Shadow Star Narutaru - Recommendations

clem says...

These two gory, blood-filled anime are extremely similar in that they share the recurrent theme of monsters, darkness, and of course, blood.

CodeWordChobits says...

Disturbing is the one word that comes to mind when I think on either of these series. And it is as good a reason as any to connect them. Although they are more similiair than just that. Violence experienced by children and dealt with in very adult ways is the real similarity in these shows. You will surely experience the same strange emotional roller coaster with this one.

freakzilla says...

Seemingly harmless creatures are more dangerous than anything you can think off. Though i did consider Elfen Lied more cruel, it might be because Narutaru builds its story up slower. You'll like this one!

Ripzter says...

Both series are extremely weird. Personally I'm not a VERY big fan of this type of series, but something tells me that people who like either of these series should also love the other one. You might give Narutaru a little more time than just the first few episodes.

dreadful says...

Well fitting, not in your face background music, rather odd characters where each one has his/her agenda and very dark plot are only a few similarities that could be drawn between the two series. Few more things in common are ready to act on their emotions female leads, interaction between the surrounding environment and characters. Lastly, how certain characters are perceived by others is another important similarity between those dark series.

alcuinsmokydrag says...

"there is nothing wrong with me us... but the universe around us is wrong"-Narutaru. "The monsters, the inhuman ones, are you"-Elfen Lied. As can be seen from the above quotes, both animes are tales of the monsters in this world. And the monsters are us humans, and the struggle of the few to survive. In addition, elfen Lied and Narutaru share many mature themes, particularly exessive and brutal voilence

sothis says...

Narutaru and Elfen Lied are easily related, as far as the sheer shock of how messed up and disturbing they are. Combine cute animation with horrific acts, both violence of the highest degree, as well as moral situations that will make you cringe, and you have a very unusual watch. You easily would like one if you liked the other.

Rhesian says...

Both Elfen Lied and Narutaru have the "That's just wrong" disturbing feel. Elfen does this more graphically, yet the violence actually seems appropriate and enhances a wonderful, bitter story. Narutaru is less graphic and more implied... which makes it the creepier of the two. Narutaru has the most "WTF" moments I've seen in any series, anime or not!

hurin says...

Elfen Lied and Narutaru share a similar atmosphere, where the situation constantly goes from normality to something deeply disturbed.

Of the two Elfen Lied is the far superior show. I got the feeling Narutaru is often disturbing for the sake of being disturbing, but in Elfen Lied it is an integral part of the plot.

icejamez says...

Narutaru and Elfen Lied contain a certain shock value that is really rare to find in most anime. They are very dark animes and they are both about the same length if I recall correctly.

They tell rather tragic tales that can be very nerving to some. Narutaru is more spastic and weird where as EL is more violence and gore. Still they are alot alike in principal and those who enjoy dark anime should give both of them a watch.

AverageShinigami says...

Both Elfen Lied and Shadow Star Narutaru are mystery series with grabbing plots. The similarities between the two are very numerous, ranging from superficial things (cuteness and everyday life mixed with suspense and gore) and certain plot elements to shared themes.

Kiyohime says...

Creatures that have never existed are fighting weapons in both of these anime. As per usual with dark anime, their is someone who craves power and seems to be willing to kill and destroy everything to get it. While the creatures in Elfen Lied are more complex and have more of a seperate will from their creators, they all ending fighting either to save themselves or because of the whims of others. Both animes also contain a military theme. Difference is that the military in Shadow Star is trying to stop the creatures, while the military in Elfen Lied is the reason that the creatures exist.

Omurqi says...

One word: Disturbing. Both Narutaru and Elfen Lied have their fair share of sick scenes, usually executed by teenagers with an extraordinary power. Elfen Lied is more showing with the gore and bloodbath, but Narutaru makes up for it with... err... more "creative" ways of suffering. Basically, if you want to sick back, relax and feel your stomach turn, I'd recommend both these shows to you.

sakie3 says...

If you want something extremely violent and shocking than both Elfen Lied and Narutaru are the animes for you. However both these anime suffer from a similar problem; the manga is vastly superior and expansive. Give both a shot and if you find yourself wanting more, read it and you will not be disappointed.

sothis says...

Interestingly enough, after I had come up with this recommendation I discovered that the same minds behind Narutaru created Bokurano -- I guess it makes sense that I'd naturally think of this recommendation anyways, right? Both Bokurano and Narutaru have something in common: a MESSED UP story involving kids. Not only is the animation style similar, but the amount of implied disturbing violence is prevalent in both.

If you like watching things that are dark, violent, and sometimes wrong (you'll know what I mean when you watch either of these), check out either Bokurano or Narutaru. Narutaru is more of a "here's what Pokemon would look like in hell" feel, while Bokurano has more of a "GANTZ with kids" feel.

