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If you liked Fune wo Amu add

...then you might like Violet Evergarden add

Violet Evergarden and Fune wo Amu draw interesting parallels, each presenting a take on words and how they can be used to encapsulate one's feelings. What makes the lead character of each series interesting is that they're socially inept, which serves as a not-so-ironic twist given that they're the ones responsible for cataloging these various words and their expressions. They're tasked with becoming the conduit, letting the desired "essence" flow into the written content. But perhaps the biggest selling point for pairing these two titles up has to do with how one serves as the "yin" to the other's "yang." As each has a strength that's the weakness of the other, living in a state of coincidental symbiosis for those who've seen what they both have to offer: ▸One has a wide range of expression but often feels artificial. (VE) ▸One feels earnest but has very stunted humanistic expression. (FwA) ▸One has a main character that expresses themselves out loud without clamming up or getting embarrassed, yet do not fully comprehend the meaning behind many words and gestures. (VE) ▸One has a main character that understands the semantics of words to a degree of hyper-obsession, yet when they attempt to express themselves out loud they often clam up in embarrassment. (FwA) On a meta-narrative sense, the dual nature each show has with each other becomes fascinating to discuss. And the more you delve further into each, the "two sides of the same coin" attributes only increases.

If you liked Tenkuu no Escaflowne add

...then you might like Kikou Kai Galient add

Traverses several genres: mecha, high fantasy, sci-fi, sword-and-scandal, just to name a few. Because of this melting pot of influences, the world and culture have familiar attributes to it but melded together in a way that creates something wholly unique to itself. This kind of creative worldbuilding also transferred over to the mecha designs, which ranged from a wide variety of styles and influences. Metallic jousting centaurs, medieval knight armored mecha, steampunk castles, you name it. Each design feels unique, giving off their own distinct personality. The main characters in each show are also a prince of a fallen kingdom, vowing revenge on the evil forces that destroyed it. Even the mech that they come to pilot feels like their version of "Excalibur" as it comes to represent nobility and honor. And in a similar sense, the antagonist of each series also feels otherworldly when compared to the natives of the land. Their plan far more ambitious than simply conquering those around them. As the shows go along, the bigger scheme behind their actions is revealed.

If you liked Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu add

...then you might like Orange: Mirai add

Movies that act as companion pieces to the TV series they derive from. Using some form of time-travel as its container, these movies explore the choices made by loved ones when choosing one person over the other. There's a weighed sacrifice for their decisions, something the person with the time-travel advantage openly acknowledges, allowing for moments of self-reflection as they mull over their actions. And because of this constant causality, even in a slice-of-life setting, these movies feel like significant turning points to the TV series material it's attached to. They're equally smothered in this pensive atmosphere, occasionally taking a deep breath of fresh air to allow momentary relief. Visually, they strongly utilize muted colors, giving them the feeling of leaving spring or just approaching fall. A blanket of steel blue with occasional spots of warmth. Earthy tones of browns and greens. The stark contrast of cherry blossoms or a soft pink scarf. These movies found ways to alleviate the mood visually and narratively, while not compromising the situation at hand. It's not the most uplifting thing you could watch but if you're in the mood for it, in the right state of mind, they can be very rewarding for what they offer.

If you liked De:vadasy add

...then you might like Darling in the FranXX add

Do you like embarrassing sexual innuendos?... Excessive self-loathing dialogue?... Content overwrought with symbolism self-defeating to the purpose of "symbolism" in storytelling?... Subtext lost in the undercurrent of shameless pandering?... Post-Eva content who's identity can't escape the shadow of the patriarch it draws inspiration from due to a lack of actual, self-earned creative merit?... Mecha piloted implicitly by the act of a male and female "CUMing together" in a dance of mutual trust?... WELL BOY, YOU ARE IN LUCK! De:vadasy shares the same lineage as FranXX. The sleazy underbelly of excerpts that came from what many people consider to be a highbrow entry in the mecha genre. If you taper expectations accordingly, both shows can be enjoyable. Whether it's enjoyable for the reasons the creators intended, however, is to be debated.

If you liked Gungrave add

...then you might like 91 Days add

Out of all the mafioso inspired anime entries out there, these two come the closest to capturing the very essence of the subgenre. The usual themes revolving around family, loyalty, revenge, and corruption are omnipresent. They center around the inner-turmoil of the mafia families on display, and in some capacity, also have a frenemy relationship occurring between the two main characters involved. With muted color-palettes, earthy tones, realistic character designs, and an invested attempt in taking cinematic cues from films that inspire it; these entries are something like gift-wrapped viewing bargains. The only tradeoff for watching either boils down to how much fantastical elements you're looking for. If you want the bread and butter of the mafia subgenre, go with 91 Days. However, if you want something that adheres to the subgenre with a bit of a left-hook coming in the form of supernatural elements, then go with Gungrave. Either way, they're both satisfying in their own right.

If you liked Issho ni Sleeping: Sleeping with Hinako add

...then you might like One Room add

Can't be bothered with real life human interaction? Prefer 2-D waifus in yo laifu? Well these two titles are tailor-made for you. Here, you're placed in the protagonist's shoes, commandeering his point of view as you get cozy with some lovely 2D babez. With similarly drawn character designs and a need to pander to its viewer, these two titles are practically siblings.

