Heavenly Delusion is a post-apocalyptic anime that masterfully blends mystery, survival, and philosophical themes.
It follows two parallel narratives: one about children confined in a mysterious facility and another about two travelers navigating a dangerous world filled with “man-eaters.”
With its rich storytelling, layered characters, and exploration of humanity’s resilience, it has captivated fans of thought-provoking anime.
This list highlights 15 underrated series that share similar themes, narrative styles, or character development.
1. Made in Abyss (2017)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, HiDive
Plot Summary: Riko and her robot companion Reg descend into the Abyss, a mysterious chasm filled with danger and wonder.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both explore perilous journeys in enigmatic worlds with dark undertones and emotional depth.
2. The Promised Neverland (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
Plot Summary: Orphans at Grace Field House uncover the horrifying truth about their idyllic lives and plan their escape.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Features a sinister facility, themes of survival, and children seeking freedom from a controlled environment.
3. Sonny Boy (2021)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
Plot Summary: A group of students is transported to an alternate dimension where they develop supernatural powers and face existential dilemmas.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both delve into isolated settings and explore philosophical questions about humanity’s purpose and survival.
4. Shin Sekai Yori (From the New World) (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: In a dystopian future, children with psychic powers uncover dark secrets about their seemingly utopian society.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Shares themes of societal control, hidden truths, and the loss of innocence in a dystopian world.
5. Alice in Borderland (2020)
Streaming Availability: Netflix
Plot Summary: Arisu and his friends are thrust into a deadly survival game in a parallel dimension resembling Tokyo.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both feature survival-focused narratives with suspenseful mysteries set in dangerous environments.
6. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (2009)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Siblings Mirai and Yūki navigate the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake in Tokyo alongside a single mother named Mari.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Highlights human resilience and emotional connections amidst disaster-stricken settings.
7. The Fire Hunter (Hikari no Ō) (2023)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Touko embarks on a perilous journey to return the belongings of a fallen Fire Hunter while navigating a world where fire is deadly.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Post-apocalyptic setting with unique world-building and themes of survival against unknown threats.
8. Wolf’s Rain (2003)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: A pack of wolves disguised as humans searches for Paradise in a dying world filled with conflict and despair.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Explores existential themes, dystopian landscapes, and characters driven by hope amidst chaos.
9. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
Plot Summary: Re-l Mayer investigates mysterious murders involving humanoid robots while uncovering the secrets of her dystopian society.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Philosophical undertones combined with post-apocalyptic settings and complex character dynamics.
10. Fire Punch (2016 Manga)
Streaming Availability for Manga Adaptation: Viz Media app (manga only)
Plot Summary: Agni seeks revenge in an ice-covered dystopia after being cursed with eternal flames that consume his body endlessly.
Similarities Psychological dark realism tone overlaps
11. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: Shuzo “Shu” Matsutani is transported to a dystopian world where he witnesses the horrors of war and fights to protect a girl named Lala-Ru.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both explore bleak worlds, themes of survival, and humanity’s resilience amidst cruelty and despair.
12. Casshern Sins (2008)
Streaming Availability: Funimation
Plot Summary: Casshern, a cyborg with no memory of his past, wanders a decaying world while uncovering his role in humanity’s downfall.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Shares post-apocalyptic settings, philosophical undertones, and a focus on identity and redemption.
13. Planetarian: The Reverie of a Little Planet (2006)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A scavenger in a ruined world discovers a robot girl at an abandoned planetarium who rekindles his hope for humanity.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both feature poignant narratives of hope amidst desolation and explore human connections in dystopian settings.
14. Sabikui Bisco (2022)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: In a world ravaged by rust, Bisco Akaboshi embarks on a journey to find a legendary mushroom that can cure the plague.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Combines post-apocalyptic landscapes with unique world-building and characters navigating survival against mysterious threats.
15. Gakkou Gurashi! (School-Live!) (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
Plot Summary: A group of schoolgirls survives in their school after a zombie apocalypse while clinging to normalcy amidst chaos.
Similarities to Heavenly Delusion: Both blend slice-of-life elements with dark themes, exploring psychological resilience in dire circumstances.
Why These Anime Work for Heavenly Delusion Fans
These anime capture the essence of Heavenly Delusion through their exploration of post-apocalyptic worlds, layered storytelling, and themes of survival and human connection.
Whether through philosophical undertones or suspenseful mysteries, these series offer compelling narratives that resonate with fans seeking depth and emotional impact.
