Little Busters! Refrain

As a fellow *KEY anime*. Same Authors, Similar situations but different Endings. I really recommend all those who watched Little Busters Refrain to watch Clannad After story (Although I recommend the the opposite direction with percaution: don't get angry while watching Refrain!) Also, both shows need tissues. They are recommended for all the family, especially teens and post teens. 

baseball, feels, same creator... character-centric plot also something more but I'd get into spoilers :( 

Little Busters and Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica are both driven by powerful friendship and unstoppable antiheroes. Natsume Kyousuke and Akemi Homura are willing to go to the extremes while enduring feelings of hatred and betrayal to fulfill their ulterior motives, and their powerful story impact are greatly impressionable, as they're often considered to be the stars of the show by the end. While the setting, genre, and characters differ quite a bit, both series' writers (Gen Urobuchi and Jun Maeda) come from a Visual Novel writing background and thus retain a similar storytelling style akin to Key's pattern of Slice of Life / Comedy =>Intense Drama. Overall, I think that if you take each story seriously for their themes of friendship, regret, and perseverance despite despair, you'll enjoy each of them.  read more 

"Childhood Memories..." something that we all treasure for and remember it as we grow older. But, is your childhood a happy one, or a difficult one? Both of these shows are know to have a lot of childhood scenes where the main characters had fun when they were kids. However things go bad, as when they get older, conflicts issues about their past. They must, however, complete a certain task to help them achieve their goal. The difference is that Anohana is somewhat adventuring through the city areas, and much more a normal show. Little Busters Refrain takes place in one school area, and a fantasy like show. read more 

If you like comedically-tragic-happy-ending (that's what I called, at least), then watch this anime too... 

Both shows start off similar with happy and positive vibes, yet quickly turn to reveal the more grim nature of the show. Similarly, both shows deal with problems within the cast and the ensuing drama as a result of them trying to overcome them  

Both shows is about a group of friends, who have to overcome their fears and face their problems. Both has a melancholic feel to it. Persona 3 all movies fit this description, but especially the fourth movie (Winter of Rebirth) felt the most similar to Little Busters!: Refrain. They were the most serious ones, with heavy themes.  

(duly note that both being the second seasons of their anime series, I choose those because they were most a like) Yes this seems like a BIG jump, but is it really? Both are hardships animes, all about friendship, no friendship then everything will fall into pieces. This is about trust, this is about development of friendship and it is about doing what ever to save one another, the sacrifice. Of course the big difference is that Higurashi has all its gore and horror elements and Little Busters being much more light hearted with the comedy (but still heavy with its feels). But without spoiling both then they have MAJOR similar plot elements which I will not go into. ^^ But trust me when I watched Little busters especially the second season I kept thinking about Higurashi. Also duly note that both animes really unfolds themselves in their second season. :) both having clues in the first season but the explanation comes second season :) read more 

Things start mysteriously repeating, as time itself seems to bend around freely while keeping many secrets from the viewer up until the very end.  

Both Series are very emotional, in a sad and in a funny way. Both Anime Series have a very dramatic story. Both don't need any action scenes, but attack the heart of the viewer. At least the most important thing: Both are great! 

SOME VAGUE SPOILERS Both involve a "weak" protagonist who heavily relies on friends (Yuki on other members of School-Live Club and Riki on the Little Busters) and has a traumatic past they have trouble dealing with. Both follow the growth of the protagonist as they are forced to become able to cope with tragedy and hardship. Both involve the protagonist finally stepping up and becoming an equal member in their group (thanks to Animenz's blog post for pointing this out) Both series have peaceful/happy slice-of-life/comedy that serve in harsh contrast to the ensuing disaster. Both series deal with sacrifice, impermanence, and the will to keep going despite fear, sadness, and overwhelming odds. Even the BGM choice feels similar - bittersweet yet heartwarming. I couldn't stop thinking about both series and if you enjoyed one, I almost guarantee you will enjoy the other. read more 

Time traveling is all fun and games until someone gets hurt, in these show cases, a lot of hurt. Both deal with the time travel paradox and have bittersweet conclusions where characters have to face reality vs the paradise ideal.