Canal says...

Both Narutaru and Bokurano are adaptations of manga from the same mangaka, and they both have a dark theme. The main characters are kids between 11-13 years old; and among them, there are some who have many problems, while some other kids are pretty cruel and don't mind killing people or care what happens to innocent bystanders. There is considerable violence in both and some mysteries for anyone who likes that kind of stuff.

Nocturnalgloria says...

Shadow Star Narutaru and Bokurano share the same general atmosphere of fateful horror. The same creator is behind both series and it shows. Children caught in a recurring pattern of violence and death form the basic premise of both series. The issue of the value of life is prominent in both, as is the role of responsibility. These series are character-driven and extremely dark; Bokurano focuses on the destiny of the whole planet, while Shadow Star Narutaru deals primarily with the cast itself, but in both cases children are pushed to the limit, making for agonizing situations that are masterfully handled.

FalseDawn says...

Darkness prevails among school kids; Bokurano and Narutaru have the same creator behind them, and it shows. They are violent but philosophical, sometimes delving into their horror repertoires. The characters are far from simple, and topics such as rape and murder are broached in both, with some shocking results.

IDDKyewD says...

Both Bokurano and NaruTaru take a familiar genre (Bokurano takes mecha, and NaruTaru takes Pocket Monster) and bring them out of their comfort zones by bringing in dark elements, violence, and philisophical points. Also, both anime delve into a well known, yet seldom aknowledged fact: Children can be cruel.

KiraRin says...

Very dark and disturbing in many ways, focussing on the relationships between children and their reaction to receiving destructive power.

yaang says...

Again both anime is about effects of power on human personality but Bokurano has less graphic violence than Narutaru.If you line up GANTZ -> Narutaru -> Bokurano these three anime are about the same concepts, but graphic violence decreases in that order while proportions increase.

chii says...

Both are about children that get amazing powers that they get to use at will. Eventually it turns out they must save the world with these powers. Something that they did not sign up for. Messed up situation for children to be in. Check out one if you liked the other.

Omurqi says...

What would children do were they given an extraordinary power? Narutaru and Bokurano are both anime that adress this question. With a group of children in possession of a powerful companion of sorts, everyone responds to their newfound might in their own way. The plot in Bokurano is done better, is a tad more mature and has less loose threads, and Narutaru has more disturbing violence, but if you liked one of these shows, it's worth checking out the other.

NimirRa says...

Bokurano and Narutaru both star a group of kids put in two very different, but equally disturbing situations. Though the similarities don't end there. The 'realistic' character designs along with the dark themes each show features, make them an easy recommendation for each other.

sakie3 says...

Child death. That's the key selling point on both these series. Bokurano's stakes may be higher than Narutaru's but both series deal with some heavy subjects and will tug at your moral strings. If you watched Bokurano and wished for a more personal and character focused story try Narutaru. Also, if you watched Narutaru and felt the stakes weren't large enough, definitely give Bokurano a chance.

sothis says...

I honestly can't think of any other series as fucked up as Narutaru, than Alien Nine. Narutaru starts off cute, but then is just ULTRA messed up. Alien Nine keeps the cuteness throughout the series, but always is just... yea. Really, really bizarre. Both have cute monsters that then get really violent, really fast.. both will leave you with the "wtf!" face. Both are excellent, and very dark.

VRDave says...

Both Alien Nine and Narutaru are messed up alien anime series. They focus on the host-alien connection and dependancies as well as "really cute" aliens. They both seem to go from "awww look at the cute alien thing" to "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!?!"

sublime says...

Bouncing from one extreme to the other, ranging from cute aliens to dark, moody, violence with plenty of headfuck. Alien Nine and Narutaru are perfect matches. Both guaranteed to leave you with a what the fuck feeling.

abunai says...

Without revealing too much of the plot, it is hard to say why these two anime are so similar. Let it be enough that anything that you may find remotely cute or charming about the series' nonhuman characters will not last long. These are two very, very creepy anime.

KiraRin says...

I want to thank the other users here for making the recommendation between these two series. I saw Narutaru a few years ago, and love the darkness of a seemingly innocent series. I didn't think anything could come close to giving me the same feeling, but Alien Nine hit the spot!

Neither series is for the faint of heart, and do not be decieved by the cute animation as these are certainly not for kids.

Both series are based around kids getting power through a creature/alien becoming partners with them. Starting out looking at their lives, friendships and then their "discovery", both series soon take a turn to the darkness.

Don't expect anything to be explained at the end,just enjoy the openness that allows you to fill in the blanks yourself.

AnimeShadow999 says...

