Penguindrum - Recommendations

Alt title: Mawaru Penguindrum

If you're looking for anime similar to Penguindrum, you might like these titles.

Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena

When Utena Tenjou was very little her parents died, and a prince comforted her in her time of loss, giving her a ring with a rose seal. He so impressed her that she decided to become a prince herself one day. Now, Utena is a teenager at Ohtori Academy who's athletic and notorious for dressing in a boy's uniform. When a member of the Student Council humiliates a friend of hers Utena challenges him to a duel, and he accepts only when he sees she possesses a rose seal ring. She soon discovers that this is no normal duel - it's a bizarre and ritualistic battle that the Student Council regularly conducts. In fact when she wins, Utena finds to her considerable chagrin that she gets to have Anthy Himemiya, a rather docile student, as her 'Rose Bride'. If she wants to keep Anthy she'll have to win more duels against members of the Student Council and others. What is the ultimate purpose of these duels and Anthy's role as the Rose Bride?

10 votes

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Reasons you might like Revolutionary Girl Utena...

Rariru Rariru says...

Both of these animes portray the concept of 'Destiny' in a similar way and manner and in both of them the protagonists are fated to battle or compete with each other "for the bigger picture" in order to achieve a certain goal benefitial for their personal interests.The battlefield is set/the conflicts are caused by a mysterious figure with dubious motives whose true objective isn't clear until the very end.Plotwise they are almost identical.Another common trait they share is the dynamic and symbolic randomness which is used to give depth and impact to the psychological element prevalent in the story.Kunihiko Ikuhara directed both.

KapiTezuka KapiTezuka says...

Aside from being directed by the same person, the concept of fate, its supposed inevitability and the ones who stand up against it and fight to change it, has a similar feel in it. Also it has a similar nice touch of absurdity one might remember from Utena.

AirCommodore AirCommodore says...

Both of these series concern the concept of fate, play with shoujo tropes, have excellent characters/characterization, treat very serious subjects with an impressive amount of nuance and tact, and can go from goofy to dead serious at the drop of a hat.

Gavia Gavia says...

Some series makes you think, they have plots that take cues from deep philosophical discussions. Some series take the philosophy and symbolisms one step further, forcing you to spend time thinking about what any of it actually meant. Mawaru Penguindrum and Revolutionary Girl Utena fits both of these categories. The nature of fate is mixed with vague backstories and large helpings of animations that obviously symbolise something. Both have interesting characters and lovely settings, if you like one of them you'll surely enjoy the other.

snivets snivets says...

I think the plot/themes of both these shows get lost in excessive and obtuse symbolism, but both explore the workings of destiny and the power of humans to overcome their own fate.

softbank47 softbank47 says...

Both feature the same director, and Penguindrum is clearly influenced by its forerunner Utena. They are full of symbolism, obtuse imagery, motifs, and strong female characters. Both also have a penchant for recycling the same transformation sequence for many, many episodes.

VivisQueen VivisQueen says...

Mawaru Penguindrum and Revolutionary Girl Utena share the same director, which explains the similarities: repeat transformation sequences, unconventional romance, absolutely beautiful character designs, pastel colours, a highly abstract world concept, and lots of confusion about What It All Means. If you enjoyed wrapping your brain around either of these beautifully crafted surrealist shows, then the other will offer plenty more delight.

TheHabbadasher TheHabbadasher says...

Utena and Penguindrum were both directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara in what appears to be his trademark style. There're similarities aplenty both as far as plot and visuals are concerned.Both shows have a theatrical feeling to them. Their stories are told through visual metaphors. The viewer is left to derive their own meaning from the images shown on-screen. If you enjoy one you'll definitely like the other.

Ailithxx Ailithxx says...

With the two directed by Ikuhara, it's no surprise they share a fair amount of similarites. The way everything is set up theatrically so that the smallest thing takes a deep meaning, and all the symbolism. Starting with a gallery of characters, all very well fleshed out, we have to witness their relationships and how it affects the whole story. However, I would say Utena is more focused on the character development, whereas Penguindrum is about the plot.

They both revolves around love, and the bound people can make with each other. How a simple connection can turn everything upside down. "Love saves everything" kind of message.

I'd say Penguindrum is more accessible than Utena though, by the way it's modernized and the story is told in a more linear way. Utena is surely great, but you have to get accustomed to the old animation and the "circular" events spiraling and repeating (which is part of why its narration is so unique).

miraitte miraitte says...

extremely high aesthetic value. Abstract immagery with consistent and pervasive critical themes throughout the both series. Cathartic and satisfying closure/ending.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

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 Middle 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...

5 votes

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Reasons you might like Puella Magi Madoka Magica...

StudioGirlKoi StudioGirlKoi says...

