Some anime take place in familiar schools or cities, while others create worlds that feel completely different from our own. These settings can be strange, beautiful or full of surprises, giving the story its own special mood.

If you enjoy discovering new places through animation, these five anime offer unusual worlds and memorable journeys.

1. Made in Abyss

Made in Abyss follows Riko, a young girl who lives near a huge, mysterious hole known as the Abyss. People travel into it to search for rare objects, but the deeper they go, the more dangerous the journey becomes.

Riko wants to explore the Abyss and learn what happened to her mother. She sets out with Reg, a boy who has a mysterious past and unusual abilities.

The world of the series is filled with strange creatures, hidden ruins and beautiful landscapes. Its bright visual style can make the setting look inviting, even when the story becomes tense.

Made in Abyss is best suited to viewers who enjoy fantasy adventures with mystery and a darker side.

2. Land of the Lustrous

Land of the Lustrous takes place in a future world where human life has disappeared. The main characters are living gemstones who protect themselves from mysterious beings that arrive from the moon.

Phos, one of the youngest gemstones, wants to find a role in the group. Their journey leads to questions about identity, change and what it means to be useful.

The series has a striking visual style, with characters whose bodies shine like polished stones. Its world feels quiet and unfamiliar, and the story slowly reveals more about its history.

Land of the Lustrous is a good choice for viewers who want fantasy with thoughtful characters and an unusual setting.

3. The Ancient Magus’ Bride

The Ancient Magus’ Bride follows Chise Hatori, a young woman who enters the world of magic after meeting Elias, a mysterious figure with a skull-like head.

Chise begins learning about magical creatures, old traditions and the hidden side of everyday life. The story moves between villages, forests and places where ordinary rules do not always apply.

The series stands out for its atmosphere. Magical beings are treated as part of the world rather than as simple villains or heroes. Some are kind, some are dangerous, and many are difficult to understand.

Its mix of fantasy, folklore and personal growth makes it an appealing option for viewers who enjoy slow, character-focused stories.

4. Girls’ Last Tour

Girls’ Last Tour follows Chito and Yuuri, two girls travelling through the remains of a huge, empty city after civilisation has collapsed.

They move through abandoned buildings, old roads and forgotten machines in search of food and fuel. Their journey is quiet, with much of the story built around small discoveries and conversations.

The setting may look bleak, but the series often finds gentle moments in the girls’ friendship. They share meals, explore unfamiliar places and try to understand the world around them.

Girls’ Last Tour is a thoughtful choice for viewers who enjoy calm storytelling and unusual post-apocalyptic settings.

5. Sonny Boy

Sonny Boy begins when a school and its students suddenly drift into strange worlds beyond their understanding. Some students develop unusual powers, while others try to discover why they are there.

As the group moves between different places, the rules of each world change. The students must make decisions about leadership, trust and how they want to live.

The series uses its unusual settings to explore growing up and facing uncertainty. It does not explain every detail immediately, so viewers who enjoy open-ended stories may find it especially interesting.

Sonny Boy is a good pick for those who like experimental anime and stories that leave room for interpretation.

Final Thoughts

These five anime offer very different worlds to explore. Made in Abyss builds a dangerous fantasy adventure, Land of the Lustrous creates a future unlike our own, and The Ancient Magus’ Bride draws on folklore and magic.

Girls’ Last Tour finds quiet beauty in a ruined city, while Sonny Boy takes its characters through strange and shifting realities.

Each series uses its setting to shape the story. If you are looking for anime that feels different from everyday life, these worlds are worth visiting.