ef: A Tale of Memories.

A boy trying to make friends with a girl who is constantly losing her memories. 

report Recommended by BreezeElric

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Memories and innocent love. Isshukan Friends is very similar to Chihiro's Story in Ef- A Tale of Memories: a fleeting memory, a persistent boy and a girl that just wants to believe in friendship and love. 

report Recommended by HRinka

Same premise of a boy trying to make friends with a girl who has memory issues. Isshuukan Friends is light hearted while ef: A Tale of Memories is more on the sad side.  Both are great, however, I feel like Isshuukan messed up its ending while ef had a great one.  

report Recommended by imscaredtof9

A heroine having her memories reset and a guy helping her regain it who actually has feelings for her too.

Both have character development along the way.
Both have good theme songs.

Differences:

Ef has deeper plot (and revolves around other couple) while Isshuukan Friends mostly revolve around the main couple and has a simple plot.
Ef has the 3D/poetic/eroge-like graphics while Isshuukan Friends has the 2D/artistic water color-like graphics. 

report Recommended by stream_eon

Male lead is trying to make friend with the female lead who is extremely shy, as well as having a memory deficiency that prevents her from making friends. However, the male lead's persistent attitude toward their friendship slowly begin to open up the girl' heart.  

report Recommended by bunny1ov3r

Is similar about the Chihiro's arc. 
A girl with mental illness, she forget everything in a lapse of time...but one guy try to build a relationship with she, and probably ends in love.

Isshuukan Friends is more innocent than ef a tale of memories. 

report Recommended by KPBouvier

+ A girl loses her memory and has trouble making friends, but a guy is determined to become close to her despite that
+ While Ef is definitely heavier on drama, Isshukan Friends also has drama mostly from the memory loss problem

- Ef has more romance and another story alongside the memory loss story involving a love triangle
- Shaft's animation in Ef is much more unique and psyxhological than the softer and lighter animation style in Isshukan Friends 

report Recommended by Asfaria

Both series deal with love, and have an important female character losing her memories in a set cycle. The protagonist of Isshuukan helps the memory-losing girl in a similar way to Renji helping Chihiro.
Ef is more serious and sadder, while Isshuukan is more innocent, light-hearted and has comedy.
While sometimes with a similar feel, Isshuukan's artstyle is soft and soothing, compared to Ef's more out-there and camera work-oriented visuals. 

report Recommended by GoldenPincers

Both have a girl with memory loss and a boy trying to be their friend. Atmosphere is similar as well. 

report Recommended by Jnnysnkys

Both main male character try to keep his relationship with the main male character when she lost her memories
Both worth to watch 

report Recommended by Keihatsu

One of the stories in ef: coincides with the plot of One Week Friends in that they both involve the female lead having a form of amnesia, which activated after a certain time interval. In both cases, the male lead tries to help give them a sense of belonging with a touch of romance (although ef: focuses more on the romance) 

report Recommended by Short_Circut

Memory loss in a main character
MC has to constantly re-intoduce himself and rekindle the romance before the love interest loses her memories again
Isshuukan friends is more light hearted while ef is more of a drama romance 

report Recommended by IDK_No

Clannad addpermalink

both have deep emotional arcs and meanings. both contains drama powerful stories to touch the heart. although clannad is more comedy-orientated whilst ef is more drama orientated, both have amazing artwork (though different in style), and BOTH ARE ABSOLUTELY EPIC AND TOTALLY WORTH WATCHING especially if you like drama/romances/slice of life/school stuff!!!! 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Read recommendations by 10 more users

I have to say, if you like the idea of a nice girl being helped by guy, then ef is another great one to watch.  There are quite a few similar themes between both of them such as gaining the confidence to pursue a "dream" thanks to a great guy you randomly met.  Though Clannad is more comedy oriented (Air is pretty funny too at times!), ef is more drama oriented.   

report Recommended by mahomisato

They aired at the same time, so many people completely overlooked ef in favor of Clannad.  However, they both are compelling tales of several characters and how their lives intertwine together in a small town. 

report Recommended by gloomheart

Both these dramas involve high-school romances, and feature a male protagonist who, though initially a delinquent, is spurred onto the right path through the influence and guidance of family and friends. Both are very character-driven, and while the characters in Clannad are more fleshed out than those in Ef, Ef is significantly more condensed and loaded. If you're up for an emotional rollercoaster with great artwork, music and characters, watch these. 

report Recommended by linnaes

Though Ef - aToM lays on the drama thicker than Clannad, both shows are school based romance stories.  If you seek something cute, Ef may not be your thing, but if you're looking for a well-written and somewhat bittersweet drama, you may have found it here. 

report Recommended by Taqnology

Both are melancholic and beautiful at the same time (Although in the case of EF a little creepy). Clannad goes bigger in its story that is while EF is short and to the point Clannad is basically just build up for After Story, only features one couple and pretty much describes their whole life. If you liked one it is almost impossible not to like the other (there is the outside scenario that you've seen a lot of other Key works (than Clannad) and gotten fed up with them but liked EF. Then you would be in the category of not liking Clannad but liking EF and that's pretty much the only scenario I can think of). read more 

report Recommended by PawnDa

ef have a similar romantic problem as clannad where the girl have an amnesia that cause the relationship between the girl and the boy began to loose. And both of them have heart-touching story about someone that live lonely in her own world. 

report Recommended by guilts51

when it come to heart wrecking anime very few pull it off as well as these two..with a touching plot 
memorable characters
taking place in a school environment
 
ef: A Tale of Memories. is more focused on the romance side well Clannad is more on the slice of life side .

