Top 10 Fantasy Anime

Script written by Garrett Alden

When it comes to old school fantasies, they don’t get much more traditional than “Record of Lodoss War.” The first of several adaptations of a series of light novels based on “Dungeons and Dragons” play sessions, “Record of Lodoss War” is a series of OVAs. It follows Parn, the son of a knight, who searches for the fate of his father, while gathering a party of adventurers on his adventures. While its plot is fairly cliched by today’s standards, the beautiful animation and well-crafted characters have made it a beloved classic for good reason.

Some inconsistent animation aside, “The Seven Deadly Sins” is still well worth your time. The anime follows the eponymous group of disgraced knights. To save the kingdom of Britannia from those who framed them (and worse), they have to “get the band back together,” as it were. “The Seven Deadly Sins” has a great cast, all of whom bounce off each other in a natural way, as well as extensive lore that draws on British history and mythology. The fight scenes are great, with a ton of flashy powers and a few more grounded fights, although Shounen power creep definitely crops up as the story goes on. Regardless, you’ll have a sinfully good time.

The series depicts the exploits of the titular adventurer, a (mostly) nameless man who specializes in hunting the little green menaces with extreme prejudice. “Goblin Slayer” delves into some grim subject matter, yet it’s balanced by some characters with surprising depth (despite most of them lacking proper names), exciting action, and some surprisingly effective comedy. If you like your fantasy dark but not too dark, “Goblin Slayer” offers a great taste of something bloody, while still featuring some lighter moments. It’s a show with as much rizz as Goblin Slayer himself.

This anime already has fans raving and ravenous! While a party of adventurers exploring a magical dungeon isn’t the most original set-up, “Delicious in Dungeon” has a delicious twist on an old classic. When this group’s healer is eaten by a dragon, they set out to save her and overcome their lack of supplies by eating the various monsters they encounter along the way. The mixture of genres, including fantasy adventure, cooking, and comedy, may seem as strange as the creatures the heroes prepare along their journey. But the results of this melting pot are positively scrumptious!

As far as high fantasy Shounen shows go, “Black Clover” is far from being a black sheep! Asta is a young man born without magic in a world where everyone can use it. However, thanks to an anti-magic grimoire he acquires, his dream of becoming the Wizard King may just come true. After joining the Black Bulls, a guild full of other misfits, Asta’s adventures see he and his fellow mages combat villainous forces that threaten their kingdom and the world. “Black Clover” has a strong central narrative, as well as a sprawling and entertaining supporting cast. The fight scenes are pretty epic too. While its story still isn’t fully animated (give us a sequel!), we’re still lucky to have gotten this incredible series.

It’s easy to dismiss this series, given its absurd title and premise. But anyone who does is missing out on a surprisingly lovable show! Rimuru Tempest is the eponymous reborn slime. And while he may be the weakest monster, his skills and strength are no joke! Rimuru uses his newfound abilities to create a nation of his fellow monsters, making friends and alliances through a combination of his absurd power and general happy-go-lucky nature. “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” is just a fun time all around, with the interactions between the charming characters being just as engaging as the fight scenes. A few tragic moments aside, “Slime” is a wonderful comfort show that will have you wishing you could visit Tempest yourself.

Another case of “don’t judge a book by its cover,” “Ranking of Kings” has a delightful, storybook animation style, but it’ll wring your heart out! The series follows Bojji, a young deaf/mute prince who suddenly inherits his father’s kingdom. His frail body and difficulty communicating leads to a succession crisis, and Bojji must bring peace to a kingdom that has difficulty believing in him. “Ranking of Kings” has an emotional, well-told story with characters whose motivations are all fleshed out in detail. Additionally, the colorful animation is silky smooth and translates to some incredibly rendered fight scenes. If you’re not cheering for Bojji every step of the way, check for a pulse, because you may not have a heart!

Isekai series can often feel formulaic, but “Mushoku Tensei” is one of the best in the genre right now. Rudeus Greyrat, this series’ Truck-kun victim, is reborn in a new world and a chance at a fresh start. Although Rudeus’s adventures feature plenty of swordplay and magic, the series stands out most for its well-paced story and emphasis on character development. Rudeus and the rest of the cast grow and change before our eyes, and many of their interactions feel true to life. Drop all that into a well-detailed fantasy world with action, romance, and comedy to spare, and it’s no wonder “Mushoku Tensei” has become a recent favorite.

The original grimdark fantasy anime, “Berserk” follows the story of Guts, a lone swordsman in a world that makes ours look like Candyland. The anime covers his time as part of a mercenary band, and their triumphs and many tragedies. The music is fantastic, the action is stellar, and the animation holds up beautifully. While it barely scratches the surface of its source material, “Berserk” still encapsulates the heartbreak and gritty persistence at its heart. Trust us - if there’s ever an adaptation of the full manga, living up to this one is going to be a tall order! But if it does, we could easily see it topping our list! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Overlord” (2015-) Can You Handle a Maxed-Out Overlord Who Doesn’t Know What He’s Doing? “Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” (2016-) Respawning After Death Sounds Great!...In Theory… “Claymore” (2007) Vengeance, Gore, & Sword Fights Galore! “Slayers” (1995-2009) Unlikely Heroes Out to Save the World - Fantasy’s Bread & Butter! “KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!” (2016-) This Dysfunctional Party of Adventurers Are Lucky If They Make Rent

After the heroes defeat the demon king…then what? Elven mage Frieren outlives her old companions. After making new friends and beginning a new journey, Frieren looks back on her fleeting time with her old friends while learning to appreciate the present. A beautiful and unique take on a fantasy adventure, “Frieren” tackles universal subject matter like regret, life, and death. But it isn’t all drama and melancholy, as the series also features plenty of comedy and a surprising amount of action. Much like the titular character, “Frieren” may have you reexamining your own life and learning to appreciate what you have while it lasts.