Madoka Magica and Mawaru Penguin Drum have this dark, shrouded atmosphere that makes their worlds seem hopeless, unpredictable, and better off just letting the ''fate'' of their worlds take over. These shows have the power of taking people who seem so ordanairy and making their lifes a living hell, constantly fighting for what they want, even when they know that it may not come to light. The fate of the characters seems just about impossible to change...

The fantasy aspect, which usually makes a lot of shows more bright and loving, can make the worst darkness come out. The characters are out there for their own needs and won't stop to get what they want. While their causes seem reasonable, the boundaries that are pushed can be overwhelming, trying to change the outcomes of the people they care about. Also, the animation styles are both unique and bright.

Casandra Casandra says...

Both shows have a similar theme: fate and what you would give up for the power to change it. They also both have interesting visual styles that set them appart from other series. 

Chitaka Chitaka says...

Both these anime are pretty similar in the way that they both deal with the philosophy of fate and magical things happening to change it. They're also both completely not what you would expect. Madoka Magica is about magical girls in frilly outfits with a cute little animal thing, Mawaru Penguindrum involves a anthro-ish penguin hat, a cute little sickly sister who loves her big brothers, and adorable quirky penguins. How is that similar at all? Because they both seem really lighthearted and happy and deal with normally cutesy premises, but are actually shockingly dark, however Mawaru Penguindrum has more comic relief and is A LOT weirder than Madoka Magica.

shikikywketsuki shikikywketsuki says...

Both these animes have the same concept of "fate" and this never ending loop of dispair in which it causes unless someone makes a sacrific to change it.

Gavia Gavia says...

Both of these deal with the same philosophical perspective on the concept of fate and the power to change it. Both shows take very cynical view on the subject, allowing the main plot to be about wanting to change the “fate” of the bad situation the characters find themselves in and wanting to protect those dear to them.

If you like one you should really check out the other.

Sarazanmai

Sarazanmai

The setting is Asakusa. One day, second-years in middle school Kazuki Yasaka, Toi Kuji, and Enta Jinnai meet Keppi, a mysterious kappa-like creature, who steals their shirikodama and transforms them into kappas. "To return to your original forms," Keppi tells them, "you must fight the zombies and take the shirikodama from them." Can the boys connect with each other and steal the zombies' shirikodama?! At the same time, something is happening at the police box where Reo Niiboshi and Mabu Akutsu work. This is the story of three boys who can't connect with someone important to them, learning about what it truly means to do so.

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Reasons you might like Sarazanmai...

Bailey1985 Bailey1985 says...

They both have a similar animation style and a similar feel to the series. I wouldn't be shocked if it turns out the stories written by the same people. 

mukuowl15 mukuowl15 says...

Both of them are created by the same creator, Kunihiko Ikuhara. Both have similar animation styles and are filled with a lot of metaphors. If you like a deep symbolic plot with a mix of weirdness and mind-boggling moments then this is for you! 

Claptrap Claptrap says...

Penguindrum and Sarazanmai, both directed by Ikuhara, share a lot of themes. Both have a similar brand of comedy and wacky complicated personal relationships.Both stories ask: what sacrifices would you make for your family? Elements of the Kuji family can be seen in the Takakura family and vice versa. Animal motifs, musical sequences, bright colours and constant dramatic reveals are shared between both and if you're looking for something to fill in that special Ikuhara gap give the other a shot.

LadyPsychic LadyPsychic says...

Both series share the same director and have a similar art style and overall vibe.  They also both have trippy storylines that are filled with symbolism.  If you like one of these then you should give the other a try. 

Starletka Starletka says...

Made by the same director, both of these series are filled with plot twists and mystery, exploring the characters' psychology, and sharing similar animation and themes.

Bakemonogatari

Bakemonogatari

Koyomi Araragi is an aloof boy who holds a strange, supernatural secret which inadvertently leads him to others with similar stories. Gods, spirits and afflictions can be pesky things, taking important memories or causing unusual tendencies – a fact that Koyomi and others are unfortunately aware of. Using the help of an eccentric homeless man, Koyomi is able to help new friends he meets along the way with their own paranormal conundrums…

4 votes

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Reasons you might like Bakemonogatari...

hurin hurin says...

I only recommend these due to the artwork. They both use surrealist imagery to move the story along. In Bakemonogatari it's just art, nut in Penguin it becomes part of the plot.

dinosaur dinosaur says...

Both series heavily emphasize visuals as a medium for progressing the story line as well as adding a comedic element.

If you're looking for something a little bit different, Bakemonogatari and Mawaru Penguin Drum deliver.

mahlo mahlo says...

