Top 17 Fantasy Anime of All Time: Dive into Magic, Myth, & Monsters

Fantasy anime is one of the most popular and diverse genres in the anime world. It encompasses stories that involve magic, mythical creatures, supernatural phenomena, and other elements that defy the laws of nature. Fantasy anime can transport you to different worlds, where you can experience amazing adventures, epic battles, and emotional drama.

But how do you choose the best fantasy anime for your taste? There are so many options, ranging from classic to modern, from light-hearted to dark, from action-packed to slice-of-life. To help you with your decision, we have compiled a list of the top 17 fantasy anime of all time, based on their popularity, quality, and impact. We have also included some information on where you can watch them, so you can start binge-watching right away.

Whether you are a fan of fantasy anime or a newcomer to the genre, you will surely find something that suits your preferences in this list. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the magic, myth, and monsters of fantasy anime!

17. Rising Of The Shield Hero

Rising Of The Shield Hero is a fantasy anime that follows the story of Naofumi Iwatani, a college student who is summoned to another world as one of the four legendary heroes. However, he is betrayed by his companions and branded as a criminal. With only a shield as his weapon, he must survive in a hostile world and find a way to clear his name.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Rising Of The Shield Hero is a fantasy anime that subverts the typical tropes of the isekai genre, where the protagonist is transported to another world. It explores the themes of betrayal, redemption, and justice, while also featuring a rich and diverse world, with different races, cultures, and magic systems. The anime also has a compelling cast of characters, especially the relationship between Naofumi and his loyal companion, Raphtalia, a demi-human girl who becomes his sword.

Also Read: Top 10 Anime Like The Rising of the Shield Hero

16. Dororo

Dororo is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka, the father of manga. It tells the story of Hyakkimaru, a young man who was born without limbs, skin, eyes, ears, or nose, because his father sacrificed him to 12 demons in exchange for power and prosperity. With the help of a prosthetic body and a sword, he sets out to slay the demons and reclaim his body parts. Along the way, he meets Dororo, a young orphan thief who becomes his friend and partner.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Dororo is a fantasy anime that blends historical fiction with supernatural horror. It depicts the harsh realities of feudal Japan, where war, famine, and corruption are rampant. It also showcases the struggles and conflicts of the characters, who have to face their own demons, both literally and figuratively. The anime has a dark and gritty tone, but also moments of humor and warmth, thanks to the dynamic duo of Hyakkimaru and Dororo.

15. Mushoku Tensei

Mushoku Tensei is a fantasy anime that is based on a light novel series that is considered to be one of the pioneers of the isekai genre. It follows the story of Rudeus Greyrat, a 34-year-old NEET who is reincarnated as a baby in a fantasy world, after dying in a traffic accident. With his memories and knowledge intact, he decides to make the most of his second chance at life, and pursue his dreams of becoming a powerful mage.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Mushoku Tensei is a fantasy anime that offers a realistic and detailed portrayal of the isekai genre, where the protagonist is reborn in another world. It shows the growth and development of Rudeus, from his childhood to his adulthood, as he faces various challenges, opportunities, and relationships. It also features a vast and immersive world, with different races, cultures, and magic systems. The anime has a balance of comedy, drama, action, and romance, making it a satisfying and enjoyable watch.

14. Mononoke

Mononoke is a fantasy romance anime that is a spin-off of the horror anthology series Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales. It focuses on the Medicine Seller, a mysterious and enigmatic figure who travels across feudal Japan, exorcising the mononoke, malevolent spirits that haunt humans. To do so, he must learn the mononoke’s Form, Truth, and Reason, and then unleash his sword of exorcism.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Mononoke is a fantasy anime that is a masterpiece of art and storytelling. It has a unique and stunning visual style, with vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and surreal imagery. It also has a captivating and complex narrative, with each arc exploring a different theme, such as greed, vengeance, or love. The anime is a blend of mystery, horror, and psychological drama, that will keep you hooked and intrigued.

13. Kamisama Hajimemashita

Kamisama Hajimemashita is a fantasy anime that follows the story of Nanami Momozono, a high school girl who becomes the land god of a rundown shrine, after being abandoned by her father. There, she meets Tomoe, a fox yokai who serves as her familiar, and other supernatural beings who live in the shrine. Together, they face various challenges and dangers, while also developing a romantic relationship.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Kamisama Hajimemashita is a fantasy anime that combines comedy, romance, and drama, in a charming and heartwarming way. It has a lovable and quirky cast of characters, each with their own personality and backstory. It also has a captivating and sweet story, that explores the themes of trust, loyalty, and love, between humans and yokai. The anime has a bright and colorful animation style, that matches the tone and mood of the show.

