5 Anime Like The Ancient Magus Bride
The touching story of The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome) has come to an end, leaving a hole in anime fans’ hearts.
It’s use of British folklore, world building, and the enchanting growth of Chise had fans hooked during it’s 24 episode run. But never fear, here are similarly themed anime that can fill the void and cure your post-anime depression.
Here are five anime like ancient magnus bride-
1. Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou
Studio: Brain’s Base (seasons 1-4) / Shuka (seasons 5-6)
Genre: Drama / Slice of Life / Supernatural
Episodes: 67 (74 when season 6 ends) + 2 OVAs
Quick pitch: Takashi Natsume has always been able to see spirits, which was inherited from his grandma. When she dies, she passes him the Yuujinchou (Book of Friends), which contains spirits that she formed a contract with. Takashi wishes to dissolve the contracts, so the spirits would stop harassing him. But, he slowly warms up to Madara and his classmates due to his interactions with the spirits.
Watch if: You love stories about folklore creatures. Natsume’s Book of Friends focuses on Japanese folklore and drops romance in favor of mystery. Takashi can’t use magic, but his ability to see spirits helps them pass on to the next life.
2. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)
Studio: Bones
Genre: Adventure / Comedy / Romance
Episodes: 24 + 1 OVA
Quick Pitch: Shirayuki is a cheerful girl working as an apothecary at a local herbal shop. After being threatened to join Prince Raji’s harem as a concubine, Shirayuki flees town only to be rescued by Prince Zen Wistalia. Hoping to repay her debt to Zen, Shirayuki trains to become a court herbalist in Zen’s home country. While they slowly develop romantic feelings, the country’s social expectations forbid Zen from pursuing a relationship with anyone of lesser social status.
Watch if: You loved seeing Chise finding her place in society and pursuing goals on her own terms. Snow White with the Red Hair is not as sad as The Ancient Magus’ Bride and Shirayuki has a more positive outlook on life, but both series showcase heroines striving for self-improvement.
3. Mushishi
Studio: Artland
Genre: Adventure / Mystery / Slice of Life / Supernatural
Episodes: 46 + 2 specials + 1 movie
Quick pitch: Mushi are basic lifeforms that exist without goals or a purpose outside of living. Ginko is a mushishi: a person who can see mushi and help people who are being troubled by the beings in this slow burn drama.
Watch if: You love folklore, but with a Japanese flair. Mushishi is a collection of mystery vignettes as Ginko travels along the countryside and helping people who are troubled by Mushi.
4. The Earl and the Fairy
Studio: Artland
Genre: Fantasy / Romance
Episodes: 12
Quick Pitch: In 19th century Scotland, Lydia Carlton carves out a living as a fairy doctor since she possesses the rare ability to communicate with mystical creatures. Despite no one believing her, an alleged aristocrat named Edgar hires her to serves as his advisor. Edgar possesses vast knowledge about folklore, but he needs Lydia’s skill to find a treasured sword.
Watch if: The Earl and the Fairy and The Ancient Magus’ Bride share many similarities: both heroines have a rare skill, there is a focus on British folklore, and the male employers harbor romantic interests.
5. Flying Witch
Studio: J.C. Staff
Genre: Comedy / Fantasy / Slice of Life
Episodes: 12
Quick pitch: Makoto Kowata moves to the quiet town of Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture to live with her second cousins as part of her witch training. The abundance of nature is ideal for helping Makoto hone her skills, which seem peculiar to her family and new friends.
Watch if: You want the most relaxing folklore anime ever made. It’s a departure from romantic-drama shown in The Ancient Magus’ Bride, but heroines are striving to become their best and thrive in a magical world.