The emphasis on visuals is the main reason for this reccommendation, as i get some of the same feeling of really good and interesting artwork from both of these series. In my opinion they both stand out as unique, and are very enjoyable when you want something a little different! 

rammyramramram rammyramramram says...

Both series use visuals to do a lot of their story telling, and they aren't afraid to throw some gag humour into some of the most compelling storytelling in anime. While watching each, it feels like the directors have a high respect for not just their work, but for the medium of animation, and want to create something truly unique that breaks boundaries.

In both cases they massively succeed, using surrealist plotpoints while also letting the audience be confused when appropriate in order to tell stories in a way that I have not otherwise experienced. Bakemonogatari and Mawaru Penguindrum both deliver a new type of experience that is unlike anything else the medium has to offer.

When They Cry: Kai

When They Cry: Kai

It is the year 1983; and in the village of Hinamizawa, on the night of the cotton drifting festival and in the days following it, a series of deaths occurs. The only hope for the village and its inhabitants is the shrine maiden Furude Rika who, with the help of her invisible partner Hanyuu, is able to travel back in time and alter the events that led to disaster. Unfortunately, regardless of what changes are made, each voyage ultimately ends with the death of Rika and many of her friends. But when Rika’s friends start remembering things that happened to them in previous worlds and take steps to avoid the same outcomes, Rika realizes that their chances of survival have never been better. Can she really challenge and defeat fate itself?

3 votes

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Reasons you might like When They Cry: Kai...

StudioGirlKoi StudioGirlKoi says...

Both shows have a concept around fate, if it is possible to change, and how they can change their fate. The decision to change fate is made by a repeating cycle of tradgedies in Kai, and In Mawaru Penguin Drum fate is questioned concerning Himari's life. Higurashi Kai is more of a horror series, though, but still has the psychological vibe that Mawaru Penguin Drum has. But the representation is different, be aware of that.

pukahuntus pukahuntus says...

To attempt changing fate may drive someone insane. After all- if something is fate then doesn't that mean it's inevitable? But fate is cruel; so cruel that characters in these anime risk body and mind to try and break it.

Gavia Gavia says...

Though the differences between these two are many, there still are some major similarities in the themes they deal with. Both series deal with everything between silliness and cruelty.Both have the plot revolve around fate and characters who try to change it. Lastly, both have a strong cast to relate to, where every single character are humanized by the problems they face and how they deal with them.

Princess Tutu

Princess Tutu

Once there lived an eccentric author called Drosselmeyer who wrote grand tragedies - one of them was the tale of a prince who sealed away an evil raven by breaking his own heart into tiny pieces. However, before the story could be completed, the author died and the tale took on a life of its own. Now, in a town where fiction and reality meet, the story continues on its tragic course with Ahiru, a duck who transforms into the beautiful Princess Tutu in order to restore the prince's heart. But will Ahiru's act of love be enough to defy the story's terrible destiny and lead to a happy ending?

3 votes

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Reasons you might like Princess Tutu...

VivisQueen VivisQueen says...

Both Princess Tutu and Mawaru Penguin Drum are beautiful works of fantasy in which your own imagination plays a part. It's not just about the objective plot of the story, but how you interpret it and the emotional experience you gain from the process. While Penguin Drum takes plenty of short cuts with the animation, I found both shows had equally lovely character designs, stunning atmosphere (owing a lot to the direction), and a quirky approach that charms over and over again. Furthemore, in both, the characters rarely turn out to be as straightforward as they first appeared. If you liked the approach in one show, you'll love the other. 

bourneroyalty bourneroyalty says...

Both have a fantasy element within their reality. The characters are deep and well thought out, slowly revealing themselves as the series progresses. In all honesty, both seem like slightly strange series that would be more targeted to a younger audience, but end up being very deep

Claptrap Claptrap says...

Both Penguindrum and Princess Tutu take on a similar central theme: is fate really unchangeable? Are all our actions really dictated by fate? Are we really just puppets in a bigger universal tragedy?Both deal with characters at times following and challenging their fates.

Yurikuma Arashi

Yurikuma Arashi

After an asteroid explosion and meteor shower lit up the sky over planet earth, strange adorable bears began to attack and devour humans. The earthlings responded with violence of their own, and in the end, a massive barrier – the Wall of Extinction – was erected to separate man from bear. This fragile peace lasted until two high school girls encounter a yuri flower blooming – only to be shaken by the piercing warning of the Bear Alarm! Once again, bear and man - or bear and girl - will be pitted against each other in a deadly and mysterious showdown.

3 votes

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Reasons you might like Yurikuma Arashi...

MrTheJackThePerson MrTheJackThePerson says...

Both by the same writer and both have crazy animation/ideas/style/symbolism. 

YKA isn't done yet though, Penguindrum will almost definitely be the better of the two. But YKA is a lot of fun

BurningDay BurningDay says...

