5 Anime Like NANA, Chosen for Music, Friendship and Style

No recommendation matches every part of NANA: the two Nanas’ bond, band life, messy relationships and the way clothes express identity all matter. The most useful next watch depends on which of those you miss. This is a spoiler-light guide with a reason to choose each series—and a reason it may not be your first pick.

Choose your next watch by what you miss

These are comparisons, not a claim that the shows share a universe or the same tone. Their strongest links to NANA differ, which is why the order below is a choice guide rather than a universal ranking.

Five anime like NANA

1. Paradise Kiss — for fashion and uncertain futures

Paradise Kiss is the most direct starting point if Ai Yazawa’s character design and fashion sensibility drew you to NANA. Yukari Hayasaka is pulled into the world of fashion students who want her to model for their school show. That new setting forces her to question the future she had been moving toward.

Why choose it: clothing is connected to ambition and identity, not merely a pretty background. The appeal lies in people making choices that do not neatly fit other people’s plans for them.

What is different: the creative centre is fashion rather than a rock band. Start elsewhere if music rehearsals and live performance are your main reason for watching.

For more shows in that direction, our anime like Paradise Kiss guide explores fashion and creative drama in more detail.

2. BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad — for the band

BECK follows Koyuki, whose encounter with guitarist Ryusuke opens a path into making music. The band’s ambition gives the story a clear forward pull: learning, rehearsing and finding a shared sound are part of the attraction.

Why choose it: it is the strongest pick here when you want the process of becoming a band to matter, rather than music appearing only around a romance.

What is different: the centre is Koyuki’s coming-of-age journey. It does not reproduce the two-Nanas friendship or make fashion the same kind of focal point. Choose it for musical growth rather than expecting a replacement for every relationship in NANA.

3. given — for music and emotional connection

In given, guitarist Ritsuka Uenoyama meets Mafuyu Sato, whose singing changes what music can mean to him. Their growing connection and the band make it a useful choice if you want performance and feeling to develop together.

Why choose it: the musical relationship is central to the recommendation. It is a good next step when the emotional weight of songs matters more to you than a particular wardrobe aesthetic.

What is different: this is a boys’ love romance with a different central relationship. It is not a fashion-led series. Pick Paradise Kiss first if you mainly want distinctive outfits and design ambition.

4. Honey and Clover — for creative lives without easy answers

Honey and Clover centres on art students, including Takemoto, navigating friendship, attraction and the uncertainty of their direction. It belongs on this list because creativity and growing up do not automatically make life simpler.

Why choose it: it is the option for viewers who miss the feeling of being among friends whose plans and relationships keep changing.

What is different: art school replaces the music scene. Expect a different rhythm and setting rather than another version of the same band story. The connection is the uncertainty of young creative lives.

5. CAROLE & TUESDAY — for friendship and shared musical ambition

Carole and Tuesday come from different backgrounds and discover that they can make music together. Their partnership gives this series a clear connection to viewers who loved seeing two women’s lives become intertwined.

Why choose it: the female friendship and the work of pursuing music together are the main reasons to put it on your list.

What is different: it has its own setting and a more aspirational musical premise. It is not a direct substitute for NANA’s relationship tensions. Choose it when you want to keep the friendship-and-music connection while changing the atmosphere.

If the clothes are what stayed with you

You do not need to choose a new show solely for its outfits. Watch for the story you want, then separate the clothing ideas you can actually use.

For the contrast within NANA itself, our Nana Osaki outfit guide develops everyday punk combinations, while our Hachi outfit guide explores softer shapes and details. Those are practical next steps if you already know which Nana’s wardrobe you prefer.

One piece for a Nana-inspired look

If you want to take one style idea off screen, start small. A black pleated skirt can anchor an Osaki-inspired outfit with a plain tee and boots you own. It is an optional styling idea after the watch recommendations, not an official series product.

A piece for this look

A simple base for an Osaki-inspired outfit

Our Black Pleated Mini Skirt has the dark colour and structured pleats needed for a simple punk-inspired formula. The listing describes a mid-waist cut with integrated shorts.

Wear it two ways: Pair it with a black tee and flat boots for a darker look, then a plain knit and sneakers for everyday wear.

Fit check: Check waist, hip and skirt length against something you own. Choose the coverage you find comfortable when sitting and walking.

View item & sizes

Pick the series that matches what you miss most. If the clothing inspires you afterwards, start with one repeatable outfit rather than a whole new wardrobe.

A note on watching: streaming availability and age ratings differ by country and can change. Check your local service before subscribing; the recommendations above concern the shows, not a promise that one platform carries them everywhere.

Reference notes: VIZ: NANA and Honey and Clover official introductions; Vertical: Paradise Kiss introduction; Crunchyroll: BECK and given series descriptions; Netflix: CAROLE & TUESDAY official description. Outfit formulas and styling comparisons are our interpretations.