The world of anime is expansive and offers many unique stories with compelling characters, engaging plots, and epic moments. While some anime come and go, many deliver unique and memorable experiences. Those types of anime typically contain well-written storylines and characters.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, we’d like to highlight the best anime detectives of all time. Whether fans cherish these intelligent beings for their sharp intellect or their looks, these detectives have enough admirable qualities that earn them a spot on this list.
Feel free to leave your comments about our choices below.
Edogawa Conan (Detective Conan)
Edogawa Conan, or Shinichi Kudo, is a wonderful detective in Detective Conan. He possesses an extraordinary level of intellect and deductive reasoning skills. Despite being trapped in the body of a child, Conan’s mind remains sharp and observant. He can analyze complex crime scenes and spot the smallest details that others may miss.
Conan’s intelligence and logical thinking abilities allow him to solve the most perplexing mysteries, making him an invaluable asset to officers. Moreover, he displays excellent problem-solving and quick-thinking skills in high-pressure situations. He finds himself in many dangerous scenarios, where he must think on his feet.
On top of battling the evil Black Organization and going up against rivals like Lupin The Third (in spin-offs) and Kaito Kid, Conan is definitely a remarkable detective.
L Lawliet (Death Note)
L Lawliet is a fantastic rival and detective in Death Note. His exceptional intellect, strange methods, and unwavering dedication to solving crimes make him an outstanding detective. He possesses a genius-level intellect, unmatched by most of his peers. He’s highly analytical, often thinking several steps ahead of his enemies.
L often relies on his intuition and unconventional strangeness to gain victories. His unique perspective enables him to see beyond the surface and uncover hidden meanings and motives. He’s not afraid to take risks and push boundaries, often questioning societal norms to get to the heart of the matter.
In addition to having an unwavering commitment to solving crimes, L is definitely one of the best anime detectives around.
Sakurako Kujo (Beautiful Bones: Sakurako’s Investigation)
Sakurako Kujo embodies the essence of a great anime detective. She has extensive knowledge of osteology (the study of bones) which sets her apart from other detectives in anime. She’s knowledgeable about human anatomy, allowing her to unravel mysteries from skeletal remains. Her ability to analyze bones and draw accurate conclusions helps her uncover the truth behind crimes.
Moreover, she’s known for her strong attention to detail. She’s known for noticing the smallest clues, such as bone abnormalities. This allows her to reconstruct events and uncover hidden truths. Her ability to connect the dots and analyze minuscule details enables her to solve complex mysteries that others might struggle with.
Sakon Tachibana (Puppet Master Sakon)
Sakon Tachibana exemplifies the qualities of a great detective. Firstly, his ventriloquist skills set him as a unique and invaluable detective. He utilizes his talent to bring his puppet, Ukon, to life and extract vital information from suspects and witnesses. His ability to manipulate Ukon’s voice and engage in conversations opens doors to unknown clues and motives.
Furthermore, Sakon’s intuition and observation skills prove useful in cases. He’s adept at reading people and situations, often navigating complex cases by relying on his gut instincts. Sakon’s ability to detect subtle changes in behavior and body language allows him to cover concealed truths and identify culprits.
On top of his commitment to justice, Sakon’s definitely a praiseworthy detective.
Keith Kazama Flick (B: The Beginning)
Keith Kazama Flick possesses a unique set of qualities that make him a great detective. He’s armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of a wide range of subjects. He’s well-read and highly intelligent, constantly expanding his knowledge in various fields. With his vast knowledge, Keith can access information that others may overlook, giving him an edge in cases.
Furthermore, Keith displayed excellent analytical and deductive reasoning skills. He can dissect complex situations and evidence meticulously. His logical thinking and ability to see patterns enable him to solve cases without hassle.
On top of having wonderful combat skills, Keith is a force to be reckoned with.
Heinrich Lunge (Monster)
Heinrich Lunge is a master of observation, capable of noticing even the tiniest of details. He has a keen eye for spotting inconsistencies in crime scenes, allowing him to uncover important clues. His ability to observe and analyze minute details sets him apart as a wonderful detective, ensuring that no evidence goes unnoticed.
Moreover, his relentless determination makes him a phenomenal detective. Once he sets his sights on a case, he refuses to give up until he unravels the truth. Lunge is known for his unwavering pursuit of justice, even if it means facing formidable obstacles or threats along the way. His focused mindset and dedication to solving cases make him an unstoppable force.
Taichi Hiraga-Keaton (Master Keaton)
Taichi Hiraga-Keaton possesses various qualities that make him an impressive detective. Firstly, his extensive knowledge and expertise in various fields make him an exceptional investigator. He holds many past titles that give him a diverse skill set to tackle cases from multiple Angeles. From archaeology to insurance investigator, you’ll be impressed by Keaton’s broad knowledge.
Moreover, his sharp intellect and deductive reasoning skills make him a formidable opponent. He has a keen eye for detail and can quickly identify patterns and draw logical conclusions. His ability to think critically and analyze complex situations allows him to solve complex, challenging cases with ease.
On top of having phenomenal survival skills, Keaton is an exceptional detective in the anime sphere.
Hotarou Oreki (Hyouka)
Hotarou Oreki possesses phenomenal detective skills in Hyouka. His keen observational skills allow him to notice even the most subtle details. He can spot inconsistencies and make connections others cannot. His observational prowess helps him gather important details that allow him to piece together hard puzzles to solve various mysteries.
Additionally, Oreki’s analytical thinking makes him a formidable detective. He excels at analyzing facts and utilizing logical reasoning to unravel complex cases. Oreki’s ability to think critically and connect unrelated information allows him to solve problems in an efficient and methodical manner.
In addition to having a constant thirst for knowledge and curiosity, Oreki is definitely a skilled detective.
Hajime Kindaichi (The Kindaichi Case Files)
Hajime Kindaichi is a fabulous detective who analyzes crime scenes, connects the dots, and makes logical deductions based on the evidence at hand. His analytical thinking allows him to uncover hidden motives and identify culprits behind complex cases, making him an astute and effective detective. Additionally, his nifty observation talents contribute to his victory as a detective.
He can recognize the tiniest details within crime scenes or conversations. This allows him to gather intel others may have missed. His perceptive eye enables him to find significant clues, leading him closer to the truth.
On top of being a persistent and determined individual with a knack for solving cases, Kindaichi is a detective no one should overlook.
Victorique de Blois (Gosick)
Lastly, Gosick’s Victorique de Blois deserves some recognition on this list. She showcases wonderful deductive reasoning and a wealth of knowledge through the anime. With an incredible intellect and an unquenchable interest, she can unravel intricate mysteries by analyzing clues and connecting the dots. Her sharp mind lets her identify patterns and deduce the truth behind puzzles.
Moreover, her unique perspective and keen observation skills set her apart as an exceptional detective. Her ability to notice minute details and analyze them precisely allows her to see what others cannot. She can identify people’s hidden motives, find inconsistencies, and draw conclusions that evade others. Coupled with her unconventional methods and relentless drive to solve mysteries, Victorique is a fantastic female detective in the anime universe.
So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime detectives through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!