Suspense (174)

Instilling a sense of anticipation and excitement takes priority, and is accomplished with a narrative that is rife with twists, turns, and red herrings. Uncertainty is present every step of the way, often drawn out for maximum effect. A variety of tools are used to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, such as withholding important information, intentional misdirection, or even outright subversion of expectations. Suspenseful moments do not mean a work is Suspense; the feeling of anticipation or anxiety must be maintained throughout the story. Contrast with Horror where the audience is in a constant state of apprehension and dreads the next event, rather than craving it. While Mystery also instills anticipation, the tension is focused on discovering the solution to a puzzle, rather than knowing what the characters will do next. Sometimes a story can mix Suspense with Horror or Mystery, but this is rare.

Monster

Monster

Monster

Dr. Kenzou Tenma, an elite neurosurgeon recently engaged to his hospital director's daughter, is well on his way to ascending the hospital hierarchy. That is until one night, a seemingly small event changes Dr. Tenma's life forever. While preparing to perform surgery on someone, he gets a call from the hospital director telling him to switch patients and instead perform life-saving brain surgery on a famous performer. His fellow doctors, fiancée, and the hospital director applaud his accomplishment; but because of the switch, a poor immigrant worker is dead, causing Dr. Tenma to have a crisis of conscience.

So when a similar situation arises, Dr. Tenma stands his ground and chooses to perform surgery on the young boy Johan Liebert instead of the town's mayor. Unfortunately, this choice leads to serious ramifications for Dr. Tenma—losing his social standing being one of them. However, with the mysterious death of the director and two other doctors, Dr. Tenma's position is restored. With no evidence to convict him, he is released and goes on to attain the position of hospital director.

Nine years later when Dr. Tenma saves the life of a criminal, his past comes back to haunt him—once again, he comes face to face with the monster he operated on. He must now embark on a quest of pursuit to make amends for the havoc spread by the one he saved.

Apr 7, 2004 to Sep 28, 2005 | 74 eps | Publishing

Gankutsuou

Gankutsuou

Gankutsuou

In the year 5053, French aristocrats Viscount Albert de Morcerf and Baron Franz d'Epinay attend the festival of Carnival on the moon city of Luna. While Franz is just looking to have fun, Albert is seeking something more to fill his life—but he finds more than he bargained for in The Count of Monte Cristo, a mysterious and charming self-made nobleman who meets his gaze during an opera performance.

Through a few twists and turns, Albert befriends the Count and introduces him into French society. The Count, however, has more on his mind than just friendship; he plots to finally unleash his vengeance on those who wronged him years earlier. Gankutsuou follows Albert and the Count's intertwined destinies and the ultimate price paid for enacting revenge.

Oct 6, 2004 to Mar 30, 2005 | 24 eps | Publishing

Mousou Dairinin

Mousou Dairinin

Mousou Dairinin

Feb 3, 2004 to May 18, 2004 | 13 eps | Publishing

Fantastic Children

Fantastic Children

Fantastic Children

A group of enigmatic white-haired children has been spotted at different times and places in Europe for over 500 years. Always with the appearance of 11-year-olds, they behave far more mature than they should be, never grow old, and seem to have supernatural power. What they have been seeking is a girl, and the only clue they have is a picture with a crescent moon. Now, in the year of 2012, an athletic boy named Tohma is about to be involved in this centuries-long mystery.

(Source: ANN)
Oct 5, 2004 to Mar 29, 2005 | 26 eps | Publishing

Ninja Ryuukenden

Ninja Ryuukenden

Ninja Ryuukenden

Nov 22, 1991 | 1 eps | Publishing

Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai

Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai

Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai

While mahjong is a game that is often played with family and friends, it is also a game that is played in the darkest corners of society. Nangou is a compulsive gambler who has accumulated debt over three million yen. In a last ditch attempt to clear his record, he decides to wager his life on a game of mahjong with the mafia. Unfortunately, as the game progresses, Nangou only moves further from the prize and closer to death.

When all hope seems lost, the game parlor is suddenly intruded upon by Shigeru Akagi, a young boy on the run from the police. Desperate to turn the game around, Nangou hands the game over to Akagi after teaching him a few of the rules. The mafia can only smirk as Akagi sits down to play. However, they soon come to learn that Akagi is a natural-born gambler. An imposing figure who does not fear death. One who is destined to become a legend.

Oct 5, 2005 to Mar 29, 2006 | 26 eps | Publishing

Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko

Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko

Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko

During her summer holiday at her grandparents house Tamai Shiina, a young and cheerful schoolgirl, meets a strange looking creature. They befriend each other and Shiina names it "Hoshimaru: The Round Star." When Shiina returns home after the summer to go back to school, she starts meeting other kids that also have befriended a strange creature like Hoshimaru. But she soon finds out that not all these creatures and their masters are as friendly as Hoshimaru.

