close
You've Earned Badges!
you have earned more badges → see all badges
don't want a popup? edit settings here
view your badges any time in your profile
One night, Madoka has a terrible nightmare – against the backdrop of a desolate landscape, she watches a magical girl battle a terrifying creature, and lose. The next day, the teen's dream becomes reality when the girl – Homura – arrives at Mitakihara High School as a transfer student, mysteriously warning Madoka to stay just the way she is. But when she and her best friend Miki are pulled into a twisted illusion world and meet a magical creature named Kyubey, the pair discovers that magical girls are real, and what's more, they can choose to become one. All they must do is sign a contract with Kyubey and agree to fight witches that spread despair to the human world, and in return they will be granted a single wish. However, as Homura's omen suggests, there's far more to becoming a magical girl than Madoka and Miki realize...
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.
Both of these series are deeply immersed in complex story elements and both are quite well versed in the amount of symbolism that is conveyed.
Both are deconstructions of their respective genres, with high levels of symbolism and intresting artistic direction
Visually stunning and totally different outlook on their respected genres both series are far more than watchable. Each with a complex story that starts out hard hitting and grabs you tightly until the very end.
The dream of every boy and girl, pilot a giant robot or become a magical girl. But in these cases the dreams turn to nightmares of physical and emotional abuse.
Being a magical girl, transforming and using your powers to fight evil. Or pilot a giant mecha, protecting the Earth from an alien onslaught. Doesn't it sound like fun? Well, it's not really all that fun for the kids in these series. Both shows portray these genres in a much darker way than usual.
Shouldering a very heavy responsibility, and the emotional trauma that can come from that; being different from the other children, and not necessarily in a good way; and how their newfound powers can affect the people around them: these are some of the themes that are explored in these works. They both use plenty of symbolism, as well. If either show was interesting to you because of this you should try the other one.
Strangely enough, both series are incredibly similar putting a darker twist on mechs and magical girls. Sporting grotesque and sometimes shocking scenes, both animes do an excellent job at immersing the viewer within the world and making them empathetic towards the main character and their situation.
On a simpiler note, both animes also sport a main character who does not want to "pilot a mech"/ "be a magical girl."
Both series act as deconstructions, challenges to the conventions of the genre. While I found Madoka much more entertaining, both anime share the themes of cynical postmodern styles and characters who face this cruel reality of the world. They both make the viewer think deeply about what he's watching, something that few anime successfully accomplish.
Both shows are about what would really happen if the dreams that children have about fighting in a giant robot or becoming a magical girl and how horrible it would be if they came true. If you like one you should watch the other
While both series seem to be extremely different in their animation styles (NGE is a mecha series and Madoka is a magic girl series) they both explore the fundementals of human nature and whether humanity and dreams are worth sacrifice.
These series each take a genre- be it mechas or magical girls- and completely tear it apart. While completely redefining and unhinging the tropes of the genre, they leave the viewer guessing what will happen next in a very dark manner.
Evangelion is to Mecha what Madoka is to Magical Girls. Both series turn their respective genres on their head and twist them into something dark and sinister, both feature characters that have become seriously screwed up and have to fight against near impossible odds to stop the apocalypse. As NGE has gone down in history, so do I think Madoka will. Both are highly recommended.
These two series are, for their own genres, a must with an approach at the storyboard original and different from any other mecha (evangelion genre) or mahou shoujo (madoka magica's one) anime.
Any stereotype of the genre is delete in these series, and even if they both begin with a usual approach they'll make you undestrand soon that you are in front of something absolutely epic and even revolutionary from the usual style used in the other series of the genre.
Both Evangelion and Madoka Magica take the motif of the child soldier and apply it to a well versed genre. If dark, psychological dramas are you're thing, I suggest watching these.
If magical girl or conversely mecha animes turn you off, it is important to note these two animes are only within their respective "genres" because they use these devices to tell a story; in other words, the "theme (magical girl/mecha)" is not the story in itself like most other animes that make up these genres. Now that the biases are set aside, these two animes are simply amazing, and if you enjoyed one of these animes already, the other will be similar in grandeur, that you will not regret watching.
Both shows have a very smart sense of revelation. Each new twist in plot causes you to rethink all events up until the present. The shows are both very well written.
