Top 10 High Fantasy Anime

High fantasy stories allow audiences to escape the mundane rituals of everyday life into worlds filled to the brim with elves, demons, fairies, and creatures of all sorts. We follow protagonists as they adventure through treacherous lands and battle intense monsters, all the while seeing a piece of ourselves within these adventures. These anime successfully explore fantasy to its fullest with relatable characters, whimsical lands, and memorable tales. 

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Studio: Bones

Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric must pay the consequences for committing the ultimate sin in the world of alchemy: human transmutation. Three years later, trained fully in the ways of being an alchemist, they chase the rumored Sorcerer’s Stone to correct their past mistakes. Along the way, they find themselves amidst a much larger plot and require the help of Colonel Roy Mustang, Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye, and many others to unearth a dark history about their world and to save humanity against conspiring malicious forces. 

2. Re: Zero Kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:ZERO –Starting Life In Another World-) - White Fox

Studio: White Fox

Your average, everyday teenager Subaru Natsuki finds himself at  a loss when he's suddenly transported into a totally unfamiliar, fantastical dimension and immediately comes face to with multiple opposing threats. When these threats become serious, he quickly discovers that death gives him a ticket to start all over and repeat the most recent parts of his life. In the middle of elves, witches, and a foreboding presence, Subaru must save the new friends he's met while also finding answers about how he got to the new realm and his ability to return from the dead. This unpredictable journey keeps you on the edge of your seat as you desperately look for answers from the chaos right alongside the main protagonist. 

3. Hunter X Hunter

Studio: Madhouse

Gon Freeccs leaves home at a mere age of twelve years old in hopes of following his dad's footsteps in becoming a renowned Hunter. Aspiring to be the world's best Hunter, he finally proves he's ready and journeys to take the formal exam, completely unaware of the many challenges and array of monsters he will meet face to face. Follow Gon as he joins up with with an eclectic group of friends and takes on the world of being an official Hunter in this story of growing up and friendship.

4. Fate/ Zero

Studio: Ufotable

The famed Holy Grail has left a trail of destructive and fatal wars, but hopes are high for the upcoming Fourth Holy Grail War, a battle to the death featuring seven powerful mages chosen by the magical object itself. Each mage displays a wide range of fighting styles, creating captivating battle scenes and worthwhile visuals for everyone to enjoy. The participants have very distinct ideals and motivations which allow the audience to explore a story not about good or evil, but one about different ideologies from a number of interesting personalities. Join these characters in a thrilling game of survival, as they are challenged by what it really means to be a hero and a winner of the Holy Grail. 

5. Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind)

Studio: Studio Ghibli

Princess Nausicaa often spends her time rummaging through the wreckage of her post-apocalyptic environment, fearful of the toxic jungle that has the ability to destroy all she holds dear, but just as curious about the wonders of the world around her. Suddenly she must face the Tolmekian miltary, who threaten the Valley with weaponry similar to that of the infamous apocalyptic nuclear war "Seven Days of Fire." With both the lethal jungle and the ominous military present, Nausicaa must find away to protect her citizens and the fragile home they've come to reside in. With stunning visuals and beautiful story-telling, Studio Ghibli does not disappoint in this strong heroine fantasy.

6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Studio: Shaft

Unsuspecting middle school students Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are met by a bizarre cat-like creature called Kyuubey, who offers to grant any wish the two desire in exchange for them to have the opportunity to become magical girls. Met with caution by transfer student Homura Akemi about the cat familiar, the two debate on what their future should hold in terms of joining the whimsical universe they've been presented. This classic magical girl tale takes a dark twist when the two girls discover that the fate of fighting witches and contracting with Kyuubey is much worse than they had ever imagined.

7. No Game No Life

Studio: Madhouse

This anime, set in a dazzling color palette, begins with shut-in siblings Sora and Shiro who spend their time effortlessly dominating online games as username "Kuuhaku." Their ordinary routine life takes a turn for the bizarre when they receive an e-mail challenging them to an online game of chess. Suddenly, the duo are transported into an unfamiliar realm, ruled by the God of Games, Tet, who invites them to Disboard. Disboard encompasses a land ruled by the fate winning games and betting wagers as valuable as the player's life. Follow Sora and Shiro as they maneuver through the fanciful new world guided by their love for games and passion for winning.

8. Beserk

Studio: OLM

Rogue mercenary, simply known by the name of Guts, does all he can do ensure his survival in the dark medieval world he's been presented. This being the case, he finds himself right in the middle of the battlefield, killing and death quickly becoming as commonplace for him as eating. Suddenly, he is recruited by a band of mercenaries lead by the ostentatious Griffith, or better known as the "White Hawk." Together, the band sets out on their goal of gaining recognition, Guts learning about the inner workings of the world from a whole new perspective while on the journey. Dark and gritty, this anime uses dramatic storytelling to really challenge the viewer, alongside the main character, to consider what is right and what is wrong.

9. Seven Deadly Sins

Studio: A-1 Pictures

In this tale of light-hearted humor and complex plot, the medieval Kingdom of Liones continues to be ruled by the corrupt Holy Knights. The third princess of Liones, Elizabeth, ventures in search of traitor Holy Knights, criminals mentioned in folktales as the "Seven Deadly Sins." She hopes to seek their aid in ending the rule of the tyrannical leaders and to fight the never-ending injustices of the world. Her adventure truly begins when she is saved by one of the Seven Deadly sins, Meliodas, and together they set off to find the other criminals and return the world to a peaceful state.

10. Ookami to Koushinryou (Spice and Wolf)

Studio: Imagin

Traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence comes to meet the ancient wolf deity Holo, a once-famous harvest god of numerous village folktales, who demands to travel with him as she make her way back home in the land of Yoitsu. Hesitant at first, Lawrence finally agrees to Holo's company as he travels the lands learning more about the world of economy and trade. The two contrasting characters come to learn all there is about each other as they face various trials across diverse lands. This anime is one of heart and self-identity  between two very different beings from two very different worlds set on one journey.