10 best anime for fans of procedural drama

Procedural anime dramas involve stories that focus on procedures and processes to solve mysteries or crimes. The anime genre has some great procedural dramas that keep viewers engaged with intricate plots, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes.

It offers intricate investigations into complex crimes that explore thought-provoking themes. Unlike formulaic procedurals, series in this genre use the structure of process-based storytelling to craft philosophically rich narratives.

Clever plots, atmospheric visuals, complex characters, and dark stylistic choices create gripping experiences. For those who enjoy suspenseful shows that emphasize the thrill of a mystery unraveling, the following anime for fans of procedural drama delivers engrossing procedurals worth delving into.

Mind games and investigations: 10 must-watch anime for fans of procedural drama

1) Psycho-Pass

In a dystopian future, the Sibyl System actively measures the capability and personality of every citizen using advanced biometric profiling to determine their probability of committing a crime.

Law enforcement relies entirely on the Sibyl System's judgments to isolate, surveil, and apprehend potential criminals in the name of creating an ideal society. The series follows police officers working for the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division who track down criminals identified by the Sibyl System.

With its cyberpunk visual aesthetic and futuristic technological advances, each episode of Psycho-Pass involves solving twisted crimes like gruesome murders in ways that challenge the assumptions and justice upheld by the Sibyl System.

2) Monster

Monster begins with Japanese surgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma, whose decision to save a young boy named Johan Liebert instead of the mayor sets off a chain of events that costs multiple lives.

Johan goes on to become a prolific serial killer, and Dr. Tenma vows to track him down to take responsibility for having saved his life. As Tenma tries to find Johan, he discovers the intricate plans and deceptions spun over decades to manipulate people into carrying out Johan's bidding.

It builds tension with disturbing murders, failed investigations, escaped criminals, and a gripping battle of wits between Johan and Tenma. With psychological complexity, an intricate plot, and a focus on investigative work, Monster is a thriller anime for fans of procedural drama.

3) Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Image via Production I.G)

Set in a cyberpunk future, this sci-fi police procedural follows the members of Public Security Section 9 as they investigate highly technologically advanced crimes like hacking, corruption, and terrorism.

Blurring the line between technology and humanity, the series delves into transhumanism, morality, and identity. The sleek cyberpunk visual aesthetic along with these deeper questions that simulate existential inquiries around technology makes Ghost in the Shell an engrossing watch.

Each episode involves gripping procedurals to track down unstable criminals who often have access to the same advanced technology that the members of Section 9 themselves leverage in their investigations.

4) Paranoia Agent

An attack on Tsukiko Sagi, a character designer known for creating the popular pink dog mascot Maromi, sets off a police investigation after they find similarities with previous assaults.

As the police try to find the serial assailant nicknamed Lil' Slugger, the lives of the case's persons of interest—including the victims—come under scrutiny. As the investigation continues, the line between delusions and reality increasingly blurs to create a surreal atmosphere.

Offbeat characters, a moody soundtrack, and animation flourishes enhance the escalating mystery and paranoid tension that makes Paranoia Agent one of the best anime for fans of procedural drama.

5) Ergo Proxy

In a post-apocalyptic future where humans live in domed cities, an attack by a mysterious entity launches an intricate investigation that questions ideas of self and reality.

Alongside the investigation, the anime explores philosophical themes about artificial intelligence, politics, and the environment. The stylish visuals and soundtrack, along with the mystery-unraveling narrative, offer an enthralling experience. Ergo Proxy delivers a cerebral science fiction story perfect for viewers looking for dense, methodical procedural dramas.

6) Death Note

Death Note follows ace student Light Yagami, who chances upon a supernatural notebook that kills anyone whose name is written in it. When criminals across the globe start dying inexplicably of heart attacks in an unprecedented pattern, an eccentric detective known only as L starts investigating these mysterious deaths.

This cat-and-mouse experience between Light and L is filled with careful plotting, second-guessing, and great reveals that culminate in an epic battle of wits. Its methodical narrative, investigative tactics, and crime-and-punishment themes make Death Note a gripping anime for fans of procedural drama.

7) The Millionaire Detective: Balance: Unlimited

The Millionaire Detective: Balance: Unlimited (Image via CloverWorks)

Set in Tokyo, this buddy-cop anime follows the Modern Crime Prevention Task Force as they handle high-profile investigations. Contrasting personalities—hot-blooded detective Katō and eccentric millionaire Daisuke—create engaging procedurals and comedy.

While episodic cases follow a standard procedural drama template, the show offers great animation and engaging chemistry between the leads. For those seeking a fun take on the genre, The Millionaire Detective: Balance: Unlimited delivers.

8) ID: INVADED

This sci-fi mystery thriller is set in a world where technology enables detectives to analyze a criminal's subconscious mind to catch them. The show's protagonist, Akihito Narihisago, becomes Sakaido when diving into ID Wells (virtual investigation spaces) to track a prolific serial killer.

With a highly stylized visual presentation, innovative storytelling techniques, and thought-provoking ideas about crime and psychology, ID: INVADED offers a standout procedural. It unfolds like a puzzle where each revelatory piece adds to the building suspense.

9) Hyouka

The main character of this anime series, Hōtarō Oreki, prefers to conserve energy and not get involved in activities.

But at the request of his sister, he joins his school's Classic Literature Club and gets embroiled in solving mundane mysteries around school. Through ordinary situations, unanticipated outcomes emerge for Oreki, making Hyouka an engaging mystery drama. Even in its slow moments, this anime for fans of procedural drama sustains interest through captivating visuals and lively characters.

10) Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo

Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo (Image via J.C. Staff)

This series of light-hearted mystery stories features inspector Yakushiji Ryoko, who investigates strange occurrences in her district alongside a group of quirky colleagues.

Though each case seems fantastical at first, involving alleged monsters, supernatural forces, and paranormal activity, Ryoko gets to the logical bottom of it eventually. Without intense brooding leads or dark stylistic choices, Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo charts its own path as a procedural drama.

Elements of comedy, horror, and adventure supplement the mystery narrative, driven by Ryoko's charm, resilience, and skills as a detective.

Conclusion

For any lover of crime or mystery stories, procedural dramas make for compelling watches by letting the unraveling of processes, evidence analysis, and logical revelations hook viewers.

These anime for fans of procedural drama go beyond suspense, using crime and investigation narratives to explore morality, psychology, and technology. With visual innovation, complex character writing, and clever plots, the anime mentioned here showcases the best of what the genre can achieve.

So try out these fascinating anime for fans of procedural drama to satisfy your taste for cerebral thrills.