.hack//SIGN - Recommendations

If you're looking for anime similar to .hack//SIGN, you might like these titles.

Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

The year is 2022, and gamers have lined up on launch day for Sword Art Online, a hotly-anticipated MMORPG that lets players connect to an immersive virtual reality world with special helmets called Nerve Gear. Kirito is one such gamer who's eager to jump back into action, having spent a great deal of time as a beta tester, and quickly becomes friends with newbie warrior Klein. But soon, Sword Art Online's 10,000 players discover that not only are they unable to log out, the only way they can return to their physical bodies is by beating the 100-level tower's final boss - that is, if their HP doesn't drop to zero first, for death in the game means death in the real world. Now, with no one else to turn to, Kirito and the other participants must survive the game as best they can – some forming guilds, others ruthlessly leaving their peers behind, and many tragically falling by the wayside or to the merciless monsters populating the lands...

22 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Sword Art Online...

DarkSide90 DarkSide90 says...

Very similar in the concept of virutal reality, stuck in a game, as well as MMORPG style. Both very good animes.

sothis sothis says...

These two are a PERFECT match. Being stuck in a game and not being able to exit? Check. Awesome music? Check. Excellent set design and fantasy creatures? Check. SAO is miles above hack on all levels, but this is a recommendation that makes sense above all.

Ryuuhei Ryuuhei says...

These animes resemble each other in many ways, however SAO is much more sad and depressing. Even the paces are very different, while .hack//SIGN is slow-paced, SAO is extremely fast-paced. But I think you'll like each of this shows, they are both worth watching!

Arrandom Arrandom says...

Same plot, virtual reality, stucked in a game, mmorpg style and low magic too are common things between this two series

Adephi Adephi says...

What's not to like about people being stuck in an MMO?

Both series have similar concepts only in SIGN it's only one player that's stuck while in SAO everyone's stuck.

ZeroKami86 ZeroKami86 says...

SAO is like .hack//SIGN with a faster-paced storyline and higher stakes, so most likely if you liked .hack//SIGN you will love SAO, should go both ways - but if you don't like a little slower-paced show then you may not enjoy .hack//SIGN (it's not unbearably slow-paced like Shiki)

DrMarmelo DrMarmelo says...

MMORPG in the future 

both very alike

even tho i prefer Sword Art Online i recommend both

Gavia Gavia says...

Both are based on the same concept: People stuck in a fantasy style MMORPG. Other than that though, they are wery different. Mainly, Sword Art Online isa lot more fast-paced and action-oriented.

soulreleaser soulreleaser says...

If you like anime based on being trapped in a video game then you'll love both of these great animes.  .hack//SIGN follows several different chacters in it's story the same way SAO does where as SAO moves a little faster in character development .hack//SIGN covers more of the mysterious online world.

Jarudin Jarudin says...

The concept is very similar. An online RPG where players are 'trapped'. I would argue that the romance part of Sword Art Online is better, but the music score in .hack//SIGN is better.

DontStay DontStay says...

I agree with the masses, these 2 shows are definitely a lot like each other. The main story and the idea of both anime is having people stuck inside of a MMORPG game. Where in one, we got only our main protagonist to live inside the game and the other having all the players trapped in.

illuminatedflame illuminatedflame says...

It really has alot of the same premises except that in SAO they (Spoiler) are kept within the game due to removal of a logout option whereas in .hack//SIGN it is a virus which keeps them from logging out. But if you Enjoy SAO or .hack I would reccomend either to you.

Kzare Kzare says...

I completely agree with Illuminated but .hack has a much more complex story and can get confusing at times. The main character in .hack is also much darker then then SAO's male lead char.

tekman92 tekman92 says...

.hack supposedly gave some insperation to sao i havnt watched the .hack series yet but as a big sao fan .hack has been recommended to me alot as sort of the gandfather of sao

AutumnFlower AutumnFlower says...

Both are virtual worlds that effect the lives of the players real life bodies. However not as dramatic as SOA where they simply go into a coma in .hack//sign instead of actual death.

