Stranger Things Fans Need to Watch This Controversial Dark Anime From 21 Years Ago

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With the upcoming fifth season, Stranger Things will come to an end. If you’re a fan and looking for something similar to watch, a somewhat obscure but powerful anime from 2003 might be a good fit. Stranger Things first gained popularity nine years ago with its retro 1980s vibe and spooky small-town atmosphere. But beneath the surface, the show deals with surprisingly dark and unsettling themes. Characters like Eleven and Will experience incredibly difficult situations, and the series explores the lasting impact of their trauma.

While both storylines are compelling, Eleven’s receives more focus in the first season of the show—and remains the more captivating one through the cliffhanger ending of Stranger Things Season 5, Volume 1. Though not entirely unique, the concept of a government lab conducting experiments on children with special powers is still an effective hook, drawing viewers in and keeping them invested. It shares similarities with a somewhat controversial anime that fans of Stranger Things might enjoy, though it won’t appeal to everyone.

Elfen Lied Is a Must-Watch Anime for Fans of Stranger Things

If you were captivated by Eleven’s story in Stranger Things, you might enjoy the anime Elfen Lied. Just be aware that it’s significantly more intense and graphic than Stranger Things, so it’s a good idea to check for content warnings first. This 13-episode series, which originally aired in 2004 (or 2005 in the U.S.), centers on Lucy, a member of a special, evolved human species. Like Eleven, Lucy is imprisoned and experimented on in a lab, and she eventually escapes, finding companionship with a group of children. She also possesses telekinetic powers, though they function differently than Eleven’s.

While Stranger Things and Elfen Lied have key differences – like the violence in Elfen Lied and its protagonist’s split personality – their core ideas are surprisingly similar, which is why fans of one often enjoy the other. This isn’t accidental; Matt Duffer, one of the creators of Stranger Things, specifically mentioned Elfen Lied as an inspiration in a 2016 interview with The Daily Beast. Though the shows aren’t exactly alike, both are compelling stories about trauma and its lasting effects. Despite the show’s often graphic content, I recommend giving Elfen Lied a try.

Elfen Lied Is a Controversial Series, but It’s Still Worth a Watch

Elfen Lied is a controversial anime, but that’s understandable given its mature themes. It tackles very dark and difficult subjects, which was unusual for anime of the 2000s. While some viewers may be turned off by its portrayal of violence and its treatment of female characters, these elements aren’t without purpose – a story about trauma shouldn’t be softened. This refusal to shy away from harsh realities is what makes Elfen Lied so impactful, even if it’s a challenging watch. It’s a series that can be deeply disturbing, but it also stays with you long after you’ve finished it. If you enjoy Stranger Things and aren’t afraid of darker content, it’s worth checking out, but be sure to read about it beforehand.

If you love Stranger Things, what anime series would you suggest? Share your recommendations in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-17 05:10