Netflix South Africa offers a diverse selection of horror anime, each bringing a unique blend of thrills, chills, and often, deep psychological intrigue. These series range from classic horror to modern interpretations, with stories that delve into supernatural encounters, dystopian worlds, and battles against dark forces.

The lineup caters to a wide range of horror enthusiasts, from those who prefer traditional ghost stories to fans of more intense, gore-infused narratives.

The top 10 horror anime on Netflix South Africa showcase the genre’s versatility and its ability to not just scare, but also thoughtfully explore themes like morality, human nature, and the unknown. These series stand out for their compelling storytelling, distinctive art styles, and memorable characters, each contributing to the rich tapestry of horror anime available on the platform.

Whether you’re a long-time anime fan or new to the genre, these titles promise to deliver engaging and often spine-tingling experiences.

Horror anime on Netflix South Africa

Key Takeaways from the Top Horror Anime on Netflix

  1. Intriguing Blend of Mythology and Horror: Series like “Blood of Zeus” and “Trese” uniquely combine mythology with horror elements, offering a fresh perspective on familiar legends and folklore within a dark, thrilling framework.
  2. Psychological Complexity in Horror: Animes like “Berserk” masterfully combine psychological depth with dark, intense horror and gore, challenging viewers’ perceptions of morality and the human psyche.
  3. Revival and Reinvention of Classic Horror: Shows such as “Castlevania” and “Hellsing” revive traditional horror themes with modern twists, reinventing classic horror tropes with contemporary storytelling and cutting-edge animation techniques.

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Explore the Best Horror Animes on Netflix in South Africa 

Embark on a thrilling journey with Netflix South Africa’s selection of horror anime, where each series melds gripping storytelling with haunting visuals. From supernatural sagas to psychological thrillers, these shows promise to captivate and terrify in equal measure.

Perfect for both newcomers and seasoned fans, this lineup offers a diverse array of chilling tales that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Get ready to explore the dark and mesmerizing world of horror anime and feed your fears!

Enjoy horror anime on Netflix South Africa

1. Hellsing

Hellsing anime cover - Alucard from Hellsing

Hellsing” is a thirteen-episode anime television series created by Gonzo, which aired from October 2001 to January 2002 on Fuji TV. Based on the manga by Kouta Hirano, the series is named after the Royal Order of Protestant Knights, historically led by Abraham Van Helsing. The plot centers on the organization’s mission to eliminate vampires and supernatural threats to England under the leadership of Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing.

The narrative features a mix of horror, action, and drama, highlighted by the presence of the powerful vampire Alucard and the vampire-turned-police officer Seras Victoria.

In addition to the original series, “Hellsing Ultimate,” a ten-episode original video animation (OVA) series released between February 2006 and December 2012, offers a closer adaptation of the manga’s storyline. It’s renowned for its high-quality animation, deeper character development, and a well-balanced plot that intricately weaves action with the exploration of complex themes.

Both the TV series and the OVA have been praised for their engaging storytelling and unique gothic atmosphere. 

For an in-depth look into the series, its characters, and its reception, visit the Wikipedia page for Hellsing.

2. Castlevania

Castlevania anime series on Netflix - Dracula on cover

The anime series “Castlevania” premiered on Netflix on July 7, 2017. It was originally planned as a film developed by Kevin Kolde and his company Project 51, and later picked up by Netflix around 2015 with production led by Powerhouse Animation Studios. The series includes contributions from staff members who have worked in the Japanese anime industry. It ran for four seasons, with the final season released on May 13, 2021.

The series is praised for its visuals, animation, voice acting, action sequences, characterization, themes, and writing. A follow-up series, “Castlevania: Nocturne,” premiered on Netflix on September 28, 2023, focusing on Richter Belmont and Maria Renard during the French Revolution. 

The Castlevania franchise began as a video game series created by Konami. The first game, titled “Castlevania,” was released in 1986. The series is known for its gothic horror themes and has been highly successful, with several of its entries ranked among the best video games ever made.

The franchise has seen many releases on various platforms, including video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile phones. The series is known for its action-adventure gameplay, with a focus on the Belmont family’s battle against Dracula and his forces. 

For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia pages for Castlevania (TV series) and Castlevania (video game series).

3. Berserk

Berserk anime on Netflix South Africa - Guts on cover

Berserk,” known in Japan as Kenpū Denki Berserk, is a Japanese anime television series based on Kentaro Miura’s manga series of the same name. The series, directed by Naohito Takahashi and produced by Nippon Television and VAP, aired from October 1997 to April 1998 with a total of 25 episodes.

