Medieval Anime is one of the favorite genres for fans. There are a plethora of genres in anime series and not every series explores the magic themes like Medieval does. In the Medieval series, characters go on an adventure, use magic, and engage in wars. Historical Battles in mythical worlds can be witnessed in the Medieval series. The Medieval genre blends history, fantasy, and adventure. Battles of knights, warriors, and swordsmen are portrayed in the series. Let us see the best Medieval Anime series of all time.
Best Medieval Anime
Medieval is one of the primary genres in anime. The Medieval anime showcases series that’s set in fantasy, historical, and mythology worlds. Here are the 20 best Medieval anime series of all time.
Berserk
- Genre – Dark fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery
- Episodes – 25
- Streaming Networks – Netflix
- IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
Berserk is a riveting anime with a medieval theme. It takes place hundreds of years ago where the protagonist Guts plays the role of a mercenary. Guts’ life has never been happy as he lost his mother when he was born. His abusive father and adoptive mother tortured him. Guts becomes a mercenary and leaves the group after a few years. He joins the Band of the Hawk, a mercenary group, and befriends Griffith, the leader of the clan. Guts’ life changes when he meets Griffith, but he is betrayed by his friend to become a demonic being. As the story moves, Guts joins his allies and takes revenge against Griffith and his gang. Berserk is an incredible series with major themes like historical, medieval, fantasy, adventure, and free will. It is an adaptation of the manga of the same name which has sold more than 60 million copies.
Vinland Saga
- Genre – Epic, Historical
- Episodes – 48
- Streaming Networks – Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
Vinland Saga is inspired by real-life events which can be spotted in the series’ locations. The Vinland Saga series focuses on the journey of Vikings during the 10th century period. It takes place in Europe and other countries as well. Thorfinn plays the lead role who joins Vikings to take revenge for his father’s murder. As the story moves, Thorfinn becomes a slave and he loses powers. Vinland Saga is an intriguing medieval fantasy series directed by Shūhei Yabuta.
Samurai Champloo
- Genre – Historical, Samurai
- Episodes – 26
- Streaming Networks – Animax, Toonami, Funimation
- IMDb Rating – 8.5/10
Samurai Champloo is inspired by battles during the Emperor Meiji Era. The story also takes place during the Edo Period. Samurai Champloo is all about Fuu, a tea waitress whose life gets ruined by a corrupt son in the town. She meets Ronin Jin and Outlaw Mugen who also saves her from the enemy. The trio embark on a journey and they manage to unravel new stories together. Shinichirō Watanabe is the director of the Medieval series who is known for Cowboy Bebop. Samurai Champloo is an epic Samurai series and a riveting Medieval anime.
Seven Deadly Sins
- Genre – Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes – 24
- Streaming Networks – Netflix, Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.7/10
The Seven Deadly Sins is an adaptation of Nakaba Suzuki’s manga series which has sold more than 55 million copies. The story is set in the fictional Britannia world. Seven Deadly Sins band’s knights are wrongly accused of working against the Liones Kingdom and they are forced to disband their band. As the story moves, Elizabeth Liones, the third princess of the Liones Kingdom, meets the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins band in a mission to save both the groups. The Seven Deadly Sins is known for its stunning visuals and remarkable storyline. It is one of the best Medieval Anime series in history.
Snow White With the Red Hair
- Genre – Romance, Fantasy
- Episodes – 24
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.6/10
Snow White with the Red Hair is an epic fantasy adventure inspired by popular Medieval stories and locations. It takes place in the kingdom of Tanbarun. Shirayuki, the red-colored hair girl plays the lead role. She enjoys her life in Tanbarun, but decides to run when the Prince orders her to be his concubine. Shirayuki travels to another kingdom where she finds Prince Zen Wistaria and his allies. She helps the Prince of Clarines when he eats an apple that is poisoned. Shirayuki also clears the exam and becomes the royal court herbalist at the palace. As the story moves, Shirayuki and Zen become lovers, and they get married.
Spice and Wolf
- Genre – Adventure, Fantasy
- Episodes – 24 + 2 OVAs
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.7/10
Spice and Wolf is a masterpiece in every way. The anime directed by Takeo Takahashi is set in a Medieval world that explores the history of warriors and people who lived thousands of years ago. It is all about Kraft Lawrence, a traveling merchant from Europe, who travels all over the world and sells resources. As a traveling merchant, Lawrence has visited many countries and his only goal is to open a shop in his hometown. Kraft Lawrence meets a wolf deity in Pasloe Town, who resembles a girl. The girl named Holo is 600 years old and she joins the protagonist in his journey, and helps him increase his profit. Lawrence helps Holo in her mission and takes her everywhere.