RG RG says...

The whole idea of a character or characters trapped in a virtual world with no way of getting out . . . that was what came to mind when I first found out about SAO. That said, both shows have their merits.

Swerto Swerto says...

Both revolve around a story where characters are playing a MMORPG and face an issue with logging out. In SAO everyone has this sisue, in .hack//sign only the main character has this issue. Both of their game worlds are a fantasy setting, and both have pretty fun action scenes. 

.hack is a much older series than Accel World/SAO, but its still great. Check the other out if you like it. 

miko miko says...

this is spot on without a doubt ! many times over I thought I was watching a .hack when I was watching SWA could be why I never could get into SWA.  but if you've never seen a .hack feel free to watch and compare.

Wandervox Wandervox says...

It's almost certainly been said before now, but this recommendation is an absolute no-brainer. If you'd already seen one of these, watching the other surely brought this comparison to mind almost immediately. These two stories share so many elements -- they each take many pages from the same book... great book it is, mind you.

You have the main character that's stuck in an online game. Uneasy alliances are forged. Strange happenings abound. There are even some commonalities in the shows' visual design. "So what's left to make me want to watch the one of these I HAVEN'T seen," you ask? There ARE differences, and they take two very similar shows in two rather different directions.While .hack takes more the form of a mystery, preferring to keep you watching by taking you from one oddity to the next. SAO leans more toward action and offers clear, shocking reveals. .hack's main character questions who to trust and why, SAO's whether they should trust at all, and how to even do so.

.hack does suffer slightly from age, and SAO from a spot or two of questionable writing. Regardless, both are interesting and entertaining, and well worth watching, particularly if you are a fan of what either brings to the table.

MagicalGirlJodi MagicalGirlJodi says...

Both shows revolve around being stuck in an MMORPG. I feel Sign is for a more mature audience as it can be harder to understand but both are a decent watch.

Kirito2424 Kirito2424 says...

Both of these delve into the "stuck in a video game" genre and both do a good job while .Hack is more of a mystery style than Sword Art because they know how to get out but both do a good job at expanding the imagination and showing what people would do or think when thrown into a new world not knowing if they will ever leave

ermo ermo says...

I first watched .hack//sign, and years later Sword Art Online (SAO). Immediately, after the first episode os SAO I was remindend of my experience of .hack//sign.

I think people who can tolerate a slow paced anime where you have to pay xlpse attention to the conversations can enjoy .hack//sign.

On the other hand if you like more action, than your show is probably SAO.

Both has very good sound tracks.

Serial Experiments Lain

Serial Experiments Lain

"I have only abandoned my body, I still live here" - are the words emailed to friends of Chisa, several days after her death by suicide. As Lain delves deeper into the world of the "Wired" (also known as the internet), the line between it and reality becomes more and more unclear. Close the world, open the nExt.

12 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Serial Experiments Lain...

shalist shalist says...

Another series that deals heavilyy with the 'border betwen reality and virtual reallity.' Watch as the mystery surrounding the Wired, and what affect the Wired is having on the real world, are unraveled in this mind twisting series.

XMrNiceguyX XMrNiceguyX says...

If you liked the deep story in Lain, .hack//SIGN might appeal to you. .hack//SiGN plays in a fantasy world, while Lain has a much bigger grade of reality. .hack//SIGN has better music than Lain, so if you like a depper story, check out Lain, while if you are more interested in music and bit of humor and a still quite deep story, check out .hack//SIGN

aldat aldat says...

.hack//SIGN and Lain are both so called "intelligent" series; that is in both of these you get to use your brain and enjoy an original story. Though it may not seem so in the beginning, the worlds and themes of these animes have many common points, like the difference between virtual and real and the idea that everyone always builds their worlds in their head and so every world is virtual. And by the world that defines us and us that defines us the essence of "me" is also pondered. .hack//SIGN is slower and much lighter in animation and mood, but if you liked one the other might be well worth a try, at least.

