RECS: Anime to Watch After Star Wars Visions Season 2
Star Wars Visions’ second season takes the whole world to a galaxy far, far away with unique stories by animation studios from around the globe. Nine compelling animated shorts from Spain, Ireland, Chile, South Korea, Japan, and more each tell their own Star Wars story from their certain points of view. It once again results in gorgeous visuals and innovative takes on the modern mythology of Star Wars.
If the themes and characters of Star Wars Visions Season 2 captured your imagination, there’s more animation to explore right here on Crunchyroll! We’ve got five suggestions for stories similar to your favorite Visions. Let’s get to it!
If you liked “Sith” try TRIGUN STAMPEDE
“Sith” from Spain’s El Guiri Studios is a beautiful balance of splashes of vibrant color and a creeping darkness. The resilient protagonist, who uses a high-tech metal arm, is trying to escape the horrors of her past while finding her own path. Anime fans probably already know who this sounds like: Vash the Stampede of TRIGUN STAMPEDE!
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TRIGUN STAMPEDE also opens in a futuristic desert world with a stylish animation style. The story follows Vash, an enigmatic young man whose easygoing nature belies his uncanny skill in gunfighting. Darkness follows Vash as well, and like the titular Sith, ultimately he’ll have to face it. Dive into the mystery of his past in this delightfully unsettling series.
If you liked “Screecher’s Reach” try Ranking of Kings
Cartoon Saloon’s “Screecher’s Reach” is the tale of a young girl embarking on a journey with her stalwart friends at her side. Their adventure takes them through the wilds of their world and into the depths of darkness. The girl must find her own power and courage to make it through to the bright future that lies ahead on her path.
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Young prince Bojji in Ranking of Kings faces a similar undertaking with his loyal partner Kage at his side. He, too, courageously travels into the unknown to learn how to stand on his own when lives are on the line. Ranking of Kings is an uplifting story of overcoming challenges and finding your own inner strengths even when everyone else doubts you.
If you liked “Journey to the Dark Head” try Hell’s Paradise
A Jedi and a pilot make an unlikely pair in “Journey to the Dark Head,” an animated short from South Korea’s Studio Mir. The pilot seeks to end the war between Jedi and Sith, and she seeks to make a perilous journey to a mysterious temple that might hold the key to peace.
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While some of the similarities are surface-level – a white-haired young man with uncanny fighting skills is paired with a dark-haired woman who can also hold her own – Hell’s Paradise also explores the same theme of accepting the dark side that exists within everyone. In the action-horror anime, a killer and his guard are tasked with finding the Elixir of Life on an island of monstrosities. The series is brutal, compelling and gorgeous.
If you liked “The Bandits of Golak” try Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
In the stunning “The Bandits of Golak” from India’s 88 Pictures, an earnest young man does everything he can to protect his special younger sister. He gives his all to keeping her safe and ensuring she has a future ahead of her. If this story speaks to you, we know the perfect anime to watch next: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba!
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Tanjiro Kamado leads a simple life as a charcoal seller until the day demons attack his mother and siblings. Only one family member survives – his sister, Nezuko – but she’s been transformed into a demon herself. Tanjiro’s quest to restore her humanity and destroy the monsters responsible leads him to a new life with the Demon Slayer Corps. It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular anime in the world. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is heartfelt, action-packed, and dazzling, just like “The Bandits of Golak.”
If you liked “Aau’s Song,” try Lapis Re:LiGHTs
Triggerfish Animation of South Africa presents “Aau’s Song,” a soft and profound look at one girl’s uncommon connection to the Force. Colorful and captivating for both the eyes and the ears, this animated short is one of the standouts in Star Wars Visions Season 2. Love the idea of music and magic in harmony? You might like Lapis Re:LiGHTs!
The 12-episode series, like “Aau’s Song,” features a light fantasy world where a song can make wonders happen. Tiara is a new student at the Flora Girls Academy, a school that teaches young witches how to use music and songs to cast spells. Part school, part drama, and part idol anime, Lapis Re-LiGHTs is just the right mix to make magic.
Which anime would you recommend to Star Wars fans? Share your suggestions in the comments!
Kelly Knox has been an anime fan for over 20 years. She’s a pop culture writer and author in the Seattle area and you can still find her on Twitter.
