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

[Rockdrake]

Ergo Proxy it's one of my Favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAXrRWLKzko

 

[Harkonn3n]

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.

Recently watched the series, very enjoyable and I'd wholeheartedly recommend it too anyone who's looking for a deep thought provoking anime with a nice plot twist.

(Little girls with rocket launchers, whats not to love? )

 

[thedevilscousin]

I was ninja'd twice here (Grave of the fireflies and FMA: Brotherhood)but i will recommend Wolf's Rain, it may not exactly have complex character design, but it's really good in terms of production quality. And i think it has kind of the same 'depressing' atmosphere that Elfen Lied had. Also if you like f'ed up characters look up Death Note, always worth a mention because of Yagami Light/Kira. Also it's got other 4 anime characters that are among my favourites


EDIt: Also, if you'd like something that is kinda sad then check out Code Geass, very story driven mecha series about a character that gains special powers and decides to use them to better the world.

 

[bbobjs]

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.

Thanks, I always appreciate receiving feedback. That said, I just realized I made a rather huge omission of Kuuchuu Buranko (or Trapeze). It basically doesn't get much more psychological than this as it's literally about a psychiatrist. The series has some rather obvious flaws but the overall package is well worth it.

Honestly you might want to consider checking out the entire noitaminA (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noitamina) catalog. The block is an attempt to present anime as art and break away from the perceived limitations of the fanbase; despite having varying degrees of success (both artistically and economically), it's a noble endeavor that's at least trying to give anime fans something unique.

EDIT: As others have pointed out, assuming you do pick up Darker than Black, DO NOT watch beyond the first season. Much akin to how Matrix 2&3 were never produced, Darker than Black season 2 and OVA never happened; anyone saying otherwise is a troll.

 

[Harkonn3n]

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 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. Watch it.

Darker than Black...haven't heard of it, but you've sparked my interest.
Thank you

 

[Gigano]

Well, Elfen Lied was pretty much an emotional battle axe - unsophisticated and unsubtle, but with a very powerful impact nonetheless - so it's a pretty hard one to match in that capacity.

I'll second Clannad and Grave of the Fireflies being quite heartwrenching though, as is much of Puella Magi Madoka Magica (despite it probably being the most cheerful thing Urobuchi have ever written...).

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry) and the Kara no Kyoukai (The Garden of Sinners) movies might be worth checking out as well (though Kara really isn't too friendly towards its viewers in terms of accessibility).

 

[ronald1840]

Welcome To The NHK would like to spend some time with ya'

 

[Zebrian]

If you've seen Madoka, I second thedevilscousin's suggestion of Code Geass, it is quite thoughtprovoking.

 

[Barciad]

Now and Then, Here and There - Grimmer than Grimsby, in February.
Neon Genesis Evangelion - The Daddy of all screwed up anime.
Infinte Ryvius - takes a while to get going, but well worth the effort.

 

[Junkle]

As far as anime series go, most of what I'd recommend has already been listed (Evangelion, Brotherhood, etc.) The one thing I can add is the movie Perfect Blue.
Holy hell, was that a mindfuck.
I think I finished the movie and sat there, pondering if more than 3 scenes were reality. Trust me. Watch it. Both scary and psychological.
(Also, reading TV Tropes afterwards helped with some of the "WTF just happened" bit. I really should go back and watch it again.)

Another interesting series (that I only think of because I just finished it) was Code Geass. As a psych student, you'll probably get more out of it than me. This is mostly due to the back and forth of "Ends justify the means" and "No, screw you, they don't." The characters are great, as well.

 

[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 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. Watch it.

Darker than Black...haven't heard of it, but you've sparked my interest.
Thank you

You're welcome :> I'm curious as to how you'll like it. It's too bad it's so unknown, everyone with even a remote interest in anime should give it a try. It has awesome fights while still remaining very mature and has plenty of emotion. Just beware of season 2 though, it ends before it even really starts, lower your standards for it or just stop watching at season 1.