12. The Seven Deadly Sins

The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Nakaba Suzuki. It follows the story of Meliodas, the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of powerful knights who were accused of betraying the kingdom of Liones. Ten years later, he meets Elizabeth, the princess of Liones, who seeks his help to stop the Holy Knights, who have staged a coup and taken over the kingdom. Together, they embark on a quest to find the other members of the Seven Deadly Sins, and restore peace and justice to the land.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy anime that is full of action, adventure, and comedy. It has a thrilling and engaging plot, with twists and turns, and a lot of epic battles and fights. It also has a colorful and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities, personalities, and backgrounds. The anime has a vibrant and lively animation style, that suits the tone and mood of the show.

11. Weathering With You!

Weathering With You! is a romance anime movie by Makoto Shinkai, the director of Your Name. It tells the story of Hodaka Morishima, a runaway teenager who moves to Tokyo, where he meets Hina Amano, a girl who has the power to control the weather. Together, they start a business of clearing the skies for people who need sunshine, while also developing a romantic relationship. However, they soon discover that Hina’s power comes with a price, and that they have to face the consequences of their actions.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Weathering With You! is a fantasy anime that is a stunning and beautiful masterpiece of animation and storytelling. It has a captivating and emotional story, that explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and hope, in the face of a changing world. It also has a breathtaking and realistic depiction of Tokyo, with its rain, clouds, and sunshine. The anime has a gorgeous and mesmerizing visual style, that will leave you in awe and wonder.

10. Yona Of The Dawn

Yona Of The Dawn is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Mizuho Kusanagi. It follows the story of Yona, the princess of the kingdom of Kouka, who is forced to flee from her palace after her father is killed by her cousin, Soo-won, who usurps the throne. With the help of her childhood friend and bodyguard, Hak, and four legendary warriors known as the Dragon Warriors, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her kingdom and fulfill her destiny.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Yona Of The Dawn is a fantasy anime that is a mix of adventure, romance, and drama. It has a captivating and compelling plot, with political intrigue, war, and betrayal. It also has a strong and dynamic cast of characters, especially Yona, who undergoes a remarkable transformation from a naive and spoiled princess to a brave and determined leader. The anime has a beautiful and detailed animation style, that brings the world of Kouka to life.

9. Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Hiro Mashima. It follows the story of Natsu Dragneel, a fire mage who is a member of the Fairy Tail guild, a group of powerful and eccentric mages who take on various missions and quests. Along with his friends and comrades, such as Lucy Heartfilia, a celestial mage, Erza Scarlet, a swordswoman, and Gray Fullbuster, an ice mage, he faces various enemies and threats, while also having fun and adventures.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Fairy Tail is a fantasy anime that is full of action, comedy, and friendship. It has an exciting and entertaining plot, with a lot of epic battles and fights, as well as hilarious and heartwarming moments. It also has a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities, personalities, and backgrounds. The anime has a colorful and lively animation style, that matches the tone and mood of the show.

8. Black Clover

Black Clover is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Yuki Tabata. It follows the story of Asta, a young boy who is born without any magic in a world where magic is everything. He dreams of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom of Clover. To do so, he joins the Black Bulls, one of the nine magic knight squads, and discovers that he has a rare and powerful anti-magic grimoire. Along with his rival and friend, Yuno, who has a four-leaf clover grimoire, he faces various enemies and threats, while also uncovering the secrets of his origin and destiny.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Black Clover is a fantasy anime that is full of action, comedy, and friendship. It has an exciting and entertaining plot, with a lot of epic battles and fights, as well as hilarious and heartwarming moments. It also has a large and diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities, personalities, and backgrounds. The anime has a colorful and lively animation style, that matches the tone and mood of the show.

7. Magi

Magi is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Shinobu Ohtaka. It is inspired by the Arabian Nights stories, and follows the adventures of Aladdin, a young boy who is a magi, a rare and powerful being who can use magic and choose the king of the world. Along with his friends, Alibaba, a former prince who wants to reclaim his kingdom, and Morgiana, a former slave who wants to be free, he travels across different lands, exploring the mysterious dungeons, where magical treasures and dangers await.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Magi is a fantasy anime that is a mix of adventure, comedy, and drama. It has a captivating and compelling plot, with political intrigue, war, and betrayal. It also has a strong and dynamic cast of characters, each with their own personality and backstory. The anime has a beautiful and detailed animation style, that brings the world of Magi to life.

6. Howl’s Moving Castle

Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy anime that is a film by Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. It is based on a novel by Diana Wynne Jones, and tells the story of Sophie, a young girl who is cursed by a witch to become an old woman. She encounters Howl, a mysterious and handsome wizard who lives in a moving castle, and joins him and his companions, such as Calcifer, a fire demon, and Markl, a young apprentice, in their adventures and battles against the war and the witch.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Howl’s Moving Castle is a fantasy anime that is a classic and timeless masterpiece of animation and storytelling. It has a captivating and emotional story, that explores the themes of love, courage, and identity, in the face of a changing world. It also has a breathtaking and imaginative depiction of the moving castle, with its various rooms, gadgets, and transformations. The anime has a gorgeous and mesmerizing visual style, that will leave you in awe and wonder.

