22+ Best Anime Like Monogatari Series: Second Season

If you loved Monogatari Series: Second Season, chances are you'll really enjoy Katanagatari, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl and the others too. They share that same energy—whether it's the intense Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Psychological, Romance, Supernatural, or just the vibe that keeps you hooked. While you wait for the next episode to drop, it’s the perfect time to explore something new that still feels familiar. These picks aren't just similar—they're fan favorites for a reason, and they might just become your next obsession.

1. Katanagatari

Synonyms: Sword Story

Yasuri Shichika, seventh successor of the Kyotouryuu (bladeless) sword art, lives on an isolated island with his older sister, Nanami. One day Shichika is visited by a woman named Togame, who requests his aid in her quest to find and collect the final twelve swords forged by the legendary master swordsmith, Shikizaki Kiki. Shichika and Togame begin their odyssey by leaving the island he called home for over 20 years. They will face twelve individuals who possess and protect Shikizaki's legendary swords. Join Shichika and Togame on an exciting, epic adventure that defies reality as they discover the true potential of the Kyoutoryuu sword style! (Source: NIS America)

2. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl

Synonyms: 青ブタ, Ao Buta , 青春猪头少年不会梦到怀梦美少女, Этот глупый свин не понимает мечту девочки-зайки. Фильм

In Fujisawa, where the skies are bright and the seas glisten, Sakuta Azusagawa is in his second year of high school. His blissful days with his girlfriend and upperclassman, Mai Sakurajima, are interrupted with the appearance of his first crush, Shouko Makinohara. For reasons unknown, he encounters two Shouko's: one in middle school and another who has become an adult. As Sakuta finds himself helplessly living with the Shouko's, the adult Shouko leads him around by the nose, causing a huge rift in his relationship with Mai. In the midst of all of this, he discovers that the middle school Shouko is suffering from a grave illness and his scar begins to throb... (Source: Aniplex USA)

3. Steins;Gate

Synonyms: S;G, סטיינס;גייט, 命运石之门

Self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou lives in a small room in Akihabara, where he invents "future gadgets" with fellow lab members Shiina Mayuri, his air-headed childhood friend, and Hashida Itaru, an otaku hacker. The three pass the time by tinkering with their latest creation, a "Phone Microwave" that can be controlled through text messages. The lab members soon face a string of mysterious incidents that lead to a game-changing discovery: the Phone Microwave can send emails to the past and thus alter history. Adapted from the critically acclaimed visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate takes Okabe to the depths of scientific theory and human despair as he faces the dire consequences of changing the past.

4. Call of the Night

Synonyms: Song of the Night Walkers, Night Owl Song, เพลงรักมนุษย์ค้างคาว, نداء الليل

Wracked by insomnia and wanderlust, Kou Yamori is driven onto the moonlit streets every night in an aimless search for something he can’t seem to name. His nightly ritual is marked by purposeless introspection — until he meets Nazuna, who might just be a vampire! Kou’s new companion could offer him dark gifts and a vampire’s immortality. But there are conditions that must be met before Kou can sink his teeth into vampirism, and he’ll have to discover just how far he’s willing to go to satisfy his desires before he can heed the Call of the Night! (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

5. Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai

Synonyms: AoButa, 青春猪头少年不会梦到兔女郎学姐, Негодник, которому не снилась девушка-кролик, Этот глупый свин не понимает мечту девочки-зайки

There's a rumor about a mysterious phenomenon called "puberty syndrome." For example, Sakuta Azusagawa is a high school student who suddenly sees a bunny girl appear in front of him. The girl is actually a girl named Mai Sakurajima, who is Sakuta's upperclassman who is also a famous actress who has gone on hiatus from the entertainment industry. For some reason, the people around Mai cannot see her bunny-girl figure. Sakuta sets out to solve this mystery, and as he spends time with Mai, he learns her secret feelings. Other heroines who have "puberty syndrome" start to appear in front of Sakuta. (Source: Anime News Network)

6. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2

Synonyms: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2020), Re: 제로부터 시작하는 이세계 생활 2기, Re:从零开始的异世界生活第二季（上半）, Re:从零开始的异世界生活 2 上半

Even after dying countless times, Subaru finally ended the threat of the White Whale and defeated the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop representing sloth, Petelgeuse Romaneeconti. But only shortly after overcoming a tragic ending and reuniting with his beloved Emilia, Subaru learns that Rem has been erased from this world, having fallen victim to the White Whale's Fog of Elimination in the midst of Subaru's death loop. With the White Whale now gone, Subaru and Emilia are forced to confront a reality they never dreamed would happen.(Source: Crunchyroll)