Both have characters that go crazy and both are awesome series. I know I am expressing myself poorly, but trust me, they are similar. And if you don't believe me, read the reviews of other people who agree.
Both of these shows are wonderful in their individual rights. They both start off slowly, but once the wheels turn, they both become psychologically intriguing with plots that make you think twice of classic genres (mechas and magical girls respectfully). Not only are they visually stunning, but the diverse characters and driving music further stimulate the viewer of both pieces. Both left me wanting to re-watch them again (which very few titles can accomplish for me) and even own in my library. Highly recommended for both newcomers and veterans of the anime genre as a whole.
Thye both were game-changers for their respective genres. At first, each seems like another magical girl/mecha show, but they each go deeper and have really deep characterization.
Thematically both are very similar, and are deconstructions of their own genre.
They both feature psychological/mental breakdowns.
When a group of children discover a strange cave at the beach, their lives are forever changed. Inside they find a hide out filled with computers and a man named Kokopelli who gives them a curious offer: to participate in a special game in which they save Earth from fifteen giant monsters. To defeat the invaders, he will give them a powerful mecha of black armor. The children eagerly sign the contract, name their new weapon Zearth, and must now take turns to pilot it; but the 'game' is in fact all too real and the consequences of battle become the stuff of nightmares. With no option to cancel the contract, is there any way to stop the game before it is too late for all of them?
Given the series premise and genre there's a lot of differences. But given the events of episode 3 and the central theme of sacrifice these two HAVE A LOT IN COMMON.
First off to be clear, Madoka is NOT a high stakes game series, so don't be misled by seeing this recommendation. However, both involve children getting in way over their heads in a really messed up scenario, each person with their own reasons for doing what they're doing. The striking similarity between Dung Beetle and Kyubey should be mentioned as well, each cute (well, Kyubey more than Dung Beetle) and whimsical characters that have ulterior motives.
Both shows portray what can be seen as 'classic' childhood fantasies - being a magical girl or the dauntless pilot of a mecha - in a very negative light. What at first seemed like a fun adventure quickly becomes something else. Their newfound powers comes at a price and it's soon obvious that they're in for more than they bargained for.
Something similar is done with mascot characters: the cute critters in these shows have an agenda and aren't necessarily telling the whole truth. Thematically, they both feature the characters trying to grasp all of this and how these events affect them. Fans of either should definitely try out the other.
Bokurano and Madoka Magica exist in different genres but they have the exact same idea. Take cute, vulnerable children, stick them in a contract they don't understand, and watch with a mix of horror and awe as their lives fall gruesomely apart. And don't be fooled by looks - Madoka Magica is heavier on the stunning action while Bokurano is more about the psychological breakdown of the kids, but each works beautifully with the fundamental concept.
Similarly, both series starts off with a group of kids living a normal life until something dramatic changes their life. Due to this change, the kids were granted extraordinary power to affect those around them, with a price. If you like to follow stories where you keep guessing what the rules of the game is and now things are going to turn out, you should definitely check this series out.
Both Madoka Magica and Bokurano are subversive of their genres. They take conventional anime staples and go down a darker path. Also Dung Beetle and Kuubey have a lot in common and serve similar roles in their respective stories. Finally, the character designs in both anime are soft and innocent, making the content all the more disturbing.
Both anime have similarities in their dark and tragic lose/lose situations. If you liked that part of either show, try the other.
Bokurano exploits almost the same idea, but does it way better. Specifically, Bokurano is character-centric (while Madoka is idea-centric), making it much more enjoyable to watch over characters' stories generally consisting of despair and sorrow. Main plot describes how different people are able to overcome their previous unhappy lives and sacrifice them so other people could be happy.
Both have an animal-like being that sort of tricks innocent people into sacrificing themselves for higher good.
Bokurano is a bit more mature and sad, but they're alike enough that if you liked one, you will like the other one.
Bokurano and Madoka are similar in the way of teen children having to make such massive decisions, both involve contracts with strange creatures, and both have depressing moments that make you question how a simple teenager could even bear to be in their situation.