Nanashi Nanashi says...

What's more similar than MMORPGS and computers? Tsukasa deals with being trapped in the world of an MMORPG while Lain is trapped in the realm of computers. Lain tends to be darker than .hack/SIGN and a little more entertaining in my opinion. The music, however, is not as beautiful as it is in .hack/SIGN.

nextolast nextolast says...

The somewhat moody feel that you get from these two animes, and the fact that both deal with strange computer related out of body experiences should give you good reason to consider on if you liked the other. The way they look at computers in these is really neat, an dis surely an item of note

LeaT LeaT says...

Both hack//SIGN and Lain deal with what happens if you can no longer separate reality from the internet. Both set up a plot which involves around what happens when you find out what the real truth is. You will most likely like one if you liked the other.

chii chii says...

Both Lain and .hack//SIGN are about reality vs. the internet. The real world is harsh and cruel - what better way than to go and hide in a world that you can create for yourself? While these worlds do not make the main characters happy, by going to them they are able to learn the hard truths about both worlds in a way that makes sense to them. You will definitely like one if you liked the other.

Ran Ran says...

Both Lain and .hack//SIGN involve a character being stuck in a computer world where he/she obtains godly powers and has the ability to override the world's rule, whether is it the real or game world. Both main characters are rather introverted and learn to open themselves up and get along with others throughout the anime.

EmperorDecker EmperorDecker says...

both series have in-depth, character driven plot lines. the story lines take place in both the real and wired worlds. Altho .Hack has a much clearer distinction between these worlds.

Never Never says...

Both series pertain to internet mysteries involving death, and a young innocent girl able to save others. If you love this series for these technological fantasies I think Lain will hit your chord.

FreebooterFox FreebooterFox says...

Both .hack//SIGN and Serial Experiments Lain are anime that feature main characters who are on the surface, shy, afraid, naïve and isolated from the rest of the world. However each cause great disturbances in the normal order of things, reluctantly shoving them into the spotlight. Simultaneously, both of them seem to have a sort of dissasociative identity disorder, where they display a kind of doppelganger personality which is aggressive, touchy and megalomaniacal.

Both anime take a hard look at what being connected on a worldwide web really means, and what that could mean for us in the future as technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In the process of dealing with the rest of the cast, whether on a regular basis or during chance skirmishes, the main characters are pushed to reexamine their perspectives in a way that forces them to question their very identity, the purpose of their existence, or whether they truly exist in any corporeal manner at all.

Discovering one's identity and looking for the features that make one unique... That is a journey that all of us take on some level, and both anime remind us that- in a time where technology grants us anonymity and the chance to start anew in different social circles- it's important to maintain a sense of self and to keep from getting lost in the vast reaches of internet space.

Axmann8 Axmann8 says...

Aside from .hack//SIGN being a very good anime in its own right, It's like Serial Experiments Lain in that it deals with the communication of people through the internet, along with every facet and pitfall that comes with this type of communication. Some would say that the two animes are very, very different (and they'd probably be right), but for some reason, it just feels right to recommend SIGN to Lain fans, and vice-versa.

Noir

Noir

Mireille Bouqet has become a reputable assassin working in France. However, all changes after she meets Kirika, a mysterious young girl who knows nothing about her past but possesses killing skills that dwarf hers. Further intrigue unfolds as both characters explore their shadowy past and come to a head with a clandestine organization that seeks to control destiny itself.

7 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Noir...

Lethann Lethann says...

This series is a must watch for any .Hack// fans. The music and just the general feel is much the same... with a mind bending plotline at points to really match up with the more complicated aspects of .hack//.

VRDave VRDave says...

The music in .hack//SIGN and Noir is produced by the same people so it is very similar. The music is also what helps build the atmosphere for both of the series. If you liked one, I'm sure you will like the other.

tolone tolone says...

While a completely different anime story wise, it is very similar to Noir in the way the story is presented, also that it requires alot of patience for it to get to the point. You will either love or hate hack sign, if you love it you will most likely love noir and vice versa.