if you  liked one you well most defiantly like the other .

report Recommended by Razerrey

Tears will definitely flow if you watch these anime, so if you are in the mood for drama check out any of the two. Ef and the Clannad franchise have great characters burdened with plenty of emotional baggage and they are the meat of the story. The characters will confront their burdens and as a result will grow but the path will not always be sunny. If one of the shows relentlessly stabbed your heart as you watched expect the other to do the same.  

report Recommended by ALLONA

Clannad and Ef both are melodramas and i mean good melodramas 
ef may not contain some comedy like clannad but it got mystery just like clannad.
Both anime source is visual noval.
both anime contains 2 seasons and both are worth watching.. 

report Recommended by Hid3nGuy

Some of the best dramas in anime, with their own share of similarities. There is romance, twin sister characters, and ef even references Clannad at some point. One can also draw a comparison between Nagisa and Chihiro, which are both amazing characters, responsible for some great moments on their respective shows.  

report Recommended by Kww_121

True Tears addpermalink

Ef and True Tears are a perfect match to the point that they could almost be mistaken for the same franchise. Both are Highschool romance anime that avoid many of clichés of the genre to focus on love triangles, keeping the emotional development of the characters as their primary goal. In visual terms they present very solid animation values with gorgeous background art that shines mostly in the sky scenes. Fanservice free, these are titles that handle their potentially jaded subject matter with maturity and in a serious, thoughtful and highly emotional way. Fans of one are encouraged to check out the other. 

 

report Recommended by Nocturnal

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Both have beautiful art and very similar stories, I think. They remind me of each other. 

report Recommended by Livira

Interesting characters with a unique/emotional story. Romance/ School life/ Drama. They both have lovely music, animation and style. And both like talking about hopes and dreams. 

report Recommended by Razziell

Multiple romances going on. While the visuals in "ef" are more appealing, True Tears has it's own shares of artistic moments.
There's also somewhat of a mystery that going on behind the scenes 

report Recommended by Tekky99

Both deal with romances and have really well done animation.  I've liked both of these series and I think fans of one would like the other. 

report Recommended by bluesilo

There is a big similarity between ef-A Tale Of Memories and True Tears, They are both came in flavor of Romance, Their stories seems to cross at some points, The characters in both series are interesting from the same point of view, So if you liked ef-A Tale Of Memories, Then you are in the mood for True Tears. 

report Recommended by SweetMonia

Almost similiar character profiles but in a different setting. Ef - a tale of memories is the smarter and more mature series though but True Tears has its moments. Both shouldn't be missed 

report Recommended by HRinka

both are very emotional. 

report Recommended by kewlheit

Romance in high school setting, with the focus on love triangles. Instead of emphasizing the moe comedy slice of life as per the industry standard, these anime focus on real emotions of the characters, taking character development seriously.

 

report Recommended by bunny1ov3r

School Days addpermalink

They both contain sad stories dealing with love problems. 

report Recommended by Misa-Misa

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They have a lot of couples, not too much humor, and an annoying girlfriends. But they are both worth watching! 

report Recommended by Cookie-chan-

both series deal with the more serious and painful side of high school romance 

report Recommended by shinigamidono

if you like the typical high school romance love triangle with a very deep plot twist then you will definitely like this anime...... it may look a little simple anime but if you watch it, you will see more than you expected 

report Recommended by jellabee

-Both animes focuses very deeply into the story that involves love triangles and one-sided love as well as problems surrounding it.
-School Life/Drama 

report Recommended by MagicFlier

> Both based off of a VN
> Love Triangle
> Similar representations of emotions
> Similar character cliche's 
> Unconventional adaptations
> Enjoyable OSTs 

report Recommended by Pheromone

High school, love triangle, drama. However, main character in Tale of Memories isn't a spineless egoist and doesn't cheat on anybody. There is also more than one story and one protagonist. 

report Recommended by Alex2422

This two anime are more similar than they are different.The only difference is the endings.School days took a dark route while ef:A tale of memories took a bright route.Both anime focused on how love relation develops and how small mistakes can create big misunderstanding.School days showcased it better and made it a physiological-horror anime which took many people by surprise  since genre didn't say it was  physiological anime. Ef:A tale of memories took a more drama,slice of life ending.Overall one anime could have easily taken the other anime's ending that's how similar they were. 

report Recommended by White_Sky

Kanon (2006) addpermalink

In some ways both are very similar, but, at the same time, there are quite a few differences.  If you enjoy the dramatical and yet mystical romantic aspect of Kanon, you'll definitely find that in Ef- tale of memories.  The difference probably lies in Ef's abstractly artistic animation and split storyline that follows the romance of three separate relationships. 

report Recommended by AegisReborn

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The story is nothing special but how they tell the story is the factor that made them both intense. Ef is composed of 3 mixed tales. One of those three would be very similar to Kanon. Memories-the thing that makes the story of Ef and Kanon running. In Kanon, the characters suffers some kind of amnesia spells which makes them forget things that happened long ago and Ef brought this memory thingy to a whole new level... 

report Recommended by ziakra

Well... in Kanon.. it's basically about this boy who starts to re-gain his memories from a long time ago.... soo they're both about well... memories >.<

*sweating* Uhh.. they're both AWESOME shows!!! Both are dramas and they have serious romance things going on... They are both harem Animes that get a bit intense at times... and they both have great art ^^

