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Serial Experiments Lain
1998·Movie
·4h 0min·
Serial Experiments Lain fingerprint
Immersive world, strong craft, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Spectacle6
- Adrenaline5
Heart
Melancholic and wondrous
- Melancholy7
- Wonder7
- Pathos6
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Absurdist Humor4
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay3
World
The mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Ambiguity9
- Novelty9
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Intrigue9
- Complexity9
- Direction8
Style
Standout sound design
- Sound Centrality8
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Serial Experiments Lain is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare5Frightening moments and scares.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Uncanny9Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumMelancholic and wondrous
Emotionally, it's melancholic and wondrous.
All heart traits
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder7Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Absurdist Humor4Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity7Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighThe mind, technology, and the future
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around the mind, technology, and the future. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity9Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Related traits
- Psychological10Inner worlds and mind games.
- Tech & Humanity10Human stories in a tech world.
- Futuristic9Speculative tech and future worlds.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Gaming8Video games and game culture.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and characters stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Intrigue9Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative5Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative4Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty9Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical9Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
HighStandout sound design
Look and sound: the sound design stand out.
All style traits
- Sound Centrality8Sound design as core element.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization7Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle6Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Psychedelic5Mind-bending, trippy visuals.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchTeensBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
"I don't care if I'm sick or not. I just want it to stop."
A highly experimental interactive narrative piecing together the story of Lain, an introverted teenage girl, along with her psychiatrist Yonera Touko. Through video logs, therapy sessions, and diary entries, which can be accessed via files seperated into two discs, the narrative delves into questions of identity, memory, and the shifting divide between the Wired.
CyberpunkPsychological ThrillerExperimental NarrativeTechno-PhilosophicalDystopianUncannyAmbiguousSlow BurnIntriguingTechnology and Identity
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Serial Experiments Lain
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
What is Serial Experiments Lain rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Serial Experiments Lain?
4 h 0 min
Serial Experiments Lain runs 4 h 0 min.
What language is Serial Experiments Lain in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
What tropes does Serial Experiments Lain use?
Nothing Is ScarierI Want My Beloved to Be HappyCowboys and IndiansInside a Computer SystemGainax EndingHeroic BSoDCreepy CrowsFriendless BackgroundBoyish Short HairCaught with Your Pants DownMy Death Is Just the BeginningBody Horrorand 162 more
TV Tropes lists 174 storytelling tropes for Serial Experiments Lain, including Nothing Is Scarier, I Want My Beloved to Be Happy, Cowboys and Indians.