whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Adventure · Drama

The best drama adventure anime you can start from the beginning

204 anime that are both adventure and drama, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Sousou no Frieren, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Vinland Saga.

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The list

1. 1 Sousou no Frieren Frieren: Beyond Journey's End TV · 2023 · 28 episodes · Madhouse · #1 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood TV · 2009 · 64 episodes · Bones · #2 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
3. 3 Vinland Saga TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Wit Studio · #45 on MyAnimeList 97% would recommend
4. 4 Howl no Ugoku Shiro Howl's Moving Castle Film · 2004 · Studio Ghibli · #80 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
5. 5 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
6. 6 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
7. 7 Sora yori mo Tooi Basho A Place Further Than The Universe TV · 2018 · 13 episodes · Madhouse · #168 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
8. 8 Banana Fish TV · 2018 · 24 episodes · MAPPA · #192 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
9. 9 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
10. 10 Tian Guan Cifu Heaven Official's Blessing ONA · 2020 · 11 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #229 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
11. 11 Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Film · 1984 · Topcraft · #276 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
12. 12 Fumetsu no Anata e To Your Eternity TV · 2021 · 20 episodes · Brain's Base · #284 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
13. 13 Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation TV · 2021 · 11 episodes · Studio Bind · #310 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
14. 14 Romeo no Aoi Sora Romeo's Blue Skies TV · 1995 · 33 episodes · Nippon Animation · #314 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
15. 15 Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World Kino's Journey TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · A.C.G.T. · #356 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
16. 16 Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: Tokyo Revelations OVA · 2007 · 3 episodes · Production I.G · #384 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
17. 17 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
18. 18 Majo no Takkyuubin Kiki's Delivery Service Film · 1989 · Studio Ghibli · #407 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
19. 19 Ookami to Koushinryou Spice and Wolf TV · 2008 · 13 episodes · Imagin · #439 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
20. 20 Cardcaptor Sakura TV · 1998 · 70 episodes · Madhouse · #461 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
21. 21 Interstella5555: The 5tory of The 5ecret 5tar 5ystem Film · 2003 · Toei Animation · #554 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
22. 22 Ookami to Koushinryou: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf TV · 2024 · 25 episodes · Passione · #560 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
23. 23 Fullmetal Alchemist TV · 2003 · 51 episodes · Bones · #565 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
24. 24 Mirai Shounen Conan Future Boy Conan TV · 1978 · 26 episodes · Nippon Animation · #587 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
25. 25 Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven Eureka Seven TV · 2005 · 50 episodes · Bones · #672 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.