Mawaru Penguindrum

Both are mutilayerd mindblowers. 

report Recommended by Monti_Jones

While these shows are very different (Mawaru Penguindrum is more 'fluffy'), they both make effective use of symbolism (with some of it, in both cases, revolving around religion) and explore meanings of both love and sacrifice. However, the characters in NGE are more believable and their insecurities are explored i a much more detailed level. 

report Recommended by merurin

Some people might see this recommendation and go "wtf is wrong with your head? the two are nothing alike!" and yet, when I was looking for an anime that was similar to mawaru penguindrum, neon genesis evangelion came to mind instantly. True, in MP, there are no fight scenes, nor are there post acalyptic monsters out to destroy the world. (there are mechas though--erm, kinda) 

What they do have in common, however, is the complexity in the story. This one's a recommendation for people that like scratching their heads a little when they watch a good show. You cannot simply watch either without thinking; everything that happens has a reason for happening, another meaning. The drama, too, is going to keep you on your edge, and you won't want to miss a bit. 

In short, if you're looking for something to analyze and watch witha  more complicated mindset, both of these shows are for you. read more 

report Recommended by Darkiway

Both have a very very huge amount of symbolism in them. To different extents.  As with other Ikuhara shows, Penguindrum definitely lives up to it.  

report Recommended by ZachM

To those who appreciated the intense symbolism and quirky, intresting characters with more depth then meets the eye, look no further.

While Pengiundrum's story is alot different than Evangelion, there's no denying the similarities to be found here. Honestly, as I watched Penguindrum I couldn't help but feel like it is a sillier, if not MORE intense, version of Eva. Minus the mechs....

And Shinji 

report Recommended by ReactAsylum

both of them have unique atmosphere and artstyle. Penguindrum is a must watch if you enjoy simbolism and teenagers having mental breakdowns, also, penguindrum has an amazing OST, i assure you will enjoy it, just give it a try 

report Recommended by carocacao88

Though Penguindrum isn't action, much less so mecha, they're both surreal psychological dramas (with Penguindrum being a bit more dramedy than EVA). They both become darker and more complicated as the series progresses. The use of symbolism and surrealism especially tie the two together and a plot that probably won't make too much sense until the credits roll for the final time, or maybe only some time after that.

If it was the surrealism, symbolism, or occasional experimentalism and mindf*ckery that brought you to one, you'll most likely enjoy the other. 

report Recommended by DeadKennedys78

Sarazanmai addpermalink

Very similar style (same director) telling very different stories, but a lot of the themes are carried across both. Interesting characters with their fair share of drama and problems to sort out. Both like to sometimes be abstract with some of the story telling, leaving lots up to interpretation.  

report Recommended by Xaeveax

If you like any show directed by Ikuhara and want something similar, you have to watch another show by Ikuhara. That's because his anime isn't similar to anything else besides his own stuff. 

Both Penguindrum and Sarazanmai are full of methaphores, beautiful magical girl-like sequences and great animation. Mawaru Penguindrum is about two boys doing his best to save the life of their little sister; it's a story about destiny. Sarazanmai is a story of three boys who are trying to connect with someone they love; it's a story about connections. They're equally insane and amazing in their own way, and the story-telling is very Ikuhara-ish: Hard to understand at first - but then, everything connects. read more 

report Recommended by MaahHeim

Penguindrum is a one of a kind show. 

Ikuhara's 'Sarazanmai' is the first thing since to achieve the same feeling. Glad to have him back.  

report Recommended by ZachM

I was actually surprised these weren't made by the same person. They're both bizarre, emotional, and explores its themes in a more unusual and complex way than most would. They're both the kind of shows you think '...who on earth dreamt this up'. Sarazanmai is a definitely a lot easier to follow though.  

report Recommended by Higaroth

Both anime have a similar, colourful and surreal artstyle. The humour in both is also pretty similar. They both have outlandish visuals, and a storyline that seems to focus on relationships and people's insecurity in themselves.

