Made in Abyss is a captivating anime that follows Riko and her robot companion, Reg, as they descend into the mysterious Abyss, a vast and dangerous chasm filled with relics, creatures, and haunting secrets.
The series is known for its stunning visuals, layered storytelling, and dark undertones that contrast with its seemingly innocent premise. For fans who enjoy its themes of exploration, survival, and emotional depth, here are 15 underrated anime that share similar elements.
1. From the New World (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: In a dystopian future, children with psychic powers uncover dark truths about their society while trying to survive its dangers.
Similarities: Both series explore hidden truths in mysterious worlds, blending innocence with darker, more mature themes.
2. Girls’ Last Tour (2017)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary: Two girls journey through a desolate post-apocalyptic world, searching for meaning and survival amidst ruins of civilization.
Similarities: Shares themes of companionship and exploration in a melancholic yet visually stunning setting.
3. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming Availability: Not widely available
Plot Summary: A boy with no memories travels across worlds to uncover his identity in a society where memories can be transferred between bodies.
Similarities: Both feature surreal visuals and emotional journeys centered on identity and discovery.
4. Heavenly Delusion (2023)
Streaming Availability: Disney+
Plot Summary: Two teenagers navigate a post-apocalyptic world filled with mysterious creatures while searching for a rumored utopia.
Similarities: Combines survival elements with an eerie atmosphere and an overarching sense of mystery.
5. A Place Further Than the Universe (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Four girls embark on an emotional journey to Antarctica to fulfill personal dreams and uncover hidden truths.
Similarities: Both feature young protagonists venturing into uncharted territories driven by personal goals and emotional connections.
6. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A golem protects a human child in a world dominated by monsters as they search for her parents.
Similarities: Shares themes of companionship, exploration of unknown lands, and emotional bonds between unlikely pairs.
7. Houseki no Kuni (Land of the Lustrous) (2017)
Streaming Availability: HIDIVE
Plot Summary: Gem-like beings defend their world from moon-dwelling invaders while grappling with existential questions about their purpose.
Similarities: Features breathtaking visuals, existential themes, and protagonists growing through hardships.
8. The Promised Neverland (2019)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Hulu
Plot Summary: Children at an idyllic orphanage uncover a horrifying secret about their fate and plan their escape.
Similarities: Both series juxtapose childlike innocence with dark revelations about their worlds.
9. Deca-Dence (2020)
Streaming Availability: Funimation, Hulu
Plot Summary: Humanity survives in a mobile fortress while fighting alien creatures called Gadoll, blending sci-fi with survival themes.
Similarities: Shares a focus on survival in hostile environments with unique world-building.
10. Erased (2016)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A man travels back in time to prevent tragic events while uncovering hidden truths about his past.
Similarities: Both feature protagonists driven by personal loss and mystery-solving in emotionally intense narratives.
11. Children of the Sea (2019)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: A girl is drawn into a mystical connection between two boys raised by dugongs and the mysteries of the ocean.
Similarities: Explores themes of nature’s mysteries and humanity’s connection to the unknown through stunning visuals.
12. Texhnolyze (2003)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: In an underground city on the brink of collapse, a man becomes entangled in conflicts involving cybernetic enhancements and societal decay.
Similarities: Both delve into dark atmospheres with layered storytelling about survival in harsh environments.
13. Angel’s Egg (1985)
Streaming Availability: Not widely available
Plot Summary: A young girl protects a mysterious egg while wandering through an enigmatic post-apocalyptic world filled with religious symbolism.
Similarities: Shares hauntingly beautiful visuals and ambiguous storytelling that leaves viewers pondering deeper meanings.
14. Noein: To Your Other Self (2005)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: A group of children becomes entangled in a multidimensional conflict that could determine the fate of all realities.
Similarities: Features young protagonists navigating existential questions within complex sci-fi/fantasy settings.
15. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Winged beings called Haibane live in a walled town where they seek redemption for past lives while grappling with existential questions.
Similarities: Explores themes of loss, identity, and self-discovery in an atmospheric setting.
Why These Anime Work for Made in Abyss Fans
These anime share Made in Abyss‘s core elements: immersive world-building, emotional depth, and protagonists embarking on life-changing journeys into the unknown.
Whether through surreal visuals or poignant storytelling, these series resonate with fans seeking narratives that balance beauty with darkness while exploring profound human emotions amidst fantastical settings.
