Anime with Unique Worlds

Anime is known for its incredibly detailed and imaginative worlds, which play a huge role in setting the tone and rules of the story. These worlds can be anything from devastated futures to complex fantasy lands, often pushing the boundaries of what we expect from storytelling. Each setting has its own history and unique rules, drawing viewers deeper into the anime’s plot. Here are some examples of the most creative and unforgettable worlds in anime.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

The series centers on Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew as they journey across the dangerous Grand Line, seeking the legendary treasure known as ‘One Piece.’ This world is filled with sprawling oceans and many different islands, each with its own weather and customs. Pirates and the Marines are constantly battling for dominance, and many people gain incredible powers by eating mystical Devil Fruits – though this means they can never swim again. The story’s rich history stretches back hundreds of years, hinting at a lost period called the Void Century and powerful, hidden weapons scattered around the world.

‘Made in Abyss’ (2017–2022)

Riko and her robot companion, Reg, journey into a huge, mysterious pit called the Abyss in search of Riko’s mother. The Abyss is a unique world with strange creatures and remnants of a lost civilization that don’t follow the normal rules of nature. As they go deeper, each level becomes more dangerous due to a phenomenon called the Curse of the Abyss. The story carefully builds a detailed world, focusing on the society above ground in the town of Orth and the harsh, realistic dangers of exploring the Abyss itself.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

People live within three huge, layered walls for protection against enormous human-like creatures called Titans. Society is rigidly structured, with the wealthiest living closest to the innermost wall. Soldiers utilize special equipment to move around the cities and battle the Titans that threaten them from beyond the walls. As the story of ‘Attack on Titan’ unfolds, the mysteries surrounding the walls and the Titans themselves reveal a far bigger and more complicated world than anyone imagined.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

I’m completely hooked on ‘Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’! It’s set in this amazing country called Amestris where alchemy is basically a science everyone uses, but it follows a strict rule: you have to give something equal to what you get. The story follows two brothers on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone – they messed up an alchemy attempt and need to fix what they lost. What’s really cool is the world itself – it feels like the early 1900s, but with magic woven into everything, especially the military and everyday life. There’s so much going on beneath the surface too – political scheming and really old secrets that shape this whole industrial world. It’s a fantastic series!

‘No Game No Life’ (2014)

As a total anime and game fanatic, ‘No Game No Life’ really grabbed me. The story takes place in this incredible world called Disboard, where instead of fighting, everything is decided through games – from small arguments to huge international issues. It’s wild! Apparently, a god named Tet brought in my favorite duo, siblings Sora and Shiro, to help humanity get back on top. What’s even cooler is that Disboard isn’t just populated by humans; there are sixteen different intelligent races, and each one has a different level of magical power. It’s a really creative setup, and I’m completely hooked!

‘Land of the Lustrous’ (2017)

Long after humans are gone, a new race called the Lustrous—beings made of gemstones—live on a beautiful but dangerous world. They constantly fight against the Lunarians, who hunt them to use their bodies for jewelry. The story centers on Phos, a Lustrous who’s trying to find their purpose in a strict society where strength and durability dictate everyone’s job. The world is stark and atmospheric, dominated by a huge ocean and the ever-present threat from the moon.

‘Dorohedoro’ (2020)

‘Dorohedoro’ takes place in two very different locations: the bleak, industrial Hole and the vibrant, unpredictable world of the Sorcerers. Sorcerers often visit the Hole to experiment with their magic on people, frequently causing terrible mutations. The main character, Caiman, has a lizard head and can’t be affected by magic. He’s on a quest to find the sorcerer who turned him into what he is. The world is dark and gritty, and magic, which often involves smoke, follows its own bizarre rules.

‘Deca-Dence’ (2020)

To survive attacks from deadly creatures called Gadoll, humanity lives on Deca-Dence, a huge, moving fortress. This fortress isn’t just a home; it’s also a giant, elaborate game world controlled by cyborgs who secretly run the planet. People inside Deca-Dence are split into two groups: Tankers, who do the work, and Gears, who fight the monsters in a virtual battle arena. The truth is, the world of Deca-Dence is a carefully managed system created for the entertainment of others.

‘Kaiba’ (2008)

In the world of ‘Kaiba,’ people’s memories are digital and bodies can be swapped, creating a vast divide between the wealthy and the impoverished. The story follows a man who awakens with amnesia and a physical wound, journeying across strange and dreamlike planets. Each location he visits raises questions about what happens when memories can be bought, sold, and altered, and the art style reflects a society where even your identity can be a product.