Both series also seem to have quite a lot of symbolism and foreshadowing. 

report Recommended by NonaryGames

The artstyle, the way it's directed the comedy that has a deeper meaning hidden behind it are all similar.    

report Recommended by Zerity

Both of these shows share the same wild director that is Ikuhara, thus it speaks for itself that these two shows would be similar.  However, if you are interested in Ikuhara's work you would find that these two shows are the most similar.  Sarazanmai and Penguindrum share the most striking similarities out of all his work.  Worth a shot if you like one or the other! 

report Recommended by apoostrophe

Modern works of Ikuhara Kunihiko that share a very similar art style despite being from different studios. They are surreal avant-garde anime that are character-centric and have heavy usage of symbolism. They both feature a sakuga-filled musical scenario that is played in most episodes, and they have stories with deeper meanings that get revealed over time. They also use small, non-human creatures to represent some aspect of the characters. 

report Recommended by Eziprez

Steins;Gate addpermalink

Its about changing time/fate to save some one soo dear even if it means sacrificing oneself. So many twist keeps u on the edge of your sit every episode and story lines changes so you dont even know whats going one even when you thought you just had, it.

Both Amazing animes. 

report Recommended by BeautifulViolet

The Anime deal with other world lines and the story lines both make the viewer guess what is going to be happening next. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

Mawaru Penguindrum is more of an acquired taste than Steins Gate and it won't appeal to everyone, but both deal with themes about:
- Love (Family, Friendship, Romantic and even obsessions), and the lengths people would be willing to go for a loved one
- Fate and changing fate
- Grief, death and self-sacrifice.

Both start out quite light-hearted and then all of a sudden become serious, both have a good drama element which will leave you wanting to watch more and both have twists in the plot that keep you interested until the end. 

report Recommended by phai

my recommendation is not like "oh the main character of this anime has a blue hair and in this anime, the main character also has a blue hair". My recommendation is more deeper than this. In this anime the brothers were using the power to change time and people's destinies to fulfill their selfish needs and just like this anime, In Stains;Gate, the main character also uses the power to change time and people's destinies to fulfill his selfish needs whether it's good or bad. If you liked the Mystery side of this anime than stains;gate is not really for you, but if you liked how science was used and how dark the anime was or how the brothers were trying to save their sister than this anime Stains;Gate is definitly for you! because guess what? the main character of Stains;Gate is ALSO trying to save two ppl that he loves so...watch this to see HIS version of trying to save someone using time :D read more 

report Recommended by htdepaula

The essential 'flavour' of both anime is similar. They are both a confused and uncertain search for answers and exploration into the less well-understood. The manner of plot revelation is also similar, considering their timing and intensity.
The main difference between them is that Mawaru Penguindrum is a more abstract, idealistic take on the above. 

report Recommended by tk_a

similarities in both anime:
-have many plot twists.
-the theme is rather dark.
-since there are many mysteries in both anime, I think the audiences need high concentration while watching those. 

report Recommended by amikyu

Both revolve around main characters trying to save a girl, in this instance, their sister. Both include many twists and turns in the plot that don't take away from the main storyline, and also have a deep tone of "If you watch the first episode, many random things will happen, but if you watch it all the  way through, then you'll understand everything. 

report Recommended by Long5500

Both stories have a slight mystery element to them. They are both cleverly written with events that will shock you.

Both series start out light hearted before becoming dark and sad.

The art style to Mawaru Penguindrum is brighter and more colourful than Steins;Gate but I'm sure most people will enjoy it because it is beautiful.

In Steins;Gate, the main protagonist will do anything to save someone he loves.
The two brothers in Penguindrum will do anything to save their sister.  

report Recommended by Pastel_Luna

Tsuritama addpermalink

Bright colors mixed with a dark story line plus the experimental additions to the animation scattered about at nice intervals. The characters are unique and have depth to them and the suspension slowly builds up to a grand finale. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

At first sight those two shows wouldn't look to be much similar to one another, to be honest.. But i have to admit that the more i was watching of Tsuritama and the more it was reminding me that "something" i found in Mawaru Penguindrum back then.
- A word to describe MP is surely "random", because it throw at you so many things, in so many sceneries and SO MANY different stuff happening inside it.
That said, i have to add that i "sort of found" a similar random-ish feeling in Tsuritama.
- Also, both series are somewhat quite colorful and little by little they tell you about some mystery to uncover.
- To the "Funny" scenes there's also to mention that catchphrases can't miss. "Survival Strategy" from MP, and "DU-CK!" from Tsuritama will lead you to drop some smile in the series :3

Again, if you are searching for a serie with an identical story to one of those, the other is definitely NOT what you are looking for. 
But if you saw one of those and have some open mind and are willing to give a try to something different-but-similar, then you might want to watch this one other serie! read more 

report Recommended by EtnaEraclea

Tsuritama and Mawaru Penguindrum are very similar both in terms of how they look and how they feel. They first come off as simple and a little odd, story-wise, but little by little a complicated and confusing underlying plot emerges. 

report Recommended by hal89

Both give off the same feeling and are very aesthetically unique. Tsuritama is a bit lighter in tone, but may become darker in later episodes. 

report Recommended by SuchADojikko

They give you the same "what the fuck is going on" vibe. 

report Recommended by zlae

Both have colorfull and vivid animation as well as similar animation styles.
Both have strange storys with an alien involved as a main character.
 

report Recommended by Rafiky

Both series contain a strange feeling of setting, art, and characters. Both have a light tone and has supernatural themes using unorthodox usage of humor.

