Must-Watch Anime for DanMachi Fans

DanMachi, also known as Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?, is a beloved fantasy anime with multiple seasons. It is based on a light novel written by Fujino Omori, depicting a world where adventurers form guilds dedicated to gods. One such goddess is Hestia, who has only one follower named Bell Cranel. Despite being kind-hearted and determined, Bell is not very strong, yet he bravely explores the dungeon that the anime is named after. As Bell's adventures unfold, Hestia's guild begins to expand.

While DanMachi has never been considered bad, it has received mixed reactions from fans due to some seasons straying from the show's core theme of dungeon exploration. However, season 4 made a notable return to this original concept, receiving positive feedback from viewers. The future of the show looks promising, but are there other anime similar to DanMachi that fans might enjoy exploring?

Delicious In Dungeon

Updated on March 3, 2024 by Mark Sammut: Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? 5 has been confirmed, although a release period has yet to be announced. The fantasy anime is currently on an upward trajectory, with season 4 representing its peak; consequently, the next entry might be the most highly anticipated yet. While waiting for its debut, fans should check out some anime like DanMachi.

A Twist On Dungeon Crawling

Delicious In Dungeon​​​​​​​ - A Twist On Dungeon Crawling

Delicious in Dungeon is a delightful anime to watch in Winter 2024. It offers a unique take on dungeon crawling that will appeal to fans of fantasy anime and Dungeons & Dragons. The story centers around a party on a mission to rescue a companion who was eaten by a dragon. They must find her before she is fully digested. To avoid being weighed down and wasting time restocking supplies, they decide to consume the dungeon's monstrous creatures, a plan that not all party members are thrilled about.

The anime's premise sets the stage for a comedy that playfully twists genre conventions. Despite its light-hearted tone, Delicious in Dungeon manages to tell an engaging fantasy story with lovable characters. The characters approach their challenges with seriousness, adding depth to the humor and allowing for exciting action sequences. The animation by Trigger is breathtaking, and the dungeon setting strikes the perfect balance between traditional and full of character.

Tower Of Druaga: The Aegis Of Uruk

Unforgiving Dungeon

Tower Of Druaga - Unforgiving Dungeon - Tower Of Druaga: The Aegis Of Uruk

The Tower of Druaga is quite unique in several ways. To begin with, it serves as a sequel to an old but respected game, a fact that is cleverly woven into the show through both obvious and subtle references. Additionally, the first episode takes a comedic approach to fantasy storytelling, in stark contrast to the anime's overall serious tone. While these aspects may deter fans of DanMachi from giving The Tower of Druaga a chance, it would be a shame as both shows share similarities that fans might enjoy.

Made In Abyss

In Made In Abyss, the main character Riko is determined to descend to the bottom of the Abyss, a mysterious and dangerous chasm. Similar to Bell from The Tower of Druaga, Riko cannot accomplish this journey alone and teams up with a diverse group of characters who complement her strengths and weaknesses. Both Riko and Bell experience personal growth and challenges as they progress through their respective quests.

Harrowing Adventure In A Sadistic Dungeon

made in abyss first layer - Harrowing Adventure In A Sadistic Dungeon - Made In Abyss

This recommendation comes with an asterisk since Made in Abyss is darker than DanMachi. The anime can be uncomfortable to watch at times. However, both shows share similar premises. They follow adventurers who explore mysterious dungeons filled with awe-inspiring and terrifying things. The deeper they go, the worse nightmares they face.

Made in Abyss tortures its heroes in ways that surpass any setbacks endured by Bell. Both anime touch upon themes like human corruption. Kinema Citrus' series also spends a lot of time establishing the mythos of the Abyss. This ensures the location feels like a living entity.

Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions

A Realistic Isekai Where Survival is Not Guaranteed

Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions - A Realistic Isekai Where Survival is Not Guaranteed - Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions

In each new season of DanMachi, while there are still moments of comedy, the focus has shifted towards increasing the dramatic tension, sacrificing some of the humor. This dark fantasy series highlights the risks and dangers that Bell faces in his chosen way of life. Similarly, Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions takes a similar approach, adding an isekai twist to the narrative.

A group of teenagers find themselves in a harsh fantasy world without their memories, facing a tough environment that favors the strong. They must complete risky quests with little payoff to stay alive.

KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

Laughing Through Misadventures

konosuba statistics chart characters - Laughing Through Misadventures - KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

KonoSuba offers a unique tone compared to DanMachi as it mainly parodies the isekai genre, with occasional touches of action in some episodes and the movie. This show is best suited for those seeking a comedic twist on the fantasy genre. Nevertheless, there are some similarities shared between the two series.

Both KonoSuba and DanMachi center around the dynamic between a human and a goddess. However, Kazuma and Aqua's interactions tend to be more adversarial, contrasting with the supportive friendship between Bell and Hestia. Throughout the anime, Kazuma gradually forms a party of misfits who are capable in battle but also possess noticeable weaknesses.

The Rising Of The Shield Hero

Protagonist With The World Against Him

Naofumi betrayed in The Rising of the Shield Hero - Protagonist With The World Against Him - The Rising Of The Shield Hero

Naofumi Iwatani, a university student, finds himself in a new and unfamiliar world. Here, he discovers The Four Cardinal Heroes, each equipped with a specific weapon to battle the Waves of Catastrophe. Naofumi, unfortunately, is given the title of the "Shield Hero", a position often belittled and mocked for its perceived weakness.

Naofumi faces discrimination in Melromarc due to the deceitful Malty Melromarc, leading him to lose trust in those around him. Determined to restore his reputation and strength, he realizes the importance of teamwork and acquires a demi-human slave named Raphtalia. Together, they embark on a journey to defeat the Waves in The Rising of the Shield Hero.

The anime, The Rising of the Shield Hero, can spark mixed opinions, especially the sequel. However, the first season is highly enjoyable, featuring Naofumi as a unique protagonist in the isekai genre. Similar to DanMachi, Shield Hero portrays a protagonist rejected by society who gradually proves his worth.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

Lighthearted Isekai About Building A Community

time i got reincarnated as a slime - Lighthearted Isekai About Building A Community - That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

Satoru Mikami is attacked and stabbed in Tokyo, coming face to face with his murderer. Feeling the pain and losing consciousness, he hears a mysterious voice in his head. When he wakes up, he discovers that he has been reborn as a slime in a completely new and unfamiliar world.

His new form allows him to consume anything, granting him the ability to copy the appearance and abilities of whatever he eats. While exploring, he meets the Storm Dragon, Veldora, sealed away for 300 years for destroying a town. Satoru vows to help Veldora by breaking the seal, leading to the dragon naming the slime Rimuru Tempest.

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime differs from DanMachi, mainly because it features an extremely powerful protagonist who is rarely challenged in the available seasons. However, both anime focus on the development of a new society or guild, with powerful individuals drawn to a charismatic central figure. Additionally, both series successfully blend humor, action, and suspense, even though Slime is generally more light-hearted than the later seasons of DanMachi.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a comprehensive overview of anime similar to DanMachi, highlighting their unique aspects and similarities with the beloved fantasy series. By exploring shows like Delicious in Dungeon, Tower of Druaga, Made in Abyss, Grimgar, KonoSuba, The Rising of the Shield Hero, and That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime, fans can delve into diverse fantasy worlds and enjoy distinct takes on dungeon crawling, character development, and world-building.

The article effectively conveys the essence of each recommended anime, offering brief synopses that pique the reader's curiosity and encourage them to explore these alternatives. The inclusion of images adds visual interest and helps readers connect with the characters and settings. Overall, the article serves as a valuable guide for DanMachi enthusiasts seeking similar experiences and exploring the broader fantasy anime genre.