Top Historical Anime Recommendations for Fans of The Apothecary Diaries

Top Historical Anime Recommendations for Fans of The Apothecary Diaries

Essential Insights on The Apothecary Diaries

  • The Apothecary Diaries expertly combines multiple genres, weaving a captivating narrative centered around Maomao in the royal court.
  • Leveraging her extensive knowledge of medicine, botany, and chemistry, Maomao embarks on intriguing adventures alongside the powerful eunuch, Jinshi.
  • As fans eagerly anticipate Season Two, there are numerous historical anime series to explore that resonate with themes from The Apothecary Diaries.

The realm of historical mystery dramas presents a fascinating blend of genres, particularly exemplified by The Apothecary Diaries. Adapted from Natsu Hyūga’s acclaimed novel, the story follows Maomao, a skilled apothecary who is uprooted from her life in a red-light district to serve the emperor. Initially determined to remain an observer, Maomao’s curiosity drives her to investigate the grave illnesses affecting the emperor’s children, leading to significant discoveries.

This investigation merely sets the stage for her adventures, as she partners with the influential eunuch Jinshi. His intriguing cases often require her extensive knowledge, propelling her into a world of medicinal, botanical, and chemical challenges. Following successful adaptations into light novels, manga, and an anime series, the first season of The Apothecary Diaries has concluded, but the excitement continues.

As of November 10, 2024, fans received fresh news about the eagerly awaited second season, with a release date confirmed for January 10, 2025. The series will air for two cours, mirroring the format of its predecessor, alleviating concerns about prolonged waits for new content.

In the meantime, viewers eager for historical intrigue, mystery, and a hint of romantic undertones can explore various anime that offer similar themes, enriching their viewing experience until the return of The Apothecary Diaries.

Mushi-shi

A Meiji-Era Scholar Explores Mystical Phenomena

Mushishi anime

Mushi-shi stands out as one of the most celebrated anime series, despite its divergence from The Apothecary Diaries. Both series appreciate historical settings, but Mushi-shi delves into the mystical, following Ginko, who endeavors to aid others through his understanding of mushi, enigmatic beings that represent nature’s most basic forms. Ginko traverses Japan during a transformative time, applying his knowledge to assist individuals troubled by these elusive creatures, allowing for thought-provoking explorations of human morality and existence.

Snow White With The Red Hair

A Herbalist’s Journey From Servitude to Sovereignty

Anime like The Apothecary Diaries - Snow White With the Red Hair

Although The Apothecary Diaries is rooted in a fictional world reminiscent of ancient China, Snow White with the Red Hair provides a more European medieval backdrop while sharing similarities in its portrayal of courageous women entangled in royal affairs. The story follows Shirayuki, a herbalist whose determination to escape becoming a concubine leads her to a new kingdom, where her talent for healing becomes invaluable and intertwines with a charming romance.

Gosick

A Young Man and a Mysterious Girl Solve Crimes in the 1920s

Gosick anime

In contrast to other series mentioned, Gosick is set in the modern period of 1924 and revolves around Kazuya Kujō, a Japanese student caught in the intrigue of the fictional Alpine nation of Sauville. His only ally, the clever Victorique de Blois, aids him in unraveling mysteries as their bond deepens, weaving together themes of adventure and complexity through their shared investigations.

Moriarty The Patriot

Sibling Schemes Against the British Nobility

Moriarty the Patriot Season 2

Building off the classic world of Sherlock Holmes, Moriarty The Patriot reimagines the narrative from the viewpoint of its notorious antagonist, Albert Moriarty. Set in the late 19th century, the series showcases his ambitions alongside his brothers to overturn a corrupt aristocracy, leading to a fascinating interplay of morals and schemes as they navigate a web of intricate relations with Sherlock Holmes.

Emma: A Victorian Romance

Love Across Class Boundaries in 19th Century England

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - Emma: A Victorian Romance

Emma: A Victorian Romance juxtaposes romance against a realistic backdrop of 19th-century class struggles in England. The tale unfolds as Emma, a former servant, navigates a complex relationship with William, an heir from a wealthy family, threading the needle between societal expectations and personal happiness—a theme that resonates with the essence of love amidst challenges.

The Rose Of Versailles

Romantic Intrigue at the End of French Royalty

Rose of Versailles Oscar Rosalie

The Rose of Versailles dives into the tumultuous world of late 18th-century France, exploring the life of Marie Antoinette and Oscar Francois de Jarjayes. This gripping narrative unfolds amidst political unrest and personal drama, revealing how love and ambition intermingle, ultimately leading to transformation and turmoil—ideal for those who enjoy richer, gritty tales layered with historical context.

Undead Murder Farce

A Decapitated Head and Her Maid Search for Vengeance in Europe

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - Undead Murder Farce

Undead Murder Farce is a thrilling amalgamation of horror and action-adventure, featuring characters from 19th-century literature. The narrative follows Aya, a talking decapitated head, and Tsugaru, imbued with supernatural powers as they pursue a mysterious adversary across Europe, engaging with historical figures and classic literary characters along the way.

House Of Five Leaves

A Samurai’s Moral Dilemma amidst Banditry

Akitsu Masanosuke in House Of Five Leaves
  • Creator: Natsume Ono
  • Studio: Manglobe
  • Streaming: Available on Viewster, Retro Crush, and AsianCrush
  • 1 Season, 12 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.75

For those seeking a narrative reflective of The Apothecary Diaries, House of Five Leaves provides a closer geographical and thematic experience. Set in feudal Japan, it follows Akitsu, a ronin who becomes embroiled in the morally ambiguous world of a bandit group known as the Five Leaves, addressing themes of loyalty, survival, and identity.