Both series' characters are also strange and hard to place them into the normal sphere. And of course with strange animation, characters also means a strange story in these two strange series.

Strangely though, both of these series are watchable and brings entertainment. 

report Recommended by Stark700

-bright animation implying a happy story when in fact there's a darker plot.
-general animation of each anime 

report Recommended by wallflower_

Durarara!! addpermalink

Ikebukuro, mystery, Brains Base. What more do I need to say? They're great. 

report Recommended by mwp

Read recommendations by 6 more users

Both are masterpieces with compelling story progression styles which get you hooked into the series. 

report Recommended by puvijain

There are 3 groups that center on one thing
complications and misunderstandings along the story
surprises and insane truths
stories take place in Ikebukuro

On episode 1-5 you don't know what the hell you're watching.
On episode 10-13 you started to put the pieces of mystery together.
On episode 15-up oops, you're addicted now.

Great animes. just watch coz youre not gonna regret this. 

report Recommended by izza14

- No one is as simple as they seem on the surface. 

- Both have some form of non-linear storytelling that forms a bigger picture. In Durarara, this is done through shifting POVs and non-chronological events. In Penguindrum, this is done extensively through flashbacks.

- Both feature a range of POV characters. The story is not told by or from one single person's viewpoint. Durarara moreso. 

- Exploration of unusual and unconventional themes. 'Touchy topics', per se. 

- Both could be considered 'urban fantasy'. Both are shows that focus on daily life with a supernatural touch.

- Same studio: Brain's Base. Neither show bothers properly animating its background characters.    read more

report Recommended by HexLeviosa

Most of all Mawaru Penguindrum reminded me of Durarara, because both anime deal with Young People's Modern Lifes In The City and add Interesting Fantasy Elements to it. 

Also both anime keeped me hooked with their nonlinear storytelling that let's you find out more and more of the background of the Lovable Characters.

My last point is, that  through all the Social Themes, Action and Mystery (that both anime deal with in different ways) both gave of a Cosy Felling. 

report Recommended by MoshiMoshiiih

Unique character dynamics and relationships. A city full of personalities and strong themes of connection. Penguindrum family and Durarara human society. A cast full of quirky characters. Citizen being blurred out to reinforce the idea of these character being the story of this city. Crime, fantasy, and shoujo elements. Memorable soundtracks fitting each tone of the series, Durarara quirky and jazzy, Penguindrum sad and dramtic. Attractive characters designs and memorable color pallets. Interesting directing. A fun ride throughout both amazing and worth your time. 

report Recommended by Theonewhorules

like many other people (6 at this time) mawaru penguindrum immediately started to rememind me of durararara!!

both are urban fantasy taking place in a "realistic but alternate tokyo" (along the lines of the Tokyo in the game The World Ends With You-- focusing heavily on specific districts/prefectures) with seemingly innocent starter episodes where a young 15/16 year old set of students is the initial focus, but quickly becomes to part of an ensemble cast with many different viewpoints.

the 'innocent' beginnings quickly accelerate into a crazy plot full of multiple mysteries and strange truths where the occult is commonplace and exists for real -- despite most normal people never noticing it -- and while the teen student boys in both series are often the main POV, none of the other characters are neglected or forgotten about, some have entire episodes dedicated to their POVs, mysterious activities or flashbacks instead. all the characters in the cast tend to have a meaningful purpose that relates to the plots and are never just there for decoration....i cannot think of any "filler" characters in both series.

both quickly take on a very uneasy and then sinister, dark tone that is juxtaposed with moments of light heartedness or over-the-top (often over exaggerated violent) comedy that is sometimes reminiscent of FLCL's style if you are familiar with that too.

the plots get darker all the more because the fairly delicate, almost shoujo artystyle (Penguindrum has much more shoujo elements to the artstyle than Durarara but they are both similar) makes it all the more shocking when something really dark, twisted or insane happens.

