrance into the human world is deeply unsettling. Watching Light Yagami slowly embrace the power to kill feels almost too easy. It sets the stage for a psychological horror that feels eerily real.
• Best Moment: That thunderous laugh from Ryuk. Creepy as hell.

2. Paranoia Agent – Episode 8: “Happy Family Planning”

• Genre: Psychological Horror
• Why It’s Spooky: This standalone episode follows three strangers who meet on a suicide website and plan their deaths… with darkly comedic consequences.
• Best Moment: The bouncing between cheerful animation and bleak subject matter gives serious Halloween whiplash.

3. Another – Episode 1: “Rough Sketch”

• Genre: Supernatural Horror
• Why It’s Spooky: Foggy settings, creepy students, and a girl who might not actually exist. “Another” kicks off with a quiet sense of dread and escalates into full-on horror later, but even episode 1 leaves a lasting impression.
• Best Moment: The elevator scene. Don’t blink.

4. Mob Psycho 100 – Episode 5: “OCHIMUSHA The Battle of Spirits“

• Genre: Comedy/Supernatural
• Why It’s Spooky: Mob investigates a haunted tunnel, and for once, it’s not played for laughs. The ghost visuals are surprisingly disturbing for such a lighthearted show.
• Best Moment: The ghost family’s tragic backstory adds a deeper layer to the scare.

5. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories – Any Episode (3–5 mins each)

• Genre: Traditional Horror
• Why It’s Spooky: Short-format horror anime done in a style mimicking traditional Japanese paper theater. Stories draw on local folklore and urban legends.
• Best Pick: Episode 1: “The Talisman Woman” — a haunted apartment and a cursed neighbor.

6. Mononoke – Episode 1: “Zashiki Warashi Part 1”

• Genre: Psychological/Supernatural
• Why It’s Spooky: The color palette might be stunning, but the story is pure nightmare fuel. Ghost children. Creepy inn. And a mysterious medicine seller with unknown powers.
• Best Moment: When the true nature of the spirits is revealed—absolutely haunting.

7. Boogiepop Phantom – Episode 1: “Portraits From Memory”

• Genre: Mystery, Horror
• Why It’s Spooky: The storytelling is fragmented and eerie, and the dark, grainy animation adds to the sense of unease. You’ll feel like something’s watching you the whole time.
• Best Moment: Realizing what “they” see but others don’t.

8. The Promised Neverland – Episode 1: “121045”

• Genre: Thriller
• Why It’s Spooky: Starts innocent enough—kids playing in an orphanage—but the ending turns the entire narrative into a terrifying secret.
• Best Moment: That smile from her after the truth is revealed.

9. Shiki – Episode 11: “Slaughter”

• Genre: Vampire Horror
• Why It’s Spooky: Vampires here aren’t sexy—they’re terrifying. By episode 11, the paranoia has peaked, and the townspeople start breaking down.
• Best Moment: The sound design and slow pacing make every footstep tense.

10. Ghost Hunt – Episode 1: “The Doll House”

• Genre: Paranormal Investigation
• Why It’s Spooky: Haunted houses, creepy dolls, mysterious noises—it’s classic Halloween horror with a distinctly anime flair.
• Best Moment: The dolls moving. No thanks.

Halloween Anime Specials to Check Out

• Soul Eater – Halloween vibes throughout, especially early episodes.
• Bleach – Multiple filler episodes set around Halloween or ghost hunting.
• One Piece – Thriller Bark Arc, a fun mixture of comedy and absurd horror.
• Digimon Adventure – Episode 13: “The Legend of the Digidestined” (haunted house fun).

You don’t need to commit to a full horror anime to get the spooky vibes rolling. These spine-chilling standalone episodes pack a punch, offering everything from psychological unease to supernatural jump scares. Whether you’re hosting an anime Halloween party or chilling solo under a blanket, there’s something on this list for every type of fear fan.

So this Halloween, forget the slasher flicks. Turn off the lights, grab your snacks, and let the anime ghosts, monsters, and mysteries keep you up at night. You might just discover that anime horror… hits different.