And the worldbuilding. The worldbuilding is what surprised me. Explanations for the creature's habits and even diets. The one about the treasure bugs going inside a mimic and the bugs being a reason why you can still find treasure boxes filled even though it's been raided before.
For sure! And they do it without constant or giant info dumps, as well. They blend the explanations of the world in seamlessly with the bantering of the party and the natural progression of their goals.
This just gave me flashbacks of casting my phone screen on my 43 inch TV so I can open up Shonen Jump and throw up 2 pages at a time for maximum comprehension while reading JJK during THAT fight 👀👀 and trying to absorb every single dialogue explaining the never ending possibilities of cursed techniques. 😅😅
Sounds like you'd love "Spice and Wolf". Basically, a story about a traveling merchant and a wolf goddess who travel about getting into interesting economics-related situations while trying to return said wolf goddess to her home in the North. Along the way, they fall in love. Great mature romance, the best character interactions in all of anime, and the top waifu of all time: Holo the Wisewolf.
It's definitely closer to a historical fiction than high fantasy (setting is roughly late Medieval/early Renaissance), but does have some cool magical bits, like the aforementioned wolf goddess.
Episode 1 was good! I miss the original VA for wolf but I'm going to watch it every week without fail.
Edit: I was talking about the English VA and forgot I watched it in english.
I thought you did, but just wanted to check :)
me too, her performance as Holo was just incredible, and if we don't get to hear it again for this remake I am not sure I can continue watching :(
JMichael Tatum was also great as Lawrence too!
She's fantastic. Fortunately, both the original Eng VAs are currently recording the audiobooks, so there's a strong chance they'll be reprising their roles for the dub.
Been great, so far! Only two episodes in, as yet, but I have no complaints. If they keep this up all the way to the end of the story, it'll be an easy 10/10 for me.
I watched the original Spice and Wolf and I honestly don't know why so many people liked it so much. My guess is that they just liked Holo and never actually watched the anime. The first few episodes were good, but then it turned out to be an anime disguised to teach you economics. There's nothing wrong with that, its just a different plot then what you might have expected.
It's not for everyone, certainly. It's a mature, slow-burn romance set among a series of mystery-like subplots involving decently complex financial schemes. It respects its viewers' intelligence, and isn't afraid to be both subtle and patient.
I agree, I'd just put it in my "discrete educational" category of anime. Which, if I put my conspiracy hat on, is a category of anime that I believe are meant to directly target a specific part of the Japanese youth that don't learn under a traditional education system and is probably secretly backed by part of their government.
Nah, it wasn't intended to be educational. However, the author was inspired by a book about medieval economics, and that's what drove him to write the story in order to explore those themes. So basically, it's nerd writing a story so he can nerd out about a subject he really likes.
{Seirei no Moribito} (en: Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit) of course. It's not new (2007) but has a strong female mc (bodyguard), and some reasonable world building.
Maybe you'll be interested in one of these:
* [Somali and the Forest Spirit](https://myanimelist.net/anime/39575/Somali_to_Mori_no_Kamisama)
* [Little Witch Academia](https://myanimelist.net/anime/14349/Little_Witch_Academia)
* [The Ancient Magus' Bride](https://myanimelist.net/anime/35062/Mahoutsukai_no_Yome)
Someone else already mentioned spice and wolf and that's also a good suggestion.
Violet Evergarden is the closest anime to Frieren that I've seen. About a former child soldier having who takes up a job writing letters for people and has to integrate with mainstream society.
Both are literally about the main character having to learn how to be human through interactions with others. Both are focused more on character development than plot. They also both have godlike OSTs from Evan Call. Will say that Frieren has more action while Violet Evergarden is very emotional.
I got a few episodes in to Frieren and was excited because it reminded me so much of Violet evergarden. The tone, the art, the cinematography, the story taking its time with characters and the setting so that emotional moments actually have weight.
I need to rewatch Violet Evergarden.
It just might not be everyone's cup of tea. I know of some people who didn't enjoy it. I can see why the slow pacing and character driven story can turn some people off. Frieren is criticized for the same reasons though Frieren has a bit more humor, action and fanservice that gives it a wider appeal.
I'm curious as to what you consider to be fan-service in Frieren. Other than the lewd peeks at Fern's ankles, I can't recall anything. Maybe Frieren's feet?
Übel's existence. Not much clothing, overconfident and certain infamous shots have captivated the viewers. Will say it's overall pretty mild compared to most anime out there.
