Epic Anime to Watch Before "War of the Rohirrim" Release

15 Anime That Capture the Epic Essence of Fantasy

The Lord of the Rings has set a remarkable standard for high-fantasy storytelling, and while the upcoming release of War of the Rohirrim has ignited excitement, there are numerous anime that capture the same epic essence. If you're looking to dive into fantasy worlds fraught with danger, magic, and adventure before the film's release, here are 15 anime to consider.

A Returner's Magic Should Be Special

Streaming on Crunchyroll

A Returner's Magic Should Be Special is a fantasy series that flips the typical narrative by starting at the end. After defeating an ominous dragon, Desir, one of the heroes, is sent back in time to rewrite the past and assemble a stronger force to prevent calamity. With a focus on uniting disparate factions against a common enemy, much like in The Lord of the Rings, this anime is a fascinating watch for strategy and unity enthusiasts. It offers one season of tightly knit storytelling, perfect for a quick immersion into a high-stakes fantasy world.

Record Of Lodoss War

Designed initially as a pen-and-paper campaign, Record of Lodoss War exudes nostalgic high-fantasy vibes. The young knight, Parn, embarks on a quest filled with danger and comradeship reminiscent of Tolkien's adventures. Despite its eagerness for adventure, the anime stands out with its compelling world-building and character development, capturing the stakes akin to the battle-filled narrative of The Lord of the Rings.

Goodbye, Dragon Life

Goodbye, Dragon Life adds a unique spin to the traditional fantasy tale by exploring themes of reincarnation. As former dragon Dolan navigates life as a human, the anime explores peaceful coexistence with nature and diverse mythical races. This serene yet adventurous setting mimics the Hobbits' peaceful existence, evolving into epic confrontations against evil forces that fans of Helm's Deep will recognize.

Granblue Fantasy: The Animation

Capturing the Spirit of Adventure

Granblue Fantasy: The Animation takes viewers on a breathtaking journey across sky islands. The protagonists, Gran and Lyria, must overcome unique challenges, gathering friends and allies along the way. This anime captures the essence of classic adventure storytelling, offering a sense of wonder and exploration reminiscent of Middle-earth's diverse landscapes.

Record of Grancrest War

Another creation from Ryo Mizuno, Record of Grancrest War, focuses on uniting kingdoms against chaos manifested by magical monsters. It's rich with political intrigue and strategic warfare, making it a fantastic recommendation for fans interested in complex narratives that involve forming alliances and battling overwhelming odds.

The Twelve Kingdoms

This series dives deep into the political landscape of a fantasy world inspired by Chinese mythology. The Twelve Kingdoms is an isekai anime with a strong narrative depth, following Youko Nakajima as she transforms from a timid high school student into a powerful empress. The layered storytelling and elaborate world-building echo Tolkien's attention to detail and grandeur.

Berserk

Berserk is legendary for its brutal take on medieval fantasy. The series doesn't shy away from darkness, offering intense, unflinching depictions of its harsh world, much like the trials faced by Tolkien’s protagonists. Despite its grim nature, it explores themes of ambition, camaraderie, and survival.

The Heroic Legend Of Arslan

Arslan's quest to reclaim his throne mirrors Aragorn's story in Tolkien’s epic. Set in a fantastical version of ancient Persia, the anime combines historic epic with fantasy intrigue, focusing on Arslan’s growth into a leader capable of uniting his divided kingdom.

Chaika: The Coffin Princess

Chaika: The Coffin Princess follows Toru Acura and the enigmatic Chaika on a quest to gather her father's dismembered remains. The story combines elements of traditional quest narratives with a treasure hunt twist, reminiscent of Frodo’s journey to destroy the One Ring.

Golden Kamuy

Not all fantasies have to involve dragons. Golden Kamuy is an adventure set in the immediate aftermath of the Russo-Japanese War. While more grounded, its engaging plot centered around the hunt for Ainu gold offers an engrossing mix of history and fiction, providing a uniquely epic quest narrative.

Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga takes inspiration from Viking history to tell an epic tale of revenge and exploration in a world filled with conflict and ambition.