whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Fantasy · Mystery

The best mystery fantasy anime you can start from the beginning

52 anime that are both fantasy and mystery, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Made in Abyss, Guimi Zhi Zhu: Xiaochou Pian, Mo Dao Zu Shi.

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The list

1. 1 Made in Abyss TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #102 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Guimi Zhi Zhu: Xiaochou Pian Lord of Mysteries ONA · 2025 · 13 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #106 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
3. 3 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
4. 4 Houseki no Kuni Land of the Lustrous TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Orange · #243 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
5. 5 Shinsekai yori From the New World TV · 2012 · 25 episodes · A-1 Pictures · #410 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
6. 6 Haibane Renmei TV · 2002 · 13 episodes · Radix · #755 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
7. 7 Vanitas no Karte The Case Study of Vanitas TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Bones · #945 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
8. 8 Zetsuen no Tempest Blast of Tempest TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · Bones · #995 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
9. 9 Undead Girl Murder Farce Undead Murder Farce TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · Lapin Track · #1083 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
10. 10 Shadows House TV · 2021 · 13 episodes · CloverWorks · #1153 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
11. 11 Wolf's Rain TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Bones · #1208 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
12. 12 Pandora Hearts TV · 2009 · 25 episodes · Xebec · #1644 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
13. 13 Tianbao Fuyao Lu Legend of Exorcism ONA · 2020 · 13 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #1797 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
14. 14 Kagami no Kojou Lonely Castle in the Mirror Film · 2022 · A-1 Pictures · #1815 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
15. 15 Kami no Tou Tower of God TV · 2020 · 13 episodes · Telecom Animation Film · #1983 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
16. 16 Kara no Kyoukai Movie 1: Fukan Fuukei The Garden of Sinners Chapter 1: Overlooking View Film · 2007 · ufotable · #1984 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
17. 17 Fantastic Children TV · 2004 · 26 episodes · Nippon Animation · #2012 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
18. 18 Koukyuu no Karasu Raven of the Inner Palace TV · 2022 · 13 episodes · Bandai Namco Pictures · #2063 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
19. 19 Penguin Highway Film · 2018 · Studio Colorido · #2069 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
20. 20 X TV · 2001 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #2701 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
21. 21 Lord El-Melloi II-sei no Jikenbo: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note Lord El-Melloi II's Case Files: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note TV · 2019 · 13 episodes · TROYCA · #2728 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
22. 22 Ginga Tetsudou no Yoru Night on the Galactic Railroad Film · 1985 · Group TAC · #2764 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
23. 23 Sekai Saikou no Ansatsusha, Isekai Kizoku ni Tensei suru The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · SILVER LINK. · #3167 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
24. 24 Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi Sunday Without God TV · 2013 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3320 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
25. 25 Rokka no Yuusha Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers TV · 2015 · 12 episodes · Passione · #3466 on MyAnimeList 74% 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.