Elfen Lied

A sweet girl, who is an overpowered monster full of hatred against the majority of humans, she was treated very bad by humans, as an object, as a freak, as a weapon. Humans have caused enormous suffering and pain in her, so she is unstable, and tends to kills easily the people. But she still could be friendly with innocent persons, kids and animals. And she get mad and uncontrollable against attackers. The shows contain violent death of children. 

report Recommended by Disillusion

These series both feature mutants who can wreck shit with telekinetic abilities, conspiracies involving said mutants, overly misanthropic themes, nudity and enough gore to fill an ocean. 

report Recommended by LoveLikeBlood

Organization that performs experiments with beings that reached a new stage of human evolution, forming a being capable of turning humans into gods, a biological weapon. In addition, these beings lose control when they feel threatened by the existence of violence in the human being, and wish to eradicate it by the loss of their loved ones and the happiness that was taken from them. 

report Recommended by JuanShot87

Elfen Lied is basically the spiritual successor to Genocyber. Both of these titles are very disturbing for the graphic content of blood, gore, nudity and violence. They also have similar themes and characters as both of these anime that government experimentation of people that are meant to be used as weapons and our main character going crazy by killing people with ultra violence.  

report Recommended by Genocyberfanboy

Both shows are underestimated and stigmatized as edgy gore-anime (particularly Genocyber) while acutally having a deep and sad story about children with superpowers who are alienated by society. 

report Recommended by Weeaboo_Bomber

Genocyber is like an amalgam of Akira & Elfen Lied.  Since E.L. anime didn't age so well give Genocyber a try, you won't be disappointed.  

report Recommended by deadlyspawn

Saishuu Heiki Kanojo addpermalink

While the tone of these two series is not very similar they both feature extremely violent situations in which apparently fragile female characters are revealed to have a potential for being highly destructive. Little girls as weapons form the main premise of these series, although it is carried out differently; EL opts for a more graphic approach that maximizes the use of colour, while Saikano is more subdued, using a mostly grey palette to convey a feeling of hopelessness. In both cases romance blooms and is put to a ferocious test. These two series may differ in a lot of aspects - the ecchi factor that is predominant in EL is absent in Saikano, and the apocalyptic impact of the latter is non-existent in the former - but they are similar enough to warrant this recommendation.

 read more 

report Recommended by Nocturnal

Both main girl characters are "the ultimate weapon", lots of guns, romance,main boy characters are kinda stupid 

report Recommended by Littlerascal92

Another girl-as-weapon love story, but Saikano is way better. 

report Recommended by ninechars

Girl-weapon and drama. Similar atmosphere and feelings.
(And don't write in recommendations which one is better) 

report Recommended by AntyInChains

Elfen Lied and SaiKano are similar in the way that they both have a leading, female character that has some kind of power, and they are both searching for something more to live for while trying to have emotions once again. 

report Recommended by BrightOasis

Tragedy brings sorrow, and sorrow brings tears. Both of these series does that with its tragic plot and characters. What begins as a peaceful setting in both anime(s) has many violent turns and plot holes that leads a void in the viewers' hearts. The theme of little girls becoming weapons of destruction is also shared in both series. Then, there's romance and the tragedy that soon bestows upon the main characters and the others. Both of these series also have slight comedy, drama, and gives a sense of feeling of making you want to watch more especially after the first episode. 

report Recommended by Stark700

They share the same feeling while watching them and both have similar romance. Elfen Lied has the horror aspect while Saikano has the military. If you were moved by Elfen Lied you'll probably love Saikano and vice versa. 

report Recommended by fluffiey

Rosario to Vampire addpermalink

both have female lead personality duplicitously.
while Moka 2nd personality magically Result Result Nyu and Lucy as more mental.

I personally find Inner Moka and Lucy as the best anime girls EVER !!!!!!! 

report Recommended by InnerMokaLover

R+V isn't gory at all like Elfen Lied. The similarity is that Lucy and Moka both have two personalities. Outer Moka and Inner Moka, Nyuu and Lucy. They both have some ecchi scenes as well. 

report Recommended by TowardsTheStars

Rosario + Vampire isn't gory at all, but like Elfen Lied, the female lead also changes between 2 different sides of herself. 

report Recommended by amyholic

- A cute girl who loves the main character, but her cute face is just a mask to hide her true self: a serious and fighting monster (Lucy / Moka)
- A indecisive main character who cares about her friend and tries to understand her (Kouta / Tsukune)
- A busty girl who feel jealous about the main character's friendship and tries to deduce him (Yuka / Kurumu)
- A young girl who ends being friend with the main characters (Mayu / Yukari)
- A girl who initially keeps distant to the main characters and has a rivarly against one of them (Nana / Mizore)

Obviously, both series are not too similar. Elfen Lied is Gore and Rosario + Vampire is Ecchi. But the chatacters development is very similar between both series. read more 

report Recommended by krsp

These series are set in a reality apart from society. From different species that have been hidden from humans. Where a girl who holds immense power is discovered by a boy who can only admire his innocence, which turns out to be one of his two personalities. From there he will be involved in evil plans for the diclonius (Elfen Lied) and the Yokai (Rosario to Vampire) threatening humanity, bringing together different girls of those spices who only seek the company of others and understanding. In these two works you can see how the protagonist would give everything for them, despite being a simple human, how they become more than friends, how they will fight for their lives, trying to find peace and happiness in their lives for the differences that exist between these species. As additional data these adaptations are not faithful to the manga and skip important plots. But they are equally enjoyable. read more 

report Recommended by JuanShot87

Female lead characters have a split personality.
Group of girls around the male main character.
Supernatural.
Male lead characters have similar personalities.

