If there is one genre of anime series that has proven to always be an immediate hit, it's undoubtedly magical fantasy anime. Anime viewers love to be thrust into a world full of magic and fantasy. These worlds are often filled with fantastical creatures, like elves or demons, and they also heavily feature magic as one of their main power systems, or an overarching force present in their world. From more slice-of-life like magic fantasy anime like Mushishi, or more action-based shonen like Black Clover, magical fantasy is a broad genre for people with all tastes.
15 Best Anime To Watch If You Like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Here are some great choices of anime to select from if you love Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and want other shows to watch after season 2.
Mushi-Shi
- Release Year: 2005
Mushi-shi is a one-of-a-kind anime series that has become wildly beloved, especially in its home country of Japan. It follows the main character Ginko and his adventures in this imaginary world set sometime between the Edo and Meiji periods. Mushi-shi is not an action-heavy series. Instead, it focuses on short stories with Ginko. Throughout his journey, he meets many fantastical creatures known as the Mushi.
He often helps said creatures as well as the other humans around him. With that, Mushi-shi has become a very unique magic fantasy anime that is quite distinct from the likes of Frieren or Black Clover, for example. The Mushi-shi sadly ended in 2014, and until a new special project is announced, it's unlikely to ever return.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
- Release Year: 2023
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has become one of the most popular anime series of the last few years, so much so that it’s one of the highest-rated anime of all time. Frieren is a story that hits all the notes when it comes to a magic fantasy anime. It’s set in a medieval setting and features some fantastical creatures, as well as mystical beings like the main character, Frieren, who is an Elf.
The magic in Frieren is central to its plot and characters, and is always evolving. Frieren, having lived for as long as she has, has seen that change with her own eyes. Humans start learning magic, and its study speeds up. Above all, Frieren is a magical story about experiencing and appreciating the small things in life, and showing love and appreciation for the bonds that are already created. Frieren Season 2 just finished airing recently, and the series will be returning next year with Season 3.
Who’s That Character?
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Identify the silhouettes before time runs out.
Delicious in Dungeon
- Release Year: 2024
Delicious in Dungeon is not your typical magical and fantastical anime. Its core remains about fantasy cooking, and that's a unique take that every fan of the series appreciates. The main cast of characters adventures in a fantastical world, and finds unique creatures that they cook and eat, which, in and of itself, is quite magical. But, of course, this series also has standard magic. The main Mage of the series, Marcille, is a talented mage and healer. She is quite skilled, but she has quite an interest in the Dark Arts as well. Delicious in Dungeon aired its first anime season in 2024, and fans can’t wait for its continuation. Delicious in Dungeon Season 2 could come next year.
Witch Hat Atelier
- Release Year: 2026
In 2026, a new fantastical magic anime made its debut, and this anime series goes by the name of Witch Hat Atelier, which is, by no means, a new series. Its manga is from 2016, and with that being said, its anime has definitely helped it reach a far larger audience.
In the world of Witch Hat Atelier, magic is a right reserved for only a few who can be trusted with it due to its nature, which can bring forth disastrous actions. Coco is the main character, and she yearns to become a witch. In this world, magic is not simply cast with hand motions or words. One must learn to draw the runes themselves. Becoming a witch is not easy, and Coco starts her quest as an apprentice under Qifrey in hopes of someday saving her mom, whom she accidentally turned into stone.
8 Best Wind Users In Anime, Ranked
These wind users are some of the best and most memorable in anime.
Fairy Tail
- Release Year: 2009
Among action Shonen series, not many have a world as fantastical and magical as the world of Fairy Tail. Fairy Tail is a story by Hiro Mashima, and while it isn’t known for the best writing, its world and characters have kept fans hooked for years. The world of Fairy Tail revolves around magic, and even small things, such as the operation of vehicles, can only be operated with it.
The main cast of Fairy Tail all have their own unique type of magic. Natsu, for example, is a fire dragon slayer, while Lucy instead makes use of celestial keys to summon allies. The Fairy Tail manga has ended, but it will be making a brief return for its 20th Anniversary. Fans definitely hope for more animated content concerning the series, as the latest project, the 100 Year Quest, felt quite underwhelming to many.
Black Clover
- Release Year: 2017
Black Clover has cemented itself over the last decade as one of the most prominent newer Shonen series. The story of Black Clover itself is exciting, and it stands as one of the best Shonen series with a magical fantasy setting. The world of Black Clover revolves around magic, and almost everyone is born with some mana. The entire world operates around the use of magic, and in the Kingdom of Clover, whenever one turns 15, they get to obtain their own grimoire. The world of Black Clover features other fantastical elements, like elves and Demons.
The main character, Asta, was born without magic, but instead, he is blessed with the overpowered Anti-Magic ability. Black Clover has captivated millions, but its manga is ending soon. Fans will be able to enjoy this amazing story through its upcoming anime continuation.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
- Release Year: 2012
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic is a widely beloved anime series. Unlike most fantasy magical series, it isn't set in a European-inspired setting but in an Arabian one instead. Magi follows the main characters Aladdin and Ali Baba and takes heavy inspiration from the 1001 Nights. The entire world of Magi functions based on the concept of Rukh, and the magic itself stems from it. Manipulating the Rukh allows one to create magic.
The series explores a lot of themes, but sadly this story never reached its proper conclusion. The anime ended with Season 3, and its return seems unlikely anytime soon. Fans of Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic can also check out its prequel series, Magi: The Adventures of Sinbad.