10 Must-Watch Medieval Anime Series

Medieval anime, set in medieval or fantasy worlds, has always been popular due to its mix of magic, knights, castles, and legendary quests, providing an exciting escape from modern life. These series offer epic adventures, mythical worlds, and iconic characters that capture our imaginations.

In this list, we will explore some of the best medieval anime series that transport us to realms of sorcery, swordplay, nobility, and mysticism. Whether you enjoy tales of warriors striving for glory, wizards battling mythical beasts, or princesses caught up in palace intrigues, these spectacular sagas have something for every medieval anime fan.

Discover the past: Top 10 medieval anime that will captivate you

Get ready to unsheathe your swords and prepare your spells, because we're about to list the top ten best medieval anime you should definitely check out. Please note that the article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any way.

1. Berserk

Berserk (Image via OLM)

Berserk, a dark fantasy anime, presents one of the most vividly depicted medieval worlds in the genre. The story follows Guts, a somber swordsman with a tragic past, as he battles demons, corruption, and unending warfare in a bleak realm. As he confronts his predestined fate, Guts also contends with themes of betrayal, tragedy, and unrelenting vengeance, both for himself and the intricate individuals he meets. Violent yet philosophically melancholic, Berserk weaves a compelling narrative of noble conflicts and damnation in its medieval setting.

2. Record of Lodoss War

Record of Lodoss War (Image via Madhouse)

Record of Lodoss War is celebrated as a groundbreaking medieval fantasy anime series that follows the thrilling escapades of a young group of adventurers on the fabled island of Lodoss - a realm engulfed in warfare and dark sorcery. Lodoss is depicted as a fully realized alternate world, boasting a diverse range of races, intricate geography and history, a sprawling pantheon of gods, and complex political power struggles.

Our protagonists must showcase courage and solidarity as they confront ancient malevolence and become entangled in pivotal battles that will determine the fate of Lodoss. The series is lauded for its intricately crafted storyline that seamlessly merges classic high fantasy elements with deeply moving character development. With its grand scale and themes of honor and companionship, Record of Lodoss War ignites the imagination.

3. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Image via Production I.G)

The Moribito series transports readers to a fantastical realm filled with ornate palaces, rural villages, mystic forests, and sweeping grasslands reminiscent of a medieval storybook. The story follows Balsa, a skilled spear-wielder, as she embarks on a journey to protect Prince Chagum from assassins. As the water source mysteriously begins to dry up across the land, it becomes evident that Chagum's connection to a water spirit may be the cause. With its rich cultural details and Chinese-inspired fantasy elements, Moribito creates an immersive medieval world built on balanced magic systems and harmonious cultures in line with feudal aesthetics.

4. Seven Deadly Sins

Seven Deadly Sins (Image via A-1 Pictures)

The shonen adventure series Seven Deadly Sins combines Arthurian legends, medieval aesthetics, and magical chaos to create an thrilling story about action and friendship. It follows the Sins, a group of strong knights who disbanded but must come together again to fight against looming threats in the kingdom.

Each Sin represents a cardinal sin and has abilities related to it, exploring themes of acceptance and reconciliation while fighting for justice. The anime builds an expansive fantasy world with rich customs and culture through epic battles and magical abilities rooted in medieval lore.

5. Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke (Image via Studio Ghibli)

During Japan's Muromachi period, Studio Ghibli's groundbreaking film Princess Mononoke portrays a fading era in which gods and beasts once freely roamed the ancient forests, now making way for human settlement. After Prince Ashitaka is cursed by a mystical boar attack, he embarks on a quest for a cure that leads him to the untamed realm of Princess Mononoke, a girl raised by wolves who fiercely defends the forest.

Blending Japanese mythical elements with exquisitely detailed medieval village scenery and technology, this moving ecological fable carries a timeless significance through its immersive world-building. The film skillfully weaves together environmental themes and the inner conflicts of its intricate characters, showcasing a profound respect for nature in the face of human advancement.

6. Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf (Image via Imagin)

Spice and Wolf is a delightful fantasy romance that tells the story of Lawrence, a merchant navigating a richly imagined medieval anime universe. His fateful meeting with Holo, a wolf deity of harvest, sparks an unexpected and enchanting partnership.

