If we examine recent anime, few have incredible fantasy atmospheres, realistic relationships and romance between the main characters as The Ancient Magus’ Bride does.
In addition to these two main features, we also have the curious ability of the main character Elias to see spirits, which serves as a cornerstone of the story.
Not to mention Chise, the iconic red-haired female protagonist, who discovers her own feelings as she embarks on her journey.
But no worries, because we have gathered a list of the best anime like The Ancient Magus’ Bride that you must add to your watchlist.
Table of Contents
12. IRODUKU: The World in Colors
Iroduku: The World in Colors is a brief 13-episode anime that premiered in the fall of 2018 that has some similarities with The Ancient Magus Bride.
Let’s begin by noting that both series have a captivating atmosphere that shifts between dark and wonderfully colorful moments, offering a similar aesthetic experience.
Both Irodoku: The World in Colors and The Ancient Magus’ Bride also are set in fantasy worlds infused with magic, centering around the positive psychological growth of a female protagonist.
The story unfolds in a future where magic has become commonplace.
The protagonist, Hitomi, is a descendant of wizards and witches.But she lost her ability to perceive colors at a young age, leaving her emotionally detached.
In response to this, her grandmother Kohaku, a powerful witch, sends Hitomi back in time to an era where she can finally experience the colors she has always longed for.
This journey awakens beautiful emotions in Hitomi, transforming her life.
11. Kakuriyo – Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Kakuriyo is a peculiar rom-com featuring a main character who, like Elias, can see spirits.
Aoi, a college student proud of her cooking skills, possesses the ability to see spirits inherited from her grandfather. One fateful day, she is kidnapped by Ayakashi, the manager of the Heavenly Inn, who claims her as a bride to settle her grandfather’s debts.
Instead of accepting the proposal, Aoi decides to work at the inn to repay her grandfather’s debts. And as she becomes skilled in cooking and managing the inn, she gradually develops feelings for Ayakashi.
While the premise bears similarities to The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Kakuriyo takes a simpler and more comedic approach, providing a refreshing change of tone.
10. Earl and Fairy
Earl and Fairy shifts its setting to a fantastic Victorian England but maintains notable similarities to The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
Lydia Carlton, a 17-year-old girl from Victorian-era England, possesses extraordinary beauty and works as a fairy doctor. She utilizes her ability to see magical creatures and communicate with them to assist them in resolving their issues.
One day, Lydia encounters Edgar Ashenbert, a mysterious boy who seeks her help under peculiar circumstances.
The aspect of the main character being able to see spirits remains a prominent feature, as does the romantic subplot between the two main characters.
And while the plot differs slightly from The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Earl and Fairy offers an appealing change of setting that we’re sure you’ll love.
9. The Girl on the Other Side
The Girl on the Other Side is a unique and captivating OAV series based on a recently released manga that has some major similarities with The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
In this story, there exist two realms: the inner realm, inhabited by ordinary people, and the outer realm, populated by the cursed, who can pass on their curse through mere touch.
Just beyond the borders lies an abandoned village, where Shiva, a healthy child, resides alongside the Master, a cursed man who cares for her.
Unable to physically touch one another, their relationship transcends mere physical affection.
As you’ve noticed, the premise bears some similarity to The Ancient Magus’ Bride, but with a different world-building approach. While the former focuses more on magic, the latter delves into a dark, disease-ridden world.
But both series boast beautifully crafted fantasy worlds and center their narratives around the bond between their main characters, so we’re confident that you’ll find The Girl on the Other Side equally enjoyable.
8. Somali and the Forest Spirit
Somali and the Forest Spirit is a heartwarming anime that shares similarities with both The Ancient Magus’ Bride and the just analyzed The Girl on the Other Side. And this goes particularly in its portrayal of a touching and believable relationship between its main characters.
Set in a world dominated by spirits, goblins, and various other creatures, the human race is persecuted and on the verge of extinction. However, one fateful encounter brings together a golem and a human girl.
The anime follows their journey, showcasing the deepening bond between a father figure and his adopted daughter.
Similar to the other series mentioned, Somali and the Forest Spirit presents a fantastic and unique fantasy world and highlights the beautiful connection between its main characters.
The distinction lies in the absence of a romantic element, instead focusing on the enchanting father-daughter relationship, but we’re still sure that you’ll love it if you’re a fan of The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
7. Mushishi
If you enjoyed the protagonist’s ability to see spirits and the fantasy atmosphere in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, then Mushishi is an excellent choice as it heavily focuses on these elements.
Mushishi follows the story of Ginko, a serious and composed character who is a Mushishi.
Mushishi are experts in dealing with Mushis, mysterious creatures with unknown origins and habits. Coexistence with these creatures is often complicated for humans, hence the need for specialists.
Each episode of Mushishi explores a different mushi, presenting self-contained stories told in a slow, reflective, and artistic manner, and this creates a unique and almost hypnotic atmosphere.
