Anime and fantasy go together exceptionally well.
As a medium, animation allows fantastical environments and creatures to be brought to life in new and innovative ways, and the serialized nature of anime storytelling lets viewers become immersed in fictional worlds and characters’ various trials and tribulations.
Because of this, anime history is full of great fantasy stories spanning a wide range of topics, from dark tales of suffering and pain to slice-of-life comedy about magic and adventure. There is a fantasy anime to suit every viewer, so if you’re looking for a fresh one to dive into, here are some of the best choices, covering all corners of the fantasy genre, from the usual to the unique.
15. Aura Battler Dunbine
Created by Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino, Aura Battler Dunbine is a unique fantasy series that paved the way for the modern isekai genre. The series follows Shō Zama, a young man pulled from Earth to the mystical, semi-fantasy world of Byston Well.
While in Byston Well, he is recruited by Drake Luft, who tells Zama that he needs people from Earth, as they are the only ones capable of piloting powerful robots called Aura Battlers. Luft needs pilots for these robots as Byston Well is in the middle of a massive civil war. A story that mixes fantasy, mecha shows, and political intrigue, Aura Battler Dunbine is a frequently overlooked show, but those who dive into it will be treated to some fantastic visuals and a gripping plot.
14. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Based on the light novel series written by Fuse and illustrated by Mitz Vah, this anime tells the story of Satoru Mikami, an average office worker with a monotonous life. However, one day an unknown assailant stabs Satoru, killing him. When Satoru comes to, he finds that he is not in his old world nor his own body. In fact, he is now a lowly slime.
Satoru quickly discovers that this isn’t as bad as it first seems, as his new abilities allow him to swallow anything, take on its appearance, and copy its skills. That said, Satoru soon finds this new world might not be as easy to navigate as he first believed, and the world’s other inhabitants might not all be friendly.
13. Demon Slayer
Based on Koyoharu Gotouge’s smash-hit manga, Demon Slayer quickly became a pop-culture icon. It’s easy to see why, as it pairs an exciting plot with excellent characters and some sublime animation. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a teenager who lives with his family in the mountains until one day, he returns home to find all of his family has been slaughtered by a demon.
The only survivor of the vicious attack is his little sister, Nezuko. Although Nezuko survived, she has been turned into a blood-thirsty demon as a result. To change his sister back to normal, Tanjiro trains to become a swordsman and joins the Demon Slayer Corps.
12. Black Clover
Full of adventure, action, and intrigue, Black Clover is one of the most popular fantasy anime. Created by Yūki Tabata, the series follows Asta, an orphan who was left in the care of an orphanage with another orphan called Yuno. While Asta has no magical abilities, Yuno was an extremely talented magician from a young age.
Both decide that they want to become the Wizard King and thus begin a long and storied rivalry that sees them join competing Magic Knight squads to try and catch the attention of those above them. Due to this, the pair embarks on various adventures and deals with several sinister groups who aim to topple the kingdom and destroy the Magic Knight squads.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Created by Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist was many peoples’ first introduction to anime as a medium. Of the two animated renditions, fans will tell you that the most recent, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, is probably the one to go for as it follows the manga’s story from beginning to end, unlike the original anime adaptation.
The series follows Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists who, committing a taboo, try to bring their deceased mother back to life via alchemy. This, predictably, goes horribly wrong, as Edward loses his leg and Alphonse loses his entire body. In a panic, Edward sacrifices one of his arms to retrieve Alphonse’s soul, which he puts into a suit of armor, allowing his little brother to remain in their world. This catches the attention of State Alchemist Roy Mustang, who invites Edward to also join the military. Edward accepts, and the sibling duo sets out on a quest to find the legendary Philosopher’s Stone hoping it can restore their bodies. While on this personal quest, they become entangled in a larger evil masterplan that involves the whole world that they, with the help of allies, will attempt to prevent.
10. Attack on Titan
Based on the manga written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama, Attack on Titan quickly cemented itself as a media juggernaut and only grew more popular when the anime was released in 2013. The series is set in a world where the remnants of humanity live in a walled city after a group of massive humanoid monsters called Titans nearly wiped them out a century prior.
The series follows Eren Jaeger, a young man who lost his mother when the outwardmost wall was unexpectedly breached one day. This sends him on a path of revenge against the Titans which leads him to join the military, which specializes in Titan combat. However, while on this route to eradicate the humongous beings, Eren comes to find that the past might not be as cut and dry as he, and everyone around him, was led to believe.
9. Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle
One of 2020’s breakout hits, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, is based on a manga written and illustrated by Kagiji Kumanomata. The series follows Princess Syalis, a young woman kidnapped by a demonic king. The princess is very indifferent to her situation, having become accustomed to the high-stress royal life and inter-kingdom drama.
In fact, the only thing the princess wants to do is have a nice nap, and she’ll go to any lengths to make sure that she sleeps comfortably and undisturbed. A charming twist on usual tropes, Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle is a must-watch for anime fans who like their fantasy with a touch of whimsy and plenty of laughs.
8. Berserk
Based on the manga created by the legendary Kentaro Miura, Berserk is set in a pseudo-medieval world full of monsters, mercenaries, and people trying to survive. It follows Guts, a young man raised as a mercenary by his adoptive father, whom he was later forced to kill. After losing a battle to their leader, Griffith, Guts is made to join a mercenary group called Band of the Hawk. Guts soon finds that this band doesn’t make his life easier, as he is thrown into a large-scale conflict that puts his life and those around him at risk.
