Anime: Any recommendations for other anime that have a similar emotional impact like Elfen lied?

[Harkonn3n]

After watching Elfen lied numerous times I always appreciate the sadness, despair and loneliness portrayed by Lucy's life and the set of heart-wrenching events she had to witness and experience.

As a third year psychology student, I can appreciate the complexity of her character by looking at how her childhood and environment shaped the character that she is now. Looking beyond the gore, murderous rage towards those that hurt her and complete rejection of humans, I see a severely troubled soul that have desires revolving around the need to be loved and accepted without persecution.

Anyway, I would appreciate any anime recommendations that have a tremendous emotional impact like Elfen lied or characters similar to Lucy.

 

[Wondermint13]

Erm..

Dragon Ball Z.. Yeh.

Edit: Ok sorry.. I'm not much of an anime fan

Try 'Metropolis'.
I wouldn't say it was super sad or anything but it really gets you thinking towards the end. There's alot of emotion to be found in it and there's absolutely no Vampires swinging numerous Japanese weapons around in it either..

 

[twistedmic]

I'll say check out Evangelion. Every single character has numerous psychological and emotional issues. I don't know if they have the same emotional impact as Elfen Lied, but it's probably pretty close.
And I think Fullmetal Alchemist (both the first and brotherhood) has a pretty big emotional impact as well.

 

[Daystar Clarion]

You mean naked prepubescent girls?

Hmmmmmmmmmm.

 

[Korten12]

After watching Elfen lied numerous times I always appreciate the sadness, despair and loneliness portrayed by Lucy's life and the set of heart-wrenching events she had to witness and experience.

As a third year psychology student, I can appreciate the complexity of her character by looking at how her childhood and environment shaped the character that she is now. Looking beyond the gore, murderous rage towards those that hurt her and complete rejection of humans, I see a severely troubled soul that have desires revolving around the need to be loved and accepted without persecution.

Anyway, I would appreciate any anime recommendations that have a tremendous emotional impact like Elfen lied or characters similar to Lucy.

Shuffle! Is pretty good, there is also Clannad...

 

[Harkonn3n]

I'll say check out Evangelion. Every single character has numerous psychological and emotional issues. I don't know if they have the same emotional impact as Elfen Lied, but it's probably pretty close.
And I think Fullmetal Alchemist (both the first and brotherhood) has a pretty big emotional impact as well.

Evangelion sounds intriguing, i've heard of it, but I've been cautious as to whether I should get my hands on it or not.

I've watched FMA and Brotherhood, great anime in my opinion.

Thank you for the suggestions, much appreciated.

 

[Harkonn3n]

You mean naked prepubescent girls?

Hmmmmmmmmmm.

I'm pretty sure the older Lucy I'm referring to is far from prepubescent.
Besides, it's not the character design, it's the personality that intrigues me.

 

[Ranorak]

Ahh boo, I was going to mention Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood.
But you already saw it.

 

[mbug]

hmmm... Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Trigun (fun loving but also can be very serious)
Bokurano (underrate anime but really good)

 

[GaiusD]

I'm a senior psychology student as well and I completely empathize with your tastes. I second the suggestion of Evangelion and would also suggest "Welcome to the NHK." Its a rather sad story dealing with self-worth, suicide, fear, loneliness, deception, addiction, and what makes a human valuable. All the characters seem immensely flawed, yet somehow they still stick together. Not exactly uplifting, but interesting none the less.

 

[bbobjs]

The Elfen Lied anime was completely gimped so first and foremost I'd recommend reading the manga. Beyond that Texhnolyze is the first thing that comes to mind. Set in a dystopia, it's the story of a man's quest for revenge after losing it all. Everything is very bleak and much of the story is told through actions rather than dialog.

HONORABLE MRNTIONS:
Serial Experiments Lain: Not exactly something I'd consider good but it tackles the themes you're asking for.
Monster: Well developed characters in a well planned story with psychological overtones.
Koi Kaze: A VERY awkward anime about the complications caused by incest. There's plenty of psychological aspects hidden under the surface if you're willing to hunt for them.


POSSIBLE CONTENDERS:
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Psychological overtones and gore... unfortunately trying to understand the characters is an effort in futility and season 2 takes things in a completely different direction that may be off putting.
Basilisk: Think Japanese Romeo and Juliet but with waring ninja clans and gore. More about politics than individual characters so not quite what you're asking for.
Michiko to Hatchin: Think toned down City of God. Unfortunately the protagonists are a bit too light hearted to really fit your criteria but some of the minor characters might fill the gap; too many minor flaws for me to strongly recommend.
Shiki: Most of the characters are a bit too shallow for what I think you're looking for, but if you ever wondered how a pseudo-realistic outbreak of supernatural creatures in rural Japan might pan out then this is tha anime for you.

