Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day - Recommendations

Sakiji says...

Similar in many ways.

Adresses the difficulty of departing and letting someone depart. Though AnoHana is way more serious of a show.

eaper says...

While bouncing between comedy, romance, and drama, these series manage to each throw your emotions around while filling many episodes up with touching scenes able to bring a dear to the dryest eyes. Angel Beats! is more comedy based than AnoHana, but both series have their fair share of tear jerking moments spliced with comedy that will leave most veiwers looking for some tissues.

Kyouko says...

If you liked either AnoHana or Angel Beats!, chances are you will like the afterlife drama you haven't seen yet.

These two anime have multiple similar themes, such as the idea of overcoming regrets in the afterlife and being able to pass onto heaven. Regret is a key emotion in both series, and this helps make the characters more relatable, bringing out both their bad and good sides.

Character growth is also quite strong in both shows, though it is, admittedly, somewhat more obvious in AnoHana.

Anyway, the point is, if one of these anime was a gem to you, you will probably enjoy both.

 

Skeez86 says...

Angel Beats! and Anohana are both wonderful animes that share several plot elements.

• Both feature ideas about the afterlife and unfulfilled wishes.
• Both contain an emphasis on the importance of letting go and expressing yourself.
• Both emphasize the importance of friendship

Angel Beats! felt a little rushed in pacing while anohana was executed perfectly. This being said, I think both of them should've been longer (fingers crossed for an anohana OVA though I doubt it will come)

Anohana had much better character development (but that's also because there were significantly less main characters) Angel Beats was more action packed (by a landslide)

Both animes are great and exhibit similar themes although Angel Beats! ending left some to be desired, anohana's ending was perfect (though really really sad!).

jypsel says...

In Angel Beats! and AnoHana, the audience is exploring the concept of death.  In both animes, the dead character(s) are being held back by some sort of wish or unfufillment  that has yet to be addressed.  They are both tear jerkers in their own right.

sothis says...

Both titles focus on death, dying, and accepting what's happened, and are tear-jerkers of the best degree. Angel Beats is far more humorous but these two are a great pairing.

DarknessLORD11 says...

Both are close in many terms and make you feel strong mental connection with main characters. In an original form these anime explain common to every person experiences and feelings. Aparting, struggle between egoism and caring for another person, abillty to forgive and so on.

Maybe my English is quite bad, but I am talking from my heart: If you liked "Ano hi Mita Hana", Angel Beats will wake up the same emotions in you. ^_^

Arkohn says...

Both Angel Beats and Ano Hi Mita(...) give you the same sort of feeling when you watch them. The characters in both grow on you, so much so that you may even come close to crying at points. If you liked one you will definitly enjoy the other. Just keep in mind that Angel beats is more action oriented.

pinkparfait says...

If you are looking for an anime with deep characters, a unique and meaningful story, great animation, and a guarentee that you will be bawling by the last episode, look no further than Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Boku-tachi wa Mada Shiranai and Angel Beats.

RedCrossRobbery says...

Very few animes out there have the ability to make me as emotional as these two series that revolve around learning to accept death as a part of life, and the process of moving on. They differ greatly in story, but are very similar to overall theme and characters. Wonderful animes, and perfect compliments to eachother.

LeviathanTheGreat says...

Both are great animes with death, friendship, and love. Although Angel Beats is more on the action while ano hana is more drama centered both are great animes

cahbayb says...

Getting over death is the greatest common theme in both. Ano hi has a way better and more detailed story, imo. Angel Beats has its tear jerking moments too though.

Lel0uchViBritannia says...

Anohana and Angel beats are very similar, angel beats is about the world where spirits search for the wishes that did not come true in the real world and in anohana memma is back in spirit form and her friends are trying to send her to heaven by fulfilling her wishes

x52495 says...

Incredibly similar.  Angel Beats is more humorous and just as emotional.  Both discuss life after death.  If you liked this movie, you will like Angel Beats.

mrdrajle says...

both anime show a beautiful perpspective on friendship and have a wonderful way of expressing one's desire to see the afterlife

PraVDa says...

both anime are very similar, they tell the story about the afterlife, about how to forget their regrets and continue living their life

both have a very touching scene, but angel beats have more comedy while anohana show more drama

and both have incredible animation and soundtrack, if you enjoy angel beats you will enjoy anohana, and vice versa

osfchase says...

This has already been said, but these shows are definitely alike in that they both revolve around accepting death/loss of a loved one. AnoHana is much more serious and emotional, but they both have a feeling of finding comfort in what seems like a hopeless situation.

killthrill20 says...

it is so similar to the ending and it slowly builds up the relationship of the two protagonists and the group and eventually they become friends again....and for both of them it made me cry watching the ending

DreamMonster says...

