Haibane Renmei

Where Madoka features Magical Girls, Haibane Renmei feature the Haibane or Charcoal Feathers. These two series explore some of the more intricate parts of human nature through a fantasy setting, and the general development of their plots are very similar. Worlds that at first seem to be utopic suggest more melancholic truths, while cute and likable characters deal with heavy existential questions and are forced to make difficult choices.  

report Recommended by ataraxial

Similarities:
+ A group of girls who are put into a rough situation where they must work together
+ They look similar to normal humans, but are no longer human
+ Plenty of drama

Differences:
- Haibane Renmei is calmer with more of eerie mood throughout whereas Madoka Magica has more obvious dark aspects
- Madoka Magica is a magical girl show while Haibane Renmei is an "afterlife" one 

report Recommended by Asfaria

At first, both series start with a slow pace but then they both start to get darker and deeper. however, madoka magica takes the turn faster.... both series also have similar atmosphere... you should watch this anime if you haven't, it's awesome. :)
   

report Recommended by ah55329

Both of these series are dramas with supernatural elements that have an emphasis on the relationships between compelling female characters. They both start out innocently enough and both have unexpected dark twists. Haibane Renmei is more peaceful and episodic, whereas Madoka Magica is much darker and more suspenseful. Each anime has its own strengths and weaknesses. Madoka has a stronger cast of characters, better writing, and is much more addicting. However, Haibane doesn't really need to have an epic plot that will constantly keep you on the edge of your seat to stand on its own. Haibane's atmosphere, symbolism and character interactions are nothing short of magical. I like to call Haibane "the subtler Madoka" because I found a lot of similarities in the relationship dynamic between the two most important characters in each series. Either way, both of these series are nearly equally matched terms of how they will move you emotionally. If you're looking for something more dark and tragic, try Madoka. In the mood for something more uplifting? Try Haibane. Absolute must watches, the both of them! read more 

report Recommended by DeleteSystem32

Despite being completely different at first sight, both shows share similar characters' traits and concept. Both, Puella Magi and Haibane, have similar protagonists, anti-hero and "antagonists" (will not say anything further regarding the last one to not spoil anyone). In both series the characters must fight against inner struggles to find their own identity, in other words, the constant fight of girl vs self that is present in both ultimateley leads them to reach their own salvation. 

report Recommended by floury

Both are supernatural themed stories with an all female ya cast and their relationships together as well as them getting caught up in a bunch of strange shit happening around them as well too. 

report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost

Shinsekai yori addpermalink

Both have a feeling of distance, not explaining much to the viewer and having a rather slow start. Haibane is more religous in a philosophical sense and has a dark under tone. Characters are well written in the animes and feel like real persons. 

report Recommended by Zerath

Both series focus heavily on trying to understand an initially mysterious and confusing world. The characters understand that something is wrong with their setting, but aren't sure what it is at the start. Both series slowly build towards understanding how their societies function. Shinsekai Yori focuses a lot more on society at large, whereas Haibane Renmei focuses more on individual character struggles. Both are fantastic at conveying a sense of both confusion and anticipation. They are also both excellent at conveying the internal struggles that come with grief, responsibility, and doubt. 

report Recommended by Xaeveax

Both shows are based around a group of characters that are living in a seemingly utopia, which have rules that should not be questioned. One common rule is that their stay is limited within some kind of a barrier/wall. They are shown to have some privilege compared to other groups in both series. As they enjoy their utopia they both have an atmosphere of a mystery and that something is missing. The main characters of both shows show less fear to find out what is actually going on, and try to unfold the mystery. If you liked one show, it is very likely that you will like the other.  read more 

report Recommended by MaridiuS

Both shows are characterized by their inexplicable mystique, philosophical nature and simple but masterful style of art. As each show progresses, the plot thickens and more questions need answering - the difference between the two? Shinsekai Yori answers said questions in full, while Haibane Renmei leaves everything to the viewer's interpretation. Both are modern masterpieces, and require a certain type of viewer to fully appreciate them. Not recommended for those who dislike slow starts. 

report Recommended by TeNDeez

Evoking awe, wonder, and suspense, Haibane and Shinsekai share similar atmosphere: mysterious, beautiful, often tranquil (especially in Haibane) but vaguely ominous. Neither has a setting too willing to reveal its secrets.  Both are set in a society of "anachronistic" technology, arcane rules, and enigmatic authority.
And both carry a sense of foreboding fueled by the sudden disappearances of characters.

