 If you liked
Serial Experiments Lain
|
 ...then you might like
Haibane Renmei
|
Lain is made by ABe who also made Haibane Renmei.
I personally believe Haibane Renmei is the better of the two, but it is still worth the watch.
Both have a lot of mystery surrounding it with soul searching elements.
If you want something more philosophical and experimental in terms of art style and ideas, I recommend Lain.
These anime share the same weird atmophere. The stories are mostly slow and in the end, you will probably still have lots of questions. The story lines aren't always similliar, but they are both about a girl who doesn't understand the world.
Both series feature character designs by Yoshitoshi Abe and they are both very atmospheric.
both very psycological with a great atmosphere of comfusion
both drawned by yoshotoshi ABe
weirdness, art of life, drawing
report
Recommended by sakuradrop
Both series were created by Yoshitoshi ABe, as as such they both share similar art and even atmosphere. However, Haibane Renmei is less dark and has a much simpler plot that doesn't rely on interpretation from the audience. If you liked most of the aspects from SEL, but aren't looking for as much of a mindfuck or experimental anime, this is the series to watch next.
I consider these two anime to be counterparts in a way - if Lain is Hardboiled Wonderland, then Haibane Renmei is The End of the World. The two shows are extremely different in feel, story, and themes, and honestly I don't really think many people who liked one of the shows would like the other. But I would still urge you to watch the other to get the "full experience".
Both have a similar idea of life and similar story telling including mixing the drama the art aspects very similar to each other. The plots are still different and at this point if you are watching one of these you probably be fine to branch off to the other.
both have ABe participation in the creation, the way the story is constructed is very similar to a bit of slowness to focus on mysteries, ranma and Lain are really very similar and charismatic, in short, the 2 animes are very close
The atmosphere of two shows are pretty much similar. Both shows focus on the main character's psychology regarding their respective circumstances. Both are also symbolic.
From the original character designer for Lain, Abe Yoshitoshi, Haibane Renmai features many similarities, including: Excellent and thoughtful writing, nuanced characters with their own psychology, and solid worldbuilding. The story is paced slower than the average anime but concludes in such a way as to be a satisfying conclusion that still leaves room to theorize.
I would highly recommend to anyone who appreciates the writing style seen in Lain.
both shows heavily involve the same artist, yoshitoshi abe, and have a similar overall feeling. while haibane renmei starts off with a lighter tone, it still has a similar quietness that lain has. it’s also philosophical like lain, and has some very interesting world building. i can’t really say what’s best about this show without spoiling it, though. if you watch it, you’ll see what i mean.
Same artstyle, similar staff and crew, also deals with exisential themes.
report
Recommended by jandals_42
Both are weird and made by the same director
If you like weird shows watch haibane renmei
You could consider Haibane Renmei and Serial Experiments Lain as sister anime, due to both being about existentialism, the protagonists are very similar in appearance and personality, there's a heavy psychological element and both also deal with sensitive topics like death or suicide. They're done by the same author as well.
Both anime have opposite characteristics as well: Serial Experiments Lain feels like the darker sister, taking place in a dystopian cybernetic world where everything is connected, while Haibane Renmei is the lighter sister which takes place in a peaceful village, isolated from the rest of the world. Serial Experiments Lain is a very complex anime,
read more
Similar visual aesthetic, created by the lead character designer on Lain. Covers many of the same themes of mental health, alienation, and suicide.
report
Recommended by WillinglyGiven
Las 2 hablan sobre el existencialismo, los diseños de sus personajes son muy parecidos ( son del mismo autor ), el misterio de ambos están muy bien llevadas acabo.
Ambos son animes excelente y ambos son unos imposibles de perder.
report
Recommended by LegoshiEmiya
two psychological gems with Yoshitoshi ABe's alluring character designs, both holding a special place in my heart. going through their existentialist journey haibane renmei offers a bit of a calm and warmer tone along its wholesome experience, a different pace compared to lain.
i wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone calling themselves lover of the unusual <3