Elfen Lied is more of a thriller, whereas Rosario to Vampire is more of a supernatural high school anime. 

report Recommended by dxscribed

pink haired girl who switches from cute innocent girl to badass chick  and the main guy who likes her doesn't fight but just sits back while the girls do the fighting.  and the guy is surrounded by many girls  and there are tug of wars when it comes to affections. also there are ecchi situations though elfen lied has nudity while rosario has panty shots. differences are the pink haired girl in rosario  fights for justice and its strictly good vs evil but the pink haired girl in elfen lied fights for revenge and  it is usually morally gray fights. 

report Recommended by Josiah-Joestar

Shinsekai yori addpermalink

Super powers and creepy gore scenes with girls as the main source of these two elements. These titles both bare these features. Also, I heard that these anime share creators (not sure and can't check, but the atmosphere sure seems alike in those) 

report Recommended by Smoku

Both have very similar themes, but the execution/plot is done way differently. 

Similiarities:
-Gore, but different amounts (elfen lied has way more gore)
-Telekinesis as the major theme
-Characters reveal their background story/history slowly
-Both will keep you on the edge of your seat

Differences:
-Shinsekai Yori has a VERY different society structure (you may or may not like it), whereas Elfed Lied is similar to real life and quite standard. 
-The core objective/conflicts are still different despite similar themes
-Shinsekai Yori keeps you on the edge of your seat through plot twists/drama, Elfen Lied does so through pure gore/action
 

report Recommended by Aeropolis

Elfen Lied is a bad Shinsekai Yori. Instead of watching this bullshit of Elfen Lied, you should watch Shinsekai Yori : it has a most interesting plot, most developed characters and it doesn't consider yourself as dumb. 

report Recommended by Masked_Shinuel

Shinsekai Yori is set in the future 1000 years from now, where humans with telekinesis powers live. Power does not involve vectors but is pretty similar, especially in the way people are killed. 

I see Shinsekai Yori characters as evolution of Lucy's race 1000 years in the future from the Elfen Lied timeline. Very interesting to see what such a world is like and how a society of humans with special powers has evolved and with what effects to the "others"

report Recommended by Andreikun

From the New World, known as "Shin Sekai Yori" in japanese, has many similar themes as Elfen Lied. It is more refined that Elfen Lied and lacks the nudity and excessive violence.  However this means it also lacks the raw, powerful emotional impact of Elfen Lied.  The story moves at slower pace than Elfen Lied.  From the New World is based on a novel so the slower story seems appropriate.

The dominant theme of From the New World is the value of humanity and even what it means to be human.  It examines the practical and realistic consequences of people having special powers and how they might be used for "evil" purposes.  In particular, it examines what changes to human culture and lifestyle would be neccessary to accomodate such fearsome powers.  In some respects, it could be considered Elfen Lied:After Story, assuming Lucy actually took over the world.  If you liked Eflen Lied because of the ambiguous morality at play, then you will defenitely enjoy From the New World.

From the New World also has some tragic elements to the storyline.  Instead of the intense, immediate tragedy of Elfen Lied, its more of a slow, enevitable tragedy.  The story has no worthy equivalent to Lucy, but instead focuses on multiple characters and their interactions.  It also lacks the revenge/hatred motive seen from Elfen Lied.

If you had to pick one reason to watch this, it would be the judgement of traditional morality present in both series.  They will both leave you wondering if humans are ever the good guys... read more

report Recommended by requimcompany123

Both From the New World and Elfen Lied delve into the psychology of young children who have had a unique upbringing. Elfen Lied throws these characters into a world we know, while From the New World takes a more comprehensive approach by bringing you into the characters' world. Still, I think if you enjoyed the aspects of psychology and human behavior in one, you should give the other a try. 

report Recommended by charlie21

While the art style and story progression of both is quite different, Elfen Lied and From the New World have several key similarities 

-both have a sub-set of humans that have telekinetic powers (vectors in Elfen Lied and cantus in Shinsekai Yori)
-both shows start off with a mass murder rampage 
-both shows deal with morally where the line between evil and justified is drawn
-both shows depict genocide and child murder
-they both end on a hopeful but also very eerie tone

