whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Fantasy

The best historical fantasy anime you can start from the beginning

199 anime that are both fantasy and historical, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Xian Ni, Mo Dao Zu Shi, Tian Guan Cifu.

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The list

1. 1 Xian Ni Renegade Immortal ONA · 2023 · 180 episodes · BUILD DREAM · #172 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
2. 2 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
3. 3 Tian Guan Cifu Heaven Official's Blessing ONA · 2020 · 11 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #229 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
4. 4 Guangyin Zhi Wai Beyond Time's Gaze ONA · 2025 · 26 episodes · Yien Animation Studio · #232 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
5. 5 Mushen Ji Tales of Herding Gods ONA · 2024 · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #331 on MyAnimeList
6. 6 Dororo TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #370 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Kaguya-hime no Monogatari The Tale of the Princess Kaguya Film · 2013 · Studio Ghibli · #423 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
9. 9 Cang Yuan Tu The Demon Hunter ONA · 2023 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #528 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
10. 10 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
11. 11 Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas - Meiou Shinwa Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas OVA · 2009 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #762 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
12. 12 Yi Nian Yong Heng A Will Eternal ONA · 2020 · 52 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #789 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
13. 13 Douluo Dalu Soul Land ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #848 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
14. 14 Vanitas no Karte The Case Study of Vanitas TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Bones · #945 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 InuYasha TV · 2000 · 167 episodes · Sunrise · #975 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
16. 16 Ze Tian Ji (2026) Way of Choices ONA · 2026 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #994 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
17. 17 Jian Lai The Swords ONA · 2024 · 26 episodes · Cloud Art · #1003 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
18. 18 Saiunkoku Monogatari The Story of Saiunkoku TV · 2006 · 39 episodes · Madhouse · #1036 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
19. 19 Wanmei Shijie Perfect World ONA · 2021 · 338 episodes · Foch Film · #1057 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
20. 20 Wu Shan Wu Xing (2020) Fog Hill of Five Elements ONA · 2020 · 3 episodes · Samsara Animation Studio · #1059 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
21. 21 Undead Girl Murder Farce Undead Murder Farce TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Lapin Track · #1083 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
22. 22 Shanhe Jian Xin Thousand Autumns ONA · 2021 · 16 episodes · Motion Magic · #1135 on MyAnimeList
23. 23 Nitian Xie Shen Against the Gods ONA · 2023 · 30 episodes · Foch Film · #1152 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
24. 24 Inu-Ou Inu-Oh Film · 2022 · Science SARU · #1252 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
25. 25 Da Zhuzai: Nian Fan The Great Ruler ONA · 2023 · 52 episodes · Motion Magic · #1272 on MyAnimeList 87% 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.