Existential Novels

Existential Novels
Novels that: (1) explore values and social constructs, (2) have a character that explores/questions their identity or existence, and/or (3) makes you, the reader, question your own existence.

Each novel is (roughly) ranked by how much it fits the above description, as well as a bit of a personal preference bias.

For some novels, the "existential" aspect may not be obvious in the beginning, but will make itself clear as the novel progresses.

Most novels listed are completed.
1 3610 13
10 Followers
darkchocolatesan
Created: Aug 22nd, 2019, Updated: Mar 31st, 2020
Created Aug 22nd, 2019
Updated Mar 31st, 2020
JP (4.5)
4 Chapters Every 853 Day(s) 1339 Readers 9 Reviews 12-06-2014
A really, really amazing novel. The premise may seem a bit bizarre, maybe comical, maybe even a romcom with a bit of gore, but at... more>>
JP (4.1)
7 Chapters Every 668.1 Day(s) 222 Readers 1 Reviews 08-22-2011
This novel is so good but it will f*** you up so bad. It's very heavy with emotions, addressing the topics of depression and su*cide.
CN (4.6)
131 Chapters Every 43.9 Day(s) 17161 Readers 406 Reviews 06-22-2023
Undoubtedly my favorite novel of all time, mainly because so many of the philosophies in this novel rang with me. Though it's heavily centered on... more>>
JP (4.2)
76 Chapters Every 167.2 Day(s) 3976 Readers 38 Reviews 05-26-2017
Might seem a bit comical and nonsensical at first, but after the plot twist hits you, it gets a lot more complex, and you might... more>>
JP (4.6)
2 Chapters Every 121.5 Day(s) 2263 Readers 9 Reviews 08-05-2023
This novel is short and sweet, but so humanizing.
JP (4.7)
12 Chapters Every 2.4 Day(s) 2653 Readers 14 Reviews 04-17-2011
This one is short and cute in its own way. Don't be too scared off by the beginning; this isn't a gory novel, or a... more>>
JP (4.1)
96 Chapters Every 191.9 Day(s) 9277 Readers 56 Reviews 04-01-2017
Another novel that seems like a typical revenge novel in a European-inspired fantasy setting, but it's one that may not have the ending you thought... more>>
JP (4.2)
255 Chapters Every 123.1 Day(s) 14061 Readers 97 Reviews 09-14-2022
For a synopsis that seems to fit in with a typical cliche otome-game villainess novel trope, it really hits you hard in the first few... more>>
JP (4.4)
79 Chapters Every 157.5 Day(s) 13818 Readers 122 Reviews 07-26-2023
This is again one of those novels that seem like a typical reincarnation into a European-inspired fantasy world, but is anything but. It's not as... more>>
JP (4.8)
38 Chapters Every 194.9 Day(s) 10098 Readers 87 Reviews 03-09-2017
The protagonist of this novel is pretty badass and really doesn't give a sh*t about life. I haven't finished reading the entire novel, but from... more>>
CN (4.5)
54 Chapters Every 137.8 Day(s) 10102 Readers 148 Reviews 09-20-2018
The "existential" aspect may not be as obvious, but to me this novel is about accepting that not all of life has to simply be... more>>
CN (4.8)
0 Chapters Every 1523 Day(s) 11940 Readers 293 Reviews 01-28-2020
CN (4.5)
102 Chapters Every 21.5 Day(s) 6809 Readers 45 Reviews 12-25-2023
Comments (1)
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  1. jiang ying yue
    jiang ying yue· Feb 26, 2021 11:19 AM
    Your list is amazing! Thanks for the recommendations (`_´)ゞ
    Reply · ·