7. MONOGATARI Series: OFF & MONSTER Season

Synonyms: Orokamonogatari, Nademonogatari, Wazamonogatari, Shinobumonogatari

The sequel to the 'Final Season' story arc of the Monogatari series. From the past to the future, their story continues. Now that he has graduated from high school, Koyomi Araragi’s story ends here. His story is truly over now, but the stories of the girls Koyomi saved - their stories - are not over yet. This is the prequel or sequel to their stories and their struggles. (Source: Monogatari Series USA Official Website)

8. Hanamonogatari

Synonyms: Monogatari Series Second Season +α, ปกรณัมแห่งบุปผา

Second season of the Monogatari Series, part 2/2. Contains the arc Suruga Devil from the Hanamonogatari light novel. Now that Koyomi Araragi and Hitagi Senjougahara have graduated, few familiar faces remain at Naoetsu Private High School. One of them is Suruga Kanbaru, holder of the Monkey's Paw. When she begins to hear talk of a mysterious being known as the "Devil," who will magically solve any problem, she immediately thinks these rumors are about her and decides to investigate. Kanbaru discovers the Devil is actually Rouka Numachi, a former rival who provides free advice to those who seek her out now that she can no longer play basketball due to a leg injury. As a collector of misfortune, Numachi enjoys relieving her clients' stress by giving them false hope. Though Kanbaru sees no real harm being done, she reprimands Rouka for lying and heads home, relieved she is not the cause of the rumors. But the next morning, when she finds that her left hand has reverted back to its original form, she may have a reason to worry after all.

9. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Synonyms: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika, Magical Girl Madoka Magica, PMMM, MSMM

One night, 14-year-old Madoka Kaname has a terrible nightmare - against the backdrop of a devastated city, she witnesses a girl fight a losing battle against a dreadful being lingering above, while a cat-like magical creature tells Madoka the only way to change such tragic outcome is for her to make a contract with him and become a magical girl. The next day, the teen's dream seemingly becomes reality as the girl she saw in her dream - Homura - arrives at Mitakihara Middle School as a transfer student, mysteriously warning Madoka to stay just the way she is; but when later on she and her best friend Sayaka encounter the same cat-like magical creature from her dream - who introduces himself as Kyubey - the pair discovers that magical girls are real, and what's more, they can choose to become one. All they must do is sign a contract with Kyubey and agree to take on the duty to fight abstract beings called 'witches' that spread despair to the human world, and in return, each one of them will be granted any single wish they desire. However, as Homura's omen suggests, there might be far more to becoming a magical girl than Madoka and Sayaka realize... Notes: - Due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, the broadcasts of episodes 11 and 12 were delayed and were later aired as a double feature on April 21, 2011.

10. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] II. lost butterfly

Synonyms: Fate/HF II

The second film in a trilogy adaptation of the 3rd route of the popular visual novel: Fate/stay night. Shirou Emiya made his choice: to keep fighting, and to protect Sakura Matou. Due to the participation of Zouken Matou in the Holy Grail War, and his summoning of the Servant True Assassin, things begin to distort, steadily worsening day by day. Resolved to protect Sakura and not betray her, Shirou refuses to leave the battle. While Sakura worries about Shirou, she also finds herself entangled in her own fate as a mage. However, their fervent wishes are about be crushed by the mysterious black shadow that covers the city, killing Masters and Servants one by one… (Source: Aniplex of America)

11. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

Synonyms: Re: Life in a different world from zero, ReZero, Re Zero, Re：从零开始的异世界生活

In the story, Subaru Natsuki is an ordinary high school student who is lost in an alternate world, where he is rescued by a beautiful, silver-haired girl. He stays near her to return the favor, but the destiny she is burdened with is more than Subaru can imagine. Enemies attack one by one, and both of them are killed. He then finds out he has the power to rewind death, back to the time he first came to this world. But only he remembers what has happened since. (Source: Anime News Network) Notes: - The first episode aired with a runtime of ~50 minutes as opposed to the standard 25 minute long episode. - In the Winter 2020 season, Re:ZERO was rebroadcast and re-edited to fit into an hour time-slot. This edit included the first OVA and added slight modifications to certain scenes throughout. It also added an additional scene at the end of the final episode.

