Spice and Wolf isn’t your typical fantasy adventure. Set against the backdrop of medieval trade routes and marketplace politics, it follows the sharp-witted merchant Kraft Lawrence and the wise wolf deity Holo as they journey together through shifting economies and emotional depths.
Its brilliance lies in subtle character chemistry, rich dialogue, and a refreshingly grounded “power system” built on negotiation and strategy rather than brute force.
For fans seeking similarly intelligent storytelling, character-driven journeys, and unconventional worldbuilding, these 15 underrated anime offer a worthy continuation of that same charm.
1. Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 7.26
Episodes: 12
Studio: Arms
A hero confronts the Demon King—only to find she’s a woman who wants to end the war through economic reform.
Similarities: Economics as power, slow-burn romance, philosophical dialogue, and commentary on war and trade.
2. The Great Passage (2016)
Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
MAL Rating: 8.11
Episodes: 11
Studio: Zexcs
A shy man joins a publishing house to compile a new dictionary over the span of years.
Similarities: Slow, contemplative storytelling, dialogue-driven narrative, and passion for the craft (words instead of trade).
3. Arte (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.18
Episodes: 12
Studio: Seven Arcs
A noblewoman pursues her dream of becoming an artist in Renaissance Italy, breaking gender roles.
Similarities: Historical European setting, personal growth through economic independence, and strong female lead.
4. Ascendance of a Bookworm (2019)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.00
Episodes: 14
Studio: Ajia-Do
A modern book lover reincarnates in a medieval world and begins innovating the printing industry.
Similarities: Resourcefulness as power, economic systems, charming interpersonal growth, and light fantasy elements.
5. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.82
Episodes: 12
Studio: Satelight
A golem guardian travels a fantasy world with a human child in search of her people.
Similarities: Traveling duo, exploration of cultures, soft-spoken emotional bond, and beautiful worldbuilding.
6. Kino’s Journey – The Beautiful World (2003/2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.37 (2003) / 7.61 (2017)
Episodes: 13 (each version)
Studio: A.C.G.T / Lerche
Kino and her talking motorcycle visit strange lands, each with unique customs and social rules.
Similarities: Episodic storytelling, philosophical undertones, exploration of civilizations, and travel as a narrative tool.
7. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
MAL Rating: 8.13
Episodes: 26
Studio: Production I.G
A bodyguard protects a prince marked for death while uncovering spiritual mysteries.
Similarities: Mature character writing, grounded fantasy, journey-focused pacing, and political intrigue.
8. Snow White with the Red Hair (2015)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.74
Episodes: 24
Studio: Bones
A skilled herbalist earns her place in a royal court and captures the attention of a prince.
Similarities: Strong female lead with intellectual strength, elegant pacing, and romantic undertones in a medieval world.
9. WorldEnd: What do you do at the end of the world? Are you busy? Will you save us? (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.58
Episodes: 12
Studio: Satelight, C2C
A caretaker of cursed fairy weapons learns to love again in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world.
Similarities: Emotional connection between leads, subdued romantic tones, and philosophical overtones wrapped in fantasy.
10. The Eccentric Family (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.96
Episodes: 13
Studio: P.A. Works
A tanuki family navigates Kyoto’s strange world of tengu, humans, and old rivalries.
Similarities: Human-like deities, clever dialogue, character-driven plot, and commentary on legacy and change.
11. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.66
Episodes: 13
Studio: Studio Deen
A former convict apprentices under a master rakugo performer, revealing decades of emotional history.
Similarities: Rich, mature conversations, slow character evolution, and a deep bond built through dialogue and shared purpose.
12. Spice and Wolf II (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.19
Episodes: 12
Studio: Brain’s Base, Marvy Jack
Continuation of Holo and Lawrence’s journey as they face new markets, new challenges, and evolving emotions.
Similarities: A direct sequel, but still underrated in appreciation—further develops their complex bond and expands economic schemes.
13. Ristorante Paradiso (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.39
Episodes: 11
Studio: David Production
A young woman seeks her estranged mother and ends up working in a Roman restaurant filled with elderly charmers.
Similarities: Quiet elegance, mature storytelling, European-inspired setting, and dialogue that builds emotional nuance.
14. Mushishi (2005)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.69
Episodes: 26
Studio: Artland
A mysterious man named Ginko travels helping people plagued by ethereal creatures called mushi.
Similarities: Wanderer as observer, spiritual minimalism, subtle emotional exploration, and deeply philosophical undertones.
15. Bartender (2006)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.65
Episodes: 11
Studio: Palm Studio
In a quiet bar, a bartender crafts the perfect drink to heal each customer’s emotional wounds.
Similarities: Dialogue-heavy episodes, episodic introspection, slow pacing, and the beauty of human connection through simplicity.
Why These Anime Work for Spice and Wolf Fans
These series carry the heart of Spice and Wolf, smart conversations, slow-burning relationships, and mature storytelling wrapped in grounded or lightly fantastical settings.
Whether through trade, travel, or introspective monologues, they challenge the traditional anime formula by focusing on intellect, partnership, and emotional nuance.
For those who fell in love with Holo and Lawrence’s journey, these underrated titles offer equally rewarding roads less traveled.
