Here are five great fantasy-themed anime that are fun, imaginative, and easy to enjoy.
- Made in Abyss
Genre: Dark fantasy, adventure
Why it’s fun: Gorgeous worldbuilding, mysterious creatures, emotional atmosphere
Story Setup
The world centers on the Abyss, a colossal vertical pit filled with ancient ruins, strange wildlife, and relics from long-lost civilizations. Its depths are so dangerous that only specially trained explorers called Delvers dare to descend.
The story follows Riko, a young girl whose mother was a legendary Delver, and Reg, a mysterious boy who appears to be a robot with no memories. When Riko discovers a message hinting that her mother might still be alive deep in the Abyss, she and Reg set off on a journey downward.
The further they go, the stranger and more alien the world becomes. Each layer has its own ecosystem, rules, and dangers—turning the Abyss into a character itself.
Tone: Beautiful, whimsical, and sometimes surprisingly dark, but always filled with a sense of wonder.
- Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Genre: Adventure, high fantasy
Why it’s fun: Great worldbuilding, magic, charismatic characters, upbeat tone
Story Setup
Set in a vibrant world inspired by Middle Eastern, African, and Asian mythologies, the story follows Aladdin, a cheerful boy with a mysterious flute containing a powerful Djinn spirit. He befriends Alibaba, a clever young man determined to conquer a “dungeon”—a massive supernatural structure filled with treasure, traps, and magical creatures.
Dungeons are believed to be connected to destiny itself. Those who clear them are chosen by fate to become leaders, wield magic, and shape kingdoms.
As Aladdin and Alibaba explore the world, they encounter political intrigue, fantastical magic systems, and ancient forces connected to the creation of the world.
Tone: Lighthearted adventure with bursts of deeper themes.
- The Rising of the Shield Hero
Genre: Isekai fantasy, adventure
Why it’s fun: Underdog story, world mechanics, character growth
Story Setup
Naofumi, an ordinary college student, is transported to another world as one of four Legendary Heroes, each wielding a unique sacred weapon. Unlike the others—who get offensive weapons—he becomes the Shield Hero, considered the weakest.
This world is under threat from catastrophic events known as “Waves,” and the heroes must work together to defend the people. But early on, Naofumi is betrayed and falsely accused, turning the kingdom against him.
Forced to survive alone, he starts building strength in unconventional ways: crafting, defense, support skills, and alliances with people similarly marginalized.
The story focuses on:
- rebuilding trust
- overcoming prejudice
- navigating a complex fantasy world with game-like systems
- forming meaningful bonds
Tone: Starts heavy but becomes satisfying as the hero grows stronger and wiser.
- KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (KonoSuba)
Genre: Comedy fantasy, parody
Why it’s fun: Hilarious characters, lighthearted adventures, fantasy tropes turned into jokes
Story Setup (No Spoilers)
After a very embarrassing death, Kazuma—a modern Japanese teen—finds himself offered reincarnation in a fantasy RPG-style world. He can bring one thing with him… and he spitefully chooses Aqua, the goddess who mocked him.
Unfortunately:
- Aqua is powerful but often useless
- Their party grows to include a masochistic crusader and an explosion-obsessed mage
- Every quest goes spectacularly off the rails
- The series parodies classic fantasy tropes while still delivering surprisingly solid worldbuilding and adventures.
Tone: Pure fun, chaotic energy, and lovable dysfunctional characters.
- Re:Zero — Starting Life in Another World
Genre: Psychological fantasy, dark adventure
Why it’s fun: Deep world lore, strong emotional arcs, unique story structure
Story Setup
Subaru, an ordinary teen, is transported to a fantasy world filled with magic, knights, and mysterious forces. He quickly discovers he has a supernatural ability he never asked for: when he dies, he returns to a previous point in time, retaining full memory.
This ability forces Subaru into morally complex situations—sometimes solving problems requires trial, error, and emotional endurance. But he also forms bonds with characters like Emilia and Rem, uncovering the world’s secrets and the true nature of his power.
The fantasy elements include:
- ancient magical beasts
- powerful kingdoms
- mysterious cults
- intricate magic systems
Tone: Emotional, dramatic, but extremely rewarding and immersive.
I like the first two.