From the New World (Shin Sekai Yori, 2012) stands as a haunting, masterfully-paced dystopian anime that blends coming-of-age themes with dark psychological twists. With its telekinetic power system, moral ambiguity, and deep character development, it subverts expectations at every turn, making it a compelling yet underrated gem.
This list curates 15 lesser-known anime that echo similar vibes—stories of societal control, ethical dilemmas, evolving friendships, and power gone awry. Whether through haunting atmospheres, innovative animation, or unsettling world-building, these series deserve more attention, especially from From the New World fans.
1. Kaiba (2008)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 8.14
Episodes: 12
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Masaaki Yuasa (Director, also directed Devilman Crybaby)
Plot Summary:
In a world where memories can be stored, traded, and even stolen, a boy with no memories wakes up in a strange world and seeks to uncover his identity.
Similarities:
Like From the New World, Kaiba explores the fragility of memory, questions of identity, and the dark sides of technological advancement. Its surreal visuals mask a deeply philosophical narrative.
2. Ergo Proxy (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
MAL Rating: 7.91
Episodes: 23
Studio: Manglobe
Notable Staff: Shukou Murase (Director), Dai Satou (Writer, also worked on Cowboy Bebop)
Plot Summary:
In a post-apocalyptic dome city, a female inspector investigates a series of murders linked to sentient androids and an enigmatic entity known as Proxy.
Similarities:
Philosophical themes, slow-burn storytelling, and a society controlled by secrets draw strong parallels. Both shows share cryptic atmospheres and deep moral ambiguity.
3. Now and Then, Here and There (1999)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.99
Episodes: 13
Studio: AIC
Notable Staff: Akitaro Daichi (Director)
Plot Summary:
A cheerful boy is transported to a bleak world torn by war, where child soldiers and moral degradation are the norm.
Similarities:
Both series depict children facing intense psychological trauma in dystopian settings. Expect emotionally powerful storytelling and brutal honesty about human nature.
4. Texhnolyze (2003)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.72
Episodes: 22
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Yoshitoshi ABe (Character Designer), Chiaki J. Konaka (Writer)
Plot Summary:
In the underground city of Lux, cybernetic enhancements are common, and factions battle for control over a crumbling society.
Similarities:
A slow-burning narrative and bleak setting make Texhnolyze a spiritual cousin to From the New World. It shares themes of control, evolution, and existential despair.
5. Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.63
Episodes: 3 (films)
Studio: Production I.G
Notable Staff: Naoyoshi Shiotani (Director)
Plot Summary:
A trilogy of side stories set in the Psycho-Pass universe, exploring moral ambiguity, justice, and the consequences of a society governed by algorithms.
Similarities:
These side stories delve into ethical dilemmas, much like From the New World does with its governing system. The tone and themes around surveillance and control align closely.
6. Haibane Renmei (2002)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.10
Episodes: 13
Studio: Radix
Notable Staff: Yoshitoshi ABe (Creator), Koichi Chigira (Director)
Plot Summary:
In a mysterious town, winged beings known as Haibane are born with no memories and must uncover their purpose and past.
Similarities:
Like From the New World, it uses a gentle facade to slowly reveal darker truths. Themes of spiritual growth, community, and memory are central.
7. Shinreigari: Ghost Hound (2007)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 22
Studio: Production I.G
Notable Staff: Masamune Shirow (Original Creator), Chiaki J. Konaka (Writer)
Plot Summary:
Three boys with traumatic pasts explore the boundary between the physical and spirit worlds in a remote town with a dark history.
Similarities:
Both series revolve around childhood trauma, altered consciousness, and a hidden history that changes everything. Surreal visuals enhance the psychological tone.
8. Kemono no Souja Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.35
Episodes: 50
Studio: Production I.G
Notable Staff: Takayuki Hamana (Director)
Plot Summary:
A girl with a unique bond to mythical creatures grows up amid war, politics, and forbidden knowledge.
Similarities:
Shares themes of forbidden power, morality, and childhood maturing into painful adult awareness. Despite its soft look, it’s emotionally complex and haunting.
9. Fantastic Children (2004)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.79
Episodes: 26
Studio: Nippon Animation
Notable Staff: Takashi Nakamura (Director)
Plot Summary:
A group of mysterious white-haired children search for something lost over lifetimes, connected by fate across generations.
Similarities:
This underrated epic shares narrative ambition, slowly unraveling mysteries, and philosophical questions about identity and reincarnation.
10. Noein: To Your Other Self (2005)
Streaming: Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.60
Episodes: 24
Studio: Satelight
Notable Staff: Kazuki Akane (Director, known for Escaflowne)
Plot Summary:
A group of kids get entangled in a multiverse war where their future selves may be the enemy.
Similarities:
Explores parallel timelines, existential dread, and the future burden placed on children—much like From the New World‘s layered approach to time and fate.
11. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.05
Episodes: 45
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Notable Staff: Tsuneo Kobayashi (Director)
Plot Summary:
An ordinary high school girl is transported to a mythical world and forced to adapt quickly to survive and lead.
Similarities:
Themes of societal structure, personal transformation, and world-building depth tie it closely to From the New World. It’s more fantasy-focused but equally mature.
12. Shiki (2010)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.75
Episodes: 22
Studio: Daume
Notable Staff: Tetsuro Amino (Director)
Plot Summary:
A sleepy village is haunted by mysterious deaths as its inhabitants fall prey to a horrifying, unseen force.
Similarities:
Both anime build slow dread through atmospheric storytelling and moral complexity. Shiki’s focus on groupthink and fear echoes From the New World‘s psychological edge.
13. Zettai Shounen (2005)
Streaming: Unavailable (DVD import)
MAL Rating: 7.18
Episodes: 26
Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
Notable Staff: Tomomi Mochizuki (Director)
Plot Summary:
A boy moves to a rural town and experiences a series of strange, supernatural events tied to the area’s folklore.
Similarities:
Rural setting, slow mystery, and the blending of the mundane with the fantastical make it an atmospheric hidden gem for fans of cerebral pacing.
14. Dennou Coil (2007)
Streaming: Netflix
MAL Rating: 8.09
Episodes: 26
Studio: Madhouse
Notable Staff: Mitsuo Iso (Director, Animator on Evangelion, Ghost in the Shell)
Plot Summary:
In a near-future society, children use augmented reality glasses to interact with a digital world that’s becoming increasingly unstable.
Similarities:
Blends childhood innocence with emerging threats and technological themes. Both use children’s perspectives to critique broader social issues.
15. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.67
Episodes: 26
Studio: Artland
Notable Staff: Hiroshi Nagahama (Director)
Plot Summary:
A wandering expert studies “Mushi”—ethereal life forms invisible to most—while helping people affected by them.
Similarities:
Philosophical and episodic, Mushishi mirrors From the New World‘s quiet tone, meditative pace, and focus on nature’s mysterious forces.
Why These Anime Work for From the New World Fans
If From the New World left you craving more intelligent, unsettling, and ethically rich storytelling, these series are perfect follow-ups. Each one delves into layered themes—be it societal control, power corruption, or the psychological cost of growing up in dark worlds. They challenge viewers not just to watch, but to reflect.
Whether it’s the surreal imagery of Kaiba, the moral rot of Shiki, or the identity struggles in Ergo Proxy, every anime here rewards patience with profound emotional and intellectual impact.
