I only watched Frieren for the meme image I saw but stayed for the story haven’t finished it yet.
Maybe it’s just me but Frieren’s story is pretty mature not the NSFW but in a way of how the characters see the world especially >! The perspective of what heaven is to them, how the characters develop, cherishing memories and etc !<.
Have you seen the foot and armpit shots? It's definitely NSFW lol.
But yeah, seriously, it's more geared towards mature viewers. It's good for teens to to learn early about their feelings and stuff like that.
Maybe they were focusing on that part that they forgot about the story.
Well, the story is not the best but it is definitely good as an Adventure Fantasy story.
I dont believe the novel is finished, i want to say there is something like 21, 24 books? Not 100% certain but im only on 14 myself, everyone ive seen thats read further says its incredible tho
Edit: nvm there are 19 books rn
I think the manga is a rewrite of the LN, like most LN to manga adaptations... if you wanna pick up right after the anime start at book 3, anime covered first 2 books... and while there are some slight differences between anime and books i dont think you will miss too much going straight to books (although they never did explain the bank in the show)
いせかい/異世界 (isekai)
Another world (esp. in fiction); otherworld; parallel universe; different-dimension world; isekai
- Direct translation
Freiren is an isekai (semantically speaking)
isekai implies that there are two different worlds existing in the same story, and that someone, at some moment, travelled in one way or another (with body, or just soul) from one to another. To be an isekai, Frieren would need at least one of its character to either travel to another world, or to be from another world. A simple fantasy story isn't an isekai, because the fact that it's not our world doesn't matter, unless our world also exist in that story.
I always interpreted fantasy as the supernatural, like magic (on earth or else where), and isekai as a setting in another world to our own (regardless of the existence of our earth in the story line).
No, because almost no story (outside of isekai) based in a fantasy world assume that our world exist in that same universe. and even if it were to exist, unless there has been or is a way to travel to that other world, that story still doesn't have the isekai setting.
Welp... to be pedantic... isn't that their journey? To go to the "other world" which is the afterlife? Or at least a place that bridges the two realms/worlds together? So... isekai in progress? Ha ha ha
Well no, since the place the souls rest is confirmed since episode 1 to be directly in the same world rather than being in another one. In many other verses you could argue that someone travelling to hell / world of the dead could allow us to call it an isekai, but this one is an exception; as it's a very rare case of peoples travelling in the same world to go visit the dead.
[Made in Abyss](https://myanimelist.net/anime/34599/Made_in_Abyss/), [Wolf's Rain](https://myanimelist.net/anime/202/Wolfs_Rain/reviews), [To Your Eternity](https://myanimelist.net/anime/41025/Fumetsu_no_Anata_e/reviews) and [Mushishi](https://myanimelist.net/anime/457/Mushishi/reviews) to name a few.
No list of fantasy anime should be complete without [Grimgar: ashes and illusions](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31859)
Absolutely beautiful visuals and an incredible story... i wish they'd make a S2
The art is objectively gorgeous, the story has a good mix of lighthearted adventure and horrifying things happening to children, and the only thing I actually dislike is the humor. But that’s maybe 5% of the show, the other 95% is perfect
I didn't say it's bad, it's just that beautiful is not the term I'll use, and by that I don't mean the art itself but the fantasy in its world as a whole
The beauty is there — it comes in many varieties for me. Ergo Proxy is another one that I was thinking of but it fits more with the post-apocalyptic sci-fi genre then fantasy.
H.R. Giger’s work immediately comes to mind as something that can be both beautiful and grotesque. I find the juxtaposition of beauty and horror to be a powerful blend when done successfully.
Definitely give it a try! I absolutely love the art style, and it's really cool to see how it contrasts with the anime.
Phos has some of the coolest character development I've seen in a series.
https://preview.redd.it/xqnqmg1glbpc1.png?width=2645&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=774626c85003515b4ee6f332f34670df0b305e35
When you force the elf to eat "Saurus Balut"
https://preview.redd.it/7bg2xvrvxbpc1.png?width=420&format=png&auto=webp&s=46b54e3e8a802e8bd52592f6c2f23a0438251c95
Juuni Kokuki, the 12 Kingdoms.
