Best Mystery Anime of 2023

In The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao, the young daughter of an apothecary, is suddenly uprooted from her tranquil life and sold into the lowest tier of the imperial palace. Concealing her vast medical knowledge, she begins working as an unassuming maid. Shortly after her arrival, the emperor's infants begin to suffer from mysterious, life-threatening illnesses that seem like a curse. Motivated by curiosity, Maomao swiftly uncovers the source of these ailments and leaves a subtle clue to avoid suspicion. However, Jinshi, a sharp yet kind-hearted eunuch, detects her involvement. Acknowledging her abilities, Maomao is promoted to serve as a lady-in-waiting for Gyokouyou, the emperor's favored concubine. As she addresses the various sicknesses plaguing the imperial court, her medical expertise proves indispensable.

Fifteen years prior, societal collapse unleashed man-eating creatures across a ruined landscape, endangering the few remaining survivors. Within a secluded refuge, children live shielded from these threats, oblivious to the horrors lurking beyond their walls. However, as some individuals begin to uncover truths about the outside world, their curiosity regarding what lies beyond steadily grows. In the barren wilderness, Maru and Kiruko journey toward a fabled destination called Heaven, each driven by their own objectives. Haunted by painful pasts and hidden secrets, they seek solace and answers to the struggles they have endured in this broken world.

Yukichi Fukuzawa has abandoned his military career and now works independently as a hired bodyguard, relying on his exceptional swordsmanship. His solo efforts struggle to gain traction until he crosses paths with a sharp-witted young man named Ranpo Edogawa. Their first encounter revolves around a peculiar murder case, which ultimately leads to the founding of the Armed Detective Agency. In the present day, Ranpo is on the trail of a highly skilled individual whose dangerous ability makes them nearly impossible to stop. As the renowned detective delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a complex scheme designed to dismantle the Agency entirely. Though aware that the situation may be a trap, the Agency presses on in pursuit of the criminals, only to find themselves falsely accused of the very crimes they were investigating and branded as fugitive terrorists. To clear their names and restore their reputations, the surviving members must seek help from those they once considered enemies.

In "Bungo Stray Dogs 5," the Armed Detective Agency continues fleeing from the Hunting Dogs, though a small glimmer of hope remains. Detective Ranpo Edogawa devises a strategy to clear the Agency's name and prevent a global catastrophe by locating and apprehending Kamui, the leader of the extremist group Decay of the Angel. To discover Kamui's location, Ranpo and his associate Atsushi Nakajima attempt to gain immunity from Ouchi Fukuchi, the respected commander of the Hunting Dogs. Even though Fukuchi has ordered the capture of Agency members, his previous connection with Agency president Yukichi Fukuzawa might persuade him to lend assistance. However, unknown to them, Fukuchi's true intentions could be quite different from the righteous front he puts forward.

In "Pluto," Gesicht, an android detective working for Europol, is assigned to investigate the murder of Montblanc, a highly respected veteran robot. While the case initially points toward another robot as the suspect, Montblanc's status as a key figure in the fight for robot rights adds layers of complexity. Robots are generally programmed with safeguards preventing them from harming humans, with the exception of a single, unexplained incident that occurred eight years prior. The murder scene, which shows no signs of human involvement and shares striking similarities with that earlier event, leads Gesicht to believe that one entity—whether human or robotic—may be responsible for both killings. Not long after Montblanc's death, another former elite war robot is also killed under mysterious circumstances. Gesicht begins to recognize a pattern: both victims were among the seven most powerful war machines ever created. To prevent the killer from targeting the remaining five veterans, Gesicht joins forces with Atom, a highly advanced android who looks like a human child. Together, they work to identify the culprit behind these murders and stop the threat from causing further harm to society.

During a severe blizzard, Masayuki Muroi is shoved off a cliff by a former high school acquaintance. He survives the fall and is rescued by Yuki-Onna, a ghostly young woman believed to lure men to their deaths, though she only demands monetary payment. Eleven years later, Masayuki has rebuilt his life, becoming wealthy and getting married. When his business collapses and he discovers his spouse's infidelity, he flees to the city where Yuki-Onna had saved him, reconnecting with her by supplying money and food. While recovering, tragedy strikes again: his ex-wife is found dead, and only Yuki-Onna can provide an alibi—but she cannot reveal herself. Desperate and alone, Yuki-Onna seeks the help of the spirits' God of Wisdom, Kotoko Iwanaga. Revered by the spirits of the world, Kotoko uses her remarkable intelligence and wit to resolve their conflicts. To prevent any human-spirit clashes, she brings along her eternal partner, Kurou Sakuragawa, and vows to clear Masayuki's name without exposing Yuki-Onna's true nature.

