If you liked
Afro Samurai
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...then you might like
Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf
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Garouden and Afro Samurai appeal to the same audience who want straightforward storylines, adult characters, violent fights, and no anime tropes. Our main characters are silent, stoic loners who are great fighters. Ready to defeat every opponent. Casual anime watchers and non-traditional anime watchers will like these series the most. Many anime fans might not like Garouden and Afro Samurai much, but they have a place whether you're watching with a friend or you're just in the right mood. Knowing that, you will have a good time.
If you liked
Code Geass: Boukoku no Akito 1 - Yokuryuu wa Maiorita
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...then you might like
Kidou Senshi Gundam Thunderbolt
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How would you survive in a war when your country considers you to be disposable? The soldiers of the Living Dead Division and the wZero Unit face this situation every day. Their hardships might be different, but every battle is a dance between survival and sacrifice. Be ready for some good mecha battles! While both anime are part of popular franchises, these entries can be watched without knowing their related series.
If you liked
Nodame Cantabile
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...then you might like
Blue Giant
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Blue Giant and Nodame Cantabile have very different storylines and characters, but this does not matter. I have waited a long time for a music themed anime that is all about the music, that is not an idol show, not a competition, and not a high school anime. The main characters are passionate musicians who must forge their own paths as they face obstacles. If you have also been searching for a music themed anime every season then maybe this movie will be enough.
If you liked
Batman: Gotham Knight
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...then you might like
Star Wars: Visions
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What would happen when you give some of the most popular American franchises to Japanese animators? In 2008, we were given the opportunity to find out with Batman: Gotham Knight, a six-film anthology collection. It took 13 years until the release of Star Wars: Vision for a new anthology collection based on an American franchise. With the support of Disney+, it easily the most well known and liked Japanese adaptation of an American franchise. Both anthologies involved multiple studios creating their own shorts with industry veterans. It makes for two very eclectic collections with very different ideas for the Batman and Star Wars.
If you liked
Memories
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...then you might like
Chiisana Eiyuu: Kani to Tamago to Toumei Ningen
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Modest Heroes and Memories are anthology films composed of three shorts created by industry veterans. Each short film has a unique story and character design. Many anime fans will overlook shorts for one reason or another, but if you open yourself to them then you will discover a whole new segment of anime. Finding your favourite short film is one of the small pleasures with watching an anthology. I hope this recommendation will help you on your path of discovery.
If you liked
Given
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...then you might like
Blue Giant
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Talent. In the world of music, talent is everything, but even more important is being able to inject your emotions into your sound. This is what separate talented artists from inspirational artists. Saxophonist Dai (Blue Giant) and singer Mafuyu (Given) are some of these artists. Their sound captivates audiences and talented musicians despite being relatively new to music. Blue Giant and Given have very different characters and storylines with their own shortcomings, but this will not matter if their journeys and music captivates you.
If you liked
Carole & Tuesday
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...then you might like
Blue Giant
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Both anime share a similar premise: musicians have a chance encounter leading them to make music together and aim for greatness. Carole and Tuesday with dogged determination despite society seemingly not be interested in their music. Dai and Yukinori pursue music with intensity and single-minded attention making success seems inevitable due to their talent. Music is core to the storyline and there are plenty of music playing scenes to look forward to.
If you liked
Koukaku Kidoutai
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...then you might like
Terminator 0
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The Terminator franchise might have some very philosophical themes, but it was always more action driven. Its anime strikes a different balance and in doing so sets up a new dynamic for The Terminator trope that pays off at the end. Terminator 0 has more in common with Ghost in the Shell than the Predator franchise. Both anime spend more time on philosophical dialogues about humanity. It is these moments that makes you want to rewatch them to analyze their themes better. This is what makes Ghost in the Shell iconic. If you are a fan of Ghost in the Shell then you will be surprised at what Terminator 0 can offer.
If you liked
Akira
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...then you might like
Terminator 0
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The anime industry has been creating adult animation for decades. A legacy possible due to the success of Akira, which proved that there was an audience for animation with heavier themes and mature content. Terminator 0 is included in this category. Viewers who watched Terminator 0 because they were familiar with the franchise and found themselves wanting more can look to Akira. Despite being a widely acclaimed and influential anime film, more anime fans know Akira than have seen it. Terminator 0 can therefore be a way for more people to watch Akira. Both titles will appeal to non-traditional anime watchers and science fiction fans who would be bored with your standard anime.
If you liked
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song
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...then you might like
Terminator 0
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The Terminator franchise has inspired countless science fiction titles. It should be no surprise that its first anime will have its share of similar titles. Vivy is definitely the best example and explore similar themes of AI dominance, the apocalypse, and time travelling. Anyone can enjoy Terminator 0. Its story is self-contained and requires no franchise knowledge. I'm sure you'll check it out.
