A good mystery can keep viewers interested until the final moment. Every small clue, unexpected meeting and new discovery can change the way a story unfolds. This is one reason detective anime has become a favourite choice among viewers who enjoy solving puzzles along with the characters.
Some detective anime focus on traditional crime investigations, while others bring supernatural elements, unusual suspects and clever mind games into the story. They also feature memorable detectives with different ways of understanding people and finding answers.
If you enjoy suspense and interesting investigations, here are seven detective anime series worth adding to your watchlist.
1. Detective Conan
Detective Conan is one of the most well-known mystery anime series. It follows Shinichi Kudo, a young detective who is transformed into a child after being attacked by members of a mysterious organisation.
He takes the name Conan Edogawa and continues solving cases while trying to find a way to return to his original body.
Many episodes feature separate mysteries involving missing people, suspicious behaviour and difficult crimes. Conan uses careful observation and logical thinking to uncover the truth.
The long-running series is a good choice for viewers who enjoy traditional detective stories and like trying to solve cases before the main character reveals the answer.
2. The Millionaire Detective – Balance: UNLIMITED
This anime follows Daisuke Kambe, a wealthy detective who approaches investigations in a very unusual way. He is partnered with Haru Katou, a police officer who believes that investigations should depend on justice and proper police work.
The two characters often disagree because of their different personalities and methods. Daisuke is comfortable using his wealth and advanced resources, while Haru prefers traditional detective work.
Their partnership creates funny situations as well as interesting investigations. The series combines crime, action and comedy, making it an entertaining option for viewers who want something different from a serious mystery.
3. Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions
Ron Kamonohashi is a talented former detective whose career has been affected by a mysterious problem. He later meets Totomaru Isshiki, a police officer who needs help solving difficult cases.
The two begin working together, with Totomaru bringing his determination and Ron using his sharp investigative skills.
The series includes unusual crimes, strange suspects and clues that require careful attention. Their contrasting personalities also bring humour to the story.
Viewers who enjoy detective partnerships and clever mystery-solving may find this anime an interesting choice.
4. Undead Girl Murder Farce
Undead Girl Murder Farce offers a different kind of detective story by combining mystery with supernatural fantasy.
The series follows Aya Rindo, a headless immortal detective, her assistant Tsugaru Shinuchi and the maid Shizuku Hasei. Together, they travel through different places while investigating unusual cases involving supernatural beings.
The story features familiar fantasy creatures, strange crimes and complicated mysteries. Its historical European setting also gives the anime a distinctive atmosphere.
It is a good option for viewers who want detective stories with a fantasy setting rather than ordinary police investigations.
5. Ghost Hunt
Ghost Hunt follows Mai Taniyama, a schoolgirl who becomes involved with a group of paranormal investigators after an unexpected incident.
The group is led by Kazuya Shibuya, a young investigator who runs the Shibuya Psychic Research Centre. They examine reports of strange activity in houses, schools and other locations.
Each investigation brings new questions, and the team uses different methods to understand what is happening. The anime combines mystery, suspense and supernatural elements.
If you enjoy stories involving haunted places and unexplained events, Ghost Hunt is worth considering.
6. In/Spectre
In/Spectre follows Kotoko Iwanaga, a young woman who becomes a mediator between humans and supernatural beings. She is known as the Goddess of Wisdom among these creatures.
She works with Kuro Sakuragawa, a man who has unusual abilities connected to the supernatural world. Together, they deal with strange incidents and conflicts involving spirits and other beings.
The series places more importance on conversations, reasoning and explanations than on traditional action. Kotoko often uses logic and carefully constructed arguments to solve problems.
It is a good choice for viewers who enjoy mysteries that involve clever thinking and supernatural folklore.
7. The Case Files of Jeweler Richard
This series offers a quieter approach to mystery. It follows Richard Ranashinha Dvorpian, a skilled jeweller, and Seigi Nakata, a university student who begins working with him.
Customers visit Richard’s shop with jewellery that often carries personal stories, family memories or hidden problems. Through these objects, the two characters become involved in different situations and help people understand the truth behind them.
The anime does not focus on dangerous crimes or action scenes. Instead, it uses small mysteries and human emotions to build its stories.
It is a suitable choice for viewers who prefer gentle investigations and character-based storytelling.
Which Detective Anime Should You Watch First?
Each of these anime offers a different kind of mystery. Detective Conan is ideal for viewers who enjoy classic crime-solving, while Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions brings humour and unusual cases.
If you prefer supernatural stories, Ghost Hunt, In/Spectre and Undead Girl Murder Farce are worth exploring. The Millionaire Detective offers action and comedy, while The Case Files of Jeweler Richard is a calmer choice.
Detective anime can be entertaining because it encourages viewers to notice small details and think about possible answers. Whether you enjoy serious investigations or unusual supernatural cases, these seven series offer plenty of mysteries to explore.
