Best Supernatural Anime of 2014

When people face dire emergencies, a mysterious red phone number occasionally appears, linking them to Yato, a minor god who styles himself as the Yato God. Although he dreams of amassing millions of followers, his lack of a single shrine keeps him from that ambition, forcing him to survive on cheap five-yen jobs. His plight deepens when his weapon partner abandons him, disillusioned by what they see as his incompetence. However, fate intervenes when middle schooler Hiyori Iki seemingly sacrifices her life to save Yato from a car crash. While she survives physically, her spirit becomes unstable, causing her soul to detach from her body. Desperate to return to normal, Hiyori insists that Yato fix her condition, a task that requires him to find a new weapon partner. Reluctantly, she agrees to help him in this search, offering a faint glimmer of hope that Yato's luck might finally be turning.

Seiya Kanie, a confident yet arrogant high school student, believes he is meeting the quiet and attractive Isuzu Sento for a date at Amagi Brilliant Park. His expectations are quickly dashed upon arriving to find the facility in disrepair and learning that Sento, alongside the park's owner Princess Latifa Fleuranza, intends for him to become its new manager. The situation is dire due to a land-use agreement: if Amagi fails to draw 500,000 visitors within three months, the park will be shut down and the land seized by a ruthless real estate firm for redevelopment. Seiya agrees to take on the challenge after discovering that Amagi is no ordinary amusement park; many of its employees are Maple Landers, mysterious magical beings living among humans who feed on the joy and fun generated by visitors. With the survival of both the park and a distant magical realm hanging in the balance, Seiya must leverage his abilities to revive Amagi and avert its destruction.

After Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara graduate, Naoetsu Private High School is mostly populated by unfamiliar students. One remaining student is Suruga Kanbaru, who still carries the Monkey's Paw. When she hears rumors about a mysterious being called the "Devil" that supposedly solves any problem through supernatural means, Kanbaru suspects she might be involved but decides to investigate the claims. Her search leads her to discover that the Devil is actually Rouka Numachi, a former junior high basketball rival who can no longer play due to a leg injury. Rouka offers free advice to those in need, taking on their misfortunes and finding enjoyment in the temporary relief her deceptive solutions provide. While Kanbaru does not see Rouka's actions as truly harmful, she scolds her for being dishonest before going home, feeling reassured that she is not the subject of the gossip. However, she soon realizes there may still be reason to worry—her left hand has returned to its human form.

Koyomi Araragi is occupied with studying for his university entrance exams when he notices that his reflection has vanished from mirrors, a characteristic common to genuine vampires. Troubled by this change, Koyomi turns to Yotsugi Ononoki, a doll-like being, and her master, the immortal anomaly specialist Yozuru Kagenui. After Kagenui identifies the problem, they present Koyomi with a difficult choice: he must relinquish the vampire abilities given to him by Shinobu Oshino or face the complete loss of his human nature.

In the mesmerizing realm of the Noah's Arc Circus, breathtaking acts enchant audiences, but behind this glittering spectacle lies a dark secret. Children are vanishing across London, and each disappearance aligns with the circus's travel route. Alarmed by these kidnappings, Queen Victoria dispatches her formidable agent, Ciel Phantomhive, and his unswerving demonic butler, Sebastian Michaelis, to discover what happened to the missing kids. Balancing their hidden identities as circus performers while secretly probing the truth proves a difficult task. As wariness grows among the troupe and the circus's enigmatic benefactor looms as an increasing threat, the revelations uncovered by the duo risk shattering the very core of Ciel's determination.

Not every girl receives what she wishes for on her sixteenth birthday, but Kobeni's present is something she never anticipated: a prearranged marriage! Because of her deceased grandfather, Kobeni has been betrothed to a complete stranger since childhood, and although she allegedly met him, she recalls nothing about him. Even stranger is that her mother and her overly affectionate sister, Benio, appear entirely unfazed when the intended groom, Hakuya, and his younger sister, Mashiro, arrive at their doorstep to live with them. However, it is only after they begin attending Kobeni's school that events become even more peculiar, as she starts noticing some very... unusual vibes from her prospective future family. From Mashiro's fixation on extraterrestrials and UMAs (Unidentified Mysterious Animals) to Hakuya's disturbing absence of emotion, there is something quite odd about them that Kobeni cannot quite identify. What has her grandfather involved her in, and how does this connect to the unexplained blank in Kobeni's memory?

