My Top 10 Cozy AND Spooky Anime Recommendations to Watch This Autumn!

Welcome to the fourth day of my daily October posts! Throughout these next 28-days, I will be posting different spooky fun facts, tricks and treats. Today, we will be going through my top 10 favorite coziest AND spookiest autumn animes I recommend watching this October! Enjoy!

Cozy:

1. Yuru Camp, or Laid-Back Camp (2018) - Not every episode, but a good chunk of the first season involves autumn scenes. Do you like camping? Then you’ll love the beauty of this anime! A lovely and warm watch to enrich these -ber months. One of my favorite slice of life animes ever!  

2. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017) - I won’t lie, this anime is very weird and starts off VERY WEIRD. Chise is bought at a slave auction by Elias—who has the head of a beast, but the kicker is that it’s only the skull! Very weird, but they seem to make it work. It’s actually quite a pleasant slow-burn romance anime with themes of folklore and acceptance.

3. Little Witch Academia (2013) - I used to watch this one when I was a teenager. Super cute and fun watch following a young witch trying her very best to fit in at a witch academy! Follow Akko and her pals as they learn what they can in probably the silliest ways that they could. 😂

4. Flying Witch (2016) - Makoto leaves her parents’ home to live with relatives in the countryside as she starts high school! The twist is that Makoto is a witch trying her best to complete her training. This anime is filled with stunning visuals, autumn vibes and the familiar coming-of-age narrative that we have come to love in anime.

5. Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) - I know, I know—how many times am I going to recommend this? As many times as I can! Although this film is not necessarily set in the autumn season, who wouldn’t want to watch a cozy film about a young witch searching for her place in the world? Plus, it’s literally Studio Ghibli—you can’t do better than that! 🤷‍♀️

6. Delicious in Dungeon (2024) - D&D experience, but they cook, prepare and eat the monsters they encounter… It’s actually pretty funny. As a D&D player myself, I really enjoy this anime!!

7. Spice and Wolf (2008) - A slow burn romance between a human merchant and a wolf goddess—I too was originally put off by the ears and tail, but you get used to it. 🤷‍♀️It’s quite a lovely experience. The characters are charming and every new episode explores Holo’s wisdom and Kraft’s trading skills. Follow the two as they travel to Holo’s home and past.

8. Mashle (2023) - Harry Potter (2001) vibes, a kid without superpowers finds himself at a school for magic users—what could go wrong? Will anyone find him out? Make sure to watch it to find out!

9. Violet Evergarden (2018) - Specifically in Season 1, Episodes 7-11–the entire series is based in separate seasons. BEAUTIFUL animation, scenery, character development, etc.!!! One of my all-time favorite animes. If you are looking for a heartstring-pulling story, the aftermath of war on young recruits, and/or hope—then I suggest Miss. Violet Evergarden and her coworkers’ descent into chaos for you!

10. How to Keep a Mummy (2018) - My boyfriend actually recommended this one and he did not disappoint! What would you do if your dad sent you a miniature mummy to take care of while he was away in Egypt? Well, this anime explores all of that! Mii-kun is probably one of the cutest characters ever!! 🤍

Spooky:

1. Castlevania (2017) - I would be surprised if you watch anime and haven’t heard of Castlevania if I’m being honest here. If you haven’t, I have three terms for you—vampires, hunters and dark fantasy. It can be quite gory at times—fitting into its medieval setting; so do be aware of that if you are squeamish. I would go as far as to say this is the best vampire anime in existence (as of writing this anyway)!

2. Shiki (2010) - This was one of the first animes I ever watched. Dark, terrifying and surreal. This anime creeps me out just thinking about it! If your community had a vampire outbreak, would you kill to protect? If so, have you also lost your humanity—are you just the same as they are?

3. The Promised Neverland (2019) - This anime took over when season 2 came out… If you know, you know… 😭 Horrifying, beautiful and brilliant all wrapped up with one deceiving bow on top. I strongly recommend watching this one, but beware of spoilers. You can only experience its beauty once… You’ll get what I mean once you watch it.

4. The Grimm Variations (2024) - A brilliant anthology series that puts a spin on the classic Grimm fairytales we all know and love. It’s dark, it’s beautiful, it’s confusing—many twists, turns, or even trick-or-treats (I’m not sorry) around each corner. Phenomenal watch! Be sure not to miss out on it this October!

5. Tales of Macabre (2023) - Two words for you: OH MY! This anime was absolutely mortifying. Eerie stories, creepy characters, and most horrifying of all, THE ANIMATION?! Don’t miss out on this anime—well that is, as long as you want your skin to crawl for the next three months!

6. Mieruko-Chan (2021) - I heard about this anime whilst researching for today’s post and wow, it completely blew me out of the water! I didn’t expect it to be as dark and disturbing as it was, but it made sure to cover those aspects ENTIRELY. Although comedic at times, this anime follows teenage Miko as she discovers that she can see horrifying ghosts at her high school. Follow Miko as she tries her hardest to not make the ghosts aware that she can see them too!

7. Hellsing (2001) - A super-powerful vampire sworn to the Hellsing family works for the Hellsing organization to fight supernatural threats. Quite the thrill and interesting take on vampires and ghouls—although the teeth do freak me out a bit… 🧛🏻‍♀️

8. Black Butler: Season One (2008) - A 12-year old orphan sells his soul to a demon (who later becomes his butler) while holding the title of Queen Victoria’s guard dog AND solves historical English mysteries?? Yes please! We don’t talk about the end of the first season or of season two… Definitely a necessary watch!

9. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (2013) - The game was so good that they made an anime of it! 😂 Two seasons, only 8 episodes in all. I definitely recommend this if you are looking for a quick disturbing watch during this spooky season!

10. Ghost Hunt (2006) - Our final anime recommendation of the day, and a strong one at that! Ghost Hunt follows high school student Mai joining the Shibuya Psychic Research (APR) agency after accidentally breaking some of their equipment (I’m getting flashbacks to Ouran…). Join Mai as she discovers her own psychic abilities and the past behind each ghost story!

Thank you for reading and make sure to come back to see tomorrow's post!

Sincerely, 

        your 21st century poet <3