While both carry philosophical underpinnings, Haibane tends to focus more on a personal level in contrast to Shinsekai's social commentary. Shinsekai also tends to be more action-driven and a bit darker in tone. 

report Recommended by LakesidePhantom

In both series the main protagonists are born with "special abilities" or a different appereance without knowing why they are so different from the others. 

The female MC's of these series shows their struggling with their life, which they didn't choose.

report Recommended by Lyev

Both are unsettling and explore world markedly different from our own. Although significant plot elements differ, the tone of the two stories is fairly similar.  

report Recommended by loveoflox

Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou addpermalink

Both shows have a similar mood of comfort but also an unknown danger in the distance. They both have characters that don't fully understand their surroundings and gradually learn more as they spend time in the world. Haibane Renmai is much more a story of personal discovery, Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou is more about the world itself through the eyes of it's characters.  

report Recommended by Xaeveax

Both series are atmospheric in nature, relying on tasteful grande soundtracks. 
Both series express a lot with choice colour palets, both have a mystique about them.
Haibane Renmei features a community of characters but it's focused on self reliance and the isolation that in the end comes with constant inner struggle and vacant threats in the surrounding world.
Both series deals with death and religion/spirituality in some way, in both knowledge is acquired through books.
Both series build sympathetic characters with individual goals and aspirations despite limits put on their existence. 

report Recommended by Gaia_Riot

Both series potentially deal with the afterlife. Both series have a laid-back but melancholy feel to them and a slow, slice-of-life pacing. Both series are about calm, peaceful human interaction in an otherwise unsettling and ambiguous world.   

report Recommended by Oda19te

These two shows rich in melancholy, yet an immense comfortability is to be found.
Getting along with despair and accepting life in the enigmatic worlds the characters inhabit.

The pair are slice of life "CGDST" (of course that stands for "cute girls doing sad things"). 

report Recommended by Saladlegs

Both have a bit of a somber mysterious setting where the background is not totally explained. The characters explore the world and must make their own conclusions about purpose and existence 

report Recommended by jayru

Both do not basically explain anything in the world and are much more in the daily life of the characters and their relationships and every once in a while there is something more reflective like Haibane ep 5 and Shoujo Shuumatsu ep 9. I think Shoujo Shuuumatsu is better than Haibane. 

report Recommended by ProxyLain

same feeling, melancholic - mystery. hope in a hopeless world  

report Recommended by wub1020

Gunslinger Girl addpermalink

Both series are of similar nostalgic feelings. Problems that they are showing are difficult to assess. Very ambiguous. Both anime are also formally similar (colors, the pace of action, universal message). 

report Recommended by Niechy

Read recommendations by 5 more users

As another user said, there is a certain emotion one feels for the girls. As you watch you feel sorry for them yet enjoy that they can still manage to find happiness from day to day. 

report Recommended by impact

The premises of both series are, at their most basic level, very similar, if not identical – a cast of predominantly female characters are essentially “reborn” into a new way of life, with no recollection of who they were previously. The girls in both series experience similar emotional and existential dilemmas. In general, these are series in which drama and atmosphere take precedence over action. 

report Recommended by JayBirdSupreme

These two shows deal with similar themes, including mortality and the loss of memory. The girls in both have a gentle innocence about them, though Gunslinger Girl's are marred by their purpose as tools. Excellent series to compare and contrast because of this. 

report Recommended by Nonyflah

Minus the occasional action in Gunslinger Girl, these series have a very similar tone and cast of characters. Gunslinger Girl and Haibane Renmei are more soft and subdued series, where the quiet moments are often the most powerful.  

report Recommended by Godot325

You can compare anime by mood or by plot. If you go by mood, Haibane Renmei and Gunslinger Girl are very similar. Both have the slow-moving, heavy-thinking setup that makes you ponder moral questions. The plot, however, could not be more different. 

report Recommended by Xeeron

Tone, mood, pacing and art style are almost identical, even when the plot is superficially very different. The underlying situation is similar, though. Girls are "reborn" while losing all memories of a previous life and find themselves in a world with strict rules and uncertain future. Both anime focus on the psychology of the girls and the questions they ask themselves. Both have no "real" plot but are rather a philosophical slice of life in a very strange world, which requires suspension of disbelief to enjoy. 