It covers the Black Swordsman and Golden Age arcs of the manga, offering a dark and epic fantasy narrative centered on Guts, a lone mercenary warrior, and Griffith, the leader of the Band of the Hawk.

Critically, “Berserk” has been well-received, praised for its storytelling, character depth, setting, and soundtrack by Susumu Hirasawa. Reviewers have lauded the show for its realistic portrayal of characters, the intensity of its violence akin to a Kurosawa film, and its capacity to present complex and unpredictable storylines.

The series has been described as a mature, intelligent fantasy, exploring dark themes and psychological depth. Despite some critiques about its animation quality and omitted characters, “Berserk” is celebrated for its compelling narrative and remains an outstanding example of dark fantasy in anime.

For a detailed overview of the series, its episodes, and critical reception, you can refer to the Wikipedia page on Berserk (1997 TV series).

4. Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre

Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre - horror anime on Netflix

Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre” is a Japanese anthology horror original net animation series produced by Studio Deen and directed by Shinobu Tagashira.

The series adapts various stories from the renowned horror manga artist Junji Ito, including “The Hanging Balloons,” “Sōichi,” and “Tomie.” The series was announced in June 2022 and premiered on Netflix on January 19, 2023. The opening theme song is “Paranoid” by MADKID, while the ending theme song is “Iu Toori” by JYOCHO.

The series has received mixed reviews, with some appreciating its adherence to the source material and others critiquing aspects like the transition from manga to anime in terms of ambiance or pacing. It’s noted for presenting a variety of stories that range from weird to macabre, setting it apart from other works by Junji Ito.

For more information, you can visit the Wikipedia page for Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre and the MyAnimeList page for Itou Junji: Maniac.

5. Pluto

Pluto - horror anime on Netflix South Africa

The anime adaptation of “Pluto,” based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa, debuted in 2023. This series is a reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s “Astro Boy,” particularly the “The Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc. 

The anime has garnered attention for its unique mix of 3D CGI and 2D character animation, creating a dynamic visual style. Set in a neo-futuristic world where humans and highly advanced robots coexist, the story revolves around a series of mysterious murders of the world’s most powerful robots and their human allies. Inspector Gesicht, a robot detective, finds himself drawn into the heart of the mystery, which also puts him in grave danger.

For more information about “Pluto,” you can visit the Wikipedia page for Pluto (manga) and the MyAnimeList page for ‘Pluto’ Anime Series Announces Staff, Cast, 2023 Debut.

This anime has a cherished spot in our hearts, drawing inspiration from the legendary Osamu Tezuka. Discover why Tezuka is revered as the ‘Godfather of Manga and Anime’ in our post featuring the most famous manga artists of all time.

6. Blood of Zeus

Blood of Zeus - horror anime on Netflix

Blood of Zeus,” initially titled “Gods & Heroes,” is an American adult animated series created by Charley and Vlas Parlapanides for Netflix, which premiered on October 27, 2020.

The series offers a distinctive perspective on Greek mythology, focusing on the tale of Heron, a mortal in ancient Greece who learns he is the illegitimate son of the god Zeus. The story unfolds as Heron embarks on a quest to save the world from an impending demonic invasion, facing both divine and infernal adversaries along the way.

The series is noted for its rich storytelling, which artfully combines traditional mythological narratives with dark and mature themes. It features a diverse range of mythological characters, including gods, giants, and demons, each with complex motivations and backstories.

The animation, characterized by its bold and stylized visuals, has been lauded for bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the depiction of ancient myths. “Blood of Zeus” has garnered positive reviews for its engaging plot, character development, and the way it seamlessly integrates action with mythological lore. 

For an in-depth exploration of the series, including character descriptions and episode summaries, the Wikipedia page for Blood of Zeus is a great resource.

7. Trese

Trese anime on Netflix

Trese,” an anime-influenced streaming television series, adapts the Filipino comic series created by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo. Produced by BASE Entertainment, it premiered on Netflix on June 10, 2021, under the direction of Jay Oliva and the collaborative writing of Zig Marasigan, Mihk Vergara, and Tanya Yuson.

The series centers on Alexandra Trese, a mystical healer and warrior who confronts supernatural threats in a world where mythical creatures of Philippine folklore live in the shadows of Manila.

The show stands out for its rich infusion of Filipino mythology and urban legends, providing viewers with a unique cultural experience. It features a blend of horror, mystery, and crime elements, set against the backdrop of Manila’s dark and enigmatic underworld. The animation style combines traditional and modern techniques, complementing the series’ tone and setting.