Angel Beats ! is a bit more humor filled than Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae o Boku-tachi wa Mada Shiranai. But both anime are about life after death and in both of these amazing series they try to find out what has to be done to be able to rest in peace. I found the characters to be very likable in both series. I think if you like one of them you most likely like the other as well.

PaulCreenis says...

They both cover the topic of death and both of them have characters that are looking for something so they can finally rest in piece. They are also both incredibly emotional while also having a tiny bit comedy thrown in there for good measure, one having a little less than the other though.

NoelleSasaki says...

Both Angel Beats! and AnoHana make you want to bawl your eyes out for days, but are both VERY good animes. They both have dead people and good backgrounds to each character.

JohnWatchAnime says...

Anohana and Angel beats are very similar, because in both it's about unfinished wishes or actions after death. They are both very emotional and heartwarming shows both should be watched!

Madoka says...

Though the series have some differences on the surface, mainly being that AnoHana is a serious story whilst AB is a little more on the comedy side but aside that they are quite alike at the core.

Both series focus on grief and afterlife, Angel beats as said has some comedy on side with it but is still serious when it comes down to it and focus on the loss of others (or their own life in AB case). The series focus on the loss of them around us and have a strong connection of death and how effects people around you as well as both express the sad parting of life.

EdddeK says...

Both anime are similar in a way. Comedy, yes... but mostly drama. I shed man-tears on both (and I'm not that easily moved by something!). I recommend them both for everyone!

EmiyaFangirl says...

Both anime are staring like some comedy and then end in very emotional way. Both are also about friendship, love and sad stories.

superalicat says...

Both shows are really emotional and have really good animation and music as well as likeable characters. These two shows also deal with similar things (death, acceptance, friendship).

kristrex says...

Both of these animes made me cry while watching them, for starters :') These two animes are different in genre, with Angel Beats having a lot more action, but both animes are comedic in a way, and tell a story about love and friendships. Both animes also contain a bittersweet element in a way, and both their endings are very emotional, but very good. :')

WonderfulCatMan says...

Both of them are very good, emotional animes that show the characters feelings very well. Both of them are also very good at showing friendship between characters and a very pure form of love.

soMaLuS says...

The two animes deal death and life after it, in a very delicate and cute way :3

So must feelings T^T

Aerythrin says...

Both anime are very heartfelt, Angel Beats has more comedy/action whereas AnoHana is more of a slice of life. Both very poignant and sad at points. (Mostly their endings).

XxDemonButlerxX says...

Both stories begin with the idea of friendship and how everyone must stick together. Very emotional tales as well as true friendship love. If you cried for one, you'll cry for the other.

MrKimchi says...

Though i cried 15 times to Ano Hana, and 2 times to Angel Beats, They are very similar in my perspective. I really loved the endings of both and both stories were able to connect and get me to love the characters. Anyways since it made me cry i loved it and recommend both <3 Great Anime. They both show what it means to lose someone you love and depart ways. Personally i grew from this.

Chibius says...

Both animes will show you how life stops at death, and how life can go on afterwards. If you want to shed some tears, then these shows will give you more than what you want. It will remind you of life and so much more to it.

JordanJas says...

Both of these shows focus on death and accepting it. Both have different ways of showing and coming to terms with those who you love dying and not being able to interact with them anymore.

Both of these shows are also very good in their own way.

AndrewGon says...

Death is not the end of the road, at least not for everyone.Both series deals with how hard is to move on, some people can't and some just don't want to.The series bring the supernatural element in a kind of "realistic" way without spookyness or something like that.

AnyEpicgaming says...

They both deal with death and can make you cry and they both and I think they both deal with the relationships between characters.

EdtheRadical says...

Although this is just based on the first episode, both anime are slice of life / drama. The characters seem to have depth and the artwork is amazing. 

SonFlower says...

An overall dreamy and emotional feeling plays across both shows. The age of the characters is also pretty young, so it adds a sense of longing for another time, a hint of childlike magic. They are both beautiful and heartfelt little pieces.

JVAnimeReviews says...

If you want another ride on the feels train, these two will pull some strings In your heart. Both of them deal with suffering and trying to move on after the loss of a loved one.

shanjo says...

These two Anime may not be entirely the same genre, but the themes between them are uncanny. Both deal with a Protagonist struggling with the past and what he used to be to so many people as well as Romance with and realistic comedy along the way that both greatly contribute to how well both of these stories are told.

GrnEydDvl says...