Claymore
- Genre – Dark Fantasy, Sword and Sorcery
- Episodes – 26
- Streaming Networks – Nippon TV, Crunchyroll , Netflix
- IMDb Rating – 8/10
Claymore is a dark fantasy Medieval series that’s inspired by the popular series, Berserk. The Claymore story is set in a Medieval-themed island where humans struggle against Yoma, the humanoid shape-shifters. Clare, the protagonist trains with her allies to fight against demons. She transforms herself as a claymore and joins other warriors to save the village from Yoma. The Claymore series is hailed for its animation and gripping stories in every chapter.
Goblin Slayer
- Genre – Dark Fantasy, Adventure
- Episodes – 24
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll, Muse Communication, Amazon Prime
- IMDb Rating – 7.4/10
The Goblin Slayer series follows the journey of adventurers that include humans, archers, and shamans. Everyone joins a guild and embarks on a journey. The adventurers slay their rivals and loot gold. Things change when a priestess joins the guild whose acts impact the clan. The gang is destroyed by enemies and some of the girls are raped. Priestess is saved by the Goblin Slayer who is a talented hunter. The Goblin Slayer befriends Priestess who reveals her past life as an orphan. The Goblin Slayer series is known for its riveting storyline, adult scenes, and visuals.
The Sacred Blacksmith
- Genre – Sword and sorcery
- Episodes – 12
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll, Tokyo MX, Sun TV
- IMDb Rating – 6.5/10
The Sacred Blacksmith is all about the journey of the 3rd Generation Knight Cecily Campbell who aspires to save her land from enemies. Cecily is inspired by her grandfather who was once a knight who protected the city’s independence. The Valbanill War ended 44-years ago, but the impact of the war still remains intact. Demon Contract, a weapon used in the war, killed humans who sacrificed their lives to turn into demons. The protagonist’s grandfather founded the Independent Trade Cities during the war period and her family served as knights.
Cecily Campbell wishes to continue the legacy, but she doesn’t have powers. One day, she loses a battle against one of the members of the war, but she meets a blacksmith, Luke Ainsworth who trains her. Cecily Campbell loves the weapons and katana used by the blacksmith. She learns magic and wields a new weapon. The duo embark on a journey to protect the nation.
The Twelve Kingdoms
- Genre – Isekai, Epic Fantasy
- Episodes – 45
- Streaming Networks – Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.9/10
The Twelve Kingdoms explores the stories of kingdoms and kings who lived during the 12th century. Yoko Nakajima, a high school girl, meets a mysterious man, who takes her to a new world where she learns about 12 kingdoms that ruled the world. She meets new people and her appearance changes. Nakajima interacts with characters and understands their name language. She travels along with her friends and finds her past as a ruler of a kingdom. Yoko Nakajima learns magic and visits places that she lived during her past life. As the story moves, Nakajima meets people of other kingdoms and embarks on a new adventure.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
- Genre – Sword and Sorcery
- Episodes – 26
- Streaming Networks – Adult Swim, Neon Alley
- IMDb Rating – 8.2/10
Moribito anime is based on the novel series written by Nahoko Uehashi in 1986. It follows the journey of Balsa, a body guard, who is reincarnated in a new world. Balsa gets an opportunity to overcome her past life mistakes as she becomes the bodhu of Prince Chagum. She promises the Empress that no one will be able to touch Prince Chagum when she is her bodyguard. There is a twist when Balsa finds that the prince’s father plans to kill his own son to acquire the water magic from him. Balsa manages to save Chagum and also learns about the water magic he possesses.
Gokudo
- Genre – Fantasy, Supernatural
- Episodes – 26
- Streaming Networks – TV Tokyo, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating – 7.3/10
Gokudo is a classic medieval series that was released in 1999. Gokudo, the lazy adventurer, plays the lead role, but he is an anti-hero. Gokudo steals money, food, gold, and resources from others. Having lived his life as a selfish adventurer, Gokudo meets Djinn, the magical genie, who gives three wishes. Gokudo’s life is in threat when he accepts the boon and he gets trapped. As the story moves, Gokudo turns into a woman and he is chased by new characters. Gokudo sets his eyes on a new treasure and he utilizes the genie’s boon and joins his friends in a new mission.
Kingdom
- Genre – Military, Historical
- Episodes – 142
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating – 8.7/10
Kingdom is one of the long-running anime series that aired for 12 years between 2012-2024. The Kingdom series has five seasons with different directors. The story takes place during the 221 BC in Chinese history period. It follows the journey of a young boy from ancient China who dreams of becoming the strongest warrior of the Qin Kingdom. Xin and Piao, two orphans, decide to change their life and they work together to become the Greatest Generals of the Heavens. Kingdom manga series sold more than 110 million copies and it remains one of the highest-selling manga series of all time.
