Best Mystery Anime of 2019

Tucked deep within a forest and encircled by a locked gate, Grace Field House stands as a sanctuary for orphans living as a family under the watch of their cherished "Mama," Isabella. While the children are required to take periodic tests, they enjoy free play outdoors provided they stay near the orphanage. Occasionally, a child is chosen for adoption and leaves, never to come back. However, the three eldest siblings begin to suspect something is amiss within their home. Their subsequent investigations reveal a sinister truth about the facility and Mama's actual intentions.

Amid the growing friction between Yumeko Jabami's expanding power and the student council's diminishing authority, Kirari Momobami declares a presidential election to overhaul the council's leadership. The new regulations grant every student a single chip to start, with the individual holding the most chips after thirty days ascending to the role of student council president and head of the Momobami family. In reaction, representatives from various branches of the Momobami clan emerge. Eleven new transfer students arrive at Hyakkao Private Academy, each vying for supremacy over both the institution and the family legacy. Equipped with distinctive abilities, they launch a brutal contest to accumulate chips, fueled by ambitions that extend well beyond simply securing victory in the election.

Following the conclusion of the three-way conflict between the organizations, government agent Ango Sakaguchi reflects on an incident from years past, occurring shortly after the death of the previous Port Mafia boss. During that time, the newcomer Osamu Dazai was tasked with investigating reports of a massive explosion that had devastated part of the city long ago, and its potential connection to the rumored return of the former leader. Caught in circumstances beyond his control, Dazai is compelled to cooperate with Chuuya Nakahara, the talented yet unpredictable leader of a rival gang known as the Sheep, to expose the truth behind the case and unravel the mystery of Arahabaki—the fire deity who may possess the answers they seek. In the present day, the Armed Detective Agency returns to its normal duties. However, their tranquility is short-lived, as both familiar foes and new adversaries regroup to prepare for another confrontation.

In 2063, space travel is commonplace and commercially viable. Aries Spring, an upbeat participant, heads to the spaceport for a camp on the remote planet McPa, only to have her purse stolen by a careless thief. Kanata Hoshijima, one of the athletic teens joining her on the excursion as part of team B-5, swiftly recovers it. Upon arriving at their campsite, the group experiences a sudden twist when a mysterious sphere of dark energy sucks them into deep space. Now stranded with slim chances of survival, they find an abandoned vessel that could be their ticket home. However, they soon discover they are thousands of light-years away from where they started. Confronting this harsh truth, the nine stranded individuals must meticulously conserve their supplies, maintain their stamina, and collaborate to navigate the dangers of space. Despite the unknown cause of their predicament, they embark on a treacherous voyage back home aboard their newly acquired ship, the Astra.

In a world where the Sibyl System quantifies mental states through "crime coefficients," law enforcement can arrest individuals before they commit crimes. However, is this system infallible? As Inspectors Kei Mikhail Ignatov and Arata Shindou embark on their careers in the Public Safety Bureau's Crime Investigation Department, they ponder this very question. Their initial assignment involves investigating the crash of an immigrant transport ship, leading them to believe the disaster may have been intentional. Meanwhile, a secretive organization called Bifrost observes their every move, and other unseen entities also monitor the newcomers closely.

Graduation day has arrived, marking the end of Koyomi Araragi's extraordinary high school experience, which was intertwined with bizarre encounters with supernatural beings. However, Araragi is abruptly sucked into his bathroom mirror, landing in an inverted reality where everything is reversed—typically haughty Karen Araragi is unexpectedly diminutive, usually composed Yotsugi Ononoki is overwhelmed with emotions, and the youthful spirit Mayoi Hachikuji transforms into a mature adult. Appearances in this world are misleading. In Zoku Owarimonogatari, Araragi navigates this surreal landscape as he struggles to return home and decode the enigmas of this odd universe.

At Shinyo Academy, rumors quietly circulate among the female students about a mysterious supernatural entity called Boogiepop—a shinigami believed to eliminate people at the peak of their beauty before their appeal fades. In truth, few know that Boogiepop is actually the alternate persona of high school student Touka Miyashita, awakening after long periods of dormancy to defend the world from its enemies. A recent wave of inexplicable disappearances, dismissed by the school as mere runaways, has caused Boogiepop to reemerge. Yet a sinister force lurks somewhere on campus, waiting for the right moment to unleash its power. Through Boogiepop wa Warawanai, the deep connections between individuals and their perception of time are delicately examined, alongside the intricate bonds, emotions, memories, and pasts of its characters.

