10 Best Anime Like Darling In The FranXX
If you’re anything like me, Darling in the FranXX probably hit you right in the feels. Whether it was the intense emotional journeys, the complex characters, or the bittersweet romance of Hiro and Zero Two — the anime definitely left its mark. But after that rollercoaster ride, the question lingers: What should I watch next?
Don’t worry — I’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 amazing anime like Darling in the FranXX, from dystopian dramas to mecha-filled emotional chaos, that’ll scratch that same itch.
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10. Neon Genesis Evangelion
Let’s be real — if you’ve seen Darling in the FranXX, chances are you’ve heard Evangelion’s name tossed around. And for good reason.
Just like FranXX, Neon Genesis Evangelion drops us into a world where teenagers are forced into the cockpit of giant mechas to protect humanity from strange, god-like beings. Sounds familiar? It gets deeper.
The similarities go beyond just the surface-level mecha battles. Both protagonists — Hiro and Shinji — struggle with mental anguish, self-worth, and connection. There’s also a red-clad girl with a strong personality (hello, Asuka and Zero Two), mysterious organizations, and a whole lot of existential dread.
While Evangelion leans heavier into the psychological side, it’s a must-watch if you’re fascinated by internal struggles wrapped in a sci-fi shell.
9. Gurren Lagann
Now, let’s flip the tone. If Evangelion is the emo older brother, Gurren Lagann is the bold, wild child of the mecha genre.
Created by some of the same minds behind FranXX, Gurren Lagann is loud, passionate, and unapologetically ridiculous — in the best way possible. It’s all about believing in yourself (and your friends), breaking limits, and punching through the sky — literally.
Despite its crazy energy, there are some very real emotional moments. Simon’s coming-of-age journey and Kamina’s larger-than-life presence echo the kind of mentorship and bonding we loved in Darling in the FranXX.
It’s a power ride of emotions, action, and style that blends heart with hype.
8. 86 Eighty-Six
If you’re craving that dystopian vibe, 86 delivers — and then some.
This series throws you into a war-torn society where kids are used as tools of destruction. Sound familiar? That’s because it shares FranXX‘s themes of youth burdened by adult decisions, loss of innocence, and the fight for freedom.
There’s also a powerful dynamic between the main leads — the calm, collected Shin and the empathetic Lena. Like Hiro and Zero Two, they bridge a gap between two worlds, finding connection amid chaos.
Throw in slick mecha battles, political commentary, and deep emotional arcs, and you’ve got a worthy spiritual sibling to Darling in the FranXX.
7. Eureka Seven
This one’s a bit of an oldie, but don’t sleep on it.
Eureka Seven blends romance, rebellion, and robots in a way that’s oddly comforting — and completely engrossing. Renton and Eureka’s journey of love and self-discovery feels incredibly close to Hiro and Zero Two’s.
The flying mechas? Check. A male lead caught between growing up and fighting for his place in the world? Check. A mysterious, emotionally scarred girl who changes everything? You bet.
If you’re looking for a more hopeful and dreamlike take on the FranXX formula, this one should be next on your list.
6. Guilty Crown
Ah yes, the anime that everyone either loves… or absolutely hates.
Guilty Crown is messy, ambitious, and visually stunning — kinda like Darling in the FranXX. At first glance, it hooks you with its action and art. But stick around, and you’ll find chaotic drama, over-the-top emotional twists, and a main character who gets dragged into something way bigger than he can handle.
Shu and Inori mirror Hiro and Zero Two in several ways — reluctant boy meets powerful, mysterious girl. There’s a rebellion, a weird government, some betrayal, and a dash of romance that may or may not emotionally scar you.
It’s not perfect, but it’s unforgettable. And that’s exactly why fans of FranXX might enjoy it.
5. From the New World
Now we’re diving into something a little deeper — and darker.
From the New World (Shinsekai Yori) is a slow burn. It’s set in a controlled utopia where kids begin to discover horrifying truths about their world — and themselves. Sound familiar?
Where Darling in the FranXX delivers its themes with mechas and battles, From the New World goes psychological. It challenges everything from morality to memory, and builds a terrifyingly believable dystopia.
If you liked the mystery, the secrets, and the mind games in FranXX, then buckle up — this one’s a trip.
4. Kiznaiver
This show screams emotional chaos with sci-fi flavor — and we’re here for it.
Kiznaiver is built around the idea of a group of teens being literally linked together through pain. When one of them gets hurt, they all feel it. Think about that — the metaphor practically writes itself.
What starts as a weird experiment quickly turns into a full-blown drama about empathy, love, trauma, and human connection. The group dynamics, the romantic tension, the awkward confessions — it’s all peak Darling in the FranXX energy.
And hey, it’s also a Studio Trigger production. That means you’re in for some gorgeous animation and quirky character designs.
3. The Promised Neverland
This one might surprise you — there are no mechas, no dystopian cities. But trust me, it earns its spot.
The Promised Neverland follows kids trapped in what seems like a perfect orphanage. Of course, it’s anything but perfect. Once they discover the truth, everything unravels — and they start plotting their escape.
The similarities to Darling in the FranXX come from the themes: children bred for a system they don’t understand, false utopias, shocking revelations, and the power of love and friendship in the face of horror.
It’s intense, smart, and deeply emotional.
Related:
10 Anime Like The Promised Neverland You Should Watch
2. Sword Art Online
Okay, hear me out.
Sword Art Online and Darling in the FranXX might look very different on the surface — one’s a virtual MMORPG, the other is a dystopian mecha series. But the parallels? They’re actually striking.
Both feature a strong, pinkish-haired female lead (Zero Two and Asuna), voiced by the same actress. Both girls are the emotional and narrative center of the story, pulling the male protagonist out of his shell. And both anime explore love, survival, and self-discovery in worlds that are both cruel and beautiful.
SAO might not have the mechas, but if you loved the romantic dynamic and the idea of battling against the odds with your soulmate by your side — it hits the same emotional beats.
1. Elfen Lied
And finally — Elfen Lied. If you thought FranXX was dark, buckle up.
This anime is violent, tragic, and heart-wrenchingly raw. Lucy, like Zero Two, is a horned girl created through twisted experiments. She’s capable of immense destruction, but also harbors a desperate need for love and acceptance.
Her relationship with Kouta mirrors Hiro and Zero Two’s on a much bloodier, more disturbing level. And just like Darling in the FranXX, Elfen Lied uses memory loss, emotional trauma, and forbidden love to tell a story that’s as painful as it is powerful.
If you’re ready for a darker, more mature experience that still tugs at the same strings, this one’s for you.
Conclusion
Whether you’re in it for the mechas, the romance, the psychological tension, or the raw emotions — Darling in the FranXX is a unique cocktail of genres that’s hard to replace. But the ten anime above? They carry that same spirit in different ways.
From the heavy symbolism in Evangelion, to the hopeful chaos of Gurren Lagann, the emotional intimacy of Kiznaiver, and the heartbreaking story in Elfen Lied — there’s something here for every fan who wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Hiro and Zero Two.
So go ahead — pick your next obsession, dive in, and feel all the feelings again.
Which one are you watching first?
