Here are 5 of the most popular and widely loved detective-themed anime, each with a clear explanation of what makes them stand out:
- Detective Conan
Genre: Mystery, Detective, Crime, Adventure
Why it’s popular:
This is the king of detective anime — running since 1996 with over 1,000 episodes. The story follows Shinichi Kudo, a genius high-school detective who gets transformed into a child while investigating a criminal organization. Using the alias Conan Edogawa, he solves murder cases while searching for a cure.
Why people love it:
Clever, well-constructed mystery cases
Long-term story arcs involving the Black Organization
Likable recurring characters
Consistent quality over decades
It’s the most globally recognized detective anime of all time.
- Death Note
Genre: Psychological, Thriller, Detective, Supernatural
Why it’s popular:
One of the highest-rated anime ever. Although not a typical detective series, the core of the story is a deadly mind-game battle between Light Yagami and the mysterious detective L.
Why people love it:
Intense cat-and-mouse psychological warfare
Brilliant deduction battles
Complex moral themes
Iconic characters
The duel between Light and L is considered one of the greatest “detective vs. criminal” dynamics in anime history.
- Psycho-Pass
Genre: Sci-fi, Crime, Detective, Cyberpunk, Thriller
Why it’s popular:
Set in a futuristic Japan where the “Sibyl System” predicts criminal tendencies, the story follows Inspector Akane Tsunemori and Enforcer Kogami Shinya as they investigate complex crimes.
Why people love it:
Deep investigations into psychological crimes
Strong philosophical themes (justice, free will)
High-tension action mixed with detective logic
Mature storytelling
It’s a more modern and darker take on crime investigation.
- Bungo Stray Dogs
Genre: Action, Mystery, Detective, Supernatural
Why it’s popular:
Focuses on a detective agency of individuals with supernatural abilities. The main characters are inspired by famous literary authors.
Why people love it:
Mix of detective work + superpowers
Stylish battles and mystery
Engaging story arcs about crime organizations
Great character dynamics
The Armed Detective Agency investigates dangerous cases that ordinary detectives cannot.
- Gosick
Genre: Mystery, Historical, Detective, Drama
Why it’s popular:
A beautifully atmospheric detective series set in 1920s Europe, where a clever girl named Victorique de Blois solves mysteries with the help of her friend, Kazuya Kujo.
Why people love it:
Classic Sherlock-style mystery solving
Elegant historical European setting
Smart logic-based deductions
Emotional character development
It blends detective work with heartwarming story progression.
BONUS PICKS (also very popular)
Hyouka — school mystery club solving everyday puzzles
The Millionaire Detective – Balance: Unlimited — rich detective uses his wealth to solve crime
Un-Go — futuristic detective themes
Ghost in the Shell: SAC — crime investigation with cybernetic elements