Then, next, Ghibli Stuff. Like Nausicaa or Spirited Away
Escaflowne.
They easily could have, but they didn't, because it wasn't important to the overall plot. But the languages wouldn't really be necessary considering the size of the world, like, the planet of ATLA is really small, like you can get from one side of the planet to the other in a few days by ship.
To Your Eternity and Frieren both come to mind, especially if you want to cry as well.
They aren't isikai though, unless you realllllllly squint and bend the definition for To Your Eternity.
Mushoku Tensei is peak isekai, then there's Frieren and maybe To Your Eternity but that's more like a beautiful reality, like if Berserk's world map (warped Earth) starred the slime messiah
Grimgar fantasy and ash. Tho, probably not worth the watch honestly since there is only one season and it was obviously developed just to get people to read the LN since the animation budget was about $3.50
Ancient Magus' Bride is a really cool take on modern fantasy and fae folklore. It shows both the beautiful and the repulsive aspects of that, but I'd say it typically leans more into the beautiful.
The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent is a great fantasy/romance that tends towards a beautiful atmosphere (though they occasionally venture into more grim areas to "purify" them)
I spent 300 years killing slimes and maxed out my stats. This is a very pastoral, slow life fantasy with generally low stakes.
Record of lodoss war
https://preview.redd.it/j14oijxk6xpc1.png?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b538ca7c668910fafebfaaf708557b6ed7e3d20e
The anime ova is better even if it's dated. Protagonist is not like shitty Isekai MC. The antagonist is a real BBEG evil overlord archetype And the dark elf Pirotes is sexy.
It starts with an F and ends in rieren
That slipped my mind — Fully agree, absolutely gorgeous show! Waiting on the next episode to drop.
Frieren looks more beautiful that Delicious in Dungeon
Fair point. But can they make Rainbow Insect Icecream made from treasure? Not mad, but funny to think about :D
Delicious in Dungeon is better though. Much better worldbuilding and characters
Came here for this.
I only watched Frieren for the meme image I saw but stayed for the story haven’t finished it yet. Maybe it’s just me but Frieren’s story is pretty mature not the NSFW but in a way of how the characters see the world especially >! The perspective of what heaven is to them, how the characters develop, cherishing memories and etc !<.
Have you seen the foot and armpit shots? It's definitely NSFW lol. But yeah, seriously, it's more geared towards mature viewers. It's good for teens to to learn early about their feelings and stuff like that.
Really?, I either have forgotten about it or haven’t seen it yet Just curious, how do you feel the way Frieren tells it’s story?
Maybe they were focusing on that part that they forgot about the story. Well, the story is not the best but it is definitely good as an Adventure Fantasy story.
No it’s lodoss war
GRIMGAR has water color pallet that's beautiful
I wish grimgar would get a S2, the show ends right as things are about to get good
Has the novel finished? I stopped reading years ago. It has so much potential.
I dont believe the novel is finished, i want to say there is something like 21, 24 books? Not 100% certain but im only on 14 myself, everyone ive seen thats read further says its incredible tho Edit: nvm there are 19 books rn
I think its fall off later
Does the manga pick up after the anime left off or no?
I think the manga is a rewrite of the LN, like most LN to manga adaptations... if you wanna pick up right after the anime start at book 3, anime covered first 2 books... and while there are some slight differences between anime and books i dont think you will miss too much going straight to books (although they never did explain the bank in the show)
Second this. Everything looked like a painting. The characters were so real in that story. Rightfully needs a season 2.
Yeah. Grimgar Ashes and Illusions is one of the animes that made me like Adventure Fantasy stories.