Both of these shows are about a group of friends dealing with a complicated situation and coming together to pull through it.  They both make you laugh and cry and are extremely deep and heartfelt.  They both deal with young adults growing up as they deal with issues that should be beyond their maturity level, and how they cope with the unfortunate situations they are thrust into.  I finished both shows with the feeling of, "that was a masterpiece," and I don't feel that way often.  If you were moved by one show, you should watch the other.

Tsukuyomi15 says...

both series are centered in the relation between the characters and are really dramatic and emotional series.

chad28 says...

Ano Hana and Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso) contain a group of friends, school life and drama. Get ready to feel.

I really liked both of these shows. I think that if you liked one you'll probably like the other because of the mentioned themes, including the love and drama.

mike7774012 says...

Both animes will make you really attached to the characters. You may find them annoying at times but in the end you just fall in love with them. 

Kirith says...

Both can wind up being real tearjerkers. Connect with the characters at your own risk. Strong highs and lows.

danryd says...

Both are excellent stories of romance, of remembering and moving betond the past, and of the relationships between people and how they change. If you like/love one, you will like/love the other. But be prepared to be suckerpunched in the feels... I know I was.

Schuichi says...

Definitely my 'feel train' animes.. I cried a lot about Your lie in April and Anohana is really one to make me cry too almost the same way.. So sad right now....

Damek says...

Tears... a lot of tears... Your tears.

You will be crying, or at least you should crying watching this.

john1 says...

Both are heart-touching anime about dealing with loss and moving on. They both explore the joy and sadness of life. They are great anime that everyone should watch. 

AiVyLe1 says...

Both anime show many emotions over the plot or story line. With both having heart-wrenching moments, they're both the perfect anime for any person.

YuiYui says...

These two anime are extremely similar despite having a different main focus, both look into the emotional relationship between two people using different ways to present it. They involve heartwarming stories about someone coming out from mourning and continuing their life, moving on from the past. They focus heavily on this emotion and that drives the story forward and it is certain that some heart strings were intended to be pulled, so I believe if you enjoyed one, maybe check out the other xx

LaEabha says...

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Nephelion says...

While both animes have different settings, themes and aesthetics, both deal with mourning and give insights about human feelings in heartwrenching ways.

meeloo says...

They both explore themes of growing up and moving past traumatic events, and show incredible character development from start to finish.

singularity says...

Both of these animes have a melancholy sweetness and center around a short but life-changing relationship in the main character's past. If you want to cry bittersweet tears, these animes are for you. 

Catbeeisafraid says...

I've already watched both your lie in April and anohana and they both made me cry and they both melted my very soul that's literally all I have 

Sabichin says...

Defintely watch the two animes. Works of art, I loved anohana so much, it really pulls a string or two. And although this may be a movie the anime "Silent Voice" is an amazing movie to end with. IF and only if you manage to watch all three without crying? Then yes you are undoubtly born without a soul.

MhykoCode says...

Your Lie In April is a Romance and Drama anime which all of us know even as for some who are still new to anime but give this anime worth a shot even when you know what happens in the conclusion (Because of some posts/tweets). But overall I may know the ending when I first watched it the ending made me empty inside so... Overall this is a common watched for those who are in the step in anime.

TheGreatMoof says...

Man, this would be a heart-destroyer of a double feature. Both shows are full of heart and love while still exploring the darkest depths of the human heart in order to shine a light therein.

siphan006 says...

Romace type anime having a lot of common topics                                                                                                                                                   

FizzyMilk says...

Ah yes, both incredibly underrated. Personally, I liked Anohana more, however, YLIA is also quite good. The end of Anohana is just- wow. Goddamn I bawled my eyes out with with of them/

LittleRaven470 says...

Both animes include heartbreaking moments in which I've bawled my eyes out, as well as having quite complicated love triangles/squares. They also show (if not center around) the loss of a loved one. Both shows include the characters' inner thoughts and feelings, and I think that if you liked either Anohana or YLIA, you'd enjoy watching the other as well

04TJ says...

The main girl dies sadly........., love triangle............, an airhead guy.......................A good friendship 

KiyoneSaya says...

Both series  revolves around multiple lovee stories. Although alternate story lines both anime have a similar feel. With the protogonist triyng to fulfill the wish of seemingly only temporary girl.

Suimin says...

AnoHana and Ano Natsu de Matteru are two dramatic shows that have similar characters; a socially awkward male, a paranormal girl, and friends in between who are in a pinch regarding their love lives. The director of AnoHana worked as one of the directors on Ano Natsu de Matteru so it's no surprise that they have similarities. Personally I prefer AnoHana, but if you like one, you might like the other.

eaper says...

These series follow similar(ish) love stories, extreme circumstances, and have a very similar mode of story telling. If you enjoyed one, be sure to check out the other.

Doomoo says...