EDIT: Almost forgot Kino's Journey admittedly it's not what you claim to be looking for as most of the characters are emotionally dead but it has some moments and functions as a competent deconstruction of various social constructs/political systems.

 

[Harkonn3n]

I'm a senior psychology student as well and I completely empathize with your tastes. I second the suggestion of Evangelion and would also suggest "Welcome to the NHK." Its a rather sad story dealing with self-worth, suicide, fear, loneliness, deception, addiction, and what makes a human valuable. All the characters seem immensely flawed, yet somehow they still stick together. Not exactly uplifting, but interesting none the less.

Always a pleasure to come across a fellow psychology student, thank you very much for the suggestions, I'll look into them

 

[SckizoBoy]

I'm thinking Infinite Ryvius for one reason or another... (it's basically Lord of the Flies, set in space, and virtually no-one I know has even heard of it. Interesting soundtrack too.)

I don't know about emotional impact, but there's the issue of growing up with gender identity problems in Hourou Musuko, perhaps too tactful for some.

*shrug*

 

[Harkonn3n]

The Elfen Lied anime was completely gimped so first and foremost I'd recommend reading the manga. Beyond that Texhnolyze is the first thing that comes to mind. Set in a dystopia, it's the story of a man's quest for revenge after losing it all. Everything is very bleak and much of the story is told through actions rather than dialog.

HONORABLE MRNTIONS:
Serial Experiments Lain: Not exactly something I'd consider good but it tackles the themes you're asking for.
Monster: Well developed characters in a well planned story with psychological overtones.
Koi Kaze: A VERY awkward anime about the complications caused by incest. There's plenty of psychological aspects hidden under the surface if you're willing to hunt for them.


POSSIBLE CONTENDERS:
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni: Psychological overtones and gore... unfortunately trying to understand the characters is an effort in futility and season 2 takes things in a completely different direction that may be off putting.
Basilisk: Thing Japanese Romeo and Juliet but with waring ninja clans and gore. More about politics than individual characters so not quite what you're asking for.
Michiko to Hatchin: Think toned down City of God. Unfortunately the protagonists are a bit too light hearted to really fit your criteria but some of the minor characters might fill the gap; too many minor flaws for me to strongly recommend.
Shiki: Most of the characters are a bit too shallow for what I think you're looking for, but if you ever wondered how a pseudo-realistic outbreak of supernatural creatures in rural Japan might pan out then this is tha anime for you.

THIS.
Thank you for all this! Exactly what I needed, it's very informative and I'll make time too look through them.

As for the Elfen lied manga, don't worry I agree with you, I've read it and I very much prefer it over the anime's change of direction and ending.

 

[Harkonn3n]

I'm thinking Infinite Ryvius for one reason or another... (it's basically Lord of the Flies, set in space, and virtually no-one I know has even heard of it. Interesting soundtrack too.)

I don't know about emotional impact, but there's the issue of growing up with gender identity problems in Hourou Musuko, perhaps too tactful for some.

*shrug*

Never heard of either to be honest.
But it's worth a look I suppose.

Nice avatar by the way.

 

[Casual Shinji]

Watch Grave of the Fireflies.

That movie will impact on your emotions like a fucking meteor.

 

[SckizoBoy]

Never heard of either to be honest.
But it's worth a look I suppose.

Nice avatar by the way.

Why thankee, comes with a morbid sense of humour.

Watch Grave of the Fireflies.

That movie will impact on your emotions like a fucking meteor.

Was reluctant to recommend this, but have to agree, due to its downward only rollercoaster feel.

And on that note, one of my favourites (for which I freely admit shedding many a mantear) Tokyo Magnitude 8.0.

 

[Harkonn3n]

Watch Grave of the Fireflies.

That movie will impact on your emotions like a fucking meteor.

Sounds perfect, I need something that can bring out a vestige of emotion...or utterly overload my senses. Either way suits me.

 

[Zebrian]

Not sure if this is quite what you mean, but Madoka Magica was a very sad show at times.
There was a lot of psychological damage to the characters, and it never really eased up.

EDIT: Elfen Lied was dark throughout, the sadness is like an onslaught. Madoka Magica, starts off happy, then goes horribly wrong, so you can really see the changes in the characters

 

[DoctorPhil]

I don't know Elfen Lied, but the only anime I can recommend are both the Fullmetal Alchemist series and Darker than Black season 1. They're all awesome and pretty dark and emotional if that's what you like.
I think Darker than Black season 1 is a lot like wich you described in the OP. It has masterfull sadness in the second half. It's brilliant. Watch it.