Is the Monster anime worth watching?

Analyzing whether or not the Monster anime is worth watching (Image credits: Madhouse)
Analyzing whether or not the Monster anime is worth watching (Image credits: Madhouse)

The Monster anime is a popular show that made its debut back in 2004. It is a psychological thriller anime that seems to have garnered fans from across the world. Given how old the show is, newer members of the anime and manga community might not be aware of the series. Therefore, the question that most fans seem to be asking is this: Is the Monster anime worth watching?

In short, yes, the Monster anime is a brilliant show that has stood the test of time. This is a brilliant example of what a good psychological thriller looks like. Several elements make a good show. It is vital to have well-written characters in this genre. While the plot-driven narratives are great for thrillers, complex characters often contribute to the psychological aspect of it.

Johan, as seen in the anime series (Image credits: Studio Madhouse)
Johan, as seen in the anime series (Image credits: Studio Madhouse)

The Monster anime revolves around Dr. Tenma, who is a Japanese neurosurgeon living in Germany, in an attempt to conduct research in his field. He is met with a moral dilemma and chooses to disobey direct orders from his superior. However, he managed to save a child who was in critical condition. This act comes to haunt him and those around him in a way he least expected.

The prime antagonist of the story, Johan, is a serial killer who is closely connected to Dr. Tenma. How he is portrayed in the Monster anime is the reason why fans love the show. Furthermore, his origins have sparked numerous debates. One of the most common ones is the fans’ attempt to understand whether he is a victim of bad circumstances or if he is inherently evil. The line differentiating the two appears to be a blur in this anime series.

Johan’s manipulative tendencies never cease to shock fans. Furthermore, his extremely high IQ allows him to get away with unforgivable crimes. The constant cat-and-mouse chase is one of the highlights of the Monster anime. Additionally, the music in the anime is incredibly atmospheric and captures the mood of the show. It also enhances the dramatic effect of the scene that is being played at the time.

The show might not have soundtracks that might stand out, but it certainly does a brilliant job of keeping the readers glued to the screen. These are some of the reasons why every anime fan who loves psychological thrillers must watch this show.


Where to watch the Monster anime?

It is important to note that the title is available on Netflix at the moment. However, fans all over the world must check if their respective country has this show as part of their catalog. Certain shows are geo-restricted and therefore, wouldn’t be available to watch in their region. Additionally, the episodes will not be available for free. Fans will have to avail themselves of the platform’s paid services to access the show in question.

Fans will be surprised to know that this show only has one season. However, the season in question features a total of 78 episodes. The anime made its debut in April 2004 and concluded its run in September 2005. These 78 episodes cover the entirety of the story.


The Monster anime is an exceptionally entertaining series that has well-written characters and plenty of plot twists. The character interactions ensure that the pacing isn’t too slow. Furthermore, the music in the anime has been crafted with utmost care, elevating every scene in the show.

Edited by Rohan Jagannath