Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

The word “phantom” is used to define something that supposedly exists, but actually doesn't. A synonym for the word phantom is “ghost”, meaning apparition, or usually referred to as the soul of a dead person. As far as we know, phantoms are those entities living in the tales of nightmares, or used to scare children, as well. However, their role in tales, legends and folklore is very important. In this ranking, we'll talk about ten anime where phantoms are involved one way, or the other. As this is an update, scroll down to read our original article, to discover other ten phantom anime worth it. Let's start now... and don't get scared!


10. Mayoiga (The Lost Village)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: April 2016 – June 2016

A life away from the daily struggles: this is what leads 30 individuals to join a tour towards the unknown. Each of them with their own reasons, they dream a life away from the noisy downtown, and so decided to reach the lost village of Nanakimura – supposedly, a village where people live easy lives. Nanakimura, though, is hard to be found, and when these 30 individuals eventually do, it turns out that it is uninhabited. Where have all the people gone? And why does it feel like something is terribly wrong with the village?

The characters in Mayoiga are forced to face their biggest fears, and the form their fears take is different, intimately related to events of their past that led them to leave the city. The unsettling sensation that something is wrong, apparitions and strange noises will haunt them all. Mayoiga is like a tale of nightmares, one of those we were mentioning up front: give it a try if you like those vibes!


9. Phantom in the Twilight

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2018 – September 2018

Our 9th phantom anime takes place in London, and it revolves around Baileu Ton. This determined girl arrived in the city in order to study abroad with her best friend Shinyao. Something goes wrong on her first day of university, though, and she finds herself alone, in a city she doesn't really know. In desperation, Baileu stumbles upon a mysterious café – Café Forbidden – which only opens at midnight. The handsome men employed at the café hide a secret, and Baileu is about to discover it...

Café Forbidden is a night-only café serving as a haven for the creatures of the shadow, the non-human entities called Umbra. Being the descendant of Sha Rijan – the women who created peace between humans and non-humans – Baileu has to use her powers in order to maintain peace. Since the Umbra are entities born from human fear and anxiety, our protagonist has to deal with phantoms – even handsome ones – on daily basis!


8. Asura Cryin'

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: April 2009 – June 2009

Tomoharu Natsume is your typical high school student, with a significant problem: he is followed by his best friend's ghost, Misao. A locked briefcase will change his life for good, the moment he moves into his brother's old house. In fact, groups of people invade his house, all of them after the mysterious briefcase; even not knowing what the object actually is, Tomoharu and Misao try to protect it, by escaping. From that moment onward, the boy will gradually discover the truth about the briefcase, and its connection with Misao...

Asura Cryin' is a non-conventional phantom anime, as in this show the ghost following around our protagonist is actually a person he truly cares for: his best friend who died in an accident. No one can see Misao except for Tomoharu, and that will cause him problems on more than one occasion. However, if you want to know what will be of Misao's ghost version and the briefcase, you really need to give Asura Cryin' a shot!


7. Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san (Yuuna and the Haunted Hot Springs)

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: July 2018 – September 2018

Since he was a child, Fuyuzora Kogarashi has been possessed by the ghosts; growing up, he managed to become physically and spiritually stronger to fight them back. While in high school, he remains homeless, and is introduced to a very cheap boarding house – Yuragi Manor – previously renowned as a popular hot springs inn. There's only a problem: the house is cheap, because it's haunted by the spirit of the girl who was found dead there. And if things could go worse, Yuna – the spirit – lives in Kogarashi's room...

As a harem anime revolving around spirits and ghosts, you can imagine how ecchi scenes and comedy are integral part thereof. As a phantom anime, we decided to put it in the list just to show you how sometimes ghosts just have some unfinished business, and they need someone who can help them figure out how to move onto the afterlife. Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san is a fun ride, with lighthearted feelings and very good vibes: definitely one to watch.