AnimeUnrivaled AnimeUnrivaled says...

While .hack//SIGN and Noir are based on entirely different concepts, many people who find one interesting may enjoy the other. The first similarity between the two that comes to mind is the music. The scores from these two anime are both exquisite and worth a listen. The music is used in a similar manner in order to influence the viewer with a feeling of urgency or simply to provide an ominous atmosphere. The art styles are almost identical. The two series have the same high quality of artwork. Both series primarily take place in darker areas lacking bright colors, and then occasionally shift to scenes of characterization with vivid colors providing much more personality than normal. The two series also have a similar, slow pace with occasional leaps forward (although .hack//SIGN is the slower of the two).

aldat aldat says...

It is clear that there are many similarities in the animes of the same studio. Still, it doesn't change the fact that these two have a lot in common. There are the gorgeous musics and similar animation style of course. Also the colours used resemble eachother. If not talking about the technical details, the one similar thing is the way both of these stories take their time. Both stories are original enough, though admittedly different. Still, the way either of them gives anything ready-on-plate to the watcher is quite enjoyable.

gunslinger92 gunslinger92 says...

Both of these series contain a "lost" character, with very little knowledge of their past. And so, off they go to search for the meaning of their existence. If you enjoy searching for the real meaning of the series instead of having it handed to you bluntly, both of these shows will not leave you wanting.

Jakounezumi Jakounezumi says...

Very similar music, which is excellent for both shows btw, and I think the same people wrote most of not all music. Though very different setting - they have a very similar feel to them and they are also both slowburners so probably not so popular with todays younglings ;)

Avenger

Avenger

In a bleak look at the future, Avenger takes place in a desolate wasteland filled with domed cities. Fighters from each town battle each other for power and prestige. Avenger follows the path of Leila, one of these fighters, as well as Nei, a young being called a "doll" (an android created to live with and serve humans), as they leave their home city, travelling into the wasteland.

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Avenger...

MaRyusama MaRyusama says...

Avenger has a very similar atmosphere and character design when compared to .hack//SIGN. Even though the plots are different I still feel that if you liked .hack you'd like Avenger. Its also done by the same studio ... but as you watch the show its similarity to .hack screams at you ... so if your looking for something that has some of the same feel as .hack you want to watch this.

Imsorrykun Imsorrykun says...

same style of animation in my opinion, also the long thrown-in-the-middle plot style. both have great plot development with mild action and you may undoughtable find an uncanny simularity.

Ellor Ellor says...

Though , both anime have very diffrent plots the but the atmosphere is kinda alike. Oh, and drawing style is similiar too.

Moreover, both amine have amazing soud track.

Kastrophee Kastrophee says...

Both shows where made by the same studio plus both feature very similar animation and music, not to mention feel as well. Though it should be noted that Avenger is shorter and thus events are resolved much quicker. The chances of liking one and not another is very unlikely, so give it a try.

Usagi06 Usagi06 says...

Both anime are more story and character driven then action driven. They tend to have slow moments, with little action and a lot of plot and/or character development. However it means that they both have detailed and good stories and when the action does show up it's good.

Haibane Renmei

Haibane Renmei

A young woman quietly falls to the earth, escorted by a solitary crow. This sort of dream, as many other before have dreamed, comes just before being reborn as a Haibane, a charcoal-winged angel. On the outskirts of the walled-in city lies Old Home, a haven for Haibane to study, live, and learn, while waiting for their chance to ascend to the heavens and escape the confines of their new world. Rakka is the newest inhabitant of Old Home who wants nothing more than to remember her past and discover the secrets of her kind. Together with Reki, Kuu and plenty of other new friends, Rakka will laugh, explore, and search for the meaning of their existence in the process.

4 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Haibane Renmei...

kaz kaz says...

Underneath the calm appearance of an anime based on the MMORPG concept, there is a surprisingly dark story. Haibane Renmei is similar to .hack//SIGN in that while at first glance the series may seem completely ordinary, it too has something lurking beneath the pretty exterior -- something that is remarkably enjoyable to watch unfold.

extent extent says...

