Is there anyone who can resist a captivating fantasy narrative? From dramatic epics like Lord of the Rings to whimsical tales such as The Princess Bride, the fantasy genre continues to entice audiences. However, few animation forms have showcased fantasy stories as extensively as anime. With a plethora of compelling fantasy anime options available, selecting the best ones can often feel overwhelming.
Over the years, this vibrant industry has delivered hundreds of remarkable series set in imaginative worlds, merging extraordinary elements with everyday life. Some particular titles have risen to prominence, standing out as essential viewing for any anime fan. Below, we explore the top fantasy anime of all time, highlighting notable series that serve as excellent introductions before delving into the genre’s more niche offerings.
Updated October 19, 2024 by Mark Sammut: The Fall 2024 anime lineup is brimming with fantasy-themed stories, featuring a number of exciting new series.
Due to their dedicated articles, isekai anime will not be included in this list.
Best New Fantasy Anime of Fall 2024
The Fall 2024 anime season is in full swing, and numerous shows have already made their debuts. As usual, sequels have taken much of the spotlight, particularly in the realm of fantasy. Series like Re:ZERO, DanMachi, Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles, Arifureta, Dragon Ball DAIMA, and Shangri-La Frontier certainly need no introduction.
That said, Fall 2024 also boasts many new fantasy anime that deserve attention. Here’s a look at some standout titles that cater to diverse audiences.
- Demon Lord 2099 – Though it’s early to gauge its overall quality, the premiere episode of Demon Lord 2099 was intriguing. This series merges fantasy with reverse isekai and cyberpunk themes, following Demon Lord Veltol, who is reincarnated 500 years after his downfall. He finds a drastically altered world, and his previous magical prowess is diminished. With an engaging setup that avoids the typical overpowered protagonist trope, this anime has the potential to be one of Fall 2024’s hidden gems.
- The Do-Over Damsel Conquers The Dragon Emperor – This time-travel fantasy features a female warrior who secures a second chance at life following betrayal. In an effort to reshape her destiny, she declares her love for Hades, an emperor whose fate spells doom for her kingdom. While Jill and Hades’ age gap raises eyebrows, the series has a captivating premise and a strong protagonist.
- Let This Grieving Soul Retire – For those who enjoy fantasy comedy, this series evokes a similar vibe to The Eminence in Shadow, sans the isekai aspect. Although Krai leads a renowned treasure-hunting guild, he is surprisingly weak and longs to retire. His attempts at self-preservation often come off as brilliance, adding to the humor.
- The Most Notorious “Talker”Runs the World’s Greatest Clan – This edgy dark fantasy starts weak, with an unimpressive first episode that doesn’t represent its potential well; however, the second episode is much more engaging, making them worth a watch as a pair. The character Noel belongs to a class known for both weakness and overpowering skills. He is characteristically aggressive and vengeful, willing to exact complete revenge on those who betray him.
Now, let’s move on to the best fantasy anime to date…
Humanity Has Declined
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.72
This anime’s title speaks volumes: Humanity Has Declined presents a world where humanity’s future is grim, as fairies begin to dominate the Earth. The fairies, acting largely on impulse, require guidance from a practical woman who embodies a realistic view of the chaotic situation.
Combining surreal humor, stunning visuals, and a touch of cynicism, Humanity Has Declined constructs a fantastical landscape caught between two distinct times, resulting in a plethora of misadventures and misunderstandings.
Undead Murder Farce
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.91
A delightful surprise from Summer 2023, Undead Murder Farce intricately blends the macabre with humor. Set in an alternate Meiji-era Japan, it follows an immortal woman without a body, her tough maid, and a hybrid ogre/human as they tackle supernatural cases.
By merging historical elements with fantasy, Undead Murder Farce presents a scenario where humans coexist with terrifying creatures like demons and vampires, all while tackling the conflicts that arise from this arrangement. The primary characters are richly developed and weary, as are the supporting characters involved in their investigations.
Solo Leveling
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.33
The burden of hype can be a double-edged sword. Anticipated anime must swiftly deliver to avoid being flung into the “overrated”category. Chainsaw Man and Hell’s Paradise are two recent examples that faced scrutiny for not living up to the extraordinary expectations, a dilemma that Solo Leveling might also encounter.
As the most renowned manhwa, its success propelled a surge in the genre’s popularity, giving rise to numerous imitations. The anime adaptation carries the weight of lofty expectations.
In this alternative Earth, portals to dungeons occasionally open, leading some humans to develop hunter-like abilities. Sung Jin-Woo, perceived as the weakest of the group, consistently partakes in the most menial assignments. Yet, during a routine hunt, a hidden path leads them to a dangerous chamber beyond their abilities. Faced with peril, Jin-Woo receives a unique offer that may not only spare his life but also enhance his power.
If one approaches the first season of the anime realistically, it generally delivers as expected. A-1 Pictures aptly adapts the original material’s spectacular fight sequences and artistry. Jin-Woo’s evolution into an impressive powerhouse is a point of contention, but the series chronicles his transformation gradually rather than rushing it within a single episode.
