 If you liked Serial Experiments Lain |  ...then you might like Steins;Gate |
Both series are very computer oriented. They also explore the concept of time manipulation and time traveling.
report Recommended by SailorKagome
Both have the same strange and eerie atmosphere, although Lain is decidedly stranger. Lain is not about time travel, but it has the same "Matrix" feel to it. They are both crazy good, and Lain hits the ground running while Steins;Gate started a bit slower. Lain is a must watch.
report Recommended by PopuraChan
Steins;Gate has a more traditional narrative structure compared to Serial Experiments Lain, but there are some notable similarities. Firstly, the cinematography and mise-en-scene of Steins;Gate takes great influence from Serial Experiments Lain (notably in terms of lighting and sound). Beyond that, both shows explore humanity's relationship with technology in science fiction terms.
maybe this is most similar on the list but few comment, both have similar atmosphere dark urban, both great sci-fi animes, serial lain is more dark and confusing theme about reality and virtual reality (wired) and its consequences, steins;gates has more focus on time travel and consequence about change destiny, both MC is become emotionally unstable after while, steins;gates had great influence from serial experiments lain,for me the most similar of all those here on the list that i watched, and i watched them all
If you want anime that will make you question everything you know, make you think till your head hurts, and cause you chest pains from the stress of watching, look no further than Steins;Gate and Serial Experiments Lain. They both are unforgettable journeys and masterpieces. Steins;Gate deals with time travel, philosophy and the consequences of playing God with time travel. Serial Experiments Lain deals with how technology has essentially become reality itself, its philosophy, and how it influences every facet of yourself and humanity.
report Recommended by Saint_George