In "Witch Craft Works," Honoka Takamiya lives an ordinary high school life at Tougetsu High School. Ayaka Kagari, known as the school's Princess, remains aloof despite being in the same class and sharing the same commute. Honoka's wish for a peaceful school experience is shattered when a mysterious witch targets him. To his surprise, Ayaka steps in, revealing herself as a fire witch who has been secretly protecting him. This event throws Honoka into a conflict between the Workshop Witches, who protect humans, and the Tower Witches, who seek the hidden power within Honoka.

Hiyori Iki is thrilled to begin high school with her two middle school friends, yet the "Delivery God" Yato appears to have different plans for the day. Will Hiyori manage to make a good first impression, or will Yato jeopardize her happy start to high school life? On another occasion, Hiyori decides to enjoy the beautiful weather by inviting various people to view the cherry blossoms, including the fearsome combat god, Bishamon. However, how long will their blissful day endure once Yato and his old rival Bishamon begin drinking together? This OVA was bundled with the 10th and 11th limited-edition volumes of the manga.

In a world where the misshapen beings known as Mushi are regarded with fear and suspicion by humans, despite having no ill intent, the series "Mushishi Zoku Shou" follows Ginko, a Mushishi who works to help humans coexist peacefully with these mysterious creatures. Ginko's journeys bring him to various people whose lives are connected to the Mushi, some burdened by their presence and others maintaining a delicate balance. The story examines whether humanity, including both the blessed and the afflicted, can endure the weight of living alongside the unseen world. As a Mushishi, Ginko must also deepen his understanding of the Mushi and determine if he has the right to intervene in the complex relationships that develop between them and humans.

In the world of Mushi-shi: Next Passage Part 2, the ancient and elusive beings known as Mushi continue to cause mysterious changes in human lives. The traveling Mushishi, Ginko, persists in addressing these perplexing and unnerving occurrences. From time loops to living shadows and mind-reading, the effects of Mushi interference are evident, yet Ginko also investigates more subtle signs that appear over extended periods as he moves between various communities. Accidentally, Ginko finds himself acting as a judge, determining whether Mushi are blessings or curses. However, the distinctions he tries to make are subjective. Some individuals prefer to utilize their newly acquired powers even as they are overwhelmed by them; others urgently wish to be rid of conditions that are, in fact, safeguarding them from disaster. Those who come into contact with Mushi must learn to reconcile with improbable consequences of their actions and mend wounds they were unaware of. Failure to do so may lead to incomprehensible fates.

Following the Queen's orders, Earl Ciel Phantomhive throws an extravagant dinner party, drawing in many prominent figures from high society, such as the budding author Arthur. However, as the festivities peak, a brutal murder occurs, leaving Earl Ciel as the prime suspect. With a fierce storm raging outside, additional deaths follow. The guests at the Phantomhive manor, now conscious of the peril, must collaborate to unravel the enigma before they too become prey to the sinister killer. Even the flawless butler, Sebastian Michaelis, appears endangered by this eerie series of crimes.

On Nanae Island, a man-made refuge in the Pacific designed to foster young talent, high school student Juugo Yama finds peace after being disowned by his family. The island, created by the legendary Great Seven, serves as a haven for youths pursuing their dreams. Led by Nanana Ryuugajou, the Great Seven envisioned this paradise as a future for the next generation. After moving into his new home, Juugo meets the ghost of Nanana Ryuugajou, who remains bound to the island due to her unsolved murder ten years earlier. Before her death, Nanana hid various artifacts imbued with extraordinary powers across the island, known collectively as the Nanana Collection. Motivated to uncover the truth behind her murder, Juugo teams up with the self-proclaimed "Master Detective" Tensai Ikkyuu and her androgynous maid, Daruku Hoshino, to search for these treasures.

Gugure! Kokkuri-san is an offbeat comedy following Kohina Ichimatsu, a girl who insists she is a doll. Her ordinary life takes a strange turn when she summons a fox spirit named Kokkuri-san. Unlike the all-knowing spirit of legend that grants answers, this Kokkuri-san has lost his abilities because fewer people believe in him in the modern age. When he finds Kohina living alone and surviving only on instant ramen, he becomes concerned and steps in, determined to make her eat properly and improve her lifestyle. This begins their unusual living arrangement and Kokkuri-san’s unlikely mission to better Kohina’s life.