both series heavily confront the viewer with an almost black-pilled point of view of the claustrophobic city world which the characters inhabit, and both have themes that fester especially in that environment, not just senseless murder and serial or gang violence, but themes of human helplessness, the pointlessness of life, bad things happening to good people, stalking, r*pe and sexual assault (i actually had to put Durararara!! Season 2 on hold because i couldn't emotionally deal with some of the SA scenes in certain episodes at the time it came out...S1 was still twisted but also had a more hopeful whimscal feeling), and a kind of insanity and sense of loneliness and desperation, that can only exist when you are constantly forced to be around other people due to living in such dense packed proximity to each other.

overall i think PENGUINDRUM is darker and more of a mindfuck than DURARARA S1. as mentioned, the fact that it has an even more "pretty" shoujo style aesthetic than the more neutral style of DURARARA really contributes to making you feel creeped out and crazy, because the story and plot that unfolds is made all the more uncanny by this inappropriate contrast of what is normally associated with shoujo art in our minds vs the actual content of the material which is absolutely not shoujo whatsoever despite the aesthetics.

things that seem like little visual details early on turn out to be big clues or foreshadowing related to the plot. even what may seem like short filler moments could have some deeper meaning that you won't realize til much later in the stories.

and, again, the occult and supernatural is real for a fact in both worlds, yet neither series feels any need to explain why, and only the characters involved in the plot seem to know this (or gradually realize this). this serves to make them become even more isolated from the alienating society they already live in.

finally, DURARARA makes predominant use of twilight/night-time to increase the tension of its atmosphere, PENGUINDRUM makes heavy use of rainstorms and thunderstorms, especially at night for the same effect.

it was no surprise to me to discover that the studio who created PENGUINDRUM also created DURARARA. read more

report Recommended by istheworstgirl

The story takes place in an urban environment with many characters all connected to each other. Each character is mysterious and the revelations will be given gradually. The beginning is slow but the climax is interesting for both series. 

report Recommended by hulu2

Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita addpermalink

These Anime take the world and twist the reality. What could possibly be a normally a happy go lucky story line has dark twists to it. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

A serious, thought-provoking story masked by some seriously acid-fuelled comedy shenanigans. Fairies, penguins, et cetera. Fun! 

report Recommended by Keirik

Bizarre graphics, funny clips and random moments, which conceals in both animes a darker plot (human starvation in Jinrui and a whole life&death game in Mawaru) 

report Recommended by SanzuNoKawa

Bright art, bursting characters, and ADORABLE helpers! The storyline has a dark undertone, and it gets quite obvious as the story progresses. The ending is also quite the show for it's viewers. 

report Recommended by GigaSPX

you could think it's an all age anime watching both OPs but the truth is both have dark twists in plot
both have these adorable creatures as Jintai has fairs and Penguin Drum has penguins but those creatures weren't  that all cute since the penguins are ******** (sorry, I don't intend spoil you)  and the fairies are badly weird O: , I might say they were really suspicious
both of these anime have that unique feeling between darkness, insanity, magic and fantasy, therefore you hardly will find a similar anime of that kind

report Recommended by kagamine-rin

 The story of these two anime mostly relies on the surrealness and their creativity with a plot that is bizzare, twisted and weird. The artstyle is similar and both shows have a lot of comedic elements, which aren´t too similar in itself though. 

report Recommended by AnimeXHunter

Both are dark satires whose bleak content is contrasted with the colorful setting. Both also have creatures that can alter the world, but are mostly used for comic relief (fairies in Humanity has Declined, penguins in Mawaru Penguindrum). 

report Recommended by Basicpleb420

Wonder Egg Priority addpermalink

Young people find themselves in dreamlike scenaries in order to save a beloved person. 

report Recommended by Joestark

Read recommendations by 4 more users

Mekakucity Actors addpermalink

confusing plot line, characters with mysterious past, both aren't from the same studio but have somewhat similar style of animating and unveiling the story 

report Recommended by Hanaki_Neko

Read recommendations by 4 more users

Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto addpermalink

Penguindrum reminded me of Stardriver a lot because of the whacky music and transformation sequences. 

report Recommended by srsng

Read recommendations by 3 more users

Mirai Nikki (TV) addpermalink

Both are anime that feature a yandere who has a diary with the power to predict the future 

report Recommended by XanthReborn

Read recommendations by 3 more users

Princess Tutu addpermalink

Magical girls, two guys, two girls. 

Both very emotional.