If you enjoyed Shadow Star Narutaru or Alien Nine, i would bet on you enjoying the other.

Both shows use deception to trick the viewer, while at first seemingly cute and nice, both are in fact very dark.

Both shows deal with the emotional and psychological pain of mere youngsters, forced into using bizzare alien beings.

Where Narutaru is much darker than it's frog headed counterpart, Alien Nine certainly isn't easy going.

Both end without much explanation but do carry on from thier respective Manga, if your looking for a taster in the wierd, one of these shows will be for you.

chii says...

Both series have children who have strange relationships with alien like creatures to protect the world. Alien Nine is "slightly" more light hearted than Narutaru but both will leave you wondering what on earth you are watching. Check one out if you liked the other.

coffeebreath says...

Kids + violent alien creatures, both a little psychologically perplexing and disturbing. Hoshimaru is a lot cuter than Yuri's borg, who is actually kinda creepy. Or maybe you'll find it the other way round. Alien Nine is heavier on the wtf factor, but Narutaru has the better characters. If you liked one, try the other for something similar but just as unique.

unitzero says...

Both series are about cute young girls and their alien "friends." The odd thing about watching these two anime is that there is a lot of information they don't tell you. The big questions are never answered in either making you ask yourself, "what the fuck was that?" Both of these anime are based on larger written works that hopefully fill in some of the gaps that were left in the animated narrative. While not following exactly the same plot, both of these are psychological mind rapes of a similar caliber.

Nicknames says...

Both are shows that start as a deceptively cute anime just to reveal shortly after that they are actually very messed up. They also feature children fighting monsters with the help of other monsters and showcases the psychological impact it has on them.

All in all if you liked on give the other a try!

hutson says...

Both of these series takes a setting that is typically family friendly, and puts a dark twist on it. Not for the faint of heart!

IDDKyewD says...

Both anime take their respective genres (Magical girls and pocket monsters) and subvert it into something delightfully twisted. If you want to see darker versions of the normally kid-friendly genres, try both of these anime.

kenikki says...

Disguising themselves visually at first appearance as something family friendly, only to turn out being quite dark and twisted. Liked it in one of them? Then try the other.

triplestrike says...

Both animes are fairly messed up. The actions of their protagonists may seem questionable and leave you pondering even after the show is over.

LadyPsychic says...

Both appear to be cute, happy-go-lucky series at first glance, but they are in fact very dark and twisted series. Both have plenty of twists and turns, and well as cute monsters/creatures who aren't as innocent as they seem.  Madoka Magica is the better of the two (in my opinion), but if you like series that are dark despite their looks, then you'll probably like both. 

Nicknames says...

Both shows start as a seemingly cute show but, as the story rogresses, they reveal to be actually darker and edgier than one expected. The plot of each show may be different but if you liked one and stories with dark twists are your thing then give the other a go!

ClareLaBelleRose says...

Both of these animes have a similar nature of deconstructing the genres they initially seem to be in very dark ways.

Nocturnalgloria says...

These are series that deal with the effect of violence and abuse when experienced by children. While Higurashi no Naku Koro ni might be more graphic and more consistently so, Shadow Star Narutaru's later episodes are extremely disturbing. Both series force the viewer into a tour de force in which the duality of innocence and horror is pervasively effective.

freakzilla says...

Horror anime don't come around much, and when they do they're usually nothing but gore that's labeled "horror", without a thrilling feeling.  With Higurashi and Narutaru you actually have two anime that build up great suspense and let everything turn into a horror fest. Higurashi doesn't waste much time though, while Narutaru takes its time to build things up.

icejamez says...

Both Narutaru and Higurashi appear at first to be innocent mainstream shows, but soon horribly graphic and sadistic things happen. If you loved one, I'm certain you'll get a kick out of the other.

KiraRin says...

Dark and twisted through and through, both shows pack a punch by coming from far outfield and producing surprise after surprise.

Both can be quite difficult to watch at times, but are a must-see for anyone who likes horror and psychological thrills.

IDDKyewD says...

Both ShadowStar and Higurashi have elements of cute interspersed between the madness and violence. When I first watched both anime I thought "...is this the right anime?" because the cuteness put me off, but as both series grow, they both become more twisted and sick.

Nocturnalgloria says...

These anime have young people who can control monsters via some sort of psychic connection. Battles between these creatures escalate and characters are revealed to be seriously damaged in more ways than one. Narutaru is superior and subverts a genre in a genuinely disturbing way; Kamisama falls back on tired clichés but still has its chilling moments.

abunai says...

Wielding the overwhelming power of a quasi-supernatural, quasi-alien companion is a common theme in Kamisama Dolls and Shadow Star Narutaru -- and, that some of the wielders are corrupted by their borrowed power into excesses of violence and sociopathy.

coffeebreath says...