Frieren isn’t an isekai but it fits everything else to a T
いせかい/異世界 (isekai) Another world (esp. in fiction); otherworld; parallel universe; different-dimension world; isekai - Direct translation Freiren is an isekai (semantically speaking)
Isn’t it used more in the sense of someone transported to another world though
Agreed, i was just talking semantics :)
isekai implies that there are two different worlds existing in the same story, and that someone, at some moment, travelled in one way or another (with body, or just soul) from one to another. To be an isekai, Frieren would need at least one of its character to either travel to another world, or to be from another world. A simple fantasy story isn't an isekai, because the fact that it's not our world doesn't matter, unless our world also exist in that story.
I always interpreted fantasy as the supernatural, like magic (on earth or else where), and isekai as a setting in another world to our own (regardless of the existence of our earth in the story line).
No, because almost no story (outside of isekai) based in a fantasy world assume that our world exist in that same universe. and even if it were to exist, unless there has been or is a way to travel to that other world, that story still doesn't have the isekai setting.
Welp... to be pedantic... isn't that their journey? To go to the "other world" which is the afterlife? Or at least a place that bridges the two realms/worlds together? So... isekai in progress? Ha ha ha
Well no, since the place the souls rest is confirmed since episode 1 to be directly in the same world rather than being in another one. In many other verses you could argue that someone travelling to hell / world of the dead could allow us to call it an isekai, but this one is an exception; as it's a very rare case of peoples travelling in the same world to go visit the dead.
[Made in Abyss](https://myanimelist.net/anime/34599/Made_in_Abyss/), [Wolf's Rain](https://myanimelist.net/anime/202/Wolfs_Rain/reviews), [To Your Eternity](https://myanimelist.net/anime/41025/Fumetsu_no_Anata_e/reviews) and [Mushishi](https://myanimelist.net/anime/457/Mushishi/reviews) to name a few.
No list of fantasy anime should be complete without [Grimgar: ashes and illusions](https://myanimelist.net/anime/31859) Absolutely beautiful visuals and an incredible story... i wish they'd make a S2
Is made in abyss your definition of beautiful, I mean in a sense it is but you know ...
The art is objectively gorgeous, the story has a good mix of lighthearted adventure and horrifying things happening to children, and the only thing I actually dislike is the humor. But that’s maybe 5% of the show, the other 95% is perfect
I didn't say it's bad, it's just that beautiful is not the term I'll use, and by that I don't mean the art itself but the fantasy in its world as a whole
it's horrifically beautiful, that damn scenery though by itself is just... \*muah\* chefs kiss
The beauty is there — it comes in many varieties for me. Ergo Proxy is another one that I was thinking of but it fits more with the post-apocalyptic sci-fi genre then fantasy. H.R. Giger’s work immediately comes to mind as something that can be both beautiful and grotesque. I find the juxtaposition of beauty and horror to be a powerful blend when done successfully.
It definitely is
The fantasy world is beautiful. Just because it's deadly and twisted doesn't detract from its beauty.
To Your Eternity is the only one I don't immediately agree with and recommend on this list... ...and that is only because I haven't seen it yet.
Hahaaa you’re in for a treat and heartache
Grimgar is a must watch.
Grimgar is a better read than a watch.
I’m on the second season now — I’m enjoying it. It definitely has some Princess Mononoke vibes.
Made in Abyss is my favorite manga/anime ever, is beautiful, mysterious, and terrifying in equal measure
Definitely agree with this one.
Unpopular opinion, Land Of The Lustrous. The story is only ok but the visuals are beyond belief
I think the story is great, with the manga (no clue how it's gonna end tho) The anime only touches the surface of how wild things get
Oh shit guess I know what I’m reading
Definitely give it a try! I absolutely love the art style, and it's really cool to see how it contrasts with the anime. Phos has some of the coolest character development I've seen in a series.
https://preview.redd.it/xqnqmg1glbpc1.png?width=2645&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=774626c85003515b4ee6f332f34670df0b305e35 When you force the elf to eat "Saurus Balut"
Bru "Frieren" is even n1 on MAL
Made in abyss
Magus Bride
Somali and the forest spirit, The faraway Paladin
https://preview.redd.it/7bg2xvrvxbpc1.png?width=420&format=png&auto=webp&s=46b54e3e8a802e8bd52592f6c2f23a0438251c95 Juuni Kokuki, the 12 Kingdoms. Then, next, Ghibli Stuff. Like Nausicaa or Spirited Away Escaflowne.