6. Natsuyuki Rendezvous

  • Episodes: 11
  • Aired: July 2012 – September 2012

Rokka Shimao is a floral shop's owner, and Ryousuke Hazuki is younger, but he has a serious crush on her. He likes Rokka so much, that he decides to get a part-time job at her shop, hoping to get closer to Rokka. Interposing between Rokka and Hazuki there's Atsushi Shimao, Rokka's husband. The problem is, he passed away three years prior, becoming a ghost dwelling Rokka's apartment, and making Hazuki's life a nightmare!

Out of the ten phantom anime of this list, Natsuyuki Rendezvous is the most touching. Atsushi is a spirit, and he lingers between the floral shop and the upstairs, where Rokka lives. Whenever Hazuki tries to get near to Rokka, he meddles, and if things could be worse only Hazuki is able to see him. The flip side of this ghost's behavior is merely solitude: Atsushi only wishes of not being replaced. Join Hazuki to see how this emotional phantom anime will end up!



5. 07-Ghost

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: April 2009 – September 2009

Teito Klein is an orphan with no memories of his past, attending the elite Barsburg Academy as a slave. Mikage Celestine is the only one who managed to befriend Teito in spite his being rude, and anti-social. When some circumstances unveil the truth about the Empire, and the Seven Ghosts, Teito is forced to run away from the academy. His only salvation is the meeting with Frau – a priest – who will protect, and help him in his quest for his memories!

07-Ghost involves demons, action and magic, mixed together perfectly. As the story goes on, and Teito discovers more about his past, the viewers come to know the true nature of the Seven Ghosts. Basically, they are dead people, reborn with an important task. They are supernatural, benevolent entities, who gave up on something very important during their previous life, in order to save innocent people. Give 07-Ghost a shot, all the more if you want a phantom anime where phantoms aren't scary at all... except for the enemies, of course.


4. Musaigen no Phantom World (Myriad Colors Phantom World)

  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: January 2016 – March 2016

If you thought that phantoms were just a superstition, think twice, because when a virus spreads throughout society the truth is uncovered: phantoms have always been living alongside humanity. The next generation of those affected by the virus, developed supernatural abilities granting them the strength to fight against the phantoms. Haruiko – who can seal them through drawings – and Mai – who can turn the power of the elements into martial arts – form a team in order to deal with the devilish entities. With them there's Ruru, one of the rare friendly phantom!

Here's another show taking the fun side of the phantoms, and turning it into numerous gags. Musaigen no Phantom World deals with mischievous phantoms causing trouble for human beings – but they are not mean, they're just annoying. Haruiko and Mai, together with Ruru, form the Team E of the Hosea Academy, which is born in order to fight against the phantoms. This show is a must-see: it's a nice comedy, with a few ecchi scenes, and a lighthearted atmosphere from beginning to end!


3. Another

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2012 – March 2012

Another revolves around Kouichi Sakakibara, a boy forced moving from Tokyo, to Yomiyama, in the countryside. Because of a health problem, though, he misses the first three weeks of school, and in the hospital, he meets a strange girl: Misaki Mei. Days later, when Sakakibara finally begins attending school, it turns out that Misaki is one of his classmates, but nobody seems to see her. Then, when a string of murders strike the school, Sakakibara decides to get closer to Misaki, in order to shed light on the situation...

Class 3-3 of Yomiyama North High School is under a curse. In 1972 a girl called Misaki died during the school year, and from that moment onward a eerie atmosphere lingers in the little town of Yomiyama. Basically, the students of class 3-3 need to do something to undo the curse of the dead girl, otherwise something bad will happen. Join Sakakibara in his research to understand what actually lies behind the enigma and the death of his classmates.


2. Boogiepop wa Warawanai: Boogiepop Phantom

  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 2000 – March 2000

It's already been five years since a series of horrific murders shook the city. Now, once again, the shinigami whispered of among the female students of Shinyo Academy seems to be back. It's called Boogiepop, and rumor has it that she's back: should you meet her in the night, your life is over. While some people still find it impossible that Boogiepop can actually exist, strange things keep happening in the dark...