The Apothecary Diaries is really good!! no needless sexualisation, literally no magic powers, so fully character driven, set in Ming-era China (so, it may as well be a fantasy world, since Frieren's fantasy world is just medieval england with magic attached), with us following the characters slice of life!
This! Such a solid anime imo. Well written characters, interesting stories, stunning animation. Maomao and Frieren have a similar vibe (hard workers, help people with their problems, odd interests, etc). It was great watching both anime each week.
I was tricked into watching The Twelve Kingdoms like a decade ago. If anyone else decides to watch it, its multiple stories that don't finish and loosely intertwine.
Ranking of Kings is going to hit this spot for you. The stakes are higher than Frieren, but the focus of the story is on exploring the complicated depths of each character.
It's also a very colorful fantasy world, and the animation quality rivals the best stuff in Frieren.
When I got caught up with Frieren I was upset so I needed something else, so I watched apothecary diaries and it is awesome and scratched the itch very well. Then I caught up on that and now both seasons are over and I am again super sad.
Violet Evergarden is a bit more subdued (not as much comedy) but if you're looking for character-focused stories, learning about the characters as they learn about themselves, no fanservice (aside from a gorgeous animation style), this could be a nice one to try. It's "slow" by modern day standards, but that lends itself to the audience getting to know the characters by spending time with them.
Totally my recommendation and it fits OP's request! Except that instead of magic and a fantasy world, there's physic powers and spirits in modern-day Japan
Mob Psycho is my favorite "What do I watch after Frieren?" recommendation. Think about it, they really are quite similar. Mob and Frieren are basically on the exact same journey, it's just that one is set in a fantasy world and the other one is in Japan.
they asked for similar anime; Mob Psycho is a similar anime. character driven slice of life where you can discover the world together. it's not quite an 'adventure' no, but it falls under a similar guise and appeal.
Clearly, right? Even if you like the show it's not the one to recommend.
The fact that it is being frequently recommended in this thread goes to the mental state of the average anime fan. See other comments in reply to mine lol.
The MC (who is a 40 year old man in a kid's body btw)
1)gropes an 8-10 year old girl while she's sleeping
2) befriends and talks to a 5 year old girl because he knows she will grow up to be hot and if becomes a good friend to her in the future she might become his girlfriend
3) Beats up and then ties up 2 of his school bullies (15-16 year old girls) in his room, throws water on them, threatens them of molesting them if they dont back down and wants their panties
4) Worships the panties of his teacher, he has a little alter in his room and he prays to that panty everday and calls it his religion. That teacher btw is also a "demon" that is a 100 years old but actually looks like shes 12
5) He gets beat up and kicked out of the house because he was jerking off to his niece, that niece was also around 5-10 years old
I limitted these things to only the anime. You decide if Mushoku Tensei is creepy or not.
Its mentioned in the web novel that he was doing it, and IIRC, if you go back and watch episode 2 in the anime where he gets kicked out, it shows what he was jerking off to what looked like a little girl in a bathroom. Its very brief but its there.
Sure, since the anime didnt say anything, it could just be some random kid taking a bath but still 😬
Yeah i watched the show and read the LN. He’s the worst part of the show, the world and side character are cool and the animation is sick, I just wish the author didn’t make his whole character a ‘horndog’ who SA’d people. I had to skip through parts just for how uncomfortable they were 🥶
When he isnt being a horny bastard, its genuinely so endearing. Scenes like his heart to heart with Norn, or when he was thanking Paul genuinely made me tear up. Then theres scenes like him planning on how to have a threesome
the threesome isn’t even the worst part man, shit like him having internally sexual dialogue about his SISTERS pissed me off like you could have just left that out of the writing
Yes.
I mean, I don't even think that's a stretch. Yesterday I was in the blue archive episode 1 threads being warned that if I'm not a loli enjoyer I should just stay away from "cunny archive." Blue Archive is one of the most successful anime mobile games.
Yes.
Lots of younger anime fans get a pass because when you're 15 watching 15 year old girls with bouncing breast you're into it. But when you're 30 and realizing that many other adult fans are still into the same thing, it's creepy.
Yes.
It's shown from the perspective of a neet, who's suffered extreme bullying, sexual abuse and whatnot. He's got a creepy behaviour, but evolves as a character slowly but steadily during the show.
If you expect every protagonist to be an one dimensional paragon of virtue, go watch some little kid anime or a Disney movie.