Both anime are directed by the same man and both have a similar cast of characters. They even share voice actors. These two anime are similar on many levels.

Symmetrical says...

Both series have such emotional scenes built in that I cry constantly while watching both. At the end of the day I feel so emotional that im happy and want to burst out into tears.  If you need a good reason to let out tears and a smile then please watch both of these.

dandere says...

Both anime are centered around a group of friends who are in a love triangle between all of them. The art in both anime is very similar.

Cantus says...

Definitely gave a similar feel, both have a mix of romance, drama and a healthy dose of comedy. I watched Ano Hana first, and while watching Ano Natsu de Matteru, the music reminded me of Ano Hana a lot. 

tekniq says...

In both series you learn in depth with each charactor's bond to the protagonist and among each other.  They are both shorter series w/ less than 12 episodes where the last few are when the deeper story arcs are revealed for the climax. Leading up to them I was engaged enough but missing that win over moment which happened at the end.  They are very similar in storytelling and animation so if you liked one, you're likely to also enjoy the other. (Ano Natsu is more revealing though if some people shy away from that.)

ST4RRCADE says...

From the first episode of Ano Natsu de Matteru, I thought that the artwork reminded me a lot of Ano Hana, even though they were made by different animation studios, and the multiple love stories are kind of similar to Ano Hana aswell..

Winterborn says...

Though Anu Natsu has significantly more fan pleasure, the two shows have quite a few unexpected similarities. Natsu has more comedy, a little ecchi, and some filler, but the entire story evolves around the deep blooming love between the characters which does give it a dramatic feel that increases as the show progresses. Natsu also has a really excellent use of soundtrack that guides your mood as you watch.

AnoHana is much moree dramatic and deep, plus I enjoyed the characters more; Natsu sort of has the generic all-bases-covered cast. But otherwise fans of one shoulp give the other a try.

vernanonix says...

Both series really work on their characterization. The development of characters take center stage in both anime, resulting in stories that you can't help but get emotionally attached to. If you fell in love with the characters of one of these series, you can definitely find the same experience in the other.

tstutz344 says...

Both stories center on character development and their respective love triangles (hexagons) as the characters blunder towards a hearfelt conclusion.

mrdrajle says...

as anohana is probably one of the best drama animes out there ano natsu de matteru has a wonderful built romantic story the only downgrade would be the fact that the ending is too abrupt and most of all it is dificult to understand ( if you watch the whole ending with the ending song you will see the female protagonist in a poncho if you watched the anime you will know ) other than that it is a well structured anime with compelling characters and a beautiful story :)

castaway195 says...

They have the same slice of life feel, but both offer supernatural elements that coexist so perfecty the story wouldn't be the same without that blend of life and the unknown

JohnWatchAnime says...

Both shows are very simular, they're both about complicated relationships and have a simular story. Both anime are also made by the same director.

XxMicrochibixX says...

Both Anohana and Ano Natsu De Matteru deal with the theme of unrequited love as the series go on. Both are also beautiful series with some great tear-jerking moments.

WaveMasterJohn says...

Both of these share a strong bond with the Main character and main heroine. Right off the bat Ano Hi has amuch stronger story. (which is the reason its ranked so high.) Not to say that Ano Natsu doesnt but you get much more I think fro the former.Both have a light hint of romance, nothing over the top but some subtle "Thank you for everything" type lines. Plot wise I would have to say Natsu would be more interesting as there are many more variables at play. Both have their merits andpretty awesome OSTto par. 

chad28 says...

Waiting in the Summer (Ano Natsu de Matteru) and Ano Hana have a group of friends, school life, love triangles and combine romance with science-fiction and supernatural respectively.

I think that if you liked one you'll probably like the other because of these elements, including the love and friendship story. I really liked both shows.

Qplayer says...

Summer? Check. Feels? Check. Unrequitted love? Check check. Ano Natsu in some ways can be the poor man's Ano Hana but I still recommend both for lovers of the genre.

viveknair1997 says...

Though the plot for both may differ in some ways, the overall idea is similar. The characters and the animation looks similar. Anohana takes the lead on the feels category though.  

Usueal says...

Both have small amounts of comedy yet later intense drama and hopelessness. If you like one you'll like the other.

eaper says...

These series each have a good mixture of comedy, romance, and drama. They focus around many of the same themes and follow a very similar age group. AnoHana is, however, on the whole, more dramatic and less comedy driven than Clannad.

maraques says...

I've been solely into slice of life anime for quite a long time now, and can honestly say that there are almost no other shows out there as moving as Clannad or Anohana (5 cm per second comes really close though). These are the only two shows that have ever made me change the way I see or feel about the world, and I find that amazing to be coming from an animated show. Although Clannad season 1 was more just a dramatic harem to me than an emotionally touching show as After Story was, if you're looking for a show that will change your outlook on family and friends, I highly recommend Anohana and Clannad/AS. These two shows are probably the most beautiful pieces of work I've ever seen in my last 10 or so years of watching anime.