If you liked
Appleseed (Movie)
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...then you might like
NieR:Automata Ver1.1a
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2B (Nier) and Deunan (Appleseed) are soldiers in a post-apocalyptic world ruined by a devastating war that has decimated the human population. The main characters are embroiled in a conflict that will determine the fate of humanity and the rise or survival of artificial life (e.g., bioroids, robots). Appleseed has dated 3DCGI, but you know whether this is a problem like every old anime. The ethical dilemma and philosophical discussions are very much central to the plot in Appleseed. Nier has a more subtle approach. Sci-fi is at its best when it explores important themes. If you agree with this statement then you might enjoy this recommendation.
If you liked
Baki
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...then you might like
Hinomaruzumou
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Hinomaru Sumo and Baki have a similar premise in which the main characters train and fight to become the strongest. Hinomaru wants to reach highest rank of yokozuna in sumo. Baki wants to be the strongest fighter in the world to have revenge against his father. The series have different atmospheres because of their different approaches to the use of violence and friendship in the storylines. If you want the same atmosphere then this recommendation is not for you, but if you want more combat sport fights, more defiance and more manliness then this might be for you.
If you liked
Air Gear
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...then you might like
The God of High School
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Battle shounen anime have never declined in popularity and have continued to introduce new characters to a new audience. Where there is popularity, you can find uncut gems that wasn't given an opportunity to shine. Air Gear and The God of High School are perfect examples of this because they weren't given enough episodes to finish their stories and fans had a lot of love for their manga. The main characters basically want to be the best and win against everyone, but it is these characters and their conflicts that makes you want to watch more. If you enjoy it then you'll want to continue past the anime.
If you liked
Juubee Ninpuuchou
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...then you might like
Onimusha
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Feudal Japan is a popular setting in anime because it offers so much material to explore. What Onimusha and Ninja Scroll contributes to this category is their supernatural elements, specifically demons and inhuman powers. This sets the ground for extreme graphic violence as swordsmen fight demons. Anyone looking for more anime set in a supernatural feudal Japan will be glad to find this one.
If you liked
Yasuke
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...then you might like
Onimusha
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Netflix original anime have a hit or miss reputation that alienate hardcore anime fans who prefer to skip most titles. The general consensus is that Onimusha and Yasuke are misses and therefore have received little attention. Onimusha and Yasuke are samurai anime series with fantasy elements that are easily watchable with their short episode count. Sometimes this is all you need along with some action for a good time. If this was one of your reasons for watching this anime then you should consider this recommendation.
If you liked
Afro Samurai
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...then you might like
Onimusha
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Onimusha and Afro Samurai are samurai anime from creators outside of the medium who bring their own artistic quality to the genre. Onimusha is based on a video game series by Capcom and this adaptation is directed by Takashi Miike who is a Japanese film director, film producer and screenwriter known for several extreme violent films. Afro Samurai is based on a doujinshi from a creator with strong American influences and the adaptation became a collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson, Studio Gonzo, the doujinshi creator, and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. Viewers who can appreciate these outside influences are the ones who will enjoy these anime the most. You will know if this speaks to your taste, but expect two violent anime.
If you liked
Sabikui Bisco
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...then you might like
Trigun Stampede
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Bisco and Vash are branded as destructive outlaws pursued by the state for their crimes. Their personalities are very much different, but they exude main character energy. In their own ways, Vash and Bisco fight for humanity even though society blames them for its problems. Their resilience and tenacity are their greatest strengths. Sabikui Bisco and Trigun Stampede are great choices for a post-apocalyptic adventure that can balance comedy, action, and drama.
If you liked
Appleseed Alpha
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...then you might like
God Eater
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Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction are popular subgenres of science fiction in anime. They offer an easy way to create a fictional world filled with conflict because everyone is trying to survive. This is the case with God Eater and Appleseed. Neither anime would be described as having intellectual themes and their storylines are not original. Instead, you watch them for the action. Anyone who enjoys apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction with a heavy dose of action should consider this recommendation.
If you liked
God Eater
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...then you might like
NieR:Automata Ver1.1a
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God Eater and NieR are post-apocalyptic series based on storylines from games. There are some basic similarities in their premise: the fight for survival against a stronger enemy. Neither bring something new to this premise, but this isn't the standard for making an entertaining anime. What God Eater and NieR excel at is the animation. A-1 Pictures (NieR) and ufotable (God Eater) certainly did not cut corners with their animation and character design. Their effort really shine when it comes to action sequences. Action will always be superior in visual medium, but the source of Nier and God Eater are games so an anime adaptation has to differentiate itself from the games for those familiar with them. For some, this is an impossible task. Everyone else will enjoy themselves.
If you liked
Karas
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...then you might like
Strait Jacket
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Two action-packed, supernatural anime OVAs from the mid-2000s, which could have been even stronger with more episodes. Their protagonists have tragic backstories that leads them to fight for humanity. They are cool characters and cool can do a lot to save a series. If you accept their underdeveloped stories then you might enjoy the gripping fighting sequences.
