10 Anime Like Angel Beats You Should Watch
“Angel Beats!” is a remarkable anime that blends action, comedy, and deep emotional moments, all set in a mysterious afterlife. If you’re looking for anime with similar themes—whether it’s the afterlife, emotional storytelling, or strong character connections—then this list is for you.
Here are 10 anime like Angel Beats! that will make you laugh, cry, and think about life in a whole new way.
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10. Sunday Without God
“Sunday Without God” takes place in a world where God has abandoned humanity, and no one can die or be born. The only ones who can grant true death are the “gravekeepers,” and Ai, a young girl, takes on this role. When a mysterious man named Hampnie Hambart arrives in her village, Ai embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about her world.
Like Angel Beats!, this anime explores themes of life, death, and the regrets people carry. The gothic art style, eerie atmosphere, and emotional storytelling create a unique experience that blends melancholy with beauty. Both series challenge the idea of death and what it truly means to move on.
9. Your Lie in April
Arima Kousei, once a piano prodigy, loses his ability to hear the sound of his own music after a traumatic event in his childhood. His world changes when he meets Kaori Miyazono, a free-spirited violinist who brings color back into his life. However, their time together is fleeting, as Kaori harbors a heartbreaking secret.
Like Angel Beats!, this anime revolves around fate, fleeting moments, and the impact people have on each other’s lives. Both series balance lighthearted, comedic moments with gut-wrenching emotional payoffs, leaving the audience deeply moved. If you love a story that will make you cry, Your Lie in April is a must-watch.
8. Haibane Renmei
A young girl named Rakka is “born” into a strange world with no memories of her past. She becomes one of the Haibane, beings with small wings who live in a walled city governed by mysterious rules. As Rakka seeks answers about her existence, she learns about acceptance, grief, and the meaning of moving on.
Both Haibane Renmei and Angel Beats! feature characters trapped in an enigmatic world resembling the afterlife. While Angel Beats! showcases characters resisting their fate, Haibane Renmei takes a more philosophical approach, where the characters embrace their destiny. Both series explore the idea of redemption and letting go of past regrets in a deeply emotional way.
7. Little Busters!
Riki Naoe joins the Little Busters, a group of friends who go on wild adventures and play baseball together. However, beneath their cheerful interactions lies a hidden truth about the world they live in. As Riki uncovers the mystery, he realizes that everything is not as it seems.
Both Angel Beats! and Little Busters! share a similar animation style and revolve around a high school setting with a sense of mystery. They feature a blend of humor and heart-wrenching drama, gradually revealing a deeper story beneath the lighthearted surface. If you enjoyed the balance of comedy and tragedy in Angel Beats!, you’ll love Little Busters!
6. Plastic Memories
In a futuristic world where androids with human emotions exist, Tsukasa Mizugaki starts working at the Terminal Service, an organization responsible for retrieving expired androids before they lose their memories. There, he meets Isla, a sweet but clumsy android nearing the end of her lifespan. Their growing relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
Both Plastic Memories and Angel Beats! explore the themes of loss, memories, and cherishing fleeting moments. The protagonists form deep bonds with characters who are destined to leave, making the emotional weight of the story even stronger. If you’re looking for another tearjerker with sci-fi elements, this is the perfect choice.
5. Death Parade
After death, souls arrive at a mysterious bar where they must participate in intense psychological games to determine whether they will be reincarnated or vanish into oblivion. Decim, the bartender, watches and judges each contestant as they reveal their true nature.
Like Angel Beats!, Death Parade explores the afterlife and the regrets people carry. While Death Parade has a darker and more psychological approach, both series revolve around characters dealing with past traumas and searching for meaning in their existence. They also both feature moments of levity, making the emotional moments hit even harder.
4. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Kyon, a high school student, gets dragged into the eccentric world of Haruhi Suzumiya, a girl obsessed with supernatural phenomena. Unbeknownst to her, she has godlike powers that can warp reality. Together with an odd group of friends, they form the SOS Brigade, leading to bizarre and hilarious adventures.
While The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is more comedic and surreal, it shares similarities with Angel Beats! in its ensemble cast, school setting, and occasional existential themes. Both series have a strong focus on a group dynamic, where each character plays a vital role in shaping the protagonist’s journey.
3. Clannad
Tomoya Okazaki, a delinquent student, meets Nagisa Furukawa, a kindhearted girl who wants to revive her school’s drama club. As he helps her achieve her dream, he also forms deep connections with others, leading to a heartwarming and tragic journey about love, family, and loss.
Like Angel Beats!, Clannad was written by Jun Maeda and features the same emotional depth, beautiful soundtrack, and unforgettable characters. Both anime balance humor and heartbreak, gradually leading the audience to a powerful and tear-jerking conclusion. If you loved Angel Beats!, Clannad is essential viewing.
2. Charlotte
In a world where teenagers develop superpowers for a limited time, Yuu Otosaka uses his ability to manipulate others for personal gain. However, after being caught by Nao Tomori, he is forced to join a group that helps others with similar abilities. What starts as a lighthearted adventure soon takes a darker and more emotional turn.
Created by the same writer as Angel Beats!, Charlotte carries many of its trademarks: an engaging cast, comedic moments, and sudden emotional gut punches. Both series feature protagonists who initially resist their circumstances before accepting their role in a larger, life-changing journey.
1. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day
Years after the death of their childhood friend Menma, a group of friends drifts apart. However, Menma’s ghost appears before Jinta Yadomi, asking for his help in fulfilling her final wish. As Jinta reunites with his old friends, they confront their unresolved grief and regrets.
Like Angel Beats!, Anohana explores themes of loss, friendship, and moving on. Both anime excel at making the audience emotionally invested in their characters, leading to a tearjerking conclusion that stays with you long after the credits roll. If you’re looking for another anime that will make you cry, Anohana is the perfect pick.
Conclusion
If Angel Beats! touched your heart with its mix of comedy, action, and emotional storytelling, these ten anime will offer similar experiences in unique ways. Whether it’s through supernatural mysteries, heartwarming friendships, or tear-inducing drama, each anime on this list carries the same spirit of Angel Beats! in its own special way.
So grab some tissues, because you’re in for another emotional ride!
