If you liked
Versailles no Bara
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...then you might like
Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette
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Although Les Miserables begins in a usual WMT manner, midway into the series the Rose of Versailles influences and comparisons start pouring in at full force. For starters the story of LM takes place shortly after the French Revolution, which as you could obviously guess was not magic that fixed things overnight... Paris was still a wreck. While RoV typically put you into the shoes of the higher classes and rich, showcasing the twisted politics of an aristocracy, it did depict the lower classes at times but not nearly as often as LM did which was pretty much for the entire second half of the series. There's also a dash of romances and forbidden romances to an extent in both. Chances are if you like RoV you should really check out all things WMT, and these two in particular have a lot in common with a lot of classic Paris drama.
If you liked
Kikou Kai Galient
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...then you might like
Eiyuu Gaiden Mozaicka
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Incredibly weird medieval fantasy settings with a lot of odd sci-fi elements thrown in, sci-fantasy? Who knows. Throw in some mech's in Mozaicka and you could almost imagine these two series take place in the same universe. Both are handled by the same director and character designer as well, among other staff. Galient does benefit a bit more being longer for sure though, sadly Mozaicka tends to feel like a "what if teaser" of sorts, but it's worth checking out if you like Ryosuke Takahashi's stuff.
If you liked
Seisenshi Dunbine
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...then you might like
Kikou Kai Galient
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Classic Sunrise's dab into medieval mecha. Although there's obviously the futuristic mecha aspects, both shows also have some weird elements of sci-fi mixed in with its fantasy as well (moreso with Galient). You've got Dunbine directed by Tomino (Gundam) and Galient by Ryosuke Takahashi (Votoms), so they have their differences but if you like 80's mecha these are both definitely worth checking out.
If you liked
Metropolis
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...then you might like
Ginga Tetsudou 999 (Movie)
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Both try to break the line that divides humans and robots. "Who am I?" ... both films come off as child friendly at a glance, but certainly have a great deal of depth for older viewers, violence, and other dark elements reminiscent of a lot of classic Disney films. Most importantly both movies are directed by Rintaro and given insane attention to detail when it comes to art, animation, camerawork, and all of that. Expect some breathtaking atmosphere for sure.
If you liked
Space Cobra
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...then you might like
Takarajima
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Both shows share a lot of the same staff, director Dezaki, character designer, composer, and maybe even more. Beyond that it's easy to say these are some of Dezaki's simpler shows with more straightforward storytelling and a great emphasis on adventure and action. Although wildly different settings, you could almost picture Silver in Cobra's world or Cobra himself as a pirate ... since he is one of the future! So yeah straight up if you like one of these you'll probably enjoy the other.
If you liked
Perrine Monogatari
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...then you might like
Ie Naki Ko
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Both are stories originally from the same author and they share plenty of similarities. The progression of how the stories unfold is pretty comparable as well. Perrine is just a bit more cheerful, while Remi has a bit more dread, but they always know exactly when to turn things around for the best. Simply put liking one of these, you'll probably enjoy the other. And they also share the same wondrous composer.
If you liked
Midnight Eye: Gokuu
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...then you might like
Ai City
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Something about Ai City to me felt like it was another creation straight from Buichi Terasawa, heavily known for his Space Adventure Cobra series and Goku Midnight Eye. The dark city visuals, action, cyborg villains, and cyberpunk aesthetics of Ai City reminded me of Midnight Eye the most. If you want some good classic short sci-fi fun these are awesome.
If you liked
Versailles no Bara
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...then you might like
Ie Naki Ko
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If you like one of these shows, you're going to love the other. It's really as simple as that. Both are French novel adaptations flawlessly brought to life in anime form by director Osamu Dezaki. I could praise him endlessly but the entire staff for both shows deserves a medal or two. Both shows retain a very serious tone and can be pretty melodramatic, with RoV diving a bit more into romances whereas Remi is more of a somber adventure following his everyday life as he barely gets by. The art and music in both are very high quality if you're into old stuff (honestly look better than a handful of 80's shows I've seen). I'll just stop there though, simply enough these are absolute masterpieces from Dezaki. Must see for both.
If you liked
Macross
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...then you might like
Choujikuu Seiki Orguss
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Macross and Orguss share virtually the same key staff, from director, to character and mechanical designers, to composer, to writers, etc. And above all they have a similar vibe with some serious drama here and there tossed in with a little fun comedy at times, and you'd almost believe they're set in the same universe. All in all Orguss feels like it makes a better unofficial sequel to Macross than any of the official sequels Macross ever got.
If you liked
Soukou Kihei Votoms
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...then you might like
Eiyuu Gaiden Mozaicka
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Mozaicka is so incredibly obscure that I can't really think of specifics for this recommendation, but chances are if you enjoy Ryosuke Takahashi's early directed works like Votoms, Layzner, Dougram, etc, chances are you'll get some enjoyment out of Mozaicka since his usual style is definitely there.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Gundam
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...then you might like
Taiyou no Kiba Dagram
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Fang of the Sun Dougram has a handful of parallels to the original Mobile Suit Gundam series but in return, the execution and storytelling is tighter, more detailed, and more mature. Not to say Gundam is bad! But if you want a real Gundam for adults? Dougram is it. Classic Ryosuke Takahashi rocks.
