Boogiepop Phantom - Recommendations

VRDave says...

Serial Experiments Lain is a great series that can be closely compared to Boogiepop in weirdness and darkness. Although the two are very different in plot, the feeling of both is the same. If you liked one, you should like the other as well.

mindlesspuppet says...

Both are very dark series, with psychological twists to them. Though, Lain is a bit more linear than BoogiePop

CodeWordChobits says...

A dark modern world fraught with intrigue and mystery, is the common ground for Lain and Boogiepop. The atmosphere is very similair in that you have no idea what is going ton around the characters but it all seems to make some kind of sense... and then it all comes into focus. I suggest watching both of these titles a number of times to fully be able to understand there depths.

freakzilla says...

Both Lain and Boogiepop Phantom are extremely heavy in plot, both with weird plot twists

IDDKyewD says...

Both aime are incredibly twisted, delving into dark sections both in style, story and character. Lain and Boogiepop Phantom both also dance in a nice realm of surrealism, making the audiance second guess what exactly is real and what is either fake, or merely sybolism.

Prisoner1138 says...

Want a dark and moody series after seeing serial experiments lain? watch this Want a totally screwed up mind mess of a show after watching serial experiments lain? Then watch this. This series is probably even more of a "screw with your head" type show than lain was, and is just fairly similar in themes, drama, and other aspects overall.

nextolast says...

I cant believe that it took me so long to put these two together, as they are probably the two best dark techno thriller mystery animes out there. The way suspense is built up in both with subtle but eerie clues, and the desperation you feel from the characters trying to track things down.

Imsorrykun says...

These series are so similar in style its hard to not see the connection, septia tones set the moods of both as well as there confusing plots leave you wondering.. defenetly watch-and-think anime.

tabiris says...

Somewhat like Boogiepop Phantom, Lain is a series you'll either hate or love. They both have many common points such as the dark, haunting atmosphere that can be seriously frightening if you watch them alone in the dark. However, this is not the main reason I would recommend watching Lain if you liked Boogiepop. They're both somewhat philosophical and can do serious brain-damage. If that's the aspect of Boogiepop you were after, then Lain should be on your "to watch" list.

LeaT says...

With a dark setting, dark colors and a strong sense of mystery and "something is not right with the world we live in", both Boogiepop and Lain discuss what lies beyond imagination and questions what is true and untrue, what humans are, and so much more. I fail to see why you cannot like one without the other.

neutrino says...

In both series, the atmosphere, complexity of the characters' psychology and nonexistent plot all contribute to a disturbing mental trip questioning the things we know, the people we think we know, and the supernatural.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Lain and Boogiepop Phantom are soul mates; they deliver highly convoluted stories with intricate plots that are presented in a non-linear way, which allows for some extremely disorientating moments. The mood of both is very dark and menacing; virtually all scenes are charged with nervous tension. Lain is more coherently philosophical while BP is somewhat disjointed but they share the same spirit of subversive violence, enthralling confusion and constant questioning.

JAhU says...

Boogiepop Phantom and Serial Experiments Lain share a load of things. To begin with, both are quite psychotic and confusing, introduce a large number of characters and have many similarities in plot. Its hard to explain what exactly makes those two shows so similar, but you can feel it from the very first episode. So if you can stand mindf***ing anime and even like them, those are perfect titles for you.

sydneylove says...

Both Serial Experiments Lain and Boogiepop Phantom have underlying themes that usually require a lot of thought to decipher. Even the animation style of both are similiar.

Darkpenguin13 says...

If you are into crazy mind numbing cyberpunk type shows this is a great show to watch as well!

Omurqi says...

Both shows will severely screw with your mind. The  pacing, darkness and complexity of Boogiepop is very similar to Serial Experiments Lain. Also, every person can draw a different conclusion out of both shows, the experience is completely up to the individual. If you liked either, don't miss out on the other! Disclaimer for both series: Do not marathon these shows! It will most likely ruin the experience for you (as boogiepop did for me the first time around).

Apples says...

These two series have a lot in common. Whether it's the overtone, the soundtrack, the voice actors, the focus on visuals, the gritty story, the exestential questions, the style, the characters, etc. If you liked one of these shows you are sure to like the other.