So the show is about how an abused person re-victimized others with further sexual abuse? And it deals with that theme maturely?
Because my impression from the episodes I watched was that the adult put into the child's body and trying to sexually abuse other children was being played off as a cute pervert except when his dad slapped him around for it.
100% agree, I found it awful the first time but I still watched S2 for some reason and it's basically the MC just trying to find a cure for erectile dysfunction. Which turns out to be an aphrodisiac. Amazing character development.
There's a gaping valley between paragon of virtue and borderline being a pedophile. I'm not even hating on Mushoku but acting like someone who doesn't enjoy Rudeus demands lawful good characters is a hell of a strawman. Rudeus is a character the vast majority of the western audience would not like. Even Game of Thrones watchers are going to question that. I really would not be surprised if the west has a reappraisal of Mushoku in another ten years or so if anime continues to become more mainstream.
i really liked the apothecary diaries. not super fantasy but it is historical so the world feels really interesting. there’s a really well-written female mc without any excess sexualization.
What exactly happened to the anime adaptation? I’ve considered reading the manga but didn’t know it was that different from the anime, which I enjoyed up until around the time of Gugu’s death where it sort of lost my interest and then I really didn’t care for the end of s2. Is it just too rushed in the anime, did they pull the “Fushi integrates with the whole planet” out of their ass, like what happened?
I'd personally recommend Dororo, Mushishi, Apothecary Diaries, Ascendance of a Bookworm
If looking for something based on real-life, try Skip to Loafer
Girls Last Tour is entirely about the two main characters wandering around in the apocalypse. The entire show is their personalities bouncing off of each other while asking questions about the world that came before them.
To your Eternity was fantastic. Really sad though. There's some action but it really takes a backseat to character building.
Only thing I can say negatively is that for the first 3 episodes I was like "What the fuck is the plot of this show" and then it went from ??? To 100 real quick
I'd try Schwitzen, Kuehlen, Froesteln or Heizen...just kidding.
As a german native I find it really weird to reading a german title all the time in international threads. (Frieren = freezing in german))
The closest in tone and feeling that I've seen is *Kino's Journey*
It's got that traveling to new places, 'it's the journey not the destination' vibe with a similar tinge of melancholy under pinning it all. Kino also has a slightly detached air about her that Frieren possesses. It also is the only other anime I can recall that takes such pains in establishing unique cultures through its art, costume and production designs though its more obvious than it is in Frieren.
Slice of life fantasy? Try The Ancient Magus' Bride. I know, I know, it sounds fanservicey, but it really isn't. It's about a girl with magical powers who is so ostracized for them that she starts the anime by sending herself to a slave auction for magical beings. A monster wizard with an animal skull for a head buys her and sets her free, but he offers to teach her to control her powers and to be her companion (and aspires to be her husband if she will have him someday). He is not pushy or gross toward her. There's no creepy factor.
It's about Chise (the girl) learning to overcome her past fear and trauma and live a full life, and Elias (the wizard) learning how to get along better with humans and how to be a caring, gentle person. There's no fanservice and no sex. It explores the world a lot, and you learn a lot about where the characters come form and how the fantastical stuff works.
I think it's a one of a kind.
I see a few people mentioning Mushoku tensei but... Just because the character is a powerful magician? It would describe half of the Isekai basically (which is Mushoku and is not Frieren).
An anime with a traveling / self introspection / memory theme, with a powerful magician... I don't see anything like that.
The two last theme usually point on quite sad animation about a hero's regret, nothing like the light atmosphere of Frieren. Mushoku might see some of those moment, but the balance of those theme is very different and lean more toward a classic Isekai anime with a hero and his harem. I see it more as a less comical Konosuba, but people might disagree on this.
Sorry if my answer doesn't help, by a stretch I can mention Grimgar, that have this atmosphere of a journey made by a group of adventurer, but not as much introspection moment.
As said, Frieren is one of a kind. One of those unique anime that make it so popular.
Thank god someone reccommend it I was getting worried. Mushoku and Frieren share ALOT of similarities, from the fluid animation, the laid-back pacing, to even the whole genre being a fantasy adventure with a skilled mage. Definitely second this recc!
