Top 20 Fully Perplexing Anime Similar to Shadow House

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What is your opinion about dolls? Do you find them cute or creepy? Dolls have been a part of human history for centuries, often cherished as playthings for children. But what if there were children who used living dolls to express their emotions? That’s the spine-chilling concept the series Shadow House is based on.

Shadow House is a mystery-horror anime adaptation of the Japanese manga written and illustrated by So-ma-to. The show first premiered in 2021, with its second season airing in 2022. It revolves around a faceless noble clan who reside in a secluded mansion deep in the mountains, far removed from human civilization. These shadow-like nobles rely on living dolls to serve as their personal attendants and as physical faces to communicate their emotions. The story follows Emilico, an upbeat doll, and her reserved and intelligent master, Kate. Together, they uncover the mansion’s sinister secrets, blending the cute with the unsettling in a gripping tale of mystery and suspense.

If Shadow House captivated you with its eerie atmosphere, unique concept, and compelling characters, here’s a list of 20 anime that will give you a similar feeling of intrigue, dread, and wonder.

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20. The Promised Neverland

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
This anime follows the seemingly idyllic lives of children at an orphanage. However, as the truth about their existence unravels, they must band together to outwit their captors and escape. Like Shadow House, it explores the dark secrets hidden beneath an innocent façade.

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19. Made in Abyss

Genre: Adventure, Dark Fantasy, Drama
Set in a world with a giant mysterious chasm called the Abyss, this anime follows Riko and her robot friend Reg as they venture into its dangerous depths. Its haunting visuals and themes of discovery and survival resonate with the eerie beauty of Shadow House.

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18. Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)

Genre: Supernatural, Mystery, Gothic
This Victorian-era tale revolves around Ciel Phantomhive, a young aristocrat, and Sebastian, his demonic butler. The show blends mystery, supernatural elements, and dark aesthetics, much like the vibe of Shadow House.

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17. Rozen Maiden

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Drama
When Jun receives mysterious dolls called Rozen Maidens, he becomes embroiled in a magical battle between these living dolls. The dynamic between the human and doll characters is reminiscent of the doll-master relationship in Shadow House.

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16. Pandora Hearts

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Gothic
This anime follows Oz Vessalius, who is cast into the Abyss—a nightmarish prison—and must form a contract with a mysterious girl named Alice. It shares Shadow House‘s gothic tone and elements of mystery.

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15. Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Psychological, Magical Girl
At first glance, it looks like a typical magical girl anime, but its dark and harrowing twists make it anything but. The show’s mix of adorable aesthetics and psychological horror parallels Shadow House.

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14. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Drama
A young man gains the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. The suspenseful storytelling and layered mysteries will appeal to fans of Shadow House.

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13. Angels of Death (Satsuriku no Tenshi)

Genre: Horror, Psychological, Thriller
Set in a mysterious building where each floor has its own sinister story, this anime blends eerie atmospheres and twisted characters, much like the ominous mansion in Shadow House.

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12. Monogatari Series

Genre: Mystery, Supernatural, Dialogue-Heavy
This series follows Koyomi Araragi as he encounters various supernatural beings. Its unique dialogue-heavy storytelling and unsettling moments evoke the same feelings as Shadow House.

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11. Gosick

Genre: Mystery, Historical, Romance
Set in a fictional European country, this anime follows Kazuya Kujo and Victorique as they solve mysteries. Its gothic aesthetic and Victorian-style elements are reminiscent of Shadow House.

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10. Another

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller
When a new student arrives at a cursed school, inexplicable deaths follow. The unsettling tone and suspense will feel familiar to Shadow House fans.

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09. D.Gray-man

Genre: Supernatural, Adventure, Action
This anime follows an exorcist battling Akuma (demons) created by a sinister figure. Its gothic vibe and dark storytelling make it a good match for Shadow House.

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08. Higurashi: When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni)

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological
This series begins innocently in a rural village but descends into chaos and horror. Its disturbing undertones and unexpected twists are similar to the dark secrets of Shadow House.

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07. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
Chise, a girl sold to a mysterious mage, becomes his apprentice. Its fantastical world and ethereal beauty share a visual similarity with Shadow House.

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06. Vivy: Fluorite Eye’s Song

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
Although set in the future, this anime delves into themes of humanity, emotion, and identity—concepts explored in Shadow House.

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05. Shiki

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
When a rural village is plagued by mysterious deaths, it reveals a tale of vampires and survival. Its suspense and horror elements parallel the sinister undertones of Shadow House.

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04. Akudama Drive

Genre: Action, Cyberpunk, Thriller
A group of criminals must complete dangerous missions in a dystopian world. Its mix of action and mystery appeals to those who enjoy suspenseful anime like Shadow House.

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03. Serial Experiments Lain

Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological, Mystery
This mind-bending series questions the boundaries between reality and the digital world. The unsettling narrative mirrors the psychological twists in Shadow House.

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02. The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki)

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
This anime follows a girl transported to a mystical land where she must navigate political intrigue and self-discovery. Its mysterious world-building is a nod to Shadow House.

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01. Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi)

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Supernatural
While not horror, this Studio Ghibli classic’s hauntingly beautiful world and magical mystery align with the ethereal charm of Shadow House.

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Each of these anime captures some aspect of Shadow House‘s charm—whether it’s the gothic aesthetics, layered mysteries, or eerie undertones. If you’re a fan of Shadow House, these recommendations will keep you captivated as you dive deeper into the world of perplexing and thought-provoking anime.