Mejores animes de ladrones y detectives

Discover the most thrilling anime series focused on the world of thieves and detectives. This list explores shows where wit, mystery, and action take center stage, from cunning phantom thieves to brilliant investigators solving complex crimes. Immerse yourself in plots filled with unexpected twists, high-octane chases, and charismatic characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of suspense and adventure looking for their next animated obsession.

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  1. 1

    Death Note

    194 Global Votes
    • Features a world-renowned detective

      (+2)

    Death Note features an intense intellectual battle between a vigilante genius and a brilliant detective, making it a cornerstone work in the detective genre. The series explores morality and justice through a complex cat-and-mouse game, where cunning and deduction are the primary weapons. Its narrative focuses on the investigation of crimes and the pursuit of a life-stealing "thief," Light Yagami, by the detective L.

  2. 2

    ERASED

    54 Global Votes
    • Classic detective mystery that can be solved

      (+4)

    This anime features an intricate plot of mystery and time travel, where the protagonist must act as a detective to solve past crimes. Its narrative focuses on investigating kidnappings and murders, utilizing a unique ability to unravel the truth and protect the innocent.

  3. 3

    Bungo Stray Dogs

    42 Global Votes
    • Features a detective agency battling superhuman threats

      (+2)

    This anime features a fascinating blend of mystery and action, focusing on a detective agency with supernatural abilities that solve complex cases. Its plots involve criminal intrigues and strategic battles, making it ideal for fans of detective stories. The series stands out for its charismatic characters and unique powers, inspired by literary figures.

  4. 4

    Monster

    28 Global Votes
    • Features a brilliant neurosurgeon

      (+1)

    Monster stands out for its intricate mystery and crime plot, centered on a neurosurgeon's pursuit of a sociopath. The series offers a profound exploration of morality and identity, keeping viewers on edge with its psychological suspense and plot twists. The detective narrative, featuring Dr. Tenma and Inspector Lunge, is central to its appeal.

  5. 5

    Psycho-Pass

    18 Global Votes
    • Police procedural with a dystopian future angle

      (+3)

    Psycho-Pass features an intricate detective narrative set in a dystopian future, where law enforcement pursues criminals based on their "Crime Coefficient" determined by the Sibyl System. The series explores the morality of pre-emptive justice and surveillance, offering a profound look into policing in a world where criminal intent is enough for judgment.

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  7. 6

    Detective Conan

    12 Global Votes
    • Worth watching for classic traditional murder mysteries

      (+4)

    Detective Conan offers an exceptional narrative centered on solving complex crimes and the deductive ingenuity of its protagonist. Its cases are intriguing and hold up well over time, providing a profound and satisfying mystery experience for fans of the genre.

  8. 7

    The Apothecary Diaries

    10 Global Votes
    • Showcases world-class storytelling

      (+4)

    This anime features Maomao, a brilliant protagonist who uses her sharp intellect and medical knowledge to unravel complex mysteries and crimes within the imperial court. The series excels in its focus on deduction and puzzle-solving, delivering a plot rich with intrigue and discovery. The narrative centers on investigating incidents, often with a touch of suspense and deception.

  9. 8

    Pluto

    8 Global Votes
    • Introspective, thrilling and emotional

      (+4)

    Pluto delivers an intricate detective and mystery plot, where the protagonist, a robot detective, investigates a series of crimes that directly involve him. The series rewards viewer patience with an emotionally impactful climax, exploring empathy and human kindness through its complex narrative.

  10. 9

    Id: Invaded

    5 Global Votes
    • Features a brilliant detective solving cases

      (+3)

    Id: Invaded features a unique premise where a detective dives into the minds of killers to solve crimes, offering an innovative approach to the detective genre. Its complex sci-fi and mystery narrative, coupled with the psychological exploration of characters, provides an intriguing and challenging experience for viewers.

  11. 10

    Gosick

    1 Global Votes
    • Provides great mystery cases and solutions

      (+4)

    Gosick features a well-crafted mystery and detective plot, where a brilliant young girl solves complex cases in 1920s Europe. The series offers an intriguing combination of drama and crime-solving, with each episode unveiling new enigmas that keep the viewer engaged.

  12. 11

    Akuma-kun

    0 Global Votes
    • Quirky observant detective like Sherlock

      (+4)

    Akuma-kun focuses on solving supernatural mysteries and crimes, with the protagonist and his partner acting as paranormal investigators. The series features an intriguing plot where a genius child and his associate unravel complex cases, combining elements of the occult with detective deduction.

  13. 12

    Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens

    0 Global Votes
    • Fun mix of action and suspense

      (+4)

    This anime features an intriguing dynamic between a detective and a hitman within Fukuoka's criminal underworld, offering a complex narrative about justice and revenge. The series explores themes of identity and morality through its main characters, Zenji Banba and Xianming Lin, who operate on the fringes of the law.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking includes popular anime series with theft and mystery themes, such as 'Lupin the Third', 'Detective Conan', 'Great Pretender', 'Erased', 'The Millionaire Detective Balance: Unlimited', 'King of Bandit Jing', 'Kaito Kid' from 'Case Closed', and 'The Woman Called Fujiko Mine', among others.
The ranking is determined by the anime's relevance within the thief and detective genres, the popularity of characters such as 'phantom thieves' or 'gentleman thieves', and their overall impact in the anime community, including community engagement.
Yes, community participation is welcome. If you know of a thief or detective anime that you believe should be on the list, you can suggest it for future updates.
A 'phantom thief' is a special class of criminal, often elusive and fantastic, who can be long gone before the victim even knows what hit them, such as Tuxedo Mask or Kaito Kid. Arsène Lupin is a key figure in codifying this archetype.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our methodology for ranking the best thief and detective anime focuses on thematic relevance, narrative quality, and cultural impact within these genres. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview that reflects both critical acclaim and popularity among fans.

  • We consider anime that feature protagonists or central plots revolving around ingenious heists, complex mysteries, or crime-solving, highlighting both thieves and detectives.
  • Originality in character portrayal, such as 'gentleman thieves' or 'phantom thieves', and the depth of their deductive or planning skills are highly valued.
  • Popularity and recognition within the anime community, including mentions in discussions and 'best of' lists, are important factors for inclusion and positioning.
  • Series that have left a lasting legacy or introduced innovative concepts within the mystery and crime genres in anime are taken into account.
  • The anime must have a clear focus on characters who are either thieves (whether 'phantom thieves', 'gentleman thieves', or bandits) or detectives (solving crimes and mysteries).
  • Priority is given to series that demonstrate a well-crafted plot with twists, suspense, and intellectual challenges for both the characters and the audience.
  • Cultural relevance and impact within the genre, such as the influence of 'Lupin the Third' or the longevity of 'Detective Conan', are key considerations.
  • Anime recognized for their memorable characters and contributions to the thief or detective archetype in Japanese animation are included.