Half-human, Half-youmu, Akihito Kanbara is an unusual phenomenon even in the spirit world. In this world, creatures known as youmu are created from the emotions of humans, some being good natured, whilst others have much worse intentions. Although linked closely to the spirit world, Akihito spends his days going to school like any ordinary kid, but one day he spots a girl on the roof of his school, about to jump. Rushing to her aid only to be stabbed through the chest upon arrival, it appears Akihito has got himself into quite a mess.

With both shows being produced by Kyoto Animation, known very well for their unique moe character design, the visuals are of course remarkably similar, from the animation to the backgrounds. This of course means some beautiful battle scenes throughout both, with KyoAni once again proving that they don’t just do moe, but some incredible action as well. The themes of both shows crossover significantly, with the alternate worlds and the bizarre and dangerous spirits that the cast have to deal with.

Like in Kyoukai no Kanata, Musaigen no Phantom World has started with a light hearted feeling, but seems to suggest that things may get darker or more serious later on as the cast assemble and the plot begins to rear its head. If you like what we’ve seen so far of Musaigen no Phantom World, you’re bound to enjoy Kyoukai no Kanata just as much, if not more.

Half a year ago, the members of Senkou High School's Literature Club somehow gained supernatural powers: time control, healing and power over the elements to name a few. But since then, things haven’t really changed, it’s the same old, go to school, go home, do homework, much to delusional chuunibyou Jurai Andou’s disappointment. Not that his power would have been particularly useful anyway, I mean how useful can his flames be if they can’t even burn anything?

Like Musaigen no Phantom World, Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de starts with a surprisingly normal approach to a bizarre world, with the supernatural actually having very little effect on people’s everyday lives. Additionally the shows character dynamics are fairly similar, namely the semi-helpless protagonist, who is fairly reliant on his powerful female companion’s strength.

Regardless of whether or not Musaigen no Phantom World’s story starts to take a different route, so far the show has had a very similar feel to Inou-Battle, with both shows containing an interesting mix of slice-of-life, comedy and action, ensuring that every episode is just as entertaining as the last. Although not quite the same KyoAni quality, Inou-Battle wa Nichijou-kei no Naka de is a very light, fun anime that anyone can enjoy.

In this world exist humans with special powers, hidden away from regular society, and one such person is Yuu Otosaka. With the ability to take over another’s body for up to 5 seconds, Yuu has wormed his way into a top high school, and to the top of the exam scores. But after being caught out by fellow ability user Nao Tomori, Yuu and his younger sister are forced to attend a special school for ability users, and that’s where things start to get a lot more complicated.

Continuing the school setting with supernatural powers theme, Charlotte and Musaigen no Phantom World both start off fairly similar, bar Charlotte’s bad mannered protagonist. Though getting quite dark later on, becoming more drama focused, Charlotte is similar to much of writer Jun Maeda’s other work, such as Angel Beats, with a good bit of comedy and some less serious storylines earlier on.

Charlotte makes an excellent recommendation for anyone who enjoys the premise of Musaigen no Phantom World, but perhaps wants something more plot focused and dramatic. Though that said, we have yet to see exactly where Musaigen is headed, and might yet see some more serious plotlines emerge.

Chuunibyou, Eighth Grade Syndrome: where teenagers reject this reality, and substitute their own, with delusions of mystic powers and the supernatural. After entering high school Yuuta Togashi thought his chuunibyou days were safely behind him, until Rikka Takanashi showed up. After forming a contract with Rikka, Yuuta finds himself getting caught up once again in the fantastic and delusional world of his own imagination.

The second KyoAni series to make the list, once again the similarities in art and animation style between Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai and Musaigen no Phantom World can’t be ignored, and give both series a similar feel from the get go. You’ll also hear some familiar voices, with Sumire Uesaka, Phantom World’s Mai, voicing Dekomori, and Maaya Uchida, voice of Koito Minase, playing Chuunibyou’s main heroine Rikka.

Both series involve the supernatural, though in Chuunibyou’s case it’s all imaginary, but use it more as a means of developing the characters and telling their stories, rather than just for the action. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai is a very satisfying series to watch, with excellent character development and a good bit more romance compared to Musaigen no Phantom World for any fans of awkward teenage love.

At AntiMagic Academy, each platoon of students earns points for the jobs and missions they complete. Unfortunately for the 35th “Small Fry” platoon, they’re currently sitting right down at the bottom of the pile, being completely incapable of even working together. But with high ranking witch hunter Ouka Ootori being demoted to their platoon there is still some light at the end of the tunnel, assuming they can work out the whole co-operating thing.

Just recently aired, Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai first appears to be a harem anime, but does a good job of focusing more on storyline and action than some other similar shows. The set up at AntiMagic Academy is similar to that of Musaigen no Phantom World’s Hosea Academy, with groups of students taking on jobs to earn their team points, and of course with our heroes starting off at the bottom of the barrel. It also seems like the storylines are being handled in a similar way, with each of the characters getting a small arc for development, with a nice mix of drama and stupid comedy.

Taimadou Gakuen 35 Shiken Shoutai appeals largely to those who are watching Phantom World for the girls, with a noticeable lack of male characters. But cute harems aside, it’s well worth a try just for its action and nice visuals.

At Fumizuki Academy, classes are divided up based on student’s grades, from the genius A class and their luxurious classroom-lounge, to the “baka” F class who use cardboard boxes for desks. With the school now testing a new avatar summoning system, the students are now able to battle each other with their avatar’s strength based on their test scores. Now F class Super Baka Akihisa Yoshii and his classmates must fight their way to the top of the school, or at least out of their sad excuse for a classroom.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu and Musaigen no Phantom World share a very similar silly sense of humour, with their protagonists even sharing the same role as the group’s punching bag. Both series are quite easy to watch, with the Phantoms and summoned avatars often presenting little to no real danger, but still effectively creating drama and thrilling fights throughout.

Baka to Test to Shoukanjuu is very obviously a lot more comedy focused than Musaigen no Phantom World, but if you’re watching mainly for the jokes and fanservice then Baka to Test might be right up your street.