If you liked the drama in Sign check out Haibane Renmei. A very touching story

Yenya Yenya says...

Both .hack//Sign and Haibane Renmei are slow-paced animes, with an interesting story, mostly lacking fast action. Also the backgrounds are exceptionally nice in both of these animes.

fasang fasang says...

Because of a strange coincidence I've seen Haibane Renmei and .hack//SIGN in a short period of time just after quitting playing a MMORPG game I've played for a long time. I guess the reason I was attracted to both of them is because of the same feeling you get if you watch them. You know there's more to the world than what's shown to you, but somehow you don't really need to know what to enjoy the moment. The similarity in experience between the two lead figures is very strong in an emotional kind of way; they both get to find out why they belong somewhere or why they do not...

Summer Wars

Summer Wars

In the future, all facets of society are tied into OZ, a virtual world inhabited by millions of users. Kenji, one of OZ’s moderators, was set to begin another typical summer when the lovely Natsuki asked him to accompany her to her hometown as a job. However, little did Kenji know that the 'job' entailed pretending to be Natsuki’s fiancé in front of her eccentric family! Now on display and feeling like a fish out of water, Kenji tries his best to fit in with Natsuki and her relatives, until one day he receives a mysterious math problem through a text message. As an avid math fanatic Kenji can’t help but try to solve it, unaware that his actions may jeopardize not only OZ, but also the entire world...

4 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Summer Wars...

HoshikoYoukai HoshikoYoukai says...

both the movie Summer Wars and the .Hack//SIGN series have simmilar plots surrounding a virual world and how some mystrious problem comes and throws it out of wack. both are worth watching.

Htieks Htieks says...

Seriously, was I the only one who thought these two anime are surprisingly similar?

Internet, and special network/game in particular, are something extremely important for the worlds of these series. The main "villains" are basically the same thing, and when they start damaging the real world a group of "normal" people try to stop them online. Even the plans used to fight these enemies are almost the same. And both deal with really similar themes...

.hack//SIGN takes a more fantasy approach to the themes (and seems incomplete because it continues in a videogame series), but I think Summer Wars is much more lighthearted than the latter. Anyway, I'm sure if you liked one, you'll like the other as well.

ProjectBlackRai ProjectBlackRai says...

The key to both of these animes is the content. The animation styles are vastly different, however, both pertain to a digital world that was supposed to be revolutionary and both came under attack by some unknown entity, causing far-reaching consequences. Both are worth watching. If you've already seen one, see the other.

oddlyk1 oddlyk1 says...

Both .hack//SIGN (and other .hack) and Summer Wars deal with a virtual world, an AI, and some MAJOR problems that not only effect virtual reality, but our wolrd aswell.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion

In the future, a devastating event known as Second Impact has destroyed Tokyo as we know it, giving rise to Tokyo III - a city under siege by mysterious lifeforms known only as Angels. Mankind's only line of defense are the Evangelions, a set man-made machines piloted by a trio of fourteen year-old teenagers, Rei, Shinji, and Asuka. The fate of Japan and the entire world now lie with these three children, though they might not have the power to save the most important thing of all: each other.

3 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Neon Genesis Evangelion...

Aikou Aikou says...

Evangelion doesn't have anything to do with .hack//SIGN, but the story line is equally as good and philosophically valuable. ^_^

Arterious Arterious says...

Another series for mecha and "Mind Screw" anime. Very depressing and VERY VERY deep. You may have to watch this one a few times to get it all. The earth is under attack by giant monsters called "angels" the only thing mankind has that can even hurt these creatures are the Eva units. And guess what they can only be driven by teenagers! Enter Shinji Ikari the main character of the story, will he pilot an eva against these monsters? Or will he turn and run? Better watch to find out!

Sibnova Sibnova says...

Both shows have a philosophical meaning and really help your mind think about deep thoughts such as being alive and self awareness.

