10 Best Anime About Psychics

Although the theme of psychics and espers may not be a particularly common one, with most stories showing a tendency toward more traditional fantasy and supernatural settings, the best anime about psychics inevitably end up being some of the medium’s most intriguing and entertaining titles, thanks to the unique potential they have to explore creative powers, along with the morality and consequences of using them in a world where such abilities are not commonplace.

From cult classics to modern hits that instantly rose to the top of the popularity rankings, there are quite a few worthwhile titles when it comes to stories about psychics. Whether they opt to approach the topic from a more serious angle, exploring the way such powers may corrupt users and result in unintended consequences and greater threats to the world, or instead opt for a decidedly more light-hearted approach, using psychic abilities as a means to create humorous situations, fans are sure to find something that suits their personal preferences.

10
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (2016)

Produced by J.C.Staff & Egg Firm and Based on the Manga by Shuuichi Asou

Despite being blessed with a wide array of psychic abilities that range from telepathy to teleportation, Kusuo Saiki sees his supernatural powers as nothing but a burden, instead wishing he could live an ordinary life, devoid of chaos and wild shenanigans. Still, as hard as he tries to keep a low profile and hide his powers from the rest of the world, he can’t help but attract the attention of eccentric characters such as the chuunibyou Shun Kaidou and the girl who can’t stand the idea of not being everyone’s favorite, Kokomi Teruhashi.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. follows the absurdly comedic situation of a virtually invincible psychic who wishes for nothing but a simple life. The contrast between Saiki’s incredible abilities and the ordinary person he pretends to be to hide his powers naturally leads to plenty of hilarious scenes. Moreover, the colorful cast of characters surrounding him do nothing but contribute to the chaos, resulting in not only one of the funniest psychic-related titles, but also an incredibly entertaining shōnen series overall.

Watch on Netflix

9
Spy X Family (2022)

Produced by Wit Studio & CloverWorks and Based on the Manga by Tatsuya Endou

During a period of Cold War between Ostania and Westalis, some are acting from the veil of disguise to ensure that a full-blown war doesn’t occur. As the Westalis Intelligence Services’ most talented spy, “Twilight” receives the extremely important mission of infiltrating the high society of Westalis and preventing Donovan Desmond from disrupting the peace he is working so hard to maintain. To this end, he ends up forming a pretend family, along with the “Thorn Princess” assassin Yor and an adopted esper daughter named Anya, all of whom must keep their secrets from each other.

Possessing the ability to read other people’s thoughts, which she tries to hide at all costs, Spy X Family‘s Anya Forger is an unconventional esper whose powers get her into all kinds of trouble as she accidentally learns of important secrets. As part of a family whose members genuinely care for each other despite being forced to hide their identities, Anya and her adoptive parents end up in all kinds of misunderstandings and comedic situations, and Anya is often the reason for Spy x Family‘s funniest moments.

Watch on Crunchyroll

8
Charlotte (2015)

Original Series Produced by P.A. Works

Equipped with the ability to temporarily take over other people’s minds and bodies, Yuu Otosaka has cheated his way into a prestigious high school. Much to his dismay, this carefree life stops when he encounters Nao Tomori, the student council president of Hoshinoumi Academy. Intrigued by his powers and dissatisfied with how he’s been abusing them, Nao convinces Yuu to transfer and recruits him into the student council, thereafter making it their mission to identify people who awaken new powers and keep them out of harm’s way.

Despite it not being the title’s primary focus, Charlotte explores different aspects of psychic abilities, as well as all kinds of supernatural abilities. Unlike other series, where people may naturally have special powers without ever taking the time to explain the source or consequences of these powers, Charlotte goes to great lengths to discuss the responsibilities and potential repercussions of using these abilities, portraying them as a metaphor for growing up.

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7
Psychic Detective Yakumo (2010)

Produced by Bee Train and Based on the Novel by Manabu Kaminaga

Having recently entered her second year of university, Haruka Ozawa might just be having the worst year of her life. As one of her friends becomes possessed by a spirit and another ends up committing suicide, she too begins to fear for her safety. Just then, she finds salvation in the form of Yakumo Saito, a mysterious student who was born with a red eye, which allows him to see ghosts and spirits. Despite the certain danger, the two begin to help the police solve cases linked to the occult.

Psychic Detective Yakumo blends horror with mystery to provide a unique psychic-related experience. Using his crimson-red eye to communicate with the dead, the titular protagonist encounters various cases of spirits who are unable to move on, bound to the realm of the living by strong emotions such as regret or hatred. Thanks to his unique characteristics and the intriguing supernatural mysteries he solves, Yakumo is easily one of the best and most interesting anime detectives.

Watch on HIDIVE

6
Akira (1988)

Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha and Based on the Manga by Katsuhiro Ootomo

World War III turned much of the landscape unrecognizable. In the ruins of a once bustling metropolis lies Neo-Tokyo, a rebuilt city where order gave way to chaos and violence and terrorism have become commonplace. As the leader of the “Capsules“, Shoutarou Kaneda spends his time fighting with his motorcycle gang against the “Clowns“. Yet, when his best friend and close ally Tetsuo Shima gets caught in esper accident and begins developing psychic abilities, the two end up involved with a shadowy organization that seeks to quarantine anyone with the potential to become a threat.

As one of the most influential anime movies, Akira became a landmark not only in terms of psychic stories, but also cyberpunk ones. Its dystopian, futuristic setting lends itself perfectly to a story about human greed and how people will always try to obtain and abuse higher levels of power, no matter the cost. One of the most likely consequences of people developing psychic abilities is that their users will become unreasonable and corrupt, and this title provides a great depiction of this idea.