5. InuYasha

InuYasha is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Rumiko Takahashi. It follows the story of Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high school girl who is transported to the feudal era, where she meets InuYasha, a half-demon who is looking for the shards of the Shikon Jewel, a powerful artifact that can grant any wish. Together, they form an unlikely alliance, and join forces with other allies, such as Miroku, a monk, Sango, a demon slayer, and Shippo, a fox demon, to stop the evil Naraku, who is also after the jewel.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? InuYasha is a fantasy anime that is a blend of adventure, romance, and comedy. It has a captivating and compelling plot, with a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of epic battles and fights. It also has a strong and dynamic cast of characters, each with their own personality and backstory. The anime has a beautiful and detailed animation style, that brings the world of InuYasha to life.

4. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke is a fantasy anime that is a film by Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Ashitaka, a young prince who is cursed by a demon, and travels to the west to find a cure. There, he encounters San, a girl who was raised by wolves, and is known as Princess Mononoke. She is fighting against Lady Eboshi, the leader of a human settlement that is destroying the forest and its spirits. Ashitaka tries to find a way to end the conflict, and save both the humans and the nature.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Princess Mononoke is a fantasy anime that is a masterpiece of animation and storytelling. It has a captivating and emotional story, that explores the themes of environmentalism, pacifism, and coexistence, in the face of a changing world. It also has a breathtaking and realistic depiction of the forest, with its animals, plants, and spirits. The anime has a gorgeous and mesmerizing visual style, that will leave you in awe and wonder.

3. Fate Series

Fate Series is a fantasy anime that is based on a visual novel by Type-Moon. It revolves around the concept of the Holy Grail War, a secret and deadly battle royale among seven magi, who summon seven heroic spirits from history and legend, to fight for the wish-granting Holy Grail. The series has multiple adaptations and spin-offs, each with different characters, settings, and timelines, but all sharing the same core elements of magic, action, and drama.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Fate Series is a fantasy anime that is a complex and fascinating saga of animation and storytelling. It has an exciting and engaging plot, with a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of epic battles and fights. It also has a diverse and dynamic cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and motivation. The anime has a stunning and detailed animation style, that showcases the impressive and spectacular visuals of the show.

2. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Koyoharu Gotouge. It follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer, after his family is slaughtered by a demon, and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into one. Along with his friends and comrades, such as Zenitsu, a cowardly but powerful swordsman, and Inosuke, a wild and boar-headed warrior, he sets out to find a way to cure his sister, and to avenge his family.

What makes it a great fantasy anime? Demon Slayer is a fantasy anime that is a phenomenon and a sensation of animation and storytelling. It has a captivating and emotional story, that explores the themes of family, friendship, and courage, in the face of a cruel and dark world. It also has a breathtaking and realistic depiction of the Taisho-era Japan, with its culture, history, and scenery. The anime has a gorgeous and mesmerizing visual style, that will leave you in awe and wonder, especially the stunning and fluid animation of the sword fights.

1. Attack On Titan

Attack On Titan is a fantasy anime that is based on a manga by Hajime Isayama. It follows the story of Eren Yeager, a young boy who lives in a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, due to the threat of the Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans. He joins the Survey Corps, an elite military force that fights against the Titans, after witnessing his mother being eaten by one. Along with his friends and comrades, such as Mikasa, his adoptive sister, and Armin, his childhood friend, he uncovers the secrets and mysteries of the Titans, and the world beyond the walls.

What makes it the best fantasy anime of all time? Attack On Titan is a fantasy anime that is a masterpiece and a legend of animation and storytelling. It has a captivating and compelling plot, with a lot of twists and turns, and a lot of epic battles and fights. It also has a strong and dynamic cast of characters, each with their own personality, backstory, and development. The anime has a dark and gritty tone, but also moments of humor and warmth, thanks to the dynamic duo of Eren and Levi, the strongest and coolest soldier of the Survey Corps.

Where can I find these anime to watch?

The availability of these anime can vary depending on your location and preferred streaming service. Some popular options include Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Funimation, HiDive, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, several websites offer legal anime streaming, but do your research to ensure they are reputable.

Conclusion

Fantasy anime is a genre that can offer you a lot of entertainment, excitement, and emotion. It can take you to different worlds, where you can experience amazing adventures, epic battles, and emotional drama. It can also introduce you to different characters, who can inspire you, amuse you, or move you.

We have listed the top 17 fantasy anime of all time, based on their popularity, quality, and impact. We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, and that you have found some fantasy anime that suit your taste. Whether you are a fan of fantasy anime or a newcomer to the genre, you will surely find something that will make you happy and satisfied.

If you have any opinions or feedback on this article, or if you have any recommendations for other fantasy anime, please feel free to share them with us in the comments section below. We would love to hear from you!