If you liked
Taiyou no Kiba Dagram
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...then you might like
Soukou Kihei Votoms
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Mecha shows? More like hard/sci-fi. Fang of the Sun Dagram marks the directorial debut for Ryosuke Takahashi [edit: under Sunrise], widely known for his successful Votoms franchise. Votoms and Dougram (along with Layzner and potentially Galient) are probably the most serious, grittiest, mature, 80's mecha series out there. While Dougram is far more political, dialogue heavy, and loaded with a bigger cast, whereas Votoms focuses more on Chirico's journey - both shows put a heavy emphasis on detail, whether it be plot or action related with the gritty mech's, and they're just generally mature and -manly- shows all around. These are shows that even non-mecha fans could probably get into if they're into militaristic/war sci-fi.
If you liked
Maison Ikkoku
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...then you might like
City Hunter
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Slightly different genres, but both shows do an amazing job at summing up the awesomeness of the 80's really well. Classic stuff through and through.
If you liked
1000-nen Joou: Queen Millennia
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...then you might like
Densetsu Kyojin Ideon: Hatsudou-hen
|
Mindblowingly epic and beautifully tragic movies. If Tomino had the chance to make a sci-fi epic back in the day without having to worry about mech's, Queen Millennia may have been one of the results. The progression of the movie does feel similar to his style, so many things pile up to make an explosive finale. You do need to get through the Ideon series for Be Invoked, though that's probably not the case with the Queen Millennia movie, which is more than likely a redux on the series (like GE999 vs the GE999 movie). Epic sci-fi mastery right here.
If you liked
Midnight Eye: Gokuu
|
...then you might like
Space Cobra
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Both are based off manga's by Buichi Terasawa and have very similar vibes and storytelling. Goku himself is very much like Cobra and they both posses in a way, a "power" or ability that gives them an edge when it comes to fighting. Great action, adult themes (Goku gets away with more being an OVA), very cool sci-fi settings, familiar imagery, etc.
If you liked
Densetsu Kyojin Ideon
|
...then you might like
Uchuu Kaizoku Captain Herlock
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Harlock and his crew are practically banned from Earth while they fight to protect it from an alien race called the Mazone, which resemble beautiful women in appearance. In Ideon the group who discover the "Solo Ship" and the Ideon end up being pushed away from their homeworld as well, with nowhere to run while being chased by the mysterious Buff Clan that resemble humans themselves. In both shows, the casts home is ... their spaceship, with nowhere else to go. If you can appreciate old art and animation it's easy to say both shows still look great to this day, with the exception of Ideon's recurring stock footage here and there. The Harlock series has better pacing and a much more likeable and developed cast all around, while Ideon is strikingly a bit more darker in tone and very desperate in nature. Both have incredibly impressive soundtracks, orchestrated and all. By the end of these two shows you yourself might be out of breath, as you'll feel like you went through these huge adventures personally. Typical of Tomino stuff Ideon is a little quirkier at times and has mecha, but overall the show is far more space drama than some of his other works. Overall, both have a lot of similar themes and ideas, with very different styles and executions in terms of writing/directing. But in the end these are two amazing, action packed, and adventure filled classic space dramas. And please note: Be Invoked IS the ending to Ideon. Episode 39 is just a sampler.
If you liked
City Hunter
|
...then you might like
Space Cobra
|
Ryo and Cobra were more than likely good friends, or maybe even roomates during college. But seriously! These two are both explosively awesome action comedies, with some of the manliest leads you'll ever come across (and both original Japanese voice actors for the two do an incredible job at bringing their characters to life!) Beautiful women are riddled throughout both series and the two men will stop at nothing to get them! Hah! You can certainly expect some serious drama here and there too and both shows do that exceptionally well. These two are classics nonetheless, you must watch them and all their sequels/spinoffs.
