Princess Tutu

I've seen Revolutionary Girl Utena described as a ‘postmodern fairy tale', Princess Tutu as a 'meta-fairy tale', and after watching both series, I'd say those descriptions are about as close as you're going to get in trying to describe either series. Both have a certain surreal/fantastic quality to their stories, and continuously take and invert fairy tale archetypes. Even aspects of the presentation of the story are similar- the ‘once upon a time' segments present at the beginning of several Utena episodes and every Princess Tutu episode, or the role of the shadow play girls (in Utena), which is comparable to the role of Edel or Drosselmeyer (in Tutu). While Utena is the single weirdest show I've managed to watch all the way through, it certainly doesn't have the monopoly- a fan of one series would likely enjoy the other.

Princess Tutu and Revolutionary Girl Utena are fairytales that subvert archetypes even when they seem to reinforce them. In both there is much more than meets the eye and illusions abound. They are self-conscious narratives about finding one's own role and being true to it through thick and thin. Often surreal and increasingly dark, these two titles are a perfect match that push the limits of shoujo with great musical tracks and gripping visuals.

The plots in Utena and Tutu are both thought-provoking and mysteriously unraveled. There are duels in both that further the plot in a symbolically charged way. They both take a sort of symbolic look at valiant young women. Utena plays more with Hegel and Jung, and Tutu more with mythology and ballet/music, but both make you think and feel for the characters--and occasionally confuse you, but in a good way.

Both are series that start out a bit on the lighter more child friendly side but slowly transform to a darker and more sinister series than when they began. Both contain fairytale like elements and a general theme of wanting to protect/save someone. Both have strange and often sisnister narrirators, in RGU we have the Shadow Player Girls who's random before battle skits often offer deeper insight into the duel or duelist while Drosselmier plays the twisted writer commenting on his work as it plays out. A fan of one would and should watch and enjoy the other.

Both series explore gender stereotypes that are present in classic fairytales and turn them on their head by having a female as the hero.

The main characters in both of the series are both female, trying to be something they are not (a girl who aims to be a prince or a duck who wants to be a balerina) and they both have their own prince(s).

The stories takes place in a private academy, combining everyday school life with a deeper, fairytale-like story running next to it. The fun, everyday part is more dominant in the beginning, but it get's darker and more twisted by the end.

There is a lot of symbolic elements in both, some of whitch are hard to understand, but they spice up the story and give it even more depth.

Both series tend to repeat scenes, which can get annoying, but this actually gives a lot to the feel of a modern fairy tale and in most cases those scenes are meant to symbolise something.

Both animes also share an unexpected ending.

Both Full Moon wo Sagashite and Princess Tutu are cute stories about music that get you into the mood of wanting to watch another one. Both anime are based on the power of will and the power of wanting to help someone in need. 

Both are fantasy series which become deeper and more serious as they progress. The first episodes reveal the characters and the plot but as the plot unravels, unexpected instances occur. You never know what could happen next. Both involve transformations (as Mitsuki becomes her 16-yr old self and Ahiru becomes Princess Tutu.) Both female protagonists begin having an ideal version of their loved one and end with a different idea. What I enjoyed the most about both of these series was seeing how love was portrayed as unexpected -- strong but never in the place you expect it to be. In both cases, the characters are fighting against forces that cannot be won, yet the courage and the willingness of these characters to do whatever it takes for their loved one is unbelievable and breathtaking.

These two shows are both feel good types with a heavy emphasis on music (Full Moons singing and Princess Tutus dance) They both look childish on the surface but are really very meaningfull. And finally they both have a very well written bittersweet story. I got teary eyed watching both of these.