Both anime involve kids fighting against each other using strange creatures. Both anime take this idea to a darker and more serious level, much more abundantly in Narutaru but also done more subtly in Kamisama Dolls through some interesting character interactions. I think these are ideal recs for fans of either. If you liked Narutaru then Kamisama offers something a bit more safe but ultimately far better put together. If you liked Kamisama Dolls then Narutaru offers a similar experience whilst also being creepier and more uncomfortable to watch.

Fallenblackroses says...

Both of the series feature similar characters with similar motives, however Narutaru has more of a horror atmosphere and Kamisama Dolls has more action. They both also should have been longer- the Narutaru manga displays more horror than the anime and Kamisama Dolls hints at a second season. Also, both the ending and opening themes of both of the series are sung by the same person.

absolute says...

These titles deal with young people who can control strange entities with their mind. In Kamisama Dolls they are big wooden objects usually called dolls (because they can't move on their own) even if they don't have an anthropomorfic nature. In Narutary they are small kind of animals with an own conscience. The plot of them both is about kids with a dramatic and violent past that interferes with their present and leads them to face some fights. Even if the atmosphere and the graphic style seems childish, themes are more mature than one would expect. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

revenos says...

In both Brigadoon and Narutaru, the main characters have similar personalities and face similar problems.

Both series involve creatures of a somewhat strange and obscure nature.

Both series lean a little to a darker and more depressing aspect of life that most anime stay clear of, contain deaths of main characters, and have abuse of deserved human rights. If you liked one try the other.

KiraRin says...

Don't be fooled by the cute and childish exteriors of these two shows, as Brigadoon and Narutaru have a seriously dark underbelly. I would say that they are both definitely unsuitable for younger viewers, as there are some very troubling issues dealt with.

Both feature a young girl meeting and then becoming a partner to a seemingly alien creature. They must fight against not only other monsters, but deal with some difficult realities back at home.

If you enjoyed one, I can guarantee you'll like the other.

HasseRovdjur says...

Cute, cheerful kids getting a new playmate? And a flying, cool, non-human one at that? Sounds awesome and fun, right? Well, in both of these shows this isn't really that fun, what with being in constant danger and looming threats and all that. People excpectign a family-friendly show should look elsewhere.

In both shows, there is a rather large focus on how cruel and vindictive people can be, and a lot of people are much more monstrous than the nonhuman characters. This is especially apparent in Narutaru, but cruel people -both adults and children- can be found in Brigadoon as well.

If you appreciated on of the works because if this, I recommend that you check out the other one.

sakie3 says...

Both series are presented as a child story of child befriends monster and tackles a problem larger than life. However both series delve into situation much too violent or disturbed to be for thier initial intended audience. Narutaru is definetly the more mature of the two but Brigadoon has the edge on story (when looking strictly at the anime.)

Sheex says...

Though lacking School Days' clarity of presenation, Narutaru touches upon quite similar subject matter but in a little more graphic fashion. Both series start similarly with an apparant cheery, happy atmosphere with each quickly digressing into a rather dark, morbid drama. Considering the huge number of common elements between the two, if you enjoyed one you're almost certain to enjoy the other.

IDDKyewD says...

Both start happy-go-lucky and care-free but sink into depths of violence and torment. Both make the watcher ask 'how did we get to this point?' If you like one, you'd probably like the other.

sothis says...

Narutaru and School Days are two series that seem normal at first glance (School Days up until the end, Narutaru until some episodes in) and end with a really messed up bang - if you like twisted and shocking conclusions these are two for you!

soundchazer says...

The main reason why these two shows connect is because they have the same surprise factor to them. In itself, they are both kind of mediocre shows, but the spin that is presented towards the end makes them worth the watch. however, the replay factor in both of these shows is very low.

sothis says...

Narutaru is way, way more messed up than Cencoroll, but it's impossible to not see the similarities between the two. Both star kids who control various cute yet deadly monsters and end up battling each other. Fans of one will definitely appreciate the other.

IDDKyewD says...

NaruTaru is much, much darker than Cencoroll, but they both have the same fighting monster feel. But what sets these two apart from say, Pokemon, is that there's a real sense of danger and consequence in both of these shows. If you liked one you'll like the other.

thor123 says...

Both Cencoroll and Narutaru are about Kids who team up with weird monsters to fight other kids who teamed up with similar monsters. Although the story in Cencoroll is a lot simpler, you might like the other if you appreciated one of these two.

Nicknames says...

Both shows feature kids who team up with monsters to fight against other monsters. The tone of each show is different, with Narutaru being much darker than Cencoroll, but if you liked one and you want to watch another anime with a similar concept give the other a try!