I didn't particularly enjoy either, but if you like anime that deal with questioning morality and have violent and disturbing themes than maybe it's worth checking out.    read more 

report Recommended by Inter_anime

Hellsing addpermalink

Gore. Gore. Gore. :D
Elfin Lied has a pretty originl storyline, too - and like Hellsing, there's a load of blood, horror and psychotic stuff going on. XD 

report Recommended by monochrome1994

Both are bloody, interesting, and leave you wanting more.  

report Recommended by PEET3R

Both are sub-par horror anime with lots of blood and dark tones. They both are about insane monsters and organizations going after them. Both have a large fanbase behind them.  

report Recommended by FordFocus96

Both series tend to have a "blood bath". That is, the overuse of blood is obviously why you cling to the series, if you are a lover of death like me. In any circumstances, I am saying that the series boils down to genocide. If you enjoy blood, an engaging story and of course, girls with big breasts. both series are you advised for those who like it. 

report Recommended by AkarinW

* Both are bloody or brutal/gorish/ogrish animes...
* Both have plenty of action....
* Both have amazing & memorable characters with supernatural abilities [ summary - Diclonius & Vampires/Ghouls ]
* Both have epic [EPIC!!!] OP's/OST's....
* Both migh be shocking to an average viewer...but if you like GORE - this is just for you...
* Seriously....a lot better than your average •MOE• bs.... 

report Recommended by Konte

Both Hellsing and Elfen Lied have similarities in the way the story progresses, and the general idea of some kind of dark being killing a lot of people; but they have enough differences that you don't feel you're watching the same anime over on over again. 

report Recommended by charlie21

Sora no Otoshimono addpermalink

Very similar characters with them both having a mysterious past yet their put into a state of uncontiousness where they have been forced to live as if nothing has happened. 

report Recommended by Lithobilic

The heroines of these series are girl-shaped-weapon who run away from her 'master' and  meet the main guy. Then 'the master' send another 'girls' to catch her. Elfen Lied is a gory version of Sora no Otoshimono.
 

report Recommended by Samwanwan

SOra no Otoshimono is basically the parody for Elfen Lied first 
Lucy = ikaros
main guy = Tamaki
main guy cousin = tamaki's neighbor
other girl= Nymph

(sorry can't remember anybodies name but the story is EXACTLY the same) 

report Recommended by BebeHillz

Nymph is little different Nana, everything else is almost same

Nearly same story 

report Recommended by swatty

- Girls belonging to an strange race (Elfen Lied: Diclonious, Sora no Otoshimono: Angeloids)
- The protagonist accepts them as they are, regardless of the biological weapons that are for humanity.
- The main girl escapes and begins to live with the prota. The other girls will be sent to assassinate her.
- These girls were chained and forced to follow orders for fear of dying.
- In both series exists the desire of the new world, which is related to the origin of the girls. Also they are important pieces in the evolution of the races.
- We have the friend of childhood, who is jealous of the affection of these girls towards the protagonist
The girls go beging to know more  the world, living with the closest people. But little by little that smile, will be the beginning of their suffering, of being accepted and of their very existence.
Unlike Elfen Lied, Sora no Otoshimono, it takes time to reach its dramatic effect, since it can also be enjoyed with good comedy. read more 

report Recommended by JuanShot87

-A pink-haired girl from a strange race is introduced to the main guy
-Ikaros and Lucy both have dual personalities
-Supernatural romance
-Protective childhood friend
-High technology

Differences
-Sora no Otoshimono is comedic and parody-like while Elfen Lied is serious and dramatic
-The nudity in Elfen Lied is artistic while Sora no Otoshimono is more about fanservice 

report Recommended by daddyknives

Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu addpermalink

Both centre around human-like monsters that are going to exterminate humans. Even though elfen lied is more tragic, they have a similar atmosphere and equally entertaining fight scenes 

report Recommended by ayamedream

The MC is overpowered to the police and military. Bloodshed, gore, violent and intense battles. Good story. In Kiseijuu, many people are affected by the virus. In Elfen Lied, the people who has this power is caused by an experiment. 

report Recommended by Half-MagePrince

There might be some obvious gore and violence in Parasyte: the Maxim, but if you haven't seen Elfen Lied, you haven't seen it all! That's because Elfen Lied is a much higher ranked anime in the gore department, especially with it's (in)famous first episode. Both species slash and dice, but Parasytes can't stand a chance to the Diclonius. 

report Recommended by Timz0r

Inhumane. Parasyte and Elfen Lied both follow individuals with strange bodily powers, both of who end up getting hunted down due to the threat they propose to humanity.

Parasyte follows Shinichi and the merged Migi in their daily life of being chased down by both parasites and humans. Elfen Lied is the same with being chased down by both the diclonii and humans. Both stories also give the MCs Lucy and Shinichi alike the descendent to a cold nature having little empathy for those among them.

Both are good action anime, with themes of psychological and horror.

report Recommended by NextUniverse

Elfen Lied and Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu both focus on a new type of species that is being hunted down by humans. There is a lot of gore and messed up stuff going on in both anime. Both anime are quite tragic as well. If you are looking for a tragic anime with some good content, check these out. 

report Recommended by TheMan1987

Both involve a species which is a threat to humanity, and in turn is threatened by humanity. Humans use brutal strategies to fight back, but can you blame them? Humans are being slaughtered. But species is intelligent and also wants to survive.

