5 spooky anime series worth checking out this Halloween

In an alternate universe, you’re probably preparing yourself for a night of spooky fun and shameless make-believe. Halloween, after all, is the superior holiday. While Christmas is great too, Baby Jesus and Santa Claus just really don’t hold a candle to this pagan festival.

But we blaspheme and digress. Reality is...you’re stuck at home because of the pandemic while bearing witness to the slow-burn horror of 2020. Now, if you prefer your horror stories fictional, may we interest you in tales of terror in anime form?

For sure, there are already a handful of scary TV shows and films you can binge, but keep an open mind and expand your watchlist. You might be surprised at how anime, as a genre, can make your spine tingle.

1. Another

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: Students of Class 3-3 of Yomiyama North and people who are related to them are dying one by one due to bizarre circumstances. Fifteen-year-old transferee student Kouichi Sakakibara tries to find out what is going on, but it’s not an easy task. His classmates are hellbent on keeping him in the dark about their school’s horrific past. It also doesn’t help that only Sakakibara seems to see an eye-patch wearing girl named Mei Misaki, while everyone doesn’t acknowledge her existence.

Why watch it: “WHAT IS GOING ON?!” is what I kept saying to myself while watching this. If you like your horror not only truly frightening but also deeply confounding and disturbing, "Another" is the anime to binge.

2. When They Cry

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: All seems well in the quiet village of Hinamizawa. At least that’s what newcomer Keiichi Maebara thinks. He discovers that murders and disappearances have been plaguing the village for four years and that these events seem to be related to the town’s patron god Oyashiro. Keiichi wants to know more but the villagers want to keep their secrets.

Why watch it: Like "Another," "When They Cry" will also keep you on your toes. It’s a psychological murder mystery thriller that must be binged prudently, lest you be anxious.

3. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: It’s the industrial revolution and zombie-like monsters called “Kabane” run amok. Cities have fortified themselves by building gigantic walls to ward off the Kabane. However, the Kabane are growing in number and getting stronger. Will the iron fortresses hold?

Why watch it: Steampunk and zombies.

4. Angels of Death

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: A young girl named Rachel Gardner wakes up in a basement of a building. She has no clue why or how she got there. While exploring the halls, she encounters a serial killer named Zack. After a rough start (i.e. Zack tries to kill Rachel), the two of them try to escape the building but sinister forces, who all seem to be related to Rachel, won’t let them get out that easily.

Why watch it: It starts out horrifically then you’ll realize that maaaybee you’re watching a buddy show, albeit a macabre one.

5. Hellsing: Ultimate

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: A reboot of the 90s anime "Hellsing," "Hellsing: Ultimate" follows the story of the legendary vampire Alucard who assists a secret British organization in wiping out rogue vampires who pose a threat to humanity.

Why watch it: Action-packed sequences with a super-powered vampire, who must also deal with political and religious enemies, make for good TV.

BONUS: The Kirlian Frequency

^{Photo courtesy of Netflix}

What's it about: Okay, this is not an anime, but "The Kirlian Frequency" can help with your fix of spooky juice with episodes that just run from eight to ten minutes.

This Argentenian animated web series features a radio show that only airs at night in Kirlian, a fictional remote town in Bueno Aires. Each episode is narrated by an equally mysterious radio host who reports on the latest supernatural events in the town. Think witches, aliens, vampires, and shapeshifters who disturb the nightly peace.

Why watch it:  Short, spooky, and strangely engrossing. The clever storytelling and unique visuals make up for the very limited running time. —JCB, GMA News