Magi
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.01 (Season 1)
Spanning across two seasons, The Labyrinth of Magic and The Kingdom of Magic, along with a spin-off series Adventure of Sinbad, Magi draws inspiration from the fantastical tales of Arabian Nights. Iconic characters such as Aladdin, Sinbad, Ali Baba, and Morgana take center stage in this fantasy anime.
Initially light in tone, Magi follows Aladdin and Ali Baba on their treasure-seeking adventures. The narrative becomes denser as the plot progresses, particularly in The Kingdom of Magic, where political and societal themes come to the forefront. The spin-off serves as an entertaining addition, arguably even superior to the original.
Violet Evergarden
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.67
Based on the light novel series by Kana Akatsuki, Violet Evergarden tells the story of an Auto Memory Doll created for war. After the war ends, Violet begins a new life as a messenger, allowing her to engage directly with human emotions.
The structure is episodic, with each mission spotlighting Violet’s journey. While sometimes inconsistent, Violet Evergarden becomes emotionally powerful and unforgettable during its best moments. The film adaptation is also critically acclaimed and worth exploring, even for those who aren’t die-hard fans of the series.
Mushi-Shi
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.66 (Season 1)
The term “fantasy”encompasses a wide array of shows, but most series typically feature unique worlds filled with action. Mushi-Shi, however, takes a distinctly different approach.
Infusing marvelous elements into a familiar reality, it centers around Ginko, a traveler investigating mystical creatures called Mushi in nature. The show consists of largely standalone episodes, offering a soothing and visually stunning experience that beautifully marries the extraordinary with the ordinary.
Hunter X Hunter
MyAnimeList Rating: 9.04
Regarded as one of the pinnacle shonen action anime, Hunter x Hunter starts as a conventional entry in the genre, only to reveal its uniqueness over time. Within this world, Hunters venture forth to uncover the planet’s secrets and confront dangerous adversaries.
This loose interpretation of “Hunters”grants the series the freedom to experiment with its narrative structure, including arcs that barely include the main heroes, Gon and Killua. With an excellent power system and a wide array of appealing characters, Hunter x Hunter stands as a remarkable fantasy anime.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
MyAnimeList Rating: 9.10
Alongside titans like Dragon Ball Z and Death Note, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has rightfully earned its position as a definitive entry point for newcomers to anime. This comprehensive adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa’s manga features a world founded on alchemy principles, where individuals can create substances, albeit at the cost of equal value.
In the wake of their mother’s demise, the Elric brothers attempt to resurrect her, leading to tragic consequences that mark Edward with a disability and Alphonse without a physical form. Their path to redemption sees them become State Alchemists, on a quest for the Philosopher’s Stone. The narrative weaves themes of loss, hope, forgiveness, and regret, presenting a blend of humor, heartbreak, and exhilaration simultaneously throughout episodes.
Attack On Titan
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.54 (Season 1)
Premiering in 2013, Attack on Titan quickly became the defining anime of the past decade. The opening episode establishes a world in which humanity hides behind colossal walls shielding them from Titans—giant, flesh-eating beings.
After witnessing his mother’s tragic fate, Eren Jaeger embarks on a mission to eradicate the Titans. This marks just the beginning of a complex narrative that continuously escalates. Attack on Titan has evolved dramatically since its inception, culminating in a breathtaking final season that strays significantly from the original. For anyone in search of a more somber fantasy anime, AoT is the gold standard.
InuYasha
MyAnimeList Rating: 7.86
After its 2002 airing in the United States, the InuYasha phenomenon became undeniable, building on its already massive popularity in Japan. Spanning over 160 episodes, the series follows Kagome and Inuyasha as they strive to recover the shards of the Shikon Jewel.
Beloved for good reason, InuYasha remains a classic that anyone who hasn’t watched yet should quickly rectify.
Delicious In Dungeon
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.58
A great example of revitalizing familiar tropes, Delicious in Dungeon is a charming homage to medieval fantasy and Dungeons and Dragons. The story follows a fun-loving group of adventurers on a quest to rescue their friend, who has been consumed by a dragon. With revival mechanics in this universe, they must find their lost healer before it’s too late. Due to time constraints, they creatively begin utilizing the dungeon’s monsters as a source of food.
Combining its fascinating premise with brilliant humor, memorable characters, and impressive visuals, Delicious in Dungeon has emerged as one of the top shows from Winter and Spring 2024. As the story shifts dramatically halfway through, transitioning into a darker fantasy narrative, some viewers may be startled by the shift, but it generally fosters a positive evolution in the plot.
Mononoke
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.42
Mononoke follows the titular “Medicine Seller,”who endeavors to eliminate evil spirits, but the arcs delve equally into the human stories intertwined with these malevolent entities.
This animation uniquely blends breathtaking artistry, intense psychological exploration, and intense action sequences, creating an anime that is truly one-of-a-kind.
One Piece
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.71
With approximately 1000 episodes and numerous films, One Piece stands as a colossal titan in anime history. While experiencing Eiichiro Oda’s manga is the ultimate way to engage with the Straw Hats, the anime adaptation remains an unforgettable journey. Infused with creativity and colorful characters, it conveys a sense of adventure unparalleled by other series, showcasing Oda’s unmatched world-building skills.
