Astrology is a popular topic and pseudoscience nowadays and anime make good use of it. Eastern and Western Zodiac have many to offer in terms of writing, and some shows make use of both.
The Western Zodiac, which should be familiar to you, is made up of 12 zodiac signs and has its roots in Babilonia. On the contrary, when talking about the Eastern, we usually consider the Chinese, which features 12 signs as in the West.
The majority of this anime will feature Chinese astrology elements and Fruits Basket is the best example. Some shows will even invent some signs, if necessary.
This listicle is highly subjective and based on our experience.
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6. Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger
Juuni Senshi Bakuretsu Eto Ranger is a 1995 Japanese anime television series, divided into 39 episodes. The story stars the Eto Rangers, warriors based on the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac and their adventures.
A simple zodiac-themed anime once again, worth seeing for its lightness and if you are a fan of vintage anime.
5. Juni Taisen: Zodiac War
A 2017 anime that makes action and combat its strong points.
The story centers on twelve warriors, each representing a Chinese zodiac sign, who must face each other in a tournament to win the coveted first prize, which is wish fulfillment. But only one can emerge victorious.
A good survival anime, with fight scenes that don’t overly excel. An anime to watch without commitment if you are in the mood for some action.
4. Star Twinkle Pretty Cure
One of the most recent Majokko anime ever, released only between 2019 and 2020 in 49 episodes.
Hikaru, while intent on observing the night sky, encounters the alien Lala, Prince, and Fuwa, the legend of the twelve princesses inspired by the signs of the zodiac that held the balance of the universe, until they were attacked.
Thus begins Hikaru’s adventure, searching for the magical feathers that can give the powers needed to save the princesses.
If you are a fan of magical girls and the colorful, glittering transformations typical of the genre, your choice can only fall here.
3. Etotama
The story of Etotama revolves around Nya-tan, the Chinese astrology cat who would like to become an official member of the Chinese zodiac signs.
She’s a simpleton and suffers from memory loss but still tries in various absurd ways to succeed.
One day she meets Takeru Tendo, a high school student living alone in Akihabara, and begins to mooch off him at his house. Gradually our protagonist will get closer to her goal.
An unpretentious fantasy comedy to be viewed as such.
2. Fruits Basket
A cult in the romance genre that received a remake in 2019 by Studio TMS Entertainment.
The story follows Tohru Honda, a girl that starts living in a tent after a family tragedy. Her tent is located inside the Souma residence, a very peculiar household.
Once they know about her situation, they offer to let her live inside their house.
The strange thing about the Souma family is that when they are hugged by a member of the opposite sex, they transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
1. Saint Seiya
Based on the world-famous manga by Masami Kurumada comes the Saint Seiya anime, one of the most famous and iconic fighting works.
The Galactic War is periodically convened at the Palace of Tournaments, where the chosen Saints gather. Their goal is to protect the Goddess Athena.
This is to face each other and win the legendary Golden Armor that bestows unimaginable powers when worn. Prominent among them is Pegasus, the protagonist, but villains are as always ready to intrude.
The zodiac component is very pronounced here, with each warrior drawing his power from a different constellation.