12. Paranoia Agent

Synonyms: None

An elementary school kid dubbed with the title "shounen bat" or "lil slugger" has been going around attacking people with his bent, golden bat. Now, two detectives are investigating so they can stop this kid from making any more attacks, but they will find out soon enough... that this case is much more than they expected. (Source: Anime News Network)

13. Rozen Maiden: Dreaming

Synonyms: Rozen Maiden: Traumend, Rozen Maiden 2

As summer break arrives for the students, Jun Sakurada is busily studying on his own in the library, making up for time lost while he had confined himself to his home. Meanwhile, his Rozen Maiden doll, Shinku, has been having troubling dreams of late. The pain and sadness of defeating Suigintou was overwhelming, despite the inevitable battle they waged. After waking suddenly from a nightmare, she finds Suigintou's companion spirit wandering; upon giving chase, she discovers that the seventh Doll-- Barasuishou-- has awakened. She now realizes that Suigintou's fate may very well befall the other Dolls, for the appearance of the last Doll signals the beginning of the end of the Alice Games. (Source: Anime News Network)

14. Tsukimonogatari

Synonyms: Possession Tale

Third season of the Monogatari Series, part 1/5. Contains the arc Yotsugi Doll from the Tsukimonogatari light novel. One day in February, Koyomi Araragi was taking a bath with his younger sister Tsukihi amidst finishing his studies for the college entrance exam. This was also following the incident involving Nadeko Sengoku, which was successfully amended behind the scenes by Deishu Kaiki. Koyomi noticed a change on his body “that could not be overlooked” and sought advice from Shinobu Oshino leading him to contact Yozuru Kagenui and Yotsugi Ononoki. Was this change signifying retribution for everything that Koyomi has done?! (Source: Aniplex)

15. Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion

Synonyms: Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika Movie 3, Magical Girl Madoka Magica Movie 3

Were all the magical girls truly saved from despair? Now, the great "Law of Cycles" leads the magical girls to their new fate. Madoka Kaname, a girl who once led an ordinary life, sacrificed her very existence to set every magical girl free from their cruel destiny. Homura Akemi, another magical girl who was unable to keep her promise with Madoka, continues to fight in the world in which Madoka left her behind. "I dream of the day when I can finally see your dear smile again." Madoka Kaname has changed the world. In this new world, is what the magical girls see a world of hope... or despair? (Source: Madman)

16. Date A Live III

Synonyms: Date a Live 3rd Season, Date a Live 3, DAL 3, พิชิตรัก พิทักษ์โลก ภาค 3

The third season of Date A Live. Itsuka Shidou's life has been a whirlwind as of late. Or more precisely, a spatial quake. Several of them, in fact. Powerful "Spirits" from other dimensions that take the form of girls are unintentionally causing these spatial quakes in his reality. And Shidou is the only one who can stop them with his unique ability: kissing them! By having the girls kiss and fall deeply in love with him, their devastating quake powers are sealed. The alternative to romancing them is to have a more militant and technological organization called the AST (Anti-Spirit Team) destroy the Spirits, something Shidou is vehemently against. So far in the story, six Spirits have fallen for Shidou (as well as a few others). The girls compete with one another and vie for his affection, leaving him no end of headaches and misadventures. But a new challenger approaches. (Source: Tokyo Otaku Mode)

17. Fate/stay night [Heaven's Feel] I. presage flower

Synonyms: Fate/HF

The first film in a trilogy adaptation of the third route of the popular visual novel: Fate/stay night. 10 years after the Holy Grail War—a battle waged by Masters and Servants over the wish-granting container, the Holy Grail—another war breaks out in Fuyuki City. Shirou Emiya—the adopted son of Kiritsugu Emiya, a participant of the previous Holy Grail War—is leading a peaceful life with people dear to him. Especially close to him is his underclassman Sakura Matou, who brings kindness into his otherwise lonely life. But once the Holy Grail War starts, Shirou’s peaceful life is sundered. (Source: Aniplex of America)

18. When They Cry Kai

Synonyms: 쓰르라미 울 적에 해

Continuing from the first series, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai begins to shed some light on the dark mysteries prevalent in the preceding season. The young group of friends in the town of Hinamizawa continue to enter terrible conflicts with one another in their never ending summer of 1983, often ending with the brutal murder of one of their numbers. Furude Rika, with the help of her spiritual friend Hanyuu, tackles challenges over and over, trying her best to keep their lives from coming to a tragic end. With no end to the torture in sight, Rika must call upon the bonds of friendship and trust among her friends to discover the true villain of this eternal June.