Watch on Crunchyroll

5
Elfen Lied (2004)

Produced by Arms and Based on the Manga by Lynn Okamoto

The Diclonius represent a special, mutated homosapien breed, defined by their two horns and the telekinetic abilities granted by their invisible arms. Out of fear and lack of understanding, the government captures any free Diclonius, thereafter performing inhumane experiments on them. Driven to insanity by the confinement she’s had to endure her entire life, Lucy, a young Diclonius, eliminates all of the guards standing in her way as she makes her escape. However, as she suffers a grave head injury while breaking out, she ends up losing her memories and developing a split personality in the process, before being taken in by a pair of unsuspecting kind teenagers.

Elfen Lied uses psychic abilities as a lens to explore discrimination and the subsequent trauma that often follows such unjust treatment. Though Lucy’s case is definitely taken to the extreme, viewers are presented with the intriguing story of an esper who, despite being changed by cruel experiments and pointless torture, continues to seek understanding and redemption. Some may find that the series doesn’t quite stand the test of time, with many of its ideas and characters being somewhat dated, but its impact remains undisputed.

Watch on Crunchyroll

4
A Certain Scientific Railgun (2009)

Produced by J.C.Staff and Based on the Manga by Kazuma Kamachi & Motoi Fuyukawa

Academy City is a place unlike any other, defined not only by its incredibly advanced technology, but also by its emphasis on esper powers. Most of the city’s residents are students enrolled in programs aimed toward developing and enhancing psychic abilities. As one of the few Level 5 espers, Mikoto Misaka, also known as “The Railgun“, is a skilled electricity manipulator. Together with Kuroko Shirai, a member of the student law enforcing agency, Judgment, and their friends, they get caught up in a series of dangerous incidents, as they seek to unravel the mystery behind the enigmatic “Level Upper“. ​​​​​​​

A Certain Scientific Railgun explores various aspects of creative and fascinating esper powers, ranging from how they may be used to benefit society, to how users may face various moral dilemmas and unintended consequences. Blending engaging action scenes with relaxing slice-of-life moments, the series masterfully balances entertaining yet lighthearted developments with occasionally dark and emotionally impactful twists, particularly when it comes to the “Sisters Arc“. Overall, this is not only one of the best psychic-related titles, but also one of the best J.C.Staff anime.

Watch on Crunchyroll

3
Hinamatsuri (2018)

Produced by feel. and Based on the Manga by Masao Ootake

Yoshifumi Nitta’s daily life as a lowly member of the yakuza is completely changed when an enigmatic girl named Hina suddenly appears in his room. Awakening from a strange capsule, Hina quickly reveals her identity as a psychic with immensely destructive powers, thus convincing Nitta to become her unwilling caretaker in an attempt to prevent any unwanted damage. Nitta finds unexpected value in this situation, however, as Hina proves her potential in his yakuza business. Thus begins the strange life of two people who have to live together despite having nothing in common.

Hinamatsuri unexpectedly yet effortlessly combines the psychic and yakuza themes to deliver a unique experience, which emphasizes comedy above all else. The humor relies not only on the absurdity of the situations that its protagonists face, but is also generated by the interactions between the characters, all of whom have distinct personalities and amusing reactions to the ensuing chaos. Although the story may not be particularly complex, fans of psychics and light-hearted comedy are bound to enjoy this title.

Watch on Crunchyroll

2
From the New World (2012)

Produced by A-1 Pictures and Based on the Novel by Yuusuke Kishi

After 0.1% of the population suddenly awakened psychokinetic powers, the course of history was drastically altered. ​​​​​​​ People naturally began abusing their powers, resulting in a chaotic era of violence and oppression. Eventually, seeking to achieve a semblance of peace, psychic humans chose to live in isolated societies. Now, in the town of Kamisu 66, a group of teenagers who are just starting to develop their powers are about to learn that their supposed utopia might be built on lies, with many important facts being intentionally hidden by their elders.

From the New World tells a thought-provoking story about the morality and tendency toward corruption inherent in psychic powers. Lauded for its immersive worldbuilding, unique story, and intriguing characters, this series brilliantly explores human nature and the way psychic powers can change people and affect their perception of themselves and others. Viewers may find the slow pacing and mysterious atmosphere somewhat confusing initially, but the series always finds the best timing to reveal more information and prove itself as a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

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1
Mob Psycho 100 (2016)

Produced by Bones and Based on the Manga by ONE

​​​​​​​Despite possessing incredible psychic powers, Shigeo Kageyama has earned the nickname “Mob” on account of his deceivingly plain looks and constant efforts at keeping his abilities hidden from the rest of the world. Still, as he ends up recruited by con artist Arataka Reigen, Mob does use his powers in order to exorcize evil spirits. Yet his full destructive potential extends far beyond such simple feats, and it seems that, despite his best efforts at controlling his abilities, he is rendered defenseless when his emotional level reaches 100, as his previously bottled emotions burst out.

Mob Psycho 100 follows one of the medium’s most iconic psychics. Mob is a uniquely compelling and intricate protagonist, who remains humble despite his immense powers, always seeking to prevent unwanted damage. Yet, when he finds himself forced to fight, Mob lives up to expectations, delivering incredibly engaging action scenes. Overall, thanks to its wide appeal and brilliant mix of action with comedy, this is not only one of the best anime for beginners, but also one of the best anime about psychics, which is sure to stand the test of time.

Watch on Crunchyrol