Lots of blood and gore. 

report Recommended by Khashishi

Anime: Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei addpermalink

Both are focused around a somewhat kawaii protagonist which both aquire the power to kill "anything" yet still manage to find worthy opponents
Both protagonists have some sort of emotional/mental flaws
Both protagonists "slice" limbs off their opponents
Both are supernatural and dark, full of gore with awesome music
Both protagonists have a male counter part
Both anime are focused around murder or deaths of lots of people 

report Recommended by -FlameHaze-

Somewhat deep, interesting stories spiced up with blood and action. Similar themes 

report Recommended by xyakaix

Both have a deep, calm, philosophical and amazing atmosphere, a lot of blood and violence but holding the incredibly competency to not be "too cruel to watch", letting a non-accostumed horror/violence anime' fan enjoy the show. Unfortunately, both also have predictable and poorly developed support characters. 

report Recommended by ReinhardVonMusel

Similar for their eeriness, alternative approach to philosophical issues and use of violence 

report Recommended by Argyll

After elfen lied this was really the only anime that could somewhat compare. It has an incredibly good story, and should get that ending of Elfen Lied off your mind! ^^ 

report Recommended by Lucky_Dungeon

very similiar synopsis as in terms of character personalty Ryougi Shiki reminds me of Lucy a lot with her bloodlust an two personality's .The series has a very same haunting effect of music an ambient style,the music is quite beautiful actually in both series in Elfen lied when Lucy hums the main theme song you get this prickly feeling behind your neck it will stick you with for a while.If you like blood an gore an a twisted love story its an anime essential,just get used to heads twisting off an blood flowing everywhere an theres also Nudity.  

report Recommended by ShinXShadow

Ga-Rei: Zero addpermalink

Just by watching the very first episode of Elfen Lied and Ga - Rei - Zero you will see why I said these seem similar.  The graphic violence, female leads, ecchi scenes, supernatural powers, and special force teams.  They share the same feel and seem to have good twists.  Elfen Lied was a masterpiece so I expect a lot from this one. 

report Recommended by tigerz

Both fall under the horror/action genre and contain extreme violence with female lead characters who have supernatural powers. Elfen Lied is more ecchi (contains nudity) and comedic (in a good way) than Ga-Rei -Zero-, but did I mention that they both have a shocking first episode? 

report Recommended by Nek0

First of all drama is the main factor in both series so they are very sad. 

Both series have gore moments, but Elfen Lied has it to bigger extend. The main heroines have it hard and you just have to feel sorry for them.

Obviously we have action involvement as well.

And another thing is that both series are short.

report Recommended by kitten320

Both shows feature strong female leads and they both go through a similar internal struggle. 

report Recommended by KateSince88

The themes of love and hate are huge in both of these shows. People battling their emotions and coming to understand each other. The idea of the power of hate vs the power of love is the core of both these shows. Both shows feel very similar and both are extremely moving. If you love action shows for more than just the violence, these shows are for you. 

report Recommended by nitso

The main similarity is that both are really sad dramas.
Also they have girl main character and some ecchi scenes. 

report Recommended by Hysen

Gunslinger Girl addpermalink

Both very deep and sad animes.  Great if you like serious stuff 

report Recommended by riraito

Deadly little girls from secret organization as a background to plot full of drama, sadness, and... dead people.  

report Recommended by zath

Both are about deadly little girls that are trained and ordered by older males 

report Recommended by helensan

Violence is galore in both anime, and they portray girls being "forced" into violent behavior themselves can't really avoid. In both anime girls are circumstantially connected to a male character.  

report Recommended by nomadica

Same kind of dark aura like feel. More blood and gore though.  

report Recommended by Rance-sama

Two early/mid 2000s anime adapted from manga from that era. While on the surface they might not necessarily be too similar, both Elfen Lied and Gunslinger Girl have important psychological aspects involved, and both create a huge contrast between the protagonists' actions and their inner thoughts and feelings. Furthermore, both anime have a similar aesthetic, with muted colors and usage of classical music and art. On top of that, the visual style and character designs are quite similar

These two are must-watch anime for those with nostalgia for the 2000s, and those who like plots that present ethical dilemmas and delve into the inner struggles of the characters. read more 

report Recommended by ImNotAnOtaku1

Guilty Crown addpermalink

the girls falls in love with the main guy protagonist in both anime, pink hair in both
it has lots of action, and scene that are very violent 

report Recommended by pakin

Angel Beats! addpermalink

Angela Beats is the more shounen friendly version of Elfen lied. WHY!? there are no similarities! Yes there is. Both AB and EL have the same core when it comes to the characters.