Nineteenth-century France. Vampire aristocrat Jean Duchet Godard's spouse is murdered inside their home. Dissatisfied with the local human authorities' lack of effort, Godard hires two paranormal specialists: Tsugaru Shinuchi, who carries a mysterious birdcage, and his companion, Aya Rindou. These enigmatic investigators have traveled from distant Japan with a single goal—to find the culprit who stole Aya's body and stripped Tsugaru of his humanity.

After their operation to capture the elusive individual capable of possessing others ends in failure, Lu Guang is left hospitalized in critical condition, while Cheng Xiaoshi becomes a suspect and is taken into custody. As the situation develops, Liu Min’s father hires the formidable attorney Qian Jin to go after Police Chief Li Xiao, who is leading the investigation into Qiao Ling’s photography studio. With threats growing and assaults becoming more intense, everyone remains vulnerable to a concealed enemy who continues to operate in the shadows. Determined to correct his past errors, Cheng Xiaoshi must act swiftly and resolutely to bring the ongoing violence to a halt.

A decade after the Great War exposed the catastrophic effects of advanced weaponry, global powers turned to spycraft as a substitute for open conflict. Within the Din Republic, a lively young woman named Lily dreams of serving her country as a spy, but struggles with her studies shake her self-assurance. Her hope is revived when she is offered an early graduation pathway through membership in the clandestine organization Lamplight; though the details remain mysterious, she eagerly agrees. When Lily reaches the designated site, she meets six other girls, all grappling with comparable academic shortcomings. Shortly afterward, the enigmatic Klaus informs them they will be assigned an "Impossible Mission"—infiltrating the Galgad Empire after only a single month of preparation. Despite their doubts, the group chooses to follow Klaus's leadership, seeing this as their sole opportunity to demonstrate their value as espionage agents.

Ron Kamonohashi was once the top student at the prestigious Detective Training Academy BLUE, but he has spent the last five years in seclusion after being expelled. Now forbidden from working as a detective and barely escaping execution due to his involvement in a murder case while at the academy, Ron’s quiet life changes when police detective Totomaru Isshiki, following advice from a senior officer, asks for his help with a long-standing unsolved crime. Despite his reluctance, Ron uses his sharp instincts to quickly identify the culprit. Yet it soon becomes clear that Ron struggles with a dangerous condition that puts those around him at risk. To his surprise, Totomaru saves someone threatened by Ron’s condition. As this unlikely pair works through case after case, agents from BLUE arrive to investigate whether their former star student has resumed detective work. Facing threats from killers, rogue investigators, and even the Metropolitan Police Department, Ron and Totomaru must join forces to survive and see that justice prevails.

Osamu and Youko Sonoyama want to adopt every child from Soramame House, but their older age restricts them to only one. Struggling with this difficult decision, they are immediately attracted to one child's stunning beauty and kind nature. Two months later, the Sonoyamas bring 13-year-old Hitori into their caring home. However, Hitori's humble and overly polite behavior is merely a facade. In truth, Hitori is a performance put on by the identical twins Migi and Dali. Their goal in becoming the perfect child for the generous couple is to infiltrate a specific quiet town. While carefully maintaining their disguise, the twins work toward their real goal: uncovering the truth behind a past event that fueled their intense thirst for revenge.

Raizou Kurima, a noble samurai, is ensnared in a treacherous scheme that compels him to murder his intended father-in-law, leaving him wracked with guilt. Seeking redemption, Raizou swears to exact revenge on the lord who issued the deceitful order. On his path, he receives assistance from Yuuen Usui, a versatile merchant who secretly operates as a member of the Revengers—a band of assassins dedicated to delivering retribution to the wronged. As Raizou delves deeper into his mission, tragedy relentlessly shadows him, binding his fate to the Revengers. Fighting alongside them as a vigilante, he uncovers a tangled web of corruption involving Japan's ruling elite, unscrupulous Europeans, and the Revengers themselves. The more he becomes enmeshed in these schemes, the more Raizou realizes that the quest for justice is as elusive as the honor he once sought to reclaim.

