WARNING: The following article contains discussion of suicide and self-harm.
The Monogatari franchise is one of the best-known light novel series adapted into anime. It's been referenced in numerous other anime, and the characters even got to try out the magical girl life by appearing in the Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Magia Record mobile game.
Since its debut publication in 2006, there have been 24 novels and several anime adaptations from Studio Shaft. For those who have finished the wildly unique Monogatari, it might be hard to pick what to watch next. Here are a few ideal titles for lovers of the paranormal.
Mononoke is Like Monogatari But in Feudal Japan
Like Monogatari protagonist Koyomi Araragi, Mononoke's Medicine Seller helps people who are being tormented by spirits, known as mononoke. He wanders from town to town, usually leading to encounters with the spirits causing problems. Before he defeats them, he must learn their true form, their truth and their reasons, which can often be difficult and take time.
In the process, the dark side of humanity is often explored as mononoke are drawn to negative human emotions. Each story is told in arcs, usually taking two or three episodes to complete. Mononoke has a very distinctive art style that makes it stand out among its contemporaries, appearing as though the world is set in an ink painting.
Serial Experiments Lain Is a Cerebral Exploration of Self
1998's Serial Experiments Lain is a deep, philosophical look at consciousness and reality. While delving more into science fiction, there are paranormal aspects of life after death and the idea of becoming a god. After a schoolmate commits suicide, Lain and the other female students receive an email from the dead girl, Chisa Yomoda, who claims she lives on in an online space called The Wired.
She and others claim to have simply "abandoned their physical form" to join God within the virtual space. As Lain delves deeper into the online world, she begins experiencing strange occurrences that have her questioning what's real and what's not.
Witch Hunter Robin Is a Dark Supernatural Tale of Witches
Probably the most obscure title, Witch Hunter Robin is a 2002 anime about Robin Sena, a witch hunter for the Catholic Church's Solomon Execution Organization. Witchcraft is inherited and can awaken in anyone at any time, but normally lies dormant within the majority of the population.
When a witch does awaken, it can lead to devastating results. To keep the populace safe, Robin and other "craft users" working for Solomon hunt down these witches and those with the gene, called "seeds." While starting out with random cases, the series soon begins to take a more devious tone when Robin begins trying to uncover what truly happens to those they arrest and take into custody.
Rosario + Vampire Is like Monogatari - But Everyone's a Monster
Rosario + Vampire's main boy Tsukune just wanted to go to high school, but failed every exam. Thankfully, his father found a school that would accept him anyway. Once he arrives, Tsukune is horrified to find out it's a school for monsters. Between the werewolves, witches, demons, and other creatures, he struggles to just survive another day as a human.
Luckily for him, the beautiful and mysterious vampire Moka has taken a liking to Tsukune and helps him. As the story continues, he garners the attention and affection of several female classmates as they learn how to coexist with the human world. However, there are those who want to disrupt that coexistence.
Mieruko-Chan Is a Comedic Take on Paranormal Anime
The newest anime on the list, Mieruko-chan got its start as a webcomic before getting its own manga and anime adaptation. The story follows an average high schooler named Miko who, much to her terror, suddenly gains the ability to see spirits. Despite this, she does her best to live a normal life, hanging out with her best friend Hana and trying to not let the spirits know she can see them.
This is easier said than done, especially when fellow psychic Yulia tries to constantly test Miko's abilities. Miko's journey to not be seen leads to some hilarious situations and reactions, despite the often horrifying nature of the spirits themselves.
For more information on the warning signs and prevention of suicide, click here. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you live outside the U.S., click here for a list of international hotlines.