Lutefisk says...

Both of these stories are funny, heartfelt, and touching slice of life stories. If you like one you are almost certain to enjoy the other.

holms says...

Both have great characters, both about wishes, both makes you wanna cry out loud in the end, both teaching you to live, both makes you a better person. This is ELITE OF ANIME WORLD!

jypsel says...

Both Clannad and AnoHana have beautiful artwork that perfectly coincides with the story lines being presented.  They are both deep, melancholy animes that manage to pull heartstrings and yet somehow maintain a lighthearted feeling about them.

GrnEydDvl says...

There are very few shows out there that are so spectacularly emotional, heartwarming, gut-wrenching, mature, bittersweet, and serious, which can make you laugh and cry at the same time, but AnoHana and Clannad do just that.  Both of these shows center around a group of high school students as they deal with complex emotional issues, like love, loss, and mutual understanding.  The characters must deal with difficult problems from their past while trying desperatly to look towards the future.  Both shows are full of tears and laughter as the characters face with their problems with the support of others, finding themselves in the process.  There is also a stong element of the supernatural weaved through both shows that is vital to the plot.  These are two of the greatest shows I have ever seen, and if you want a break from the standard school-life story and wish for something a bit more involved and rich, then these shows are for you.  If you liked one, I'm sure you'll like the other.

HasseRovdjur says...

Both shows have gorgeous art style and a mix of comedy, drama and supernatural elements. While the execution and cast varies (AnoHana has more of an ensemble cast) they're both similar enough that I would recommend that fans of either work to check out the other work.

renanbandelaria says...

Both have very touching storylines that deal with love and loss.... GREAT WATCH, it also has quite a bit of comedy involved which makes the anime that much more AMAZING! 

cahbayb says...

Both are very very sad. They both deal with having a wish and over coming death. They also have a lighthearted seriousness to the plots. Clannad is more detailed and longer. 

zelight says...

both series shows funny moments and tells about how they develop friendship. and later part of both series features tear jerking moments...

cardcaptors8 says...

Both animes are emotionally touching and pleasant to watch. They are heartwarming and really pluck at the heartstrings of the viewer. Clannad has the advantage of a far greater number of episodes to allow for far more character and story development as well as allowing the viewer to become attached to the characters. However, Ano Hana still does an amazing job in all these areas despite far fewer installments and the smaller number of episodes is in no way a disadvntage as the length of the series feels just right.

Codieecho says...

Both of these series revolve around a very serious tone and similar plot, they will also both thear you heart appart as you watch them T.T

Rifunger says...

You will also like Anohana because it is the very dramatic and sad like Clannad and Clannad ~After Story~. While Clannad got this ' WHY?! Pleas no! ' -feels, Anohana got this nostalgia feels. Just watch this anime it's fucking great.

wargol says...

in my opinion they're both highschool drama with a supernatural touch and a bit of humour mixed in.

they really make you connect with the characters while you go through the story and (especially for first time watchers) make you shed a tear or two at the end.

HexaSept says...

Both are really emotional, in some parts. Clannad has more of a comedic side while Anohana is short and sweet, more serious. 

Both are just amazing

lindatjuh says...

It has the same feeling and the same tearjerking feeling as in clannad at the end. damn I cried for half an hour! only anime that ever made me cry like that before was clannad. but they did it even multiple times. I hate it but at the same time love it. it makes the anime really good.

MhykoCode says...

I recommend Clannad (Let the "Another World" be the last). Because to be honest this gives some tear jerking scenes especially in the "After Story" which is a sequel of Clannad, Just watch it, do not aim for the animation or the face to the characters which may some of find weird in some ways but prefer in the plot, This anime is a Must Watch for all who loves Drama, Slice Of Life, and Romance.

muonsei says...

Koe no Katachi and Anohana are similar in one way: the characters try to fix in the future whatever happened in their past when they were children. Koe no Katachi doesn't involve a ghost though, but they tackle the topic of death (suicide in Koe no Katachi) in different ways.

Takafumi says...

Both Koe no Katachi and Anohana tell a very specific type of Coming of Age story: A series of personal issues bring together a group of kids that otherwise would have no reason to be together.

As "friends" the characters think little positively of each other and lack ample common interests, but somehow they develop an entertaining chemistry. These characters are dumb, messed up, and not exactly good people, but they are spectacular to watch. Love or hate, it's a fun experience.

snivets says...