As Lawrence and Holo journey through towns and cities, the anime intricately weaves together medieval economics, trade, and church authority to construct a vibrant world teeming with lively festivals, busy ports, quaint villages, and rich pagan traditions. Their thought-provoking conversations and evolving bond unfold gracefully within this immersive setting.

7. Vision of Escaflowne

Vision of Escaflowne (Image via Sunrise)

Vision of Escaflowne is a definitive isekai fantasy that is often hailed as a cornerstone of medieval anime. The story follows Hitomi, a high school girl who finds herself transported to the magical land of Gaea. This realm is filled with knights, dragons, and warring kingdoms steeped in mythic mystique.

As Hitomi becomes entangled in the battle against the Zaibach empire, which utilizes medieval techno-sorcery to create chimera and energy weapons, she must navigate courtly intrigues and her feelings for the knight Van as conflicts escalate to legendary proportions. Escaflowne weaves an unforgettable tapestry of romances and rivalries by combining medieval fantasy with magical mecha action.

8. Rage of Bahamut

Rage of Bahamut: Genesis (Image via MAPPA)

Rage of Bahamut: Genesis combines fantasy, swashbuckling adventure, and occult magic in a richly imagined world filled with dragons, demons, and medieval aesthetics. The story follows Favaro, an adventurer who embarks on a journey to help the enigmatic Amira reach Helheim. Fueled by captivating plots centered around occult artifacts, gods, and mystical landscapes, the series offers an exhilarating experience for fans of action-packed medieval anime.

9. The Heroic Legend of Arslan

The Heroic Legend of Arslan (Image via Liden Films)

The Heroic Legend of Arslan, based on Persian mythology and the historical epic Amir Arsalan, takes place in the medieval Balkh Kingdom. It delves into court intrigues, territorial disputes, and features refreshing Middle Eastern visual influences. This anime series explores themes of honor, bravery, and the complexities of leadership during times of war and turmoil.

The story follows the struggles of the young Prince Arslan, who must rally allies and resources to reclaim his captured kingdom from invaders. Arslan captures the grandeur of medieval chronicles with its themes of leadership, loyalty, and court politics, set against a backdrop of battlefield heroics and tactical maneuvers.

10. Ascendance of a Bookworm

Ascendance of a Bookworm (Image via Ajia-do Animation Works)

Ascendance of a Bookworm is a groundbreaking isekai tale featuring Myne, a passionate book enthusiast who is reborn as the delicate daughter of medieval peasants. Fueled by her love for books, Myne uses her contemporary knowledge to introduce early printing presses and papermaking workshops, gradually reshaping life in the medieval world.

This extraordinary medieval anime narrative intricately portrays the authentic scribal and printing techniques of the time while exploring the positive effects of access to information and grassroots technological advancements in a fantasy medieval setting, encompassing monastic scriptoriums, merchant guilds, and court scholars.

Conclusion

Medieval anime transport viewers to legendary realms teeming with magic, mythical kingdoms, and iconic heroes. These series blend history, mythology, and fantasy to create rich and imaginative worlds that revolve around medieval life.

They tell captivating tales, both personal and grand, that honor the values of bravery, selflessness, and determination while delving into the intricate themes of morality and reconciliation in turbulent eras.

With their dedicated worldbuilding and lore forming an immersive backdrop, medieval anime unleash our sense of wonder and provide spectacular sagas celebrating the heights of human potential.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited to explore the enchanting world of medieval anime. The captivating series mentioned in the article, such as Berserk, Record of Lodoss War, Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, and Seven Deadly Sins, transport me to thrilling realms of magic, epic quests, and heroic battles. These anime offer the perfect escape from the modern world, immersing me in magical realms, epic quests, and iconic characters that capture my imagination.

Each series brings unique elements to the medieval anime genre. Berserk presents a dark and vividly depicted medieval world, while Record of Lodoss War offers a fully realized alternate world with intricate details and a sprawling pantheon of gods. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit enchants with its rich cultural details and Chinese-inspired fantasy elements, while Seven Deadly Sins combines Arthurian legends and medieval aesthetics with magical chaos.