(Source: ANN)
Jul 7, 2003 to Sep 29, 2003 | 13 eps | Publishing

Monster Extra: Hottan

Monster Extra: Hottan

Monster Extra: Hottan

Recap of the first 17 episodes of Monster, airing between episodes 24 and 25 of the TV series.
Sep 21, 2004 | 1 eps | Publishing

AD Police

AD Police

AD Police

May 25, 1990 to Nov 22, 1990 | 3 eps | Publishing

Shuranosuke Zanmaken: Shikamamon no Otoko

Shuranosuke Zanmaken: Shikamamon no Otoko

Shuranosuke Zanmaken: Shikamamon no Otoko

Dec 28, 1990 | 1 eps | Publishing

Karakurizoushi Ayatsuri Sakon

Karakurizoushi Ayatsuri Sakon

Karakurizoushi Ayatsuri Sakon

The dark-haired bishounen is Sakon Tachibana, a puppeteer, and the other is Ukon, his favorite puppet, and best friend. Sakon is the (only) grandson of Saemon Tachibana, a national treasure of Japan famous for his manipulation of Bunraku puppets. Ukon is a child doll puppet made in the early Meiji era by the famous female dollmaker Unosuke. Together they run into murders and solve them.

(Source: AnimeNfo)
Oct 8, 1999 to Mar 31, 2000 | 26 eps | Publishing

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Two Japanese survivors of the Khmer Rouge massacres in Cambodia vow to find a sanctuary, even if they have to build it themselves. Returning to Japan, they take seemingly opposite paths: one becomes a politician, the other a gangster.

As Asami and Houjou work through the linked worlds of politics and crime in modern Japan, they don't hesitate to do anything necessary to secure their own positions and stay true to their vow. Loyal to no one else, they find their friendship increasingly tested as they rise in their chosen fields.

(Source: ANN)
May 1, 1996 | 1 eps | Publishing

Golgo 13 (TV)

Golgo 13 (TV)

Golgo 13 (TV)

Golgo 13 is not his real name. Then again, neither is Duke Togo, Tadashi Togo, or any number of the aliases he goes by. A man of mystery, not even the world’s most prominent intelligence agencies can determine who Golgo really is, or just where he came from. But all agree that his skills are nothing short of legendary.

Armed with a custom M16, Golgo is willing to take any job for any agency, from the FBI to the KGB. He has completed every contract he has ever taken and will work for anyone who can meet his price. He is both the greatest weapon and the greatest threat to any nation; no one is safe once they are in Golgo’s sights.
Apr 12, 2008 to Mar 28, 2009 | 50 eps | Publishing

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Keiichi Maebara has just moved to the quiet little village of Hinamizawa in the summer of 1983, and quickly becomes inseparable friends with schoolmates Rena Ryuuguu, Mion Sonozaki, Satoko Houjou, and Rika Furude. However, darkness lurks underneath the seemingly idyllic life they lead.

As the village prepares for its annual festival, Keiichi learns about the local legends surrounding it. To his horror, he discovers that there have been several murders and disappearances in the village in the recent years, and that they all seem to be connected to the festival and the village's patron god, Oyashiro. Keiichi tries to ask his new friends about these incidents, but they are suspiciously silent and refuse to give him the answers he needs. As more and more bizarre events occur, he wonders just what else his friends might be keeping from him, and if he can even trust them at all.

When madness and paranoia begin taking root in Keiichi's heart, he will stumble straight into the mysteries at work in Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, a story that is told across multiple arcs.

Apr 5, 2006 to Sep 27, 2006 | 26 eps | Publishing

Sentou Yousei Yukikaze

Sentou Yousei Yukikaze

Sentou Yousei Yukikaze

This full 3DCG digital animation has story takes place in the far future after a pillar of huge fog appeared suddenly in the South Pole. This pillar, known as Jam, is actually a passage for an earth invasion.

In order to oppose the threat, the United Nations established an earth defense mechanism. Fukai Zero is a hero registered to the main force of earth defense and the special 5th flight squadron. His reconnaissance plane, Yukikaze (windblown snow) is the best tactical reconnaissance plane. His job is to collect battle information return safely to the base with the information. But one day when he about to finish his duty, an unidentified machine attacked him...

(Source: AnimeNfo)
Aug 25, 2002 to Aug 26, 2005 | 5 eps | Publishing

Yuugo: Koushounin

Yuugo: Koushounin

Yuugo: Koushounin

"Negotiation means, you turn words into weapons"

This is the realization of the popular comic Yu-go that was published in Kondasha Afternoon Magazine over a period of 10 years.

Beppu Yuugo is the world's most successfull negotiator. His only weapons are "words." Yuugo doesn't kill people. Neither does he threaten them with brute violence. With rich knowledge and a calm judgement, he believes in the humans inside them. Doing only that he has managed many dangerous negotiations successfully until now. Now two of the many episodes have been chosen very carefully, one taking place in Russia, the other one in Pakistan. In the burning desert and the freezing Siberia Yuugo begins his negotiations.

