Mohsin Lag
We’re excited to present a list of the top afterlife anime shows to watch, as life is full of mysteries, and one of the most intriguing ones is what happens after we die. While it’s a topic that may never be fully understood, anime has offered us a range of imaginative and captivating depictions of the afterlife. So, we’re going to delve into the world of Japanese animation and bring you the best of the best. Without further ado, here are some of the most impressive afterlife anime to watch.
19. Zombie Land Saga
Starting off the list of the best afterlife anime you should be watching with Zombie Land Saga. Produced by Studio MAPPA, this is a zombie anime that takes an absurdly comedic approach to the idol genre. The story follows Sakura Minamoto, a girl who dreams of becoming an idol but dies in a sudden traffic accident. Ten years later, she wakes up as a zombie with no memory of her past and is resurrected along with six other zombie girls from different eras by a man named Koutarou Tatsumi. Koutarou’s goal is to economically revitalize Saga Prefecture by forming an idol group with the zombie girls.
Despite their undead state, the girls decide to go along with Koutarou’s plan and name their idol group Franchouchou. However, they must hide their zombie identities while performing and try to rediscover their past lives.
18. Love After World Domination
Love After World Domination is a 2022 romantic comedy anime that follows the story of Fudou Aikawa and Desumi Magahara, two young lovers who are determined to keep their relationship hidden from everyone. Fudou is the leader of the superhero group “Gelato 5,” while Desumi is a combatant leader of the evil secret society “Gekko,” which is Gelato 5’s biggest enemy.
As they continue their battles against each other, Fudou and Desumi sneak away to spend time together, navigating the ups and downs of a new relationship while keeping their love a secret from their comrades. But with loyalties divided and suspicions high, the couple will have to be careful if they want to keep their relationship afloat in a world where their love is forbidden.
17. The Book of Bantorra
Here is a world where the dead are not forgotten, but rather transformed into books that store their life stories. These books are kept safe in the Bantorra Library, guarded by powerful and enigmatic Armed Librarians, who possess incredible psychic abilities. But their mission is not just to protect the books, for their greatest adversary is the Sindeki Kyoudan, a fanatical religious group determined to destroy the library and erase the memories of the dead forever.
The Book of Bantorra, a 2009 anime from David Production, takes viewers on a journey through a fantastical world of action and adventure, where the lines between life and death, good and evil, are constantly blurred. As the Armed Librarians fight to protect the past, they must also confront their own dark secrets and personal demons. Will they succeed in their mission, or will the Sindeki Kyoudan triumph and plunge the world into darkness?
16. Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
This is a 2016 josei drama anime produced by Studio DEEN, that follows Yotarou, a former yakuza member, who is fresh out of prison and has set his sights on a new goal: becoming a Rakugo performer, a traditional Japanese art of comedic storytelling. His inspiration? The renowned Yakumo Yuurakutei, whose performance he witnessed during his incarceration. Yotarou is determined to meet the man who changed his life and persuade him to become his mentor.
Yakumo reluctantly agrees to take on his very first apprentice, and Yotarou eagerly begins his training. Along the way, he meets Konatsu, a young woman who has been under Yakumo’s care since her father, another rakugo performer named Sukeroku Yuurakutei, passed away. Despite learning under different styles, Yotarou is drawn to Sukeroku’s unique rakugo and his hidden passion for it.
As Yotarou progresses in his training, Yakumo’s memories are stirred by a promise he made with his greatest rival, Sukeroku. The story of Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu unfolds in both the past and present, exploring the art of rakugo and the relationships and dedication of those who strive to keep this unique form of storytelling alive.
15. Shigofumi
Shigofumi is a thought-provoking anime that explores the theme of the afterlife. Produced by J.C. Staff, this original series combines drama, fantasy, and suspense to create a unique viewing experience.
The story centers around Fumika, a quiet and mysterious girl who has the important job of delivering “shigofumi” – letters written by the deceased to the living. With the help of her talking magic staff Kanaka, Fumika ensures that each shigofumi is delivered to its intended recipient, even if they don’t want to face its contents.
As Fumika goes about her duties, she witnesses the tragedies of both the living and the dead and learns their deepest secrets. But the details of Fumika’s own past remain shrouded in mystery. Who was she before becoming a shigofumi carrier? As the story unfolds, viewers are drawn into a complex and fantasy world that challenges their perceptions of life and death.
14. Hells Angels
Hells is a 2008 anime film produced by Madhouse and based on the manga series Hells Angels. The story follows Amagane Rinne, a high school student who tragically dies while rushing to school. She finds herself in an unfamiliar and terrifying world – Hell, where she must navigate through a school filled with demons. Despite her desire to return to the world of the living, Rinne forms unexpected bonds with her demon classmates, leading to a thrilling adventure filled with comedy, horror, and adventure.
13. Gantz
Gantz is an unforgettable anime that delves into the depths of the afterlife and underworld. The anime is a production of Gonzo and belongs to the genres of action, drama, horror and gore. The storyline is gripping, taking you through the journey of life after death. You realize that death can be worse than life, and there is no salvation or peace to be found. However, things take an unexpected turn when a god, represented by a big black ball, appears to guide you through a game where you fight for survival against green aliens and robot monsters.
