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If you liked Magic Knight Rayearth add

...then you might like Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica add

This is a cautious recommendation for viewers in both directions. The origins of the core ideas present in Madoka Magic originate in Magic Knight Rayearth. In fact, Madoka comes close to outright plagiarizing Rayearth in some respects. Both series share a degree of cynicism, both initially hide the unpleasant truth about what mahou shoujos are from their main cast, neither series is scared to kill major characters, and both worlds have a “wishing” mechanism. The difference mainly comes in terms of the location of the setting and the format. Madoka Magica is an urban fantasy with a strong emphasis on shock factor and character drama, while Magic Knight Rayearth is a high fantasy adventure that saves most of the drama for later. In a sense, Magic Knight Rayearth could be described as the diamond in the rough while Madoka Magica could be considered the polished gem. Neither series is without its issues, but the core experience of each is similar enough that enjoyment of one may be indicative of a good experience with the other. The historically curious will appreciate the similarities as well. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s worth a shot.

If you liked Seikai no Monshou add

...then you might like Ookami to Koushinryou add

This is a one-way recommendation. Those who enjoyed Spice & Wolf are likely to enjoy the Banner of the Stars series, but not necessarily vice versa. The relationship between the two main characters is an integral part of both series, although it is not always what drives the plot in either case. Similarly, a great deal of attention is given to dialogue in both cases: In Spice & Wolf this almost exclusively comes in the form of competitive banter and wittiness. However, in Banner of the Stars the banter between the main duo tends to be less competitive and there are more genuine discussions. On these merits alone one might be able to recommend in either direction, but the primary distinction between the two anime is their usage of their setting. Although the setting of Spice & Wolf is well designed and occasionally plays into the events of the plot, the setting of Banner of the Stars is far more relevant both to the relationship between the two leads and to the events of the story. That is, in Spice & Wolf any conflict can almost always be pinned on one of the leads, whereas in Banner of the Stars larger cultural conflicts have both direct and indirect effects on the leads. Because of this, the way the leads' interactions relate to the greater narrative context won't feel the same (which is to say there is very little greater narrative context in Spice & Wolf). At that, many may find the cultural conflicts of Banner of the Stars to be easier to digest than the economics of Spice & Wolf. It is for these reasons that I mostly consider this a one-way recommend, with the inverse being recommended only cautiously. Action is more prevalent in Banner of the Stars than in Spice & Wolf, but like Spice & Wolf, you will likely be bored if you're only coming for the action. Finally, although neither anime series covers all of the source novels, the ending of the Banner of the Stars series is far more conclusive and satisfying than the ending of the Spice & Wolf series. In fact, it is very likely that those unaware of the Banner of the Stars novels wouldn't realize the novels were still ongoing in the first place. In the end they are both excellent series with similar positive traits, but I consider Banner of the Stars to have broader appeal and better cohesion between the characterization, setting, and themes. If you liked the former, be sure to check out the latter.

If you liked Tsumiki no Ie add

...then you might like Furiko add

Both shorts are a wide view over their character's lives. Furiko approaches this with a more detached third person view, yet is set in a world much like our own. House of Small Cubes coveys this through mementos and the memories of its character, and takes place in a symbolic world where the past literally cannot be revisited.

If you liked Clannad add

...then you might like Little Busters! add

Both shows follow a similar format in that they attempt to build up a connection between the viewer and the characters with a lighter first half, and later make use of that connection with drama in the second half. However, where Clannad focuses on family, Little Busters! focuses on friendship. Comparatively, I found that Clannad had a stronger first half, so keep this in mind if you watched Clannad first.The side characters were more significant in Little Busters!, but Tomoya was developed more than Riki, so viewers should also bear this in mind as well. Overall, whether you loved or hated one, you're likely to have a comparable experience with the other.