Are you ready to dive into another series that will take you on a wild and unpredictable ride? If you’re a fan of Made in Abyss, then you already know what I’m talking about. This series is one of those that can make you go from “aww, so cute” to “what the heck?” in just a few episodes. The unique concept of the anime is what draws so many people to it, and it’s no surprise why. The world of Made in Abyss is an odd mixture of cuteness and darkness, and it’s truly captivating. So, if you’re looking for an anime that is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, read on for some recommendations for anime like Made in Abyss!
But first, here is a synopsis of Made in Abyss for those who aren’t familiar with the anime:
Meet Riko, a fearless young girl on a mission to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance. She works in the upper layers of the Abyss, a mysterious and dangerous place filled with ancient relics and creatures.
One day, she crosses paths with a robot boy named Reg, and the two form an unbreakable bond. Despite having no memories of his past, Reg possesses advanced technology that Riko believes will help her uncover the truth about her mother.
Determined to solve the mystery, Riko sets out on a perilous journey to the deepest depths of the Abyss alongside Reg. The journey is filled with challenges and horrific discoveries, but Riko is willing to risk it all to find answers about her mother’s fate.
These 8 anime are similar to our beloved Made in Abyss.
8. Somali to Mori no Kamisama
- Genres: Adventure, Slice of Life, Demons, Drama, Fantasy
- Episodes: 12
Similarities
If you like the beautiful visuals in Made in Abyss then you are going to like the mythical world full of pastel colors in Somali to Mori no Kamisama as well. Both anime include various creatures, a touch of mystery, a wandering child, and an adventurous journey.
Synopsis
Somali to Mori no Kamisama follows a peculiar story of an untraditional duo of a golem and a lone human girl with a bond of father and daughter who travel together after they coincidentally met.
Read also: 7 Anime Like Somali to Mori no Kamisama
7. Sora yori mo Tooi Basho (A Place Further Than The Universe)
- Genres: Adventure, Comedy
- Episodes: 13
Similarities
Made in Abyss and A Place Further Than the Universe both follow the story of a young girl leaving home to find her mother, whom she believes to be missing, but whom everyone else believes is dead.
Shirase and Riko are both traveling to harsh lands to find their mothers and they make friends and allies along the way.
Synopsis
Filled with an overwhelming sense of wonder for the world around her, Mari Tamaki has always dreamt of what lies beyond the reaches of the universe. However, despite harboring such large aspirations on the inside, her fear of the unknown and anxiety over her own possible limitations have always held her back from chasing them. But now, in her second year of high school, Mari is more determined than ever to not let any more of her youth go to waste. Still, her fear continues to prevent her from taking that ambitious step forward—that is, until she has a chance encounter with a girl who has grand dreams of her own.
Spurred by her mother’s disappearance, Shirase Kobuchizawa has been working hard to fund her trip to Antarctica. Despite facing doubt and ridicule from virtually everyone, Shirase is determined to embark on this expedition to search for her mother in a place further than the universe itself. Inspired by Shirase’s resolve, Mari jumps at the chance to join her. Soon, their efforts attract the attention of the bubbly Hinata Miyake, who is eager to stand out, and Yuzuki Shiraishi, a polite girl from a high-class background. Together, they set sail toward the frozen south.
(Source: MAL)
6. Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou (Girls’ Last Tour)
- Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life
- Episodes: 12
Similarities
Made in Abyss and Girls’ Last Tour are two shows that tend to be overlooked because of their animation styles (chibi characters, childish art). They are both filled with mature themes and involve a dark and mysterious atmosphere.
Synopsis
Yuuri and Chito are two young girls who live a hand-to-mouth existence in the oppressively bleak and barren wasteland after an unknown apocalypse. Despite the hardship they face, they still carry on and travel in their Kettenkrad, seeking food and supplies, just to survive.
5. Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin)
- Genres: Action, Military, Mystery, Super Power, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
- Episodes: 25
Similarities
Another dark fantasy anime like Made in Abyss is Attack on Titan. Both shows feature a main character with a desire for adventure and exploration. They venture into dangerous and enigmatic worlds, putting their own lives at risk. Both anime are known for their intense violence and grim atmospheres, making them a great choice for fans of the genre.
