The 2000 anime Ghost Stories (Gakkou no Kaidan) is notorious for its English dub, which turned the series into a cult classic with its irreverent humor, unpredictable narrative, and absurd reimagining of a traditional ghost-hunting anime. Beneath the memes lies a show that explored supernatural folklore, coming-of-age fears, and an often chaotic yet endearing group of protagonists.
What made Ghost Stories stand out—especially in its dub—was how it subverted genre expectations, used comedy to defuse horror, and created a unique viewing experience. If you loved that offbeat blend of supernatural elements, flawed but loveable characters, and unexpected tone shifts, this list is for you.
1. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 8.44
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (Best Art Direction)
A mysterious Medicine Seller travels feudal Japan exorcising spirits through ritual and logic, uncovering the spirit’s Form, Truth, and Reason.
Why it fits: Like Ghost Stories, Mononoke dives into traditional Japanese folklore with a distinct surrealist twist. Its unconventional animation style and moral ambiguity resonate with Ghost Stories’ darker supernatural themes.
2. Requiem from the Darkness (2003)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 6.98
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
A writer in the Edo period investigates strange legends with a trio of supernatural companions who mete out violent justice.
Why it fits: Both series incorporate urban legends and dark tales with episodic structures. Its eerie visuals and moral grayness echo Ghost Stories’ blend of ghost-hunting and uncomfortable truths.
3. Haunted Junction (1997)
- Streaming: DVD/Physical only (out-of-print)
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.85
- Studio: Studio Deen
A student council of spirit-sensitive teens battles school-based ghosts while dealing with ridiculous supernatural bureaucracy.
Why it fits: Arguably the spiritual predecessor to Ghost Stories—this show leans into horror comedy with absurd characters and a chaotic tone.
4. Ghost Hound (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: 7.76
- Studio: Production I.G
- Notable Staff: Created by Masamune Shirow (Ghost in the Shell)
Three boys with traumatic pasts uncover a hidden spiritual world linked to their sleepy town’s dark secrets.
Why it fits: Ghost Hound explores themes of trauma, spirit possession, and childhood fears—echoing the core supernatural drama beneath Ghost Stories‘ comedy.
5. Shigofumi: Letters from the Departed (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: J.C.Staff
A mysterious girl delivers letters from the dead to the living, revealing harsh truths and unfinished business.
Why it fits: Both shows explore the emotional aftermath of death with episodic ghost stories—this one with a poignant, dark psychological tone.
6. Ga-Rei: Zero (2008)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.47
- Studio: AIC Spirits
A government unit combats spiritual threats, and two former allies are torn apart by tragedy and betrayal.
Why it fits: Combines ghost hunting with emotional weight and unexpected narrative shifts—similar to how Ghost Stories masks serious moments with humor.
7. Hell Girl (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.63
- Studio: Studio Deen
Victims of bullying and abuse summon Hell Girl to exact revenge by sending their tormentors to hell—at a personal cost.
Why it fits: Both series spotlight ghostly vengeance and morality tales, but with stark tone differences. Hell Girl is the grim, spiritual cousin of Ghost Stories.
8. Paranoia Agent (2004)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.00
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Satoshi Kon (Perfect Blue)
A series of bizarre assaults by a boy with a golden bat spark mass hysteria in Tokyo.
Why it fits: Surreal, darkly humorous, and thematically layered—Paranoia Agent shares the chaotic unpredictability and satire that Ghost Stories leaned into.
9. xxxHOLiC (2006)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.90
- Studio: Production I.G
A high school boy plagued by spirits works at a wish-granting shop run by a witch.
Why it fits: Episodic ghost tales blend with philosophical reflections, wrapped in stylized art and quirky interactions—similar in tone to Ghost Stories‘ Japanese version.
10. Pet (2020)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 6.84
- Studio: Geno Studio
Psychic assassins manipulate memories for a shadowy organization, unraveling sanity in the process.
Why it fits: A psychological thriller with confusing timelines and deep internal struggles—comparable to Ghost Stories’ undercurrent of mental/emotional disturbance.
11. Majin Tantei Nōgami Neuro (2007)
- Streaming: Not currently streaming
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.69
- Studio: Madhouse
A demon detective solves bizarre murder cases by consuming human mysteries.
Why it fits: Dark comedy, twisted logic, and a sadistic lead character all echo Ghost Stories’ balance of supernatural horror and irreverence.
12. Nube: Hell Teacher (1996)
- Streaming: Unavailable officially
- Episodes: 49
- MAL Rating: 7.61
- Studio: Toei Animation
A teacher with a demonic hand protects his students from paranormal threats.
Why it fits: School-based ghost stories with a teacher leading a misfit group of kids? It’s Ghost Stories before Ghost Stories—but more heartfelt.
13. Boogiepop Phantom (2000)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.11
- Studio: Madhouse
After mysterious disappearances, strange events spiral from a past tragedy involving urban legends and supernatural powers.
Why it fits: Deals in fragmented storytelling, myth, and student-centered supernatural dread. Ideal for fans of psychological confusion and subtle horror.
14. Kyoukai no Rinne (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- MAL Rating: 7.18
- Studio: Brain’s Base
A broke shinigami helps lost spirits pass on—with the help of a girl who can see ghosts.
Why it fits: A gentler, more comedic approach to spirit-cleansing that mirrors Ghost Stories’ lighter moments, with slapstick and heartfelt vibes.
15. Yamishibai: Japanese Ghost Stories (2013–)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 per season (short episodes)
- MAL Rating: 7.00 (Season 1)
- Studio: ILCA
An anthology of animated Japanese urban legends told in kamishibai (paper-theater) style.
Why it fits: It’s the closest in structure to Ghost Stories’ episodic, cautionary ghost tales—but darker and more experimental.
Why These Anime Work for Ghost Stories Fans
Fans of Ghost Stories are drawn not only to its satirical dub but also to its use of folklore, school-based horror, and its refusal to follow conventional rules. These 15 anime deliver in similar ways—whether by blending horror and humor, tackling spirits and unresolved trauma, or featuring misfit characters who challenge expectations. They’re smart, spooky, often strange, and severely underrated.
