Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
Kernel Score: 88% · 608 ratings
Genres: Animation, Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Mystery
First aired: 1998-07-06
Seasons: 1 · 13 episodes
Where to watch Serial Experiments Lain
- Buy: Apple TV
US availability, updated 2026-10-23.
Overview
Lain—driven by the abrupt suicide of a classmate—logs on to the Wired and promptly loses herself in a twisted mass of hallucinations, memories, and interconnected-psyches.
Serial Experiments Lain parents' guide: ages 12+
Parents need to know that Serial Experiments Lain is a psychologically dark anime dealing with suicide, depression, and disturbing themes of identity and the internet.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Psychological horror elements and themes of suicide and dementia create a disturbing tone.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like Serial Experiments Lain
If you liked Serial Experiments Lain, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Hell Girl (2005) — 88%
- Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022) — 87%
- Junji Ito Collection (2018) — 86%
- Ergo Proxy (2006) — 82%
- Elfen Lied (2004) — 90%
- Magical Girl Site (2018) — 85%
- Parasyte -the maxim- (2014) — 89%
- SCHOOL-LIVE! (2015) — 87%
Cast
- Kaori Shimizu as Lain Iwakura (voice)
- Yoko Asada as Arisu Mizuki - Lain's friend (voice)
- Ayako Kawasumi as Mika Iwakura - Lain's older sister (voice)
- Ryusuke Ohbayashi as Yasuo Iwakura - Lain's father (voice)
- Rei Igarashi as Miho Iwakura - Lain's mother (voice)
- Sumi Mutoh as Chisa Yomoda (voice)
- Keito Takimoto as Tarō (voice)
- Chiharu Tezuka as Reika Yamamoto (voice)
- Manabi Mizuno as Yūri Katō (voice)
- Yuki Yamamoto as Myū-Myū (voice)
Serial Experiments Lain FAQ
Is Serial Experiments Lain good?
Serial Experiments Lain has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 608 audience ratings.
Where can I watch Serial Experiments Lain?
In the US you can buy it from Apple TV.
Is Serial Experiments Lain OK for kids?
Serial Experiments Lain is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 12+. Parents need to know that Serial Experiments Lain is a psychologically dark anime dealing with suicide, depression, and disturbing themes of identity and the internet.
What shows are like Serial Experiments Lain?
If you liked Serial Experiments Lain, try Hell Girl, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Junji Ito Collection and Ergo Proxy.