Both stories follow group of characters that experienced trauma at a young age which then affects them as high schoolers. Both are largely about seeking peace/coming to terms with heavy stuff. I definitely think if you liked one, you'll like the other!

LucidScreams says...

If you liked A Silent Voice, Anohana has a great story as well. The animation is well done and the story is well told. It's an anime to be remembered.

coolgirl27 says...

very similar in the way the way they make one feel, story about redemption and overall friendship. Endearing.

Misha01 says...

Both animes have an incredible story which requires them to look at their past actions, in order to seek for forgiveness and form relationships with old friends.   You’d be lying if you said that neither of these animes made you somewhat emotional or teary eyed.

ottoleedivad says...

Both stories are emotional stories centered on high school students trying to rectify the mistakes of their you. Both are also tearjerkers.

Tsuukiina says...

I Deeply agree if you like a heart felt animes that makes you cry on the inside or if you actually want to ugly cry I suggest these animes, why you may ask? cause they have plot, they have SHIPS, they have deep meanings and anime guys and girls to simp for or fawn (for if you dont like the word simp)

BoredLynx101 says...

These 2 animes will work perfectly together. They are romance but sad too so they are basically the same genre. It has a emotional story to it like anohana.

hehari says...

Next emotional banger. Not a study of grief tho. More of romance with a mix of redemption.

IJustWantToBe2D says...

They are both good animes because you really feel every emotion with it and they're great starters to show people how much sadness, hate, the happiness you can get from an anime

w1lk says...

So it's very simple if you enjoy anime that has something to do with the love I would recommend you to watch this anime because for me it opened my eyes to a new genre of anime (movies) so yeah I would recommend watching them both ways because they are classics, I would put them on the same level as Fruit so yeah.

cotyy says...

Both anime deal with heavy topics but still keeping it fresh. They are similar in the way that both mc try to fix in the present mistakes from the past to move on. Anohana does have more of a fantasy sense of it with the ghost thing. 

maraques says...

I've been solely into slice of life anime for quite a long time now, and can honestly say that there are almost no other shows out there as moving as Clannad or Anohana (5 cm per second comes really close though). These are the only two shows that have ever made me change the way I see or feel about the world, and I find that amazing to be coming from an animated show. Although Clannad season 1 was more just a dramatic harem to me than an emotionally touching show as After Story was, if you're looking for a show that will change your outlook on family and friends, I highly recommend Anohana and Clannad/AS. These two shows are probably the most beautiful pieces of work I've ever seen in my last 10 or so years of watching anime.

 

nick2121 says...

If you like one, you'll probably like the other. Both animes feature several heartwrenching moments, both have likable characters with great personalities, both have great animation style, quality, soundtracks and voice acting, and both are, in my opinion, must-watches amongst slice-of-life fans.

MonkeyZerg says...

Can you handle the EMOTIONS!? Well, if you managed to remain stone-faced and rock-hearted watching Ano Hana, I challenge you to watch Clannad After Story without sobbing like a burst hose pipe under pressure. Challenge: accepted?

seine says...

Both animes are having the same somewhat "tragedic" plot. So, if you want to be all "emo-ish" with anime, you should try both of this. Or If you've loved AnoHana, i'm sure you'll love Clannad: AS too.

Winterborn says...

These are the two most beautiful stories I've ever witnessed. They have so much in common, it's hard to know where to start. They are both incredible stories of what people can accomplish when they come together. They show to importance of friendship and bonds that can never be broken, and of course that love trancends more than just distance, but time, tragedy and death. I think Clannad AS has a wider range of emotional factors but they are both so emotionally moving it's impossible not to cry. Clannad really makes your heart hurt but in a good way, where AnoHana had me balling like a child at the end. But they were tears of joy, not loss. Don't get the wrong idea, they are both beautiful endings. Even though there are still tears rolling down my face as i write this, there's also a smile. The ending to AnoHana is so PERFECT. Everyone absolutely must watch them both. The AnimePlaney description of Clannad AS doesn't do it justice, and AnoHana doesn't have one yet. I'm telling all drama romance fans to watch them, and bring more than one box of tissues!

wargol says...

in my opinion they're both highschool drama with a supernatural touch and a bit of humour mixed in.

they really make you connect with the characters while you go through the story and (especially for first time watchers) make you shed a tear or two at the end.

akashiyumi says...

Both stories made me cry... :'( 

So for those who want slice of life anime ... you should better check it out :D

amaroshi says...

Both are tear-jerkers and are about slice of life and romance, and the main male character figuring out what to do with his life after a big tradgedy. 

chmoreira94 says...

Similar kind of feeling, they both ara slow paced, talk about friendship and love, and moving on after bad things, they both have some mistycism.

drizzy999 says...

