The Lord of the Rings is the most famous fantasy franchise globally, inspiring numerous anime series and other works.
The books and films are hugely successful, influencing many stories across different genres. Its storyline has shaped the fantasy genre for decades to come.
The Lord of the Rings has made its mark across various mediums, and anime is no exception. Alongside the development of an anime prequel film.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, there are numerous anime that skillfully embrace the high fantasy style that made The Lord of the Rings famous.
Whether they stay true to the original or offer a humorous take on its concepts, these anime capture the essence of Tolkien’s world.
1) Konosuba: God’s Blessing On This Wonderful World!
Studio Drive’s Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! follows the typical setup of an isekai anime, with protagonist Kazuma Satou transported to a fantasy world to defeat the demon king.
However, Kazuma is far from the heroic figure one might expect, as he is lazy and self-centered by preferring to avoid his responsibilities.
Accompanied by a party comprising a lazy and dimwitted goddess, a masochistic knight, and an eccentric mage who can only cast one spell, Kazuma sees no reason to change his ways anytime soon.
Konosuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! has emerged as one of the most beloved isekai anime of recent years, and it’s easy to see why.
Featuring a cast of largely self-centered characters and a storyline that cleverly mocks the conventions of isekai fantasy and fantasy in general, Konosuba is a delightful fantasy parody from start to finish.
It playfully subverts many tropes that stories like The Lord of the Rings often take seriously.
Fans of such stories will surely appreciate Konosuba’s witty and irreverent approach. With a third season on the horizon, the series’ parody elements are set to become even more pronounced.
2) Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
In Studio Bind’s Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, the protagonist begins as an obese shut-in who is evicted from his home after his parents pass away.
Despite his unfulfilled life, he saves some children from a speeding truck, which becomes the only meaningful action he takes.
Following his death, he is reincarnated into a fantasy world as Rudeus Greyrat, a young boy gifted with a natural talent for magic.
Determined to make the most of his new chance at life, Rudeus sets out to create a future he can truly be proud of.
While Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation is the godfather of isekai anime, it has far more to offer. Not only does it have some of the best art and animation of any anime in recent years.
But Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation’s story does a great job of playing into the aesthetic of high fantasy writing, whether it’s through the overall plot or the cast, specifically.
Controversial elements of Rudeus’ character aside, it’s a gorgeous fantasy anime, and it’s one that offers everything great about The Lord of the Rings and more.
3) Goblin Slayer
Liden Films’ Goblin Slayer unfolds in a classic fantasy where adventurers from different classes to take up on quests to vanquish monsters, particularly goblins, who wreak havoc across the land.
While goblins are generally seen as weak foes, there are instances where they acquire skills that pose a significant threat even to seasoned adventurers.
Enter the enigmatic Goblin Slayer, the only one who comprehends the true danger posed by goblins. Driven by a relentless determination, he stops at nothing until every last goblin meets its end at his hands.
While certain aspects, particularly in the notorious first episode, may not be suitable for all viewers, Goblin Slayer remains a noteworthy fantasy anime.
Its premise offers a compelling deconstruction of classic fantasy tropes, and the writing and worldbuilding contribute to a dark and immersive interpretation of Dungeons & Dragons-style fantasy.
This influence even extends to the overarching lore of the series. Goblin Slayer is an excellent choice for fans of classic fantasy, making it particularly appealing to enthusiasts of The Lord of the Rings.
4) Magi: The Labyrinth Of Magic
A-1 Pictures’ Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic transports viewers to a fantasy inspired by Arabian Nights, where individuals brave deadly dungeons in pursuit of immense power and wealth, capable of elevating their status in society.
Among these adventurers are Aladdin and Alibaba, who takes up on a journey across the world, seeking thrilling adventures within these dungeons.
However, their quest soon entangles them in intricate political schemes and magical conspiracies that pose a grave threat to the world’s very existence.
Joined by allies, they must take action to prevent catastrophe and safeguard their world from destruction.
While Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic may not share the same visual style as The Lord of the Rings, fans of the latter can still find much to enjoy in it.
With a fantastic cast and thrilling action, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic excels in its portrayal of fantasy themes, thanks to its intricate magic system and rich worldbuilding.
While its Arabian Nights aesthetic may differ from that of The Lord of the Rings, Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic offers a unique and compelling experience that is definitely worth watching for fans of fantasy anime.
5) Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Studio Madhouse’s Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End centers around Frieren, an elf mage who appears to age very slowly, if at all. She was part of an adventurer party that successfully defeated the demon lord.
Initially, Frieren didn’t think much of her time spent with her companions. However, upon the death of the Hero, Himmel, she comes to realize how much she truly cared for them.