‘Girls’ Last Tour’ (2017)

‘Girls’ Last Tour’ follows two girls as they explore the remains of a once-great city, long after humanity is gone. They search for supplies like food and fuel, traveling through a world of crumbling buildings and abandoned vehicles. While the world is mostly silent and empty, traces of the old civilization remain, and the girls try to make sense of them. The story highlights the simple joys and beauty found in everyday survival amidst such vast emptiness.

‘Patema Inverted’ (2013)

In the world of ‘Patema Inverted,’ people experience gravity differently. Patema comes from a society beneath the surface where she’s pulled upward, while Age lives above ground with normal gravity. When they meet, they have to cling to each other to avoid falling into the sky – either hers or his. The story explores what happens when a society’s beliefs about nature are physically reflected in the world around them.

‘From the New World’ (2012–2013)

‘From the New World’ takes place in a village where everyone has psychic abilities, appearing to live a peaceful life. However, the children growing up there discover a troubling truth: their perfect society is founded on a hidden, harsh past and strict rules designed to ensure humanity’s survival. The world is also home to bizarre creatures, like the Monster Rats, who are controlled by these psychically gifted people. The story examines how a seemingly perfect world can mask a brutal, but essential, way of life.

‘Log Horizon’ (2013–2021)

Suddenly, thousands of gamers find themselves stuck inside ‘Elder Tale,’ a popular online role-playing game. But ‘Log Horizon’ isn’t just about escaping; it’s about creating a working society within the game, figuring out its economy and how power works. Players have to learn complex magic and crafting systems to survive, and as they do, they realize this isn’t a game anymore – it’s their new reality.

‘Tower of God’ (2020–Present)

In ‘Tower of God’, Bam ventures into a massive, enigmatic structure called the Tower to rescue his friend, Rachel. Each floor of the Tower presents unique challenges, environments, and civilizations. A mysterious energy called Shinsu flows throughout the Tower, providing power to those who live there. Those attempting to reach the summit, known as Climbers, compete against each other, with the promise of having any wish granted upon reaching the top.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023)

In ‘Hell’s Paradise,’ a band of criminals and their executioners are sent to the enigmatic island of Shinsenkyo in search of the Elixir of Life. This beautiful but dangerous island is home to strange plants and creatures, blending religious ideas with biological realities. As the group explores, they uncover that Shinsenkyo is inhabited by incredibly powerful immortals. The island appears like a paradise, but it’s actually a terrifying place where the boundaries between life and death are constantly tested.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2019)

In a high-tech future Japan, a system called Sibyl System tracks everyone’s mental state to predict criminal behavior. If someone is deemed likely to commit a crime – indicated by their ‘Crime Coefficient’ – they are hunted down by law enforcement officers called Enforcers and Inspectors, often before they’ve even acted. This world is a sprawling, modern city constantly watched over by surveillance technology, which maintains an uneasy peace. It makes you wonder how much safety is too much, and what true justice looks like when everything is calculated and controlled.

‘Ranking of Kings’ (2021–2022)

Ranking of Kings tells the story of Bojji, a prince who can’t hear or use magic, but dreams of becoming a great king. He lives in a world of giants and magic where kingdoms are judged by how powerful and successful their rulers are. As Bojji journeys through this land, he encounters shadowy magic and ancient creatures that affect the politics of each kingdom. The series blends a classic fairytale look with complicated characters and a rich, detailed history.

‘Mushi-shi’ (2005–2014)

Mushishi follows Ginko as he journeys through a reimagined Edo-era Japan, researching mysterious life forms called Mushi. These creatures, existing between life and death, can cause unusual events for the people they affect. The series portrays a beautiful and enigmatic natural world where the boundary between the real and the supernatural is unclear. Each episode focuses on a different encounter with nature, highlighting the fragile balance of the environment.

‘Aria’ (2005)

In the animated series ‘Aria the Animation,’ the story unfolds on Aqua, a planet transformed to resemble Earth’s Venice. Here, Akari Mizunashi is learning to be a gondolier in a city called Neo Venezia. Aqua is a world where life moves at a relaxed pace, and the focus is on appreciating everyday beauty and the connection between people and their surroundings. The planet features stunning canals and a distinctive culture that has evolved over time on Mars.

