by As summer arrives in Japan, ghost stories once again take center stage. To celebrate “Ghost Day” on July 26, Japanese anime fans voted for the best horror and ghost story anime in a reader survey conducted by Anime! Anime! The results feature a mix of timeless classics, modern supernatural thrillers, and new fan favorites.
Claiming the No. 1 spot is the legendary GeGeGe no Kitaro, followed closely by Hell Teacher Nube in second place and the rising horror-action series Kaya-chan Is Not Scary in third.
The poll highlights how supernatural anime continues to captivate audiences across generations, from traditional yokai tales to psychological horror and urban legends.
Why July 26 Is Known as “Ghost Day”
In Japan, July 26 is observed as Ghost Day (Yūrei no Hi).
The date commemorates the first performance of the famous Kabuki ghost play Tōkaidō Yotsuya Kaidan in 1825. The classic story of betrayal, revenge, and restless spirits has become one of Japan’s most iconic ghost tales and continues to influence modern horror films, manga, and anime.
Because of this tradition, many fans celebrate the occasion by watching supernatural anime featuring ghosts, yokai, cursed spirits, haunted schools, and mysterious urban legends.
About the Survey
To mark Ghost Day, Anime! Anime! asked readers:
“When you think of horror or ghost story anime, which series comes to mind first?”
The survey was conducted between July 8 and July 14, 2026, receiving 171 responses.
Survey Highlights
- Survey Period: July 8–14, 2026
- Total Responses: 171
- Gender Ratio: Nearly equal between male and female respondents
- Age Distribution:
- Under 19: Approximately 20%
- 20s: Approximately 20%
- 30s: Approximately 45%
- Others: Remaining respondents
The results showcase both nostalgic classics and newer anime that have recently aired or gained renewed popularity.
- GeGeGe no Kitaro Takes the Top Spot
Support Rate: Approximately 8%
The legendary supernatural series GeGeGe no Kitaro secured first place, proving that it remains Japan’s definitive ghost and yokai anime.
Created by legendary manga artist Shigeru Mizuki, the series follows Kitaro, the last surviving member of the Ghost Tribe, as he protects both humans and yokai while maintaining peace between the two worlds.
Since its first television adaptation in 1968, the franchise has received multiple anime series, films, and specials, introducing Kitaro to generations of viewers.
Many respondents praised the franchise’s incredible longevity.
One fan commented:
“Very few anime have received six television adaptations. Being loved for more than half a century is truly legendary.”
Another reader wrote:
“When I think of ghosts, yokai, and supernatural stories, I immediately think of Kitaro. Every version gives Kitaro a slightly different personality, so each new adaptation feels fresh.”
Its enduring popularity demonstrates why GeGeGe no Kitaro continues to be regarded as the foundation of modern yokai anime.
- Hell Teacher Nube
Just one vote behind the winner, Hell Teacher Nube claimed second place.
Originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, the manga was created by Sho Makura (story) and Takeshi Okano (art).
The series centers on Meisuke Nueno, better known as Nube, an elementary school teacher who secretly possesses a powerful Demon Hand sealed within his left arm.
Whenever evil spirits, monsters, or cursed entities threaten his students, Nube uses his supernatural powers to protect them.
The franchise originally received a television anime in 1996, while a new anime adaptation premiered in 2025, introducing the series to a new generation of viewers.
Fans praised both its horror and emotional storytelling.
One respondent shared:
“I grew up in the ’90s with Nube. The comedy was great, but the scary episodes terrified me so much that I couldn’t sleep.”
Another added:
“Nube isn’t just a psychic—he’s a genuinely caring teacher. I also loved his romance with Yukime.”
Its combination of school life, supernatural action, horror, and romance continues to resonate with audiences today.
- Kaya-chan Is Not Scary
Support Rate: Approximately 6%
The newest title to enter the top three is Kaya-chan Is Not Scary, based on the manga by Yuritaro.
The story follows Kaya, a cheerful kindergarten girl with overwhelming psychic abilities who effortlessly defeats terrifying evil spirits.
