The anime community's attempt to highlight the best horror-themed anime series has sparked controversy, particularly with the inclusion of titles like Berserk and Chainsaw Man in the top 25 list. The poll, conducted on the r/anime forum on Reddit and based on the input of 833 users, aimed to challenge the perception that anime struggles to excel in the horror genre. However, the results have stirred debate over the classification of certain shows as horror.

The top 25 list, compiled using a point-based ranking system, featured a mix of well-known horror anime such as Higurashi: When They Cry and Perfect Blue alongside unexpected entries like Berserk and Chainsaw Man. While these titles are acclaimed for their dark and disturbing imagery, they are not typically categorized as belonging to the horror genre. This discrepancy has divided opinions within the community, with some users questioning the validity of the selections.

Critics argue that many of the listed anime, including Berserk and Chainsaw Man, may contain elements of horror but do not primarily fit within the genre. Comments on the poll thread expressed disappointment with the inclusion of these titles, emphasizing that horror entails more than just dark themes or disturbing visuals. The debate highlights the challenge of defining genre boundaries in anime, where crossover elements are common and categorization can be subjective.

Interestingly, the controversy surrounding the horror anime poll is reminiscent of criticism directed at Reddit's own anime awards, particularly the unexpected victory of BanG Dream! It's MyGO!!!!! in multiple categories. This unexpected outcome sparked intense debate within the community, with speculation about potential biases among the voting jury. However, no official response addressing the controversy was issued by the r/anime jurors, leaving fans to grapple with conflicting opinions and interpretations of the results.

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The Top 25 Horror Anime as Ranked By a New Poll

Based on this grading system, below are the top 25 horror anime series as voted by the r/anime community. The results were uploaded on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

1. Higurashi: When They Cry
2. Perfect Blue
3. Another
4. From the New World
5. Shiki
6. Darking Gathering
7. Mieruko-chan
8. Parasyte
9. Made in Abyss
10. Dorohedoro
11. Devilman Crybaby
12. School-Live
13. Mononoke
14. Puella Magi Madoka Magica
15. The Promised Neverland
16. Happy Sugar Life
17. Chainsaw Man
18. Hellsing Ultimate
19. Memories
20. Akira
21. Shadows House
22. Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
23. Elfen Lied
24. Berserk
25. Ghost Hunt

Berserk Is Claimed to Be Another Kind of 'Horror' Anime Thanks to Its 2016 Adaptation

Source: Reddit