As it will get a remake in January 2019, we really needed to mention one terrifying phantom anime such as Boogiepop wa Warawanai. Compared to the aforementioned two shows, Boogiepop wa Warawanai is a spooky anime wielding horror elements, mysteries, and bloody scenes. Plus, it wields eerie atmospheres instilling in the viewers the sensation that something bad can happen at any moment. It's the perfect fit for this list, so you should really watch it!


1. Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: April 2011 – October 2011

Assiah and Gehenna are the two worlds where humans and demons live. The only way for demons to travel to Assiah is by possession. Satan, the ruler of Gehenna, was unable to find a suitable host, so he sent his son in the person of Rin Okumura. Satan's wish is that he and his son cooperate in order to take control of Assiah, but Rin is not in the least interested in the matter. That's why, when demons begin to attack him one after another, he decides to become an exorcist able to fight them back!

Ao no Exorcist is a phantom anime full of action. When Rin discovers to be the son of Satan, he refuses with all his might to help him; on the contrary, he remains faithful to the loving memory of the father who took care of him and his twin brother. Yet, Rin's demonic nature pops up whenever he uses Kurikara – a demon-slaying katana inherited from Satan. The rebel son of Satan will do his best to hinder Satan's ascent on Assiah; give Ao no Exorcist a shot, to see what consequences his actions will bring!


Final Thoughts

And so, our ranking of ten phantom anime ends here. Did these dark presences scare you? We tried to pick various shows, from the quirkier to the most terrifying, in order to suit everyone's tastes. Of course, we want to know your opinions, too, so please don't forget to let us know your suggestions in the comments below. See you next time!

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Writer

Author: Mari Mari

An italian girl currently living the Japanese Dream. I'm an anime and manga enthusiast (I mean... very enthusiast. XD), and my other hobbies are writing, reading, playing volleyball, listening to good music and thinking about pointless things.

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Original Article Below

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

The term phantom can be defined as a ghost, a spiritual entity, supernatural being, and many more. Phantoms have played such a role in folklore's, legends, and myths all across the globe. Japan has quite a handful of great stories, all stemming from the quirky all the way to the extremely terrifying.

Today, we will be going on a phantom quest to seek out the top 10 anime that display them in all their glory. Are you ready for the adventure? Equip yourself and lets go!

10. Ajin

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 2
  • Aired: January 16, 2016

Starting off on our quest for the top ten phantom anime is Ajin. Ajin is a brand new anime that just saw its first episode release this past week, and is shaping up to be one of the best on this winters lineup. For those who haven't seen the movie, we highly suggest you do so to further understand the backstory. Ajin is a term which refers to humans that cannot die.

Mankind has evolved rapidly and more Ajin are now being discovered in mainstream society. Due to their uncanny appearance to that of a regular human and their rarity, the government is out to capture them by any means necessary. Kei finds himself in uncharted waters in this over the top anime, that is full of action to keep you coming back for more. Will Kei eventually uncover the truths behind the existence of Ajin? Or will he be slowly devoured by the tortured souls that surround him? Tune in to find out!

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


9. Another

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 12
  • Aired: January 12, 2012 – March 27, 2012

Floating in at number nine is Another. Now the title seems strange in itself, but the anime is really very interesting. It stars Mei Misaki, a student who mysteriously dies during the middle of the school year. Many students and teachers were shocked by the sudden passing, but somehow still believe she is still alive somewhere which then leads to strange phenomenon taking place. Well over a decade after the incident, a transfer student meets Misaki but is surprised when none of her classmates and teachers respond to her.