Boogiepop Phantom is a tad slower pased but the story is relatively easy to follow thanks to the scene notes. They also take the time out every few episodes to explain connections between characters so you aren't wandering away for too long. Lain is slow but they keep each episode interesting enough so you are focused, but it doesn't really help explain things till the end.

chii says...

Want something that is dark, twisted, and makes you go wtf? Look no further than these two anime. Both have plenty of mystery and questions about them. Both have a very similar feel art wise and story wise. Boogiepop deals with supernatural beings where Lain take on the computer/technology side of things. I highly suggest checking out one if you liked the other.

panaru says...

Lain and Boogiepop are similar in their dark sprawling interconnected storylines.  But Lain is about technology and Boogiepop is more about philosophical madness and blood smeared life legends.  Oh and they have a super hero instead of a god.

dbzssjkris says...

Both skrew with your mind and have a dark side to them. even at the end you will be wondering what the heck happened. it took me a few watches with both  to be able to understand what was going on.

SadisticTendencies says...

A muted color palette, a technophobic approach and several mindfuckish qualities that cooperate to make your thoughts disort into complete chaos. Serial Experiments: Lain and Boogiepop Phantom are like two siblings with plenty of similarities. The most enjoyable shared virtue is probably the Cyberpunk visual approach.

LimeCultivist says...

Both series hold dark, confusing atmospheres and plots, with many of the same themes evident throughout. Boogiepop seems to have been inspired by Lain, but I still think that both hold their own unique premises and each should be experienced once, if not many times over.

fikshen says...

Both series are like a puzzle that slowly pieces together moving slowly with a similar pace and ominous atmosphere.

takuuuuun says...

I honestly thought these were made by the same people... Equally as surreal. Same creepy style.

Alexakitzi says...

Boogiebop Phantom and Serial Experiments Lain are basically the same thing. The atmosphere, the Mindfuck genre and even the soundtrack are the same. Looking for an anime basically like Serial Experiments Lain? Boogiebop Phantom is the right thing for you!

Taybella99 says...

While I'm only a few episodes in, I immediately was comparing this the Serial Experiments Lain. I feel like they're both series where you will have to watch a few times to really make sense of everything. The more you watch the more that is revealed and nothing fully makes sense until the final episode is complete.

freakzilla says...

Both Boogiepop and Paranoia agent have a dark mysterious feeling to them. Made to make the viewer think, you can never know what to expect. Very simular feeling comes from both animes.

SirNiXXon says...

Urban legends are the background subject of both Paranoia Agent and Boogiepop, the moving force behind the characters. Both shows have a quite similar way of storytelling, changing focus from one character to other and other again in sucessive episodes, and a dark aura of mistery and despair. Yes, Paranoia Agent tones are brighter, it has more humour and a somewhat less confused (and a bit dumber) story, when compared to Boogiepop, still both are a certain match for each other.

Izmo says...

"Paranoia Agent" and "Boogiepop Phantom" have a remarkably similar feel to them. This maybe shouldn't come as a surprise, since the scripts were written by the same person. If you like mysterios and unpredictable plots that have a slight out-of-this-world feel to them then both these series will be of interest to you. BP is the darker of the two, whereas PA even sports some humour - even if it's mostly morbid humour.

CodeWordChobits says...

Into very strange dark and deep shows? Then either one of these will quench your thirst for the unimaginable. Both of them seem to be going in all kinds of different directions all at once but they come together very well in the end, leaving you with some strange thoughts and feelings....

vivafruit says...

Although the color palettes for Boogiepop Phantom and Paranoia Agent are about as different as you can get, the rest of the shows is very similar. Both revolve around deeply disturbed characters who descend completely into madness thanks to a mysterious catalytic force (Boogiepop for BP, Shounen Bat for PA). While PA sports a rather dark sense of humor that BP lacks, both are in the end endearingly trippy anime that will be enjoyed by anyone looking for a dense, creative, and mindwarping plot.

sothis says...

Like shows that make you think? Boogiepop Phantom and Paranoia Agent are sure to please. While Paranoia Agent is admittedly a tad bit brighter in tone, both will have you confused and wanting to know more with each episode. In addition, both have a strategy of only explaining a little in each episode, which builds up the suspense. Fantastic shows, if you like one you'd like the other.

neutrino says...