In 2113, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dissolved its secret paramilitary unit known as the Peacebreakers, but the group vanished without explanation, keeping their operations concealed. Five years later, the operatives resurface by killing Milcia Stronskaya, a researcher who possesses key documents critical to the future of the Sybil System, Japan's social surveillance system designed to identify potential criminals. To address this crisis and prepare for an impending confrontation with the Peacebreakers alongside the MFA, the Public Safety Bureau's chief reactivates former Enforcer Shinya Kougami. Despite his previous defection, Kougami now operates under Frederica Hanashiro's command within the MFA. His return creates tension with his former partners, Akane Tsunemori and Nobuchika Ginoza, forcing them to set aside their past conflicts and unite to protect the Sybil System.

In "Spy Classroom Season 2," Thea, Monika, Erna, and Annett—four operatives from the Din Republic's spy unit Lamplight—successfully capture an enemy agent despite their clashing personalities. During a short break, they encounter Matilda, who claims to be Annett's mother, unwittingly drawing them into a complex conflict that tests their cohesion and allegiances. At headquarters, the rest of the Lamplight team grows anxious when there's no sign of their squad. Klaus and Lily embark on a critical rescue operation and find troubling evidence of rising tensions in the area where their comrades disappeared. They must hurry to bring the team back together before the circumstances become irrevocable.

In "Scissor Seven: Shadow Fate," Wu Liuqi once lived a quiet life on Xiaoji Island, but his past became shrouded by amnesia. The appearance of strangers who knew him set off a series of schemes that endangered the island. Resolved to protect his friends and their home, Wu Liuqi chooses to go back to the Xuanwu Kingdom and face the fate that awaits him.

This time, the action takes place in the sea near Tokyo's Hachijo-jima island. Engineers from all over the world have gathered for the full-scale launch of "Pacific Buoy," an offshore facility designed to link security cameras operated by police forces globally. A test of a certain "new technology" based on a facial recognition system is being conducted there. Meanwhile, Conan and the Detective Boys visit Hachijo-jima at Sonoko's invitation and receive a phone call from Subaru Okiya—a graduate student at Tokyo Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Engineering who is actually FBI agent Shuichi Akai and formerly the Black Organization's Rye. He informs them that a Europol employee was killed in Germany by the Black Organization's Jin. Uneasy, Conan sneaks into the facility and discovers that a female engineer has been abducted by the Black Organization...! Moreover, a USB drive containing certain information in her possession falls into the organization's hands... A dark shadow also begins to creep up on Ai Haibara—the Detective Boys' Ai Haibara, also known as Shiho Miyano and the Black Organization's Sherry...

In a world where sea levels have risen and the human population has dwindled, androids are created to manage everyday tasks and also serve as entertainers at Babel—a massive venue where performers ascend Climb Stages through song and dance, competing for audience approval and large cash prizes. A group of financially struggling androids—Cobalt, Chrom, Neon, and Kei—face the threat of having their power supply cut off due to unpaid bills. Desperate for a quick solution, they decide to become Babel climbers. However, winning over the crowd proves extremely difficult. Despite early failures, Cobalt grows determined after witnessing the exceptional performance of STAND-ALONE, the reigning champion climbing unit. The group's fortunes change when they meet a secretive choreographer willing to share his routines. Seeing this as their best chance, Cobalt, with help from their human ally Esora Shibaura, forms the climbing unit KNoCC. Together, they set out on the challenging journey to reach the top of Babel while also confronting prejudice against androids.

This is the third installment in a six-part movie sequel series following the Princess Principal television anime. As the funeral proceeds for the assassinated Prince Edward—the first in line to the throne—the nobles of the Kingdom of Albion debate matters including whether the next successor will be the second-in-line, Princess Mary, or the third-in-line, Duke of Arkham, Prince Richard, and what course the Duke of Normandy will take. The Duke of Arkham asks Princess if she will ally with him or with the Duke of Normandy. Though she wishes to reshape the world so that all people are equal, Princess is unsettled by the Duke of Arkham, who orchestrated Edward's assassination. Meanwhile, Ange and Dorothy receive a mission from the Commonwealth's control: infiltrate as Mary's maids and examine the state of the royal family. Mary is crushed and exhausted under the pressure of becoming the new first in line to the throne. As turmoil over the succession intensifies, the Duke of Arkham's scheme finally begins to take shape. The darkness festering within the Kingdom of Albion starts to engulf Team White Pigeon.