This is a very obvious recommendation. Puella Magi Madoka Magica is, in my opinion, a much better portrayal of what Bokurano was trying to achieve, a deconstruction of a popular genre with highly emotional drama. Both involve contracts, convoluted physics explanations, some over the top moments, and a plot that keeps one guessing until the end.
Bokurano and Madoka both feature young people in a serious situation that may affect the world. In both series, the children must fight and win at all cost. The characters in each are also guided by a mysterious being throughout their course.
The similarity between these two is striking. Both involve children, mostly with traumatic pasts, forced to fight to protect the Earth. They're creepy and sad and full of martyrs. As the children in both continue to fight, they learn similar and alarming truths about the nature of the battles and the weapons they've been given.
Both series took basic concept of childish fantasies and made a grim twisted plot out of it. They had some similar ideas but basically made clear that being a magical girl or mecha pilot can be considered the most traumatizing experience of anyone’s life. Also there are Dung Beetle and Kuubey… you will notice some similarities. If you are fan of other and want to see how similar path of sorrow and torment can be in other, usually considered children genre, you found a perfect anime to watch next.
Maebara Keiichi, an ordinary high-school boy, has transferred to a new school in Hinamizawa, a small rural village. At the outset everything seems peaceful and Keiichi becomes friends with a nice group of schoolgirls with whom he spends many idle summer afternoons. Suddenly violence encroaches upon the blissful peace of the village and Keiichi becomes entangled in an endless cycle of fear and death. The inconsistent, but inevitable horrors of Hinamizawa are told and retold becoming an endless and inescapable nightmare of insanity. Will it end even if the mystery of Hinamizawa is solved?
I think if you like Madoka Magical, you would enjoy Higurashi no naku koro ni and vice versa. Their plot is really similar.
These series each start in a rather innocent manner and then suddenly plunge into darkness. The viewer can't tell completely what is happening for much of the show and suddenly what you thought the show was about changes completely, and you realize how dark the show really is.
Both shows share an opening facade that masks a very dark and ominous storyline. They also share major plot devices (ie. special implementation of arcs). The main characters in both shows are trying to resolve a seemingly hopeless situation that most everyone else is unaware of.
Both of these shows seem on the surface to be happy-go-lucky stories with a group of cute Moe girls, but are actually extremely dark and deep. The way the stories unfold and the inevitable unraveling of a complicated and gut-wrenching puzzle is very similar. If you liked one I really think you would like the other.
There is one simple lesson that links these two great shows, appearances can be very deceptive.
While both shows are at first cute and happy, they soon show their true colours and each take a darker turn.
Mahou Shoujo and Higurashi are both excellent choices for a dark and dramatic anime. They both start relatively normal but as the characters and plot line begin to be introduced, you are awakened to find out that they both have a very sinister and dark aura.
With artwork suitable for children and the beggining of these animes it may be easy to get caught off guard.For those of you with children, don't be fooled, unless your kiddy wink has already lost his or her innocence, it's probrobly best they stay away from these animes, unless you want them crawling into bed with you every night.
However for those of you who are a little mature, and enjoy stoylines turning unexpectedly gruesome- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Mahou Shoujo Madoko Magica may very well be your cup of tea.
Both are seemingly lighthearted series which quickly turn a turn for the worse. Also, both storylines are understood on a completely different level after the endings.
These series might not look similiar on the first glance but after digging deeper into the storyline similarity is stunning.
They're very similar, little bit terrifying, very psychological. And halfway through you realize that the main character wasn't who you thought it was.
Nanoha used to be a normal grade school student until one day she found a ferret in the woods -- but he's no ordinary ferret! His name is Yuuno, he hails from another world, and he needs Nanoha’s help to complete his mission: to capture the Jewel Seeds (mysterious stones that imbue their wielder with great power) that fell to Earth. Along with Yuuno, Nanoha must now collect the Seeds and protect her world, but she isn’t alone. A rival is also trying to collect the Seeds for an unknown purpose, and only Nanoha has the power to stop her…
Both of these anime take the regular Magical Girl genre cliches and stick them in your face. Neither of these are like any other Magical Girl anime out there. They both have loveable characters and wonderful animation, along with a Plot that once you start to get in to, won't be able to stop until the end.