Synopsis
Eren Yaeger’s world is thrown into turmoil when the wall that safeguards his village from the monstrous Titans is breached, leading to destruction and chaos. He experiences the devastating loss of a loved one in a horrific manner and bears witness to the Titans’ devastating power. Fueled by his anger, Eren vows to rid the world of the Titans by joining the Survey Corps, the elite military division that battles them outside the confines of the remaining walls
Related: 7 Anime Like Attack on Titan
4. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
- Genres: Psychological, Drama, Magic, Thriller
- Episodes: 12
Similarities
These anime are more than meets the eye. The colorful and cute art conceals surprisingly deep lore for the settings – you can expect a lot of dark turns and twists. They are also heavy in terms of carrying raw emotions and meaning.
Synopsis
In the world of Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica, “messengers of magic” exist and can grant one wish to a chosen girl. However, there is one condition – the chosen girl must become a magical girl and fight against evil witches afterward.
Kyuubey, one of the messengers of magic, makes this proposition to two schoolgirls – Madoka and Sayaka. But as this is all happening, a magical girl, Homura, approaches them and urges them to not accept the offer, stating that everything is not what it seems.
3. Shinsekai yori (From the New World)
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural, Drama
- Episodes: 25
Similarities
Like Made in Abyss, this anime revolves around children who are growing up in a fantasy world. The art is quite similar and the age group too. They seem innocent on the outside but become really dark as the story progresses. The main protagonists of these anime are bound to gradually explore the dangerous world, which makes the whole atmosphere eerie.
Synopsis
Following a sudden outbreak of psychokinesis in 0.1% of the population, a rapid transformation swept the world. The godlike ability to manipulate matter remotely turned many power wielders to violence, inciting a long period of upheaval. Finally, after a chaotic era shaped by the rise and fall of oppressive regimes, psychic humans were able to achieve fragile peace by isolating their society, creating a new world bound by complex rules.
In the town of Kamisu 66, 12-year-old Saki Watanabe has just awakened to her powers and is relieved to rejoin her friends—the mischievous Satoru Asahina, the shy Mamoru Itou, the cheerful Maria Akizuki, and Shun Aonuma, a mysterious boy whom Saki admires—at Sage Academy, a special school for psychics. However, unease looms as Saki begins to question the fate of those unable to awaken to their powers, and the children begin to get involved with secretive matters such as the rumored Tainted Cats said to abduct children.
(Source: MAL)
2. Hunter x Hunter
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen, Super Power
- Episodes: 148
Similarities
Both of these shows are absolutely amazing adventure anime with young, extremely positive, and naive main characters that face a lot of difficulties on their journey to find their lost parent. They are also accompanied by a very loyal friend while exploring the world.
These shows both seem at the beginning fairly light-hearted and progressively become darker as the truth is slowly revealed.
Synopsis
The story of Hunter x Hunter revolves around Gon and his circle of friends, especially his closest companion, Killua. They all want to become licensed Hunters. Hunters have unique abilities and benefits, such as the ability to track beasts, people, and treasures with ease. Gon and Killua embark on a journey to increase their strength and fulfill Gon’s dream of finding his father. Along the way, they face challenges and confront dangerous foes, facing a series of problematic situations as they strive towards their goal.”
Read also: The 10 Best Anime Like Hunter x Hunter
1. The Promised Neverland
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Horror, Psychological, Thriller, Shounen
- Episodes: 12
Similarities
The Promised Neverland is a psychological anime that begins with a cheerful tone, much like Made in Abyss. The story focuses on a group of seemingly happy and content children who are raised in an orphanage. However, the lighthearted atmosphere takes a sharp turn into darkness, revealing a world of terror beyond one’s imagination.
Synopsis
Emma, Norman, and Ra live in an isolated orphanage with other children. The orphanage seems like a paradise, filled with joy and fun, but the reality is far from it. The children soon discover that the orphanage is actually a farm, where they are raised to be used as food for demons. Faced with this frightening truth, Emma, Norman, and Ray set out on a dangerous mission to escape the orphanage and save all of the other children trapped there.
Girls Last Tour and Made in Abyss give off a very similar, heavy vibe. I think it’s to blame on the fact that cute characters exist in un-fitting dark worlds. That contrasting dynamic really adds something, although I can’t put my finger on it. It’s most comparable to inserting hints of slice of life in a shounen series, only instead of it feeling weird, it blends really well.