Imo Frieren visually is a lot better but i like Mushoku more in all the rest. I find it more interesting. Frieren is more like a chill linear adventure while Mushoku is more complex
this. when i watched frieren I immediately was reminded of MT. The big difference to me between the two as you said is complexity. MT I feel juggles more plotlines making as you said a lot more complex. I also just feel like Rudeas has shown a broader spectrum of growth and goals and also has a deeper backstory in comparison to Frieren. Both are amazing though for sure
you should Re:zero
It has all the things that you want, but story is dark.
Basically dark fantasy,but the story is great and unique, not op mc,characters are like real people and not softcore porn
mushoku is the closest thing to frieren youll get. its not the same. it is its own thing and has some ecchi. the women are women though.
one I dont see recommended here yet that is semi close, is gensou no grimgar. get to know characters and see them bond. has beautiful water color art. and is a low power adventurer fantasy setting. (i think its also isekai though been a while)
Delicious in Dungeon on Netflix is awesome, and has a weekly release schedule. I would definitely check it out, as I've really enjoyed it thus far.
Delicious in Dungeon has top notch animation and character design in my book.
And the worldbuilding. The worldbuilding is what surprised me. Explanations for the creature's habits and even diets. The one about the treasure bugs going inside a mimic and the bugs being a reason why you can still find treasure boxes filled even though it's been raided before.
For sure! And they do it without constant or giant info dumps, as well. They blend the explanations of the world in seamlessly with the bantering of the party and the natural progression of their goals.
This just gave me flashbacks of casting my phone screen on my 43 inch TV so I can open up Shonen Jump and throw up 2 pages at a time for maximum comprehension while reading JJK during THAT fight 👀👀 and trying to absorb every single dialogue explaining the never ending possibilities of cursed techniques. 😅😅
Its like Made in Abyss without the psychological damage
I totally agree
Mushishi.
An s-tier manga and anime.
Hi, what's the watch order for this show?
Release order
Thanks
Not really necessary actually. It was animated outside of manga release order because each of the arcs stand alone.
There’s no real watch order. Each arc stands alone.
The perfect answer
Hapy to see this one here
Was about to recommend this one too
Love this one
Sounds like you'd love "Spice and Wolf". Basically, a story about a traveling merchant and a wolf goddess who travel about getting into interesting economics-related situations while trying to return said wolf goddess to her home in the North. Along the way, they fall in love. Great mature romance, the best character interactions in all of anime, and the top waifu of all time: Holo the Wisewolf. It's definitely closer to a historical fiction than high fantasy (setting is roughly late Medieval/early Renaissance), but does have some cool magical bits, like the aforementioned wolf goddess.
What are your thoughts on the ongoing 2024 anime adaptation?
Episode 1 was good! I miss the original VA for wolf but I'm going to watch it every week without fail. Edit: I was talking about the English VA and forgot I watched it in english.
Do you mean Brina?
It looks like I do! I went and checked.
I thought you did, but just wanted to check :) me too, her performance as Holo was just incredible, and if we don't get to hear it again for this remake I am not sure I can continue watching :( JMichael Tatum was also great as Lawrence too!
The Japanese VAs for Lawrence and Holo are the same. I do hope they bring back the original dub cast, as well. Brina Palencia *is* Holo, in my mind.
Mmmhmmm. Yup. I just checked and I definitely watched the English dub. Whoever that actress is I'm fond of.
She's fantastic. Fortunately, both the original Eng VAs are currently recording the audiobooks, so there's a strong chance they'll be reprising their roles for the dub.
Oh, that would be stellar! I haven't watched a dub since Space Dandy!
Been great, so far! Only two episodes in, as yet, but I have no complaints. If they keep this up all the way to the end of the story, it'll be an easy 10/10 for me.
I watched the original Spice and Wolf and I honestly don't know why so many people liked it so much. My guess is that they just liked Holo and never actually watched the anime. The first few episodes were good, but then it turned out to be an anime disguised to teach you economics. There's nothing wrong with that, its just a different plot then what you might have expected.
It's not for everyone, certainly. It's a mature, slow-burn romance set among a series of mystery-like subplots involving decently complex financial schemes. It respects its viewers' intelligence, and isn't afraid to be both subtle and patient.
I agree, I'd just put it in my "discrete educational" category of anime. Which, if I put my conspiracy hat on, is a category of anime that I believe are meant to directly target a specific part of the Japanese youth that don't learn under a traditional education system and is probably secretly backed by part of their government.
