Sword Art Online

Bofuri is basically SAO if SAO was fun and light-hearted rather than serious and deadly. It's fun and relaxing to watch, and has a lot of cute and kind characters. While SAO makes me hesitant to want to enjoy anything virtual reality (even though the implications are pretty far-fetched and unrealistic), Bofuri makes me wish that deep dive virtual reality MMO's really did exist. Both are good for different reasons and purposes. 

report Recommended by matrograde

It is similar elements like VR gaming , exploring new reality and new world of Virtual 

report Recommended by Grinset

I never really managed to get back into SAO, but this series has ignited a new passion in me.

If you enjoyed the lighthearted and wholesome moments of SAO, then this show is it. At first glance, it is just a carbon copy of the widely successful anime, and... it kind of is... but going past that, it's a wonderfully enjoyable series that encapsulates the fun aspect of playing in a VRMMO. The story and characters are endearing, and the light tone is just great for those wanting to sit down, have fun, and relax by watching anime. 

report Recommended by turtlesryummy

They have two different worlds, the real world, and the virtual reality world. The virtual reality world is like a game-based world where you can have skills, weapons, and even level up. I find both of them enjoyable to watch. 

report Recommended by Nekkori

Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei addpermalink

Mahouka and Sword Art both have an extremely competent and multitalented protagonist, who is usually quite level-headed. The protagonists each have a younger sister who is a serious brocon.  

Both series are more about hiding ones full potential and deciding where to go all out, rather than falling into a desperate situation. 

report Recommended by Kenji0009

Druaga no Tou: The Aegis of Uruk addpermalink

The original base goal of the anime are both the same, to reach the top of the tower. However, SAO setting is a fantasy based virtual game, while Druaga is a fantasy setting based on a game.

Though it may be spoiler-ish, the second half of SAO and the second season of Druaga are also the same, to find/save someone.

There are also minor scenes that may remind you of the other anime like the boss being CG'd or even the tentacle scenes... lol... 

report Recommended by Paul

Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry addpermalink

Both series are fantasy/action series with a quickly evolving and adorable romance between the Main Characters.  Both have visually spectacular fight scenes as well and solid soundtracks. 

report Recommended by RealityRush

Ore dake Level Up na Ken addpermalink

Gamified world with absurdly ovewrpowered protagonist akin to being a cheater, a power fantasy for a videogame fan, as is reflected in the similar designs of the main character.  

report Recommended by abystoma2

.hack//Quantum addpermalink

The entire .hack series is a precursory work to Sword Art Online in the fact .hack was one of the first series to come out for the virtual reality genre, but is also one of the better known earlier works. This particular .hack is short, allowing a quick consumption for those starting out with Sword Art Online and wanting to expand their horizons into the .hack series, but on the flip side, SAO provides a twist on what .hack helped to make popular. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

Gakusen Toshi Asterisk addpermalink

Both represent literally every A1 Pictures light novel adaptation cliché.  In fact, TAW feels like what SAO would be if SAO took place at a school instead of in a video game world. 

report Recommended by RoarkTenjouin

Koukaku no Regios addpermalink

Ok so this is kind of a stretch because the settings in SAO and CSR are totally different: one being inside a MMORPG and the other a post apocalyptic world with moving cities. However they are very similar in the sense that the main characters between the two are both total badasses. Kirito being a solo player on the front lines who doesnt need any help and Layfon being one of the 7 heavenly blades or whatever in disguise at an ordinary school/city. So basically if you enjoy watching the main male lead go ham and wreck the opponents then both of these shows are a good choice. However I personally am leaning towards SAO as a better choice right now as its story seems more solid and CSR has a sorta slow beginning but if you have any free time and feel like watching someone be awesome then you should check it out. read more 

report Recommended by zazorin

Infinite Dendrogram addpermalink

Both are VR-MMORPG games where the player puts on a headset and sets foot into a different world in their own adventure! After that, the story tends to differ (for now). 

report Recommended by AgrMayank

Fate/Zero addpermalink

Both main characters are somewhat fictional in the world that the action is taking place, deal with swords and increasing inner strength/ skill. Also, in both shows the art and sound are great. 

report Recommended by naerayan

Deadman Wonderland addpermalink

It has the same kind of style where you have to survive in order to get what you want and many characters aren't all the good guys 

report Recommended by Yetenekli

Akame ga Kill! addpermalink

Both Anime center around sword fighting and mythical creatures. The main character is on a quest to make himself stronger and wants to become the best in order to complete is life goal. They have to learn how to survive and make new allies and friends in order to achieve their goal. Do you want a story full of passion, friendship and epic mindblowing battles? Than you should watch these series. 

report Recommended by Darkbow

Anime: Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation

Danganronpa: Kibou no Gakuen to Zetsubou no Koukousei The Animation addpermalink

"Welcome players/classmates to my rules of the game, where I'll make sure all of you feel despair..." The main characters in here were suddenly trapped by the games host to their unknown methods as to why they trap them. A task is required in order to escape "the game": One must cleared the game, while the other is involve killing. One thing in here is survival, which means they fight for their lives until the end.

