23 [Similar Anime] Like Sarazanmai

If you like any show directed by Ikuhara and want something similar, you have to watch another show by Ikuhara. That's because his anime isn't similar to anything else besides his own stuff.

Both series focus on a trio of youths who have found themselves in inexplicable, otherworldly challenges that they have to overcome while utilizing the power of friendship. The shows have similar styles and relatively lighthearted tones to them. The biggest difference is that there is a lot more focus on buttholes in Sarazanmai as compared to Tsuritama.

One word: connections. The circumstances which the main characters are dragged into force them to find out more about each other - whether they like it or not. As their relationships grow and change, they come face to face with what it means to be truly connected with others.

Both are weird shows that always get you confused, nothing similar art or storywise, but the comedy and target audience feel like they should be the same.

Very bright and colourful and deals with Japanese mythology and quirky and weird animation and characters.

Both of these anime are episodic, and carry the same elements and dialogue from episode to episode. Recurring animations and lines foreshadow themes and plot points while also making use of humor. Both are 11 episode noitaminA shows within the 'coming-of-age' genre. Sarazanmai is a bit more character driven where the Tatami Galaxy relies heavily on its unique brand of storytelling. Both shows are animated well and contain aspects of magical realism. Each series also has fans that will tell you much though is required to appreciate them.

Sarazanmai and Hoshiai no Sora tell character stories full of dark moments underneath a colorful, light exterior conflict. Sarazanmai has the adventures of the main trio discovering soccer and fighting as cute kappas, Hoshiai no Sora claims to be a story about a fallen-off soft-tennis team recovering their status and strength. But the real story is underneath these exteriors, driven by character backstories and outside traumas they need to overcome.

Both shows are art house and strange premises with more depth the more you look into each respective series. The story itself of Yuri Kuma is not as engaging, though the symbolism and themes are presented in a similar way and have the same amount of depth. If you enjoy this show because of it's artsy story telling and visuals then you may also enjoy Yuri Kuma Arashi for the same things.

Both shows use a bizarre asthetic to islustrate many complex themes and deliver some sort of message with it in a really unique way that you won't find anywhere else

Both stories are about boys who turn into Supernatural creatures, and both deal with heavy themes. Shinsekai Yori is a bit more of a melancholic psychological character study, whereas Sarazanmai is a trippier story about the connection between three boys but at the heart of it both are about three boys and their connections - as well as how their past effects their present. The main character has complex feelings about a sibling in both, as well.

Both stories are about three boys who can turn into a supernatural creature. That's about all the similarity, because Ghost Hound doesn't have any of the comedy, gag, colours, or happiness Sarazanmai has.

Okay I'll be honest I just want to do this because my brain made the connection and I find it incredibly funny.

Both deal with a group of teenagers using supernatural powers they don't understand
- Both deal with difficult choices about friendship and the character development (doubt, selflessness, sacrifice, love) this creates.
- Sarazanmai's protagonists pretty literally are magical boys
- Both feature cute supernatural beings which may be a villain
- Both feature a gentle homosexual love story
- In both the cast has at least one magical girl in full traditional regalia
- Sarazanmai's director Kunihiko Ikuhara is a famous magical girl genre innovator (Sailor Moon, Utena)
- Both have surreal animation sequences and a avant-garde, high quality, modern animation style
- Both have an excellent soundtrack

it's like...what's happening? but it somehow works and u get kind of attached.

They both have surreal art styles, lighthearted yet metaphorical plots that are open to interpretation, and characters with believable emotions and struggles. Also, a theme in both shows is learning to genuinely accept and express oneself.

Done by the same studio they both have a vividly colourful art style that is both very expressive but also playful.

Both anime features Butts as their main element of their story, and takes a ridiculous premise in the most serious ways possible.

Both series are weird...in a surprisingly enjoyable way. Not something you see every season...
Both have some transformation scenes....

Eva tackles some similar themes to Sarazanmai, albeit with a much different tone. There's a pretty heavy amount of focus put on dysfunctional relationships, need for human connection, and the difference between caring about someone and using them for self validation.

You feel like you get what's going on, but you also don't...the semi-hidden meanings and almost satirical aspects can be explored if ur into that kind of deep analysis, but both shows can be light-hearted watches if u just want a good, interesting watch. Vivid colors and unique premises!

Both series focus on the importance of bonds and defeating the evil in peoples' psyche. A good portion of both series take place in an alternate world. Sarazanmai is a bit on the wackier side, but many of the core messages and themes of these series are the same.

Both of these shows emphasise accepting ones' faults and admitting hard secrets in order to forge bonds. Both play up the power of friendship trope. Additionally, in both cases, the protagonists enter an alternate world to fight the evil in peoples' minds.

Both shows are Ikuhara type shows that are zany art house pieces, tons of symbolism, and flashy transformation sequences and battles. If you enjoy one, you'll probably enjoy the other!