Things get even more creepy when many mysterious deaths start to take place, where various students and relatives die out of the blue. Misaki and her new mate Sakakibara, must figure out the solution after concluding that all of these deaths were in relation to the death of Misaki in 1972. Tune in to find out what happens.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


8. Occult Academy

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: July , 2010 – September 28, 2010

Our adventure continues as we now have enrolled in the Occult Academy to find out more about the top ten phantoms! We are on the lookout for a young female named Maya, who is the daughter of the former headmaster of Waldstein Academy, Fumiaki.. Maya has discovered information about the infamous Nostradamus Key, which holds the truth to many untold events. Fumiaki and Maya must team together to discover why destruction is slowly devouring their city.

Both characters are equipped with specially created cell phones, which allow a user to take photographs which display information on the Nostradamus Key. If they end up taking a photo and it is not relevant to the key, the photo displays destruction. By using these phones, the two must defeat the occult occurrences that surround them in this cool action packed sci-fi series.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


7. Ao no Exorcist (Blue Exorcist)

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 25
  • Aired: April 7, 2011 – October 7, 2011

So Maya lead us to another subject that we must now gather more information on, and we have now come to number seven on the phantom anime list. Rin is just another regular student, who goes about his way causing mischief and joking with his colleagues. That is until he realizes that he is the son of Satan and gets ambushed by a horde of demons. His father wishes that the two of them work together to hold the throne of Assiah, which Rin has no interest in.

Throughout the series, we see a lot of great confidence and leadership from Rin, as he decides to refuse his father's decision and insists on overthrowing him at all costs. With crazy visual effects and amazing action, Ao no Exorcist is one to watch.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


6. Ushio to Tora

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 26
  • Aired: July 3, 2015 – December 25, 2015

Flying in at number six on our list of phantom anime is Ushio to Tora. Ushio is not convinced that his ancestor was the legendary swordsman who sealed an incredibly evil demon with the beast spear, but his father insists that is true. One day however, curiosity began to itch at the neck of Ushio and he comes across the mystical beast spear in his father's temple. Completely shocked by the discovery, Ushio is then confronted with his then later comrade Tora, who is stuck to the wall of his father's basement with the spear lodged in his chest. Ushio takes the spear out and from there everything about Ushio's world starts to take a wild turn.

Ushio embarks on an adventure to seek the untold truth behind the beast spear, and how it was created. As the story progresses, we begin to see more unfolding that leads into a lot of mysterious enemies appearing out of nowhere to put an end to the beast spear. Phantoms galore in this all out action packed anime, where teamwork is displayed all throughout the show between Ushio and Tora. Will Ushio finally discover the truth, or will Tora and the spear be his demise? Check it out to see what happens.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


5. Yokai Watch

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: Ongoing
  • Aired: January 8, 2014- ongoing

What may arguably be the most popular anime franchise out in Japan at the moment, Yokai Watch is on a trail of success. When it released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2013, Level 5 was unsure of its appeal to the general audience. Soon to their surprise however, the title became a huge hit all over Japan, selling over five hundred thousand copies of the game in a week. Due to its remarkable success, Level 5 decided to bring it to life on TV with its very own anime series.

The anime has become a nationwide hit due to its great historical references to the term Yokai (which in Japanese refer to the mythical ghosts of folklore) and how well designed the characters are in a cartoony fashion. Each phantom has a unique trait which allows for special techniques and attacks to be performed, and to capture other yokai. Not only does this have the same appeal as Pokemon, but it goes even further to generate good vibes from every age group. Keita is a very relatable main character, and with his adventurous heart he ventures out to capture and create his own team of yokai. This is a must watch and a must play for those into exploration.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


4. Hellsing

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: October 11, 2001 – January 17, 2002

Crawling in at number four is Hellsing. The story follows Alucard, and a former police turned vampire named Seras Victoria. The two are employed by the famous extermination group of England called the Hellsing Organization. Their goal: To end all hell breaking loose with the new breed of vampires that are taking over the city.