Both have Characters that either had or are having a SHITTY life. a life of pain and suffering, and those charathers are fighting for just one little bit of happines.  

report Recommended by Typhor

Freezing addpermalink

Both are strange mixtures of blood and nudity. Both have a lot of violence. Women are the ones fighting in both. Both also have dark flashbacks/back-stories in them. 

report Recommended by Pirate207

Cossette no Shouzou addpermalink

Same feel. Lots of gore, powerful music, lolis, and a complicated but not fully explored plot. 

report Recommended by NotARandomName

I was surprised in the similarity between Le Portrait de Petit(e) Cossette and Elfen Lied in both plot and (unsurprisingly) blood.
Both have the immediate element of bloody catharsis and paying for ones sins, more so in Petite than in Elfen Lied, through forbidden love.
Although Petite is much more abstract (and possibly violent) and viewers may not particularly like it, i suggest you give it a shot regardless. 

report Recommended by Lord_Lee2

Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is similar to Elfen Lied in several, if not many ways. They are both about a girl seeking revenge on someone from their past. That similarity being more of Cossette than of Lucy. Both are seeking revenge on the love of their lives. Both have "unexplained parts" in their story lines. Both are very gory. Elfen Lied is for more mature viewers than Le Portrait de Petit Cossette because it has quite a bit of nudity compared to Le Portrait de Petit Cossette. Le Portrait de Petit Cossette is an Anime where you do, in fact, have to figure out several things for yourself, or you could even use your imagination to fill in the unexplained parts. Elfen Lied has very few parts like this, but in comparison to the Manga. The Manga has the entire storyline within it, but the Anime doesnt. Even still there is only one serious point in Elfen Lied where you have to fill it in yourself. But, if you like A LOT of blood. Then you should see Le Portrait de Petit Cossette. In my own opinion, this is not as good as Elfen Lied, but it comes close.  read more 

report Recommended by MaximumRider

Theres a LOT of blood in both of these animes. Main characters are cute, innocent looking females. Both are violent and show some type of human torture. -Also a bit of romance in both o: 

report Recommended by LenDrizzle

Both feature a lot of blood, supernatural elements, and tragic/dark romance.
I would argue that Cossette has better visuals, but both have stunning soundtracks.
Cossette is a bit more psychological than Elfen Lied, and much shorter. 

report Recommended by uragreth

Darling in the FranXX addpermalink

Both shows center on the somewhat tragic love story of a voilent, pink haired girl with horns and a kind black haired guy. In both she is the product of experimentation, and this is a serious cause of her voilence. Also, as we go on we find out they are more connected than we realise, and in both shows memory loss is a significant factor in their respective journeys. Very similar shows indeed once you get into it.  

report Recommended by AnimeCAC

Though one is a mecha anime and the other takes place in the present day, both are love stories about an ordinary young man and a mysterious pink-haired girl with horns. Both girls are formidable monsters from a research facility who are a threat to humanity. As the series go on, the main characters' backstories seem more and more similar. 

report Recommended by kerberos242

While they share little in terms of genre there ways that these two shows have plenty of comparisons to one another. In fact while Darling in the FranXX has obviously taken inspiration from the Evangelion franchise, if you were to tell me that some inspiration had taken place Elfen Lied i would most certainly believe it

The main comparison that comes to mind is that of our female protagonists, and to some extent that of their darling. while i wont go into spoilers, believe me when i say they sure more than just having pink hair and horns

In another way that they do share inspiration is that of certain messages and themes I personally Believe (No Spoilers) that they were trying to get across read more 

report Recommended by MercerTheLegend

the main characters are basically carbon copies. elfen lied is a lot more violent and gore filled it is still very similar  

report Recommended by Rehaanc

Both animes are about violent pink haired girls with horns who only care about one person and have no regard for anyone else 

report Recommended by Ubume

Baccano! addpermalink

Looking for gratuitous violence that doesn't always take itself seriously, dark humor, and interesting takes on characterization? These shows have it all. 

report Recommended by Pontifus

Shingeki no Kyojin addpermalink

Shingeki no Kyojin and Elfen Lied is kinda similiar in my opinion.
It's about 'creature' which a big threat to human kind.
It have the same gore (Elfen Lied is more gore though), the same tear-jerking, heart-touching story about mankind and the 'creature'. It's very worth to watch :) 

report Recommended by Unyan

Devilman: Crybaby addpermalink

Both anime have over the top gore and powerful characters, and both explore the meaning of being human and monsters fitting in among people. In my opinion, Devilman Crybaby does it a lot better than Elfen Lied. 

report Recommended by ApexReactions

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica addpermalink

Both shows may look cute and innocent from a first glance at the characters and some posters but in fact they are hiding really dark concepts behind their cute-seeming facade in different ways and also have many other things in common.

An amazing story, sick and unexpected plot twists, lots of character development, cute girls kicking some ass, (hence) a good amount of gore, the frequent use of firearms and somewhat like a hidden past are merely a few out of the several similarities that both anime share.