report Recommended by inim

Dennou Coil addpermalink

While the settings are vastly different (Futuristic computerized city, verses rural small town) the over all themes dealt with in the two series are very similar. Loss of loved ones and learning to move on, understanding what is real and what is fake, etc. 

report Recommended by Merinchan

Haibane Renmei and Denno Coil may seem very different at first glance, HR taking place in an environment deprived of modern technology while DC focuses on the borders between reality and the internet but the spirit of both shows is remarkably similar. Both deal with young female leads who must learn how to adjust to unusual circumstances surrounded by mystery in a world where things are not as they at first may seem. The original take on this theme is enhaced by thoughtful moments and a subdued but very lush artwork. What truly seals the deal in establishing a kinship between the two titles is the relationship between two young girls: a certain emotional healing takes place in HR and DC, providing excellent character development through and through. 
 read more 

report Recommended by Nocturnal

In both these series, the ultimate conflict involves an emotionally damaged girl having to come to terms with her past trauma through the help and friendship of another girl.  The latter parts of both series have a similar mood. 

report Recommended by andrael

They are both about young people coming to trust others and move on from the past. Endearing, believable cast of characters combined with a surreal setting that both warms and chills the viewer, makes these two more similar at heart than any other series that are recommended. 

report Recommended by CookieBun

There are strange parallels in characters. And o much kindness in both titles! 

report Recommended by zen-hikka

Small, personal stories of drama and exploration set in a fascinating, "big" setting. Both are likely to leave you wanting to find out far more about the world they take place in than is revealed while following the footsteps of only a few people in it and their limited viewpoint. Dennou Coil is soft sci-fi; Haibane Renmei is spiritual fantasy. 

report Recommended by VirescentZephyr

Shinseiki Evangelion addpermalink

 I haven't felt anything similar in Haibane Renmei as to NGE. Though it may seem like an odd comparison, the if you understand they psychology behind it, it begins to make sense. They both give me hope. It reminds you why you need to survive and struggle -- why it's worth it. It reminds you that to be the very definition of human we need freewill to make our own mistakes and learn and grow from it, or it will inevitably eat you alive. It means a lot to me to explore such "simple" concepts of how we interact and see ourselves. We choose to ignore a lot it to get by in life, because pain and human interaction on the surface can be understood by everyone, the way humans think and deal with it is complicated.
 read more 

report Recommended by Lycan

Read recommendations by 4 more users

While in many ways opposite in terms of execution, the similarities in symbolism, introspection, character exposition, and a feel for mystery in world development give these two comparable goals and create a sense of familiarity between one another. 

report Recommended by Zadion

While both shows have very different literal plots, some of the main themes behind them are the same:
- The exploration of mental illness, particularly depression, without directly naming it. In NGE this is explored through the majority of the characters and in Haibane Renmei it is explored through Rakka and Reki. (Though it can be argued that other characters are implied to be involved in this theme.)
- Giving hope for people in such situations. Both shows do not shy away from the seriousness of mental illness, but utilize the acknowledgement of such struggles to provide the message that despite all this, you can save yourself. 
- The exploration of every-day morality. Unlike other shows which tend to only explore morality in the context of life and death scenarios, NGE and Haibane Renmei are also concerned with moral problems anyone can identify with, such as the conflict between selfishness and selflessness and the ambiguous relationship between sin and forgiveness. 
- The exploration of existential philosophy.
- An emphasis on character development, the 'internal' being more important to the story than the 'external'. 
- Both the shows use Christian imagery and symbolism, though do not necessarily argue Christian ideology.  read more 

report Recommended by J-36

Both are somber and downbeat series with a focus around angels with their interactions with the human race and lots of poigant and facinating psychological elements in it as well too and a focus around some very touchy themes as well too during the story.  

report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost

For me, Eva and Haibane are the best psychological anime out there. Both deal with similar themes like loss, guilt and self-acceptance. Both series also share kinda similar characters.
The main difference is that, while Eva is a mecha anime (And thus, is more action focused), Haibane is for all intents and purposes a slice of life anime. 

