17 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Clannad: After Story

Clannad: After Story and Clannad are two anime series that share a similar premise. While Clannad focused on the problems of school life and the importance of family and friends, Clannad: After Story takes us to the next stage of life: adulthood. It explores the challenges of graduation, work, and living on your own. The sequel continues the story of Tomoya and Nagisa, giving us a glimpse into their relationship as they navigate the complexities of adulthood. What sets Clannad apart from other romantic anime is that it doesn't just end when the main characters get together. Instead, it delves deeper into the characters' lives and shows us the value of having a family. On the other hand, Clannad is the precursor to Clannad: After Story and focuses on a high school student who befriends a lonely girl. Despite caring little about school or others, he decides to hang out with her and soon meets more friendly students.

The Squid Girl: The Invader Comes from the Bottom of the Sea! is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story in its ability to capture the essence of relationships and personal growth. While Clannad explores the complexities of adulthood and the importance of family, The Squid Girl takes a lighthearted approach, showcasing the adorable protagonist's journey to subjugate humanity in response to ocean pollution. Both series balance drama and comedy, but in their own unique ways. Clannad delves into heart-wrenching emotions, while The Squid Girl uses Squid Girl's charming personality to bring life to seemingly mundane activities. Despite their differences, both shows resonate with viewers and offer something relatable and enjoyable. If you loved the heartfelt storytelling of Clannad and want a delightful and family-friendly anime, The Squid Girl is a must-watch.

March Comes in Like a Lion is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story in its exploration of adult problems and emotional depth. Both series delve into the lives of their main characters as they navigate through challenges like financial difficulties, loneliness, and depression. While Clannad: After Story focuses on the journey from high school to adulthood and the importance of family and friendships, March Comes in Like a Lion centers around a socially awkward orphaned shogi player. Despite their differences in plot and character backgrounds, both shows offer a profound and relatable portrayal of the human experience. If you enjoyed Clannad: After Story, March Comes in Like a Lion is a must-watch for its non-depressing slice of life storytelling and gradual character development.

Sweetness and Lightning, also known as Amaama to Inazuma, is a delightful series that shares some similarities with Clannad: After Story. Both shows explore the theme of parenthood and the challenges that come along with it. While Clannad: After Story focuses on the growth of a young couple's relationship and their journey into adulthood, Sweetness and Lightning takes a different approach by focusing on a single father's struggle to raise his daughter after the death of his wife. Both shows delve into the importance of family, but Sweetness and Lightning takes a more lighthearted and fluffy slice-of-life approach compared to the emotionally charged story of Clannad: After Story. If you enjoyed the heartwarming aspects of Clannad: After Story and are looking for a charming series that explores the dynamics of family, Sweetness and Lightning is definitely worth a watch.

Aria the Natural is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story because it explores the beauty of everyday life and the importance of relationships. Just like After Story, Aria the Natural takes us on a journey through the lives of its characters, specifically Akari Mizunashi and her friends Aika and Alice. As they continue their training to become Undines, they encounter new people and embark on mysterious adventures in the peaceful city of Neo Venezia. Both shows capture the essence of slice of life storytelling, showcasing the small moments that make life meaningful. However, while Clannad: After Story delves into the hardships and challenges of adulthood, Aria the Natural maintains a more light-hearted and whimsical tone. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed the heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth of Clannad: After Story, you will find Aria the Natural to be a delightful and enchanting watch.

Aria: The Animation is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story in that both series explore the theme of personal growth through relationships and the importance of family. While Clannad: After Story focuses on the transition from adolescence to adulthood and the challenges faced by the main characters, Aria: The Animation takes a more whimsical approach by following three girls on their journey to become skilled gondoliers in a water-covered planet. Both series offer a slice-of-life experience, immersing the viewer in the daily lives and adventures of the characters. However, where Clannad: After Story delves into deep emotions and tackles sensitive topics such as tragedy and loss, Aria: The Animation maintains a lighter tone, focusing more on the beauty of the world and the friendships formed along the way.

Nyankoi!, a delightful anime series released in 2009, is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story. While both series fall under the genres of Animation, Comedy, Fantasy, and Romance, they explore different aspects of life. Clannad: After Story focuses on the journey of adulthood, highlighting the importance of family and the choices we make along the way. On the other hand, Nyankoi! tells the story of a high-schooler who is allergic to cats but gains the ability to understand cats' meows after breaking a cat statue. With its unique premise and charming humor, Nyankoi! offers a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience. If you enjoyed the emotional depth and heartfelt storytelling of Clannad: After Story, you should definitely give Nyankoi! a try for a dose of adorable cats, comedic moments, and a touch of romance.

Clannad: After Story takes us on an emotional journey through the lives of Tomoya and Nagisa as they navigate the challenges of adulthood, family, and relationships. The sequel to the original Clannad, After Story picks up where the first season left off, going beyond the typical romance plotline and delving into the complexities of life after graduation. It explores the consequences of our choices and the value of having a family. Clannad: After Story is a must-watch for fans of the original series, as it provides a deeper understanding of the characters and their journey.
Now, let's talk about Clannad, the movie. Although it came before the TV series, it is meant to be viewed last. The movie tells a similar story of a high school girl and boy falling in love, but it pales in comparison to the brilliance of the TV series.