Elfen Lied, however, includes a little more gore and also makes occasional use of fan service, whereas Madoka provides none of the latter at all at all. 
Madoka, however has more plot twists and (in my opinion) more cunning and nicely animated fighting scenes.
Concerning the dark plot and the violence, Elfen Lied throws its cards on the table in the very beginning, while it takes a little longer for Madoka to reveal its true colors...

On a site note, both series include classical artworks plus ideas and concepts based on or referring to those and are therefore also nice pieces for the intellectual individuals among us who love to read between the lines. Furthermore, they are not about a simple fight between good and evil and I have rarely experienced such a blurry border between those two positions in anime as in these pieces, so prepare to be thought provoked…

Finally, both shows are rather short but nevertheless well-executed (around 13 episodes) and have amazing and really touching endings that provide a nice closure to the series, making them a definite must-see for every fan of the psychological Seinen genre. read more 

report Recommended by Kottbullar

Sankarea addpermalink

Similar plotline - cousin love with an unhuman rival + flashback filler episodes. 

report Recommended by Welshy

Alice to Zouroku addpermalink

Girl with special powers escapes from research facility in which she was experimented upon and finds safe haven in our MC.

The main difference is that Alice to Zouroku is more light-hearted while Elfen Lied is quite violent. 

report Recommended by Piromysl

Mahou Shoujo Site addpermalink

tons of violence, blood, despair, and a tortured main character who only likes one person 

report Recommended by sleepingpowder

Ajin addpermalink

* Both series shows supernatural beings ( Diclonius & Ajins ) being hunted by humans...
* Both shows are dark and dramatic...
* Both MC's ( Lucy & Kei ) becomes cold hearted killers ( mostly for self defense )
* Both Lucy & Kei has helpful people around them...
* Both are intense as hell...
* Both has 13 episodes in total ( Ajin has movies ) 

report Recommended by Konte

Black Lagoon addpermalink

Both of these shows had me thinking "How did they air that on TV?", so if you're in to shock value, you'll like both shows. 

report Recommended by robfoster

Anime: Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou

Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou addpermalink

Extremely gory and mature anime (Elfen Lied has more nudity while Corpse Party has more gore). They have some supernatural elements as well as many psychological elements where characters go insane due to fear, anger, etc. They both have dangerous, murderous little girls. 

report Recommended by Asfaria

Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls addpermalink

In both the main character is a girl with two personalities: one is strong and aggressive, and the other is innocent and childish. 

report Recommended by SuperCherry

Witchblade addpermalink

both a very action pack and both the main charaters are almost if not all the time not wareing very much.both are also a tragedy but have very good endings 

report Recommended by AKAMATSU18

Ayashi no Ceres addpermalink

Highly akin for premise and structure.
They are focused on a race of women (with unusual hair colors) superior than normal humans.
Both involve experiments, super powers, gore, split personalities, memory loss, love triangles, romance, incest, and drama.
Also, in both there's a seashell with quite a pivotal role. 

report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller

Tokkou addpermalink

TOKKO I have previously started to watch. In comparison with Elfen Lied they both have pink haired kick ass chicks that seem to be good at blood shed for one reason or another. And both have a race of demons or new species (diclonius) trying to eliminate mankind. Both seem to follow a good story and have nice art and characters. 

report Recommended by -FlameHaze-

So similar they look like ripoffs.
- Prominent themes of revenge, sacrifice and rage, linked to a tragic past and a romantic subtext;
- Dark atmosphere and deadly fights against non-human creatures;
- Splatter and gore scenes, with mild/severe nudity;
- Secrets, investigations and lots of flashbacks;
- Same character backgrounds and tropes: male lead lost his parents years before the story's beginning, met pink-haired female lead when they were young, they reunite in present time;
- Majority of female characters;
- Same lenght and similar animation;
- Akin endings, leaving most to the viewer's imagination. 

report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller

Although Tokko is slightly more of a male aimed show than Elfen Lied it felt like almost the same thing.  There is the whole 'boy who met girl as a child and then never saw her again until x many years later' cliche in this series too.  Hell, the chick, Sakura if I remember right, even looks like an older Lucy.  Tons of blood and violence as well as the sentimental lovy dovy stuff as well.  Not quite as emotional as Elfen Lied but enthralling all the same.  Check it out. 

report Recommended by FALLEN101

Memorable openings are important and both of these series has done that. Both of these anime(s) have very memorable opening episodes/scenes where most people will remember it for a long time. 

