7 “Deep” Anime That Are Actually Just Confusing

Anime enthusiasts often debate which series are the most impactful and significant. Certain shows have become known as brilliant examples of philosophical or psychological storytelling. Fans often recommend these, saying things like “you won’t understand it” or “you need to watch it multiple times to truly appreciate it.” And it’s true that some anime do explore complex themes in a meaningful way. However, there’s a distinction between being deep and being confusing. Some anime mistake complexity for genuine thoughtfulness.

Rather than providing real understanding, these anime often overwhelm viewers with confusing visuals, unclear conversations, or plot changes that don’t lead to satisfying conclusions. Shows like Serial Experiments Lain and Ergo Proxy are frequently celebrated for having many “layers,” but often what viewers discover beneath the surface are inconsistencies, not meaningful discoveries. This doesn’t mean these anime are bad; they can be genuinely unique and even emotionally impactful. However, as stories, they aren’t particularly profound. They’re valued for their artistic style and boldness, but they’ve also left many viewers frustrated, wondering if the confusion was deliberate or simply a result of weak writing disguised as intelligence.

Neon Genesis Evangelion’s Pseudo-Philosophy Doesn’t Add Up

It’s hard to find an anime that causes more discussion than Neon Genesis Evangelion. On the surface, it’s a story about teens piloting massive robots to defend the world. But it’s much more complex than that. The problem is that for every clear moment, there are several confusing images or conflicting symbols. Things like crosses exploding during fights with no explanation, complicated jargon about “Human Instrumentality,” and an ending consisting of abstract visuals and unclear speeches all contribute to this. Fans frequently argue that the show is profound because it challenges them to interpret its meaning.

The confusion surrounding Evangelion often stems from difficulties during its production. Hideaki Anno frequently faced time and budget constraints, which led to abrupt shifts in the story and a lot of on-the-fly writing. While the anime does explore real psychological themes, its combination of apocalyptic imagery and unresolved plot points doesn’t quite come together to form a cohesive message. It’s undeniable that Evangelion has left a significant mark on anime and broader culture – its characters are iconic, and its honest portrayal of feelings resonates with viewers even when the plot feels unclear. However, calling it a profoundly complex anime overlooks a simple truth: a lot of its perceived “mystery” is simply due to a lack of clear explanation.

Serial Experiments Lain Chose Cyberpunk Vibes Over Clarity

Serial Experiments Lain is frequently suggested to viewers looking for something that really makes you think. The story centers around Lain, a quiet girl who becomes entangled in the strange world of the Wired – a virtual network similar to the Internet – which blurs the lines between what’s real, technology, and who we are. While the idea behind the show is captivating, it’s known for being very confusing. The anime throws a lot of surreal and bizarre images at you, and the characters often speak in cryptic puzzles about identity and what it means to exist. There are even entire episodes where it’s difficult to tell what’s happening or if it’s even real.

While some people find this anime profound, it often feels intentionally vague. Rather than offering straightforward insights into technology or the human mind, the series embraces confusion, almost as if that’s the point. Lain‘s story has some truly unforgettable scenes, and the show’s cyberpunk setting is instantly recognizable. The anime visually captures things in a remarkable way. However, for every viewer who considers Lain a masterpiece, there’s an equal number who’ll admit they were lost during the story. Lain definitely leaves a lasting impression, but it’s a show meant to be discussed endlessly, not fully understood after just one viewing.

Ergo Proxy’s Philosophy Is Buried Under Pretentious Philosophy

I’m a huge fan of Ergo Proxy, and it really pulls you in with its vision of a future where humans and androids – they call them AutoReivs – live in these dome cities. But there’s also something else out there… mysterious beings called Proxies. It’s a really dark and thought-provoking anime, tackling big questions about what it means to be human, but honestly, I think the story sometimes struggles to live up to its potential. The plot can feel a bit slow and wander off course, focusing more on symbolism and atmosphere than actually moving forward. It’s great, but be prepared for a story that prioritizes mood over a fast-paced narrative.

The story features characters appearing and disappearing within hazy, dreamlike settings, some of which add substance while others feel like padding. Viewers hoping for clear explanations will likely find themselves frustrated rather than enlightened. However, Ergo Proxy does have some strengths. Its visuals are impressive, the atmosphere is captivating, and its exploration of profound questions is admirable. Still, the anime prioritizes style over substance. Rather than providing genuine insights into humanity or technology, it obscures its ideas with a slow and disorganized plot. Ergo Proxy is often labeled as “deep” simply because of its beautiful presentation and sound design. But beyond the surface, it’s more perplexing than insightful.