After his father is transferred for work, high school freshman Koutarou Satomi needs to find cheap lodgings. He happily lands Room 106 at Corona House for just five thousand yen per month. At first everything goes smoothly, but his life is turned upside down when he stumbles upon a strange cave while working his part-time job. The very next night, a group of mysterious figures appears at his doorstep, each one claiming they have the right to his apartment. They include Sanae Higashihongan—a ghost insisting the room is haunted—a magical girl named Yurika, Theiamillis Gre Fortorthe who is an alien princess, and Kiriha Kurano, an heir to the Earth People bloodline. Every girl has her own personal reasons for needing Koutarou’s room, and none of them are willing to give in. Rokujouma no Shinryakusha!? is a comedic story about four supernatural girls competing for a tiny living space, mixed with typical high school romance and a surprisingly kind landlady.

The Kanzaki family continues to adapt to their new life following the marriage of their parents, which brings together a teenage boy and girl. High school freshman Mitsuki Kanzaki, however, struggles with this new dynamic. Haunted by past experiences with absent and abusive father figures, she finds it hard to bond with her new stepfather and stepbrother, Yuuya. When an accident lands Mitsuki in the hospital, her body is unexpectedly taken over by the spirit of Hiyori Kotobuki, a girl of the same age who was deeply in love with Yuuya. Hiyori's unrequited feelings keep her tethered to the living world, and now she aims to fulfill her romantic wishes through Mitsuki's body. Mitsuki's only chance to reclaim her body is to help Hiyori find closure and move on to the afterlife. But can she withstand the overwhelming presence of a lovesick spirit? Will she eventually learn to trust her new family? Can she help satisfy Hiyori's desires for Yuuya? And might she uncover some hidden feelings of her own along the way?

Middle school student Inari Fushimi, easily recognized by her unkempt hair and timid nature, happens to save a fox pup from a river while rushing through town. The local shrine's deity, Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami—addressed as "Uka-sama"—expresses gratitude by bestowing upon Inari a portion of her divine power. This ability allows Inari to transform into anyone she wishes by reciting "Inari, konkon." Inari intends to use this newfound skill to gather the courage to confess her feelings to her crush, Kouji Tanbabashi. Accompanied by her fox friend Kon and her newfound supporter Uka-sama, Inari explores the enchanted facets of her world and comes to realize that genuine love knows no limits.

In Glasslip, the question arises whether seeing fragments of the future is a blessing or a curse. The story centers on Toko Fukami, a young glass artisan raised in a family of glass artists, who lives a carefree life in Fukui, occasionally interrupted by glimpses of what is to come. During her eighteenth summer, she encounters a transfer student named Oukai Karu at school, and later meets him again at her favorite café, Kazeoto, along with her four friends. Guided by visions from the future, Oukai Karu finds his way to Toko, disrupting her everyday routine. Together, these six friends must face a summer filled with hope, love, and heartache.

Across the countryside, people stop at noon to observe a rare solar eclipse, which is said to offer a chance to see Mushi. While the crowd gazes in wonder, those familiar with Mushi brace themselves for what follows this celestial event. Prompted by a prophecy from Tanyuu Karibusa, the Mushishi Ginko arrives at a doomed farming village. Right after the eclipse, a strange black cloud appears overhead, plunging the village back into darkness. Suspecting that a Mushi called Hihami is responsible, Ginko aims to free the village from its endless shadow. Yet some villagers seem hesitant to welcome back the light.

Three years before the events of the TV series, Hiroomi Nase receives an assignment to neutralize the notorious half-human, half-youmu being, Akihito Kanbara. Intrigued by the task, Hiroomi's sister Mitsuki decides to accompany him. The two then encounter Akihito for the very first time. Yet they soon realize that others are also hunting for Akihito, establishing the groundwork for the story of Kyoukai no Kanata.

In the eleventh year of the Meiji Era, the collapse of the samurai shogunate and the prohibition of swords have thrown Japan into chaos. Former samurai, nursing grudges against the new government, foment rebellions that trigger widespread disorder. To counter this, the authorities erect a massive prison in the center of Lake Biwa. Tenka Kumou unofficially aids the police in capturing criminals and works as a ferryman to the prison on Lake Biwa, together with his siblings Soramaru and Chuutarou. Soramaru is driven by ambition, while Chuutarou is full of zeal. They are accompanied by Shirasu Kinjou, a former Fuma ninja, in leading a tranquil and rewarding life centered on study and physical exercise. However, a sinister force known as the "Orochi" curse begins to cast a shadow over the city of Oumi. Every three hundred years, Orochi is said to be reborn within a human host, foretelling disaster. As various groups vie to locate Orochi's chosen host, some seek to neutralize the curse, while others harbor more sinister intentions.

