Unleashing the Ultimate Fantasy Anime Saga - Top 10 Non-Isekai Gems!

In recent years, the isekai genre has dominated the fantasy anime scene. Whether it's characters turning into swords, slimes, vending machines, or simply improved versions of themselves, the concept of being reincarnated into another world has become a popular trend. However, with the genre becoming crowded, there is still room for imaginative and enjoyable non-isekai stories in the fantasy genre. From epic high fantasy tales to comedic satires, there are numerous worthwhile fantasy anime options that do not involve characters from the real world being reincarnated.

10 The Tower of Druaga

Based on the notorious Japanese arcade game of the 1980s and drawing inspiration from Ancient Mesopotamian mythology, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, The Tower of Druaga is not a direct adaptation. Instead, it incorporates many of the names and concepts, applying them to a Fantasy world with a Middle Eastern aesthetic. Primarily, The Tower of Druaga is a peculiar comedy. The first episode, which presents protagonist Jil's dream following a head injury, is one of the most amusing and brilliantly self-aware satires of fantasy anime ever created. Throughout the series, the comedic tone remains consistent, although there are instances of genuine dramatic tension and emotional depth.

9 Record of Lodoss War

8 Fairy Tail

Although Record of Lodoss War may appear generic and out of date, it is crucial to recognize its significance as one of the pioneering Fantasy anime to gain popularity in North America, despite being almost thirty years old. Far from being unoriginal, the series played a key role in establishing and shaping the genre.

Derived from the renowned manga series, Fairy Tail presents a fresh take on the traditional Fantasy realm by featuring an entire ensemble of wizards. While every main character harnesses magical abilities, the series excels in constructing a captivating world through the distinct and innovative ways each character employs their magic. Focused on the happenings within the titular wizard's guild, Fairy Tail combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and adventure, skillfully weaving an intricate tapestry that expertly balances humor, intense action, and deeply impactful moments.

7 Claymore

Feeling reminiscent of a fusion between Berserk and The Witcher, Claymore captivates viewers with its dark and gritty atmoshpere, presenting a grim dark fantasy anime. The storyline revolves around Clare, a skilled swordswoman who belongs to the legendary Claymores - a group of female warriors renowned for their exceptional strength, enabling them to wield enormous swords. The monstrous creatures featured in the series possess truly horrifying designs, and the combat sequences are relentless and fierce, further enhanced by the incredible superhuman abilities possessed by the Claymores.

6 The Heroic Legend of Arslan

The Heroic Legend of Arslan draws inspiration from the Medieval Persian epic poem, The Shahnameh, and incorporates elements from the Crusades. Much like Game of Thrones, this sprawling saga weaves together tales of war and political intrigue. At its core is the exiled prince Arslan, who embarks on a courageous quest to reclaim his rightful throne. Along this journey, he not only grows into a capable leader, but also discovers his true destiny. What sets The Heroic Legend of Arslan apart is its non-European inspired setting, which adds a distinctive aesthetic and enriches its world building. With a compelling narrative and thrilling action sequences, this series stands strong on its own merits.

5 Demon Slayer

4 Spice and Wolf

Demon Slayer, set in a stylized version of Taisho-era Japan plagued by monsters and demons, features super-powered sword fighters who bravely combat them. The series effectively incorporates the historical backdrop by heavily utilizing traditional Japanese visual arts and music in its soundtrack and art direction. These distinct stylistic choices enhance the intensity of the action-packed fight scenes, leading to visually stunning and unforgettable moments. With the support of these stunning aesthetics, Demon Slayer has captivated audiences with its compelling narrative, establishing itself as one of the most popular shonen series in recent years.

Spice and Wolf tells the tale of Lawrence, a wandering merchant, and Holo, an ancient wolf-goddess abandoned by her once-devoted community. Although lacking in action, the series compensates with an abundance of dramatic moments. As Lawrence navigates treacherous business deals plagued by corrupt authority figures, Holo finds herself trying to adapt in a world that has forsaken the ancient gods she represents, favoring a new faith that vilifies the old traditions. This captivating series delves into profound insights about human nature, religious institutions, and beliefs, while also offering a surprisingly educational glimpse into medieval economics—a facet not to be overlooked when immersing oneself in the original light novel series. Moreover, the anime adaptation offers the added pleasure of a resplendent Celtic-inspired soundtrack.

3 Granblue Fantasy

Based on a popular web-based game, Granblue Fantasy takes place in a world comprised of islands floating in the sky. Gran's serene village existence is disrupted when the enigmatic Lyria unexpectedly falls from the heavens while desperately evading the grasp of the Erste Empire. In an effort to evade capture and reach the renowned Island of the Astrals, Gran, Lyria, Gran's loyal dragon companion Vyrn, and Lyria's protective bodyguard Katalina embark on a thrilling journey. The exceptional world building of Granblue Fantasy is its standout feature, meshing conventional Fantasy elements, influences drawn from real-world mythology, and intriguing Science Fantasy aspects amidst the stunning backdrop of a celestial archipelago, resulting in an unparalleled and unforgettable setting.

2 Slayers

Originally a light novel series, Slayers underwent a transformation into a three-season anime during the 1990s. It later experienced a revival in 2008 with two additional seasons, along with the release of multiple movies and specials. Set in a traditional fantasy realm, heavily influenced by Dungeons & Dragons, Slayers distinguishes itself through its relentlessly comedic atmosphere. Anchored by the self-absorbed yet ultimately courageous sorceress Lina Inverse, the series showcases the consequences of relying on an ensemble of oddballs to rescue the world. Infusing genuine action and suspense with an exuberant cast perfectly adept at bouncing off each other, Slayers effectively parodies the customary conventions of the fantasy genre.

1 Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

Based on a series of light novels, Is it Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? incorporates real-world mythology into its central premise. In the ancient past of this fictional world, gods descended to the mortal realm and coexisted with humans by becoming patrons of mortal adventuring guilds called Familia. The story primarily revolves around Bell, a novice adventurer who becomes the first mortal to join the Familia of the goddess Hestia. One of the main sources of humor in the series stems from the fact that, although Bell is only interested in the swordswoman Ais romantically, his relentless kindness and care unintentionally win the hearts of nearly every female character he encounters.

While it may seem that recent fantasy anime has been heavily focused on isekai, there are still plenty of traditional fantasy anime options for fans to explore. From classic 90s series to newer ones, there is a wealth of enjoyable anime available that does not require the protagonist to be reincarnated into a new world.