In this action packed anime, we see a lot of team chemistry between Alucard and Seras which lead us to believe there is some small romantic interest. Seras at first found herself reluctant to turn to the dark side, but after Alucard convinces her to do so, the true being is presented all her power is overwhelmingly strong. While some may not agree that vampires are not phantoms, they are technically dead which gives us enough reason to believe they are undead phantoms. If you love lots of blood, high flying action, and story then do not hesitate to check out Hellsing.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


3. xxxHolic

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 24
  • Aired: April 7 2006 – September 29, 2006

Coming in at the top three spot of our phantom anime is none other than xxxHolic. Now don't let the name fool you, as this show has no relation to anything x-rated. The story tells us of Kimihiro, a young man with the ability to see spirits and other supernatural beings. However, he is not too fond of this gift since he is often confronted by them and they cause him grief. One day he is subdued by spirits and his led to a strange house where he meets a woman named Yuuko.

Yuuko claims that she is able to rid Kimihiro of this curse and relieve him of his stresses, however for a price. Yuuko insists that Kimihiro work at her store which has the ability to grant any wish to the person who asks, and from there the odd adventures between Kimihiro and Yuuko begin. This great tale of ghoulish encounters and the sixth sense reference are all delightfully entertaining to watch, and so we wish that you too take a glimpse into the world of xxxHolic.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


2. Noragami Aragoto

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 13
  • Aired: October 3, 2015-December 26, 2015

As you may already know, Honey's Anime has already showcased a wonderful article on Noragami Aragoto. But if you haven't checked it out, please be sure to support us and give it a read. This anime is all about phantoms as the main lead Yato is on a quest to destroy the evil phantoms that are causing havoc in the real and spiritual world. Bishamon, the rival to Yato, is on her own quest to kill Yato due to past history between them. However, she soon discovers the truth and the two of them must work together to destroy the traitors that dwell around them.

Noragami Aragoto specializes in ghosts and phantoms, because most of the characters in the series are either dead themselves or the main leads use them as weapons for their survival. It's a wonderful spectacle to watch, as the real and spiritual world come together to tackle the dangers that pursue them. There is no telling what will happen in the show, as there is non stop action all throughout the series to keep you guessing. We definitely recommend you check out this ghastly bounty hunter Yato in Noragami Aragoto.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


1. D.Gray Man

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]
  • Episodes: 103
  • Aired: October 3, 2006- September 30, 2008

Slamming its way down on the number one spot is yet another very popular franchise out of Japan. D.Gray man hit the airwaves back in 2006, and had created a huge impact with its very well detailed story plot pertaining to Allen and Millennium Earl. In the story, Allen decides to join an academy of exorcists to put a stop to lifeforms called Akuma, which were designed by Earl himself. Using the souls of the deceased, Earl gives them immense power, terrorizing everything in their path. With its sheer popularity, D.Gray Man is making a huge return with a continuation of the series coming in 2016.

Allen comes equipped with an anti Akuma weapon of his own, attached to his arm, while possessing the cursed eye given to him by the apostle of God. He is nicknamed “Innocence” due to his calm nature, but when confronted with Akuma he and his comrades put a stop to these relentless ghouls at all costs. Will Allen and his team finally confront the Millennium Earl and put an end to his madness? There is only one way to find out, and that's to tune in.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]


Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Other Reference: Musaigen no Phantom World

So we managed to recruit some hunters who can stand up to the menacing enemies that are phantoms, and now it is time to take action and end this onslaught once and for all. Of course, here at Honey's Anime, we encourage you to show your support and leave comments down below and tell us your own favorite phantom anime as well.

As always, for your sweet anime fill, keep it locked here at Honey's Anime.

Natsuyuki-Rendezvous-capture-3-700x394 Top 10 Phantom Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Editor/Writer

Author: Rob "NualphaJPN" B.

A passionate fan of gaming, writing, journalism, anime, and philosophy. I've lived in Japan for many years and consider this place to be my permanent home. I love to travel around Japan and learn about the history and culture! Leave a comment if you enjoy my articles and watch me play on twitch.tv/honeysgaming ! Take care!

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