Introduction
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash carved a unique space in the isekai genre with its grounded realism, emotional storytelling, and the deeply human struggles of characters thrown into a brutal fantasy world. Eschewing overpowered protagonists, it focused on slow character development, tactical combat, and the fragility of life in an unfamiliar land. Its muted color palette, contemplative pacing, and emotionally heavy moments set it apart.
For fans craving more anime that combine underdog journeys, layered group dynamics, and a subdued, thought-provoking narrative style, these 15 lesser-known series deserve your attention. Whether through emotional depth, narrative restraint, or a strong ensemble cast, each of these titles carries the spirit of Grimgar in its own unique way.
1. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime
- Plot: A bodyguard named Balsa is tasked with protecting a young prince believed to harbor a deadly spirit. As political forces close in, a slow-burning tale of loyalty and redemption unfolds.
- Similarities: Like Grimgar, Moribito grounds its fantasy with strong emotional storytelling and character-driven development, especially through its complex female protagonist.
- MAL Rating: 8.10
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: SAC)
- Awards: Seiun Award nominee (Best Dramatic Presentation)
2. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Six chosen heroes gather to defeat a demon lord, but when a seventh appears, suspicion turns deadly.
- Similarities: Echoes Grimgar with its paranoia, group tension, and mystery-driven narrative over flashy powers.
- MAL Rating: 7.27
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Passione
- Notable Staff: Directed by Takeo Takahashi (Spice and Wolf)
- Awards: Strong cult following; praised for subverting standard fantasy tropes
3. Shinsekai Yori / From the New World (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HiDive
- Plot: In a dystopian future where psychic powers have reshaped humanity, a group of children uncover dark truths about their society.
- Similarities: Subtle world-building, emotional trauma, and a foreboding tone echo Grimgar’s maturity and weight.
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Notable Staff: Script by Masashi Sogo (Bleach)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award Festival Excellence Prize
4. Sirius the Jaeger (2018)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: Vampire hunters clash with bloodthirsty nobles in a richly animated 1930s Japan.
- Similarities: Combines serious tone, unique aesthetic, and a protagonist haunted by the past—much like Grimgar‘s Haruhiro.
- MAL Rating: 7.00
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Director Masahiro Ando (Sword of the Stranger)
- Awards: None, but praised for animation quality and tone
5. Granbelm (2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: In a world stripped of magic, girls pilot mechas infused with sorcery to determine the next ruler of magic.
- Similarities: Underdog dynamics, emotional growth, and a layered narrative with strong female leads.
- MAL Rating: 6.91
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Nexus
- Notable Staff: Written by Jukki Hanada (Steins;Gate)
- Awards: Nominated at Anime Trending Awards for Best Original Anime
6. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: In a post-apocalyptic dome city, a female inspector investigates a series of crimes tied to rogue androids and hidden truths.
- Similarities: Shares a somber tone, philosophical themes, and slow character exploration akin to Grimgar.
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Episodes: 23
- Studio: Manglobe
- Notable Staff: Directed by Shukou Murase (Witch Hunter Robin)
- Awards: Sci-Fi Anime Fan Favorite (2007)
7. Made in Abyss (2017)
- Streaming: HIDIVE, Prime Video
- Plot: A young girl and a robot descend into a mysterious abyss to find her mother, encountering increasingly horrific trials.
- Similarities: Emotional hardship, slow-paced character growth, and deadly stakes parallel Grimgar’s darker tones.
- MAL Rating: 8.68
- Episodes: 13 (plus films & sequel seasons)
- Studio: Kinema Citrus
- Notable Staff: Kevin Penkin’s haunting soundtrack
- Awards: Anime of the Year – Crunchyroll Awards 2017
8. Uninhabited Planet Survive! (2003)
- Streaming: Not currently streaming officially
- Plot: A group of school kids crash-land on a mysterious planet and must survive using wit and teamwork.
- Similarities: Emphasizes survival, team bonding, and emotional realism in a hostile environment—hallmarks of Grimgar.
- MAL Rating: 7.50
- Episodes: 52
- Studio: Madhouse & Telecom Animation
- Notable Staff: Directed by Yuichiro Yano
- Awards: NHK Educational Award for Youth Programming
9. Sunday Without God (2013)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Plot: In a world where no one can die or be born, a young girl becomes a gravekeeper who helps souls find rest.
- Similarities: Contemplates mortality, emotional closure, and surreal yet grounded fantasy concepts.
- MAL Rating: 7.33
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Yuji Kumazawa
- Awards: Best Character Design Nominee – Newtype Awards
10. Shoukoku no Altair / Altair: A Record of Battles (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A young strategist tries to prevent war in a politically volatile fantasy empire.
- Similarities: Strategic storytelling, political undertones, and a protagonist growing into leadership echo Grimgar’s narrative arc.
- MAL Rating: 7.50
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: MAPPA
- Notable Staff: Director Kazuhiro Furuhashi (Hunter x Hunter 1999)
- Awards: None, but strong historical/fantasy blend praised
11. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A high school girl is pulled into a fantasy world where she must become a monarch amidst political strife.
- Similarities: Deep world-building, character evolution through hardship, and mature storytelling mirror Grimgar’s strengths.
- MAL Rating: 8.06
- Episodes: 45
- Studio: Pierrot
- Notable Staff: Based on novels by Fuyumi Ono (Ghost Hunt)
- Awards: High critical acclaim; cult classic
12. Noein: To Your Other Self (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Parallel dimensions and warping timelines collide as a young girl becomes the key to multiversal survival.
- Similarities: Experimental animation, emotional themes, and youth caught in extraordinary situations—core Grimgar elements.
- MAL Rating: 7.54
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Satelight
- Notable Staff: Kazuki Akane (Escaflowne)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award for Best TV Animation
13. Kuromukuro (2016)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Plot: A samurai from the past awakens in a futuristic Japan invaded by aliens, joining forces with a high school girl.
- Similarities: Strong character bonding, out-of-place protagonists, and emotional stakes connect it with Grimgar.
- MAL Rating: 7.18
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: P.A. Works
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tensai Okamura (Darker than Black)
- Awards: Sci-Fi Japan TV Awards Nominee
14. Scrapped Princess (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: A girl prophesied to end the world flees persecution with her siblings in a medieval sci-fi world.
- Similarities: Fantasy with hidden sci-fi layers, emotional sibling bonds, and deep questions about destiny.
- MAL Rating: 7.44
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Written by Ichiro Okouchi (Code Geass)
- Awards: Highly praised by fantasy anime critics
15. Alderamin on the Sky (2016)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A lazy but brilliant strategist rises through the military ranks in a war-torn empire.
- Similarities: Underdog growth, team reliance, and morally gray conflicts akin to Grimgar’s grounded themes.
- MAL Rating: 7.54
- Episodes: 13
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tetsuo Ichimura
- Awards: Anime Trending – Underrated Anime Nominee
Why These Anime Work for Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash Fans
What connects these anime isn’t just genre or setting—it’s a shared storytelling philosophy. Each series puts emotional realism and character growth above flashy spectacle. These stories explore loss, trauma, survival, and how groups of flawed people can come together, grow, and rise against overwhelming odds. For those who were moved by Grimgar’s sincerity and grounded fantasy world, these 15 titles offer new but familiar emotional terrains to explore.
