The Lord of the Rings is a beloved, well-known franchise in the high fantasy genre that has stood the test of time in terms of popularity. With an avid fan base and numerous films, books, and television series created in exploration of the world Tolkien invented, there’s no shortage of content for audiences to consume. That being said, while The Lord of the Rings has plenty of material available for a serious deep dive into Middle-earth, the series isn’t infinite, and that’s where this list comes in handy.
Below, I’ve created a list of 10 anime that fall somewhere beneath the fantasy umbrella: high fantasy, dark fantasy, sci-fi-based fantasy, and more. But what they all have in common is the themes that tie them back to Tolkien’s infamous work that inspired a genre for decades to come. These anime reflect that inspiration from grand world-building, epic quests, final battles, and heroes that might not be out of place in the Fellowship. Try giving a couple of them a watch, and judge for yourselves.
10) Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic draws inspiration from One Thousand and One Nights, a Middle Eastern collection of classic fairy tales and folk stories. It has characters such as Aladdin and Alibaba going on large-scale journeys; the series even makes reference to traditional Arabic beings such as the djinn or magi (if the title didn’t give that away). Using mythology steeped in culture gives the anime a grand feel to the plot and adventures the cast embark on, like watching an epic unfold before your eyes. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic doesn’t skimp on sword fights and magic.
The plot of the anime follows Aladdin, a classic character who, in this rendition, was born as a Magi: a powerful magician who will decide the future kings fit to rule. His chosen candidate for the King Vessel is Alibaba, his traveling companion who explores and conquers dungeons with the mage. The two explore their own destiny and paths separately but are continuously brought back together to purge the world of evil and fight political corruption for the betterment of humanity.
9) Goblin Slayer
Goblin Slayer is a dark fantasy that incorporates the harsh realities of inhabiting a fantasy world plagued by monsters and corruption. The series takes an interesting gambit in reflecting the brutality a medieval setting inflicts on not just the main characters but the background characters with no names or importance; this honest interpretation of life in such a place gives the anime a feeling of refreshing honesty that paints its setting in shades of grey. Its take on themes such as trauma, the harsh cruelty of chance, and exploitation make it a fascinating watch.
In Goblin Slayer, we’re introduced to a world that is no stranger to adventurers and travelers making their way in the world. The Priestess, an inexperienced young girl, joins an adventuring party that is quickly and brutally attacked by a group of goblins. Before the monsters are able to kill the Priestess, she’s saved by the Goblin Slayer, an intimidating, high-ranked adventurer whose main goal is to eradicate goblins. The two form a new party together, traveling the land and killing goblins as they go, learning more about each other and the world they inhabit.
8) The Vision of Escaflowne
The Vision of Escaflowne isn’t often talked about in modern fantasy anime circles despite the fact that this isekai inspired numerous others in the genre years later. The series came out in 1996 and stood out for its high production quality and compelling blend of mecha, fantasy, and romance genres. Though The Vision of Escaflowne was only a total of 26 episodes from start to finish, the show’s handling of mature themes like destiny, the impact of war, sacrifice, and the power of love made it memorable enough to be held as the blueprint for shows created after it ended.
The Vision of Escaflowne is the story of high-schooler Hitomi Kanzaki, who is yanked from her normal life into the fantasy world of Gaea. This journey is kick-started by Hitomi witnessing a strange boy, Van Fanel, appear at her high school in the midst of battling a dragon. In Gaea, not only does Hitomi learn that Van Fanel is the king of the Kingdom of Fanelia, but that she possesses strong prophetic abilities. These powers cause Hitomi to become entwined in the rising conflict between neighboring kingdoms as the militaristic Zaibach Empire attempts to grab more power by resurrecting the city of Atlantis.
7) Claymore
Claymore is a gorgeous dark fantasy anime series that debuted back in 2007 and hasn’t received nearly enough attention. One of the highlights of Claymore is the large ensemble cast of characters with different stories to tell and arcs that are explored in an interconnected web. There are women wielding massive swords and wearing actual armor, a huge plus in anime, but more than that, the series delves into the consequences of using people as weapons. The ever-present emphasis on the true nature of humanity and the damage of seeking revenge colors the plot, making for a thought-provoking show that’s a joy to watch.
In Claymore, our story starts on a secluded island where a monstrous race of beings, the Yoma, roam free to terrorize the human population. These shape-shifting beasts are nearly impossible to stop. As a consequence, Claymores are created—humanoid hybrids that present as beautiful women and boast Yoma traits that make them elite warriors. Each Claymore is given a portion of the island to serve and protect, risking their lives to fight back against the island’s ever-growing threat.
6) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a popular fantasy anime that came out in 2023 and already has fans clamoring for the long-awaited second season. This anime uses bittersweet emotions such as nostalgia and regret to highlight the importance of appreciating the time we have with the ones we love most. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End isn’t focused on the grand final battle; instead, it offers a softer look at the aftermath of the hero’s journey and what it means to live life to the fullest.
The show’s plot revolves around Frieren, a powerful elven mage who defeated the evil Demon King with the help of her band of adventurers. With the threat to her world eliminated, Frieren parted ways with her friends to travel the land and learn more about her own abilities. Her single promise is to return in fifty years to meet her old friends again for a meteor shower that will take place. The anime is told in snippets of flashbacks mixed with present-day scenes, showcasing Frieren’s reflection on human life and how fragile it all is to an elf.