In the newly formed Shiniki district of Tokyo, Zen Seizaki works as a dedicated public prosecutor at the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office. He is assigned to investigate a false advertising case against Japan Supiri, a pharmaceutical company accused of submitting fraudulent clinical trial data for their newest drug. During the inquiry, Zen and his assistant, Atsuhiko Fumio, review the records of Shin Inaba, an anesthesiologist linked to the scandal. The investigation takes a dark turn when they discover a page stained with blood, hair, and skin, marked with the repeated letter "F." As Zen probes deeper, the case grows more intricate and tangled, testing his beliefs in justice and his grasp of the truth. As Zen continues his investigation, he uncovers a hidden scheme tied to the ongoing mayoral election, revealing connections to several key figures involved in the race and even some close to him. The case intensifies, pulling Zen into a vortex of corruption and deceit that spans the election, the development of the Shiniki district, and a mysterious woman who seems to be at the heart of it all.

Ten years after his defeat in the Fourth Holy Grail War, Waver Velvet—now bearing the title Lord El-Melloi II—assumes a position as an instructor at the prestigious Clock Tower, an institution dedicated to mage training. In this new role, he is bound to obey Reines, the younger sibling of the late Kayneth El-Melloi, until she reaches maturity and can take control of the El-Melloi household. Accompanied by his enigmatic apprentice Gray, Waver tackles a series of tasks assigned by both Reines and the Mage Association. Each case unfolds with increasingly intricate mysteries, gradually exposing the hidden facets of the Clock Tower and the closely guarded secrets held by Reines.

This movie compiles episodes nine through thirteen of the 2017 TV series. Riko and Reg descend into the Abyss's third layer, where Riko encounters the Curse for the first time. They continue deeper to the fourth layer, and Riko's arm is injured by an Orbed Piercer. Reg tries to rescue her, but Nanachi intervenes to save Riko's poisoned limb. As repayment, Nanachi requests that Reg eliminate her eternal companion, Mitty. Afterward, Nanachi joins Riko and Reg on their quest to reach the Abyss's depths.

A compilation film recapping the first half of the anime series. The enigmatic Abyss is an unforgiving and deadly place. Despite the dangers, it still captures the imagination of explorers such as Riko who wishes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and trains hard to become a Cave Raider. One day, she receives news that her mother died in the Abyss, yet a mysterious note tells Riko that her mother may still be alive. Vowing to uncover the truth about her mother’s fate, Riko embarks on a journey with a humanoid robot boy named Reg. Together they will discover if they have what it takes to survive where so many others have perished.

Picture yourself living an ordinary life—spending time with friends, sharing meals with family, or being with your significant other. Then, without warning, you wake up in a strange world, stranded on a sinking ship amidst a raging storm, alongside five unfamiliar people. That is the harsh reality facing Natsu Iwashimizu. The human race has been wiped out, and the remnants of Japan's population are divided into five teams of men and women, carefully chosen to carry on humanity's future. Every member of these groups brings a useful ability—whether it is martial arts expertise, specialized knowledge, or architectural skill. In stark contrast, Natsu is merely a timid high school student who cannot even raise her voice. Despite her apparent lack of survival skills, she must band together with the other survivors as they face the extreme dangers of their new environment, aiming to reach the "Seven Fuji" and fight for their lives.

Iride Akatsuki discovers a hidden segment within the video game 'Nakanohito Genome,' only to find that it is actually a real-world trial. Kidnapped and taken to a strange location, he meets other players who are experts in various gaming genres such as farming, combat, and puzzles. After completing the first stage, they are assembled by an odd instructor with a llama-like head, who explains the game's rules. Can this team of gamers survive the challenges and return to their everyday lives?