And that's really all I have to say about them... I definitely think that if you lieked Ef then you HAVE to check out Kanon... they're pretty similar and they are both really moving and deep but funny and romantic and stuff at times too... uhh have fun watching =D read more 

report Recommended by StabbyPWNS

Kanon and ef are both visual novel adaptations, and they both share similar melodramatic themes involving romance - and more often than not, tragic romance. Kanon feels more like a typical harem setting (though there's no fanservice and the plot is logical), while ef goes with a two-sided story, featuring a love triangle similar to KimiKiss AND a tear-jerking story similar to what one would expect from Key adaptations. Both shows are dramatic, and both are likely to drag more than enough emotion out of you by the time you're through with them. 

report Recommended by _eternal

Both of these animes are beautiful in regards to story, music, animation and romance. ef is slightly complicated and harder to pick up than Kanon, but if you watch both you will understand me when I say that they both have a particular deepness to them. Both animes are thought provoking, dream like and pay attention to the surroundings of the characters in great detail. 

report Recommended by SpaceHoliday

Both of these anime have very dramatic, heartwrenching and wonderful storylines with a fantastic line up of characters. Also both have very good art styles. 

report Recommended by Riptos

one word: beautiful 

report Recommended by tthammy

Amazing wintry landscapes and fantastic music is shared between these two series. Once you get acclimated to the animation style, you will enjoy enjoy the romance and drama from this series. The main difference is the different romances between many of the characters rather than being focused around a single character. 

report Recommended by KawaiiLilBunny

Byousoku 5 Centimeter addpermalink

These anime are examples of very beautiful animation with a lot of attention to details without trade-offs between animation quality and story. If you can appreciate spectacular animation and gripping storytelling, you'll enjoy these two. 

report Recommended by cyruz

Read recommendations by 6 more users

The dramatic story and the wonderful art of Makoto Shinkai are in bouth animes. Even though in Ef he did only the backgrounds he still did a wonderfull job. The breathtaking views make bout animes very enjoyable. Even though the drama is wonderful made in bouth of them, the ending is not so dramatic for ef- a tale of memories. The characters suffer because of love and mature because of the same rason. The story is very good developed and the sad parts are so deep that it could make anybody cry.
The OST is something you won't miss after you watch them. I especualy love ef opening of ef- a tale of memories 
I personaly love this 2 animes and I think that they are very similar: short but deep. They are stories that deserv to be rememberd. 
 read more 

report Recommended by Tessa

both show the story in the same unique way: instead of focusing on the character, it focuses much more on the scenery and aspects present there. there is also a lot of storytelling by the characters. both show the harshness of life and love, though 5 cm per second is more realistic and therefore more sad. both are excellent watches though 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Both have a lot of drama.

The main characters suffer and struggle because of their 'unspoken' emotions -Love <3 They also regret things in the future because of their actions in the past. Either they take action or learn to deal with it. 

report Recommended by LenDrizzle

Makoto Shinkai played a big part in both, so that's a guarantee of at least artistic quality. Beyond that, both these animes are very simple and poignant dramas that deal with adolescent romance, and also heavily explore the theme of distance--Ef in the form of memory loss for one, and 5 cm/s with physical and temporal distance. Both exhibit a rather cold and melancholic atmosphere, and are rather tragic--though Ef delivers a happy ending in the vein of Clannad whereas 5 cm/s does not. If you liked one of them, you'll certainly enjoy the other. 

report Recommended by linnaes

Great romance, artistically beautiful, a lot of melodramatic moments, and suffering. 

report Recommended by allflying

The overall feeling of sadness, happiness and self satisfaction that I got from these two works of art are dangerously similar. It was of no surprise that after looking up the ones responsible for writing Tale of Memories that I ran into Makoto Shinkai (He helped with the storyboad) He is also the writer of 5 Centimeters Per Second 

report Recommended by end3rr

Myself; Yourself addpermalink

At first, it looks like a school slice of life with a bit of romance and harem, but in the end it ends up beind SO much more than that. Both reach a certain depth in predestined relationships, even if the show doesn't focus on it. 

report Recommended by Fentastic

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Bakemonogatari addpermalink

Presentation style is similar, though the genres differ a little, at least in the way they are focused, where romance and drama rules Ef while mystery/suspense mixed with characterization plays more prominently in Bakemonogatari.  Both are very metaphorical, with Ef being more visual with art and Bakemonogatari more word play.

Also consider Ef - A Tale of Melodies 

report Recommended by cronocloud07

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The main similarity between the two is the way the story is presented to the viewer. The style is very abstract and modern; there is a sense of "art" added to the basic portrayal of the story. 

People who like the way ef - a tale of memories was depicted should definitely try out bakemonogatari... 

report Recommended by sleepy111

both are:
have weird camera angles 
have dark story lines 
very much an arty type of anime  

report Recommended by Dixygirl

Although the main story and the whole anime don't relate to this show, I still got the same nostalgic feeling when watching ef: A Tale of Memories. 

report Recommended by HarryJS

It is similar in the way writing constantly attacks your eyes and runs before you can read it.It is very story driven like bakemonogatari. you either like them or hate them 

report Recommended by mainstream_trash

A lot of the "Artsy Style" and mainly dialog oriented story is what I find to be quite similar. 
However "Ef" is a Romance while "Bakemonogatari" is more of a Harem. 

report Recommended by Silent_M

Shows with very unique though similar aesthetics, interesting characters, and exceptional stories. The Shaft/Akiyuki Shinbou style is present in every moment, making for some great and emotional scenes. 