Both series are about a central figure who is both mysterious and notorious in society, and the role they play in the lives of their "victims." I personally enjoyed BoogiePop better, as it was more mature and had a better ending.

Nocturnalgloria says...

These series are about people on the edge and how everyone can be driven to psychological collapse if enough pressure is added. Boogiepop Phantom is extremely confusing for the most part and demands constant attention from the viewer, while PA is as odd and requires some analysis to be fully comprehended. A dark atmosphere pervades both efforts; in Paranoia Agent it is edgy and at times quirky, while in BP it remains somber and moody through and through. Both deal with the effects of self delusion taken to the extreme of alienation and conflict.

styln says...

Paranoia Agent and Boogiepop Phantom are dark, mysterious, and deal with several characters that all have real life problems amplified by a paranormal activity. Both series will make you think and keep you guessing on what will happen next until the very end.

1010rikku says...

Both Paranoia Agent and Boogiepop Phantom are dark - bordering on spooky - and have very complex storylines that require the utmost attention; you've got to pay attention to the details. If that's your thing, then you will love these.

ace52387 says...

Paranoia Agent's psycho drama may come across as slightly contrived, and its story not quite perfectly paced for a full TV series, containing several fillers that mean little in the grand scheme. Still, it is the closest thing to Boogiepop I have found. The plots of both do a great job of balancing subplots with the overarching story, making them easy to watch in long stretches or short bursts. While "insightful" might be stretching it, Boogiepop and Paranoia Agent do manage to provide quite a bit of food for thought about the needs and desires of the human heart while retaining that psychological flare that has developed into such a great niche.

TheHermit says...

Though the two shows look very different, they use many of the same dramatic techniques; carefully releasing information to keep you guessing, overlapping stories that are deeply connected without appearing to do so, and just plain messing with the viewers head to deliberately mislead and confuse. Both are also highly critical of modern society, but strangely hopeful in its closing moments.

AverageShinigami says...

Both series feature gritty little urban tales with interesting (to say the very least) characters. Both have a very black sense of humour, although Boogiepop is so dark in tone that the humour may be hard to see...The series are also metaphorical in very similar ways.

Both shows are also great if you are looking for somewhat unconventional ways of storytelling. Boogiepop is very confusing because of its multiple time frames (and plain character designs), and the plot is revealed through the eyes of minor characters. Paranoia Agent is notably easier to understand, but again the focus constantly leaps between different characters and places. If you loved one of these, you'll probably love the other.

googergieger says...

Both series are very hard to describe fully and hard to really compare to any other series. However, they both are easily the closest thing to the other there is. Both are mystery, suspense, supernatural, and quite possibly some of the most unique and ahead of it's time, anime's ever made. While one tells the tale of a boy on roller skates, attacking random people with a golden bat, the other tells the tale of high school students who are involved in murders told from several different perspectives. The starting stories and scenes in the anime however are only a set up for some of the most intense, smart, and memorable stories ever told!

JAhU says...

Boogiepop Phantom and Paranoia Agent share a greate number of things. It would be difficult to list all of them, so I'll limit myself to two. First, a big number of similar themes appear in both anime. The other thing is that those are both mindf**k series (but PA is less confusing and does make some sense). If you liked one of those showes, then you may try watching the other (just keep in mind that Boogiepop Phantom isn't as good as Paranoia Agent).

riseofanimal says...

Liked Boogie Pop Phantom? Then enjoy Paranoia Agent. It has that same mysterious storyline, likewise can be said about the characters. Paranoia Agent helps to keep your mind in a constant limbo till the series ends, and should be watched.

Darkpenguin13 says...

If you are into crazy mind numbing cyberpunk type shows this is a great show to watch as well!

absolute says...

Both these series deal with a mysterious entity which haunts people. Both the stories are about investigations about this dark presence and the effects that it has on people's minds.

While Boogiepop Phantom is more horror and serious, Paranoia Agent has also comedy elements, but they share the same atmosphere.

KittyEmperor says...

