In a world filled with islands in the sky, Gran and his friend Vyrn have lived relatively normal lives on their own island of Zinkenstill. When they happen upon a mysterious girl named Lyria, the two soon find themselves thrust into an adventure! Lyria is running from the Erste Empire and inadvertently drags Gran along with her as she runs from this ambitious enemy. But Gran has always wanted to follow his father, who left a long time ago for the unknown “island in the stars,” Estalucia. With a chance to traverse the vast skies, Gran and Lyria eagerly set off on their journey together!

Granblue Fantasy is based on a mobile game of the same name, with the anime being a look into the beginnings of several pivotal characters on Gran and Lyria’s adventure. The series showcases fantasy in a similar feel as Grancrest Senki, focusing on a magical, unique setting and a plethora of characters following typical fantasy tropes. Both anime have a high-fantasy style, in that they mainly focus on the seriousness of events and characters, although there are some comedic moments involved. Grancrest Senki adds characters as the story goes on, much like Granblue Fantasy does throughout the different islands.

The young prince of the Kingdom of Pars, Arslan, heads out to prove himself on the battlefield. But the kingdom was betrayed – Pars’ army is destroyed, leaving Arslan on the run. With Daryun, a trusted general, by his side, Arslan must find allies to help him reclaim his throne. Will Arslan find the strength to overcome his foes, or will he and the Kingdom of Pars fall for good?

Arslan Senki is another high-fantasy anime, filled with plenty of characters fighting epic battles. Just as Theo must find allies to help him in his own quest, so Arslan seeks allies to help him in the wars to come. Both of these series have beautiful animation that allows you to transport to their fantasy settings, although Arslan Senki is a bit more grounded than Grancrest Senki.

The “beastfallen” are cursed human beings born with the strength of an animal as well as the appearance of one. In the midst of a constant war between humans and witches, these beastfallen are shunned by both groups. Several beastfallen have taken to becoming sellswords to make a living, hunting down witches by contract. Even with this knowledge, an optimistic witch named Zero decides to hire a beastfallen as her guardian. Zero, her mage friend Albus and this beastfallen called Mercenary set out on a quest for a powerful Grimoire. On their journey to recover this dangerous Grimoire of Zero, the unlikely group will grow as they travel together. In particular, Mercenary learns kindness and compassion as he meets different humans and witches alike.

When it comes to high-fantasy anime, Grimoire of Zero is one of the best new choices to watch! A fluid blend of both magic and war, this series is easily comparable to the serious mood of Grancrest Senki. Zero is optimistic about her quest and changing the world around her, similar to Siluca’s desire to end the wars and chaos of her own land. Both anime have settings with a medieval feel to them, encompassing the supernatural in a way that seems more natural. Though Grimoire of Zero doesn’t have the range of characters that Grancrest Senki does, Zero and her comrades still have the aura of an adventuring party, much like Theo and his allies do.

Frustrated with the little advances that humans have made in their war against the demons, the Hero decides to race away from his compatriots to take on the Demon Queen alone. Yet when he arrives at the castle, the Hero discovers that the Demon Queen needs his help! Though the Hero is confused by this unexpected turn of events, the Demon Queen shows him that the battles have brought humanity together, allowing much-needed supplies to be given to the Southern Nations. The Demon Queen offers an unusual allegiance to the Hero, to end the war in a way that would help humanity across the world.

Maoyuu Maou Yuusha has a bit more romance than Grancrest Senki, especially given that it focuses mainly on the Hero and the Demon Queen. However, their relationship is quite similar to that of Theo and Siluca, with an unexpected alliance leading to hope for the land. The magical/fighting range covered by members of the adventuring party is just as equal for both series. And both anime have the same high-fantasy feel to them, with a serious edge brought on by war. While Maoyuu Maou Yuusha is a bit different from most fantasy anime, it is a refreshing take on the genre.

The Holy Knights of Brittania use their magical prowess to protect their nation – that is, until one group of Holy Knights betrayed their kingdom and tried to overthrow the king. Though the kingdom survived, so did rumors of these powerful Holy Knights, known as the “Seven Deadly Sins.” Now, with the kingdom taken over by Holy Knights, the princess Elizabeth Liones sets out to find these Seven Deadly Sins, hoping they will help her reclaim Brittania…

Nanatsu no Taizai contains all of the same elements that Grancrest Senki does, but with less of the high-fantasy feel. Each character in Nanatsu no Taizai has their own special ability that allows them to fight in battle, much like Theo and his allies each do. Of course, Nanatsu no Taizai takes itself less seriously, but this does not make the anime any less enjoyable! If you watch Nanatsu no Taizai, you will get an excellent fantasy tale filled with compelling characters, just like you will in Grancrest Senki.

Sorey is a young man who grew up among the Seraphim, though normal humans cannot see these supernatural beings. One day, Sorey visits the human capital for the first time and ends up getting into a bit of trouble… He pulls out a holy sword that was embedded into a rock, becoming a Shepard sworn to protect the world from chaos. Sorey is unprepared for the magnitude of his new responsibility. Yet he will have to rise to meet this new challenge along with the rest of his companions on their journey.

Tales of Zestiria the X is an anime based off of a video game, lending it the level of fantasy given to most RPGs. Sorey and Theo have many similarities, as they begin their respective journeys relatively new to their adventures and learning how to be a hero as they go. And there’s an obvious link in the chaos in both anime. For those who appreciate the animation of fantasy settings, Tales of Zestiria the X definitely delivers some gorgeous scenery and battles. The story is a little lacking compared to Grancrest Senki, but Tales of Zestiria the X still will be an enjoyably simple experience for fans of fantasy stories!