If you liked
Ginga Hyouryuu Vifam
|
...then you might like
Aoki Ryuusei SPT Layzner
|
Top tier 80's Sunrise (wait, isn't that everything they did in the 80's?)... Both shows are heavy sci-fi, pitting a handful of average, ordinary, untrained characters together in the midst of unexpected warfare. These groups of completely inexperienced characters have to fight and bond together as one whether they like it or not so they can make it out to simply see themselves through to another day. Both take the mecha aspects fairly serious, with simulations, heavily detailed information, training, etc, tons of attention to detail and realism. Vifam might be a little more humorous at times, but it certainly knows when to be serious, as Layzner also has it's realistic funny moments between the characters interactions. These shows really give you a sense of danger and desperation, you'll fear for the worst when people get thrown into a fight they want nothing to do with. The sense of progression in both is excellent, as each episode passes, characters develop, grow, and learn new things, making it a great experience. These aren't just shows to watch, they're a journey to see through.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Gundam ZZ
|
...then you might like
Kikou Senki Dragonar
|
Dragonar is the first and one of the best AU Gundam's... unofficially that is! Dragonar was an attempt by Sunrise to make another franchise to surpass Gundam and well, it's obvious how that turned out but regardless it's still an excellent series on its own right. The tone is very comparable to ZZ but with more consistent storytelling and characters, with an all around more enjoyable main cast. There's also many parallels to the original Gundam. Basically if you're a classic 80's mecha fan and haven't gotten to Dragonar yet, definitely check it out.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Victory Gundam
|
...then you might like
Densetsu Kyojin Ideon
|
You can't get more "Kill em' All" Tomino than these two ... both can be a hit or miss though, I personally didn't like Victory too much but loved Ideon. I'm sure many are different on that, or may agree, might love or hate both, etc! All in all though if you want brutally grim Tomino shows, these are it.
If you liked
Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven
|
...then you might like
Mugen no Ryvius
|
I couldn't help but think of Infinite Ryvius while watching Eureka Seven. Although very different shows, the characters, interactions, and development between the two casts are very comparable. Both shows manage to develop a large cast very well, both with younger teen leads. There's also a lot of angst in these shows, but hey, people have issues right? The payoff for both is really incredible.
If you liked
Tetsuwan Birdy
|
...then you might like
Bubblegum Crisis
|
Very different settings, but both feature a lot of similar themes. Both feature a lot of top notch action, sci-fi elements (way more of this in BGC, cyberpunk included), and very strong female leads. Birdy herself could probably take on the whole squad of Knight Sabers! Both shows also balance in the action and plot with a good deal of humor and it works really well. All topped off with really top notch production values, these are really good examples of classic OVA's.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED
|
...then you might like
Zone of the Enders: Dolores, I
|
Zone of the Enders: Dolares, i feels a lot like the Gundam that wasn't. Specifically SEED came to mind while I was watching it, probably because of their similar release dates so the animation in them is fairly similar. ZOE has a similar setup to your typical Gundam with Earth vs Mars (human conflict), but does have a good bit more humor to it. All in all ZOE feels a lot like a less ambitious Gundam with more comedy to it and does it pretty well. (Do be sure to watch the prequel ZOE movie first before the series though)!
If you liked
Armitage III
|
...then you might like
Cyber City Oedo 808
|
Two of the better classic cyberpunk OVA's that I've seen. Simply put if you like old, gritty, cyberpunk with adult themes, great action, etc, you'll enjoy both.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Gundam ZZ
|
...then you might like
Macross 7
|
Both Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ and Macross 7 have odd reputations, since they're both the goofier installments in their said franchises. If you're someone who was able to tolerate and enjoy one of these shows, then check out the other if you're into that series as well, who knows maybe you'll end up liking the show a lot! When it comes to these two, "watch it for yourself" is your best option.
If you liked
Kidou Senshi Zeta Gundam
|
...then you might like
Seisenshi Dunbine
|
Of all Tomino's non-Gundam works, Aura Battler Dunbine is probably the closest thing to basically being another Gundam, a <i>medieval Gundam</i> perhaps. Above all a lot of the characters and the general tone of the show feels closer to Zeta rather than the original Gundam series and others, so if you enjoyed the grimdark storytelling through Zeta and are a fan of Tomino's style, then definitely check out Dunbine. Oh and yeah, both are "Kill Em' All" Tomino for the record.
If you liked
Starship Operators
|
...then you might like
Mugen no Ryvius
|
Basically what the other recommendation between these two said. All in all, Starship Operators is kind of like Infinite Ryvius Lite.
If you liked
Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver II
|
...then you might like
Uchuu no Kishi Tekkaman Blade
|
Ah, the one fight that many mecha fans would like to see - Guyver vs Blade. It would be epic beyond proportion. That said chances are if you enjoy one of these you'll like the other, especially for the over the top action. Both Guyver and Blade are extremely powerful characters that fight to protect the Earth and their friends from various monsters and aliens. Tekkaman Blade does a better job at storytelling and handling emotion, while Guyver has a lot of interesting plot twists and ideals.
If you liked
Planetes
|
...then you might like
Musekinin Kanchou Tylor
|
If you enjoyed the comical aspects to Planetes then you may enjoy Irresponsible Captain Tylor, which takes the comedy a good bit further. Though just like Planetes, the show does tend to have its serious and emotional scenes (especially towards the end, like Planetes). All in all, both are excellent space drama comedies.
If you liked
Generator Gawl
|
...then you might like
Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver (2005)
|
Watching Generator Gawl felt like I was watching a secondary story in the Guyver universe. There are a lot of similar idea's and themes, interesting plot twists in both that are pretty cool, some characters are pretty similar (especially Guyver's Mizuki and Gawl's Masami), and of course bio-mecha action with characters that transform. If you like any of the Guyver shows, definitely check out Generator Gawl.