While Boogiepop Phantom has a darker color scheme than the much lighter Paranoia Agent both series are the same in that each have a good amount of suspense in each and only offer up a little bit of an explaination in each episode.  Though Paranoia Agent has a more of a dark humor to it they both have plots that look it the human mind and why we do what we do.  With both having a story that will keep the viewer confused and wanting to know more if you liked one then you'll like the other.

dbzssjkris says...

Both skrew with your mind and have a dark side to them. even at the end you will be wondering what the heck happened. it took me a few watches with both  to be able to understand what was going on.

LupinIII says...

Both have a constant mysterious air going all through out them. If you like seeing shows that will mess with your preception then both of these shows are for you! I think Paranoia Agent is the better one but the argument could be made for Boogiepop being superior.

hexxx says...

Both Boogiepop Phantom and Paranoia Agent deal with mysterious and terrifying incidents terrorising a city, with only a shadowy rumour to blame.

Both shows are a little slow-paced, but with many twists and red herrings along the way to keep you guessing until the final mindblow.

VRDave says...

Texhnolyze has a very distinct 'dark' atmosphere about it, as does Boogiepop Phantom, and the feeling is nearly the same. If you liked one, you would surely like the other.

Imsorrykun says...

ths is another of what im gonna coin watch-and-think anime, confusing plots and color tones to set modes that make these undoutably classified with each other will keep you wondering.

freakzilla says...

Both are very dark anime with a plot you have to keep paying attention too. Since if you don't you won't be able to keep track of the anime anymore. Made to make you think, directed at the adult audience. Surely Boogiepop and Texhnolyze will appeal the same people.

tabiris says...

Set in a world with chokingly black atmosphere, Texhnolyze almost immediately reminded me of Boogiepop Phantom, most obviously because of the darkish, haunting atmosphere. Also, as with Boogiepop, it is an anime you need to put some thought into.

jugemxjugem says...

the art and themes are very much a like

Both succed at creating this weird discomfort when watching , while making you guess what might happen next

subparalien says...

Mysterious hopelessness countered by the characters attempting to move forward in the ways that can. Watch to be confused and intrigued.

VRDave says...

Pefect Blue is another twisted anime to watch if you liked the plot twists and confusion of Boogiepop Phantom. Perfect Blue is a must-see movie for fans of Boogiepop Phantom.

freakzilla says...

If those plot twists and confusion are what you like, than you should like Perfect Blue as well.

Stmated says...

A dark mood with a hint of madness is what fills these two series. They give you a deeper view into the psychics of humans, both realistic and not, and is bound to entertain the one who like dementia. A given choice.

stingreis says...

Well, they are both horror anime's that incorporate the twisted nature of peoples fear and emotions. Furthermore, they both have a very similar style of animation, that gives off a dreary effect.

Now Perfect Blue is a Movie, while Boogiepop is a series, but if you liked one, you will surely like the other. (if you don't mind that one is a movie and the other a series)

panaru says...

Perfect Blue has a lot of the same twisted rocketting storyline, but its a movie more or less about one person whereas Boogiepop is 13 episodes of interlocking madness. 

SadisticTendencies says...

These two Anime share eccentric plotlines that deal primarily with identity-related issues, but also take some time to incorporate technophobia into their respective stories. They both portray a gradual descent into insanity during some moments and build up towards an unexpected climax. The animation in these little pearls may not be the best, but if you can overlook that I believe you'll enjoy these two!

Imsorrykun says...

Both gerneraly have the same vibe of human flaw. Each have humans with personality, or social problems that draws a dark influence to them, eventually giving them the power to destroy themselves with there own devices.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Both Boogiepop Phantom and Pet Shop of Horrors depict the devastating effects of despair, and the grievous consequences that letting go of reality carries. These series feature highly troubled individuals who try to cope with the pressure of emotionally-taxing situations, and fail. In both, a supernatural entity has a highly dubious role in this process of mental disintegration. Boogiepop Phantom has a convoluted plot while Pet Shop of Horrors plays with a simple narrative frame; but they both explore the dark aspects of the human soul and do it with enthusiasm.

Sorinchako says...