Both are sad, beautiful anime shows that involve death and fantasy. Both slice of life that make you smile and cry, and have unique, likable characters.

NatsumeKhun says...

These are both amazing stories jam packed with feels. They will take your heart and rip it into pieces but it will be worth the depression and tears trust me. I recommend you watch both Abohana and Clannad.

Livvyume says...

BOTH WILL MAKE YOU CRY HARD ITS SAD 

it will leave you with an empty feeling in your heart

deltaangelfire says...

[[SPOILERS]]Both shows are about a group of kids who struggle while trying to deal with tragedies that separated them. Tragedies that stay with them for years as they grow older and finally try to confront them as everybody and their feelings change.

akemi3suzuki3 says...

The two main heroines seem very alike also the secondary main female characters too and the animes both have miniature harems

snivets says...

Both of these stories are about a group of childhood friends who struggle to deal with a tragedy that very literally changes the course of their lives. Two powerfully emotional titles, I think fans of one would definitnely enjoy the other!

GrnEydDvl says...

Both of these shows are about the complexity of human relationships and the deep love, both platonic and romantic, that a close group of friends can have for each other.  Love traingles and heartbreak abound, but throughout both shows the characters explore who they are and what their relationships mean and come to a better understanding of themselves.  There's also a stong supernatural element, without which there would be no story.  These shows are both incredibly deep, thought-provoking, and intensly emotional, and they are both fantastic.

therrieur says...

In both series, childhood friends strugle about upcoming events, also the main characters are very similar.

littleplate says...

Both have beautiful storylines of love and friendships in a world that accepts the mysteries of magic and etherealism. 

Daisuki says...

Both series focus on a group of friends who were together since childhood. They have to face life-changing experiences that happen to them as well as around them. This includes falling in love, growing up, and the surrounding environment's development.

MioriChan says...

Both Anohana and NagiAsu are coming of age anime that involve love triangles. They follow the characters through the pain that loving someone can bring but by the end you’ll see all your favorite ships together 

Catbeeisafraid says...

They have a similar feel and both make you laugh and smile and cry because you don't want anything bad to happen to the characters 

ClairIsHere4Manga says...

Manaka and Meiko are so similar, and the vibes just kept coming to me as it went on; in looks and personality. Both are on netflix, containing magical compenants; aka "ghost" and sea people. The sweet and drama orientated animes make these slice of life shows a treasure to watch. Both are suitable for younger ages, as well, of course, if you were wondering that is. Both charming, and sappy, I think you'll grow to love A Lull in the Sea and Anohana: The Flower We Saw that Day. 

pinkklover216 says...

There are lots of similarities between both animes, such as Menma and Manaka and Jintan and Hikari. The characters discuss and experience hardships of friendships and lifestyles as young children. 

*[BONUS] They both also have really aesthetic visuals so it's very pretty to watch!!*

MrKimchi says...

Alright so both, made me cry, just seeing 2 groups of kids, trying to save this 1 person, makes me think they are very similar, though i cried 13-15 times on Anohana, I think i cried 5 times on orange. I won't put any spoilers, but yea watch both, if you liked 1 then you should like the other. Anyways Great animes :)

chad28 says...

Ano Hana and Orange contain a group of friends, school life and drama. Get ready to feel.

I really liked both of these shows. I think that if you liked one you'll probably like the other because of the mentioned themes, including the love and drama.

strangelookingcat says...

Both anime talk about unfinished business. Characters in both anime live in present day with a certain amount of regret and the desire to change or make up for that. Also, the casts are a group of childhood friends who meet up again and/or reconnect after a number of years. It's interesting to see both younger and present day selves and see how much they changed because of an event in their childhoods.

ShowerOfSunshine says...

Both have supernatural feels. Both of these shows also deal with death and one of their main purposes is to bring friends closer when something tragic happens, for example in this case, a friend/loved one dying in an accident.

Inu230 says...

The pain of the past will not be denied. As in Orange, Anohana deals with a trajedy of the past weighing down the main character. To deal with their regrets they must confront the untimely death of a close friend and their role in that friend's demise. Both main characters get others [their childhood friends] to help. By confessing their own secrets the friends become closer and more determined to confront the accident and the actions that lead up to the death of their friend.

Maryk1206 says...

Both of these are about something that happened in the past and with the help of supernatural activity the characters are able to communicate with past selves and people that have past away.

komikamii says...

Both have a nostalgic feel of looking back on childhood and the same sort of character molds.

thanhen says...

Both extremely sad and based on high school life focusing on a specific friendship group

Knikkee says...

Although they tell different stories, they do have similar themes where friends and 'wishes' are concerned. I was reminded of Orange when watching Anohana, gave me the same feelings on the inside. 

