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Bullet hell is a subgenre of shoot 'em up video games distinguished by extremely dense patterns of enemy projectiles that fill large portions of the screen. Also called danmaku in Japanese, the format emphasizes precise navigation through complex bullet curtains, with the player's survivability hinging on pattern recognition, timing, and controlled movement rather than raw firepower.

Gameplay typically centers on dodging while shooting at enemies, especially bosses. Many games feature a focus or slow-movement mode for fine control, bombs that clear screens of bullets, and scoring systems that reward near-misses (grazing) or chaining successful attacks. Visual design uses bright, varied bullets arranged into elaborate patterns that pose continuous, varying threats.

Bullet hell arose in the 1990s arcade scene, with Cave's DoDonPachi (1997) often cited as a milestone for dense danmaku. The Touhou Project, starting in the late 1990s by Team Shanghai Alice, popularized a creator-driven, mechanically tight form and generated a large fan community. Other notable series include Mushihimesama and Espgaluda by Cave, and Deathsmiles, each pushing different thematic and mechanical twists on danmaku.

Reception highlights both technical appeal and high difficulty. The genre attracts dedicated communities, speedrunners, and modders, while critics note accessibility barriers. Bullet hell has influenced broader game design, influencing indie shmups and titles that emphasize bullet patterns and precision-based challenges beyond traditional arcade staples.