Fans of Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) know it’s more than just a fantasy romance—it’s a gripping tale of transformation, political intrigue, and the rise of a strong heroine. Following Princess Yona as she shifts from sheltered royal to fearless leader after a betrayal shatters her world, the anime blends action, character development, and themes of legacy, loyalty, and empowerment.
With its rich historical fantasy setting, deep power dynamics, and subversion of standard shoujo tropes, Yona of the Dawn leaves viewers craving more of that emotional depth and adventurous spirit. Below are 15 lesser-known anime that share its soul—whether through coming-of-age narratives, layered characters, or fantasy worlds filled with danger and destiny.
1. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Episodes: 45
- Studio: Pierrot
Plot: A high school student is transported to a parallel world where she learns she is destined to become a ruler, facing mythical creatures and political unrest.
Similarities: Like Yona, Youko starts off insecure but grows into a capable leader. Both series explore female empowerment, political drama, and richly detailed fantasy realms.
2. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive, Amazon Prime Video
- MAL Rating: 8.15
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
- Awards: Excellence Prize (Japan Media Arts Festival)
Plot: A wandering spear-wielder named Balsa is tasked with protecting a prince believed to be possessed by a water demon.
Similarities: Both series center on strong female protagonists with a sense of duty, emotional growth, and themes of destiny wrapped in complex world-building.
3. Saiunkoku Monogatari (2006)
- Streaming: Unavailable officially (fan-subbed)
- MAL Rating: 7.97
- Episodes: 39
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a patriarchal empire, a determined young woman dreams of becoming a court official and ends up tutoring a lazy prince to shape the nation.
Similarities: Shares a similar Chinese-inspired setting, court politics, and a headstrong heroine navigating societal limitations.
4. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.55
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot: A young spiritualist battles evil spirits while trying to step out of the shadow of his famous grandfather.
Similarities: Underdog rising through mystical challenges, ancient prophecies, and heartfelt relationships echo Yona’s journey and mythical undertones.
5. Seirei no Moribito (2007)
- Streaming: HiDive
- MAL Rating: 8.15
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
Plot: A bodyguard protects a boy harboring a mythical spirit, challenging both politics and myth.
Similarities: A grounded and mature fantasy narrative with moral ambiguity, much like the complex themes in Yona of the Dawn.
6. Basara (1998)
- Streaming: DVD only (No current legal stream)
- MAL Rating: 7.20
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Kitty Films
Plot: After her brother is killed, Sarasa disguises herself as him to lead a rebellion against a tyrannical empire.
Similarities: Gender disguise, rebellion against fate, and a strong heroine on a quest for justice closely mirror Yona’s arc.
7. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.77
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Bones
Plot: A herbalist with red hair catches the eye of a prince but chooses her own path, eventually working her way into court life.
Similarities: A red-haired protagonist, romance set in a royal court, and strong feminist themes of self-determination.
8. Erin (Kemono no Souja Erin) (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 8.29
- Episodes: 50
- Studio: Trans Arts
Plot: A girl who can communicate with mythical beasts becomes caught in a war between kingdoms.
Similarities: Political and environmental themes, a young protagonist’s growth, and the blending of animal lore with human ambition.
9. Hanasakeru Seishounen (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.44
- Episodes: 39
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
Plot: Heiress Kajika is asked to choose a future husband from three candidates—each with political ties to global power games.
Similarities: A shoujo series with intrigue, travel, romance, and high-stakes diplomacy that mirrors the emotional layers of Yona of the Dawn.
10. Altair: A Record of Battles (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.65
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A young general must navigate political schemes to protect his homeland from imperial invasion.
Similarities: Tactical warfare, political complexity, and a youthful protagonist growing into his leadership role parallel Yona’s themes.
11. Alderamin on the Sky (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.54
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot: A lazy strategist is forced into war and becomes a military genius amidst rising political instability.
Similarities: Clever subversion of expectations, with strategic warfare, deep character arcs, and the burden of leadership.
12. Tegami Bachi (Letter Bee) (2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.70
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
Plot: In a world of perpetual night, a young “Letter Bee” delivers letters across dangerous lands, uncovering dark conspiracies.
Similarities: Melancholic tone, emotional storytelling, and themes of duty and connection make it a solid match for Yona fans.
13. Guin Saga (2009)
- Streaming: HiDive
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Satelight
Plot: Two royal twins flee their war-torn kingdom and ally with a mysterious warrior with no memory of his past.
Similarities: Classic fantasy with royalty, exile, and epic journeys. Also shares similar pacing and character-driven storytelling.
14. WorldEnd: What Do You Do at the End of the World? (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- MAL Rating: 7.60
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Satelight, C2C
Plot: The last human teams up with weaponized fairy girls to stop humanity’s extinction in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world.
Similarities: Themes of sacrifice, found family, and soft romance under dire circumstances reflect Yona’s emotional core.
15. The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015)
- Streaming: Funimation
- MAL Rating: 7.67
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: LIDENFILMS, SANZIGEN
Plot: Young Prince Arslan must reclaim his throne after betrayal leads to the fall of his kingdom.
Similarities: Royal exile, slow-building alliances, and the hero’s journey from weakness to wisdom echo Yona of the Dawn beautifully.
Why These Anime Work for Yona of the Dawn Fans
These 15 anime dive deep into the same thematic territories that made Yona of the Dawn so unforgettable: slow-burn character development, courtly intrigue, war-torn nations, and strong protagonists finding their purpose. Whether it’s the emotional resonance of Erin, the political drama of Saiunkoku Monogatari, or the journey from exile to empowerment in Basara, these hidden gems are well worth exploring for anyone who found themselves captivated by Yona’s story.
