Anime similar to Sonny boy or Mawaru Penguindrum

Sep 5, 2023 1:12 PM

Offline

Apr 2019

Heyy, I watched Sonny boy and penguindrum a few months back and I really loved the aspect of mystery in both of these anime, and the twists and turns near the end of them. If it helps I really like the focus on the characters only (anyone who is a background character has been animated as a silhouette). I really like the deep dialogue and the idea of discussing topics in depth. If anyone knows a similar type of anime let me know please!!

Sep 5, 2023 5:47 PM

Curlybrace101

Offline

Mar 2020

301

Here we go.

First and foremost, Revolutionary Girl Utena. It was made by the creator of Mawaru Penguindrum and has similar themes. It also tackles coming of age like Sonny Boy does. Serial Experiments Lain is a must-watch. This little niche subgenre you've stumbled upon is ruled by Serial Experiments Lain. Other than that I suggest Paranoia Agent. If you're open to movies, Perfect Blue by the same director as Paranoia Agent is fantastic. You may also like Haibane Renmei, which is created by one of the people behind Lain. You should also probably watch Evangelion if you haven't, but I figure that's a given. I'll also tack on FLCL for similar coming of age themes, heavy metaphor, and the animation style. It was also done by the Evangelion people iirc. Boogiepop Phantom is another contender but be wary that it's a sequel to a light novel so you might want to do some research first.

Have fun!

In the end, all girls are like the rose bride

Sep 5, 2023 7:10 PM

Lucifrost

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Feb 2016

14984

If you want something like Penguindrum, I recommend more anime by the same director.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/440/Shoujo_Kakumei_Utena
https://myanimelist.net/anime/26165/Yuri_Kuma_Arashi
https://myanimelist.net/anime/37426/Sarazanmai

People say Sonny Boy was inspired by a manga.
https://myanimelist.net/manga/970/Hyouryuu_Kyoushitsu

その目だれの目？

Sep 5, 2023 10:40 PM

Mazoy

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May 2023

484

+1 to what Curlybrace101 listed. They really mention the big ones I had in mind when I read your request and then some!

One I'd add to that list is Madoka

Then there are some shows where you can see that there was an attempt, but they succeeded to varying degrees:

Mekakucity Actors - one of the better ones, if it only had had more episodes or fewer main chars
Kiznaiver wrapped in a kind of survival game, but comes apart at the edges a bit once the romance subplot gains traction
Wonder Egg Priority starts incredibly strong but is betrayed by its own ending
Pet confusing to appear complex and the characters are inconsistent and not explored in depth as much as the show wants you to think

Lastly, there are some shows in which have these kind of insight/personal exploration, sometimes as important parts, but not as the main plot

Paprika here it's more about 'people, generally' instead of looking in depth at a single character and particularly not the main character, still a good show, visually too
Ghost in the Shell it's a borderline case, because in the end, it's the most important part of the show, but you only realize it literally 'in the end', which means you watch the first half and it only slowly creeps into the plot
Aku no Hana there are layers to this, the character exploration is actually at the very center and in your face, but then there's romance and it looks like a school-romance and then there's an overshadowing presence and it looks like horror - and THEN there's more character exploration. You need to take a look at the artstyle first to see if you like it, because it puts off a lot of viewers
Parasyte the Maxim This is a really good one, but primarily a bodyhorror

Final thoughts:

You probably should try the forum search on this topic, because I've seen people ask for shows like 'Sonny Boy' before and there will probably be threads out there with good recommendations.

I've heard the Tatami Galaxy mentioned in this context before, but I haven't watched it. So this is a kind of second-hand recommendation.

MazoySep 5, 2023 10:58 PM

Sep 12, 2023 2:20 AM

Huskyhulk

Offline

Feb 2022

806

https://myanimelist.net/anime/37426/Sarazanmai
https://myanimelist.net/anime/440/Shoujo_Kakumei_Utena
https://myanimelist.net/anime/9253/Steins_Gate

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Sep 15, 2023 11:13 AM

KitsuFrost

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Aug 2020

8894

https://myanimelist.net/anime/440/Shoujo_Kakumei_Utena

https://myanimelist.net/anime/40664/Shoujo☆Kageki_Revue_Starlight_Movie

Sep 15, 2023 11:14 AM

KitsuFrost

Offline

Aug 2020

8894

Those works are like psychedelic fuzz rock.

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Anime similar to Sonny boy or Mawaru Penguindrum

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