report Recommended by Itsame_Carlos

Ookami to Koushinryou addpermalink

They have a similar atmosphere.
Both feature a medieval-ish setting and are lightly supernatural.
They show traditions of different people. 

report Recommended by packet

NieA Under 7 addpermalink

Out of all of Yoshitoshi ABe's series, I believe NieA_7 is the one that bears the most resemblance to Haibane Renmei.  Both are set in laid back rural settings where nothing of importance happens day to day and both are about extraordinary beings living off of the good will of normal human beings.  NieA_7 focuses on the relationship of two characters. NieA, an alien, is freeloading off of Mayu, a young woman attending cram school because she failed to get into college.  It's more of a comedy than Haibane Renmei but if you enjoyed the calm idyllic pace of Haibane Renmei NieA_7 should fit your tastes as well.  read more 

report Recommended by tungwene

Tenshi no Tamago addpermalink

Both have beautiful art and at times a similar feel. They are both set in heavily developed, atmospheric worlds. 

report Recommended by TVC15

Death Parade addpermalink

While they may seem quite different at first, people who have seen these shows will know where I am coming from. They are both heavily focused on character growth and coming to terms with both the self and the way the world they live in works. Death Parade is much more "fun" and approachable, Haibane Renmai is much more subtle and solemn, but both have surprisingly similar things to say once they are done. 

report Recommended by Xaeveax

Zettai Shounen addpermalink

Zettai Shonen may be twice as long as Haibane Renmei, but the pacing of both the shows is similar. They both are more reliant on character development than moving the plot forward. There is an aura of the supernatural in both shows, however Haibane Renmei has a superior art style.
The slowly revealed plot and the strength of character development make both of these shows worthwhile. 

report Recommended by Halo_s_Maze

Zettai Shounen has a slow, melancholy pace, unexplained or slowly explained phenomenon, and mystery with some connection to an unclear past. I'm not crazy about the character art but gets the job done but the background art combined with minimal dialogue and a natural sound track that includes bird songs and insect noises works very well. The summer arc conveys the slow, heavy, hot, sun bleached, dusty feel of August and the winter arc the quiet chill of winter as the story oozes forward.  Not for every one but worth a look if you enjoy the mystic.
 

report Recommended by lisnoire

The genres of these two shows are slice of life with a few supernatural/fantasy quirks added.  A plot later does reveal itself.  The two start off with a very similar atmosphere of a sleepy peaceful town and a newcomer to that place.  If you can stand slow pacing, these two are great.  Along with a similar atmosphere, the music is also very similar.  I can't stress this enough.  I had to actually check if they had the same composer but they are different.  Both soundtracks are very great.  Also, if you were alright with either one of the two shows endings which left a few unanswered questions, you'll be alright with the other as well.  They have satisfying endings. read more 

report Recommended by Waffocopter

Haibane Renmei and Zettai Shounen are slice-of-life stories that chronicle the main characters' progressive movements throughout each episode. They have similar pacing with a natural feeling of serenity.

There are phases of supernatural involved as both series have a lighthearted tone. Throughout both series, issues are explored and mysteries are unraveled.

The soundtracks for both series are also smooth with a calm background. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Colorful (Movie) addpermalink

Both revolve around rebirth and specifically spending your renewed life to discover and absolve yourself of past sin; a lot of imagery is shared as well, with the moments "I" comes back into life resembling very closely Rakka's cocoon dream. 

report Recommended by Ketchupface

Read recommendations by 2 more users

Simoun addpermalink

The two are oddly similar in that they both have aspects of monkhood. They both have some yuri in them, with Simoun clearly having more. If you're into strange worlds, odd trials, and that slice of humanity that just can't be put into words, then Simoun and Haibane Renmei are for you. 

report Recommended by draco_nite

Air addpermalink

The slowish yet engrossing pace, and the feel that the series gives off is about the same. 

report Recommended by ladyshiny

Read recommendations by 2 more users

Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi addpermalink

Both share distinct similarities in regards to their respective protagonists and plots. In both cases, a young girl is transported to a mysterious new world where she must learn to live and work within a community of strange creatures, guided by new-found friends. As time goes by, these girls learn strength and wisdom and question the world they live in and the authority that rules it. Similar plot themes are also notable in how both girls suffer the loss of their identity and memories, and come to recognise the pain in the life of a close friend, setting out to help them. 