Under the watchful eye of her teacher Ms. Chie, Kaya battles one supernatural threat after another while maintaining her innocent personality.
Fans praised the anime’s unique blend of adorable characters and genuinely creepy horror.
One reader commented:
“Watching a kindergarten girl defeat ghosts with a single punch is incredibly entertaining.”
Another wrote:
“The television version tones down some of the manga’s horror because of its early evening time slot, but it still manages to deliver genuinely frightening moments.”
Its unusual mix of cuteness and supernatural action has quickly earned it a loyal fanbase.
Other Popular Horror Anime
Several additional series received strong support from readers.
Mieruko-chan (4th Place)
This supernatural comedy-horror follows a high school girl who can see terrifying ghosts but desperately pretends not to notice them.
Its clever balance of psychological horror and comedy has made it a modern favorite.
School-Live! (5th Place)
Although initially appearing to be a slice-of-life school anime, School-Live! gradually reveals a much darker psychological horror story that shocked many viewers.
Its unexpected twists helped it secure a place among the survey’s top-ranked titles.
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (6th Place)
Blending supernatural folklore with mystery and comedy, Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun continues to attract fans thanks to its unique art style, emotional storytelling, and memorable cast of characters.
Fan-Favorite Horror Series Outside the Top 10
Readers also shared their appreciation for several other supernatural anime.
Ghost Stories
One fan recalled:
“I thought it was made for children, but it turned out to be much scarier than I expected. After watching the Mary-san episode, I was too frightened to answer the phone when I was home alone.”
Dark Gathering
Another respondent praised the series by saying:
“Many locations resemble real haunted spots in Japan. The vengeful spirits are terrifying, but their tragic backstories make them unforgettable. I’m especially looking forward to the Kyoto arc.”
Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories
The anthology horror series also received praise.
One reader commented:
“Its kamishibai storytelling style is incredibly unique. The eerie narration and dark visual presentation make every episode unsettling.”
Reiwa no Darasan
Although centered on a vengeful spirit, fans appreciated the emotional storytelling.
One respondent noted:
“Darasan is surprisingly lovable despite being a ghost. Learning about his tragic past reminds us that humans can sometimes be scarier than monsters.”
Other Notable Anime in the Top 20
Several additional titles also earned recognition from readers:
- BanG Dream! Ave Mujica
- Ghost Stories
- Folktales from Japan
- A Terrified Teacher at Ghoul School!
- Ghost Restaurant
- Jujutsu Kaisen
- Dandadan
- Mononoke
- Gintama
- Ghost Hunt
- The Magic of Chocolate
- Durarara!!
- Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan
- The Summer Hikaru Died
- Manga Nippon Mukashibanashi
The diversity of the rankings shows that fans interpret “horror anime” broadly, including traditional ghost stories, psychological thrillers, supernatural action, dark fantasy, and even comedy with eerie elements.
Why Horror Anime Remains So Popular
Horror anime continues to thrive because it offers more than simple jump scares.
Many of the genre’s most memorable series explore themes such as:
- Japanese folklore and yokai legends
- Urban myths and haunted locations
- Psychological suspense
- Family and friendship
- Human fears and trauma
- Moral dilemmas
- The blurred line between humans and supernatural beings
Whether through terrifying spirits, emotional ghost stories, or suspenseful mysteries, horror anime has become one of the medium’s most versatile genres.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Anime! Anime! Ghost Day survey demonstrates that classic supernatural anime continues to resonate with audiences while newer titles steadily gain popularity. GeGeGe no Kitaro once again proved its enduring legacy by claiming the top spot, followed closely by the beloved Hell Teacher Nube and the breakout newcomer Kaya-chan Is Not Scary.
The rankings also reflect the growing diversity of horror anime, featuring everything from traditional yokai adventures and haunted-school stories to psychological thrillers and supernatural action. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Japanese ghost tales or looking for your next spooky watch, this list offers an excellent starting point for exploring some of the genre’s most memorable and influential anime.