Den-noh Coil

Den-noh Coil

In a futuristic world, the virtual world is merely a layer on top of reality; within it, cyberpets are abundant and information is plentiful, and it is only visible by wearing special cyberglasses. In Daikoku City, this cyberspace is behaving strangely: cyberpets are going missing, dark entities known as "the Illegal" roam obsolete space that shouldn’t exist, and a large pink antivirus program known as Satchii wanders the streets, attacking both virus and pets alike. Sixth grader Yuko Okonogi has just moved to Daikoku City, and after cyberdetective children help her rescue her lost dog, she soon joins the others in a search for the truth behind these strange occurances.

3 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Den-noh Coil...

Cetonis Cetonis says...

Dennou Coil and .hack//SIGN both take place in a virtual sort of world, which give them quite a few common threads. For instance, in each case the mystery at hand isn't "real," yet still has some impact on reality. Each also explores where the line is drawn between the virtual and real worlds, etc. In addition to this aspect, they're both very much character-oriented mystery series, so there are also similarities on a basic genre level. Although Dennou Coil is generally a better anime, fans looking for more could certainly give .hack a shot, and any .hack fans should definitely check out Dennou.

Merryberry Merryberry says...

Exploring the world of increasing interaction between real life and virtual reality, both .hack//sign and Dennou Coil demonstrate some pretty similiar and deep messages about how the relationship becoming blurred. Each series uses a real world and computer world and although the concept maybe similiar the loss of consciousness and hidden attributes of technology results in both series portraying the same ideas in different ways. Well worth watching.

Htieks Htieks says...

It's easy to see the similarities between these series: they deal with a virtual reality that can interfere with the real world and with people's minds, causing fatal accidents, and with people trying to uncover the secrets of these realities. Both also tend to resort to mature and somewhat philosophical dialogues now and then, and to accurately build up their respective settings along with some plot twists on the way.

Note that this also means that both series are quite slow-paced, but if you're interested in a very detailed world with its technology and urban legends, you won't be disappointed.

Scrapped Princess

Scrapped Princess

The god Mauser delivered unto a world of magic a prophecy: if the Scrapped Princess is allowed to live, she will destroy the entire world. But the knight who was to kill her could not end the life of a newborn child, and so she lived. Fifteen years later, her adopted brother and sister have sworn to protect her, and together they travel from town to town, searching for a life she can't have.

2 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Scrapped Princess...

raistlin raistlin says...

It all sounds like a great Dungeons & Dragons campaign, and includes plot twists, great humour, entertaining characters and a fitting music score. What attracts me to these kinds of series is the fact that magic exists. The plot twist in this show made me even more exalted in that perspective.

sothis sothis says...

Though Scrapped Princess is a lot more eclectic and interesting than hack//SIGN, both are very fantasy-based and have unique characters and situations. I can't say much why I recommend Scrapped Princess without spoiling, so let's just say I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy SP if you like .hack//SIGN. ;)

Final Fantasy: Unlimited

Final Fantasy: Unlimited

On the night of a full moon, twins Yu and Ai sneak off to a closed subway that turns out to be a gateway to another world. There, they encounter two unlikely companions: a woman named Lisa, and a mysterious fellow who can summon spirits with the gun on his arm. Together, they travel through this strange new world of magic and mystery, cactaurs and chocobos in search of the twins' missing parents.

2 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Final Fantasy: Unlimited...

Dragonstar Dragonstar says...

FF:U features young protaganists stranded in a strange fantasy world, aided by a handful of capable adults who may know more than they let on. The world in FF:U is highly structured, and the pace is deliberate. .hack//SIGN shares many of these qualities, from the young protaganist stranded in a fantasy world to the deliberate pace. .hack//SIGN is also highly structured. There are many similarities in tone, execution, and pace between the two shows, but enough differences to be interesting.

Bateau Bateau says...

Two great fantasy stories. Both carry the same characteristics in terms of story. If you like one im sure you'll love the other. I did ^_^