report Recommended by Kww_121

Kimi ga Nozomu Eien addpermalink

The way the drama unravels is similar
Both have to do with loss of memory and jealousy in a love triangle 

report Recommended by Andaroo

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Tale of memories has a main character, which can't chose between 2 girls, which are in love with him, same goes for Kimi ga Nozomu Eien (a.k.a. Rumbling Hearts), though Tale of memories has 2 main boy characters,  but they are more or less similiar. 

report Recommended by Tii__

Same bittersweet feeling through the series, great caracter development, and it feels like real life, since the caracters have flaws and have to work around theirs issues. Both animes have a very good drama/romance plot, and they were both based on hentai games. 

report Recommended by uoli

They both just have a similar feel except that I felt Ef did a much better job in the development of the relationships between the characters. Either way, if you like one than you'll probably to like the other. 

report Recommended by dougmelon

Both stories are full of romance and pain and are intended for a more mature audience 

report Recommended by shinigamidono

Both have characters with tragic circumstances with ef- a tale of memories focusing on character evolvement while Kimi ga Nozomu focuses on the after-effects of what happens when tragedy strikes. 

report Recommended by zdarius

The story is about the lost of memories. Both feature two sisters as main character with a very similar personality. One of the sister is athletic and talkative and the other is rather quiet and suffer from an illness. The cause of that illness is similar too. The female main characters also has a rival in their love life. Both story is about love with a lot of sad moment that may make the viewer cry. 

report Recommended by renfire

Air addpermalink

 At first glance ef-a Tale of Memories and Air do not seem to have much in common, the first being more focused on romance while the second deals primarily with tragedy and family ties, however these titles have a similar atmosphere to them. Both are character driven through and through, the interaction between the characters is what advances the plot. These anime are highly emotional in the way they approach human relationships, a stellar soundtrack and flawless animation make them akin in more ways than one. Especially relevant is the attention to detail in the several scenes that feature the sky that are simply gorgeous both in Air and in ef-a tale of memories. read more 

report Recommended by Nocturnal

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First of all, similiar, beautiful art.
They both tell a little bit sad, psychological story about life, happiness and relationships. If you liked one than you will probably like the other. 

report Recommended by Frisco

Both of these series contain romance, tragic, and is emotional on several levels. 

Both series contain the style of dreams, memories, and deals with the theme of being alone but finding someone that cares about them. Needless to say, these two series contain a similar atmosphere. 

Both series also contain a more mature story and has deep drama. Human relationship is explored in these two series that can give the viewers a better look at the mature side of anime in its state of being. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Ef is like a work of art. It has a beutiful plot, just like air. It connects the lives on others through spirit.  

report Recommended by Bawoo

They are both deep, emotional dramas. They are also very heart warming and romance related.
Both are great animes with amazing characters and story lines. Definitely worth watching! 

report Recommended by animeaimee00

Have yo ever asked yourself why you couldn't fly even though you have wings!
Or just consider you are in a complex, dramatically Situation in which only love can let you feel like a normal person. Both anime provides you hunmanistic thrilling storries with a bit magic in some kind but with heartbreaking caracters and backgroundstories you would not get, even if you were a professional storyteller.  

report Recommended by Anilexx

If Air is a story about how love and destiny transcend the boundaries of humanity and time, Ef delves deeper into the dynamics of human love within the context of a bittersweet yet meaningful reality. Both deliver intense feels but with different thematic focuses and storytelling approaches.
If you enjoy tragic stories with a supernatural touch, Air would be a better fit. But if you're looking for a realistic yet heart-wrenching love drama, Ef is an excellent choice! 

report Recommended by masz_dyy

H2O: Footprints in the Sand addpermalink

In both a girl is lonely and being bullied by others. A kind boy helps them and then a love triangle shows up. 

report Recommended by virix-kun

Read recommendations by 5 more users

Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou addpermalink

both of these shows are really artsy and deep and have a nice plot 

report Recommended by sulaendgame

Read recommendations by 5 more users

The way this anime compares people's daily lives is similar to that of Kare Kanos' characters. In addition, Kare Kano's effect in animation give a little similarity as well. 

report Recommended by Shigeyama

Both of these shows have a well written and powerful romantic story. The animation is as different as night and day being years apart and yet both fit well on screen. Both shows also revolve around teenagers and the situation they encounter keep you on the edge of your seat. 

report Recommended by Ragewind

While the tone and material behind the two shows are different, thoughtful romance, introspection and highly artistic (or budget saving, depending how you look at it) presentation drives both shows. 

report Recommended by Shin_Gettererv

Both series, at first glance are romances, but then again, both shows deals more with the psychological traumas and struggles in their life, displayed in a roundabout, metaphorical way. Both series are about love, but more so how one can be influenced to be a better human being from it, and as a way to explain their own drives and hopes, dreams and wishes. 

report Recommended by Tyrraell

Both shows focus on a pair that falls in love with each other because they are the only ones who properly understand what's behind the mask of each other 

report Recommended by Short_Circut

Clannad: After Story addpermalink

Artwork in both animes is outstanding and avant-garde (same applies to ef - tale of melodies). Both incorporate supernatural characters in surreal settings and heavy doses of symbolism (ef much more so). Ef's characterization is markedly more in-depth. Clannad avoids the ef serie's intense (but well-executed) melodrama, whereas ef avoids Clannad's harem stereotypes.  

report Recommended by Cinnamonsylph

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It's got the same vibe and feel about it! Both animes have great characters, and the love story in both animes are truly remarkable. What the two shows also have in common is the magic and mystery of the world the characters live in! If u liked Clannad Afterstory, you will also love Ef: A tale of memories, and vice versa! They both have bittersweet ends, where you will either end up crying, or have this sense of happy feeling when the show is done! 

