Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss is a dark fantasy adventure anime based on the manga by Akihito Tsukushi. Known for its breathtaking world-building, emotional storytelling, and disturbing undertones hidden beneath childlike visuals, it follows a perilous descent into the Abyss—a mysterious, giant chasm filled with relics, creatures, and secrets of humanity’s past.

Despite its whimsical art style, Made in Abyss is unflinching in exploring themes of loss, survival, and the cost of chasing dreams. It is one of the most haunting yet beautiful modern anime series.

Made in Abyss – Overview

Studio: Kinema Citrus
Seasons: 2 (with more expected)
Movies: 3 (including recap and sequel films)
First Air Date: July 7, 2017
Original Manga: Written and illustrated by Akihito Tsukushi
Volumes: 13+ (ongoing)
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Streaming Platforms: Netflix, HIDIVE, Prime Video (select regions)

Story Summary

The Abyss is the last unexplored frontier, a vast pit descending into unknown depths. Brave explorers known as Cave Raiders venture into its layers to uncover relics, but the deeper one goes, the harsher the curse of the Abyss becomes.

The story follows Riko, a young orphan who dreams of becoming like her mother, the legendary White Whistle Lyza. When she meets Reg, a mysterious robot boy with a human-like appearance, they descend together into the Abyss in search of truth, facing unimaginable dangers and tragedies.

Season & Movie Breakdown

Season 1 (2017) – The First Descent

• Introduces Riko and Reg’s bond.

• Explores the first layers of the Abyss.

• Confronts Nanachi and the heart-wrenching Mitty tragedy.

Made in Abyss: Journey’s Dawn & Wandering Twilight (2019) – Recap Movies

• Retells Season 1 events across two films.

Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul (2020) – Sequel Movie

• Continues Riko, Reg, and Nanachi’s journey.

• Explores the tragic and brutal Bondrewd arc.

• Visually stunning, emotionally devastating.

Season 2: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun (2022)

• Adapts the Idofront Arc.

• Introduces Faputa, the “Princess of the Hollows.”

• Themes of sacrifice, transformation, and identity intensify.

Main Characters

• Riko – A brave girl determined to follow her mother’s path, even at great cost.

• Reg – A robot boy with forgotten origins and powerful weapons.

• Nanachi – A Hollow with deep trauma, who joins the group after losing Mitty.

• Faputa – The eternal princess, tied to the curse and fate of the Abyss.

• Bondrewd – A White Whistle, both brilliant and terrifying.

Themes and Style

• Innocence vs. Horror – Childlike characters face cruel, adult horrors.

• Sacrifice and Curiosity – How much one gives up in pursuit of truth.

• The Abyss as a Metaphor – Adventure, temptation, and tragedy intertwined.

Animation & Visuals

Made in Abyss is renowned for its gorgeous art style, combining soft, almost storybook visuals with brutal, shocking imagery. Kinema Citrus excels in contrasting beauty and horror, making the Abyss feel alive, mysterious, and merciless.

Where to Watch

You can stream Made in Abyss on:

• Netflix

• HIDIVE

• Prime Video (select regions)

Popularity and Reception

• Critically acclaimed for storytelling and visuals.

• “Dawn of the Deep Soul” movie grossed over $6 million worldwide.

• Praised for emotional impact, but often noted for disturbing themes.

Similar Anime Recommendations

If you enjoyed Made in Abyss, you might also like:

• The Rising of the Shield Hero – Another dark isekai adventure with survival and trauma.

• Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions – Fragile adventurers confronting mortality.

• Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation – A harsh yet beautiful isekai fantasy.

• Attack on Titan – Humanity’s brutal struggle against monstrous threats.

• Black Bullet – Children facing monsters in a tragic, ruined world.

• Erased – A mystery thriller with emotional and shocking turns.

Final Thoughts

Made in Abyss is not for the faint of heart. Beneath its cute designs lies one of anime’s most powerful explorations of curiosity, pain, and the human spirit. If you’re drawn to emotional, unforgettable adventures that balance wonder and tragedy, this anime is a must-watch descent into darkness.