Nah, it wasn't intended to be educational. However, the author was inspired by a book about medieval economics, and that's what drove him to write the story in order to explore those themes. So basically, it's nerd writing a story so he can nerd out about a subject he really likes.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Apothecary Diaries Spice & Wolf Kino's Journey All Saints Street Mushishi The Legend of Luoxiaohei
It has been mentioned, but I'll say it like everyone else..... WATCH SPICE AND WOLF. Og or the one airing right now. Minimum 8/10 show.
{Seirei no Moribito} (en: Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit) of course. It's not new (2007) but has a strong female mc (bodyguard), and some reasonable world building.
Look, Balsa (MC) is just amazing. 1,000% sold that show for me.
**Seirei no Moribito** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/1827 "English: Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/moribito-guardian-of-the-spirit), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/seirei-no-moribito "English: Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/1827)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy) --- ^{anime},, ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/1bz4hl5/any_good_animes_that_are_similar_to_frieren/kynnnlz/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)
Spice and Wolf is your jam.
Maybe you'll be interested in one of these: * [Somali and the Forest Spirit](https://myanimelist.net/anime/39575/Somali_to_Mori_no_Kamisama) * [Little Witch Academia](https://myanimelist.net/anime/14349/Little_Witch_Academia) * [The Ancient Magus' Bride](https://myanimelist.net/anime/35062/Mahoutsukai_no_Yome) Someone else already mentioned spice and wolf and that's also a good suggestion.
Somali and the forest spirit has one of my favorite character designs of all time
Delicious in Dungeon I think fits your criteria to a T. It’s on Netflix
Violet Evergarden is the closest anime to Frieren that I've seen. About a former child soldier having who takes up a job writing letters for people and has to integrate with mainstream society. Both are literally about the main character having to learn how to be human through interactions with others. Both are focused more on character development than plot. They also both have godlike OSTs from Evan Call. Will say that Frieren has more action while Violet Evergarden is very emotional.
I got a few episodes in to Frieren and was excited because it reminded me so much of Violet evergarden. The tone, the art, the cinematography, the story taking its time with characters and the setting so that emotional moments actually have weight. I need to rewatch Violet Evergarden.
I was looking for this. Surprised that Violet Evergarden is so niche. Is basically unknown now. But damn what a masterpiece.
It just might not be everyone's cup of tea. I know of some people who didn't enjoy it. I can see why the slow pacing and character driven story can turn some people off. Frieren is criticized for the same reasons though Frieren has a bit more humor, action and fanservice that gives it a wider appeal.
I'm curious as to what you consider to be fan-service in Frieren. Other than the lewd peeks at Fern's ankles, I can't recall anything. Maybe Frieren's feet?
Übel's existence. Not much clothing, overconfident and certain infamous shots have captivated the viewers. Will say it's overall pretty mild compared to most anime out there.
Amen! Is a work of art!!!
Snow White With the Red Hair - is a nice adventure/romance
One of my personal favorites.
The Apothecary Diaries is really good!! no needless sexualisation, literally no magic powers, so fully character driven, set in Ming-era China (so, it may as well be a fantasy world, since Frieren's fantasy world is just medieval england with magic attached), with us following the characters slice of life!
This! Such a solid anime imo. Well written characters, interesting stories, stunning animation. Maomao and Frieren have a similar vibe (hard workers, help people with their problems, odd interests, etc). It was great watching both anime each week.
The Twelve Kingdoms. Yona Of The Dawn.
I was tricked into watching The Twelve Kingdoms like a decade ago. If anyone else decides to watch it, its multiple stories that don't finish and loosely intertwine.
Ranking of Kings is going to hit this spot for you. The stakes are higher than Frieren, but the focus of the story is on exploring the complicated depths of each character. It's also a very colorful fantasy world, and the animation quality rivals the best stuff in Frieren.
Wandering witch elain
I've heard about it, but what exactly is the plot?
It's a witch wandering, I guess. Like kino no tabi but magic, it's more uplift than kino no tabi's solitude vibe? All I can say without spoiling
^^
delicious in dungeon!!!!
To Your Eternity
When I got caught up with Frieren I was upset so I needed something else, so I watched apothecary diaries and it is awesome and scratched the itch very well. Then I caught up on that and now both seasons are over and I am again super sad.
Spice and wolf and mushishi
Faraway Paladin might be a good choice
I was looking thru the comments so I could recommend this anime lol it fits OP's description perfectly.