Fifteen years ago, a hyperspace gate opened in the Pacific Ocean, linking Earth to a mysterious realm of fairies and monsters. Over two million of these beings now live in San-Teresa, bringing problems like drug abuse, prostitution, and human trafficking. To handle rising crime, a special unit was formed in the San-Teresa Metropolitan Police. Kei Matoba, a former JSDF soldier and one of the force's top officers, often breaks the rules. His world goes dark when his longtime partner, Rick Fury, dies during a fairy trafficking case, pushing Kei toward revenge. To help with the investigation, Kei is paired with Tilarna Exedilika, a noble from the Farbani Kingdom and a Knight of Mirvor, sent to rescue a kidnapped noble fairy. Despite Kei's bias against non-human species, he reluctantly works with Tilarna under pressure from his bosses. Together, they must set aside their differences to bring back the missing fairy and get justice for Kei's lost partner.

During her summer vacation, Ruka Azumi spends time playing handball while avoiding her alcoholic mother at home. After being expelled from the team following a practice incident, Ruka looks for new things to do and ends up at her father’s workplace, an aquarium. There she encounters Umi, a mysterious boy raised by dugongs who is under study due to his unusual body that requires constant contact with water. Ruka and Umi quickly become friends, and their bond grows when Sora, Umi’s brother who shares a similar connection to the sea, joins them. The three explore a breathtaking underwater world and uncover a peculiar festival that all marine life across the globe is preparing for.

A vehicle transporting Izumi Yasaka, a counselor who recently fled from the latent criminal containment facility called Sanctuary, crashes into the Public Safety Bureau headquarters during a high-stakes situation. As Inspectors Mika Shimotsuki and Akane Tsunemori prepare to interrogate the suspect, an urgent directive from Sanctuary orders Izumi's immediate return. Interpreting this as an order from Sanctuary's leadership, the inspectors comply but insist on escorting her themselves. Tsunemori plans to continue the investigation with her team. This case provides Inspector Shimotsuki with a crucial opportunity to lead a major investigation as the primary officer. The story follows Shimotsuki and her team of Enforcers as they uncover the hidden truths behind Sanctuary.

In the second installment, Wei Wuxian continues to pose as a chaotic member of the Lanling Jin Clan while residing at Cloud Recesses. His former ally, Lan Wangji, investigates a malevolent severed arm they have obtained. The arm exudes a powerful and sinister aura, forcing the two to join forces in controlling its influence. However, this demonic limb is not the only threat in the region. As spiritual disturbances escalate within the Gusu Lan Clan’s mountain territory, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji must work to restore balance. The narrative also reveals more details about Wei Wuxian’s downfall, shedding light on his descent into forbidden demonic practices. The presence of the demonic arm exacerbates his volatile nature. Wei Wuxian now faces the challenge of proving that he has truly abandoned his wicked ways and is not the deranged sorcerer others still suspect him to be.

In the Southeast Asian Union (SEAUn), Shinya Kougami roams free from the surveillance of Japan's Sibyl System. While traveling through the Tibet-Himalayan Alliance Kingdom, he meets Guillermo Garcia, the leader of a paramilitary force aiming to unite the region's scattered factions and bring peace to the war-torn land. Although Kougami is hesitant to get involved with another mercenary group, he agrees to a ride to the Tibetan capital with one of Garcia's subordinates. His attempts to avoid conflict fail when a group of armed insurgents attacks a bus carrying refugees. Among the passengers is Tenzing Wangchuck, a young woman of Japanese and Tibetan descent. After witnessing Kougami's exceptional combat skills as he single-handedly defeats the attackers, Wangchuck begs him to teach her how to fight so she can take revenge on the warlord who murdered her family. Understanding the deep impact that killing has on a person, Kougami is reluctant to mentor Wangchuck. Yet, her thirst for vengeance resonates with the darkness inside his own soul, forcing him to carefully consider his decision.

Enforcer Teppei Sugou, once the top pilot of the National Defence Army's 15th Integrated Task Force, finds himself considering a return to military service after being contacted by a recruiter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the memory of his final deployment weighs heavily on his mind. Operation Foot Stamp, a secret military campaign aimed at the Southeast Asian Union, descended into chaos, leading to severe casualties among the ground troops. Sugou's First Guardian drone was sent in to provide aerial assistance and deliver supplies to the cut-off units. Despite his personal misgivings, Sugou followed his orders and withdrew to base, abandoning his fellow soldiers. That operation resulted in many deaths, including that of his commanding officer, Itsuki Ootomo. Yet three months later, after a violent outbreak at the Ministry of Defence, Ootomo was spotted on security footage at the scene of the crime. Now regarded as a terrorist, Sugoo works alongside Enforcer Tomomi Masaoka and investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department's Division 01 to track down his one-time mentor.