The similarity in these two series involves the action, gore, and emotional tragedy that the main characters suffers through. The protagonist of both series meets other characters and shares the pain as episodes progresses. Additionally, there is sadness, bloody background, and dark mood that fills the atmosphere of both of these anime(s). There is also romance,  drama, and even little comedy filled in these thriller-coaster ride. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Hametsu no Mars addpermalink

Violent sci-fi setting, subpar animation, and a random girl who gets beheaded more or less 10 seconds after her appearance. 

report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller

3x3 Eyes addpermalink

 The overall mood in each of these anime is dissimilar, but they share lead female characters that go from dangerous, and even evil, to sweet and completely innocent in a heartbeat. Both series are violent, Elfen Lied being much more so. Both anime develop a romantic relationship involving an ordinary boy and an extraordinary girl. 3x3 Eyes has a supernatural element that is absent in Elfen Lied's more realistic setting. The split personality of the main characters, and the problems they cause is the main reason to justify this recommendation. 

report Recommended by Nocturnal

Kenpuu Denki Berserk addpermalink

both have a good amount of gore. and great story lines to back them up 

report Recommended by soul4soul

Highschool of the Dead addpermalink

Both of these take a serious premise, like zombies or mutants, and then throw in an incredibly unnecessary level of fanservice. 

report Recommended by robfoster

Shingetsutan Tsukihime addpermalink

Both are seinen anime with very dark backgrounds. You get totally into it, and that's what is really interesting. 

report Recommended by ManteR

Clannad: After Story addpermalink

Both series are technically solid, though plot and character-wise, they are sub-par.

Both series have one purpose: To prey on your emotion and to make you cry.

report Recommended by pollx

Akame ga Kill! addpermalink

Both have:
- excellent action scenes with violence and cruelty
- harems with backstory and fanservice
- explore the big grey area between good and evil with various characters

There aren't too many direct similarities between Akame ga Kill! and Elfen Lied since they take place in very different settings, but generally speaking I think if you like one you'll enjoy the other. 

report Recommended by AnimeBear422

Anime: Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha

Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha addpermalink

They're both dark Animes... they have really lovable villains... and in DTB the main character kinda has split personalities too... Elfen Lied's the bloodier of the two.. but if you like one of them... the other is worth checking out ^^ 

report Recommended by StabbyPWNS

ChäoS;HEAd addpermalink

Just like Chaos; Head, Elfen Lied is gory...extremely gory... the girls are involved too. Not to be watched by the weak of heart. 

report Recommended by Shigeyama

Anime: Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 3: Tsuukaku Zanryuu addpermalink

Both includes similar characters. In Kara no Kyoukai movie we can also meet girl killing people with invisible weapons or something. They haircolor is also similar. 

report Recommended by SotN

Toshi Densetsu Monogatari Hikiko addpermalink

guro and violence at school 

report Recommended by Natsumi_Tsuji

Anime: Kara no Kyoukai Movie 2: Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen)

Kara no Kyoukai Movie 2: Satsujin Kousatsu (Zen) addpermalink

Blood, gore, mysterious killing (unknown to the public)... both are quite similar in these aspects 

report Recommended by KaminaKai

Chrno Crusade addpermalink

Both are a deep dark horror/thriller animes with a unique blend of characters.  Both certainly have their share of fan service and disturbing horror. 

report Recommended by ShadowBlazer3000

Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi addpermalink

Grisly, sexually devious, notorious R+ anime involving pink-haired girls, super powers and drama. Sadistic masters, traumatized slaves and those caught in between.
They can be decently intriguing or downright trashy, depending on the episode, your taste, and/or your stomach. What both lack in animation and writing, they (over)compensate with gore, nudity and controversial scenes and topics. Up for a quest for revenge filled with abuse, blood and boobs? 

report Recommended by RenaPsychoKiller

Ergo Proxy addpermalink

I felt the same dark atmosphere in Elfen Lied, but it's still different from Ergo Proxy. Nevertheless if you liked Ergo Proxy, I'm sure you'll love Elfen Lied. 

report Recommended by CommanderSnake

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage addpermalink

The show contains an unstoppable female main, who is cold-blooded and would murder anyone put in front of them. Which show am I talking about? Well... prepare for a road stained with blood. 

report Recommended by The_Destroyer

Serial Experiments Lain addpermalink

These two shows kinda just have the same vibe to them. They both have somewhat gorry and unsettling imagery and have a dark story. I thought both of these shows were just fine but I imagine someone else would enjoy them more.  

report Recommended by yernco

Fate/Zero addpermalink

Both series have incredible (psychologically unstable) characters immersed in a dark storyline.

The main characters in either are seeking redemption, while fighting to stay alive.  In both series you find yourself questioning the decisions of the main characters.

A warning though, Elfin Lied has much more gore and some nudity.  The nudity usually has a purpose other than fan service or ecchi, but not always. 

report Recommended by Alahue

Jigoku Shoujo addpermalink

both contains female as main characters who kill people's. Both have someone they love since childhood. Her childhood friend does not have any memories of childhood. But when they remember its too late. And they both gats memories at last or second last episode. Both are strong characters, Have deep plot, Little romance, They both ends leaving the story hanging on hook. The graphics are almost similar with massive blood. They both did not let their childhood friend die no matter what. 

report Recommended by future_dose

Iriya no Sora, UFO no Natsu addpermalink

Short and interesting romance/sci-fi/drama stories.. 

report Recommended by Chicken008

Tasogare Otome x Amnesia addpermalink

Both have two characters that are in love but have to deal with a tragic past in order to move on. Both deal with a female protagonist and show an extremely sad... but amazing... love stories 

report Recommended by covercast

Black Bullet addpermalink

Both have a separate species of humans who are hated/feared by everyone else.
 