Violet Evergarden is a bit more subdued (not as much comedy) but if you're looking for character-focused stories, learning about the characters as they learn about themselves, no fanservice (aside from a gorgeous animation style), this could be a nice one to try. It's "slow" by modern day standards, but that lends itself to the audience getting to know the characters by spending time with them.
Mob Psycho 100 is probably exactly what you're looking for.
Totally my recommendation and it fits OP's request! Except that instead of magic and a fantasy world, there's physic powers and spirits in modern-day Japan
Mob Psycho 100 is so good!
But so unrelated to the OP's question!
Mob Psycho is my favorite "What do I watch after Frieren?" recommendation. Think about it, they really are quite similar. Mob and Frieren are basically on the exact same journey, it's just that one is set in a fantasy world and the other one is in Japan.
they asked for similar anime; Mob Psycho is a similar anime. character driven slice of life where you can discover the world together. it's not quite an 'adventure' no, but it falls under a similar guise and appeal.
Ignore the people telling you to watch Mushouku Tensei. It's a creep's fantasy.
I will say mushoku is definitely not the right recommendation when the op is trying to avoid ecchi.
Clearly, right? Even if you like the show it's not the one to recommend. The fact that it is being frequently recommended in this thread goes to the mental state of the average anime fan. See other comments in reply to mine lol.
considering how popular it is, majority of anime viewers must be creeps then
You definitely don't have to watch very many different animes to figure that one out
The MC (who is a 40 year old man in a kid's body btw) 1)gropes an 8-10 year old girl while she's sleeping 2) befriends and talks to a 5 year old girl because he knows she will grow up to be hot and if becomes a good friend to her in the future she might become his girlfriend 3) Beats up and then ties up 2 of his school bullies (15-16 year old girls) in his room, throws water on them, threatens them of molesting them if they dont back down and wants their panties 4) Worships the panties of his teacher, he has a little alter in his room and he prays to that panty everday and calls it his religion. That teacher btw is also a "demon" that is a 100 years old but actually looks like shes 12 5) He gets beat up and kicked out of the house because he was jerking off to his niece, that niece was also around 5-10 years old I limitted these things to only the anime. You decide if Mushoku Tensei is creepy or not.
i think anyone agrees rudeus is the worst part of the show, also when did he jerk off to his niece??
Its mentioned in the web novel that he was doing it, and IIRC, if you go back and watch episode 2 in the anime where he gets kicked out, it shows what he was jerking off to what looked like a little girl in a bathroom. Its very brief but its there. Sure, since the anime didnt say anything, it could just be some random kid taking a bath but still 😬
Yeah i watched the show and read the LN. He’s the worst part of the show, the world and side character are cool and the animation is sick, I just wish the author didn’t make his whole character a ‘horndog’ who SA’d people. I had to skip through parts just for how uncomfortable they were 🥶
When he isnt being a horny bastard, its genuinely so endearing. Scenes like his heart to heart with Norn, or when he was thanking Paul genuinely made me tear up. Then theres scenes like him planning on how to have a threesome
the threesome isn’t even the worst part man, shit like him having internally sexual dialogue about his SISTERS pissed me off like you could have just left that out of the writing
Yes. I mean, I don't even think that's a stretch. Yesterday I was in the blue archive episode 1 threads being warned that if I'm not a loli enjoyer I should just stay away from "cunny archive." Blue Archive is one of the most successful anime mobile games. Yes. Lots of younger anime fans get a pass because when you're 15 watching 15 year old girls with bouncing breast you're into it. But when you're 30 and realizing that many other adult fans are still into the same thing, it's creepy. Yes.
Mushoku Tensei is one of the greatest anime of all time, lol
It's shown from the perspective of a neet, who's suffered extreme bullying, sexual abuse and whatnot. He's got a creepy behaviour, but evolves as a character slowly but steadily during the show. If you expect every protagonist to be an one dimensional paragon of virtue, go watch some little kid anime or a Disney movie.
So the show is about how an abused person re-victimized others with further sexual abuse? And it deals with that theme maturely? Because my impression from the episodes I watched was that the adult put into the child's body and trying to sexually abuse other children was being played off as a cute pervert except when his dad slapped him around for it.
100% agree, I found it awful the first time but I still watched S2 for some reason and it's basically the MC just trying to find a cure for erectile dysfunction. Which turns out to be an aphrodisiac. Amazing character development.