In the neon-lit, tumultuous heart of Shinjuku's Kabukichou district, John H. Watson, a doctor at a university hospital on the opposite side of the ward, seeks aid for an unconventional case. His quest brings him to the Pipe Cat, a clandestine bar frequented by Shinjuku's elite detectives, including the notable Sherlock Holmes. Upon arriving at the bar and encountering its colorful clientele, John discovers they are engaged in a case centered around the infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Following a series of events, John finds himself escorting Sherlock to a murder site suspected to be another of Jack's handiwork. Initially there just to enlist Sherlock’s help, John witnesses the detective's masterful dissection of the crime scene. He also begins to recognize that Sherlock, while a brilliant investigator, possesses an eccentric and peculiar demeanor. As John repeatedly solicits Sherlock's expertise for his own case, he becomes increasingly immersed in the world of high-stakes detective work. Through their collaboration, John gains insight into the complex underbelly of Kabukichou and starts to unravel the unsettling mystery surrounding his own investigation.

In the Nocturnal Community Relations Division, a special team assigned to handle cases involving unseen occult entities after dark, Arata Miyako unexpectedly finds himself working at the Shinjuku Ward Office. There, he meets his colleagues Theo Himezuka and Kyouichi Sakaki. On his first night, Arata is given his initial mission and is shocked to discover that all the supernatural beings he once thought were fictional are real, and he is the only one who can understand their otherworldly speech. His surprise deepens when he encounters a Tengu, which greets him as the legendary Heian-era exorcist Abe no Seimei. Unfamiliar with this historical figure, Arata dismisses the title and continues working with his team, using his unique ability to resolve their cases. As more occult beings recognize him as Abe no Seimei, his reputation grows, and his curiosity about his origins intensifies. Learning of a possible connection to the exorcist, Arata becomes increasingly determined to solve the mysteries surrounding the creatures he meets. However, he soon realizes that handling supernatural cases is dangerous, and his special ability begins to reveal unforeseen complications.

In the wake of a city's sudden disappearance, Takuya, a professional courier used to being alone, meets Yuki, the only known survivor of the event. Following a message from Yuki's missing father, they set out to find the lost city, known as Lost. On their journey, they face unexpected challenges that deeply affect Yuki, dealing with the grief of those impacted, confronting a secret organization pulling the strings, and uncovering a hidden conspiracy. Initially strangers, Takuya and Yuki grow closer as they work together to solve the mystery of the vanished metropolis.

In a contemporary Tokyo where humans coexist with supernatural entities such as elves, dwarves, and vampires, a malevolent force threatens the peace. Once ruled by mighty dragons who mysteriously vanished, the city now faces turmoil from the nefarious group known as Nine, which aims to reclaim ancient magical artifacts and sows destruction throughout the metropolis. To combat this peril, law enforcement forms Special 7, an elite unit composed of individuals with extraordinary abilities beyond those of typical humans. Seiji Nanatsuki, a new detective, has his world turned upside down when he intervenes in a bank hostage situation and encounters Shiori Ichinose, a member of Special 7. His commendable actions and sincere character earn him a spot on the team after the incident. Seiji soon realizes that being part of Special 7 is far different from conventional police duties. Working alongside a diverse team of species, each with distinctive powers and vibrant personalities, brings unexpected challenges and excitement to his investigative and personal life. While regular crimes continue to plague Tokyo, Seiji and his colleagues must address special cases and simultaneously foil the relentless plots of Nine.

In "Lupin III: The First," the legendary gentleman thief Lupin III embarks on a worldwide adventure alongside his eccentric team. Their mission is to obtain the enigmatic Bresson Diary before a sinister organization can harness its power to revive the Third Reich. Facing dangerous obstacles, thrilling aerial pursuits, and daring prison breakouts, the group showcases the signature humor and striking animation that have established Lupin III as an international phenomenon. This exciting new heist seeks to entertain both longtime followers and newcomers to the franchise.