report Recommended by HolotheCat

Gungrave addpermalink

Both have emotionally gripping stories and have death as a focal point. 

report Recommended by NileAurion

Pupa addpermalink

They both pretty gruesome in the blood department. And although Pupa is only 4 minute episodes, they are in no way lacking any drama, excitement and pure brutality. 

report Recommended by a--iko

FLCL addpermalink

Basically both works are mimicking theatre of absurd with mixed success. 

report Recommended by Cersil

Yakusoku no Neverland addpermalink

Both made by the same director, Mamoru Kanbe.
Both are deep psychological shows with dark themes. Both involve perceived threats to humanity. Although EL has gore and TPN does not. Both show the same horrors. Although the storylines are different, there are similarities in tone and feel. If you like one you will like the other. 

report Recommended by Kong38

Monster addpermalink

Both have a very dark atmosphere, and one of the main characters is an innocent murderer to say in a sense. The plots are very serious, and life is something that can be easily lost in these anime. 

report Recommended by iHitokage

Mirai Nikki addpermalink

This anime is also gory and touching than Mirai Nikki. The story line is not at all the same.
Besides, I do not recommend this for busy people who love sweet animated and happy stories (because the name does not leave at all presage the future!). 

report Recommended by AlucardReal

Anime: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu

Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu addpermalink

blood and gore in both but no fanservice in re-zero ,
on other hand more fighting from hero  
villain Betelgeuse also has a power similar to vectors. 

report Recommended by styens

C³ addpermalink

Same mix of cuteness, erotic moments and bloody violence with only one male lead and plenty of different girls, from little ones to young adults. 

report Recommended by kitsune0

Sola addpermalink

Both animes are very action packed.Furthermore they have plenty of mystery and one male lead surrounded by many girls.Finally there are many supernatural elements that you should get used to them to watch the anime. 

report Recommended by phgmalion

Shigofumi addpermalink

Similar in their depths of exploring darker human emotions in social situations, destructive mental states, and the seeking bonds with others.

In contrast Shigofumi is lighter in tone than that of Elfen Lied. If you wish to expand upon themes, you might be interested in Elfen Lied. 

report Recommended by meji

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai addpermalink

It has a great storyline and is full of gore and blood! 

report Recommended by Ollipops

Blassreiter addpermalink

Blassreiter and Elfen Lied both have very sharp similarities and invoke intimate drama.

These animes include mass murder and apocalyptic views which should intrigue the cynical soul. However, Elfen Lied is more inclined to female killing machines while Blassreiter offers humanity itself becoming these machines.

report Recommended by SkiesOfBlue

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom addpermalink

In both animes, girls are raised to be killers. In both animes theres violence and drama while the main characters try desperately to live a normal life and regain the feelings that they lost when they became assassins. Also, in both animes, the main guys lost their memories of the past.  

report Recommended by Orulyon

Terra Formars addpermalink

bloodlust/enemies of humanity/chaos 

report Recommended by a_cloud

Kurau Phantom Memory addpermalink

Both Elfen Lied and Kurau include female main characters that were subject to cruel laboratory work. Both of these animes include science fiction elements and are very dramatic. Elfen Lied is much more graphic than Kurau, but both do include action scenes. Also, they both contain romantic undertones. 

report Recommended by spineslayer

A Kite addpermalink

Yeah... in terms of the Bloody Scenes if you enjoy kite
you will adore elfen lied... 

report Recommended by shanaia

Anime: Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko

Narutaru: Mukuro Naru Hoshi Tama Taru Ko addpermalink

Both these anime are very messed up. Narutaru isnt as violent as Elfen Lied but its more disturbing. They both share some similar themes too. 

report Recommended by little_robot

Boogiepop wa Warawanai addpermalink

I can't believe no one has made this recommendation! Both anime are focused on killing, mystery, and psychological thrills. Also, both are very bloody and full of twisted killings. If you like Boogiepop, you'll love Elfen Lied, and vice versa! 

report Recommended by BadLuckTuck

Charlotte addpermalink

both elfen lied and charlotte have  a multi personality girl   though one is a main character while the other is a side character  but never the less the same deal as far as personality  switching between cute and badass......both the main character in EL and the main character in Charlotte  deal with amnesia...many characters in this have a dark and/or traumatic pass....these people like Lucy have supernatural abilities and are always terrorized by a lab that wants to treat them like lab rats   and are trying to avoid being captured. both main characters tragically lose a family member.. read more 

report Recommended by Josiah-Joestar

Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch addpermalink

Both go into the nature of good and evil and have characters who are almost Sociopaths. Both lucy from Elfen Lied and Lelouch kill many people and feel little or no remorse for most of them. 

report Recommended by Trev_lite

Kanon (2006) addpermalink

Both anime have the common theme of memory loss with dark undertones when the true nature of this amnesia comes to light.  Both are powerful stories which leave one with a sense of wonder. 

report Recommended by MarshallM