Science fiction was a major trend in the 1980s, and remained popular throughout the 1990s. Anime frequently featured both high and low fantasy settings – a trend that continues today – with series like Yona of the Dawn and RG Veda being particularly well-loved by fans.
High fantasy features complex magic and is set in imaginative worlds inspired by medieval times, but distinctly different from our own. Low fantasy tends to be more grounded, often taking place within Earth’s history, even with the addition of magic. Isekai stories, where characters are transported to another world, remain incredibly popular in anime, light novels, and manga.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan Was Inspired By Persian Mythology
Inspired by the history and culture of Persia, The Heroic Legend of Arslan first appeared as a short anime series in 1991. The story centers on Arslan, the crown prince of Pars, who must escape when his kingdom is conquered and his claim to the throne is threatened. The series then becomes an epic filled with warfare, political schemes, and acts of defiance.
If you enjoy shows like Game of Thrones with their political intrigue, battles for power, and changing alliances, you’ll likely appreciate The Heroic Legend of Arslan. The series has remained popular for many years, leading to a visually updated reboot in 2015 that introduced it to a new generation of viewers.
RG Veda Is CLAMP’s Most Underrated Series
Though not as widely recognized as some of their other works, RG Veda is significant as CLAMP’s very first manga series. It showcases the beautiful, detailed art style that was popular in 1990s fantasy manga, and tells an epic story full of ancient myths, prophecies, and a hero destined for greatness.
The story revolves around Yasha and Ashura’s fight to defeat a tyrannical god-king. RG Veda is also significant for its early and inclusive portrayal of LGBTQ+ and nonbinary characters, particularly through Ashura. Featuring a large cast of complex characters and a detailed fantasy world, the manga is a classic example of high fantasy.
Magic Knight Rayearth Is a ’90s Isekai Anime
Magic Knight Rayearth is a classic magical girl anime, but it’s surprisingly mature for the genre. Though it features the typical colorful costumes and heroic trio, the story also deals with serious themes, real danger, and complex emotions.
Magic Knight Rayearth is CLAMP’s unique spin on the popular fantasy genre of being transported to another world, which contributes to its enduring popularity. The series cleverly combines elements of portal fantasy, magical girl stories, and giant robots, making it feel impressively grand even today. Beyond the exciting action, the anime delves into meaningful themes like what we truly want, our responsibilities, and the consequences of getting what we wish for, adding layers of complexity to the romance and overall narrative.
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac Is an Anime With Over 100 Episodes
The first Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac anime, which has over 100 episodes, is a beloved classic that combines fantasy, mythology, and martial arts. Though the series has been remade several times in different ways, many fans still consider the original 1986 version to be the best.
One reason Saint Seiya remains popular is its amazing battles, enhanced by the unique and impressive designs of the characters’ armor. It often feels similar in spirit to classic shonen anime, while also proudly showcasing the energetic style of the 1980s.
Record of Lodoss War Is a Classic Fantasy Anime
Record of Lodoss War is a fond tribute to classic fantasy like Tolkien’s works and the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Starting with the 1990 animated series, it feels like watching a Dungeons & Dragons game come to life. Despite featuring beautiful elves and a traditional fantasy world, the series doesn’t avoid intense battles and more serious themes.
Deedlit, the high elf from Record of Lodoss War, became a hugely influential character, practically defining a common type of fantasy heroine seen in anime ever since. Her grace, distinctive ears, and fighting ability created a template for many beloved characters that followed. Thanks to its fearsome dragons, engaging characters, and enduring story, Record of Lodoss War remains a classic fantasy anime.
Dragon Ball Laid the Foundation for Shonen Battle Anime
Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z were hugely popular with young anime fans in the 80s and 90s, and they greatly impacted the shonen genre. Even today, the series has a lot to offer new viewers, regardless of whether they’re familiar with the original. It’s a unique blend of mythology and science fiction, set on a war-torn planet and featuring threats like world-ending androids.
This series offers far more than just exciting fights and huge explosions, although it definitely has those too. Goku is unbelievably strong, but he also feels a great deal of responsibility. The Dragon Ball franchise has truly shaped the shonen anime we enjoy today.
Fushigi Yugi Is an Iconic Magical Girl Anime
Fushigi Yugi is a captivating story that blends magical girl elements with ancient mythology, all set in a beautiful and fantastical historical world. It features determined female characters, plenty of attractive love interests, intense fights, and a believable, heartbreaking romance. The series follows Miaka, an ordinary schoolgirl who unexpectedly finds herself with a huge responsibility, but she proves to be remarkably capable.
She definitely faces challenges when it comes to love. Not only is Tamahome interested in her, but she also has to compete with an emperor! Amidst warring kingdoms and a broken friendship, Miaka finds herself falling for a character from a book. Even after thirty years since the anime first aired, many viewers can still connect with her story.
Berserk Is One of the Darkest Anime Series Ever
If you’re looking for a traditional tale of chivalry with noble heroes and a simple battle between good and evil, you won’t find it in Berserk. This epic medieval fantasy explores the complex struggles of Guts and Griffith as they grapple with trauma, fate, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
Guts is undoubtedly a hero, but he’s also tormented by a dark side, making him a deeply compelling and relatable character in the world of anime. Similarly, Casca stands out as one of the strongest and most well-developed female warriors in anime and manga.
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind Is a Beautiful Fantasy Anime Movie
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a unique blend of fantasy, science fiction, and a world recovering from disaster. While the story uses the familiar idea of a special hero destined to save everyone, it explores this concept in a complex and interesting way. Unlike two warring kingdoms that attempted to fix their damaged planet through force, Nausicaa offers a path forward based on kindness, courage, and a hopeful outlook.
Even though Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind blends fantasy with other genres, its themes feel incredibly relevant today. The film depicts a world ravaged by pollution, but offers a hopeful message: if humanity can damage the planet, it also has the power to heal it. It’s a truly special and essential anime film to watch now.
Princess Mononoke Is a Classic Studio Ghibli Movie
Hayao Miyazaki’s historical fantasy film, Princess Mononoke, takes place during a time of war and rapid industrial growth fueled by iron mining. The story centers on clashing groups, and while it explores the conflict between good and evil, it doesn’t portray anyone as purely villainous. The real destructive force in the film isn’t a person, but the damaging effects of iron itself – how it harms nature, the gods, animals, and ultimately, people.
The film’s magic comes from the ancient gods who reside in a primeval forest. This magic manifests in various ways – sacred pools can heal injuries, curses can corrupt even the purest people, and both gods and animals are able to communicate. These fantastical elements are so seamlessly integrated with the film’s realistic themes that it effortlessly draws the audience into a captivating and dark fairy tale.
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2026-04-20 03:46