While the plot, themes, and other aspects differ from The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Mushishi offers a captivating fantasy atmosphere that will immerse you in its world.
6. Yona of the Dawn
If you found yourself captivated by Chise’s personal growth and transformation in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, then Yona of the Dawn is an anime that is sure to satisfy your preferences.
In this series, the main character is Princess Yona, who is betrayed and forced to flee her kingdom. Driven by her unwavering determination, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her rightful place as the ruler.
As the story unfolds, you’ll witness Yona’s remarkable evolution from a pampered princess to a skilled fighter, guided by her loyal bodyguard and primary love interest, Hak.
While the plot, setting, and themes of Yona of the Dawn may differ significantly from those of The Ancient Magus’ Bride, we can confidently assure you that this anime will capture your heart.
It offers a compelling narrative of personal growth, a touch of romance, and a captivating setting that will leave you enthralled just as much as The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
5. Natsume’s Book of Friends
The Ancient Magus’ Bride and Natsume’s Book of Friends share an exceptional fantasy and supernatural setting, as well as the trope of the main character who possesses the ability to see spirits.
Like his grandmother Reiko, Natsume has inherited the gift of perceiving spirits.
Reiko used to challenge these spirits, and upon defeating them, she would claim ownership of their names by inscribing them in the Book of Friends.
Now in possession of the book, Natsume embarks on a new journey, encountering vengeful spirits and others who seek her assistance.
While the plot, themes, and setting differ significantly between the two series, the shared element of creating a captivating fantasy atmosphere remains.
If you are seeking an anime that can evoke the same enchanting vibes and atmosphere found in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, Natsume’s Book of Friends is an excellent choice to delve into.
4. Violet Evergarden
Violet Evergarden is a remarkable small masterpiece that shares a significant element with The Ancient Magus’ Bride: the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery after a dark past, a theme also present in Chise’s story.
The story takes place in Telesis, a land plagued by long-standing conflicts. Finally, after years of strife, peace seems to have settled upon the land.
Violet, the protagonist, was born and raised amidst this turmoil, serving as a soldier. However, with the war now over, she finds herself adrift, lacking a sense of purpose.
Fortuitously, Violet is taken in by the Evergarden family and employed as a postmistress.
It is during her time in this role that she becomes enamored with the Auto Memories Dolls, individuals tasked with transcribing heartfelt letters for those who are unable to read or write.
While the plot, setting, and overall atmosphere of Violet Evergarden may differ significantly from The Ancient Magus’ Bride, we are confident that its themes will deeply captivate you.
3. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
This anime is a ray of hope for fantasy anime in a world full of isekai and this anime adaptation is doing quite well so far.
Frieren is an elf-sorceress who belongs to the team of heroes that vanquished the demon king.
As an elf, the 10 years she spent with her fellow heroes represent only a small portion of her long life, a fact that doesn’t apply to her companions who must endure the consequences of their actions.
This situation leads Frieren to contemplate the significance of her memories and the broader meaning of life.
Frieren is a rare gem in the world of fantasy that has emerged in recent years. Finally, we have a fantasy series that takes a different approach, breaking free from the genre’s usual stereotypes.
The story begins at the end, with the main characters having already achieved the grand feat typically central to other series of this kind, and it centers on the aftermath, not the action itself.
Don’t get fooled by these premises because Frieren isn’t as sad as the trailer lets you believe and you will get plenty of slice-of-life moments and fun scenes with the cast.
One thing we love about it is the detailed combat system focused on magic that valorizes the prowess and expertise of the main character (and not only).
2. Snow White with Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair is an anime that bears significant similarities to The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
One could even argue that the two series share are basically the same story, albeit without the fantasy and magical elements present in the latter.
The story revolves around Shirayuki, a young herbalist leading a quiet life in the kingdom of Tambarun. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when Prince Raji decides to take her as his concubine against her wishes. Determined to escape this arranged marriage, Shirayuki flees.
During her escape, she encounters Prince Zen, who welcomes her to his court as a herbalist and aids her in resolving her predicament.
And as they spend time together, a heartwarming love story blossoms between them.
The resemblance between Snow White with the Red Hair and The Ancient Magus’ Bride is indeed striking.
Both anime feature a red-haired protagonist with a challenging past who finds solace, growth, and love through the intervention and support and love of the male lead.
1. Spice and Wolf
Spice and Wolf may have significantly different premises compared to The Ancient Magus’ Bride, but it possesses numerous aspects that will undoubtedly captivate fans of the latter.
The story revolves around Lawrence, a merchant who arrives in the village of Pasroe during the harvest festival. It is on this fateful night that he encounters Holo, a wolf goddess in need of his assistance to return to her homeland.
Thus begins their extraordinary love story, one that transcends barriers of race and lineage.
When it comes to anime set in a fantasy and supernatural world, focusing on the relationship and romance between the main characters, Spice and Wolf has few rivals.
We have absolute confidence that you will thoroughly enjoy it.