Both of these animes have a relationship to each other. For example, Urobochi(or Urubochi) Gen who directed this anime also directed Nanoha which is why there is some simillarities in the flow of both animes. Second of all, the plot looks like a typical children's magical girl anime but once the story progresses, things are getting darker than ever. Lastly, these two have the elements needed to make them the Mahou Shoujo anime that exceeds into the new level.
Both shows are Magical Girl shows that are intended for older males instead of the original demographic of little girls. And in both shows the girls are really moé. If you like one you should watch the other.
These two series are excellent twists on the magical girl genre. While at first appearing to be typical battle intense monster of the week anime, each show quickly applies its own spin on the conventions of magical girl anime. Both can get rather dark at times and have high drama and excellent action scenes.
they are both magical girl animes the put a twist into the your average magical girl anime with the drama that they bring into the story
Both of these series can be called subversions of the 'classic' Magical Girl story, each with a different focus; Nanoha amps up the action, while Madoka amps up the darkness.
Though both animes are Mahou Shoujo, they aren't the usual kind. Even if they both look 'fluffy, kind and girly', as the story moves on, the anime isn't that innocent. Both have a darker side and show a lot of pain from the characters. If you like the one, I'm sure you'd like the other too ^^
Both are deviations from the traditional mahou shoujo format, and while Madoka is the darker of the two, Nanoha is far more accessible and appeals to a much wider audience.
Madoka and Nanoha share quite a few similarites. Both were directed by Akiyuki Shinbo (please disregard anyone who says Urobuchi directed them. He wrote the story behind Madoka and has no relation to Nanoha), and both give us a less-than-typical view of magical girls.
Nanoha gives a break from the norm with a slightly darker plot than usual, major sci-fi elements, and massive explosions. Madoka does this with a dark plot full of tragedy and a focus on character development that make things like emotions and internal conflicts take center stage.
Both anime have magical girls that really stand out from your usual Sailor Moon/Card Captor Saura type. If you're a fan of magical girls, or even just enjoy a reinterpretation of a common plot type, you'll probably enjoy both of these series.
This series takes the Magical Girl formula and spins it in a new, at least somewhat darker direction. When going in blind to these two shows, you definitely will be surprised by the way they defy convention. As they share the same director, there are also some basic similarities in how the story is presented and flows. If you enjoyed one, you certainly should at least give the other a shot.
Guided by a star only they can see, a group of maidens known as HiMEs have begun to gather at Fuuka Academy. These young women have been endowed with dangerous supernatural powers that they can use to their heart's content, but there's a price: to wield them, they must put their most important thing on the line. Now, in the midst of school work and friendships, they find themselves caught in the midst of strange conspiracies seemingly related to the terrifying monsters that attack them. Is the power of the HiMEs strong enough to save themselves and the ones they love?
They're both magical girl series that suddenly and violently turn serious. and are both very different from normal series of the type.
Visually stunning and totally different outlook on their respected genres both series are far more than watchable. Each with a complex story that starts out hard hitting and grabs you tightly until the very end.
My-Hime and Madoka start out as seemingly normal magical girl titles, and soon become far darker than you'd have imagined. Magical girls getting in over their heads? Definitely.
They both start out with a "Cute Magical Girl Anime" Theme to them, but as the story starts to thicken out they take a turn for the...Darker Side. Both Anime have Magical Girls in rather depressing situations and often fighting eachother. (Moreso in Hime then Madoka, though).
Both of these anime revolve around a dark underlayer that is rarely seen in the Magical Genre. Both ask the question: what is the worst that could happen if you give emotional teenage girls super powers?
If you enjoyed seeing the less "rainbows and unicorns"-side of magical girls in either of these series, you would definitely enjoy the other.
Both Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica and Mai Hime are magical girl anime with a dark side. I watched Mai Hime a long time ago and just recently watched Madoka, but they are both still in my top anime.
Madoka and My-HiME are both magical girl anime which look at the genre with a darker point of view. Magical girls are not necessarily friends, and the hardest thing of all might be to keep your loved ones alive...
Neither of these is actually a magical girl show. at all. both show the horrible implications of that genre though. More importantly though, both show their characters struggling in a losing battle against the evil game they unwittingly put themselves in.
These shows both definitly complement each other in terms of magic power for high stakes, with a love and death playing a good role in each one with a decent story to boot.