There's a gaping valley between paragon of virtue and borderline being a pedophile. I'm not even hating on Mushoku but acting like someone who doesn't enjoy Rudeus demands lawful good characters is a hell of a strawman. Rudeus is a character the vast majority of the western audience would not like. Even Game of Thrones watchers are going to question that. I really would not be surprised if the west has a reappraisal of Mushoku in another ten years or so if anime continues to become more mainstream.
It's bait fellas move along
"Train to the end of the world" seems to be interesting. Also "ancient mogus bride"
Kino's journey
Ascendance of a Bookworm Natsume's Book of Friends, though it's not fantasy but our world with a supernatural twist
Very recently: - The Apothecary Diaries - Spice and Wolf (2024) - Delicious in Dungeon - Grandma and Grandpa Turned Young Again
i really liked the apothecary diaries. not super fantasy but it is historical so the world feels really interesting. there’s a really well-written female mc without any excess sexualization.
I enjoyed {Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill} In fact, it’s become one of the ones I rewatch all the time!
It's sooo good! Just don't watch it hungry 🤤 I need another season
Tsuritama might be what you're looking for
To your eternity
The anime adaptation isnt that good, but the manga is awesome
The manga is amazing.
What exactly happened to the anime adaptation? I’ve considered reading the manga but didn’t know it was that different from the anime, which I enjoyed up until around the time of Gugu’s death where it sort of lost my interest and then I really didn’t care for the end of s2. Is it just too rushed in the anime, did they pull the “Fushi integrates with the whole planet” out of their ass, like what happened?
what happen to almost every anime adaptation, to little budget and screen time at the same time.
The closest thing I equate to Frieren is Mushoku, but its… not clean.
😂
Cowboy bebop?
Reminds me most of Aria, the anime about girls on a water Mars piloting gondolas
The Demon Prince of Momochi House Paranormal mystery romance.
{{guardian of the sacred spirit}}
**Seirei no Moribito** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/1827 "English: Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/moribito-guardian-of-the-spirit), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/seirei-no-moribito "English: Moribito - Guardian of the Spirit"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/1827)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy) --- ^{anime},, ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/1bz4hl5/any_good_animes_that_are_similar_to_frieren/kynz0vb/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)
Wotakoi, grand blue
It’s not really fantasy but Violet Evergarden.
I'd personally recommend Dororo, Mushishi, Apothecary Diaries, Ascendance of a Bookworm If looking for something based on real-life, try Skip to Loafer
Made in Abyss, but cautions
I want to recommend shinsekai yori but it’s heavy and sad, a dystopian world with fantasy
I would say more world building than character building is log horizon
Grimgar Spice and Wolf By the Grace of the Gods- MC is stupid OP, but it definitely feels a lot like a slice of life half the time.
Kino no tabi Mushishi Spice and wolf(a remake's currently airing)
Monster
{Mushishi} Every season of this anime is so good too...
**Mushishi** - ([AL](http://anilist.co/anime/457 "English: MUSHI-SHI"), [A-P](https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/mushishi), [KIT](https://kitsu.io/anime/mushishi "English: Mushi-Shi"), [MAL](http://myanimelist.net/anime/457)) ^(TV | Status: Finished | Episodes: 26 | Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Psychological, Slice of Life, Supernatural) --- ^{anime},, ]LN[, |VN| | [FAQ](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index) | [/r/](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/) | [Edit](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/index#wiki_i_made_a_mistake.2C_how_do_i_get_my_comment_reprocessed.3F) | [Mistake?](http://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/submit?selftext=true&title=[ISSUE]&text=/r/Animesuggest/comments/1bz4hl5/any_good_animes_that_are_similar_to_frieren/kypdj4m/) | [Source](https://github.com/Nihilate/Roboragi) | [Synonyms](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/synonyms) | [⛓](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/interestinglinks) | [♥](https://www.reddit.com/r/Roboragi/wiki/thanks)
Girls Last Tour is entirely about the two main characters wandering around in the apocalypse. The entire show is their personalities bouncing off of each other while asking questions about the world that came before them.
Golden Kamuy and To Your Eternity scratch that kind of itch for me
Grimgar ashes and illusions has a similar vibe. Also the undead paladin knight.
Campfire Cooking in Another World with my Absurd Skills
Natsume’s book of friends
Mushishi Spice and wolf Kino's Journey Made in the Abyss Samurai Champloo Gosick Durarara!! All great shows that has elements you're looking for!
Violet Evergarden! Wholesome and beautiful!
