October 7 is observed as “Mystery Memorial Day” in Japan, marking the death anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe, author of Murders in the Rue Morgue — widely regarded as the world’s first mystery novel. To mark the occasion, Anime!Anime! conducted a reader poll asking: “Which anime comes to mind when you think of ‘mystery’?” Voting was open from September 29 to October 2, 2026.
Respondents were approximately 60% female and 40% male. By age group, those 19 and under made up around 35% of voters, while respondents in their 20s and 50s each accounted for roughly 20%.
No. 1: Detective Conan (名探偵コナン) — Six Years at the Top
Detective Conan claimed first place with roughly 25% of the vote, extending its winning streak to six consecutive years. Based on Gosho Aoyama‘s ongoing manga in Weekly Shōnen Sunday, the series follows high-school detective Shinichi Kudo, who is shrunk into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and takes on the alias Conan Edogawa while pursuing the syndicate and solving cases. The TV anime launched in 1996 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026.
Readers praised the series’ variety of tricks — locked-room murders, alibis, and coded messages — and noted that the show never gets old even after three decades. Others highlighted the romantic subplots among recurring characters, with one voter declaring their love for sniper Shuichi Akai.
No. 2: Detective Precure! (名探偵プリキュア！) — A New Series Makes a Splash
Detective Precure! debuted on this ranking with around 13% of the vote, landing in second place. The latest entry in the Pretty Cure franchise follows Anna Akechi, a middle-schooler who time-slips from 2027 back to 1999, where she meets aspiring detective Mikuru Kobayashi. Together they transform into Precure to battle the phantom thief gang known as Phantom.
Voters were pleasantly surprised by the genuine deductive reasoning woven into the series, calling it enjoyable for both children and adults. The standout moment cited most was a crossover episode featuring Conan Edogawa, which fans described as thrilling and hoped would happen again.
No. 3: Kindaichi Case Files (金田一少年の事件簿) — Jumps from 5th to the Top 3
Kindaichi Case Files earned roughly 9% of the vote, climbing from fifth place last year into the top three. Adapted from the manga serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, the series stars Hajime Kindaichi — grandson of legendary detective Kosuke Kindaichi — as he unravels elaborate murder cases. Readers noted the series’ darker tone compared to other mystery anime, while also appreciating the poignant backstories behind each culprit’s motive. Many fondly recalled the live-action drama adaptation, particularly the iconic moment when Hajime points at the suspect just before a commercial break. A spin-off manga, Kindaichi Papa no Jikenbo, is currently running and depicts Hajime as a father.
Rankings 4–11 and Other Notable Titles
- 4th — Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries): Season 3 just began airing; fans love protagonist Maomao‘s cool demeanor and pharmaceutical deductions in an imperial court setting.
- 5th (tied) — Hundred Note (ハンドレッドノート)
- 5th (tied) — Hyouka (氷菓)
- 5th (tied) — Bungou Stray Dogs (文豪ストレイドッグス)
- 8th — The Detective Is Already Dead (探偵はもう、死んでいる。)
- 9th (tied) — Link Click (時光代理人 -LINK CLICK-)
- 9th (tied) — Shōshimin Series (小市民シリーズ)
- 9th (tied) — Moriarty the Patriot (憂国のモリアーティ)
Other titles receiving votes included Mattaku Saikin no Tantei to Kitara — a comedy about a middle-aged detective perpetually flustered by his high-school assistant — Kono Naka ni Hitori, Imōto ga Iru!, praised for blending romance with the mystery of a secret sibling’s identity, and SPY×FAMILY, whose fans highlighted the thriller element of a family where everyone is hiding a secret. In total, 24 titles received votes in this year’s poll.
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