Don’t you just love it when a genius MC breaks down a complex criminal case using nothing but logic and intuition?
From exploring mind blowing crime scenes to going on thrilling culprit chases, these are the 30 most epic detective anime of all time.
30: Cuticle Detective Inaba
Starting us off is Cuticle Detective Inaba, a quirky and comedic detective anime with a unique twist.
Inaba, a half-human, half-wolf detective, uses his heightened sense of smell to solve cases. It’s lighthearted and fun with a dash of supernatural weirdness!
29: Psychic Detective Yakumo
Next up, Psychic Detective Yakumo takes a darker tone.
Yakumo has the ability to see ghosts and spirits, and he uses his supernatural powers to solve mysterious crimes.
It’s a thrilling mix of detective work and the paranormal, perfect for fans who like their mysteries with a spooky edge.
28: Pretty Boy Detective Club
Pretty Boy Detective Club offers a visually stunning and colorful take on the detective genre.
Led by a group of dazzlingly good-looking boys, this club solves mysterious cases with style and flair.
It’s lighthearted, fun, and full of charm.
27: Trickster
Inspired by the works of Edogawa Ranpo, Trickster follows a group of young detectives as they solve crimes in a futuristic world.
With high-tech gadgets, complex cases, and a focus on teamwork, this anime delivers action-packed detective stories with a sci-fi twist.
26: Witch Hunter Robin
Witch Hunter Robin takes the detective genre into supernatural territory, with a team of hunters investigating and capturing witches.
With its dark, atmospheric tone and complex cases, this anime mixes detective work with magic and the occult.
25: Cop Craft
Cop Craft is a buddy cop detective anime with a twist of fantasy.
In a world where humans and magical creatures coexist, a grizzled detective teams up with a young noble from another realm to solve cases.
It’s gritty, action-packed, and full of unique world-building.
24: Rampo Kitan: Game of Laplace
Inspired by Edogawa Ranpo’s works, Rampo Kitan is a psychological mystery anime that dives deep into dark and twisted cases.
With a young detective prodigy at the helm, this show is filled with shocking twists and eerie vibes that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
23: Kabukichou Sherlock
Set in the neon-lit streets of Kabukicho, Kabukicho Sherlock is a modern take on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories.
It’s packed with eccentric characters, mind-bending cases, and a unique, offbeat style. Sherlock’s deductions are both hilarious and genius, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
22: Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions
Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions brings a brilliant but eccentric detective together with a straight-laced investigator.
Together, they tackle seemingly impossible cases with Ron’s outlandish yet genius methods.
The chemistry between the duo and the clever cases make this anime a fan favorite.
21: Ace Attorney
Next up we have Ace Attorney.
Based on the popular video game series, this anime follows the courtroom battles of Phoenix Wright as he solves cases with sharp logic and dramatic “Objections!”
It’s a fast-paced, thrilling detective series that’s captured the hearts of fans worldwide.
20: The Mystic Archives of Dantalian
Coming up next is The Mystic Archives of Dantalian, a mystery anime set in a post World War 1 era.
It follows a nobleman and a girl who guards a mystical library filled with forbidden books.
They solve strange cases involving magic and knowledge, with a blend of supernatural and detective elements.
19: Un-Go
Un-Go offers a mix of mystery and political intrigue in a post-war Japan.
The story follows Shinjuro, a detective known as the “Defeated Detective,” and his mysterious partner, Inga, as they solve cases that seem impossible.
With a unique art style and compelling storylines, it’s a hidden gem that you simply don’t want to miss.
18: Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens is a gritty, action-packed detective anime set in a city filled with hitmen and criminals.
It follows an assassin and a detective teaming up to solve mysteries while navigating the dangerous underworld.
The fast-paced action and crime-solving twists make it a must-watch.
17: Babylon
Babylon takes a darker approach, with a storyline full of psychological twists and moral dilemmas.
The anime follows a prosecutor investigating political corruption, which spirals into a mind-bending mystery about justice, ethics, and human nature.
It’s intense, thought-provoking, and will leave you questioning everything.
16: ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept.
This is a stylish and slow-burn mystery anime centered around political intrigue and conspiracies.
Jean Otus, a government inspector, uncovers secrets while investigating the sprawling 13 districts of a fictional kingdom.