The difference is that SAO is an online gaming, fantasy action themes, and romance. Danganronpa takes place on a school, killing people, and clues and strategies to lure the killer in. read more 

report Recommended by omega_d94

Ixion Saga DT addpermalink

It is similar to SAO 'cause the Hero in Ixion DT got sucked up in an alternate dimension and seems to travel with a few companions to find a way to get back to the RW. Although there's not really any romance on this anime. Although in SAO the hero didn't get "sucked up" instead in SAO the hero just got "Stuck in a VRMMORPG".. SO JUST WATCH IT 

report Recommended by Basirukun

Darwin's Game addpermalink

Both have that same plot where gamers got on line and both have the same situation where they got more than what they've bargain for where they either play the game throughout the end or die both in the game world and at the real world. 

report Recommended by JiangHaoyi1979

Summer Wars addpermalink

Both anime seems to share some notable common features including:

- sci fi theme 
- battling as avatars in another world 
- two worlds: the virtual and the real
- an independent and strong female protagonist

 

report Recommended by Stark700

Sakura-sou no Pet na Kanojo addpermalink

Our main character from both series share many traits. Sorata and Kirito are calm, determined, and passionate. They both idealize the creator of said game. Kirito=Kayaba who created SAO while Sorata=Fujisawa who is a game developer. These two main figures have influenced their life. In both anime, our main characters has friends/allies who help achieve his goal. We see his ups and down but always goes back up. Add some drama too.  SAO  involves players trapped and trying to get out while Sakurasou deals with dreams/aspiration/passion. On the romance side, Kirito falls in love with Asuna who changes him. Sorata meets Shina who does the same thing. Shina made Sorata choose his calling in life.  Kirito and Sorata both have the same seiyuu:  Matsuoka, Yoshitsugu.

 read more

report Recommended by AnimeFan500

Anime: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri

Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri addpermalink

Gate and SAO contain two very different plots, however each one is centered around a main male protagonist who each are able to become surrounded by pretty girls as they explore new medieval-esque lands they are sent to. Gate directs it's attention towards war, differences in culture and politics of both worlds whilst SAO focuses on the lives of individual characters and the struggles they face as they try to leave the game 

report Recommended by xelyak

Gantz addpermalink

Both involve characters being forced into a game without any escape and death in the game means death in real life. However Gantz is set in the real world whereas SAO is set in a virtual world. 

report Recommended by DemiFiendRaven

Shichisei no Subaru addpermalink

Just watch it. Online Game, Vr but honestly it's more like combination of SAO + anoHana...although bad 

report Recommended by fluxion9

Seiken no Blacksmith addpermalink

There is definitely "sword art" in both shows. SAO is a story set in MMO game, The Sacred Blacksmith is set in fantasy-medieval world. A lot of spectacular sword fights. A lot. Also making swords, cute characters, romantic themes, many emotions. You WILL like it. 

report Recommended by SomeoneLost

Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken addpermalink

- Isekai.
- Overpowered protagonist.
- The power of friendship.
- The protagonist gathers some kind of a "family" from supporting characters around him.
- Has a fairytale vibe when almost no one from supporting characters can die for real.
 

report Recommended by susano-amaterasu

Ragnarök The Animation addpermalink

Imagine a world where fiction and reality are one and the same from the air you breath to the battles you fought valiantly alongside your comrades. A perfect world like this is to die for if excluding the drawback of losing one's life. 

'Sword Art Online' exceeds in character development and storyline where everyone is fighting for their lives in hope of even the slightest chance of returning to their own world. Most would find themselves drawn to several characters with the development they shown and the struggles they have to endure during their journey. The fantastic music tracks and lovely romance are just few of many things to savor in this breathtaking world.

'Ragnarok' displays the idea of a gaming world into a new reality and sacrifices are inescapable in dire battles. It focus on the growth of different characters who will grow overtime and with that, enchanting romance along the way. The enormous physical strength of an individual counts for nothing when placed shoulder to shoulder with the strength of one's heart. read more 

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Anime: Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu

Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu addpermalink

They have a high production value, heavily rely on fanservice, most of the female characters in both of them are lewd material and not strongly written, they all fall in love with the protagonist, with one of them being 40 yrs old X children and the other being Jesus X personality-Less 1 dimensional waifus, the story is mostly slice of life, if you liked one of them, then keep it a secret. 

report Recommended by Elrzabesu

Anime: Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai

Ore no Imouto ga Konnani Kawaii Wake ga Nai addpermalink

Both involve characters with "frowned upon" hobbies, where these hobbies not only help them make friends, but also helps them become closer with siblings. 

report Recommended by grond

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic addpermalink

Both stories include clearing a place (a tower/dungeon) filled with challenges in order to reach their destination and achieve their goal. Each anime also contains a considerable amount of sword-fighting.