report Recommended by 50-Yen

Both of these shows have a similar art style, that I believe aids in the telling of the story. Although I would identify Ef as a bit more on the artsy side, both shows tell their respective stories in interesting ways that fully utilize the characters and art style. Also, the characters in both these shows are vivid, real and relatable, which just enhances the ability of these shows to pull on your heart. Also, both of these shows have a unique supernatural element that at first I thought would "cheapen" the stories, but in the end I think it added to the surreal art and plot style of the works. Though these shows have a few differences (mainly in the way Ef has that distinctive SHAFT style that I love in all their works) I enjoyed both of them very much, and I still identify these shows among my favorites. read more 

report Recommended by nitso

Anime based on a romance, with a very original story and with a touch of drama 

report Recommended by Ackron

(EG)
For those who are looking for strong emotions, well built dramas, those here are the ones that best fit the request.
(BR)
Para quem ta procurando fortes emoções, dramas bem construidos, esses aqui são os que melhor se encaixam no pedido. 

report Recommended by Romitti

Both A Tale of Memories and Clannad After Story explore really deep themes and make you look at life in a different perspective. They touch on subjects such as depression and death which would make you cry and sympathize with the characters. If you like deep and complex plots, you should check out Clannad After Story and its prequel, Clannad. 

report Recommended by Pengwang117

Sola addpermalink

The plot and characters are all fairly similar. Some of the genres are also the same, making ef ~ a tale of memories very likable, especially if you've seen sola. 

report Recommended by Takukari

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White Album 2 addpermalink

Series the contain love triangle relationship between the male lead and main female characters. The two shows are strikingly similar in their mature portrayal of relationship development. Characters make decisions in a realistic way, even though these decisions may seem despicable and may end up hurting other people.  

report Recommended by bunny1ov3r

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They're both heavy on the drama/romance, with very limited comedy, which gives a nice breath of fresh air from all the romcoms out there. The situations and emotions feel quite real, and nothing feels forced. 

report Recommended by Corno4

The way drama and romance are played out in these two shows are similar. There are even some plot similarities between a story arc in Ef and White Album 2. Other similarities between the two shows are the maturity of the relationships between the characters, and the intense feelings both shows invoke. Lastly, both shows have love triangles and show the tough decisions that have to be made in the end, and the lengths people will go to follow their heart. Often love triangles can get a little out of hand and the relationships become unrealistic (example: School Days); however, both these shows manage to have love triangles while maintaining great characters and a compelling story. In conclusion both shows will tell stories that will leave a lasting impression and I highly recommend them. read more 

report Recommended by nitso

WA2 and Ef both contains a very narrative story that begins with a group of friends meeting one another, wanting to help eachother, fall in love, and reach a conclusion that avoids breaking their relationship as the same group of friends up. These two animes will bring you pain, will make you understand, will make you rage at their actions, and will satisfy you with whatever the conclusion is given. 

report Recommended by DangoDaika

Romance anime adapted from visual novels, that take a similar approach to the way their relationships between characters evolve. 

report Recommended by Kww_121

Hanbun no Tsuki ga Noboru Sora addpermalink

powerful romantic dramas. ef is more breathtaking and sweet, whilst hanbun is much more bittersweet, but both express the importance and great power of love.  

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Read recommendations by 3 more users

Shinseiki Evangelion addpermalink

Psychological, very deep. Turns you into a philosophic mode and make you think of life. If you like anime with deeper meaning than you will like both.
Ef has no mecha or fights, but much better art and faster action. 

report Recommended by Frisco

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What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be alive?

The ef series is nearly always grouped with other romantic dramas; naturally, because that is on its surface what it is. NGE is a post-apocalyptic mecha on its surface and likewise grouped with mecha series. As the show advances, it becomes clear its superficial story is merely a stimulus for its themes and philosophies.

At heart, these two series are more about their philosophical flailing than anything else. They both are a collection of existential questions loosely strung together by their overall narrative. They have stories, yes, but at the heart that is not what they are about. They are defined by their philosophical boundary. Each series has its characters directly confronting and addressing the tumultuous emotions that define the human existence. They make use of surreal, unearthly animation in time with the portrayed themes, and the execution of the animation in ef commonly reminds of NGE's use of it during its psychological scenes.

The characters are all deeply disturbed, and this leads the respective anime into psychological waters very quickly. We are confronted with the discomforting thoughts of the characters regularly, and their shaky mental state often sparks unsettling events. Their mental instability is perhaps the primary tool used by the respective series to generate the series' true focus on existentialism, wherein the characters' questions and concerns seem equally addressed to a general audience as they are to the character of conflict. The characters are entirely defined by their instability, and aside from the obvious psychological elements this brings, it means they often act in irrational and hateful ways that can easily make viewers dislike them, especially if they are judged based on forward actions exclusively.

Evangelion and ef do not have similar settings, stories, or even a similar atmosphere, but they remind deeply of each other because they are both philosophical works of art defined more by the philosophies they address than the stories they tell. And both are good examples that a story should not necessarily be pigeonholed by the nature of its setting, nor that the dominant element of a story is necessarily its storyline. read more

report Recommended by Zadion

Both of these shows deal with trauma and depression. NGE has a futuristic action setting while ef is a slice of life romance. Both shows do an incredible job of highlighting internal struggles of the characters, but the method is very different. If you enjoyed NGE for the action plot, then you may not like ef; however, if you enjoyed the psychological aspect, you may enjoy ef. 

report Recommended by cube_world22

Anime: Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. addpermalink

Both are series that rely on cheap drama and emotional twists hinged around shallow unconvincing characters who are based around these twists. They both construct their emotional drama recipes similarly, and contain elements of romance, so I assume appeal to a similar audience 

report Recommended by Claptrap

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Angel Beats! addpermalink

Similar in terms of tragedies befalling on the characters and art style. Although, Angel Beats! has a mix of comic relief. 

report Recommended by hokeymon

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Anime: Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai: Under the Innocent Sky.