Neoa says...

yes

NeverThatBored says...

These anime both have similar art styles, which was the first similarity I noticed. They both focus on ordinary, easy-to-relate-to characters and the friendships and romances between them, as well as the influence of the past on each main character. Though it seems and often is lighthearted, like Toradora!, AnoHana is very intense and dramatic, ranging from tear-inducing to heart-warming within a single episode.

eaper says...

These series each combine a lot of love triangles, comedy, drama, and romance while telling a sort of coming of age story. With themes of love, unrequetted love, maturing, and moving on they fit well together. They both have rather concrete endings as well.

VivisQueen says...

Because they share the same director, Tatsuyuki Nagai, both AnoHana and Toradora have a very similar vibe. Moreover, they both achieve convincing love polygons that hinge on complex characters and their carefully crafted emotions. One of these mellow, understated (mostly) shows full of great comic touches should satisfy as much as the other.

LesboPonyArmageddon says...

They're just so... similar. It is really an 'if you like one you'll like the other' situation rather than 'these two animes share similar themes but are actually totally different'. Do watch both. It's the same director, too.

Mailtiger says...

Leaving of the supernatural part both the animes are much similar... animation, daily life style of characters, light hearted romances, friendship, even jealousy are common in both.... while 'Ano hi....' concentrates on deep romances, drama, 'Toradora' is little bit releived.... both are tear inducing animes with 'ano hi....' kept at high position in hierarchy.... if you like one you wil surely like te other.... have fun watchin ^_^

JohnWatchAnime says...

AnoHana and toradora are very similar. They both revolve around lots of drama and different relations between people. The art style is very similar and they both have the same feeling when watching it. Also, they were by the same director.

MioriChan says...

I love both of these anime; they both have well developed characters and love triangle themes. Both Toradora and Anohana are drama anime that will have you laughing one minute and tearing up the next. 

friendlymoose7 says...

sooooooooooooo sad but its really good u should watch it ( if u dont like dont blame me pls cuz its just a suggestion plus its really good)

Lutefisk says...

Both of these are touching stories with similar type of story. Both are unique and interesting. If you like one you should give the other a try.

jypsel says...

AIR and AnoHana both have beautiful graphics, wonderful characters and a beautiful storyline.  They both feature a main girl who "isn't all there" - although in different ways - and a leading man who is very relatable.  The casts of both of these animes is outstanding and the characters are the driving force of the series.

dokurochan says...

AnoHana and Air are both absolutely beautiful series that will make you cry a lot. The two leads of both series are also simialr. You have the happy airhead herorine and the slightly pathetic guy who just can't bear to make her sad. Both stoies also deal with the same themes of love, loss and learning how to move on with life. If you liked one then you should seriously consider watching the other.

Airotia says...

Both of the anime are about a laid-back, average guy solving the problems of a group of friends. The main female in each has serious problems, but for the most part focuses on being friends with the main guy, despite the fact that their lives suck really bad.

The main guy of each has a laid-back, somewhat lethargic personality and just happens to solve problems, while the main female of each is air-headed but sweet. The side characters are all different and interesting with their own set of problems.

They each have tear-inducing endings with themes of grieving and letting go. Both are comedy dramas, with loads of comedic moments that fade into big dramatic tearful scenes. If you like one, you're almost garunteed to like the other.

whitelionV says...

In both, Air and Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae you'll find wondering "Where is this going to?" and then crying like a little girl, a few episodes later. 

I only rated Air half star higher due to the originality of the plot, but both are beautiful. Air includes a bit of magical reality, while Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae is overall more "down to earth"; but the feeling on both as they progress is very similar.

The core difference between them encompasses the ending so I'm not gonna tell you what it is. But if you liked one, you NEED to see the other.

Unless you aren't a masochist... but we both know you are... 

*sniff* (still crying)

godcix says...

There is a very similiar feel.  These anime both have a sense of joy mixed with a deep sense of longing and characters who must come to grips with that.

Madoka says...

Both these stories are amazing beautiful works which might require you to equip some tissues, as them eyes might find themself quite teary in the end. Each series has a rather sad plot line to them, Anohana focusing on grief whilst AIR focusing on loss and pain both come to form a real touching tale.

They use strongly related themes to progress the story forwards, but the best part is the characters, we all love getting attached to them cute somewhat ditsy girls right? Well Air and Anohana have this one covered, creating a sad but strong plot around the two make us grow more attached than ever and love the series.

Whilst i normally only say you should try one if you like one, in this case i think it's a must do thing, if you have watched (and liked) either Air or Anohana i strongly suggest watching the other as soon as possible, you wont regret it for a second.