Nihilism Without Direction Makes Texhnolyze a Puzzle

Texhnolyze is often considered to be one of the most distinctive anime series. The story takes place in a decaying city built underground, where gangs and powerful companies are in control. It centers on Ichise, a skilled fighter who undergoes a radical transformation, becoming partially mechanical after losing his arms and legs. The anime is deeply pessimistic, exploring themes of decay, corruption, and humanity’s tendency toward self-destruction. The issue isn’t simply that the show is bleak; it’s that its ideas are presented in a way that can feel distant and irritating. The first episode is well-known for having minimal dialogue, leaving audiences feeling confused and immersed in long, silent shots of the desolate environment. Subsequent episodes maintain this slow rhythm, featuring cryptic conversations and surreal scenes that often don’t lead to satisfying resolutions.

The show strives so hard to be complex and gloomy that it frequently loses sight of being engaging. For those who enjoy experimental storytelling, Texhnolyze is a captivating watch. It’s boundary-pushing and bleak in a way very few anime attempt. However, for most viewers, the slow pace and unclear narrative will likely feel tedious. Rather than seeming deep, its exploration of nihilism becomes draining. Ultimately, Texhnolyze fulfills its promise of a desolate world, but it doesn’t offer a satisfying or enlightening conclusion for the audience.

Mystery Without Meaning Makes Boogiepop Hard to Follow

The anime aims for a mysterious and deep feel, but often comes across as confusing instead. It tells a complex web of stories about strange, supernatural events happening in a city, all linked by the enigmatic figure of Boogiepop. Rather than a straightforward plot, the anime jumps between different characters, time periods, and viewpoints, and generally avoids explaining things directly. When executed skillfully, this non-linear approach creates a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. Throughout, the audience is driven to piece together the fragmented narratives, which can be rewarding when connections are made. However, this structure more frequently leads to frustration.

Characters seem to come and go for no clear reason, the order of events gets confused, and the storytelling is intentionally unclear, adding to the confusion. Before long, viewers are left questioning what they are even watching. The anime is praised as a bold experiment that doesn’t follow typical rules, but it’s also a prime example of storytelling that feels deliberately mysterious and pretentious. Instead of building towards a clear explanation of its ideas, it offers hints without ever resolving them, eventually dropping them altogether. Boogiepop Phantom does have a dedicated following, particularly among those who enjoy trying to make sense of fragmented narratives. However, for most viewers, it demonstrates how style can overshadow substance and a compelling story. It’s a visually striking show, but lacks narrative clarity.

The Big O Asks Questions It Never Wants to Answer

Initially, The Big O gives the impression of being inspired by mecha anime. The main character, Roger Smith, is a charismatic negotiator who can call upon a massive robot, and the series’ retro-futuristic city strongly resembles Batman: The Animated Series. The show starts strong, smartly balancing detective work with exciting action. However, as the story progresses, mysteries begin to accumulate without being resolved. The anime repeatedly hints at the city’s lost history, the true identity of its inhabitants, and the origins of the giant robots, but seems unwilling to offer any concrete explanations.

When the show’s secrets finally come out, they’re so unclear and ambiguous that even dedicated fans are left confused. The series finale, which caused a lot of controversy, is *still* being discussed years later, with theories ranging from “it was all a theatrical performance” to “it was a commentary on how anime is made.” The core issue is that a mystery that never gets explained is just frustrating. The Big O excels at creating a strong mood, and its visually impressive style is definitely praiseworthy. However, its unwillingness to answer any of the questions it raises makes the show ultimately feel empty. Viewers who were expecting a deep, meaningful message are left with unresolved plot points instead.

FLCL Confuses Growing Up With Randomness

FLCL is frequently celebrated for being a bizarre and dreamlike anime, and it’s likely the most confusing one ever created. In just six incredibly fast-paced episodes, the series bombards viewers with strange visuals and rapid-fire conversations. Fans believe the show is intentionally chaotic and that FLCL represents the experience of growing up. While there’s truth to that idea, the anime doesn’t explain its symbolism very well. Instead, it overwhelms the audience with so many metaphors that it becomes difficult to follow.

Does the robot represent growing up? Is Haruko a stand-in for discovering sexuality? Or is it all just a fast-paced, silly ride? Even dedicated fans struggle to pin down the meaning. There’s no question that FLCL is visually striking and has had a big impact. The animation was groundbreaking for its time, and the music is still instantly recognizable. However, when you look at it as a narrative, it feels more scattered than meaningful. The feeling of depth often comes from what viewers bring to it, rather than being explicitly present in the story. FLCL certainly earns its devoted following, but calling it “deep” might be going too far. Essentially, it’s a show that confuses constant craziness with genuine understanding.

2025-10-01 04:42