Explore These 10 Must-Watch Anime Similar to Made in Abyss
Eager to explore more anime like Made in Abyss? Discover these captivating series that skillfully blend adventure and darkness, leaving a lasting impact on fans Get ready to embark on thrilling journeys and delve into the unknown!
It can be challenging to find anime similar to Made in Abyss because of its unique blend of adventure and darker themes that resonate with many fans. While Made in Abyss was not the first to explore these themes, there are other series worth considering.
Set in a fantasy world on an island, the story follows a young girl named Riko as she embarks on a dangerous journey into the Abyss, encountering both friends and hardships along the way. Fans of Made in Abyss may appreciate other anime that capture similar emotions and storytelling.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for all the series on this list.
10 anime like Made in Abyss
1) Attack on Titan
An anime like Made in Abyss and a very popular one at that (Image via MAPPA).
Attack on Titan, although it was released before Made in Abyss, shares similarities with the latter. It is widely recognized as one of the most popular anime series globally, attracting fans with its captivating combination of intense fight scenes, world-building, animation, and well-developed characters.
Set in a walled-in society that serves as protection against monstrous Titans, the story follows Eren Yeager's determination to dismantle the Titans and uncover the mysteries beyond the walls. As the plot unfolds, numerous secrets unravel, altering the series' entire focus.
2) Hunter X Hunter
An anime like Made in Abyss because of the story progression (Image via Madhouse).
Hunter X Hunter is similar to Made in Abyss in the way both stories start as innocent and then take darker and more violent turns. Both Riko and Gon, the main characters, are in search of their respective mother and father.
The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy aspiring to become a Hunter in order to find his long-lost father. Throughout his journey in the expansive world of the series, he faces numerous setbacks but also gains many friends.
3) Tower of God
An underrated anime like Made in Abyss (Image via Telecom Animation Film).
Tower of God stands out as not just an anime similar to Made in Abyss, but also as a manwha (essentially a Korean manga). Its blend of dark fantasy and compelling character development has earned it a wide following. The first season of the anime debuted in 2020, and fans eagerly await the release of the second season in July 2024.
The series follows the protagonist, Bam, who is rescued by a girl named Rachel and later embarks on a quest to find her in the titular Tower. As Bam ascends through the Tower's various levels, he encounters numerous challenges and surprises, creating an exhilarating viewing experience.
4) Deca-Dence
A Sci-Fi-focused anime (Image via NUT).
Deca-Dence is similar to Made in Abyss but takes a more sci-fi approach to the survival genre in fiction. Despite this difference, it offers a solid story and impressive animation. It's unfortunate that the series didn't receive more attention when it was released in 2020.
Set in a futuristic world, Deca-Dence is a refuge for humanity after 90% of the population was wiped out by the Gadoll, a race of creatures. The main character, Natsume, seeks to become a Gear warrior to avenge her father's death at the hands of the Gadoll during one of their attacks.
5) The Promised Neverland
An anime like Made in Abyss because of some major similarities (Image via CloverWorks).
The anime The Promised Neverland is similar to Made in Abyss in that both feature children as the main characters and have dark undertones that intensify as the story unfolds. While some have criticized the quality of the anime after the first season, newcomers are encouraged to form their own opinions about it.
The protagonist of the series, Emma, is a young girl who lives in an orphanage with other children. Their seemingly idyllic life takes a dark turn when they uncover the truth behind their treatment, setting the stage for the rest of the story.
6) A Place Further than the Universe
An anime like Made in Abyss but much more lighthearted (Image via Madhouse).
A Place Further Than The Universe is similar to Made in Abyss in its focus on friendship and adventure, rather than dark elements or tragedies. The exploration of female friendship makes it a truly enjoyable journey. High school girl Tamaki meets Shirase, who is searching for her mother in Antarctica. Together with two other girls, they embark on a memorable journey to the icy continent, leading to a life-changing experience for all of them.
7) Kaiba
Another underrated gem (Image via Madhouse).
Madhouse dominated the anime industry with many popular projects, and among them, Kaiba stands out as one of the most overlooked. The protagonist, Kaiba, awakens one day with no memories, only a photo of a girl, and a hole in his chest, leading him on a journey across the galaxy to find the girl and uncover his true identity.
Similar to Made in Abyss, Kaiba revolves around memory loss and the quest for adventure, driven by the protagonist's amnesia. The series also delivers poignant and emotional moments, making it a truly underrated gem from Madhouse.
8) The original Dragon Ball
An anime like Made in Abyss... sort of (Image via Toei).
Comparing the original Dragon Ball to Made in Abyss is a big stretch, but they do share common ground - both feature kids as the main characters and a lot of adventure. It's always worth discussing the original Dragon Ball anime.
Many fans stick with Dragon Ball Z, but the original series has its own unique charm. With a focus on comedy, more adventure, and themes of self-improvement, it's definitely worth a watch.
9) Girls' Last Tour
A poignant series (Image via White Fox).
Girls' Last Tour is often compared to Made in Abyss due to its similar character designs and aesthetic. Both series feature cute and innocent-looking designs, as well as poignant themes and tragic elements. The story follows two young girls exploring a town ravaged by war, encountering compelling and powerful moments as they journey through the remnants of the town.
10) One Piece
One of anime's most popular shows (Image via Toei Animation).
Anime such as Made in Abyss and One Piece offer diverse perspectives and approaches to storytelling. One Piece, in particular, excels in capturing the essence of adventure, making it a beloved series with a global fanbase. Despite its extensive episode count, the series is a worthwhile investment, renowned for its well-developed characters, expansive world-building, compelling plot twists, and captivating flashbacks.
Final thoughts
Made in Abyss has been a long-running series for nearly thirty years, and there's no sign of Oda slowing down. The anime heavily explores themes of exploration and friendship, making it a perfect fit for audiences who love those concepts.
Editor's P/S
Made in Abyss is a one-of-a-kind anime that has captured the hearts of fans with its unique blend of adventure, darkness, and emotional storytelling. While it can be challenging to find similar anime that capture the same essence, there are several series that come close.
Attack on Titan, Hunter X Hunter, Tower of God, Deca-Dence, and The Promised Neverland are all anime that offer captivating storylines, well-developed characters, and stunning animation. Each of these series takes viewers on a thrilling journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving them craving more.
If you're a fan of Made in Abyss and are looking for more anime to watch, I highly recommend checking out these five series. They may not be exact replicas of Made in Abyss, but they offer similar elements that are sure to keep you entertained and engaged. So, get ready to embark on new adventures and discover worlds filled with mystery, danger, and unforgettable characters.