‘Kino’s Journey’ (2003)

‘Kino’s Journey’ follows Kino as they travel the world on a talking motorcycle, Hermes, visiting a variety of isolated countries. Each country has its own distinct rules and traditions, often prompting thought-provoking questions about life and society. The series explores a wide range of civilizations, from technologically advanced cities to simple villages, using these different cultures to reflect on human behavior and the choices people make.

‘Dr. Stone’ (2019–2023)

In ‘Dr. Stone,’ Senku Ishigami awakens after thousands of years to find everyone has turned to stone. Nature has taken over the world, leaving behind ruins of old cities. Using his scientific expertise, Senku attempts to rebuild civilization from the ground up, highlighting the clash between a primitive world and modern technology.

‘Tengoku Daimakyo’ (2023)

The series centers on Maru and Kiruko, two children traveling through the remains of Japan following a devastating event. At the same time, another group of children lives in a protected, walled community that keeps the truth about the outside world hidden. The ruined world is filled with dangerous creatures called ‘Man-eaters’ which Maru and Kiruko must fight. As the story unfolds, these two separate worlds begin to connect, revealing a complex mystery.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–2024)

With the Demon King defeated, the elf mage Frieren finds herself in a world that’s continuing without her heroic companions. ‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ takes place in a traditional fantasy setting, but focuses on how time passes and what happens after a grand adventure. Frieren journeys across the land towards a place where spirits find peace, observing how magic and society evolve. The story highlights the lasting impact of the heroes’ quest and the relentless march of time.

‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind’ (1984)

After a devastating war, Earth is covered by a dangerous, poisonous jungle. In ‘Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,’ Nausicaä tries to uncover the secrets of giant insects called Ohmu and how they relate to the planet’s survival. The world blends a medieval way of life with remnants of high-tech technology from a past cataclysm. This unique setting highlights the long-lasting damage caused by war and the incredible power of nature to recover.

‘Castle in the Sky’ (1986)

Sheeta and Pazu embark on a quest to find Laputa, a legendary island that floats in the sky, all while being chased by pirates and the army. The movie ‘Castle in the Sky’ takes place in a world reminiscent of the late 1800s, but filled with airships and incredible steam-powered technology. Laputa is an amazing feat of ancient construction, featuring beautiful gardens alongside powerful weapons. The story delves into the forgotten past of a civilization that once dominated the skies using special stones that enabled flight.

‘Mononoke’ (2007)

During Japan’s Edo period, the Medicine Seller journeys across the land, seeking out and banishing dangerous spirits called Mononoke. Each story takes place in a new location, brought to life with a distinctive and beautiful paper texture art style. To defeat these spirits, the hero must uncover their hidden Truth and Reason, which often exposes the painful human emotions that gave them birth. ‘Mononoke’ presents a surreal and colorful world inspired by Japanese folklore and the complexities of the human mind.

‘Promare’ (2019)

‘Promare’ takes place in a vibrant, futuristic world shaken by the emergence of the Burnish – humans who can create and control fire. Galo Thymos and his firefighting team fight these blazes using advanced robots to protect their city, Promepolis. The film’s striking visuals, filled with neon and sharp geometric designs, emphasize the dangerous conflict and the social issues arising from the divide between regular people and those with fiery powers.

‘Ergo Proxy’ (2006)

In a dark future, humans live in enclosed cities called domes, like Romdo, to protect themselves from Earth’s ruined environment. Robots, known as Autoreivs, serve humanity, but a strange virus causes them to become self-aware in the series ‘Ergo Proxy’. As Re l Mayer investigates a string of murders, she uncovers the existence of powerful beings called Proxies. The story takes place in a grim and thought-provoking world that explores questions about who we are and why we exist.

‘Texhnolyze’ (2003)

Lukuss is a rundown, underground city ruled by warring groups. Life is harsh, and many people rely on cybernetic enhancements—called Texhnolyze—just to survive or gain an advantage. The city feels oppressive and hopeless, a dark world sharply contrasted by the bright surface above. It’s a place on the verge of falling apart, and the story focuses on the struggles of those who live there.

‘Children of the Whales’ (2017)

In ‘Children of the Whales,’ a giant ship called the Mud Whale travels across a vast desert, home to a small group of people. These people are split into two groups: those with magical abilities known as Thymia, and those without. Their peaceful isolation ends when they realize others still exist, and they must confront new dangers. The story takes place in a unique desert world where the rules of the ocean – like currents and tides – apply to the shifting sands.

Share which of these unique anime worlds you would want to visit in the comments.

2026-01-05 05:25