If you liked
Ga-Rei: Zero
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...then you might like
Jujutsu Kaisen
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Two series centered on exorcists defending humanity from supernatural beings. Jujutsu Kaisen is essentially a traditional shounen: training scenes, power scaling, naming techniques, mentors, fighting arcs, etc. It is a great anime, but it is still formulaic. Ga-Rei-Zero has an equal amount of action, but its heartbeat is the relationship between Kagura and Yomi. It is likely most remembered for its shocking opening episodes that rivals Elfen Lied and Goblin Slayer, but unlike them Ga-Rei-Zero delivers on its expectations. The years have not been favourable to Ga-Rei-Zero, which has not been able to build its fanbase compared to Elfen Lied despite being a better anime. It is very much a hidden gem.
If you liked
Karas
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...then you might like
Devilman: Crybaby
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Karas and Devilman: Crybaby share the same premise: the champion for good vs the champion for evil. Each group is composed of demons, but one side seeks to protect humans whereas the other side wants to dominate them. Karas was celebrated for its high quality animation, which compensated for shortcomings in the storyline. Devilman: Crybaby can be described in the very same way. While Karas simply did not have the episodes count to properly support its storylines, Devilman: Crybaby quickly derails into nonsense yet many people think very highly of the series. If you are hoping to find something similar to watch then you should consider this recommendation.
If you liked
Witch Hunter Robin
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...then you might like
Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei
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Are you looking for recommendations for a dark, paranormal detective anime? The Garden of Sinners film series is well known for its non-linear narrative that is not viewer-friendly unless you watch the films in chronological order. Witch Hunter Robin has an episodic format until the main storyline begins. Both anime therefore requires your commitment so that you can fully enjoy them. However, their dark, murder mysteries with some fair amount of action will easily keep your attention.
If you liked
Koukaku Kidoutai
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...then you might like
Paprika
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Satoshi Kon and Mamoru Oshii are highly acclaimed directors known for exploring complex themes in their works. Paprika is a fast-paced, psychological crime thriller exploring metaphysical themes about consciousness and the relationship between reality and dreaming. Ghost in the Shell is a slow-paced, psychological crime thriller exploring metaphysical themes about existence and being. Both movies are entertaining and thought provoking without harming the narrative or pacing.
If you liked
Chikyuugai Shounen Shoujo
|
...then you might like
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song
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Vivy and The Orbital Children are futuristic science fiction series involving artificial intelligence. They are completely different from each other, but they really explore how AI can shape society for the better or worst. The Orbital Children is heavier on the exposition so it can be a real treat for lovers of hard science fiction. Vivy is more action packed so it can be easy to overlook the AI commentary. Anyone with a strong interest in artificial intelligence and science fiction will not want to miss out on this recommendation.
If you liked
Summer Wars
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...then you might like
Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song
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Artificial intelligence in science fiction media has become an increasingly relevant theme as AI technologies continue to improve. Summer Wars and Vivy are very different from each other, but showcase the dangers of AI. In Vivy, you have a more nuanced interpretation of a Skynet AI. In Summer Wars, you have a self-aware, hacking AI that is causing havoc on digital infrastructure. If you're interested in AI takeover in science fiction then you should consider this recommendation.
If you liked
Piano no Mori (TV)
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...then you might like
Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudou-bu
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An important aspect of these series is the relationship between a mentor and student. Kai (Piano no Mori) was satisfied with playing piano for himself until his mentor shows him that there is so much more to learn from the piano. Minato (Tsurune) had resigned himself from never practicing archery again after losing his self-confidence. A chance encounter with his mentor inspires him to pick up archery again and begin recovering his confidence. These mentors do not simply teach, but challenge their students to find their own answers and discover new depth for their passions. As you can guess, both series focuses on character growth.
If you liked
Juubee Ninpuuchou
|
...then you might like
Jigokuraku
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Hell's Paradise is one of the standout series from Spring 2023. It was especially beloved for its non-stop action and graphic violence. Like Ninja Scroll, Hell's Paradise is set in Edo-period Japan and has ninjas, swordsmen, and supernatural creatures killing each other. Their storylines simply provide a reason for characters to fight, which is what you want in these types of anime.
If you liked
Yuri!!! on Ice
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...then you might like
Piano no Mori (TV)
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Kai (Piano no Mori) and Yuri (Yuri!!! on Ice) are very different characters, but are shaped by their relationships with their mentors and rivals. Although Kai is a naturally gifted and confident pianist, his mentor helps him to unlock his full potential and introduces him to piano competitions. Yuri is an aging figure skater with anxiety problems, but his new coach unlocks his artistry and confidence. They are also greatly shaped by their admiration for their rivals - Yuri Plisetsky (Yuri!!! on Ice) and Shuuhei Amamiya (Piano no Mori). If these elements are the aspects that you enjoyed then you should consider this recommendation.
If you liked
Chihayafuru
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...then you might like
Dance Dance Danseur
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Chihayafuru and Dance Dance Danseur are character-focused series about non-traditional competitions. Chihaya (Chihayafuru) and Junpei (Dance Dance Danseur) are underdogs who have less experience and knowledge than their peers, but are determined to become the best. They must push themselves to improve with the help of friends and rivals. Dance Dance Danseur is less known than Chihayafuru, but its audience certainly overlaps.