Typically, each arc introduces a new island filled with unique lore, characters, and conflict, making them all fascinating in their ways. As the series moves towards its conclusion, the anime industry will bid farewell to this unparalleled fantasy anime. Given its expansive episode count, it can be daunting for newcomers, but those willing to tackle this adventure will discover it’s a rewarding journey.
Fate/Zero
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.28 (Season 1)
Fate/Zero chronicles the events preceding another iconic anime, Fate/stay night. The narrative is filled with grand battles and adventures as Kiritsugu participates in the Fourth Holy Grail War against six formidable opponents.
The show has garnered immense popularity, resulting in numerous spin-offs, including one portraying the main characters in chibi form as they manage a café. Fans of the series will discover an abundance of additional content within its universe, ensuring that they will never run out of engaging shows to watch.
Black Clover
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.15
With 170 episodes, Black Clover had an impressive run before concluding in 2021. Based on the acclaimed shonen manga, it follows two orphaned friends, Asta and Yuno, on their quest to claim the title of Wizard King.
Packed with vibrant magic and high-stakes adventures, this popular series even ignited additional content, including an ONA, two OVAs, and even a feature film. Enthusiasts of high fantasy and magical realms are sure to be enchanted by Black Clover, and it shows no signs of slowing down yet.
Made In Abyss
MyAnimeList Rating: 8.66 (Season 1)
What secrets lie at the core of the Abyss? Within its depths, ancient treasures, bizarre creatures, and more await discovery. A determined young girl, aspiring to emulate her adventurer mother, encounters a robot crafted from technologies not found above ground, resembling an ordinary boy. Together, they venture into the Abyss to uncover its mysteries while encountering unexpected, harsh challenges.
Often regarded as the premier dark fantasy anime of recent years, with season 2 airing during Summer 2022, Made in Abyss captivates with its cute character designs and adventurous premise. Yet, it doesn’t shy away from delivering emotionally devastating moments, impacting audiences with both seasons and the film Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul.
Freeze: Beyond Journey’s End
MyAnimeList Rating: 9.38
Among Fall 2023’s offerings, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End stood out as the best overall, not just within fantasy. It offers a refreshing take on the traditional save-the-world narrative by focusing on the emotions and life of heroes post-victory against evil.
The titular character Frieren is an elf destined to outlive her companions, which adds depth to the journey that follows their passing. Joined by an apprentice and a warrior grappling with self-doubt, Frieren begins a new adventure filled with reflections on life and companionship.
This series beautifully combines adventure, character growth, laughter, and contemplation, encapsulating the essence of the fantasy genre in a remarkable way. While many narratives hinge on urgency, Frieren emphasizes savoring moments and cherishing life’s transience. The world-building is arguably the show’s standout element, skillfully immersing viewers in the current atmosphere while reflecting on the resonances from the past.
Studio Ghibli’s Fantasy Films
|
Notable Fantasy Films |
Japanese Titles |
Director |
Streaming Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Castle in the Sky (1986) |
Shiro Laputa |
Hayao Miyazaki |
Max |
|
My Neighbor Totoro (1988) |
Tono no Totoro |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) |
Master’s Degree |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
Pom Poko (1994) |
Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko |
Isao Takahata |
|
|
Princess Mononoke (1997) |
Mononoke Hime |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
Spirited Away (2001) |
Sen to Chihiro’s Kamikakushi |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) |
Howl no Ugoku Shiro |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
Ponyo (2008) |
Gake no Ue no Ponyo |
Hayao Miyazaki |
|
|
The Secret World of Arrietty (2010) |
Arrietty |
Hiromasa Yonebayashi |
|
|
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013) |
The Tale of the Kaguya-hime |
Isao Takahata |
In the realm of anime films, Studio Ghibli undoubtedly reigns supreme. While the studio occasionally dabbles in realism, it is primarily renowned for creating fantasy-rich narratives, particularly those directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Nearly all Ghibli films boast stunning animation, beautiful scores, and unforgettable characters. Miyazaki’s works tend to investigate themes related to nature, conflict, and humanity’s evolution, while Isao Takahata’s storytelling usually delves into grounded narratives occasionally sprinkled with fantastical elements.
For those yet to explore the studio’s catalog, starting with Castle in the Sky is highly recommended. This timeless classic showcases Ghibli’s storytelling prowess exceedingly well. My Neighbor Totoro presents a slice-of-life tale merging human life with spiritual interactions, thriving on whimsy and warmth rather than grandiose plots. Spirited Away, the only anime to clinch an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, is considered by many as Miyazaki’s crowning achievement, though Princess Mononoke gives it a run for its money.
While Isao Takahata’s masterworks like Grave of the Fireflies deviate from fantasy, titles such as Pom Poko and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya resonate within the genre. The former serves as a cautionary fable about environmental preservation narrated by shape-shifting tanuki, whereas the latter adapts a traditional Japanese tale about a girl emerging from a bamboo shoot, showcasing its complexity and emotional depth.
Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which predates Studio Ghibli, seamlessly fits into the thematic approach of his later creations.
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