Both deal with the theme of "Fate"  

report Recommended by torchika

Read recommendations by 3 more users

Ouran Koukou Host Club addpermalink

Comedy, drama, bishounen, bright colors and nice animation.  You need to have a weird sense of humor to appreciate them.  Mawaru is a bit more naughty. 

report Recommended by IceAndCream

Flip Flappers addpermalink

Both shows are weird and hard to understand at times. Both of them sport some pretty fantastic symbolism, especially near the end. 

report Recommended by sparkle1princess

Kill la Kill addpermalink

As different as they are visually and narratively, it's astonishing how many things these two series have in common. Both shows dress up a heavy story full of existential themes in extremely quirky and occasionally perverted comedy trappings, both have a penchant for rock music and flashy transformation sequences, and both are really well made and creative in general, knitting a lot of emotional ups and downs together into an impressive and convincing whole. If you love one, you're gonna love the other. 

report Recommended by case649

Zankyou no Terror addpermalink

I guess both shows are centered plot-wise  around terrorism phenomena.  

report Recommended by ba_towel

Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch addpermalink

Both anime starts out small and eventually ends up being involved with the fate of the world. Both anime are also about brothers doing everything they can for their sister. Code Geass is more political whereas Penguindrum is more focused on family. 

report Recommended by srsng

Arakawa Under the Bridge addpermalink

Both shows are wonderfully weird and quirky. They also have similar art in that they're very colourful, pretty and nice to view. Although Mawaru Penguindrum is much more serious in parts, it has a similar air and feel to Arakawa Under the Bridge. :) 

report Recommended by SaraSlurpsCoffee

Baccano! addpermalink

Both of these Anime have a non-linar storyline, an obsure mystery element and a supernatural side that one doesn't usually see in an anime series. (I'd go into more depth, but that would mean more spoilers.) 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

Yoru wa Mijikashi Arukeyo Otome addpermalink

The central theme of fate is present in both works. Apples are representative of something highly symbolic. Both works are very stylistic in their own individual way. Minor presence of romance in both works, more focus on how all the characters connect together. 

report Recommended by hiradairas

Boogiepop wa Warawanai addpermalink

At first view, Mawaru Penguindrum and Boogiepop Phantom might not seem to have much in common; MP is full of bright colours and has some comedy, while BP is almost solely dark, hopeless and minimalistic. However, if you take a closer look at these two, you might notice, that they have some similarities. Here are the similarities, that I found:

MP & BP are both highly psychological anime, that tell stories about several young people with difficult pasts and fates. Each character has his own story of why he became what he is. Most of the characters experienced a psychological trauma in their childhood/youth.

They both appear surreal and very metaphorical, both are also very thought-provoking.

In both anime the female main character (MP: Himari, BP: Touka) has an alter ego, that plays an important role for the plot. Himari and Touka both seem not to be aware of their second personalities.

In both there is a central event, that has a major impact on the lives of the characters. In Boogiepop Phantom it is the "light column", that appears one night; in Mawaru Penguindrum it is the tragic event, that took place in 1995.

Parent-child relationship is thematised in both. 

Evil spirits/phantoms, that bring young people on the wrong, self-destructive way, or make them suffer (BP: Poom Poom, Manticore, MP: Watase)

Both anime deal with death.

This might be subjective, but in my opinion both of the anime are masterpieces. I would highly recommend to watch both of them.
 read more

report Recommended by oregu-kun

Naruto addpermalink

Almost fairytale like stories that do justice to every aspect of the story.... 

report Recommended by puvijain

Boku dake ga Inai Machi addpermalink

Fate is a major part of both of these series. Both revolve around actions taken place in the past, and the consequences those have had on the present.  

report Recommended by cmanjakaa

Shinsekai yori addpermalink

Both shows have an oddity about them. They're not very usual.
Both also share a particular artistic style which is pretty and charming.
Finally, the two shows are both deep and complex causing the intellectual stimulation of the watcher. 
Both very worth watching. :) 

report Recommended by SaraSlurpsCoffee

Kiznaiver addpermalink

Random characters learning to accept and share the pain with each other to make more friends . 

report Recommended by FilipeJourney

Sonny Boy addpermalink

I don't believe in recommending anime based on similar themes/story beats, but I do like to recommend anime based on how much there is to dig for in the story and how well the story is told. If you enjoy Sonny Boy, I would suggest you check out 'Mawaru Penguindrum'. If you are someone who likes unconventional animes that discards tropes and utilises the medium fully (like 'Sonny Boy') to create surreal imagery/storylines, you will probably like Penguindrum. 