Oretachi ni Tsubasa wa Nai: Under the Innocent Sky. addpermalink

Similar fractured method of storytelling. 

report Recommended by Kinodesu

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Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo addpermalink

Both animes deal with the profound concepts of romance, friendship, and the value of time. Time affects the lives of the characters, implying how precious time truly is and how it can affect the lives of so many. Even memories play the part in the development of character. Furthermore, the animations are enthralling. If you enjoyed one of these, you'll definitely enjoy the other. :] 

report Recommended by SilentMuse

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Nagi no Asu kara addpermalink

The style of Nagi no Asukara and ef: A Tale of Memories gives a familiar mood with its spectacular visuals and colorful cast of characters. Among these character includes interpersonal relationships with romance and drama. Ef: A Tale of Memories does take on a more mature style with descriptive dialogues while Nagi no Asukara has a more atmosphere of innocence. However, they both include characters with a multitude of personalities. 

The setting of both series also takes place in a school life environment.  

report Recommended by Stark700

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Golden Time addpermalink

Both of them are related to amnesia, with the main character losing all his/her remembrances.

Ef is more dramatic, whereas Golden Time mixes comedy and drama in a very good way. Both of them are great in my view. Golden time is much more focused in romance as well. 

report Recommended by naceale

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Romeo x Juliet addpermalink

Romance is everywhere, not only in fiction; it doesn't exist only in another, imaginary world. The grey everyday life is always waiting for love to paint it colorful. 

As we have all heard of the tragic love of Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet, we maybe have wished to find that special someone who is destined to bring us happiness. The anime adaptation Romeo x Juliet is as exciting as the original play, but there is much more magic and mystery in its own cute way. The stories of gentleness, love and passion are not always supposed to be seen on stage. They are everywhere around us; proof for that is one of the most romantic animes ever - ef - a tale of memories. The most valuable thing shown in it is that love is not just a distant feeling but is much closer to our hearts than we think it is. read more 

report Recommended by TotallyLovable

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Anime: Saishuu Shiken Kujira Progressive

Saishuu Shiken Kujira Progressive addpermalink

The two stories have a common theme about a girl with short term memory loss. 

report Recommended by Archaeon

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KimiKiss Pure Rouge addpermalink

Both are similar in the way you have more than one main character.
The story revolves around all of them, following each of them at different times, their expedition and their relationships.
Kimi-kiss is simpler and more straightforward than ef - a tale of memories! 

report Recommended by Friendlysoul

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Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho addpermalink

Both have extraordinary animation, especially the scenery. The viewing experience is stunning, instead of watching characters the main focus is the breathtaking scenery. 
Both also have similar deep dark atmospheres of pain and heartbreak, the main characters desperately trying to find love. 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

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Kokoro Connect addpermalink

Both are romance with heavy drama (Ef more so than Kokoro Connect). Both involve characters that face tear-jerking problems (Again, Ef more so than Kokoro). 

report Recommended by Deliriant

Nisemonogatari addpermalink

Both series worked by the studio Shaft. Their unique use of gags and word play are themes of the series that give a different style in anime. Both series also have "romance" although exploited in an unique way. There are also ecchi in both of these series at different turn points.  

report Recommended by Stark700

Ano Natsu de Matteru addpermalink

- Both have love triangles
- Both have one girl left heart broken
- Both of the main male characters have great hobby's e.g: manga artist and film maker
- Both have the same line of story from the beginning of the anime.
- Both start of meeting the girl by accident. 

report Recommended by Valencia

Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko. addpermalink

I like both animes and both have a character who has lost his or her memories both very touching romances with lonely flat chested women 

report Recommended by kissXsisFanatic

Ookami to Koushinryou addpermalink

This is a somewhat weird recommendation since Spice & Wolf is rather lighthearted and funny though it does touch on more serious elements. While ef: Tale of Memories is more serious and melancholical. However they both feature some amount of romance (ef - alot, S&W - teasing which develops later) the reason I thought of this recommendation is that the relationship between Miyako and Hiro is the same sort of teasing relationship Lawrence and Holo have. The thing is that S&W is a pretty long light novel series so it develops slower than EF which is really short. Both series are very good though so even if they're not exactly the same I'd still say that if you liked one its well worth it checking out the other. read more 

report Recommended by PawnDa

Erementar Gerad addpermalink

They are both good anime with a good dose of romance..... 

report Recommended by pc_magas

Black Lagoon addpermalink

The biggest similarity between them would be the dialogues, many characters in both series like to speak in metaphors. So if you like to immerse yourself into deep dialogues, both series may be to your liking.

