Best Supernatural Anime of 1988

Set in 1950s Japan, Tatsuo Kusakabe relocates his family to a rural house to stay close to his wife, who is hospitalized for a prolonged illness. His daughters, Satsuki and Mei, soon adapt to their new life in the countryside. One day, Mei pursues a small, rabbit-like creature into the woods, where she encounters Totoro, a gigantic, magical forest spirit, and they quickly forge a connection. Soon after, Satsuki also meets Totoro, and the two sisters share a series of whimsical adventures with nature and other forest spirits.

Above the rooftops of Shinjuku, Genichirou Izayou once suffered defeat at the hands of Levih Rah, a man who bartered his soul for demonic power. A decade has passed, and Shinjuku remains a demon-infested wasteland while the rest of Tokyo stays untouched. One day, Kyouya, Genichirou's son, learns from the news that Japan's revered prime minister has fallen victim to demonic attacks. Despite his uncertainty about inheriting his father's Nempo abilities, Kyouya realizes he is the only one who can stop Levih Rah from threatening the world. Teaming up with Sayaka Rama, the prime minister's daughter, Kyouya ventures into Shinjuku, determined to overcome the challenge his father could not.

While looking into a series of gruesome murders where the victims have been completely drained of blood, spiritualist Himiko Se meets Miyu Yamano, who reveals herself to be a true vampire. Yet Miyu acts as a guardian, keeping humanity safe from the dangerous Shinma—supernatural beings with godlike demonic power. These Shinma cause chaos among people, and one of them has infiltrated the noble vampire bloodline. As Himiko continues her investigation, she finds it hard to believe Miyu's claims of innocence and wonders why a vampire would defend humans against the Shinma.

In a deep, dark void, the once-beautiful Venus now wallows in misery. Dissatisfied with her situation, she summons her twin brother, Deimos, to find her a new vessel. Meanwhile, Minako Ifu worries about her missing friend Hisamatsu, who vanished while searching for a famous orchid cultivator. While trying to track him down, she crosses paths with Deimos, who proclaims that she is fated to become his bride and descend with him into the underworld. Terrified, Minako flees and eventually finds the house her friend was seeking, where she meets the friendly siblings Touko and Kaname Ooba. But appearances are deceptive, and Minako finds herself caught up in a sinister plot—despite the persistent and charming advances of Deimos.

A failing school receives the "Ultimate Teacher" Ganpachi, sent to instill discipline and prepare students for the real world. However, the students, led by Hinako, resist his attempts to dismantle their gang. To oppose Ganpachi, Hinako uses her unconventional secret weapon: her lucky cat-print panties. The situation grows even more complicated when it is revealed that Ganpachi himself is the result of genetic experiments.

In "Spirit Warrior," Kujaku, a young mystic with a mysterious past, possesses remarkable supernatural abilities stemming from a dark omen at his birth. Brought up by priests, he uses his powers for good. However, the malevolent Siegfried von Mittgard seeks to steal Kujaku's birthright and rise as the Regent of Darkness, intending to rule the world. To stop this, Siegfried has sent ruthless agents to destroy Kujaku before he can achieve his full destiny. As danger closes in, Kujaku must uncover the truth of his origins before his inner power becomes uncontrollable.

The origins of Kitarou.

An end-of-year special, aired between episodes 84 and 85.