5) The Twelve Kingdoms
The Twelve Kingdoms is another isekai fantasy anime taking a spot on this list, though its place is well-earned. The anime borrows heavily from the beloved themes of classic high fantasy stories: the concept of justice, finding oneself through tribulations, and leadership. The Twelve Kingdoms makes sure to place importance on the idea that even the smallest roles in society can create change within a poorly run or unjust system (sound familiar to Tolkien, yet?). It helps that this series has phenomenal world-building, an organized societal structure, and an immersive watch experience that fans love.
This story is centered around the specific setting of, you guessed it, The Twelve Kingdoms. These kingdoms are located on a string of islands that are part of a parallel universe to our own; only sometimes can the veil between worlds thin enough for a human from Earth to be sent to the kingdoms, or vice versa. One day, Youko Nakajima is interrupted from her average daily life by the appearance of a strange man who fights off monstrous beasts before whisking her away to another world. Here, Youko and two of her classmates wander the kingdoms, experiencing different aspects of the new world they must learn to inhabit.
4) Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn is a popular fantasy pick in the anime community, riding the fine line between intriguing, fun plot and emotional delivery. The show has exemplary animation and a stunning art style that makes the visual aspect of watching a pleasant experience; but while Yona of the Dawn may be a feast for the eyes, the anime doesn’t lack substance. It delves deeply into themes such as political strife, the devastation of war, the struggles of those without power, and personal growth.
The basis of Yona of the Dawn is centered around the traditional hero’s journey. Princess Yona is a naive, sheltered young girl who doesn’t understand the harsh realities of the real world. This innocence is crushed on her sixteenth birthday, when her cousin murders her father and throws the kingdom into a state of political turmoil. Yona must flee with her trusted bodyguard to ensure her own life isn’t taken; she decides to avenge her father and reclaim her kingdom by embarking on a quest to find the Four Dragon Warriors, legendary figures that are said to have united the kingdom in the past.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a perfect example of a modern classic in the anime community, and is widely recognized as one of the best fantasy anime out there. The series explores themes of family, trauma and loss, political corruption, and the price of knowledge. While it isn’t the most recent series, the animation, plot, and world-building don’t just hold up to current times; they also surpass many newer works in the genre. That could be because Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood sets out to tell its story without added filler or fluff, and does so with precision and depth that stands the test of time.
Our protagonists of the story are Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers with a close bond who attempt to resuscitate their mother through the use of alchemy. Their taboo methods bring about disaster: Alphonse’s body is obliterated and his soul tied to a suit of armor, while Edward loses an arm and a leg in the accident. The brothers decide to leave their old life behind and travel to the capital to become State Alchemists; alternatively, they dream of finding the Philosopher’s Stone and restoring their old bodies to repair what was lost.
2) Record of Lodoss War
Record of Lodoss War is another classic high fantasy anime released in the 1990s that was actually based on a “replay”, or transcribed Dungeons and Dragons campaign. The series navigates weighty themes such as the eternal struggle between good and evil, free will versus the ties of destiny, and the concept of morality. Placed in a traditional fantasy world, complete with monsters, magic, and warring gods, Record of Lodoss War has all the trappings of what makes the genre so beloved.
The anime is set on the continent of Lodoss, a land created by the gods of destruction and creation, forming a dual nature of light and darkness that are ever-warring. With the land itself at odds, the fate of Lodoss’ inhabitants is hardly any better— the best description of Lodoss is fragmented and disjointed, with various kingdoms constantly at war or at odds. Parn is a young knight who sets out to journey with a group of his friends in the hopes of becoming a true hero; this desire gets the group entangled with the political conflicts of Lodoss and an evil plot to seize power over the land for good.
1) Berserk
If you’re an anime fan and a fantasy fan to boot, then you likely expected Berserk to be on this list. Despite the fact Berserk fans will say no adaptation can be truly faithful to the manga (not necessarily wrong), the original 1997 series is as close as we’ve gotten to an accurate, well-paced representation on the screen. Berserk is the titular high fantasy manga, and the anime is still leagues better than other big names in the genre. Understanding why Berserk has such a die-hard fan base is something difficult to explain; however, if I had to try, it’s likely thanks to the way the series doesn’t turn its back on the grim, dark reality of the world it’s set in. Berserk digs its hands into topics like good versus evil, human morality, the struggle to find hope or meaning, brutality against innocents, and the fight to defy predetermined destiny.
The setting of the anime is a realistic, gritty medieval world that places heavy emphasis on the unforgiving nature of life. Guts, a child soldier abandoned in his youth, is raised by a band of mercenaries and forced to fight from a young age. His life is a cycle of trauma, violence, and death until he comes of age and attracts the attention of Griffith, the charming leader of a mercenary group named the Band of the Hawk. During Guts’ time with the group, he grows close to Griffith, whose ambition and unchecked desire for power lead him to make the ultimate betrayal. In the aftermath, Guts dedicates his life to enacting vengeance on his former friend, no matter the cost.
Do you enjoy any of the anime series on this list? Tell us more about your favorite fantasy anime in the comments below.