After Kei Kurono’s death, he finds himself embroiled in this dangerous game that challenges his skills, morals, and will to live. His life is no longer in his control as he repeatedly dies and is forced to fight for his survival.
12. Noragami
Noragami is a 2014 anime produced by Bones, which falls under the action and fantasy genres. It follows the story of a minor deity named Yato, who dreams of becoming a famous and much-followed lord. However, he has no shrine to his name and mostly spends his days doing odd jobs for a meager amount of money.
After his weapon partner deserts him, Yato’s luck changes when he meets Hiyori Iki, a middle school girl who saves him from a car accident. As a result, Hiyori’s soul becomes loose and can leave her body, leading her to team up with Yato to find a way to return to normal. The anime explores the specific mechanics of the master/spirit relationship and the emotional journey of the characters, making it a deep and touching experience for the viewers.
11. Haibane Renmei
Haibane Renmei, produced by Radix, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of beauty in storytelling. This anime, has an unparalleled blend of drama, fantasy, and mystery, with a psychological theme that will leave you in awe. The story follows a young Haibane, Rakka, who emerges from a cocoon with a halo and small gray wings, in the village of Old Home with no recollection of her past. As she adapts to her new world, she discovers strict rules for the Haibane, including the prohibition of leaving the village or approaching the surrounding walls. The mysterious disappearances of their kind during their “Day of Flight” begin to unsettle Rakka and the other Haibane, who have little knowledge about their own kind.
Haibane Renmei not only narrates Rakka’s story but also that of those around her, as they struggle to live their lives without memories of their past while trying to break free from their former pain and ultimately find salvation. The anime’s exquisite beauty and masterful storytelling make it one of my favorite anime of all time.
10. D Gray Man
D Gray Man is a 2006 action-packed anime produced by TMS Entertainment, based on the manga of the same name. The show explores afterlife themes as it follows the story of Allen Walker, a young exorcist who wields an arm that doubles as a powerful weapon called “Innocence.” The enigmatic Millennium Earl preys on the weaknesses of those who wish to bring their loved ones back to life, using their souls to create mechanical weapons known as “Akuma.” Allen and his fellow exorcists from the Black Order are the only ones capable of stopping the Earl and his evil plans to destroy the world.
After training under General Cross for three years, Allen joins the Black Order, a group of exorcists dedicated to defeating Akuma and the Millennium Earl. Using his cursed eye, Allen can see the suffering souls trapped inside the Akuma, and with his Innocence, he fights to exorcise them and save their souls. As the Earl’s plot unfolds, Allen and the Black Order must race against time to stop him before he unleashes ultimate destruction upon the world.
9. Death Note
Death Note, produced by Madhouse, is a masterpiece and one of the greatest anime of all time. This dark anime explores themes of the afterlife, death, and justice. The series portrays a world filled with senseless violence, brutal murders, and petty thefts. Light Yagami, a brilliant 17-year-old student, shares the same belief as the shinigami of death Ryuk – that their worlds are corrupt.
When Ryuk drops his Death Note into the human world, Light stumbles upon it and finds it absurd. However, his curiosity gets the best of him, and he experiments with writing a person’s name in it, leading to his first murder. With the power to kill anyone whose name he writes, Light – under the alias Kira – decides to rid the world of evil-doers and bring about justice.
The brilliant detective L is hot on Kira’s trail, but Light’s intelligence matches L’s, leading to an intense battle of wits. The chase for Kira becomes a deadly game between the two geniuses, and it can only end when one of them dies.
8. Hozuki’s Coolheadedness
Hozuki’s Coolheadedness is an underrated anime that deserves a spot in the top afterlife anime list. Produced by Wit Studio and based on the manga of the same name, the show combines the genres of Comedy, Fantasy, and Supernatural with a theme of Mythology. The anime paints Hell as a bureaucracy, where the efficient and capable Hoozuki serves as the chief deputy to Lord Enma, the King of Hell. Be it offering counsel to the Momotarou of Japanese folklore or receiving diplomatic missions from the Judeo-Christian Hell, Hoozuki is always ready to face any challenges.
The anime follows the story of Hoozuki, who is known for his exceptional negotiation skills and ability to micromanage. He spends his days troubleshooting the issues of hell and tackling problems that come his way with a level-headed approach. Hoozuki no Reitetsu features several popular Japanese legends and East Asian mythology characters who work in middle management positions. This dark comedy offers anachronistic and referential humor, bringing a new meaning to the phrase “employer liability.” Managing employees from hell might seem like a daunting task, but with Hoozuki in charge, anything is possible.
7. Anohana
Anohana is a touching anime released in 2011 by A-1 Pictures. It follows the story of Jinta Yadomi, a high school student who spends his days playing video games and avoiding school. One summer day, his childhood friend Menma, who died years ago, appears before him and asks him to grant a forgotten wish. At first, Jinta thinks he’s hallucinating, but he soon realizes that Menma’s ghost is real.