19. Humanity Has Declined

Synonyms: Jintai, ตัวฉันกับวันสิ้นโลก

For years, declining birth rates have forced what's left of the human race to cede more and more territory to other beings who have appeared to take advantage of the emptying ecological niche. Now, only a handful of humans remain among the remnants of civilization and Earth is dominated by faeries —tiny, ten-inch tall creatures of surprising intelligence. But humanity's importance isn't over quite yet, as young Watashi learns as she makes the decision to return to her hometown and assume her grandfather's position as an arbitrator between the races. Unfortunately, the job isn't going to be anywhere near as simple as she expected, and it's going to take a wisdom far beyond her years to achieve her most important mission. (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

20. Rascal Does Not Dream of Santa Claus

Synonyms: AoButa, 青ブタ, Rascal Does Not Dream: University Student Arc, Rascal Series: University Arc

Sequel to the film Seishun Buta Yarou wa Randoseru Girl no Yume wo Minai. After encountering various girls going through Puberty Syndrome, Sakuta Azusagawa's high school days have come to a close, and he is now a university student. He enrolls at a university in Kanazawa-hakkei alongside his girlfriend Mai Sakurajima, a nationally famed actress. Off campus, he stumbles upon an out-of-season miniskirt Santa. Precognitive dreams, an anonymous online singer, poltergeists buzzing on social media... A mysterious tale with enigmatic phenomenons surrounding girls with wavering hearts starts again. Puberty continues... (Source: Crunchyroll)

21. Fate/stay night [Heaven’s Feel] III. spring song

Synonyms: Fate/HF III

The third film in a trilogy adaptation of the 3rd route of the popular visual novel: Fate/stay night. To save the girl, to enact the justice he's chosen...The young man will no longer turn a blind eye to the truth. Mages (Masters) and Heroic Spirits (Servants) work together in the battles of the Holy Grail War, a fight for an omnipotent wish-granting container called the Holy Grail. However, this war has become horribly twisted. A young woman named Sakura Matou, with the sins she has committed, drowns in the murky darkness. A young man named Shirou Emiya, who vowed to protect Sakura, works together with Rin Tohsaka and throws himself into the raging battle to put a stop to the Holy Grail War. Illyasviel von Einzbern, as one of the few who knows the truth behind the conflict, confronts her own fate, while Zouken Matou uses Sakura to try to fulfill his own desires. Will the young man’s wish reach her even as he challenges fate itself, battling against the rising tide? The Holy Grail War is coming to an end... The final battle is about to begin. (Source: Aniplex of America)

22. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Season 2 Part 2

Synonyms: Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (2021), Re: 제로부터 시작하는 이세계 생활 2기 파트 2, Re:从零开始的异世界生活第二季（下半）, Re:从零开始的异世界生活 2 下半

After learning more behind the Death Loop and Witches of Sin, Subaru vows to save Emilia and his friends from further doom. (Source: Crunchyroll)

23. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

Synonyms: フェイト/ステイナイト Unlimited Blade Works, Fate/UBW, פייט/סטיי נייט: מלאכת חרבות אינסופית

Fuyuki City - a city surrounded by the sea and mountains becomes the setting for an ancient ritual. Seven masters are given control of heroic spirits in order to realize the mythical Holy Grail, which is said to grant its owner any wish. These heroic spirits or servants represent legendary heroes of various classes: "Saber," "Lancer," "Archer," "Rider," "Caster," "Assassin," and "Berserker." Each master will enter into a contract with their chosen servant and battle the others to the death until only one pair remains... This is the "Holy Grail War." The young and capable mage, Rin Tohsaka, prepares for her long-awaited Fifth Holy Grail War to begin... With her servant Archer, Rin enters the Holy Grail War as the sole heir to the prestigious Tohsaka family after her father's death. But when Shirou Emiya, a boy from Rin's school, unwittingly becomes a Master and is fatally wounded in battle, she has no choice but to save him. With Shirou and his servant Saber, Rin sets out to strike down the conspiracies surrounding the Holy Grail War. Will the Holy Grail bless Rin and Shirou's path toward victory or will they be cursed with defeat? (Source: Aniplex of America) Notes: - Includes Prologue. - The first, second and last episodes aired with a runtime of ~48 minutes as opposed to the standard 24 minute long episode.

If you're anything like me, once you finish something amazing like Monogatari Series: Second Season, you're left wondering—what now? Luckily, there’s a whole world of stories out there that give off the same energy, whether it’s the intense fights, emotional backstories, or just that feeling of being completely hooked. The titles like Katanagatari, Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl... I’ve shared aren’t just similar—they feel right. They hit that same nerve that made Monogatari Series: Second Season special in the first place. Of course, everyone’s taste is different, but I really think you’ll find something here that pulls you in. And hey—if you’ve got a favorite that didn’t make the list, I’d love to hear about it. I’m always looking for my next obsession.