With its sleek art and complex story, it’s a detective anime with a different vibe.
15: The Perfect Insider
In The Perfect Insider, a genius professor and her assistant are caught in a locked-room murder mystery on a secluded island.
The anime’s clever puzzles and psychological tension keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a must-watch for fans of mind-bending mysteries.
14: Heaven’s Memo Pad
Heaven’s Memo Pad is a mystery anime with a blend of slice-of-life elements.
The story follows Narumi, who joins a group of NEET detectives led by Alice, a recluse with brilliant deduction skills.
It’s a heartfelt yet engaging show that mixes detective work with personal drama.
13: Hamatora The Animation
Hamatora mixes detective work with superpowers, following the Hamatora team as they take on strange cases using their unique abilities.
The mix of action, humor, and mystery makes this anime fast-paced and fun, with plenty of twists along the way.
12: Undead Girl Murder Farce
Undead Girl Murder Farce is a supernatural detective anime with a macabre twist.
It follows an immortal detective and his assistant as they solve gruesome murder cases in a world filled with monsters and undead beings.
The gothic atmosphere and dark mysteries are gripping from start to finish.
11: Pluto
Next on our list is Pluto, a masterfully crafted sci-fi detective anime adapted from Osamu Tezuka’s Astro Boy universe.
It follows a detective robot as he investigates a string of murders targeting the world’s most advanced robots.
With deep themes, a futuristic setting, and incredible storytelling, Pluto is a detective anime masterpiece.
10: The Detective Is Already Dead
At number 10 on our list is The Detective Is Already Dead.
This anime follows the story of Kimeheko, who used to be the assistant to a legendary detective.
Even though she’s gone, mysteries still follow him. With action, comedy, and suspense, it’s a unique twist on the detective genre!
9: Fugou Keiji: Balance: Unlimited
Next up, Millionaire detective is all about rich detective Daisuke Kambe, who uses his unlimited wealth to solve crimes in the most extravagant ways possible.
Paired with a more down-to-earth partner, this anime combines humor, luxury, and detective work for an exciting ride.
8: Mousou Dairinin (Paranoia Agent)
Paranoia Agent is a psychological detective thriller from the mind of Satoshi Kon.
A mysterious attacker known as “Lil’ Slugger” goes around terrorizing people, and it’s up to detectives to uncover the truth.
This anime dives deep into the psyche, blurring the line between reality and paranoia.
7: Id: Invaded
Idh Invaded takes place in a world where detectives can dive into criminals’ subconscious to solve crimes.
The anime’s creative approach to the detective genre, paired with stunning visuals and mind-bending mysteries, makes it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
6: Zankyou no Terror
In Zankyo no Terror, two teenagers who commit terrorist acts in Tokyo are hunted by a detective who must uncover the truth behind their motivations.
The series is a gripping blend of cat-and-mouse chase, emotional drama, and social commentary, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
5: B: The Beginning
B The Beginning is set in a futuristic world where genius investigator Keith Flick is called back to action to solve a series of bizarre murders.
With a mix of supernatural elements and clever detective work, it’s full of jaw-dropping twists that will keep you guessing until the end.
4: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex brings cyberpunk detective work to the forefront.
Set in a future where cybernetic enhancements are the norm, Major Kusanagi and her team investigate complex crimes that blur the lines between human and machine.
It’s a sci-fi detective classic with deep philosophical themes.
3: Bungou Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs follows a group of detectives with supernatural powers as they take on dangerous missions.
Packed with action, comedy, and literary references, this anime blends detective work with fantasy in a way that’s both stylish and engaging.
2: Psycho-Pass
Taking the second spot on the list is Psycho-Pass, an anime set in a dystopian future where a person’s potential to commit crimes is measured by their mental state.
The Public Safety Bureau hunts down criminals before they can act, leading to thrilling investigations, moral questions, and mind-blowing cases.
1: Detective Conan
At the top is the legendary Detective Conan series!
Following the adventures of high school detective Shinichi Kudo, who’s turned into a child, Detective Conan is packed with clever cases, shocking reveals, and a huge cast of recurring characters.
With over 1,000 episodes, it’s a global icon of the detective genre.
And guys, if you love the concept of organized crime, you’re gonna absolutely love these 12 best mafia anime series that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats from start to finish.