Filled with regret over not treasuring their time together, Frieren takes up on a new journey to learn how to better understand and appreciate the people around her.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has captured the hearts of the anime community, and its appeal is evident. The series’ thoughtful and philosophical take on fantasy provides a refreshing contrast to the abundance of isekai anime in recent years.
Notably, its poignant and well-crafted character development stands out, drawing viewers into its world. With stunning animation and masterful direction, each episode of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a visual feast from start to finish.
Given its poetic exploration of the genre, it’s no surprise that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is considered the ultimate anime for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
6) Berserk
Berserk is a renowned dark fantasy series following Guts, a traveling swordsman armed with a massive sword, as he seeks vengeance against the malevolent God Hand.
Along his journey, Guts confronts and slays demonic Apostles who stand in his path. While there have been multiple adaptations, the most well-known is the original 1997 anime by OLM, Inc.
This adaptation predominantly delves into the Golden Age arc, delving into Guts’ transformation into the dark and violent individual seen at the outset of the series.
The original Berserk anime stands out as its best adaptation, and it’s clear why. Not only does it boast the most consistent and well-executed art and animation among the adaptations.
But its direction effectively captures the unrelentingly dark atmosphere of its world, despite its abrupt ending. As one of the finest fantasy anime out there, it’s an excellent choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
7) Re:Zero
In White Fox’s Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World, the protagonist Subaru Natsuki, an ordinary boy, is unexpectedly transported to a fantasy.
Instead of gaining overpowered abilities, Subaru is bestowed with the ability to return to specific points in time whenever he dies.
The series frequently explores this unique power by subjecting Subaru to increasingly gruesome deaths as he becomes entangled in the darker aspects of his new reality.
Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World’s greatest strength lies in its dark storytelling. While Subaru’s frequent and gruesome deaths are prominent.
The series goes beyond typical isekai anime by delving into Subaru’s self-loathing and the immense effort he must exert for every achievement.
This results in a more serious and thought-provoking take on the genre. Coupled with impressive worldbuilding, exhilarating fight scenes, and compelling character development.
Re:Zero emerges as a fantastic fantasy series suitable for all audiences, particularly fans of The Lord of the Rings.
8) Delicious In Dungeon
In Studio Trigger’s Delicious in Dungeon, the story begins with Laios and his adventurer party facing a devastating defeat at the hands of a fierce dragon, resulting in Laios’ sister, Falin, being devoured alive.
With only a limited window of opportunity to rescue Falin, the party must navigate back through the dungeon and find a way to revive her.
To sustain themselves during this perilous journey, Laios decides to utilize the monsters they encounter as a source of food, a plan he had secretly harbored for some time.
Despite being a relatively recent series, Delicious in Dungeon has quickly earned acclaim as a standout fantasy anime. Its adept parody of fantasy tropes is noteworthy.
But what truly sets it apart is the meticulous attention to detail in its worldbuilding. With each episode, the creative and immersive world of Delicious in Dungeon unfolds, viewers with its ingenuity.
Coupled with Studio Trigger’s stunning animation, the series serves as a delightful homage to classic fantasy, making it an excellent choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
9) Slayers
J.C. Staff’s Slayers features Lina Inverse, a formidable sorceress who roams the land in search of ways to earn fast money, often inadvertently causing more trouble than she solves.
Alongside her friends, Lina occasionally becomes entangled in the eternal conflict between the forces of two supreme deities who rule over their world.
Despite her reluctance to be involved, Lina frequently finds herself thrust into the role of world savior during times of crisis.
When it comes to fantasy anime, few strike the balance between comedy and serious storytelling as well as Slayers.
While the focus is primarily on the comedic antics of the cast, the series also boasts intricate and worldbuilding.
The seamless integration of humor and worldbuilding results in truly remarkable storytelling. Despite being nearly 30 years old, Slayers has stood the test of time remarkably well, remaining a fantasy tale even to this day.
10) Record Of Lodoss War
Studio AIC’s Record of Lodoss War follows the journey of Parn, a young knight determined to uncover the truth behind his father’s disgrace and restore his family’s honor.
Along the way, Parn forms a diverse party of adventurers, each with their own quests and motivations.
As their adventures unfold, Parn and his companions find themselves thrust into a greater conflict, becoming the last hope to save the land of Lodoss from impending destruction.
Drawing inspiration from its origins as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign, Record of Lodoss War adeptly captures the essence of classical fantasy.
With its richly developed characters and intricate worldbuilding, the series embodies the quintessential elements of a Dungeons & Dragons-style narrative.
Despite any clichés, the straightforward writing style of Record of Lodoss War lends it a genuine sincerity from beginning to end.
As one of the most iconic traditional fantasy tales in anime, it is an ideal choice for fans of The Lord of the Rings.