Jinta and his childhood friends, who drifted apart after Menma’s death, reunite to help her spirit rest in peace. The group struggles to confront their guilt and pain as they work together to fulfill Menma’s wish. The anime explores the themes of friendship, loss, and the power of moving on. With one season of 11 episodes and falling under the genres of drama and supernatural, Anohana is a good choice if you are looking for some sad emotional moments and interesting ideas about death.
6. Heaven Official’s Blessing
Heaven Official’s Blessing is a fascinating Chinese anime that revolves around a great heaven and afterlife story. The anime was created by Haoliners Animation League and is based on a web novel. The show spans several genres including Action, Adventure, Drama, Supernatural, and Historical. The story follows Xie Lian, a scrap-collecting lord with no followers behind him, who ascends to the heavenly realm for the third time. On his first mission, he meets Hua Cheng, the Ghost King feared by both demons and gods alike, who mysteriously guides him through the forest before disappearing into a swarm of silver butterflies.
Later on, Xie Lian meets San Lang, a young man possessing great knowledge about the Ghost King and the forgotten Crown Prince, who decides to accompany Xie Lian on his journey of unraveling the mysteries of the past. The anime is filled with intriguing characters, suspenseful moments, and stunning visuals, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in anime about afterlife stories.
5. Hell Girl
Hell Girl is an anime that delves into the dark and twisted world of revenge. It tells the story of a mysterious website called Hell Correspondence that becomes accessible at the stroke of midnight. If someone seeks revenge, all they have to do is input the name of their grudge, and they will receive a visit from the enigmatic Hell Girl, Ai Enma.
She offers to send the target’s soul straight to hell but warns that the requester will also end up in hell upon their death. Some may find the price of revenge far too high, but for others, it is a small price to pay for the satisfaction of seeing their tormentors punished.
Even with the consequences of her actions, the Hell Girl remains stoic and dutiful, ferrying souls into the darkness with unflinching resolve. This is a really good anime that explores the twisted psyche of those who seek revenge, and the devastating consequences of giving in to the desire for vengeance.
4. Death Parade
Coming in, we have Death Parade, which is a gripping afterlife anime that explores what happens to souls after they pass away. The show, animated by Madhouse, delves into the concept of judgment and the possibility of reincarnation. Quindecim, a mysterious bar, is the setting for this series. Only those who die at the same time and in the same place are allowed to enter. Decim, a cryptic figure, presides over the establishment and determines the fate of each patron by challenging them to a perilous game. The results of these games will determine whether the patron’s soul will be reincarnated or cast into the void.
As the game progresses, the true nature of each patron is gradually revealed, making for an intense and suspenseful viewing experience. Although Decim’s methods never change, his rigid worldview is challenged when a black-haired amnesiac unexpectedly arrives at the bar. Overall, Death Parade is a unique anime that asks important questions about life, death, and what comes after.
3. Yu Yu Hakusho
YuYu Hakusho is an epic and beloved isekai anime classic that has captivated fans since its release back in 1992. Made by Pierrot and spanning genres such as action, comedy, and supernatural, this afterlife anime series follows the story of Yuusuke Urameshi. Yuusuke is a 14-year-old delinquent with a dim future until one fateful day, he risks his own life to save a young boy from a moving car. His heroic act is so unexpected that even the spirit realm authorities are not prepared to let him pass on.
Koenma, the heir to the throne of the spirit realm, offers Yuusuke a second chance at life through a series of tasks. With the guidance of the death god Botan, Yuusuke becomes a Spirit Detective, tasked with thwarting evil presences on Earth. To aid him in his mission, Yuusuke enlists the help of ex-rival Kazuma Kuwabara, as well as two demons, Hiei and Kurama, who both have criminal pasts. Together, they train and battle against enemies that threaten humanity’s existence.
2. Angel Beats
At number two, we have Angel Beats! – a classic afterlife anime that captured the hearts of viewers since its release in 2010. It tells the story of Otonashi, a high school student who awakens in the afterlife without any memories of his past life. Soon, he finds himself swept up in a rebellion against a powerful angel named Tenshi. This is a short anime that has one season of 13 episodes made by Studios P.A. Works and is known for its drama and supernatural genres, as well as its school theme.
You should really binge-watch Angel Beats! because it is a much-loved series for its memorable characters, emotional moments, and beautiful music. It explores themes of life, death, and self-discovery, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for an anime that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.
1. Bleach
Wrapping up our list of the most recommended afterlife anime with Bleach. In 2004, Studio Pierrot aired an anime series that combined action, adventure, and fantasy genres into an epic storyline. The protagonist, Ichigo Kurosaki, started as an ordinary high school student until his family was attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent spirit that seeks to devour human souls. Ichigo meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper, who gets injured while saving his family, and he agrees to take on Rukia’s powers to save his loved ones.
Together with his friends – Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida – they team up to hunt down the Hollows terrorizing their town. Along the way, they face powerful enemies and unexpected obstacles that test their courage and determination, developing their skills and discovering their inner strengths with each challenge. With its well-developed characters, engaging storyline, and stunning visuals, this anime series offers an exciting and immersive viewing experience. If you’re a fan of action-packed and emotionally-charged anime, then this series is definitely worth checking out.