Same director, similar art style, hidden character depths, really dark plot twists, symbolism and metaphor coming out of it's ears.

rammyramramram rammyramramram says...

Same director, series composer, and even the same person who does the music. Both series feel so similar in how they deal with progressing their plot, and even smaller thingsd like how they handle the magical transformation sequences and their vioience. The surreal direction style translates very well from one to the other. If you liked Yurikuma, Penguindrum is an absolute must watch, and if you liked Penguindrum, Yurikuma will be highly enjoyable as well.

Future Diary

Future Diary

Yuki is a disaffected middle school boy who has no dreams or goals in life; in fact, the only thing he has is his diary. Writing down everything he observes and documenting every thought, the young boy uses it as an outlet for his imagination. One morning, however, Yuki wakes up to find his cell phone filled with diary entries for the next ninety days. Thinking nothing of it, he continues his morning until he begins to realize that everything on his phone is rapidly coming to pass, and it isn't just mere coincidence. Now, Yuki suddenly finds himself thrust into a survival game against other future diary owners to become the new Lord of Time.

2 votes

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Reasons you might like Future Diary...

pukahuntus pukahuntus says...

  • うんめい- Fate/Destiny
  • みらい- Future 

What extent would someone go to in order to change their future? Is the future possible to change or is it a matter of fate? If someone believes in destiny then to change it would be to play god. Mirai Nikki and Mawaru Penguin Drum explore these matters in their own way and both become a rollercoaster full of unforseeable twists and turns. Both are highly recommended.

shankins shankins says...

All I could think while watching this was how much Rigo was like Yuno. This show has just as many crazy twists and turns as Future Diary as well. You wil love both shows I promise!

Night on the Galactic Railroad

Night on the Galactic Railroad

Giovanni is a young cat with a troubled childhood -- he is bullied in school, and waits patiently day after day for his father to return from his journey. One festive evening, Giovanni and his friend Campanella find themselves aboard a great train which takes them to the edge of the universe and back. However, in the midst of the sights and wonders, Giovanni soon begins to discover that the train's purpose might be much different than it appears.

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Reasons you might like Night on the Galactic Railroad...

AirCommodore AirCommodore says...

Mawaru Penguindrum was heavily influenced by, and frequently references Night on the Galactic Railroad. If you want to understand all the symbolism, you should read/watch this classic children's story.

Similarly, if you enjoyed NotGR and are interested in a more modern spin on some of the same themes, you should watch Penguindrum.

breathesunshine breathesunshine says...

Penguindrum has a lot of ties to certain themes from Night on the Galactic Railroad. It made the eperiance of Penquindrum deeper and answered some of the questions of some events that didn't make sense.

Bunny Drop

Bunny Drop

When Daikichi's grandfather dies he leaves behind a young daughter named Rin. However, as most of the family is embarrassed at the idea of a 79-year-old man having a six-year-old child, they can't seem to figure out what to do with her. Disgusted by this behavior, Daikichi decides to take care of her himself, but he's a bachelor, has no idea how to raise a child, and isn't even all that comfortable with kids! Now, Daikichi must do the normal things a parent does such as enroll her in school, buy her clothing and teach her about the life and world around her. But more importantly, he must also help her deal with her father's death and decide whether or not she should try to find her mother. Together, the two begin their unlikely relationship as father and daughter, navigating each of life's bumps along the way.

2 votes

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Reasons you might like Bunny Drop...

asuraasu asuraasu says...

There are many differences that separate Penguindrum and Usagi Drop, so at first this may seem like a strange recommendation, but hear me out.

Penguindrum is full of beautiful imagery, metaphors and has a very distinct visual style that weaves its way into the telling of the story, which at times verges into dark territory. Usagi Drop, on the other hand, is a very straightforward tale of a man raising a child. Usagi Drop's visual style is softer, and it's story is so lighthearted and heartwarming, I guarantee you'll smile while you watch it. Penguindrum is a much more fantastical in its storytelling and themes, while Usagi Drop has nothing of the sort, instead opting for realism. Lastly, it's also important to note that Usagi Drop lacks the bizarre sense of humor Penguindrum has.

Despite these extreme differences between the two, there is one key reason I feel these two shows go together well -- the concept of family. The idea of what it means to be a family and the bonds that connect family members are important themes that resonate throughout both shows. I feel as if you liked the concept in one, you will probably enjoy the other.

Also, both Rin from Usagi Drop and Himari from Penguindrum are super adorable -- both characters' silly antics and cute facial expressions made me giggle and smile while watching. I highly, highly recommend both!

krukky krukky says...

I agree with the person before me. Although the apparent differences, there are things that connect both shows and if you liked the one, you may as well like the other too.