In the twenty-third Case Closed film, The Fist of Blue Sapphire, the legendary blue sapphire dubbed the "blue lapis fist" supposedly went down with a pirate ship near Singapore in the late 1800s. A wealthy local entrepreneur intends to recover this gem, and once it goes on display at the Marina Sands hotel in Singapore, a murder occurs, accompanied by a bloody calling card from Kaitou Kid. Concurrently, Ran and Sonoko travel to Singapore for a karate competition. Conan, unable to leave Japan because he lacks a passport, is supposed to stay behind. However, Kaitou Kid, in need of Conan's aid, uses a magic trick to forcibly bring Conan to Singapore. To return home, Conan must cooperate with Kid, but first he has to disguise himself since his glasses, watch, and other belongings are taken away. When Ran fails to identify him, he calls himself "Arthur Hirai." Later, Kid discovers that the "fist" is stored in a concealed vault beneath a mansion. As he thinks he has safely accessed it, a dangerous trap is set off. He then confronts Makoto Kyogoku, the undefeated karate champion boasting 400 consecutive victories.

In Japan, the rise in drug-related crimes is overwhelming the police force's ability to keep order. To address this growing problem, a specialized unit called STAND is formed, made up of skilled experts capable of handling the crisis. Rei Izumi, new to the narcotics division, is given the important task of finding potential recruits for STAND. Despite her well-known dedication to justice and police work, Rei's unusual resistance to many types of drugs may be the key reason she was chosen. Determined to find suitable candidates, Rei soon realizes how difficult her assignment is. Each potential member has their own feelings, beliefs, and willingness to join the fight against drugs. Her skills as a narcotics officer are questioned by the various people she meets, leading to frequent disagreements and doubts in her daily life. Additionally, Rei must deal with the dangerous and secretive world of drug trafficking, where betrayal and deception are common, creating serious risks beyond what she first expected.

The pursuit of the Mask presses forward as Connor remains at large. A fresh clue emerges when an ordinary bus crash spares only a single girl from injury. Her identity and connection to the case stay unclear. After Steven's death, Police Director Richard resigns. His replacement is cautious about the SSC and chooses to bring a new agent into their team.

Ryo Saeba, the premier City Hunter, teams up with his partner Kaori for various assignments. After model Ai Shindo is targeted in an assault, she recruits Ryo to serve as her private protector. It emerges that Shinji Mikuni, the head of the IT firm featuring Ai in its promotions, shares a past connection with Kaori, which draws them closer together. At the same time, mercenaries are assembling across Shinjuku, and a major arms dealer arrives in Japan wielding a cutting-edge weapon. Yet, Mikuni's role in these events sows discord between Ryo and Kaori.

Unaired Episodes 14 and 15 of Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin.

At the final episode pre-screening event held on Friday, it was revealed that the Double Decker! Doug & Kirill television anime will receive three additional episodes. These are titled Double Decker! Doug & Kirill: Extra, and they will be made available for streaming on Bandai Channel and other streaming services from February through April 2019. The Blu-ray and DVD set containing the extra episodes is scheduled to launch on May 24, 2019.

Inspector Zenigata gets taken into custody, and the media claims that the old inspector was actually the real mind behind every one of professional thief Lupin’s robberies. Lupin’s pride soon gets the better of him, and wealthy tycoon Roy Forest tricks him into taking on a fresh assignment: stealing the “Time Crystal” within seven days. The Time Crystal is a formerly classified government creation—a supercomputer engine capable of cracking encrypted passwords far faster than anyone thought possible. But what has made Jigen act so oddly lately? What happened to the young piano prodigy who was snatched away recently? And above all, what strange link ties all of them together?

Ahead of the 2020 launch of the Digimon Survive game, a promotional trailer was made available on Bandai Namco's official YouTube channels. This video initially premiered during the "The Future of Digimon" panel at Anime Expo before it was posted online.

Third season of Oshiri Tantei.

Second season of Oshiri Tantei.

In 2019, the first film adaptation of the popular Japanese children's book and anime series Oshiri Tantei (Butt Detective) was released. While Butt Detective and his assistant Brown enjoy tea at a cafe, Mr. Walter, the manager of a new curry restaurant, arrives to report that "Piriritokikku," an essential curry spice, has gone missing. Butt Detective puts his remarkable reasoning to work to solve the case of the vanished spice.