Honey and Clover II continues with the life of Takemoto, Yamada, and Morita as they each embark on different paths to discover themselves. The story is narrated in the voice of Takemoto, just like in the first season. If you loved the beautiful art of the first series, you will surely love this one too. Honey and Clover II is a must-watch for lovers of the Slice of Life genre. While Clannad: After Story focuses on the challenges of adulthood and the value of family and friends, Honey and Clover II explores the coming-of-age theme and the journey of self-discovery. Both series offer insightful and emotional storytelling, but Honey and Clover II takes a unique approach with its emphasis on fine art. So, if you enjoyed Clannad: After Story, give Honey and Clover II a try and delve into another heartwarming and thought-provoking anime experience.

Chihayafuru, the similar movie, shares some similarities with Clannad: After Story. Both series fall under the slice of life genre, giving viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of the characters. While Clannad focuses on the themes of parenthood and tragedy, Chihayafuru explores the world of competitive karuta. Despite their differences in plot, both shows captivate audiences with their relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling. Clannad: After Story takes us on a journey through adulthood, while Chihayafuru introduces us to the passion and dedication of karuta players. So, if you're a fan of Clannad and want to experience a different kind of coming-of-age story, give Chihayafuru a try. You might just find yourself engrossed in the world of competitive card games and cheering for Chihaya as she pursues her dream of becoming Japan's best karuta player.

Polar Bear's Café, also known as Shirokuma Café, is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story in its ability to create a heartwarming and emotionally engaging story. While Clannad delves into the complexities of relationships and the importance of family, Polar Bear's Café takes a lighthearted approach by showcasing the daily lives of animals working at a zoo. Both series explore the value of friendship and the support we receive from those close to us. However, they differ in their execution. Clannad: After Story tackles the challenges of adulthood and the choices we make, while Polar Bear's Café focuses on the humorous interactions between animals and humans. Despite their differences, both series captivate viewers with their unique storytelling and lovable characters. So, if you enjoyed the emotional depth of Clannad: After Story and are looking for a delightful and heartwarming series, Polar Bear's Café is a must-watch.

Natsume's Book of Friends is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story in its exploration of deep emotions and the importance of relationships. While Clannad focused on the challenges of adolescence and the value of family and friends, Natsume's Book of Friends delves into the themes of loneliness and the longing for connection. Both series have a supernatural element, with Natsume inheriting a book filled with the names of spirits and Clannad featuring a touch of fantasy. However, Natsume's Book of Friends has a more episodic nature, allowing for standalone stories that often end on a bittersweet note. The overall tone of Natsume's Book of Friends is calmer and more introspective compared to the emotional rollercoaster of Clannad: After Story. If you enjoyed the heartfelt storytelling and character development of Clannad, Natsume's Book of Friends offers a similar experience with a different flavor, exploring the depths of the human psyche while providing moments of sweetness and introspection.

Beelzebub is a hilarious and entertaining anime series that you definitely don't want to miss. Although it may seem different from Clannad: After Story at first glance, there are some striking similarities between the two. Both shows explore the theme of parenthood, but while Clannad focuses on the challenges and joys of starting a family, Beelzebub takes a more comedic approach by following the story of a delinquent high school student, Oga Tatsumi, who unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of a baby boy who happens to be the son of the demon king. The humor and light-heartedness of Beelzebub bring a fresh perspective to the concept of parenting, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. So, if you've already seen Clannad: After Story and want something similar but with a unique twist, Beelzebub is the perfect choice for you.

Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl is a small series, but don't let its size fool you, it is really attractive. This anime tells the story of Hazumu, who goes to the mountains to console himself after being rejected by the girl he loves. But things take an unexpected turn when a crashing alien spaceship lands on him, regenerating his body and turning him into a girl. Sound familiar? Well, that's because it is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story. Both series explore the theme of transformation and the challenges that come with it. While Clannad: After Story focuses on the transition from high school to adulthood, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl explores the transformation from male to female. They both delve into the complexities of relationships, family, and self-discovery. So, if you enjoyed Clannad: After Story and want to see a unique twist on transformation, Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl is definitely worth a watch.

Silver Spoon is reminiscent of Clannad: After Story because both series delve into the theme of personal growth and self-discovery. While Clannad: After Story explores the transition from adolescence to adulthood, Silver Spoon follows the journey of Hachiken as he escapes his stressful city life and enrolls in an agricultural school. Both shows portray the protagonists navigating unfamiliar territory and learning valuable life lessons along the way. However, their approaches differ. Clannad: After Story tugs at your heartstrings with its emotional depth and explores the complexities of family, friendships, and relationships. On the other hand, Silver Spoon combines comedy, drama, and slice-of-life elements to provide a realistic and detailed depiction of farm life and agriculture. The series bravely confronts the challenges of raising animals for food, offering a unique perspective on the subject matter.