whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama · Fantasy

The best fantasy drama anime you can start from the beginning

187 anime that are both drama and fantasy, 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, Howl no Ugoku Shiro.

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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 Howl no Ugoku Shiro Howl's Moving Castle Film · 2004 · Studio Ghibli · #80 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
5. 5 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
7. 7 Tian Guan Cifu Heaven Official's Blessing ONA · 2020 · 11 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #229 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Sayonara no Asa ni Yakusoku no Hana wo Kazarou Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms Film · 2018 · P.A. Works · #237 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Houseki no Kuni Land of the Lustrous TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Orange · #243 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
10. 10 Kaze no Tani no Nausicaä Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Film · 1984 · Topcraft · #276 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
11. 11 Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation TV · 2021 · 11 episodes · Studio Bind · #310 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
12. 12 Kemono no Souja Erin The Beast Player Erin TV · 2009 · 50 episodes · Production I.G · #321 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
13. 13 Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World Kino's Journey TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · A.C.G.T. · #356 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: Tokyo Revelations OVA · 2007 · 3 episodes · Production I.G · #384 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
15. 15 Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- TV · 2016 · 25 episodes · White Fox · #393 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
16. 16 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
17. 17 Majo no Takkyuubin Kiki's Delivery Service Film · 1989 · Studio Ghibli · #407 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
18. 18 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
19. 19 Death Parade TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #545 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
20. 20 Fullmetal Alchemist TV · 2003 · 51 episodes · Bones · #565 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
21. 21 Yuanshen: Jinzhong Ge Genshin Impact: The Song Burning in the Embers ONA · 2024 · 1 episode · #605 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
22. 22 Angel Beats! TV · 2010 · 13 episodes · P.A. Works · #664 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
23. 23 Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master TV · 2024 · 20 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #671 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
24. 24 Mahoutsukai no Yome The Ancient Magus' Bride TV · 2017 · 24 episodes · Wit Studio · #673 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
25. 25 Haibane Renmei TV · 2002 · 13 episodes · Radix · #755 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.