Sisters of Wellber
- Genre – Fantasy, Adventure
- Episodes – 26
- IMDb Rating – 5.8/10
Sisters of Wellber takes place in a fictional world, Wellber. The story begins 10 years after the war ended. Wellber is in a threat again, but the kingdom can overcome it if the king Haidel marries off his daughter, Princess Rita to Sangatras` Prince Guermia.
Rita shocks everyone as she stabs the groom and escapes. Sangatras king and people are angry and plan to invade Wellber if Rita doesn’t return. One day, a thief named Tina enters the Wellber castle and reveals Rita is in Greedom country, and she will join her in a mission to kill the enemy who murdered Tina’s parents. Tina becomes Rita’s bodyguard and the duo works together to stop the war.
The Heroic Legend of Arslan
- Genre – Historical Fantasy
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix
- IMDb Rating – 7.5/10
The Heroic Legend of Arslan anime is inspired by the events of the mythology and war during the ancient Iran period. It was one of the best medieval anime series in the 90s. The story takes place in Ancient Persia where magic is the weapon of people. It focuses on battles between humans, ghouls, monsters, and winged monkeys. The battle between Pars and Lusitania nations is the main plot of the series.
Ascendance of a Bookworm
- Genre – Fantasy, Isekai
- Episodes – 36 + 2 OVAs
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.8/10
The Ascendance of a Bookworm is inspired by a plethora of medieval anime series. It follows the journey of Urano Motosu, a college girl, who loves reading books. One day, Motosu is killed when she is trapped underneath loads of books. Motosu gets reincarnated and she also gets a book. She wishes to read books without getting killed in her new life. As the story moves, Motosu gets reincarnated as Myne, a five-year old child. On the other hand, books are only available to people who are elite. Urano Motosu is born as a weak girl and she decides to publish her own books, and she eventually becomes popular.
Record of Grancrest War
- Genre – Fantasy, Action
- Episodes – 24
- Streaming Networks- Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.1/10
The Record of Grancrest War anime is set in a fictional continent, Atlatan. It focuses on the battle between the Factory Federation and Fantasy Alliance. The world was ruled by Chaos before the arrival of the Lord. Mage Siluca who completed her training from a Magical Academy plays one of the main roles. She joins Theo Cornaro in a journey to stop the war between nations and bring peace to the world. As the story moves, Theo Cornaro and Siluca Meletes become closer and get married.
The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent
- Genre – Fantasy, Slice of Life
- Episodes – 24
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
- IMDb Rating – 7.1/10
The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent is a medieval anime that’s set in the magical world, Salutania. Sei Takanashi, a 20-year old woman, who works at a corporate company is teleported to a magic world. Sei Takanashi studied herbs and potions, and wishes to join the Medicinal Flora Research Institute as a Researcher. As the story moves, Sei Takanashi meets new characters and uses potions to find the mystery. She meets the commander of the Third Order of Knights and also finds out about her saint powers.
Fairy Tale
- Genre – Fantasy, Adventure
- Episodes – 328
- Streaming Networks – Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.9/10
Fairy Tail is another fantasy anime series that is set in a Medieval world. The shonen anime is directed by Shinji Ishihira. Natsu Dragneel, the leader of the Fairy Tail wizard guild plays the main role who completes small jobs for money. One day, he gets a mission to find Natsu Dragneel, a dragon slayer wizard, on Earth, who sets out on an adventure to find his father dragon igneel in the Kingdom of Fiore. Fairy Tail is an epic fantasy adventure that explores many themes with twists and turns throughout the episodes. It is based on the Fairy Tail manga which has sold more than 70 million copies.
Record of Lodoss War
- Genre – Sword and Sorcery
- Episodes – 27
- Streaming Networks – Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll
- IMDb Rating – 7.5/10
The record of Lodoss War anime was a game-changer in the 90s. It takes place after the battle between the gods of the world. Parn, the son of a dishonored knight plays the lead role who loves to go on an adventure. One day, Parn decides to find the history of the Lodoss kingdom and he also finds the secrets of his father. Lodoss is again in threat when a witch awakens and decides to destroy the kingdom. Parn joins his allies and fights against the rivals to save his kingdom. The Lodoss kingdom is finally safe after being involved in wars for more than a thousand years.
These Medieval anime series have been the best over the years. You can also read the best shonen anime series on our Animeking site.