Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss is set around a vast, mysterious pit called the Abyss, the island's last unexplored region where artifact hunters descend through increasingly dangerous layers. Riko, a curious orphan raised in the town that overlooks the chasm, dreams of following in her mother's footsteps as an explorer. Near the surface she finds a strange, amnesiac mechanical boy, and their quick bond becomes the catalyst for a risky plan to travel downward. The show pairs moments of childlike wonder with sharp peril, focusing on survival, discovery, and the ethical toll of pursuing forbidden knowledge. Their meeting forces hard questions about identity and sacrifice too.

First broadcast in 2017, the anime adapts Akihito Tsukushi's manga. The TV series lists Hideyuki Kurata and Akihito Tsukushi among its creators, with Miyu Tomita and Mariya Ise leading the cast. The English dub and international streaming expanded its audience.

The show attracted strong critical attention and received recognition within the anime community. It appeared on several critics' and fans' year-end lists, and industry commentators highlighted its soundtrack, worldbuilding, and the contrast between its aesthetics and harsh narrative. Reviewers singled out its music and sound design alongside immersive worldbuilding elements.

Made in Abyss sparked widespread online discussion thanks to its striking visuals and tonal extremes, prompting fan art, cosplay, and heated debates over content suitability. Memorable images of the Abyss and its creatures became shared reference points across anime communities and social media. It prompted content warnings on some platforms.

Audiences and critics rated the series highly, reflected in an average score of 8.34/10 from 596 votes. Reviews often praise its imaginative setting, the emotional bond between characters, and the way it pairs wonder with bleak consequences, centering themes of curiosity, sacrifice, and the ethics of exploration. Some viewers debate its suitability.