A perilous shadow organization ignites a wave of terror and brutality across Shinjuku, driving society to the edge of total chaos. As a young police officer dedicated to restoring peace, you find yourself targeted by an assault that results in a venomous collar being fastened around your neck. With circumstances deteriorating rapidly and time slipping away, five enigmatic strangers emerge to assist you in your pursuit of the truth. Who is worthy of your trust? Can you manage to save yourself and the very soul of Shinjuku from the grasp of oblivion?

While walking home from high school, Tamahi and several of her classmates witness a startling figure plummet from the roof of a nearby apartment building. Overcome with confusion and fear, they hurry toward the building only to find it strangely deserted. Trying to process what happened, Tamahi grows increasingly uneasy with the feeling that something is watching them. What mysterious presence is lurking?

A film project celebrating the 35th anniversary of the City Hunter TV anime. Ryou Saeba operates as City Hunter, the premier sweeper in the criminal underworld. Running a private detective agency in Shinjuku, he works alongside his partner Kaoru Makimura, handling various clients. Their newest assignment comes from a filmmaker named Angie, who asks them to find her missing cat. Ryou is excited by Angie's attractive appearance, while Kaori is more interested in the large payment. At the same time, Saeko Nogami from the Metropolitan Police looks into a creation by the biotech firm Zoltech—a dark technology that turns battlefield soldiers into superhumans. Developed at the behest of a shadowy underworld organization, this invention represents the latest iteration of Angel Dust, a substance that once nearly destroyed Ryou and led to the death of his partner Hideyuki Makimura. Could these two cases be connected? Angie's request clearly hides more than she reveals, and the truth behind Angel Dust is about to push Ryou into a decisive confrontation tied to his very origins as a sweeper. The Final Chapter Begins.

In "Lupin the 3rd vs Cat's Eye," Lupin III is a legendary phantom thief who cherishes his freedom and thrives on excitement, always succeeding in his exploits. The Cat's Eye are three chic sisters who reign over the night and cause chaos, balancing their lives as thieves and as operators of a café. The "Three Paintings," a legacy left by their father, spark a dramatic confrontation between Lupin and the Cat's Eye. As these compelling characters cross paths, the story uncovers the incredible "secret" hidden within the artworks. A nostalgic, stylish, and adrenaline-fueled crime saga begins!

Short chibi-style episodes connected to Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, aired on the TOHO animation YouTube channel and Nippon Television.

The film centers on Ai Haibara's history and reimagines the Mystery Train storyline from the TV series, featuring the first encounter between Haibara and Conan. Additionally, it incorporates footage from the Kurogane no Submarine (Black Iron Submarine) film.

The year 2022 commemorates three decades since the debut of the original Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OVA series. To mark the occasion, a new Tenchi Muyo! GXP anime series was announced, titled Tenchi Muyo! GXP Paradise Beginnings Arc, which bridges the gap between the fourth and fifth seasons and serves as an introduction to the Paradise War from the perspective of Seina Yamada.

The OVA adapts the Narumi Seo character map event from the mobile game, first released in April 2018. It centers on Seo, who has a distinct memory condition, along with the other heroes from the Seo Research Laboratory.

Compilation film of Koukaku Kidoutai: SAC_2045 Season 2

Rei Furuya, Jinpei Matsuda, Hiromitsu Morofushi, Wataru Date, and Kenji Hagiwara have all graduated from the police academy. This episode is the fifth and closing installment of the Keisatsu Gakkou-hen - Wild Police Story arc. It was originally intended to be episode 1077 in the main Meitantei Conan storyline.

An anime short included with the Princess Principal: Crown Handler Chapter 3 Blu-ray release.

Seventh season of Oshiri Tantei.

This Korean animated series centers on twelve-year-old Kang Parang, who finds a secret spy notebook in his mother's room. The notebook reveals that his mother was once the spy "Violet" for the MSG Secret Service after traveling back 30 years in time. The story follows the skateboard- and rap-loving protagonist, codenamed X, as the family's hidden past comes to light.

Oshiri Tantei: Cosmic Front presents educational crossover episodes uniting Oshiri Tantei with the documentary series Cosmic Front. In these specials, Mikku aids the Butt Detective in cracking cases while also providing the newest findings on dinosaur studies and space rocket technology.