Summary
TheFantasygenre had a great run during the golden age ofanimeand has left us with many memorable stories which are already completed, and waiting for new audiences to discover them. With high doses of adventure, beautiful worlds, and dangerous monsters waiting to be defeated, the genre is experiencing a new flourishing thanks to anime likeFrieren: Beyond Journey’s EndandDelicious in Dungeon.
So, if readers have recently got into the genreand want to watch some great stories, here is a ranked list of some of the best Fantasy Anime that are finished and tell complete stories. From a classic of all time starring one of the most iconic characters in the history of anime to a shōnen adventure series that set the standard for modern fantasy Japanese animation.
Slayers is one of the most importantrepresentatives of Fantasy Anime of all time, with an endearing cast of characters, and a lighthearted approach to the adventure quest that earned it millions of fans all across the world.
It narrates the story of several misfits banding together to fight against the forces of evil, with Lina Inverse, a young mercenary and sorceress, at the helm. The show was heavily inspired by Western fantasy, so many of the current fans of this genre will surely find it appealing.
6Sorcerous Stabber Orphen
A Romantic Sword And Sorcery Series
Sorcerous Stabber Orphen is one of the most iconic fantasy anime from the 90’s that recently got selected for a remake. The original series was concluded only after two seasons and tells a complete story, so if fans of dark fantasy worlds are up to it, they can only find it through certain streaming services.
This series narrates a tale of longing, love, loss, and revenge, and has created a powerful example of what fantasy anime should aspire to, turning into a precursor of many great franchises.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhoodis the second version of this incredible fantasy anime which deviates from the norm in all the possible ways. For starters, the series is set in a semi-industrialized world where science and alchemy (the magic factor) collide and make the living of the denizens of that world both easier and harder.
The eternal dichotomy between the safety of the militarized state, and the war crimes that happened as the prize of said ‘stability,’ plays a fundamental role in this story about love, loss, and war. A must-watch for every fan of mature fantasy. Mind the traumatic moments, though, this anime has dozens.
Record Of Lodoss War is an incredible classic fantasy anime, which narrates the tale of a band of misfits (a classic trope of fantasy series) looking for a way to accomplish their own particular goals.
The dishonored scion of a knight family looking for redemption, a ‘young’ High Elf investigating the reason for the decline of her race, a mentor looking up for his disciple, a thief who is just there for the thrill of the adventure, and many, many more colorful characters. This series is prime high fantasy and a great way to get into the genre.
For some, this series is the greatest Shonen of the latest decade, but the truth is that Attack On Titan is quite standard in terms of Fantasy and adventure as well. Sans the dark, twisted worldbuilding and man vs. man conflict that gives life to the whole plot, it is the very definition of the genre.
With some of the most underrated side characters and the most tragic outcomes fans of fantasy have ever seen, AoT gained lots of popularity and its epic conclusion was somewhat diluted in a cloud of controversy due toits strange ‘pigeon ending.’
Inuyashais one of the most important exponents of romantic fantasy anime ever made and has a great story with dozens ofinteresting characters with deep motivationsand developments. Some say it is one of the first Isekai anime, but not quite so, since it’s more like a time-travel adventure fantasy.
Be it as it may, this anime is undoubtedly one of the best fantasy series that tell a full story and has concluded spectacularly. But, if fans are eager to know more after watching it, it has a sequel namedYashahime: Princess Half-Demon.
YuYu Hakushois the story of an adolescent who is struck by a truck (not in an isekai way) and sent to the afterlife, but thanks to the intervention of Koenma, a mysterious supernatural being, he is given another chance alongside certain supernatural abilities, and the task of becoming a “Spiritual Detective,” investigating cases concerning spirits and humans.
A story that mixes supernatural events with high fantasy, and lots of adventure. The story comes full circle in 112 episodes, which is a surprisingly short number for a Shonen anime. Still, that doesn’t make it any less impressive and worthy of being watched by fans of Fantasy series.