Black Lagoon is a gun-loaded action series with a darker tone, while ef-A Tale of Memories is a romance series with a brighter tone.  

report Recommended by Lord_Odous

Grisaia no Kajitsu addpermalink

Both animes gives to the viewer the similar feeling of dependency and sadness that each heroine has to the hero of the story. Also in both stories heroines have to carry a huge pain and burden in their hearts and the hero helps them to overcome.  

report Recommended by pc_magas

Rec addpermalink

As for myself, these two gave me the urge to watch more romance with drama and both of them are good series to watch if you're looking for an anime with the said genre. 

report Recommended by Navizel

Ushinawareta Mirai wo Motomete addpermalink

Both of these anime's have similar feeling to them.  With the fate being decided but a will to try to change take both stories on and even doing that at the cost of others.  They both may have happy tone but really under lying tragic tone and sad at times.  

report Recommended by Ace19

ef: A Tale of Melodies. addpermalink

Watch it, you'll love it as some of the characters you think boring are actually not.. Worth giving it a shot though its a bit slow.   

report Recommended by sakibsaklaine

Violet Evergarden addpermalink

Beautiful stories that are play out like a work of art. Deep, emotionally-rooted themes emerging from specific individuals' stories. While ef is not in slice-of-life format like Violet Evergarden, the series share enough to make it on this list. 

report Recommended by cam609lee

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu addpermalink

Stories divided in two generations of characters from the past and the present, each with their own story lines that eventually relate to each other. Every character has their own set of problems, and the stories are often told from different perspectives. 

report Recommended by Kww_121

Fruits Basket 1st Season addpermalink

I'd say the two are somewhat similar in the sense that they're both coming of age dramas that involve the main characters facing the burdens of their past traumas and overcoming them. 

Both stories are extremely emotionally heavy at times. Both series take slightly different approaches, to the detriment of neither. I'd say ef leads more towards a melodramatic  approach while Fruits Basket takes a more realistic approach. 

ef also isn't as seamless as Fruits Basket in my opinion but in terms of direction, I'd say ef is a lot better in that regard, Shaft gets really ambitious with their visuals at times.

I'd recommend watching both. read more

report Recommended by SamXHat

Nana addpermalink

2 simultaneus love stories
both romances are somehow connected while the connection between both stories in Nana being stronger
dramatic and romantic at the same time and great visuals for that time 

report Recommended by IDK_No

Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara addpermalink

In Ef it feels more prominent, but it's important to note that in Irozuku the characters' artistic aspirations and love for the art are used as an vehicle by which the main cast finds ways to self-reflect and express their feelings for themselves and the others. 

report Recommended by Tyrraell

Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar addpermalink

The cities these stories take place in are modeled to a lesser (Ef, also parts of Heidelberg are used) or greater (Chicchana Yukitsukai Sugar) extent after Rothenburg ob der Tauber in Germany. 

report Recommended by Estefan

Plastic Memories addpermalink

Both deal with themes involving memories, and additionally both are romance/dramas.
However, ef: memories tells two stories at once, and is set in something resembling the present, while Plastic Memories is set in the distant future and tells only one story at a time.
Nevertheless both are great shows, and share themes involving memories. 

report Recommended by ArcLeak

White Album 2nd Season addpermalink

While ef S1 is a VN adaption, White Album is an eroge adaption, but you will still see similar scenes in both. The drama level in both is very high, but in White Album it's enough to be like you're watching a soap opera. Even though the circumstances for the male leads and female leads are varied, the feeling of emptiness, sabotage, and guilt is evident in both, only difference that in WA it's depressing to the max. 

report Recommended by Genocyber

Bakuman. addpermalink

  Both anime contains plots about artists who are trying to find their particular marks in between widespread appeal, and niche appreciation. 

report Recommended by lmisohax

Arakawa Under the Bridge addpermalink

Both series are produced by Shaft hence the outrageously humor that takes place in the series through the usage of word play. 

Both series contain heavy use of dialogue as well as comedy, drama, and romance.

Ef - A tale of Memories swings a bit more on the mature side while Arakawa Under the Bridge features more on humor. Both series however contain an unique style that moves the viewer. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Kimi no Na wa. addpermalink

If you like the 'realistic calming' and maybe sad ending of Kimi  No Na Wa, you'll like EF series too.
Also the person who made the story of Kimi is the same as the one who made EF. 

report Recommended by PoDH

Mekakucity Actors addpermalink

In both at first it's hard to understand how all these characters and their stories are connected to each other but in the end they all become one big complex story. 

Also both have a little bit strange fantasy story with romance in it - Mekakucity actors is a lot stranger than Ef and Ef has more romance though! Both stories also leave you with lots of unanswered questions. In both the story still somehow works completely fine.

Both are made by Shaft so both have the same typical style. And also both have the same nursery story style in it explaining the original background story.

And at last but not least both have the same feeling -  if you know what I mean! 
Ef has way more depth as Mekakucity though!

Belive me if you liked the either one than you'll definitely like the other one! read more 

report Recommended by Kshmir

Denpa Onna to Seishun Otoko addpermalink

Similar art style and visual tricks. Romance, a bit of mistery. SHAFT ). A lot of specific dialogs 

report Recommended by Nachtwandler_21

White Album addpermalink

Both animes have an artistic look to them and are strongly romance-based 

report Recommended by MyFriendSam

Hoshi no Koe addpermalink

both have the same bitter, bitter, bittersweet taste and feeling to it. shows the harsh realities of love, and the problems of life entwined. excellent romances which tear at your heart strings. even the composition of how it is 'filmed' is the same. 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Futakoi Alternative addpermalink

The scenes in episode 3 made me feel like this one would b appropriate for ef. if you like the way episode three is and you like crazy mysterious confusing anime you'll love ef. 

report Recommended by iwashere

Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica addpermalink

Both anime have weird camera-angle-shots that are artfully pulled off. Ef employs this more while Madoka Magica only uses it sparingly. However, you can really see the emotions of the scene at work in those shots. 

