Hidden Fantasy Anime Gems You Must Watch Now

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Summary

  • Many lesser-known fantasy anime gems deserve more attention, like Mermaid Forest.
  • Radiant and The Beast Player Erin are underrated shows featuring compelling characters and deep storylines.
  • Ixion Saga DT & Wolf’s Rain are examples of quality anime often overlooked despite their captivating plots.

Over the past ten years, anime’s fame has skyrocketed and continues to grow, attracting new enthusiasts regularly. This growth period also coincides with an unprecedented increase in anime production. Consequently, some exceptional anime pieces may remain undiscovered, often only found by dedicated, die-hard fans.

Every anime genre shares a common ground, but it’s the fantasy genre that warrants closer examination. Though series like “Attack on Titan,” “Fullmetal Alchemist,” and “Black Clover” – popular as they are – grab all the limelight and attention, there are many hidden gems in the realm of fantasy anime that have yet to make a splash but certainly deserve recognition.

1. Tales Of Zestiria The X

A Better Show Than It Had Any Right To Be

The popular “Tales” video game franchise has been around for quite some time and boasts a dedicated fanbase who love its JRPG offerings. However, what might surprise some is that it was turned into an anime in 2016. Generally, anime adaptations of video games aren’t great, but “Tales of Zestiria The X” stood out as being quite good.

Sorey’s life has always been among the seraphim, his goal being to establish a harmonious coexistence between humans and these celestial beings. Unforeseen events lead him on an exciting journey, one where he must protect the world. Alongside him are allies, particularly Alisha, a human princess who yearns to rescue her people.

2. Mermaid Forest

A Dark Tale Of Companionship

In the tale of Mermaid Forest, the central character is eternal, yet instead of a heartwarming narrative about an immortal befriending and learning from diverse characters, this story delves into the grittier realities of nature.

Yuta is an immortal due to consuming mermaid meat, and he’s on a quest to regain his humanity. He encounters a young girl named Mana who has also partaken of mermaid flesh, and together they search for a means to return to their normal selves. The series, released in 2003, may not have the most modern animation, but it’s an outstanding blend of horror and fantasy that remains relatively unknown to many viewers.

3. Radiant

One Of The Most Underrated Shonen

  • Release Date: October 6, 2018
  • Studio: Lerche
  • Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

2019’s “Radiant” is an animated series adapted from a French comic, where we follow Seth, a sorcerer on a quest to locate the elusive Radiant, a notorious liar causing chaos worldwide. Along his journey, he encounters new allies and frequently engages in battles, shaping his path through the world’s complexities.

Initially, “Radiant” struggled to gain widespread appeal and failed to fully captivate viewers. It spanned over two seasons and showcased remarkable animation courtesy of studio Lerche. The characters Seth, Mellie, and Doc formed an engaging ensemble, with Seth being particularly intriguing.

4. The Beast Player Erin

The Art Style Hides The Depths Of This Show

  • Release Date: January 10, 2009
  • Studio(s): Production I.G, Trans Arts
  • Genre: Fantasy

In simpler terms, “The Beast Player Erin” by Production I.G narrates the transformation of Erin from an orphaned child to a significant figure in her realm. Beneath its initial appearance, the world of “Erin” is rich and complex, filled with ongoing political machinations and covert operations.

In the anime titled “The Beast Player Erin,” the main character Erin stands out as a commendable female lead. She resided with her mother who looked after colossal reptiles known as Tohda, which were utilized for warfare. Tragically, her mother passed away, and subsequently, she came under the guardianship of a man named John, where she continued to develop further. Despite its ability to tackle mature subjects, this series is unfortunately overlooked; “The Beast Player Erin” truly deserves more recognition.

5. Ixion Saga DT

One Of The Funniest Shows No One Watched

The narrative of “Ixion Saga DT” is modeled after an online video game named “Ixion Saga“, much like “Sword Art Online“. However, in this story, a protagonist named Kon finds himself stuck within his beloved virtual world. As a typical teenager, Kon is now traveling alongside a princess and simultaneously searching for an escape route, as the game has recently become perilous due to its escalating danger.

Ixion Saga DT has a playful, yet well-structured narrative. It’s packed with comical elements, one of which is the memorable gag involving a character’s testicles being squashed. The humor can be coarse, but it’s never malicious. Sadly, it seems that not many people are familiar with this series.

6. Rokka -Braves Of The Six Flowers-

The Strongest Hero

Rokka believes himself to be the most powerful human on Earth and has long yearned to embody heroism. He’s chosen as one of six heroes, known as ‘Braves’, tasked with vanquishing the Youma. Upon arriving at the designated gathering place for these heroes, he finds seven individuals there instead, causing confusion and pandemonium as they struggle to identify the interloper among them.

In a refreshing blend, “Rokka -Braves of the Six Flowers” masterfully weaves together an enchanting fantasy backdrop with a captivating central riddle about the false hero among them. The diverse array of characters adds complexity, giving depth to each one. While the animation may falter occasionally, this series will undeniably grip its viewers from beginning to end.

7. The Tower Of Druaga

Based On A Very Old Game

The Tower of Druaga is an anime adaptation from a video game that dates back to 1984. The series is rich in callbacks to the original game. It centers around Jil, who aims to ascend the tower, vanquish evil forces, and seize a legendary treasure.

The initial episode of this show might seem quite peculiar, but viewers are often encouraged to look beyond the unusual start to form an opinion about the series. It’s a comedy that blends serious aspects, not widely recognized in the fantasy community.

8. Record Of Lodoss War

A Traditional Fantasy From The 90s

Record Of Lodoss War is arguably one of the most well-known hidden gems in the realm of fantasy anime. This classic series from the 90s encapsulates all the typical elements found in a fantasy anime, such as a diverse band of heroes, each possessing unique abilities, striving to prevent catastrophe from striking their world.

The series, “Record of Lodoss War,” immerses viewers in a captivating fantasy realm on the brink of extinction. Characters such as Parn, Deedlit, Slayn, Ghim, and their companions are multi-dimensional and avoid being stereotypical. Although the animation is impressive, it may appear somewhat dated to some audiences. This lesser-known but vital fantasy anime is definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre.

9. The Witch And The Beast

One Of 2024’s Most Underrated Anime

In 2024, the anime titled “The Witch And The Beast” debuted with little fanfare, and many were unaware it was part of the winter lineup. This series narrates a girl’s journey to locate a witch who cursed her, aiming to break the spell. Accompanied by an enigmatic man carrying a coffin, this character certainly sparked curiosity, but the show remained relatively unknown.

The anime boasts a deep ambiance and intriguing characters, unafraid to depict graphic scenes. Its narrative is captivating, and the main character is delightful to support. However, the animation could use improvement, which, considering it’s from the lesser-known Yokohama Animation Laboratory, might have played a role in its relative obscurity.

10. Wolf’s Rain

A Depressing Representation Of A Post-Apocalyptic World

In the realm of “Wolf’s Rain,” there’s a sense of gloom that aligns perfectly with its narrative. Contrary to popular belief, wolves are not extinct as once thought; they’ve merely disguised themselves as humans to survive and carry on. The report of their disappearance was more myth than fact.

In the heart of the narrative, we find ourselves tracking four wolves in pursuit of a mythical paradise. It is not the wolves that truly captivate in “Wolf’s Rain”, but rather the world itself, meticulously designed and breathed life into by the masterful skills at Studio Bones. This world unfolds its tale to the viewers, revealing fragments about its past, as we journey with these wolves in search of paradise. Immersed within this captivating landscape, we find ourselves delving into an era long past.

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2025-06-03 11:34