Magi revolves around a magical world while Sword Art Online focuses on a virtual reality. 

report Recommended by ink-and-paper

Anime: Kimi to Boku no Saigo no Senjou, Aruiwa Sekai ga Hajimaru Seisen

Kimi to Boku no Saigo no Senjou, Aruiwa Sekai ga Hajimaru Seisen addpermalink

- Both anime is romance related
- Iska and Kirito are both the "Black Swordsmen" of the anime
- Alice and Asuna are the female protagonists that the male are deeply in love with

Although Sword Art Online has a bad reputation, you have to admit the idea/concept of the anime was actually good. the first half of Sword Art Online was good but fell apart in the second half, it was redeemed again in the movie Ordinal Scale and the 3rd season the Alicization Arc. That is the gist of the recommendation 

report Recommended by Fzsin

Ao no Exorcist addpermalink

Similarities:
- Both main character are very similar.
- Both have unbelievable powers.
   1. Ao no Exorcist: demonic powers
   2. Sword Art Online: Highest level player in the game
- Both desire a lonely path of solitude; don't want to rely on others.
- Both, everyone hates them.
   1. Ao no Exorcist: Most people mainly hates/fear him for being the son of the Underworld King.
   2. Sword Art Online: Most people mainly hate/fear him for being a Beta player and branded as a " Beater." He's the strongest player in the world.
- Both shouen anime involving action.
- Both really good and warm anime sort of.
- Both have drama.
- Both main characters lost their loved ones. read more 

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DRAMAtical Murder addpermalink

Both involve some kind of a game world, though logging on to the game differs a bit: 

In Sword Art Online, a more realistic way using "Nerve Gear" whereas in DRAMAtical Murder, it's more of a fantasy way like while standing in the street or just about anywhere.

Both have hot guys: 
SAO -> Kirito
DMMd -> Aoba

Both are for fans of the game genre. 

report Recommended by dynamitegirl

Higashi no Eden addpermalink

Both of these anime revolve around a young man trying to escape from a seemingly unavoidable death, in which they meet allies, enemies, and eventually a lover along the way. A main plot point in both is a "game of death". They both have a lot of action, but it's balanced well with the character interaction and emotional scenes.  

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Romeo x Juliet addpermalink

Both are set in floating cities, you have this medieval atmosphere, sword fights. Both female characters are strong and high-skilled. The main story includes defeating a powerful "king". Both anime art are very detailed and the romance is very similar as well. It's really worth watching :) 

report Recommended by stehwade

Gin no Guardian addpermalink

-both take place in a virtual reality game

-SAO is for those who like an engaging drama because whoever dies in the game also dies in real life.  There is a bit of romance but it is not the main focus.  If you like good fights, romance, protagonist overpower SAO is an anime that you must watch.  In fact, anyone who has played MMORPG will love this anime.

 -GNG has a similar storyline to SAO and I would even say that the main protagonist is better than SAO's but the story is focused on rescuing a girl (like Mario and Peach).  Still, interesting for those who like this style of anime.  In GNG there is an element of mystery that makes you want to follow through and less romance than SAO. read more 

report Recommended by Mateuzsz

Anime: Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta?

Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta? addpermalink

Both anime's seem to have a strong focus on the  male and female protagonist both have the theme of online gaming 
but if i had to choose one over the other I would have to go with netoge     

report Recommended by Trinqunity

Sousei no Onmyouji addpermalink

-Both are anime where the main character and main heroine travel to a different world to fight monsters
-Both have a 'baby' arc where a mysterious child appears and is the honorary offspring of the hero and heroine
-In both, the main character is OP and rarely looses a fight, usually losing one to learn a lesson and then never losing again 

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Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann addpermalink

Both anime have similar themes of the power of human spirit, the impact of death, and of doing the impossible. The main characters in each series have to fight through an unfamiliar world and must cope with the loss of those around them, learning and growing from it. They muster up all of their strength and courage to break the rules of the world and fight for what they believe in. Each offers its own unique take on a similar, intense experience. 

report Recommended by GeminiMaxxim

Fate/stay night addpermalink

Both are about killing others to win something and survive. I recommend you guys watch SAO first. 

report Recommended by Dario5514

Anime: Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works addpermalink

Similar death game scenario, similar flashy animation, even a romance story with a Tsundere. Pretty much everything people like about SAO is in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, but better. 