In a world where mysterious lifeforms called "Mushi" exist outside the laws of nature and frequently cause inexplicable events, there are individuals known as Mushishi who devote themselves to studying and managing them. Long ago, a powerful and malicious Mushi threatened to annihilate all life, prompting the formation of the Minai clan—descendants of those who defeated this menace. Bound by duty, the Minai clan serves the Karibusa family, who keep the sealed evil Mushi contained. Ginko, a traveling Mushishi, is summoned by Tanyuu Karibusa to oversee the Minai clan leader, Kumado Minai, as he investigates an abandoned village where dead wood and structures inexplicably transform into lush vegetation. Despite their extensive knowledge, the Minai clan displays a brutal demeanor that distinguishes them from other Mushishi. They also show a marked indifference to beauty and emotion. Tanyuu suspects there may be deeper causes behind this attitude. As Ginko works alongside Kumado, they explore the "Path of Thorns"—a region dense with unique and dangerous Mushi that flow from unknown sources into the mortal world. Within those treacherous reaches lies the key to understanding the true purpose and nature of the Minai clan's unwavering commitment to their ancient mission.

In spring, cherry blossoms drift gently through the tranquil countryside as Yu Narukami arrives at Yasoinaba Station. Relocating to this rural town for family reasons, he transfers to Yasogami High School, where his uncle lives. His new school routine begins with after-class visits to local shops, but soon a series of mysterious murders starts to unfold. The late-night airings of the Midnight Channel add to the growing intrigue. What trials and hidden truths lie ahead for Yu and his friends in this unfamiliar setting?

The second film in the Sora no Otoshimono series. Ikaros, beautiful and unearthly, discovers that her bond with Tomoki runs far deeper than she ever realized. This leaves her feeling hollow and unsettled, grappling with unfamiliar emotions she has little experience handling. How will she manage to pull herself together after whatever comes next?

In the transition from spring to summer, Makoto Yuuki continues his activities with the Specialized Extracurricular Execution Squad (SEES), persisting in their battles against various Shadows. However, they encounter a new threat in the form of Strega, a group of rogue Persona users intent on maintaining the Dark Hour to serve their own interests, who may possess crucial knowledge about its true purpose. During a summer break in Yakushima, SEES gains a new member, Aegis, an android with amnesia designed to combat Shadows. Despite her formidable abilities, Aegis inexplicably feels drawn to Makoto and frequently stays by his side. As SEES delves deeper into uncovering the mysteries of the Dark Hour, the enigmatic connection between Makoto and Aegis gradually reveals itself.

This Natsume Yuujinchou OVA originally aired on February 5, 2014. The Blu-ray and DVD release also includes the Chapter ~ SOUND THEATRE x Natsume's Book of Friends ~, a sound play that was recorded live on September 28. In the story, Natsume goes for a walk to enjoy the season's first snowfall and encounters a snow-woman youkai who is searching for something she has lost but cannot recall. Anything she touches freezes, and since it remains unclear what she is looking for, Natsume decides to help her search.

After a misfortunate event, Kouta Shibaki, an average high school student, is branded as the school's pervert, causing him to be shunned by his female classmates. His greatest dread has come true. One day while browsing in the school library, Kouta stumbles upon a peculiar book that claims to summon witches. Half out of hopelessness and curiosity, Kouta humorously follows the book's instructions, only for an apprentice witch named Rurumo Maji Mojiruka to materialize in front of him. To his surprise, Kouta agrees to assist Rurumo with her witch duties in exchange for sparing his soul. In Majimoji Rurumo, Kouta navigates the unpredictable escapades of Rurumo as she attempts to make him utilize 666 magical tickets that grant wishes, aiming to achieve full-fledged witch status, oblivious to the fact that each wish diminishes his lifespan. Alongside Rurumo's familiar, Chiro, Kouta must decide whether to support Rurumo or protect his own life.

Does the mysterious new girl in Riki Naoe’s life require his assistance, or is she in fact trying to kill him? A chance meeting on a rooftop brings the enigmatic Saya Tokido into the Little Busters’ circle, and the only certainty is that trouble will follow. Riki must now unravel a fresh set of mysteries that appear to be linked to his own personal history. Who are the Dark Executives, why do they want to keep Saya and Riki apart, and what is the true nature of the hidden treasure Saya seeks? Sometimes, answers only lead to further questions in Little Busters! EX!

