The best detective anime you shouldn't miss
It's hard not to love a good detective anime . Whether the story is spread out over multiple seasons or condensed into a single series, the thrill of watching the main character and their team solve various mysteries is seemingly never-ending.
Admittedly, not all shows in the detective anime genre have compelling plots and well-developed characters. Luckily, you can still find excellent Japanese detective anime with unique mysteries. Here is a list of detective anime that will keep you on your toes, as it is almost impossible to guess who the bad guy is until the very end .
Pluto
Released in 2023, Pluto tells the story of the world's seven most powerful robots and the efforts of Gesicht, a robot detective, to track down the culprit. The anime features remarkable & memorable character designs, making this a must-watch.
From the very first murder in episode one, it's hard to stop watching Pluto because you'll want to follow the story all the way to the end. The anime has some very deliberate plot twists and character development, making it a great way to spend a lazy weekend. While not on the same level as legendary villains like Pain and Light in Naruto and Death Note, Pluto's villains have the qualities of an unforgettable villain.
Detective Conan
Many anime series that debuted in the 90s have become classics. These include Dragon Ball Z, Pokemon, and Detective Conan. Also known as Case Closed in some countries, Detective Conan has aired over 1,000 episodes.
From episode one, you will be introduced to Shinichi Kudo, a detective who is forced to take on the identity of an elementary school student after some criminals plot to shrink him. With the new name Conan Edogawa, the protagonist challenges his intelligence and foils the criminals' plans. This anime is also inclined towards the comedy aspect, so not only will you be thrilled, you will also have a good laugh.
B: The Beginning
Even in a world where technology has advanced by leaps and bounds, an act like murder still happens. Set in the fictional country of Cremona modeled after a real Italian city, Keith Flick, a retired investigator, is called back into the scene to track down a new serial killer.
While B: The Beginning has all the makings of a detective anime, it also has supernatural elements as seen in a character named Koku, another main character. He is a shapeshifting demi-human.
Double Decker: Doug & Kirill
Double Decker: Doug & Kirill tells the story of Doug Billingham, an experienced detective, and Kirill Vrubel, a rookie investigator with too much adrenaline in his soul. Both men race around the clock to put an end to a rising crime wave caused by the distribution of a new drug called Anthem.
Sold by a criminal organization called Esperanza, Anthem, once ingested, can turn the user into a monster with a variety of abilities. As expected, this makes the user invulnerable to the police. While the show tackles a serious subject, it also makes time for jokes, as shown by Kirill's overly playful nature. It's the perfect blend of mystery and humor.
Bungou Stray Dogs
If you're looking for an anime that deals with organized crime, Bungou Stray Dogs might be the right choice for you. The anime introduces you to Atsushi Nakajima and the Armed Detective Agency, a group of people who try to solve crimes using their supernatural skills and powers.
Set in Yokohama, the anime combines supernatural and detective elements, allowing you to enjoy moments of mystery with action scenes. At the end of each episode, you will be eager to see what happens next. The anime also has a psychological aspect, as several characters often confront each other in fierce battles of wits.