Since its debut, Darling in the FranXX has captivated audiences with its gripping blend of sci-fi action, complex romance, and existential themes. The story follows Hiro and Zero Two, two mecha pilots who fight to protect humanity from monstrous creatures known as Klaxosaurs. Fans of the series are often on the lookout for other shows with similar tones, combining intense battles, dystopian settings, and deep character development. Below are some of the top anime that share these elements, each bringing something unique to the genre.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Why You’d Like This Show:
Much like Darling in the FranXX, Neon Genesis Evangelion centers on young pilots who must operate giant mechs to protect humanity from mysterious, otherworldly forces. The anime delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and existential anxiety.
About the Anime:
Teenagers are thrust into the battle to stop the mysterious Angels, piloting bio-mechanical mechs known as Evangelions to protect Earth.
2. Gurren Lagann
Why You’d Like This Show:
Gurren Lagann follows Simon and Kamina, two young heroes who rise from their underground village to take on oppressive forces using giant mechs. Like Darling in the FranXX, this series features thrilling mecha battles and explores themes of rebellion and self-discovery.
About the Anime:
A peaceful underground community is disrupted when a robot crashes into their village, setting off a journey of self-discovery and revolution.
3. 86 -Eighty Six-
Why You’d Like This Show:
Set in a future dystopia, 86 follows soldiers from the marginalized “Eighty-Six” unit, who pilot unmanned drones in a war between two warring factions. The series touches on themes of discrimination, societal expectations, and the emotional toll on young soldiers, much like Darling in the FranXX.
About the Anime:
In a war-torn world, the Republic of San Magnolia faces off against an enemy Empire, while young soldiers fight in a bitter struggle for survival.
4. Eureka Seven
Why You’d Like This Show:
This anime centers on Renton, a 14-year-old boy who is swept into a war involving mysterious mecha and a girl named Eureka. The series shares Darling in the FranXX’s focus on mecha combat, romance, and character-driven development against a backdrop of societal upheaval.
About the Anime:
A typical boy finds himself caught in an ongoing war and a complicated romance, leading to his personal and emotional growth.
5. Guilty Crown
Why You’d Like This Show:
In Guilty Crown, Shu Ouma gains a powerful ability that draws weapons from others, leading him into conflict against an oppressive government. Like Darling in the FranXX, it combines high-stakes mecha action with personal sacrifice, themes of power, and rebellion.
About the Anime:
A teenager with a mysterious power becomes involved in a battle against a regime that controls society through technology.
6. From the New World
Why You’d Like This Show:
In a future where humanity has developed psychic abilities, From the New World follows a group of teenagers as they uncover the dark truths of their society. This anime shares Darling in the FranXX’s exploration of a controlled society and the coming-of-age struggles of young characters.
About the Anime:
A group of teens grapples with the broken ideals of their utopian society while uncovering secrets that threaten to unravel everything they know.
7. Katanagatari
Why You’d Like This Show:
Although set in a different world, Katanagatari features unique combat and strategic battles, much like the mecha combat in Darling in the FranXX. The series also emphasizes character growth, collaboration, and the challenges of undertaking a significant quest.
About the Anime:
A swordsman without a sword embarks on a quest to collect twelve legendary weapons, each with its own backstory and significance.
8. Charlotte
Why You’d Like This Show:
Charlotte follows a group of teenagers who develop supernatural abilities after reaching puberty. It mirrors Darling in the FranXX with its exploration of adolescence, identity, and the responsibilities that come with extraordinary powers.
About the Anime:
In an alternate reality, children who develop supernatural abilities must learn to control their powers, facing personal challenges along the way.
9. Kiznaiver
Why You’d Like This Show:
This anime focuses on six teenagers connected by an experiment that forces them to share each other’s pain. Like Darling in the FranXX, Kiznaiver examines personal growth and emotional resilience in the face of shared adversity.
About the Anime:
Six individuals are linked through an experiment that connects them via their emotional and physical pain, forcing them to face each other’s struggles.
10. Elfen Lied
Why You’d Like This Show:
Elfen Liedfollows a girl with telekinetic abilities who escapes from a lab, leading to violent confrontations between mutants and humanity. Like Darling in the FranXX, it explores themes of societal rejection, identity, and the emotional conflicts of characters in a world that fears them.
About the Anime:
A young girl with extraordinary powers escapes from a government facility, only to be caught up in a deadly clash with society.
11. Cross Ange: Rondo of Angel and Dragon
Why You’d Like This Show:
Cross Ange follows Princess Ange, who is exiled after being revealed as a “Norma,” a person unable to harness the world’s advanced technology. The anime shares Darling in the FranXX’s themes of societal ostracization, with a strong female lead overcoming prejudice and finding strength amidst intense battles.
About the Anime:
Princess Ange’s life is upended when she is cast out of her privileged world and forced to fight as a soldier using a mech.
12. Future Diary
Why You’d Like This Show:
In Future Diary, the protagonist is caught in a deadly survival game, where participants use diaries that predict the future to fight for the title of god. The anime shares Darling in the FranXX’s high-stakes action and complex relationships, with a focus on destiny, choice, and the psychological pressure faced by its characters.
About the Anime:
A boy is pulled into a deadly game when his cell phone diary starts predicting the future, leading to dangerous confrontations and moral dilemmas.
13. Akame ga Kill!
Why You’d Like This Show:
Akame ga Kill! follows Tatsumi, a young warrior who joins a group of assassins to fight corruption in an empire. It shares Darling in the FranXX’s themes of rebellion against a corrupt authority and the strength of camaraderie, portraying intense battles combined with personal sacrifice.
About the Anime:
A young warrior joins a group of assassins to fight the corruption plaguing the imperial capital and protect his village from destruction.
Conclusion
For fans of Darling in the FranXX, there is no shortage of anime that blend mecha combat, dystopian settings, and emotional character arcs. Whether you’re drawn to complex psychological themes, intense battles, or the exploration of identity and societal pressures, these 13 series offer something for everyone. Each show presents its unique spin on the formula, delivering stories of rebellion, personal growth, and high-stakes action.
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