Another thing I can recommend is the drum island arc (episode 79-91) of One Piece It's really emotional, seriously, I cried a little at Chopper's backstory. Though I don't think it's really deep and dark enough for your tastes hehe. I can definitely recommend it though, it's one hell of an arc, both hilarious and sad as hell.

 

[BlueTomfoolery]

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.

If you're just looking for something that will make you cry, or make you feel for the character's despair and loneliness, watch Schindler's List. Alright! I know it isn't anime, it isn't even Japanese, but if that movie doesn't make you feel something for the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, then there is something wrong with you.

And while we're on that note, add Requiem for a Dream to the list of emotional movies.

 

[Nalgas D. Lemur]

Now and Then, Here and There

Yes. Absolutely. Glad I'm not the only one who's seen/thought of this. It's quite depressing at times, and I know people who didn't make it through the whole thing, but it's very well done.

The other thing that came to mind for me was Grave of the Fireflies, like several other people mentioned, but only based on its reputation, not my own reaction to it. Most people seem to think it's great and falls into this category, but the entire room full of people I saw it with thought it was just silly and couldn't get into it at all. Oh well.

Speaking of "having the wrong reaction", I'd really like to know why people like the manga version of Elfen Lied more than the anime, because unless the translation I read was particularly poor, I thought it was awful and would never have watched the show (which I thought was great) if I'd read it first. Sure, it covered more stuff and explained some more things and had more of an ending...but all of those things seemed kind of dumb to me in how they were handled, and it really did not help that it took several chapters for the quality level to get up to even "tolerable".

 

[tahrey]

My Neighbour Totoro and a bag of skittles.
(You need to take a break from the bleak stuff occasionally!)

(of course, you can then segue straight into Grave of the Fireflies)

 

[BNguyen]

I'll just give several titles as I can't accurately describe them all

Paranoia Agent
Boogiepop Phantom
Bokurano
Kara no Kyokai (Garden of Sinners)
Aoi Bungaku (though I've only watched a third but from what I did see, it could fit)
Black Lagoon - while incorporating comedy, the characters do touch onto their pasts and how the world has shaped what they are and how they attempt to deal with the hardships

can't really think of others that would fit

 

[twistedmic]

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.

Cowboy Bebop is another anime with decent characterization. It might not have the soul crushing depression of Elfen Lied, or the sheer mind fuckery of Evangelion, but it is far from a happy-go-lucky space farce. The characters have to deal with serious issues like loyalty, betrayal, mortality and a bunch of others.

 

[Caliostro]

I honestly stopped watching Elfen Lied because it came across as less "emotional impact" and more "mindless fan service".


That said, if you want a veritable emotional kick in the nuts the I fully recommend Katanagatari.

Code Geass is also absolutely brilliant and has one hell of an emotional kick.

Same goes for Cowboy Bebop.

Edit: Though I absolutely worship Neon Genesis Evangelion I don't think it has the same type of emotional impact the OP is looking for. Definitely has a lot of impact, especially if you're into psychology, but not the same kind, IMO.

Then again, maybe I'm misinterpreting since I didn't finish seeing Elfen Lied.

 

[mireko]

Paranoia Agent - densely psychological, fairly dark

Serial Experiments Lain - the above, but with science-fiction and at least one character you won't hate

Ghost in the Shell - Specifically, the '95 movie. Much, much darker than the TV series, and more slow pans with music coupled with religious imagery than you can shake a stick at.

Elfen Lied is one of the worst shows I've ever seen, though. No idea how you got an emotional impact from that, but I won't judge you.

[sub]Yes I will.[/sub]

 

[Atheist.]

Lucy hardly fits the profile you provide at all. Her co-personality Nu (Sp?) does, however meet most of those standards.

As far as recommendations go, try Monster. It has several traits shared with Elfen Lied.