Detective-based anime series have stimulated audiences with its combination of mystery, suspense, and crime-solving elements. This genre provides a thrilling escape into a world of intrigue and intellectual challenges. By watching detective anime, you will experience cleverly-crafted puzzles, well-developed characters, and intricate plots that keep you guessing until the very end.
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The often unexpected twists and turns in these series will leave you on the edge of your seat, while the masterful storytelling provides valuable insights into the complexities of human nature. Immerse yourself in the irresistible world of detective-based anime and discover the exhilarating satisfaction of unraveling mysteries with these brilliant investigators.
In a dystopian, post-war Japan, detective Shinjurou Yuuki, nicknamed The Last Great Detective, and his supernatural assistant Inga, tackle unsolved mysteries and crimes. As they navigate a society under heavy government censorship, they uncover hidden truths and conspiracies.

Shinjurou’s deductive prowess and Inga’s shape-shifting abilities to extract confessions make them an unstoppable team. Despite their crime-solving successes, they face constant challenges from the government and rival detective Rinroku Kaishou. UN-GO is a suspenseful, thought-provoking anime that explores themes of justice, censorship, and the complexities of human nature.
Hyouka follows the intellectually gifted but energy-conserving high schooler, Houtarou Oreki, who joins the Classics Club at his sister’s request. Over there, he meets three others, forming an unlikely group of friends. Together, they investigate seemingly mundane mysteries that arise from their everyday lives.

As Houtarou applies his deductive skills to solve these puzzles, he learns the value of friendship and becomes more engaged with the world around him. Even though Hyouka hasonly one season, it combines elements of mystery and slice-of-life, offering viewers a heartwarming and thought-provoking experience.
Gosick takes place in the 1920s in the fictional European country of Sauville. Japanese exchange student Kazuya Kujo meets the enigmatic Victorique, a girl with a brilliant mind and a love for solving mysteries. Confined to her school’s library due to her reclusive nature, Victorique assists her detective brother with cases.

As Kazuya and Victorique grow closer, they find themselves entwined in a web of political intrigue, supernatural occurrences, and dark secrets from Victorique’s past. Gosick blends historical fiction with fascinating mysteries, creating an immersive and atmospheric viewing experience.
7The File Of Young Kindaichi
The File of Young Kindaichi follows high school student Hajime Kindaichi, the grandson of a legendary detective. Like his grandfather, Hajime possesses extraordinary deductive abilities, which he uses to solve various challenging cases.
Accompanied by his childhood friend Miyuki, Hajime encounters baffling mysteries that often involve gruesome murders and hidden motives. However, Hajime demonstrates his exceptional intelligence and resourcefulness as he unravels the intricate web of clues. This classic detective anime blends suspense, intrigue, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging experience for mystery lovers.

6Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogsrevolves around Atsushi Nakajima, an orphan who joins the Armed Detective Agency, a group of detectives who tackle crimes and mysteries in Yokohama. These gifted individuals, named after famous literary figures, use their unique abilities to protect the city from threats, including the sinister Port Mafia.
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As Atsushi develops his powers and bonds with his eccentric colleagues, he unravels dark secrets, faces deadly foes, and discovers his purpose. The anime combines mystery, action, and supernatural drama, creating a riveting and visually stunning experience for viewers.
5Black Butler
Black Butler is set in Victorian England and centers arounda dark character, Ciel Phantomhive, a 12-year-old nobleman who forms a contract with a demon named Sebastian to avenge his parent’s deaths. In exchange for his soul, Sebastian serves as Ciel’s loyal butler and protector.
The duo solve crimes and mysteries in London while working closely with the Queen’s Watchdog, an organization tasked with eliminating threats to the British Empire. The anime blends elements of mystery, dark fantasy, and historical fiction, creating a compelling, atmospheric tale with a unique twist on detective stories.

4Detective School Q
Detective School Q, also known as Tantei Gakuen Q, is about a group of talented teenagers who attend the prestigious Dan Detective School, founded by the renowned detective Morihiko Dan. Led by the resourceful Kyuu Renjou, the group includes four other members.
Together, they solve complex cases and gradually improve their detective skills. As they unravel challenging mysteries, they face the sinister organization Pluto, which targets Dan and his students. Tantei Gakuen Q is a clever mix of mystery, adventure, and camaraderie, making it a compelling and entertaining detective anime.
In thethriller animeMonster, Dr. Kenzo Tenma, an exceptional neurosurgeon, finds his life in turmoil after he chooses to save a young boy, Johan Liebert, unwittingly releasing a ruthless serial killer. Plagued by guilt, Tenma embarks on a mission to bring Johan to justice.
Tenma uses detective skills to pursue the truth behind Johan’s identity, motives, and connection to a series of heinous crimes. As Tenma navigates the shadowy realm of deceit and murder, Monster masterfully interweaves elements of psychological horror and detective narratives, ensuring a gripping experience for viewers.
2Death Note
Death Notefollows Light Yagami, a high school prodigy who discovers a supernatural notebook granting him the power to kill anyone whose name is written in it. Driven by a desire for justice, Light becomes the enigmatic vigilante Kira, executing criminals worldwide.
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The mysterious deaths attract the attention of L, an elusive and brilliant detective. Engaged in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, Light and L match wits to uncover each other’s identity. Death Note masterfully depicts elements of mystery and morality, resulting in a fast-paced and intriguing anime experience.
1Detective Conan
Detective Conan, also known as Case Closed, features the story of high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who is transformed into a child by a mysterious organization after witnessing a crime. Assuming the alias Conan Edogawa, he continues to solve criminal cases while concealing his true identity.
Living with his childhood friend Ran and her detective father Kogoro, Conan uses his brilliant mind to crack mysteries and search for a cure to his condition. Detective Conan skillfully blends mystery, action, and humor, offering viewers a charming, long-running, crime-solving adventure.