5 best medieval fantasy anime which aren't Isekai anime (& 5 that are)

Medieval fantasy anime series captivate their audiences with rich animation, storyline, and character development. Within this genre, two distinct subcategories emerge: traditional medieval fantasy and isekai. Traditional medieval fantasy series immerse viewers in worlds filled with castles, knights, and dark supernatural elements, without the trope of characters being transported from another world.

On the other hand, the isekai series blends medieval settings with protagonists navigating new realms, often with unique abilities or insights. This article explores five examples of each subgenre, highlighting their unique approaches to creating engaging and fantastical narratives.

5 best medieval fantasy anime series that aren't Isekai

1) Berserk

Berserk is a dark medieval fantasy anime and that is quite contrary to the themes of Villa Santagenre. Unlike the regular protagonists of isekai, Guts never had an easy life, was never free from hardships, and had to face the harshest of realities. Guts’ character is not an overpowered hero who got transported to another world, but a tortured man who goes through a lot of pain and suffering to become strong.

The story of Berserk follows Guts and Griffith. Griffith is the leader of a group of mercenaries known as the Band of the Hawk. The story follows Guts in his journey to kill Griffith after the latter manipulated him and sacrificed the Band of the Hawk for power.

2) Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo (Image via Studio Manglobe)

Samurai Champloo is a medieval fantasy anime series based on a version of Edo-period Japan. Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, are some of the characters in the series that have unique backstories and motivations tied to this era.

This medieval fantasy anime uses Edo-period elements such as samurai, teahouses, and traditional Japanese aesthetics, while also presenting stylized violence and occasional supernatural occurrences.

The series centers on the adventures of Fuu— a tea waitress, Mugen— a wandering outlaw, and Jin— a masterless samurai. After saving Mugen and Jin from execution, Fuu enlists their help in her quest to find a samurai who smells of sunflowers.

3) Frieren

Frieren is a beautifully crafted medieval fantasy anime, often mistaken for an isekai due to its fantastical elements. However, it stands apart by focusing on Frieren's growth and understanding of human emotions within her native world, unlike isekai protagonists who experience rapid power-ups or cultural shocks. The anime explores diverse regions and cultures within its fantasy setting, emphasizing rich, complex world-building, unlike isekai's focus on adaptation to new environments.

Set in a fantastical realm, the narrative follows Frieren, an elven mage, on her quest to find the resting place of souls. Her goal is to reunite with Himmel, her former comrade from the Hero Party, who once defeated the Demon King.

4) Witch Hat Atelier

Unlike isekai protagonists who often arrive in a new world with exceptional abilities, Coco, the protagonist of White Hat Atelier anime, dreams of becoming a witch despite any innate talent for magic. Through determination and guidance, she learns magic's complexities, facing challenges and setbacks as she grows.

This slow and deliberate development highlights the story's emphasis on world-building, character growth, and a coherent magical system. These elements set Witch Hat Atelier, a medieval fantasy anime apart, offering a unique and immersive experience distinct from the typical isekai narrative.

5) Rage of Bahamut

Rage of Bahamut distinguishes itself from the isekai genre by featuring characters like Luci and Iv, who are natives of a fully realized magical world with its own rich history, lore, and societal structures. Unlike isekai protagonists, they understand their world's rules and cultures from birth.

Rage of Bahamut is a fantasy adventure game where players choose between Man, Gods, or Demons cards to build teams. They collect, synthesize, and evolve unique cards for team activities like Holy Wars and events such as Dragon's Awakening and Hermit in the Hood.

5 best medieval fantasy anime series that are Isekai

1) Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is based on a low fantasy setting similar to the medieval world, where the characters in the series emphasize physical strength and simple weaponry while dealing with the issues of life such as poverty and violence.

The plot is based around several characters who wake up and find themselves in a world of magic and have no memory of their previous life. It portrays their struggles to live and create a new life as volunteers in the military.

2) Rising of the Shield Hero

Rising of the Shield Hero (Image via Kinema Citrus)

Rising of the Shield Hero is a medieval fantasy anime series that showcases medieval warfare with swords, spears, and armor. Magic and mythical creatures, such as dragons and wave spirits, enrich the setting.

Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to a parallel world as the Shield Hero, where he faces betrayal and isolation. Alone, he buys a slave, Raphtalia, and an egg that hatches into Filo, a bird-like monster. Together, they gain trust through heroic deeds and try to unravel the mystery of the inter-dimensional Waves that threaten their world.

3) The Twelve Kingdoms

The Twelve Kingdoms (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Twelve Kingdoms seamlessly combines traits from a medieval fantasy anime and an isekai anime. Its feudal society mirrors medieval European hierarchies with intricate court politics and lineage importance, while mythical creatures like Kirin, inspired by ancient folklore, add a fantastical touch. The concept of En as a supernatural life force reflects a magical aspect.

The story follows Yoko Nakajima, a high school student unhappy with her life. She meets a stranger who swears allegiance to her and takes her to another world. Along with two other classmates, Yoko faces demon-like beasts and becomes a fugitive due to their status as Kaikyaku (Earth people), struggling to survive and uncover their purpose.

4) That time I got reincarnated as a Slime

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime (Image via Eight Bit Studios)

In the medieval fantasy anime world of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, elements like Tempest and Falmuth, characters like Rimuru Tempest and the Great Sage, and mythical creatures like Storm Dragon Veldora create a rich, medieval environment.

Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old corporate worker, is reincarnated as a Slime in a fantasy world after being fatally stabbed. He gains abilities, befriends the imprisoned Storm Dragon Veldora, and becomes Rimuru Tempest. He builds the nation of Tempest, attracting both allies and enemies in the process.

5) Re: Zero

Re: Zero is set in a classic medieval fantasy anime world, centering on the Kingdom of Lugunica, which features a traditional hierarchy with a king, nobility, and commoners. This world is steeped in magic, which is used for various purposes from healing to combat, and includes mythical creatures like the White Whale and the Witch Cult.

Subaru Natsuki, a NEET, is the protagonist and is transported to a fantasy world and discovers he can rewind time upon death. After dying repeatedly, he helps Emilia, a half-elf and queen candidate. Living as a butler in Roswaal L. Mathers' mansion, Subaru uses his power to protect Emilia and aid his new friends.

Final thoughts

Both non-isekai and isekai medieval fantasy anime offer unique storytelling experiences, captivating audiences with richly crafted worlds and complex characters.

While series like Berserk and Samurai Champloo ground their narratives in native realities, isekai counterparts such as Re: Zero and Rising of the Shield Hero add layers of modernity and adventure through their protagonists' journeys.