On the surface, Made in Abyss is a cute adventure. But once you’re plugged in, this dark fantasy anime will leave you deeply unsettled.
The series made a lot of noise in the anime community when it debuted in 2017, and rightly so. Known for its deceptively cute art style and its darker, more mature storytelling, this unique combination quickly won over the attention of fans. The excitement didn’t stop there, as season 1 of Made in Abyss was soon followed by a few movies and a full second season, keeping fans hooked on the story of Riko and her friends. In 2023, Kadokawa announced that a new sequel was in the works, so now’s the perfect time to catch up, and this guide will help you enjoy Made in Abyss in the right sequence.
Made in Abyss season 1 (2017)
First things first, your journey begins with season 1 of Made in Abyss. This is where everything started, and it’s essential viewing. The season consists of 13 episodes, with a chilling one-hour-long finale. It introduces us to Riko, a young girl living in the town of Orth, which surrounds a massive, mysterious chasm known as the Abyss. The Abyss is filled with ancient relics and unknown creatures, attracting adventurers known as Cave Raiders. One day, Riko discovers a robot boy named Reg with no memory of his past, and the two become fast friends. Determined to find her mother, Riko and Reg embark on a perilous journey into the Abyss, descending through its dangerous layers.
Made in Abyss Movie 3: Dawn of the Deep Soul (2020)
After finishing season 1, your next stop is the movie Dawn of the Deep Soul. It picks up right where the first season left off, and continues the perilous journey of Riko, Reg, and Nanachi as they descend further into the treacherous Abyss. When the trio descends into the fifth layer, known as the Sea of Corpses, they encounter Bondrewd, a mysterious and formidable White Whistle who has a deep connection to Nanachi’s tragic past. As the group confronts the horrors and challenges of this new layer, they must face their darkest fears and make unimaginable sacrifices to survive.
Marulk’s Daily Life
While this 4-episode short isn’t necessary to understand the main storyline, it’s a fun little extra if you’re looking for more Made in Abyss content. It was also shown before the theatrical screening of Made in Abyss season 2. If you’re a completionist, you might want to explore the special OVA, which is a cute, short side story featuring the character Marulk.
Made in Abyss season 2: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun (2022)
Season 2 of Made in Abyss spans 12 episodes and adapts the “Ilblu” arc of the manga. Here, we meet some adventurers of the past. The story begins with the Ganja, a team of explorers who journeyed across the sea to reach the island containing the Abyss. Their tragic adventure is revealed through flashbacks, leading up to their settlement in the Hollow village of Ilblu. Here, Riko, Reg, and Nanachi encounter the Ganja and find refuge from the dangers of the Abyss’s sixth layer. In this season, the trio encounters new allies and formidable foes, uncovering the dark secrets of the Abyss and the tragic histories of those who inhabit it.
Made in Abyss Movie 1: Journey’s Dawn, and Movie 2: Wandering Twilight (2019)
Now, if you’re short on time or just want a quick refresher, you might opt for the two recap movies. Journey’s Dawn covers the events of the first eight episodes of Made in Abyss season 1, and has a runtime of just under two hours. Wandering Twilight picks up from episodes 9 to 12, with a runtime of 108 minutes. These films condense the first season’s story into a more digestible format, which can be handy if you need a quicker way to get caught up before diving into the sequel.