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

A Culinary Journey Bridging Humans and Spirits

Shows like Campfire Cooking in Another World Kakuriyo -Bed & Breakfast for Spirits

Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits merges elements of fantasy and culinary arts as Aoi navigates a spirit-filled world leveraging her cooking skills. Tasked with repaying her grandfather’s burden of debt, Aoi’s adventures explore themes of connection and reconciliation between the human and spirit realms.

Ascendance Of A Bookworm

A Young Girl’s Quest to Nurture Knowledge in a Fantasy World

Anime Like Apothecary Diaries - Ascendance of a Bookworm

Though at first glance Ascendance of a Bookworm might not seem akin to The Apothecary Diaries, both narratives celebrate their protagonists’ endeavors to improve their environments: Maomao through medicinal expertise and Myne by fostering literacy and education in a book-scarce fantasy world. Their intertwined fates highlight the impact of knowledge and compassion.

Yona Of The Dawn

A Noble’s Journey from Luxury to Harsh Reality

Yona Of The Dawn

Unlike the ascent observed in The Apothecary Diaries, Yona of the Dawn depicts a noble forced to adapt to life outside the palace after a coup. Yona’s quest to reclaim her throne amidst terrifying circumstances invites reflection on resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity.

Fushigi Yûgi

Bringing Together Warriors in a Fantasy Realm

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - Fushigi Yûgi
  • Creator: Yuu Watase
  • Studio: Pierrot
  • Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll
  • 1 Season, 52 Episodes, plus 1 OVA
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.61

Fushigi Yûgi, a classic from the ’90s, follows Miaka’s journey as she is drawn into a fantasy world through a book, seeking to summon the legendary Suzaku. The series blends adventure with romance and conflict, echoing themes of destiny and camaraderie while standing out as an early isekai narrative.

Ooku: The Inner Chambers

A Patriarchy Reversed Through Disease

Anime Like Apothecary Diaries - Ooku
  • Creator: Fumi Yoshinaga
  • Studio: Studio Deen
  • Streaming: Netflix
  • 1 Season, 10 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 8.10

Ooku: The Inner Chambers presents a fascinating twist on the typical gender dynamics, depicting a world transformed by a plague that drastically alters societal structures. The compelling narrative invites viewers to reflect on power, influence, and survival in an altered reality where traditional roles are subverted.

The Heike Story

A Doomed Family’s Quest for Redemption

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - The Heike Story
  • Director: Naoko Yamada
  • Studio: Science SARU
  • Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll
  • 1 Season, 11 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.78

The Heike Story intricately weaves tales drawn from the historic ‘Tale of the Heike’, chronicling a family’s decline. Narrated by Biwa, a blind bard, the series mixes spiritual insight with historical reflection, as characters navigate their intertwined fates against the backdrop of their tragic legacy.

The Tree In The Sunlight

Clashes of Tradition and Modernity in Meiji-Era Japan

Hidamari No Ki - A Tree In The Sun
  • Creator: Osamu Tezuka
  • Studio: Madhouse
  • Streaming: DVD Only
  • 1 Season, 25 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.11

The historical drama The Tree In The Sunlight portrays the life of a medical expert amid the transformative era of the Meiji Restoration, exploring the clash between old samurai ideals and modern aspirations. This narrative of personal and societal evolution resonates with fans who appreciate the evolution of characters facing change.

Onmyouji

Solving Mysteries with the Spirit World

Anime Like Apothecary Diaries - Onmyouji
  • Creator: Baku Yumemakura (original novels)
  • Studio: Marvy Jack
  • Streaming: Netflix
  • 1 Season, 13 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 6.95

Onmyouji presents a captivating narrative exploring ancient Japan’s intersection of the mystical and the political, as Abe no Seimei, a historical figure reimagined as a spiritual consultant, partners with Minamoto Hiromasa to solve supernatural mysteries, providing rich ambiance for fans of both historical and fantasy elements.

Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master

Political Intrigue and Supernatural Elements Unfold

Anime Like Apothecary Diaries - Yatagarasu
  • Creator: Chisato Abe (original novels), Natsumi Matsuzaki (manga adaptation)
  • Studio: Pierrot
  • Streaming: Crunchyroll
  • 1 Season, 20 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 8.07

Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master plunges the viewer into a supernatural and politically charged realm where shapeshifting characters must navigate courtly rivalries and dark conspiracies, enriched by its roots in Japanese folklore and fantasy, making for a captivating experience for viewers who enjoy intricate plots.

Raven Of The Inner Palace

An Exiled Noble’s Disguise in the Royal Court

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - Raven of the Inner Palace
  • Creator: Kōko Shirakawa
  • Studio: Bandai-Namco Pictures
  • Streaming: Available on Crunchyroll
  • 1 Season, 13 Episodes
  • MyAnimeList Score: 7.54

Raven of the Inner Palace features a mysterious woman who utilizes her healing abilities to thrive among royal court intrigues while concealing her true identity. Her precarious position reveals themes of secrecy, identity, and the deadly consequences of royal politics—perfect for fans of The Apothecary Diaries.

The Story Of Saiunkoku

A Woman’s Struggle Against Societal Inequities

Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries - The Story of Saiunkoku

The Story of Saiunkoku pairs a dash of humor with an empowering narrative as Shūrei ambitiously seeks to navigate the boundaries set by her patriarchal society. Offered a chance to educate the new emperor, she dives into the political landscape, uncovering layers of political intrigue, responsibility, and her own capabilities—ideal for those drawn to narratives featuring female protagonists breaking barriers.

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