While it is shorter, Pet Shop of Horrors has just as much suspense and horror as Boogiepop Phantom. They both have seemingly unrelated stories tied together with a single thread, and have a very mysterious antagonist who might not be an antagonist after all. Trust me; if you liked one you'll like the other.

ashman711 says...

both series have the overall same air of mystery about them(more so in boogiepop) and will leave you with that special mindf*cked feeling

VRDave says...

Both BoogiePop Phantom and Narutaru are fairly unique and interesting series. I can't really explain why without ruining one or the other, I will just say that if you liked all the messed up stuff in it, you will definately like the other one. Strange occurances and an overall interesting conclusion.

CodeWordChobits says...

The main similarity in these two titles are the skull numbing nearly non-sensicle plots. If you enjoy not knowing what is going on most of the time and yet still managing to be entertained then Narutaru or Boogiepop Phantom will suit you well.

freakzilla says...

If you're into story based anime, than Narutaru and Boogiepop Phantom bring you weird plot twists and confusion in ways you haven't seen before.

chii says...

If you are looking for twisted plots that leave you guessing right till the end and maybe even after that both these anime are for you. Boogiepop has a darker tone to the animation where Narutaru is bright and cheerful but both clearly demonstrate their dark underbelly with ease. Check one out if you liked the other.

sothis says...

Both Hitsuji no Uta and Boogiepop have one thing in common: DARK AND TWISTED. Hitsuji is definitely not as abstract with the plot, but still is quite shocking at times, just like BP.

KittyEmperor says...

While Hitsuji no Uta is a bit more straightfoward with its plot than Boogiepop Phantom both series have this very dark and twisted atmosphere.  So if your looking for something with a bit darker plot to it and have liked one of them then I would suggest you check out the other one as well.

valondar says...

Darkly, strange titles from Madhouse that use a noticeably faded colour palette and approach really weird, screwed up supernatural things that school children find themselves entangled in. If you enjoyed one, give the other a whirl.

NoSanninWa says...

Both Boogiepop Phantom and Hundred Stories share a creepy and strange mood. They contain many mysteries that need to be peeled back in order to grasp the truth of human nature. If you like strange creepy anime full of strange and fascinating characters, these are the shows for you.

sothis says...

Fantastic horror from any angle, with a story that will keep you guessing till the end. Amazing animation and imagery, as well.

Menchi says...

Up for some twisted horror? Requem from the Darkness as well as Boogiepop Phantom are just that. They're both episodic, dark themed horror anime with interesting plots, not so much of sheer violence and mindless corpse-munching, but more of mythical and thrilling lessons of psychology. Friends of the macabre will without a doubt find both series interesting, hopefully dreadful too. I know I did!

IDDKyewD says...

Both anime tell a stoy in a non-liniar fashion. The stories skip back and forth through time, and nothing really makes sense until near the end.

SirNiXXon says...

Graphically, Boogiepop and Higurashi couldn't be further appart from each other; while Boogiepop has a grim world design and color palette, with realistic looking characters, Higurashi is filled cute lolis and bright colors. However, both shows tell stories with plenty of despair, mistery, murders and disappearances. Now, that alone wouldn't make any of these shows a particularly good recommendation for the other... The main link in the style of these shows is the narrative. Both make use of non-linear storytelling and change of character's focus, building the plot slowly, bit by bit of information. Boogiepop is harder to grasp, but Higurashi also takes longer to start making sense. If you've watched Boogiepop and wants to watch Higurashi, be aware it's plot complexity takes some time to be fully realised, if you've watched Higurashi and pland to watch Boogiepop, be aware that Boogiepop don't have (initial) scenes with cheerful scenarious and characters.

Rascal says...

Higurashi and Boogiepop Phantom are mystery anime taking place in a single story with a connected set of characters. They're both also horror and have some of the same gross out creepy aspects while maintaining a good atmosphere at times. If you like one you'll like the other.

Zadillo says...

Sort of a similar dark atmosphere and mix of the supernatural...... should definitely enjoy some of the similar elements.

tetra says...

If you have seen Boogiepop Phantom and like me was disappointed, you should see Witch Hunter Robin. It is also a mystery anime within a supernatural framework, but unlike Boogiepop it is actually good.