ef: A Tale of Memories.

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. 
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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou addpermalink

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

report Recommended by sulaendgame

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

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

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

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

Read recommendations by 4 more users

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

Read recommendations by 2 more users

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

Read recommendations by 2 more users

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

Read recommendations by 2 more users

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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