If you liked Kite Liberator add

...then you might like Under the Dog add

Both titles involve stoic girl assassins with specialized weaponry tasked with killing an alien threat. Using similar art and color palettes, while propelling its content with big, orchestrated action set-pieces, if you've found enjoyment from one, the similar aspects of the other will more than likely appeal to you as well. It also helps that the ineptitude found in their screenplays were so apparent up front that your expectations are effectively neutered right off the bat.

If you liked Joker Game add

...then you might like 91 Days add

Both shows take place during the early 1900s and show the seedy undercurrent of society during that era. Containing similar art direction, color palettes, and sound mixing, these titles feel like they share the same universe. Taku Kishimoto is also credited for his Series Composition contributions on both titles as well. They're titles that gravitate away from the usual anime trappings, taking more influence from the world of cinema instead. If you enjoy the tone and atmosphere of one, there's a high chance you'll like the other.

If you liked Samurai Flamenco add

...then you might like Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou - The Last Song add

Flamenco and Concrete revolve around unique approaches to discussing superheroes and what it means to be one in a society that takes their existence seriously. This sobering approach is juxtaposed by their peppy art choices. Pays homage to the broad strokes of archetypes usually found in the superhero genre.

If you liked Sakigake!! Cromartie Koukou add

...then you might like Sakamoto desu ga? add

These series revolve around over-the-top situational "gag" comedy expressed in a deadpan manner from the main characters involved. Sakamoto's actions mirror that of the everyday lives of the Cromartie Highschool attendees. They rely on slapstick humor to add a bigger punch to their comedic gags. They're also both set in a high school full of delinquents and are carried out in a similar SOL fashion. If your sense of humor gravitates towards this "deadpan meet absurdist" style of comedy, then what Sakamoto and Cromartie play around with would feel right at home with you.

If you liked Koukaku Kidoutai add

...then you might like Jin-Rou add

Both titles are centered around special forces that work co-dependently with the governing factions of their country, dealing with the political climate that dictates their line of work, as well as delving into the psyche of the main characters involved. The main characters of Jin-Roh and GITS find themselves questioning their placement within society, while also mulling over their existence in the process. These titles were also worked on extensively by Mamoru Oshii in collaboration with the parent studio, Production I.G. They have very similar melancholic atmospheres, hyper-realistic character designs, and underlining motif that runs throughout the runtime. It's centered entirely on adults, allowing for more nuances in character interaction. They're think-pieces that quietly meditate on its subject matter, allowing the viewer to piece together the narrative in real-time with the characters on screen. And as is the case with anything Oshii, there's no shortage of memorable iconography littered throughout. If you've seen and enjoyed one, then you'll more than likely enjoy the other.

If you liked Saraiya Goyou add

...then you might like Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu add

Narrative-wise, these titles share very little in common, however, when it comes to exploring the spaces between character relationships and seeing how well-developed personalities interact with each other; these titles can be seen as companion pieces. The similar meditative atmosphere and traditionalist-like world design also lends itself well to making the experience feel closely connected. Both have a subdued but palatable way of presenting its world and characters. A strong moral fiber that makes the individuals presented to feel realistic in comparison to most works being produced today. Very theatrical in the way stage plays tend to be. Both were worked on by key animator, Mieko Hosoi. If you like one there's a strong possibility you'll like the other.

If you liked Baccano! add

...then you might like Durarara!!x2 Ten add

The most obvious title to recommend to anyone aware of either series but Durarara and Baccano are practically siblings. They both: -deal with gangs -have an ever-changing "point of view" narrative -take place in a backdrop of a bustling city -have supernatural elements in a fairly grounded setting -have a plethora of quirky personalities -directed by Takahiro Omori -originally created by Ryohgo Narita They even have characters from Baccano (Isaac and Miria) make cameo appearances in Drrr. While the quality of both is heavily debated, there's no denying the similarities they share.

If you liked Michiko to Hatchin add

...then you might like Gangsta. add

This isn't a very conventional recommendation but I still think they're comparable. They're Manglobe titles, both of which have a rugged, urban setting and explore the underbelly of whatever society they're a part of. While Michiko is a lot more light-hearted in presentation and formatted in a "road" journey depiction, as oppose Gangsta's city-trekking and often dower aesthetic; their similar setting and character designs make them feel like they share the same universe. A "two sides of the same coin" situation, if you will.

If you liked Suisei no Gargantia add

...then you might like Sidonia no Kishi: Daikyuu Wakusei Seneki add

Revolving around a future dystopia society where humanity battles giant, ominous space monsters using mecha, these titles are pretty joined at the hip. Each treating the space monsters as a mysterious entity. The core premise is the same, but what really sells that comparison is that they both become a slice-of-life towards the middle portion of their runtime (Sidonia more harem than anything), despite the inherent intrigue that could have been achieved by exploring the alien threat instead. And similarly, towards the 3rd act, they reconnected back to the core conflict that was established in the beginning (in this case, a fight against monsters).

If you liked No Game No Life add

...then you might like Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka add

Aside from the obvious MMO-inspired setting, they also share a somewhat earnest realization for what their reasoning for being made was. Where No Game can be seen as self-aware, Danmachi seems to have no pretense to just being escapist, fantasy empowerment. Vivid animation, in-world game stats to move the plot forward and a shameless disregard for fanservice. If a less conceited MMO entry is what you want, then give either of these a try.