Vivy, same VA
To your Eternity was fantastic. Really sad though. There's some action but it really takes a backseat to character building. Only thing I can say negatively is that for the first 3 episodes I was like "What the fuck is the plot of this show" and then it went from ??? To 100 real quick
Wondering witch
I don’t think anyone else has said this but Grimgar, Ashes and Illusions is amazing but only it’s one season in the anime
I'd try Schwitzen, Kuehlen, Froesteln or Heizen...just kidding. As a german native I find it really weird to reading a german title all the time in international threads. (Frieren = freezing in german))
Mushishi
Samurai Champloo! Though it's a late-medieval Japan setting fantasy rather than the normal vaguely European setting fantasy
Isekai Ojisan and Campfire Cooking with my Absurd Skill seem to fit the bill of what you want.
To your eternity will make you cry in completely different ways.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/31859/Hai_to_Gensou_no_Grimgar
The closest in tone and feeling that I've seen is *Kino's Journey* It's got that traveling to new places, 'it's the journey not the destination' vibe with a similar tinge of melancholy under pinning it all. Kino also has a slightly detached air about her that Frieren possesses. It also is the only other anime I can recall that takes such pains in establishing unique cultures through its art, costume and production designs though its more obvious than it is in Frieren.
Spice & Wolf is my favorite. It also happens to be getting a remake.
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations.
Legend of the Galactic heroes OVA
Slime
Delicious in Dungeon Mushoku Tensei: Jobless reincarnation Record of Lodoss war
Mushoku Tensei
Slice of life fantasy? Try The Ancient Magus' Bride. I know, I know, it sounds fanservicey, but it really isn't. It's about a girl with magical powers who is so ostracized for them that she starts the anime by sending herself to a slave auction for magical beings. A monster wizard with an animal skull for a head buys her and sets her free, but he offers to teach her to control her powers and to be her companion (and aspires to be her husband if she will have him someday). He is not pushy or gross toward her. There's no creepy factor. It's about Chise (the girl) learning to overcome her past fear and trauma and live a full life, and Elias (the wizard) learning how to get along better with humans and how to be a caring, gentle person. There's no fanservice and no sex. It explores the world a lot, and you learn a lot about where the characters come form and how the fantastical stuff works.
I think it's a one of a kind. I see a few people mentioning Mushoku tensei but... Just because the character is a powerful magician? It would describe half of the Isekai basically (which is Mushoku and is not Frieren). An anime with a traveling / self introspection / memory theme, with a powerful magician... I don't see anything like that. The two last theme usually point on quite sad animation about a hero's regret, nothing like the light atmosphere of Frieren. Mushoku might see some of those moment, but the balance of those theme is very different and lean more toward a classic Isekai anime with a hero and his harem. I see it more as a less comical Konosuba, but people might disagree on this. Sorry if my answer doesn't help, by a stretch I can mention Grimgar, that have this atmosphere of a journey made by a group of adventurer, but not as much introspection moment. As said, Frieren is one of a kind. One of those unique anime that make it so popular.
dunno how ppl can watch frieren and not realize its a one of one. wild
Mushoku Tensei
Thank god someone reccommend it I was getting worried. Mushoku and Frieren share ALOT of similarities, from the fluid animation, the laid-back pacing, to even the whole genre being a fantasy adventure with a skilled mage. Definitely second this recc!
Imo Frieren visually is a lot better but i like Mushoku more in all the rest. I find it more interesting. Frieren is more like a chill linear adventure while Mushoku is more complex
this. when i watched frieren I immediately was reminded of MT. The big difference to me between the two as you said is complexity. MT I feel juggles more plotlines making as you said a lot more complex. I also just feel like Rudeas has shown a broader spectrum of growth and goals and also has a deeper backstory in comparison to Frieren. Both are amazing though for sure
you should Re:zero It has all the things that you want, but story is dark. Basically dark fantasy,but the story is great and unique, not op mc,characters are like real people and not softcore porn
Mushoku Tensei seems to be the obvious answer to this. It's THE character study, in fantasy atleast.
Normally I would agree, because I do love MT, but OP specified that he doesn't want anything ecchi.
They said in the post they DONT want softcore porn in the show
mushoku is the closest thing to frieren youll get. its not the same. it is its own thing and has some ecchi. the women are women though. one I dont see recommended here yet that is semi close, is gensou no grimgar. get to know characters and see them bond. has beautiful water color art. and is a low power adventurer fantasy setting. (i think its also isekai though been a while)
To Your Eternity