report Recommended by yoursakurakiss

Gosenzo-sama Banbanzai! addpermalink

Do you want to see a family relationship slowly fall apart, a unique plot execution, intense amount of absurdity and a bit of implied incest? This is the anime for you. 

report Recommended by eblf2013

Angel Beats! addpermalink

Both start off very light hearted with some comedy and action but as the story developes it turns into a more serious and dark story.Both shows have major changes in the charcthers as they remember their past.I will say though Mawaru Penguindrum is alot more complex then Angel beats and can be hard to follow at times. But overall they're both great and they are both "must see" shows 

report Recommended by Ozzey

3-gatsu no Lion addpermalink

Family, in it's various forms, is at the heart of these shows. Dark, complex themes (like isolation, death and societal issues) are woven with bright, heart warming ones. Humor is also used to sharply contrast serious moments (in ways that some viewers may even find jarring). The direction is creative and beautiful in both; the music, the art, just everything about these shows elevates them and will pull at the perceptive viewer's heart strings. Still, with such distinctive directors both shows have their own voices and despite feeling related in many ways, they also feel very different upon viewing. 

report Recommended by flyingdolphin

Punch Line addpermalink

Sad stories featuring an ensemble cast at many points of their lives. Similarly beautiful visuals, and both develop their characters through relationships and pasts rather than real time progression. 

report Recommended by IzzyHime

Samurai Flamenco addpermalink

Very similar narrative style. Both of these shows are an absolute mess that actually have good reasons and explanations (Mawaru more-so arguably) for being so, and both stories are riddled with plot twists, dramatic changes in mood/atmosphere, and seems to completely change in style every few episodes.  

report Recommended by Higaroth

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni addpermalink

Both are mindscrewing have deep plot and mystery, involve fate, have comedy moments and cute characters, if you like the atmosphere of mawaru penguin drum or higurashi no naku koro ni and want to watch something that leaves you wondering whats happening , im sure you're going to enjoy both higurashi no naku koro ni (all the seasons)  or mawaru penguin drum. 

report Recommended by darx

FLCL addpermalink

Both mix the mundane and often tragic real life with colorful, crazy casts and bizarre circumstances. Both showcase teens coming of age, but neither wallow in angst. They share similar animation styles (bright colors, very expressive character designs, visual gags, jumpy sequences, fanservice) and boast great soundtracks. Both have staff members from Revolutionary Girl Utena, if not the same ones.

Both series can be confusing at times, but they're also very creative and rewarding.

Penguindrum is a little more refined than FLCL, and FLCL is more experimental than Penguindrum. It's also much shorter with just six sweet episodes compared to Penguindrum's 24. 

report Recommended by rennb

"Bungaku Shoujo" Movie addpermalink

Both Anime draw inspiration from "Night on the Galactic Railroad". Both deal with dark events in the characters lives and tragedy. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

Makai Senki Disgaea addpermalink

Although the story itself is not so similar with each other, but if you loved the prinnies in Disgaea, you'll love the penguins in Mawaru Penguindrum 

report Recommended by darknessneko

Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei addpermalink

Both have lots of imagery/symbolism.
They also both have characters with lots of mental strife and confusion about what's going on in their lives and how to obtain happiness 

report Recommended by RedBardIsCool

Serial Experiments Lain addpermalink

Two highly detailed anime's in which unassuming youngsters uncover they are actually part of a massive conspiracy which unfolds as the series progresses.

These anime's are very similar in content, yet being that both are mystery, it's difficult to put forward why they are alike without incorporating spoilers, so once you give this pair a change, this recommendation will make a lot more sence. 

report Recommended by Gleam_Queen

Anime: Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. addpermalink

A girl who dies gets a second chance at life in some respect. In AnoHana, Menma reappears from the beginning of the series - several years after her death - as an older version of herself, only visible to her friend Jinta, and asks him to help grant her wish. In MP, Himari dies of a terminal condition, but has her life extended by a mysterious being, and several chubby penguins appear that are only visible to Himari and her brothers. The brothers have a special condition to fulfill as the price of having their sister's life extended. 

report Recommended by Numi

Higashi no Eden addpermalink

Both are dark mysteries with confusing plot lines that consistently keep your interest.  Top notch animation and character studies with deep story lines.  Neither one is light but yet are able to throw in some delightful sarcastic humor.  Both are definitely a must watch :) 

report Recommended by Moon_River