In the second season of Theatre of Darkness: Yamishibai 2, the masked storyteller once again shares spine-chilling narratives with children, including tales of a ventriloquist's dummy, a locker with the power to grant wishes, a capsule toy machine that recovers lost objects, and a mysterious food called Ominie-san. Expanding on the groundwork laid in the initial season, Yami Shibai 2 delivers a series of frightening Japanese urban legends and occult enigmas, all presented in an art style that mirrors the traditional kamishibai storytelling method.

In Yo-kai Watch, Keita Amano, an inquisitive elementary school boy, goes into the woods one day and finds a small, mysterious capsule. From it emerges Whisper, a ghostly Yo-kai who has been trapped for 190 years and is grateful for his freedom. As thanks, Whisper becomes Keita's guardian against supernatural beings. Whisper is part of a larger community of Yo-kai living in the world, and he gives Keita a special Yo-kai Watch that lets him see and talk to these spirits. The story follows Keita's adventures with Whisper and the cat-like Yo-kai Jibanyan as they meet various Yo-kai, make friends, and solve problems often caused by these mischievous creatures. Using the Yo-kai Watch, Keita can call on the help of Yo-kai friends he has made. Starting as an ordinary schoolboy, Keita's many encounters with Yo-kai help him grow personally and learn important life lessons.

The OVA consists of two segments. In the first, Torii Shoutarou secretly follows his younger sister during her date. The second takes place on Christmas Eve, when Mitsuki, Yuuya, and their friends gather at Kanzaki's house. This OVA is bundled with the limited edition seventh volume of the manga.

This untelevised OVA was included as a bonus with the special edition eighth volume of the manga. The episode focuses on the activities of Inari and Kon.

Second and final part of the movie adaptations covering seasons 1 and 2. The battle at Koufu Castle is lost; the Furies are no longer bound by daylight. Though individual members of the Shinsengumi still live, the ties that held them together have been torn and broken. As Harada, Shinpachi, and Saito fight to escape Koufu, Chizuru keeps her promise to Hijikata by standing guard over Kondou, while he and Okita struggle to recover from gunshot wounds. Hijikata faces his greatest trial. Having consumed the Water of Life, he must now balance his humanity against the need for blood and the deeds made possible by the Fury's power.

Fifth-grader Himeji Wakaba possesses a special power: she can see invisible beings that typically cause harm to those around her. This ability isolates her from others, and she rarely smiles. Although she often brings home stray animals, her parents never allow her to keep them. Concerned about her gloomy and unsettling demeanor, they eventually agree to let her keep the next stray she finds. That stray turns out to be a pink monster named Pupipo. Its true nature remains unknown, but Pupipo shields Wakaba from the malevolent spirits she sees. Pupipo also helps Wakaba befriend a new student who has a strong interest in the occult, and aids her in confronting bullies. With Pupipo at her side, Wakaba's life grows significantly brighter and happier.

Upon learning the full story behind Adachi's past and the circumstances that led to his current state, Yu makes a crucial decision with the goal of saving him. This storyline presents an alternate conclusion to the Persona 4 The Golden Animation series.

The film will include special appearances by well-known characters from the television anime series as well as new Yo-kai from the forthcoming Yo-kai Watch 2 sequel games.

More than twenty-five centuries ago in ancient India, Siddhartha, a prince of the Shakya clan, abandons his royal life to venture beyond the palace walls. Along the way, he encounters Assaji, a young boy gifted with prophetic visions, and a one-eyed monk. Confronted by the immense suffering around him, Siddhartha becomes resolved to achieve peace. Meanwhile, Ruri, the Prince of Kosara, launches an assault on the Shakya clan.

Sanae leaves her rural home to explore tourist attractions in Ibaraki Prefecture. Even as villains pursue her, her agricultural magic keeps proving useful.

This anthology draws from Patrick Lafcadio Hearn's work "Kwaidan: Stories and Studies of Strange Things." In Japan, he is known as Koizumi Yakumo, the Greek-American writer famous for collecting and sharing stories from Japanese folklore and legends. These brief tales were created to promote tourism in Matsue City, where Hearn taught, lived, and got married. His former residence is now a museum that visitors can explore.