Recommendations for Anime Similar to Takopi's Original Sin with Dark Themes that Break Your Heart

Kapanlagi.com - Takopi's Original Sin is a manga that successfully tears at your heartstrings with its dark and touching story. This manga tells the story of Shizuka, an elementary school student whose life is filled with suffering due to bullying and family issues, until she meets Takopi, an octopus-shaped alien from the planet Happy.

Takopi tries to bring happiness, but his good intentions often end in deeper tragedy. This story explores heavy themes such as bullying, trauma, depression, and the dark side of human psychology.

If you enjoy stories that drain your emotions, are full of psychological mystery, and bravely touch on dark social issues, the anime recommendations below might be suitable for you!

1. Erased (Boku dake ga Inai Machi)

Year of airing: 2016
Number of episodes: 12

Erased follows the story of Satoru Fujinuma, a man with a mysterious ability called Revival, which allows him to go back a few minutes before a bad event occurs, a sort of 'second chance' to prevent tragedy. But everything changes drastically when his mother is murdered, and the Revival ability sends him 18 years back to his childhood.

In that elementary school period, Satoru realizes that the case of his mother’s murder is related to a series of kidnappings that previously occurred at his school. Here, he tries to save his friend, Kayo Hinazuki, while also trying to change the future. The story is filled with a tense yet warm atmosphere, from moments of chasing child predators to sweet moments of friendship and fixing the past.

2. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Anime poster Puella Magi Madoka Magica (Credit: IMDB)

Year of airing: 2011
Number of episodes: 12

At first, Madoka Magica looks like an ordinary magical girl anime: cute, colorful, and seemingly innocent. But once the story begins... boom, everything turns dark. Madoka Kaname and her friend, Sayaka, are offered by a mysterious creature named Kyubey to become magical girls in exchange for one wish of any kind. It sounds great, but the reality of the deal is full of bitter twists.

Every magical girl not only fights against monsters called 'witches', but also faces the fatal consequences of their powers. The more Madoka learns the truth, the more she gets dragged into the tragedy that befalls her friends, especially Homura Akemi, who seems to harbor a big secret. This anime is a 'trap' for those who think magical girls are cute and happy.

3. The Promised Neverland (Yakusoku no Neverland)

Anime Poster The Promised Neverland (Credit: IMDB)

Release year: Season 1 (2019), Season 2 (2021)
Number of episodes: 12 + 11

Emma, Ray, and Norman live in the orphanage 'Grace Field House' which seems peaceful and very sweet. The children there are happy, have good food, and are loved by 'Mama' Isabella. But one day, they discover a horrifying truth: the orphanage is not a home, but a human farm, and the children there are sent as 'food' for creatures called demons.

Since then, this genius trio has been planning an uber-tactical escape to save all the children in the orphanage. Season 1 is very strong with a psychological thriller tone, full of strategy and high tension. Season 2… yes, fans surely know the controversy, but the main story remains engaging as a thrilling survival tale.

4. Happy Sugar Life

Anime Poster Happy Sugar Life (Credit: IMDB)

Year of release: 2018
Number of episodes: 12

Don't be fooled by the title or the pastel visuals of this anime. Happy Sugar Life is a sweet psychological horror just on the surface. The story is about Satou Matsuzaka, a high school girl who falls in love with a little boy named Shio. Their relationship is NOT ordinary, and the way Satou maintains their happiness becomes increasingly horrifying as the story unfolds.

Satou will do anything, truly anything, to continue living alongside Shio, including extreme actions that leave the audience confused between horror and curiosity. This anime is perfect for those who enjoy dark tales with characters whose morals are 'broken but intriguing'.

5. Wonder Egg Priority

Wonder Egg Priority Anime Poster (Credit: IMDB)

Year of release: 2021
Number of episodes: 12 + 1 special episode

Wonder Egg Priority tells the story of Ai Ohto, a lonely girl mourning the death of her friend. One night she discovers a 'magic egg', and when she breaks it in a surreal dream world, a girl appears whom she must save from monsters that symbolize trauma and bullying.

Each egg has its own dark story, from school violence to social pressure. Alongside new friends who are also struggling with their own wounds, Ai tries to bring her friend back by completing this dangerous mission. This anime is very unique, with beautiful visuals, symbolic elements, and full of psychological metaphors, although it has a controversial ending.

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