“Trese” has been praised for its compelling storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and the depth of its mythological lore. The series’ dedication to authenticity is further highlighted by its multilingual approach, offering dubbings in Filipino, English, and Japanese, each version bringing its unique flavor to the narrative. 

For detailed insights into the series, including character analyses and thematic explorations, the Wikipedia page for Trese is an excellent resource.

8. Love, Death + Robots

Love, death and robots anime on Netflix

Love, Death & Robots” is an adult animated anthology series that debuted on Netflix, offering a collection of short stories that blend science fiction, fantasy, horror, and comedy. Created by Tim Miller and executive produced by David Fincher, the series premiered on March 15, 2019, and has released multiple volumes, with the latest, Volume 3, arriving on May 20, 2022.

Each episode, crafted by different animation studios from around the world, showcases a unique blend of storytelling, themes, and visual styles.

The series is renowned for its groundbreaking animation techniques and its willingness to push the boundaries of the animated medium, with episodes ranging from traditional 2D animation to photorealistic 3D CGI. The themes explored in “Love, Death & Robots” are as varied as its animation styles, covering topics like artificial intelligence, post-apocalyptic worlds, existentialism, and the human condition.

This anthology has been critically acclaimed for its creative ambition, innovative narratives, and its ability to captivate audiences with each short but impactful story. Praised for its artistic variety and narrative depth, the show has garnered a strong following and critical acclaim, including several Emmy Awards for individual episodes. 

For an in-depth look at the series, including episode breakdowns and behind-the-scenes information, the Wikipedia page for Love, Death & Robots offers a comprehensive overview.

9. Sirius the Jaeger

Sirius the Jaeger anime on Netflix

The anime “Sirius the Jaeger,” produced by P.A. Works, originally aired from July 12 to September 27, 2018. It’s set in the year 1930 and follows a group called the Jaegers, who hunt vampires in Tokyo. The plot centers around Yuliy, a young man with a deep-seated vendetta against vampires, which stems from his tragic past where his hometown was ravaged by these creatures.

The series is notable for its stunning visual quality, capturing the dark and eerie atmosphere of the 1930s Tokyo. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the vampires in the series are portrayed as menacing and ravenous monsters. The character design and animation by P.A. Works received praise for their quality and attention to detail.

The series was directed by Masahiro Andō and featured music composed by Masaru Yokoyama. The opening theme song is “Sirius” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets. “Sirius the Jaeger” was also released on Netflix on December 21, 2018, making it accessible to a wide audience.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Wikipedia page for Sirius the Jaeger and the MyAnimeList page for Sirius the Jaeger.

10. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato anime on Netflix

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato” is a continuation of the “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress” series. It was released in 2019 and revolves around the characters Ikoma and Mumei, who join an alliance to reclaim the region of Unato from the Kabane horde.

The series is known for its post-apocalyptic setting and features a mix of despair and enlightenment, along with well-executed action scenes and soundtracks. The art and animation, particularly the scenery, are praised for their quality and the portrayal of the characters’ relationships, especially between Mumei and Ikoma, is well-developed throughout the series.

The series has elicited mixed reviews. Some viewers appreciate the storytelling, setting, and production quality, while others have critiqued it for similarities to other dark fantasy genre animes and a lack of originality in certain aspects. Despite these critiques, the series has been recognized for its entertainment value, engaging action sequences, and the depth of its character development.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the MyAnimeList pages for Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress) and Koutetsujou no Kabaneri Movie 3: Unato Kessen (Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress: The Battle of Unato), as well as the Wikipedia page for “Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress”.

Final Thoughts on the Top Horror Anime on Netflix South Africa

As we conclude our exploration of the top horror anime available on Netflix South Africa, it’s evident that each series offers a unique and thrilling experience. These anime not only provide classic scares but also delve into deeper themes, making them more than just entertainment.

They challenge our perceptions, evoke strong emotions, and leave us pondering long after the credits roll. Whether it’s the gothic allure of “Castlevania,” the psychological depth of “Berserk” or the cultural richness of “Trese,” there’s something for every horror enthusiast.

If you’re inspired by the dark and intricate world of horror anime, why not immerse yourself further? Explore a collection of horror anime t-shirts and dive deeper into the world of anime at voodoochild.captown. Discover more content that delves into the fascinating universe of anime, offering insights, reviews, and a community of fellow enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the genre, voodoochild.captown is your gateway to the captivating world of anime.

Also, watch the video version of this post on our YouTube channel. 

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