report Recommended by Xrave

Kanojo to Kanojo no Neko addpermalink

They both have a sad aura to them, have interesting "camera" angles, and are very artistic, yet somewhat simple. The second season of EF (a Tale of Melodies) is also similar to She and Her Cat, but it reminded me of the first season more ^^ 

report Recommended by TsuruyaSonozaki

Hachimitsu to Clover addpermalink

both extremely emotional dramas which reflect the harshness of love and life. both show many different storylines which show the soul searching of different individuals. ef a tale of memories is more based on young school goers and is also more artistic, whilst honey and clover is more based on older adult problems and has a different way of protraying the events; however both and brilliant watches and both have the same extremely bitter sweet taste. 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Chobits addpermalink

I think that relation betwen Renji and Chihiro and his problem with Chihiro is quite similar to Hideki and Chii from Chobits. 

report Recommended by Pruzio

ChäoS;HEAd addpermalink

This animes Series are very good stuff for those that are interested in Psicologically and good-stories about mind and fiction. I recommend these because I like good series that have in their posses a great End. 

report Recommended by lord_shaolin

Shigofumi addpermalink

They both have a reflective and contemplative view on life. While in Shigofumi, you see how humans react to the unaltered and unaffected words of the dead. In ef, you see the reactions and encounters of people who are nearly dead (in an emotion sense) but yield interesting enough personalities, dreams, ideas, and activities that they began to rediscover their passions in an all too well-flowing story. This is the biggest similarity between the two shows as Shigofumi also takes lessons from a few of its short arcs and builds its main monotone character as well. 

report Recommended by Ani-Blast

Negima!? addpermalink

The way ef, presents it's animations is very similar to that of Negima. The difference is their storylines. Compared to Negima!?, which uses the animation for more of a magic/adventure (Harry Potter-like) anime, ef uses these animations for more of a cross between romance and drama (similar to that of Kare Kano.) 

report Recommended by Shigeyama

Anime: Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World addpermalink

For those who loved the storytelling style of Kino no Tabi, ef - a tale of memories does it quite similarly, but instead of reflecting on the inperfection of humans, ef is catered more to the audience who wants a plot, yet at the same time keep the same style. ef focuses more on the visuals than ideals or the script, so be prepared to think harder if you are not so artistically-inclined. 

report Recommended by Frostea

Kimi ni Todoke addpermalink

Both are romantic dramas that take place during high school. 

report Recommended by XanthReborn

Hatsukoi Limited. addpermalink

Both involves romance. Both also involves several characters that are unrelated to each other at the start of the series but as as the story develops, the characters get connected to each other slowly. (also applies to ef - a tale of melodies) 

report Recommended by Yukari_Hiwada

Amagami SS addpermalink

Both series delve deep into the characters' emotions and portray affection, though dramatically, well.  'ef' will make you care deeply about the characters and what happens to them.  'ef' made me realize that, for God-knows-what reason, I am a sucker for these sort of anime, and Amagami has reinforced that so far. o_O 

report Recommended by shi-zu-me

Fullmetal Alchemist addpermalink

They have the same feel on the sad moments and are both deeply emotional scarring for the characters also it both has such sad moments. Although  Ef feels much more like a very sad dream and FMA feels closer to the harsh reality  

report Recommended by SkillsSkull

Mahoraba: Heartful Days addpermalink

There's a similar romance in both of those anime between a nice understanding guy and a beautiful girl with a mental problem. Mahoraba is less artistic and has a lighter mood overall but it's just as touching and interesting. 

report Recommended by Mithzor

Anime: Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai

Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai addpermalink

If you're looking for deep and believeable characters, go for those two. Ef is pretty serious and OreImo's a comedy, but both are good-looking, involve some great voice acting and are surprisingly enjoyable. 

report Recommended by Kurisu666

Wind: A Breath of Heart (TV) addpermalink

Both of these stories are originally created by minori. They look like a school slice of life with some elements of romance and drama.
And by the way, Makoto Shinkai took part in creating these series. 

report Recommended by hsuzumiya

Toaru Majutsu no Index addpermalink

Disappearing memories...
 

report Recommended by Cashdax

Koi Kaze addpermalink

Both involve a theme of forbidden romances, or the want to protect one from the pain love can cause.  While ef is more abstract in conveying deeper themes than the brutal honesty of Koi Kaze, both have a deep impact. 

report Recommended by MarshallM

NHK ni Youkoso! addpermalink

Both of these great shows draw upon the various restrictions that force one to live in specific ways, as well as the true motives behind relationships.  While NHK!'s mood displays a wider spectrum, both anime were both entertaining and had some good life lessons. 

report Recommended by MarshallM

Kuzu no Honkai addpermalink

Stories of school students seeking emotional connections with others through romance, but without an understanding of romance. They'll constantly hurt each other and themselves in trying to overcome past and present trauma. Both anime have stylized visualizations of their characters' emotional states, and both anime will have their characters go out of their way to make themselves suffer via short-sighted decisions intended to soothe their emotional wounds. These aren't fun to watch, but they're nonetheless interesting if just to see different ways trauma can be represented in a visual artform. 

report Recommended by Shocked

Akaneiro ni Somaru Saka addpermalink

The two both center around the love story of a boy.

Towards the end of both, their plots become quite similar. 

report Recommended by Swofty

D.C.: Da Capo addpermalink

They are both romance drama type anime, expect this Da Capo is a harem. However they both contain some supernatural phenomenon. 

report Recommended by ray357

ef: A Tale of Memories.

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