report Recommended by kairyu_gen1

Shakugan no Shana addpermalink

-male and female protagonists get stronger over time
-male and female protagonist share strong feelings for each other
-more than one girl falls for the main protagonist

overall i think if you enjoyed either one of these animes you will surely enjoy the other 

report Recommended by Unlx

Serial Experiments Lain addpermalink

Just like Kirito, Lain also utilizes technology, whether it's in the form of games or the internet, as a means of escaping the real world. The connection between physical body and the virtual realm is present in both series. 

report Recommended by Shyra_

Kami no Tou addpermalink

Both have floors/levels the characters ascend in hopes of reaching the top. Both have their characters battling/fighting their way through each floor. 

report Recommended by JVskunkape

Fairy Tail addpermalink

Although Sword Art Online is a video game, inside the virtual world there is magic, action, guilds, some romance, similar to Fairy Tale.  

report Recommended by renesmai13

Anime: Kyuukyoku Shinka shita Full Dive RPG ga Genjitsu yori mo Kusoge Dattara

Kyuukyoku Shinka shita Full Dive RPG ga Genjitsu yori mo Kusoge Dattara addpermalink

is the same, both are souls talking about videogames 

report Recommended by shinya_hiiragi1

Anime: Choujigen Game Neptune The Animation

Choujigen Game Neptune The Animation addpermalink

Video game to RPG tropes are most relevant in both series. Both franchises embody a wishful fulfillment of enlightening the audience with monstrous attacks on the heroines, within SAO, for example, Asuna fights gigantic tentacle monsters, whilst within Neptune, all the heroines struggle against slim monsters, etc. 

report Recommended by Stellio

Anime: Campione! Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maou

Campione! Matsurowanu Kamigami to Kamigoroshi no Maou addpermalink

Our main hero is overpowered and has all the girls loving him. Sword Art Online deals with players trapped in an VRMMORPG. They must complete the game in order to return to the real world. If you die in the game, you die in real life. There is no reset button or re spawn points in this death game. Kirito is an experienced player who knows how to beat this game. He's determined, OP, epic, cool, and BA too. He meets girls who have fallen in love with Kirito. Campione! our main character is a god slayer overpowered, cool, and a BA at it too. Once again girls have suddenly fallen in love with him and will do anything to win his heart. Also his god slayer powers is what attracted them to him.  Both voiced by the same seiyuu Matsuoka Yoshitsugu who does a phenomenal job for these characters and many other anime series too. One of my favorite voice actors!!
 read more 

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Anime: .hack//Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu

.hack//Tasogare no Udewa Densetsu addpermalink

takes place is a vr world where not everything is what it seems.  The main characters have avatars like those of the first four games but why?  Other players are also winding up in comas again. 

report Recommended by darkcat1

Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai addpermalink

These two titles both did quite well for their first episode release, as most of us know, one more than the other. What binds these two together in my opinion, is the fact we have a very strong male lead, who seems to be quite powerful to the point we can assume most fights in both shows will go in favor of the main character. 
Now, both series try to mask this sense of Over Powered-ness, which offers some nice action scenes. 

The plot has some similarities, like the mortality of every character, which can be exploited in both series. These series are not averse towards fanservice, if it's not eye candy animation, it will be the light or explicit ecchi scenes. Don't get too alarmed.

If you like such characters, with skill and the needed resources to seem OP in gamer slang, with or without the sometimes needed character development, you might like these series as well. read more 

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Tsubasa Chronicle addpermalink

TRC and SAO have the same music composer, Yuki Kajiura. All of the main characters from TRC and SAO are also stuck in different worlds. And they both are shonen and  romance genres. 

report Recommended by sakurak21

Hunter x Hunter (2011) addpermalink

From episode 59 onwards, Hunter x Hunter takes place inside a game call Greed Island. Like in Sword Art Online, if you die in Greed Island, you die in real life. The games are similar in their fantasy RPG style as well.

Apart from that, both anime have excellent stories, animation, soundtracks and voice actors. But most importantly, both have excellently developed characters and take place (mostly for SAO) in a fantasy setting with some real world elements (SAO is occasionally set in modern-day Japan whereas HxH is set in a completely alternate world very similar to modern-day Japan).

Both are definitely worth a watch  

report Recommended by adamantiumloz

Anime: 100-man no Inochi no Ue ni Ore wa Tatteiru

100-man no Inochi no Ue ni Ore wa Tatteiru addpermalink

The main character is trying to fight their way out of video game to get back home. 

report Recommended by Ikusu2407

Persona 4 the Animation addpermalink

Both series features sci-fi themes involving the protagonists fighting in another world through circumstances.

Both series contain action, drama, and some comedy. Both series also has a catchy soundtrack. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Assassins Pride addpermalink

Gave The same vibe and animation was similar 

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11eyes addpermalink

 Both become trapped in another world and have to learn how to fight to escape. Oh and COOL swords in each like AWESOME swords 

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