report Recommended by Kamikura

Violet Evergarden addpermalink

Both the main characters start out in a world unknown to them, and go on slow-paced emotional journeys to find purpose in their new lives and help the cast of colorful characters they meet along the way, while both struggle greatly with their past memories.
Stories of soul searching and becoming.
Both fantastical, both have great soundtrack, both are atmospheric-- and both made me cry. 
Highly recommend both. 

report Recommended by hubbabubba

Alien 9 addpermalink

Alien Nine reminded me of Haibane Renmei because of the level of bizarre and weirdness each of these shows contain. Both are out of the normal comfort zone, and have a slice of life with an interesting sci-fi twist.  

report Recommended by Nikoru-san

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar addpermalink

Characters wake up in a strange world with only dreams of their previous selves. Slow-paced slice of life as they live and work together. No clear goals.  Artistic.  If you like the low-key feel and mysterious setting of Grimgar, you will very likely appreciate the more widely known Haibane Renmei.  Note, however, that there is no fighting at all in Habane Renmei 

report Recommended by reherd

Made in Abyss addpermalink

Though they look quite different, both shows have a very similar vibe. They both take place in mysterious, unique worlds where the rules are unclear and only slowly revealed. Both shows feature positive lead characters in a setting that turns out to be quite dark in nature. In the process of discovering the secrets of the world, the main characters are subjected to severe suffering - expect some serious feels in both shows. Both have strong set of side characters, though in my opinion the main draw for both are the incredibly detailed and creatively set up worlds.
The music also is quite good in both. 

report Recommended by Yugen_us

Mahoutsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto addpermalink

The heroines feel very alike, in both appearance and behavior, and the series are developed in a slow-paced slice of life manner. The stories speak about the hidden, magical (but not necessarily happy) side of things. 

While Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto is about magicians, Haibane Renmei is about angels. 

report Recommended by PlzAllow

Shoujo Kakumei Utena addpermalink

These two series have different look and feel, yet they take you to the same depths and heights. If you believe that Utena is just about sword-fighting or weird relationships or runaway kangaroos, just skip this recommendation. However, if you're into the spiritual/mystery layer of Utena, then welcome to the town of Glie for another bunch of shockingly right questions and answers. Likewise, if you're a Haibane fan in search of another mind-blowing story of true Friendship and Forgiveness, then Ohtori Gakuen is waiting for you (if only you don't mind some sword-fighting / weird relationships / runaway kangaroos). 

report Recommended by Forion

Clannad: After Story addpermalink

You've seen one of these masterpieces and you don't know where to go next? Looking for something as brilliant and perfect which isn't a copy of the anime you just saw? This is it. Both are shinning pinnacles of slice-of-life, which may seem like a genre for which it is easy to produce animes, while in reality it's quite tricky to avoid all the pitfalls of mediocrity and make something so enjoyable and heartwarming as these two. 

report Recommended by jiyuudansei

Aria the Origination addpermalink

Both shows evoke emotions, have subtle character development and take place in astounding settings. Haibane is darker though, while Aria is way longer, features a bigger cast and is episodic for most part (requires the two previous seasons). 

report Recommended by drf

Azumanga Daiou The Animation addpermalink

Although the plots have practicably nothing in common the characters on the other-hand do have the same vibe to them 

report Recommended by Karchan

Ergo Proxy addpermalink

They both are very philosophical and dark. What is one's purpose, why am I here, etc.  

report Recommended by Danish

Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou addpermalink

They are both very slow, without an 'action & adventure-plot' If you like slice-of-life and a bit of fantasy, you will enjoy both these anime.  

report Recommended by Teddy

Aria the Natural addpermalink

 My favourite thing about Haibane-Renmei was the world the Haibane lived in. I liked seeing how the people there lived and worked, but felt there wasn't enough attention paid to theirdaily lives or interests. The major frustration I had with the series was that we knew so little of the town's history - its own story. ARIA managed to follow up with that beautifully.

These series are similar not in their mood (Haibane-Renmei is MUCH darker in its plot and development, whereas ARIA stays light throughout) or even their characters, although some similarities are present, but in the introduction of the world that they live.  read more 

report Recommended by starshinesMonet