A dark fantasy tale of struggle, hardship, and hope, it’s easy to see why Berserk resonated with readers and viewers alike and quickly became known as one of the preeminent fantasy series. If you’re looking for fantasy that’s a shade darker than the norm, then Berserk is an excellent choice that will keep you gripped.
7. One Piece
One Piece needs no introduction. It’s one of the most famous anime and manga series – and now live-action as well – to ever be released. Created by Eiichiro Oda, and set in a world of pirates and piracy, the story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who can stretch his limbs as if they were rubber. Luffy aims to become King of the Pirates by finding the legendary treasure called the One Piece.
Along the way, Luffy makes friends with other sailors with equally strange skills and learns more about the world he lives in, including a mystery that spans generations. He isn’t the only one looking for the treasure, either, and several powerful forces are keen to either rule the seas or stop piracy for good. Packed with fun characters, exciting plots, and fascinating world-building, One Piece has rightfully earned its fame and popularity.
6. Little Witch Academia
Regarded as one of the most charming anime, Little Witch Academia was made by Yoh Yoshinari and produced by legendary anime studio Trigger. The series follows Atsuko Kagari, a young girl who wants to be like the famous magician Shiny Chariot. To do this, she heads to Luna Nova Magical Academy so she can learn to become a witch.
However, while Atsuko has a lot of heart, she isn’t very good at being a witch, and chaos seems to follow her wherever she goes. The viewers get to watch her explore this magical world, make friends, and try to learn more about both the school and Shiny Chariot. An utterly fun watch that will resonate with virtually anyone, Little Witch Academia is a one-of-a-kind anime.
5. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Ever thought of what the One Thousand and One Nights would be like if it were a vividly-colored shonen anime? Well, imagine no further because Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic has got you covered. Our cute, small, blue-haired protagonist is called Aladdin and he too, like the one from the tale, can summon a Djinn.
But that’s where most similarities end and Magi brings out its fantasy genre and magic system with the full force of one of Morgiana’s – the girl of the trio, and a former slave – powerful kicks. The third element to round up our three main characters is Alibaba, an honest young man who grew up in the slums and hides a significant secret. When Aladdin meets Alibaba, the latter is intent on diving into a nearby Dungeon – a dangerous and magical sort-of labyrinth that holds magical weapons, some who house powerful Djinn – and with the help of his new Magi acquaintance, such a feat is now within Alibaba’s reach.
4. Hell’s Paradise
Hell’s Paradise also takes its characters on a magical quest but one in which the chances of them coming back from is slim to none. Most of the criminals and their respective executioners who arrive on the island in search of an elixir of immortality that might grant them a pardon are ill-prepared for what they will encounter and have to face.
Created by Yuji Kaku, and adapted to the screen by MAPPA in 2023, the story is technically not set in a fictional world, as the setting is Japan during the Edo Period, but the island wherein most of the series takes place is a thoroughly supernatural location brimming with fantastical beings that want you dead.
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
An even more recent anime is Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Imagine a Dungeons & Dragons campaign: you, the elf mage, the protagonist Frieren, travel with your party of 4 on a ten-year-long epic quest to defeat the Demon King, which they do. End of the campaign, right? Yes. But when you finish a campaign you usually end with the peak moment of glory and victory.
But for Frieren life doesn’t end there, in fact, she just continues on her own in search of further magical knowledge. She doesn’t fully realize how her extended lifespan affects her perception until, fifty years later she comes face to face with her friends’ mortality, prompting her to start seeing things in a brand-new light as she sets out on a brand-new journey at the end of it all.
2. Digimon Adventure
This is a nostalgic one for many kids who grew up right in the transition from the 20th to the 21st century. The Digimon franchise is incredibly vast – although certainly topped by Pokémon in that regard – but my recommendation for anyone looking to experience the franchise would be to watch Digimon Adventure (whether the original 1999 version or the 2020 reboot it’s up to you), Digimon Adventure 02 (with all its films), the six-part movie Digimon Adventure tri. which follows the first of the Digi-destined a few years after they exited the Digital world, separated from their Digimon, and returned to normal life. Until normal life in both worlds is disrupted and adventure calls once more.
After all of these, the story is finally rounded up and given all the closure with the two movies Digimon Adventure: Last Evolution – Kizuna (2020) and Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning (2023).
1. Made in Abyss
This one is the equivalent of being handed the most cutely wrapped Christmas present, only to unveil what’s inside and realize it’s a dead puppy. Made in Abyss is made to look like an adorable fantasy-adventure series – and it is, until it isn’t as adorable as it is heartrending, sinister, and horrifying. You’re made to feel like the very young, starry-eyed characters as they travel down the mysterious Abyss, excited and thrilled at first, and then the thrill becomes less thrilling and more traumatic as they encounter progressively more dangerous creatures, the unavoidable results of the Abyss’ curse, and the worst that humanity is capable of.
Why are we nevertheless recommending it? Because it’s a one-of-a-kind story, with dark thought-provoking themes, compelling characters, and one of the most beautifully rich and creative fantastical settings I’ve ever witnessed in an anime.
Enter the Abyss at your own risk. It will not fail to leave a lasting impression on you.
