Post-apocalyptic anime has been a beloved genre for years, offering a glimpse into a world forever altered by a catastrophic event. The recently released Heavenly Delusion, in particular, explores life within the safety of walls, where youths are raised by robots. Despite a seemingly perfect existence, the outside world is a hellscape inhabited by bizarre and powerful supernatural beings.
With its themes of isolation, survival, and the resilience of the human spirit, it's no wonder why post-apocalyptic anime resonates with viewers. These shows often feature unforgettable characters struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment, facing both the dangers of the outside world and their inner demons. Whether it's societies ravaged by war, viruses, robots, aliens, or the death of the ecosystem, post-apocalyptic anime allows for imaginative leaps and exploration of what could be. Here are some post-apocalyptic anime recommendations for fans of Heavenly Delusion.
10 Coppelion
Ibara Naruse, Aoi Fukasaku, and Taeko Nomura are not your average high school students. They venture bravely into an uninhabitable version of Tokyo, 20 years after a nuclear disaster ravaged the city, searching for survivors and evacuating them. However, as they continue their work, they begin to question their own humanity, particularly how they can survive without protective gear in such a deadly environment.
Both Coppelion and Heavenly Delusion take place in a post-apocalyptic world where civilization has collapsed, and the remaining genetically modified youths must navigate the ruins of a once-thriving city. Their journey is full of danger and self-discovery as they struggle to survive and protect what is left of humanity.
9 The Weathering Continent
In The Weathering Continent, environmental disasters have left resources scarce, and water has become a valuable commodity. Three travelers—a warrior, a priest, and a young woman—navigate the barren land just looking to survive. As they travel, the trio unexpectedly stumble upon the lost city of Azec Sistra, which is believed to be the city of the dead.
But they are not the only ones who have discovered it. A group of bandits has also arrived at the city, posing a significant threat to their safety. Even more threatening are the guardians of Azec Sistra, who are determined to protect the resting spirits from those who dare to disturb them, putting the travelers in grave danger.
8 School-Live!
Yuki Takeya is a high school senior who finds joy in spending time with the School Living Club at Megurigaoka Private High School. The club, made up of four girls, a teacher, and a dog, encourages independence and self-sufficiency with its members cultivating their own food in school and spending the night camping in the club room.
However, the reality is that they are trapped in the school following a zombie attack, which turns into an apocalypse. School-Live! explores how the characters battle inner demons and post-traumatic disorders. Like Heavenly Delusion, it is a slice-of-life show that follows young people whose mundane lives are endangered by uncontrollable external forces. Both shows offer twists and turns that are sure to keep viewers engaged.
7 From the New World
Saki Watanabe awakens to her psychic powers at the age of 12 in the town of Kamisu 66. She is glad to be back with her friends at Sage Academy, a school for psychics. However, Saki starts questioning what happened to those without psychic powers and gets entangled in mysterious rumors about Tainted Cats kidnapping children.
The anime follows Saki and her friends as they navigate their roles in this supposed utopia and uncover the ugly truth about their seemingly idyllic society. The anime shares similarities with Heavenly Delusion in terms of the character bonds and the discovery of brutal truths in an unknown world.
6 Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign
An unknown virus wipes out most of humanity, allowing vampires to emerge and enslave the remaining survivors in exchange for protection and their blood. Yuuichirou and Mikaela Hyakuya, two boys from an orphanage, are among those regarded as livestock by the vampires. Mikaela's failed escape attempt leaves Yuuichirou as the only survivor, who then joins the Moon Demon Company to exterminate the vampires.
Years later, as a member of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army, Yuuichirou seeks revenge against the vampires who killed his family. This post-apocalyptic shounen anime offers an emotional portrayal of Yuuichirou's journey for vengeance while fighting for his friends and loyalty in a supposedly impossible battle.
5 Darling in the FranXX
In a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to beasts called Klaxosaurs, survivors take shelter in fortress cities called Plantations. Here, children are trained to pilot mechas called FranXX as the only effective weapon against the Klaxosaurs. These children have no knowledge of the outside world and exist only to defend their race.
Hiro, one of such children, meets Zero Two, a peculiar girl with horns and a notorious reputation as a FranXX pilot. When a sudden Klaxosaur attack occurs, Zero Two asks Hiro to pilot her damaged mecha with her. Having been given a new partner and an opportunity for redemption, Hiro must now confront the consequences that come with it. Similar to Heavenly Delusion, the story centers around young characters who are isolated from the outside world.
4 Black Bullet
Gastrea, a lethal virus, transforms humans into monstrous beings, forcing the remaining human population to reside within the Monolith walls constructed from Varanium, the only known material that can harm Gastrea.
Young girls, known as "Cursed Children," are paired with Promoters, and are assigned missions to battle the creatures formed by the Gastrea virus and safeguard humanity from them. Black Bullet follows the adventures of Enju Aihara, an Initiator, and Satomi Rentaro, a Promoter, as they strive to protect their hometown of Tokyo from the imminent Gastrea threat.
3 Girls’ Last Tour
Chito and Yuuri are the only living humans on a war-torn planet, wandering aimlessly through a desolate city, riding their motorbikes through the hauntingly beautiful ruins, and looking for food and supplies. As they explore, they discuss philosophical questions and ponder their place in the dying world.
Despite the gloominess of their surroundings, the two girls manage to find moments of joy and solace in each other's company. Girls' Last Tour is a bittersweet and melancholic tale that explores the girls' quest for hope in a bleak and dying world, without the typical action and gore seen in apocalypse stories. It's a meditative road trip that engages viewers' empathy.
2 Made In Abyss
Riko, the daughter of a famous Cave Raider who disappeared in the depths of the Abyss, sets out on a perilous journey with her newfound friend, Reg, a strange robot. Together they brave the dangers of the Abyss, hoping to uncover its mysteries and find Riko's missing mother.
Made In Abyss follows their thrilling adventure, filled with gore, horror, and wonder, as they encounter bizarre monsters and unknown artifacts. Heavenly Delusion shares similarities with Made In Abyss, as both feature a boy and a girl exploring a dangerous and mysterious world in search of something that may or may not exist.
1 The Promised Neverland
The Grace Field House provides a sanctuary for orphans living as a family under Mama Isabella's watchful eye. However, the siblings' tranquil life is disrupted every few months when a child is adopted and never returns. As the three eldest siblings uncover the shocking truth behind their seemingly idyllic existence and the grim fate that awaits them, they plot a daring escape from their captors.
In both The Promised Neverland and Heavenly Delusion, the protagonists inhabit an isolated world protected by walls from the outside. The anime explores the themes of alienation and survival, as orphans struggle to live in a post-apocalyptic world filled with perilous creatures.