(Source: AniDB)
Feb 25, 2004 to May 26, 2004 | 13 eps | Publishing

Black Jack

Black Jack

Black Jack

Kuroo Hazama, also known as "Black Jack," is a legend in the medical world. Famous for being one of the best, as well as not having a license, Hazama and his assistant Pinoko save countless lives that other doctors cannot... for a price; an exorbitant price, in fact, which causes many to view the genius as greedy and heartless. Despite these claims, however, none can deny his skill and the lengths that he will go to treat his patients. This dark medical drama tells the story of the ominous and mysterious world of underground medicine as Black Jack risks his life to cure some of the most bizarre diseases imaginable, even if it means breaking every law in the process.

Dec 21, 1993 to Dec 16, 2011 | 12 eps | Publishing

Death Note

Death Note

Death Note

Brutal murders, petty thefts, and senseless violence pollute the human world. In contrast, the realm of death gods is a humdrum, unchanging gambling den. The ingenious 17-year-old Japanese student Light Yagami and sadistic god of death Ryuk share one belief: their worlds are rotten.

For his own amusement, Ryuk drops his "Death Note" into the human world. Light stumbles upon it, deeming the first of its rules ridiculous: the human whose name is written in this note shall die. However, the temptation is too great, and Light experiments by writing a felon's name, which disturbingly enacts his first murder.

Aware of the terrifying godlike power that has fallen into his hands, Light—under the alias "Kira"—follows his wicked sense of justice with the ultimate goal of cleansing the world of all evil-doers. The meticulous mastermind detective L is already on his trail, but as Light's brilliance rivals L's, the grand chase for Kira turns into an intense battle of wits that can only end when one of them is dead.

Oct 4, 2006 to Jun 27, 2007 | 37 eps | Publishing

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 4: Garan no Dou

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 4: Garan no Dou

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 4: Garan no Dou

Following the events of Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen), Shiki Ryougi has been in a coma for two years due to a traffic accident. When she finally awakens, she has no memories of her past and is plagued by a profound loneliness. Even stranger, she notices dark lines encompassing the things around her, and if she touches them she can disassemble the object—something which completely terrifies her. Her friend, Mikiya Kokutou, enlists the help of Touko Aozaki, a mage who can help Shiki understand what her eyes—the "Mystic Eyes of Death Perception"—are truly capable of and how to use them properly.

May 24, 2008 | 1 eps | Publishing

Shigofumi: Sore kara

Shigofumi: Sore kara

Shigofumi: Sore kara

The 13th episode of Shigofumi.
Sep 26, 2008 | 1 eps | Publishing

Tomoe ga Yuku!

Tomoe ga Yuku!

Tomoe ga Yuku!

The title character of Tomoe ga Yuku! (Tomoe Will Go!) is gutsy enough to roller skate down freeways for thrills. After losing a friend in a roller skating accident, Tomoe joins a stunt group called Green Ship. Although still mourning her friend's death, Tomoe has no reservations about embracing a relationship with the group's leader, Kazusa. Soon she discovers Green Ship is a front for an assassin training camp. She must flee her new life and love and rekindle her fiery spirit in order to fight against the organization which wants her dead.

(Source: Animerica Extra December 2001)
Oct 21, 1991 to Jan 21, 1992 | 2 eps | Publishing

Gamba no Bouken

Gamba no Bouken

Gamba no Bouken

An adventurous wild mouse called Gamba travels with his friends to see the ocean but he finds an injured mouse and hears about the violence of white ferret Noroi. Gamba decides to help the mice suffering under Noroi's tyranny.
Apr 7, 1975 to Sep 29, 1975 | 26 eps | Publishing

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

In the small village of Hinamizawa, Rika Furude and her friends live together in relative harmony. Beneath this mask of peace, however, lies a hidden darkness, one that Rika understands all too well. In this eternal summer, she has been witness to unspeakable horrors. Every time the clock resets, Rika must try to find the villain behind these senseless deaths before tragedy strikes again. However, trying to decipher a mystery when only half the clues are present proves time and again to be disastrous, and each time she believes that things will change, she inevitably fails. As the annual festival approaches, Rika begins her descent from hope to despair in her struggle to break the chains of fate entangling them all.

Jul 6, 2007 to Dec 18, 2007 | 24 eps | Publishing

Paprika

Paprika

Paprika

The world of dreams can be an incredible window into the psyche, showing one's deepest desires, aspirations, and repressed memories. One hopeful tech lab has been developing the "DC Mini," a device with the power to delve into the dreams of others. Atsuko Chiba and Kosaku Tokita have been tirelessly working to develop this technology with the hopes of using it to deeply explore patients' minds and help cure them of their psychological disorders.

However, having access to the deepest corners of a person's mind comes with a tremendous responsibility. In the wrong hands, the DC Mini could be used as a form of psychological terrorism and cause mental breakdowns in the minds of targets. When this technology is stolen and people around them start acting strangely, Atsuko and Kosaku know they have a serious problem on their hands. Enlisting the help of Officer Konakawa, who has been receiving this experimental therapy, they search both the real and dream worlds for their mental terrorist.

Nov 25, 2006 | 1 eps | Publishing