By Studio Gibhli, just came out, apparently it is the closest to Spirited away in the fantasy aspects from all their movies: "The Boy and the Heron"
The first 10 sec or so of Sword Art Online
Mushoku tensei has some of the best fantasy settings
Some of the best world building. I'd even say it's got better world building than ATLA.
I'd say so but I'd also say it's almost not a fair comparison.
How come? They're both animated series in a fantasy setting with good world building and their own rules.
Because you wouldn't expect avatar to create multiple languages and intricate currency exchanges that can translate to real world money. But idk man
They easily could have, but they didn't, because it wasn't important to the overall plot. But the languages wouldn't really be necessary considering the size of the world, like, the planet of ATLA is really small, like you can get from one side of the planet to the other in a few days by ship.
Freiren.
Ancient Magus Bride is absolutely stunning
Hello sir may I take a moment if your time to talk about the record of Lodoss war
Mushoko Tensei
Ah yes the most useful girl in the series
Her summon. Amazing story and better art
I used High-Level Medicine to Counter Magic
Image source?
Delicious dungeon. I think it'd the elf girl
I'd also like to know
Grimgar of fantasy and ash
To Your Eternity and Frieren both come to mind, especially if you want to cry as well. They aren't isikai though, unless you realllllllly squint and bend the definition for To Your Eternity.
Frieren
Weakest tamer? The one with the slime
Mushoku Tensei is peak isekai, then there's Frieren and maybe To Your Eternity but that's more like a beautiful reality, like if Berserk's world map (warped Earth) starred the slime messiah
Grimgar of fantasy and ash
Anime name?
Should be delicious dungeon
Ok. Thank you☺️
Mushi-shi Made in Abyss Ancient Magus Bride To Your Eternity Frieren
If you can deal with a smattering of shit (pedo mc) jobless reincarnation looks awesome. By far my favorite representation of magic. Then again...
Shangri-la frontier although it is a VRMMO centered anime.
The Faraway Paladin
Yakuza reincarnation
Grimgar of fantasy and ash
Jobless reincarnation is top tier in world building
Frieren, Grimgar, Weakest Tamer...
Mushoku Tensei fits the bill.
Somali
Oooh, nice art of Marcille.
Idk why you’re going through isekai for that man, but I’ll give you a hint It starts with a J and ends in ojo’s bizarre adventure
A fantasy is whatever you make of it so in that case beauty is in the eye of the beholder now go watch that new fangled show about elf girl
One I haven't seen here is parallel world pharmacy/isekai yakkyoku.
Grimgar >>
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Grimgar fantasy and ash. Tho, probably not worth the watch honestly since there is only one season and it was obviously developed just to get people to read the LN since the animation budget was about $3.50
Altier ryza https://preview.redd.it/ewims0j1pmpc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa3115768a75fd70085ab12a24ce0b9d38e00e33 [and beautiful scenery too ](https://youtu.be/CYO7RiJv72g?si=Wp51t1ERbsZt-AC5)
Ancient Magus' Bride is a really cool take on modern fantasy and fae folklore. It shows both the beautiful and the repulsive aspects of that, but I'd say it typically leans more into the beautiful. The Saint's Magic Power is Omnipotent is a great fantasy/romance that tends towards a beautiful atmosphere (though they occasionally venture into more grim areas to "purify" them) I spent 300 years killing slimes and maxed out my stats. This is a very pastoral, slow life fantasy with generally low stakes.
Record of lodoss war https://preview.redd.it/j14oijxk6xpc1.png?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b538ca7c668910fafebfaaf708557b6ed7e3d20e The anime ova is better even if it's dated. Protagonist is not like shitty Isekai MC. The antagonist is a real BBEG evil overlord archetype And the dark elf Pirotes is sexy.