10 best anime to watch if you like Bakemonogatari

Known for its avant-garde visual flair, unconventional storytelling, and eccentric characters, Bakemonogatari has developed a strong cult following among anime fans. The show follows Koyomi Araragi, a high schooler who finds himself involved with several girls afflicted by strange apparitions.

Blending mystery, comedy, romance, and supernatural elements, the Monogatari franchise has broken the mold when it comes to animation style and narrative choices in modern anime. If you're looking for more series carrying that unique signature tone and visual identity of Bakemonogatari, here are 10 great shows to consider.

Katanagatari, ***Boogiepop Phantom*, and 8 anime like** Bakemonogatari

1. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (Image via Kyoto Animation)

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya follows high schooler Kyon as he gets dragged into the supernatural escapades caused by Haruhi Suzumiya, an eccentric girl in his class who has reality-altering abilities.

Kyon tries to navigate his now topsy-turvy high school life while dealing with the antics of the SOS Brigade— a club led by Haruhi in her mission to uncover mysteries around the city.

At the same time, Kyon discovers that quiet bookworm Yuki, and shy transfer student Mikuru, in the group have otherworldly secrets of their own. Much like Koyomi, Kyon plays the man reacting to over-the-top situations caused by the girls around him.

2. Flip Flappers

Centered around middle school girls who traverse trippy alternate realities, Flip Flappers takes viewers on psychedelic adventures across wildly inventive worlds. Its highly stylized animation which transitions from vibrant and colorful to dark and unsettling, is reminiscent of the avant-garde visual flair that Monogatari is recognized for.

Hesitant Cocona teams up with eccentric Papika when she learns she has the ability to enter Pure Illusion— strange realms where desires and emotions manifest physically.

Like Hitagi, Mayoi, and other Monogatari girls faced with paranormal occurrences, Cocona finds her life changed forever when exposed to forces beyond her comprehension. Flip Flappers mirrors Bakemonogatari’s knack for taking anime visuals in creative directions previously unexplored.

3. Boogiepop Phantom

Boogiepop Phantom is an eerie supernatural anime focused around an urban legend who supposedly embodies death. Told through a fragmented narrative and offbeat visuals, this surreal show encapsulates the mixture of horror, mystery, and strangeness that Bakemonogatari fans enjoy.

The anime depicts a string of peculiar events in a city where Boogiepop, a persona of high school girl Touka Miyashita, is felt to be present. Through the perspectives of multiple characters, snippets of the unusual happenings around town slowly come together like a puzzle. Boogiepop Phantom nails the episodic visual flair and paranormal situations that the Monogatari series is loved for.

4. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai (Image via CloverWorks)

Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai depicts the unusual stories of adolescence syndrome, a supernatural affliction that manifests through metaphysical phenomena reflecting psychological issues.

When Sakuta Azusagawa encounters a wild bunny girl at the library who turns out to be someone from his class, this seemingly random event sparks further run-ins with girls at his school suffering from strange incidents related to adolescent angst or turmoil.

As Sakuta gets more entangled in these occurrences, fans of Bakemonogatari will feel right at home with the blend of mystery, sentimentality, and laughs Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai serves up.

5. Katanagatari

Katanagatari is an action-packed quest anime, featuring stylish fight choreography and crisp visuals reminiscent of Bakemonogatari. The witty banter between its mismatched sword-fighter duo trying to collect mystical blades mirrors the ever-endearing comedic dynamic seen in the Monogatari franchise.

The story follows swordsman Shichika Yasuri and strategist Togame, as they embark on an epic journey across Edo period Japan to gather the 12 Deviant Blades for the shogunate.

During their travels, Shichika and Togame form an endearing partnership with their verbal back-and-forth, carrying the spirit of the playful couples from the Monogatari franchise like Koyomi-Hitagi.

6. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei (Image via Shaft)

Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei is a satirical comedy, centering around a teacher with a bleak, distorted worldview who instructs a class of quirky students representing aspects of culture and society. Its avant-garde visual gags, parody elements, and an ensemble cast of eccentric female characters carry Bakemonogatari’s trademark bizarre sense of humor.

Nozomu Itoshiki always looks at the negatives, and frequently contemplates suicide over the state of the modern world. This is often portrayed in a darkly comedic manner, and runs into various quirky students, including the ever-optimistic Fuura Kafuka.

When Kafuka follows Itoshiki to class, she meets his other students personifying unique cultural stereotypes— a stalker, an obsessed perfectionist, a hypernet-savvy girl, and more. Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei captures the surreal visual comedy style and ensemble cast dynamics that Bakemonogatari pulls off so cleverly.

7. xxxHoLic

Supernatural anime fans who enjoyed Bakemonogatari's occult themes may appreciate xxxHoLic. It chronicles the adventures of Kimihiro Watanuki— a high school student plagued by his ability to see spirits and supernatural creatures unseen by others.

In an unexpected encounter one day, he comes across an enigmatic witch named Yuuko who owns a magical wish-granting shop. Like the Monogatari series, xxxHoLic depicts strange paranormal events faced by the characters in an episodic fashion interspersed with comedy and drama.

Much like Senjougahara from Bakemonogatari, the witch Yuuko is an eccentric, no-nonsense mentor figure who helps the troubled protagonist. The stylish character designs by renowned artist CLAMP, coupled with an atmospheric musical score, also give this supernatural anime a distinct tone.

8. The Pet Girl of Sakurasou

The Pet Girl of Sakurasou (Image via J.C. Staff)

The slice-of-life anime revolves around students who live at a dormitory for those who have difficulty adjusting to normal dorm life or have special circumstances at Suiko School of Arts.

Much like the eclectic ensemble of Monogatari, the dorm residents have distinct quirky personalities but share a wonderful chemistry. Sakurasou captures well the playful banter, camaraderie, and poignant conversations between its main characters.

Like Koyomi's relationship with Senjougahara in Bakemonogatari, the friendship and budding romance shown in Sakurasou is endearing without feeling superficial. For viewers who want more of the Monogatari-style character dynamics in a heartwarming setting, this anime delivers.

9. The Tatami Galaxy

Visually stunning with a nonlinear, fast-paced narrative conveyed through dizzying scene changes, this psychedelic anime bears some stylistic resemblance to the avant-garde Monogatari series in terms of presentation.

It tells a story focused on an unnamed third-year university student, and the experiences during his youth that shaped him. Much like the disjointed structure of Bakemonogatari, Tatami Galaxy employs repetition of events through reload and resets.

Viewers who find Bakemonogatari's experimental visual direction more appealing than straightforward storytelling are expected to enjoy the creative vision behind The Tatami Galaxy.

10. Nisekoi

For viewers who enjoyed the playful romantic dynamic between Koyomi and Hitagi in Bakemonogatari, the popular shounen romantic comedy Nisekoi is a fitting choice.

This fun lighthearted series tells the story of Raku Ichijou, the kindhearted heir to a yakuza group, who finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he gets forcibly paired with Chitoge Kirisaki, the daughter of a rival gang faction.

What starts as a fake relationship soon blossoms into something more between the two leads, complemented by great humor and a charming supporting cast. With its signature shaft head tilts, comedic expressions, and cute love-hate relationship, Nisekoi captures a lot of the enjoyable boy-meets-girl elements that also play out between Koyomi and Hitagi over the Monogatari seasons.

Conclusion

From supernatural mysteries to avant-garde comedies, this list covers a diverse selection of inventive and entertaining anime works carrying the iconic Monogatari spirit.

If abstract visuals, unconventional narratives, and great character dynamics are what drew you to Bakemonogatari, be sure to give these shows a watch. Each is a worthy follow-up for anime fans, hungry for more content with the creativity and verve demonstrated by the Monogatari franchise.