Fans ofanimeknow well that the medium is one of the best places to go for those looking for fantasy stories. With so much fantasy content to dig through, though, which ones are the best of the best?
Fantasy is a broad genre, including far more than just pseudo-medieval European settings and sword-wielding knights. Fantasy anime tends to be very different since it comes from the Japanese literary tradition, rather than a Western one, although there are certainly plenty of Western-influenced fantasy series as well.
The best fantasy series are immersive and well-thought-out, showing the audience things they may not have considered before. Here are 20 great fantasy anime series, ranked.
20Black Clover (2017)
Based on the Manga by Yuki Tabata, Animated by Studio Pierrot
Black Cloverfollows Asta, a young boy who seemingly has no aptitude for magic in a world where everyone has their own grimoire, a book of spells. However, Asta dreams of becoming the Wizard King and attempts to join the magic knights, planning to work his way to the top. When tested, a strange power of Asta’s is revealed: anti-magic.
Black Cloveris a fun seriesin the vein ofNarutoand other shōnen classics, with a large cast of weird and hilarious characters. However, the story also knows when to take itself seriously, and can present some awesome action from time to time.
19KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (2016)
Based on the Light Novels by Natsume Akatsuki, animated by Studio Deen (Season 1&2)/Drive (Season 3)
KonoSubafollows Kazuma, a Japanese teen who dies an embarrassing death and is given a chance by the goddess Aqua to live again in an MMORPG-style fantasy world. After being offered many overpowered abilities and items, Kazuma chooses Aqua herself to accompany him on his adventure, although he quickly comes to regret that decision, as she’s absent-minded and “useless.”
KonoSubais primarily a comedic series and is an archetypal Isekai. It’s well known for its cast of eccentric characters, particularly the firebug mage who uses explosion spells, Megumin. It’s full of typical anime silliness and is often good for a laugh.
18Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? (2015)
Based on the Light Novels by Fujino Omori, Animated by J.C. Staff
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, also known by its Japanese nickname,DanMachi, follows Bell Cranel, a young boy who dreams of becoming a powerful adventurer after being saved by the legendary woman warrior, Ais Wallenstein. Bell’s determination grants him an ability that enhances growth, allowing him to power up substantially as he adventures.
The series is a bit silly at times, with Bell winning the affections of everyone from other adventurers to the very gods themselves, but his single-minded determination to meet and measure up to Ais keeps him from ever engaging with them.
17The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)
Based on the Light Novels by Aneko Yusagi, animated by Kinema Citrus
Naofumi was an ordinary Japanese teen before he was suddenly summoned to another world alongside other isekaied individuals, where he was expected to defeat hordes of monsters to return home. Granted a legendary weapon, in his case a shield, Naofumi gets off to a rough start, as his inexperience with fantasy video games comes back to bite him.
The series does have some controversies associated with it, not the least of which being Naofumibuying a slave girl named Raphtalia, but it’s overall an entertaining series with a surprisingly deep story about redemption and bonding with one’s companions.
16Goblin Slayer (2018)
Based on the Light Novels by Kumo Kagyu, Animated by White Fox
Goblin Slayeris a dark fantasy series, set in aDungeons & Dragons-style world, inhabited by traditional Western fantasy creatures like Elves. Dangerous goblin groups have become a plague upon humanity, and the Goblin Slayer (who has no other name) makes it his mission to exterminate every last goblin that he comes across.
Goblin Slayerwas highly controversial for its first episode, which features depictions of sexual violence on the part of the goblins. If one can get past that, though, the story is quite strong, and Goblin Slayer is a very unusual sort of protagonist, eschewing glory and adventure for the hard work of defending humanity.
15Ranking of Kings (2021)
Based on the Manga by Sosuke Toka, Animated by Wit Studio
Ranking of Kingsis about the young prince Bojji, who must step up and accept the throne after his father passes away. Bojji is deaf, however, and has difficulty communicating, leading to some members of the royal court feeling that he is unfit to be a ruler. However, Bojji dreams of being a great king someday, aiming to prove his critics wrong.
The series features a unique, soft animation style that differs greatly from your typical anime. Bojji’s relationship with Kage, a shadowy being who can understand him, forms the core of the series, and the development of this bond is quite satisfying to watch.
14Delicious in Dungeon (2024)
Based on a Manga by Ryoko Kui, Animated by Trigger
Delicious in Dungeon, also known asDungeon Meshi, is a series that follows Laios, an adventurer with an obsession with monsters. When things go awry and Laios’ party loses his sister to a dragon, Laios and his remaining friends set off to save her, but are forced to survive off the monsters in the dungeon in order to do so.
The series is very comedic, and its fantasy setting is one that encourages all manner of strange behavior. Many characters judge Laios harshly for eating monsters, believing it to be dangerous or just plain disgusting. The heart of the story, however, is a very personal one, as Laios and his friends fight tremendous odds to save his sister.
13Claymore (2007)
Based on a Manga by Norihiro Yagi, Animated by Madhouse
In a world where humans are prey to demonic humanoid entities known as Yoma, only warriors who harness demonic energy themselves, referred to as Claymores, are able to stand against them. Clare is one such Claymore, ranked 47 of 47. After saving a young boy, Raki, she takes him on as a companion, and the two set off to protect humanity.
A darker fantasy series,Claymorepresents a unique sort of world, putting women in the role of warriors and turning old cliches on their heads. The action in the series is notably excellent, and while it’s not perfect, it’s a pretty good watch.
Based on the Novels by Yugo Aosaki, Animated by Lapin Track
Undead Murder Farceis a series set in a world where nearly every myth seems to be true. It follows a half-Oni from Japan, Tsugaru Shinuchi, who is recruited by an immortal woman, Aya, whose body was stolen, leaving only her head. Her brilliance is second to none, and she makes a living as a detective, solving supernatural mysteries.
The series’ 19th-century setting helps to set it apart, and it features familiar characters from the literature of the era, like Sherlock Holmes and Arsene Lupin.Undead Murder Farceis a wild mash-up of ideas, but it’s so intriguing that fans won’t be able to take their eyes off of it.
11Slayers (1995)
Based on the Light Novels by Hajime Kanzaka, Animated by E&G Films (Seasons 1-3) and J.C. Staff (Seasons 4-5)
Slayersis a largely comedic series following Lina Inverse, a genius sorceress who has a bad reputation attached to her for bringing trouble wherever she goes. Traveling in a party with other notable adventurers, Lina takes on situations from the lowest stakes possible to saving the world, and everything in between.
Slayersis absolutely hilarious, especially for anyone with experience withDungeons and Dragons, as they’ve probably met a player like Lina at some point in their lives. Still, there’s more here than just laughs, and Lina can prove herself to be a hero when the chips are really down.
