The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Mahoutsukai no Yome) captivated viewers with its gothic fantasy setting, slow-burn romance, and layered storytelling. Blending magic systems with emotional growth, it explores the bond between the human and the supernatural through a mysterious, melancholic lens. Central themes like magical apprenticeship, emotional trauma, found family, and the quiet strength of the underdog make it resonate deeply.
While popular in certain circles, many equally enchanting anime explore similar threads but fly under the radar. These 15 underrated titles share thematic or stylistic DNA with The Ancient Magus’ Bride and deserve a place in your queue.
1. Natsume’s Book of Friends (2008–2017)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 74 (6 seasons)
- Rating: 8.36 (MAL)
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Shuka
Plot Summary: A boy inherits his grandmother’s book of yokai contracts and slowly builds relationships with spirits while searching for emotional connection.
Why It’s Similar: Like Chise, Natsume is an emotionally scarred protagonist who forms bonds with mystical beings in a beautiful, atmospheric world.
2. Mushishi (2005–2014)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 46 + specials
- Rating: 8.68 (MAL)
- Studio: Artland
Plot Summary: Ginko, a wandering mushi master, investigates supernatural phenomena tied to nature spirits.
Why It’s Similar: Quiet pacing, philosophical themes, and reverence for the natural world mirror The Ancient Magus’ Bride’s tone.
3. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.81 (MAL)
- Studio: Satelight
Plot Summary: In a world ruled by spirits, a golem finds a lost human child and journeys to find her people.
Why It’s Similar: Explores themes of guardianship, emotional bonding between species, and a richly detailed fantasy world.
4. The World is Still Beautiful (2014)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.68 (MAL)
- Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Princess Nike marries the Sun King and discovers his emotional complexities as they navigate royal duties and elemental powers.
Why It’s Similar: Underdog romance, elemental magic, and a strong emotional core with a slow-burn relationship.
5. Hakumei and Mikochi (2018)
- Streaming on: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.59 (MAL)
- Studio: Lerche
Plot Summary: Tiny forest-dwelling women experience whimsical adventures in a world filled with nature spirits and gentle magic.
Why It’s Similar: Emphasis on worldbuilding, natural magic, and peaceful coexistence with the mystical.
6. Erin (2009)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 50
- Rating: 8.16 (MAL)
- Studio: Trans Arts
Plot Summary: Erin, a girl from a persecuted group, becomes entwined in a political and magical mystery involving legendary beasts.
Why It’s Similar: Coming-of-age journey, political fantasy, and unique power systems told from a gentle, emotional perspective.
7. To Your Eternity (2021)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 40+ (ongoing)
- Rating: 8.35 (MAL)
- Studio: Brain’s Base, Drive
Plot Summary: An immortal entity learns about humanity by taking on the forms of those it meets and loses.
Why It’s Similar: Both explore emotional growth, the pain of loss, and fantastical storytelling through quiet introspection.
8. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: 8.11 (MAL)
- Studio: Production I.G
Plot Summary: A spear-wielding bodyguard protects a prince possessed by a mysterious water spirit.
Why It’s Similar: Strong protector-ward dynamic, deep character arcs, and a mythological world with mature storytelling.
9. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: 7.45 (MAL)
- Studio: Studio Deen
Plot Summary: A young onmyouji-in-training learns spirit magic and faces ancient evils while stepping out of his legendary grandfather’s shadow.
Why It’s Similar: Apprentice storyline, spiritual folklore, and a focus on overcoming trauma and finding one’s purpose.
10. The Eccentric Family (2013, 2017)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: 8.10 (MAL)
- Studio: P.A. Works
Plot Summary: Tanuki, tengu, and humans coexist in Kyoto, with one tanuki family navigating magical politics and identity.
Why It’s Similar: Combines folklore with family bonds and personal discovery in a beautifully stylized world.
11. Children of the Whales (2017)
- Streaming on: Netflix
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.07 (MAL)
- Studio: J.C.Staff
Plot Summary: A floating island’s magical inhabitants discover the dark origins of their powers and their society.
Why It’s Similar: Unique magic systems, melancholic tone, and themes of ostracization and identity echo The Ancient Magus’ Bride.
12. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 45
- Rating: 8.13 (MAL)
- Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: A high school girl is transported to a mythical kingdom where she must rise as a ruler amidst chaos.
Why It’s Similar: Heroine thrown into an unfamiliar magical world, learning and growing into her destiny through hardship.
13. The Girl from the Other Side (2022 OVA)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (OVA – 60 min)
- Rating: 7.89 (MAL)
- Studio: WIT Studio
Plot Summary: A young girl and a cursed beast form a fragile, loving bond across a world split by a magical plague.
Why It’s Similar: Shares visual tone and themes of acceptance, otherness, and protective relationships in a hauntingly beautiful world.
14. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming on: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: 7.53 (MAL)
- Studio: Gonzo
Plot Summary: A girl taken to the spirit world starts running an inn to pay off her grandfather’s debts instead of marrying a spirit.
Why It’s Similar: Spirit realm dynamics, romantic undertones, and a protagonist finding strength in service and community.
15. A Letter to Momo (2011)
- Streaming on: Amazon Prime Video, HIDIVE
- Episodes: Film (120 min)
- Rating: 7.60 (MAL)
- Studio: Production I.G
Plot Summary: A grieving girl encounters three mischievous yokai while adjusting to life after her father’s death.
Why It’s Similar: Explores themes of grief, healing, and unseen spiritual worlds through rich animation and quiet storytelling.
Why These Anime Work for The Ancient Magus’ Bride Fans
Each of these hidden gems blends emotional depth with fantasy elements, focusing on growth, connection, and the supernatural. Whether it’s through the slow unraveling of magical rules, the bond between human and otherworldly beings, or the introspective journey of the protagonist, these stories mirror the emotional and thematic richness of The Ancient Magus’ Bride. They might not have the mainstream buzz, but for those craving beautifully crafted narratives with myth, melancholy, and magic—they’re essential watches.
