The Faraway Paladin (2021) blends heartfelt storytelling, deep worldbuilding, and a coming-of-age journey within a high-fantasy world. Centering on Will, a reincarnated human raised by three undead guardians, the series stands out for its introspective tone, gradual character growth, and moral dilemmas—not to mention its unique power system and spiritual themes.
What makes it compelling isn’t just its fantasy elements, but how it subverts typical isekai tropes, focuses on internal character conflict, and takes its time building emotional stakes. If you’re craving more anime with underdog stories, carefully crafted worlds, and thematic depth, these 15 underrated gems deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions (2016)
Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.6
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot: A group of strangers wakes up in a fantasy world with no memories and must adapt to survive as volunteer soldiers.
Why it’s similar: Like The Faraway Paladin, Grimgar focuses on emotional realism over flashy action, showcasing the slow, painful growth of fragile, flawed heroes.
Notable Staff: Ryosuke Nakamura (Director), known for atmospheric storytelling
2. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 45
MAL Rating: 8.0
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Plot: High schooler Yoko is transported to a mysterious land where she’s thrust into royal power and political upheaval.
Why it’s similar: Themes of moral growth, responsibility, and slow worldbuilding parallel Will’s journey from ordinary boy to chosen paladin.
Recognition: Long considered a hidden gem among isekai epics.
3. Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 6.8
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Plot: A boy from modern Japan awakens in another world with memories of his past life, gaining mysterious powers.
Why it’s similar: It explores reincarnation, inner turmoil, and rising from obscurity in a hostile world, much like The Faraway Paladin.
4. Maoyu: Archenemy & Hero (2013)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.3
Studio: ARMS
Plot: A hero confronts the Demon King, only to discover she seeks peace, not war—and they form an unlikely alliance.
Why it’s similar: Explores nuanced morality, economic systems in fantasy, and subverts hero-vs-evil expectations.
Unique Style: Heavy focus on dialogue and ideology over combat.
5. Scrapped Princess (2003)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.4
Studio: Bones
Plot: A girl prophesied to destroy the world flees with her adoptive siblings in search of truth and freedom.
Why it’s similar: Features deep sibling bonds, slow-burn mysteries, and a world of divine rules and destiny.
Notable Studio: BONES, known for high-quality animation even in lesser-known titles.
6. Shingeki no Bahamut: Genesis (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.6
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A ragtag group of bounty hunters, gods, and demons is caught in a war triggered by a powerful key.
Why it’s similar: Fantastical world with layered mythologies and characters who grow amidst chaos and conflict.
Studio Highlight: Early MAPPA gem with fluid action and unique art direction.
7. The World is Still Beautiful (2014)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.6
Studio: Pierrot
Plot: A weather-controlling princess marries the sun king of a distant land to save her nation.
Why it’s similar: Explores the theme of growing into power with grace, empathy, and responsibility—much like Will’s evolution.
8. Sunday Without God (2013)
Streaming: HIDIVE
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.3
Studio: Madhouse
Plot: In a world where God has abandoned humanity, a girl becomes a gravekeeper—tasked with ending the lives of the undead.
Why it’s similar: Blends spirituality with fantasy, exploring existential questions in a world of the living dead.
9. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 26
MAL Rating: 8.1
Studio: Production I.G
Plot: A stoic bodyguard must protect a prince carrying a mysterious spirit, all while navigating palace intrigue.
Why it’s similar: Emotional depth, detailed worldbuilding, and a slow, introspective journey echo The Faraway Paladin.
Award: Won Best Animation Award at Tokyo Anime Fair
10. To Your Eternity (2021)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 20 (Season 1), more ongoing
MAL Rating: 8.4
Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: An immortal being takes on human forms, learning what it means to live, love, and lose.
Why it’s similar: Philosophical exploration of life and death, guided by emotional storytelling and long-term growth.
11. The Beast Player Erin (2009)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 50
MAL Rating: 8.1
Studio: Trans Arts
Plot: Erin, a girl with a mysterious bond to magical beasts, is drawn into political turmoil as her powers awaken.
Why it’s similar: Coming-of-age arc with natural world themes, mystical lore, and a quietly powerful heroine.
12. Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul (2017)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 24
MAL Rating: 7.5
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: A dragon-powered rebellion rises against a tyrannical god-king, led by a spirited young woman.
Why it’s similar: Mix of divine conflict, rebellion, and moral complexity set in a richly built fantasy world.
13. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
Streaming: Crunchyroll
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.8
Studio: Satelight
Plot: A golem protects a human child in a post-human world, searching for her people.
Why it’s similar: Deep emotional bonds, introspective tone, and questions of purpose and legacy reflect The Faraway Paladin’s core.
14. Sirius the Jaeger (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 7.0
Studio: P.A. Works
Plot: A werewolf hunts vampires in 1930s Tokyo while uncovering secrets of his past and divine origins.
Why it’s similar: Shares the themes of divine duty, internal struggle, and explosive action wrapped in somber storytelling.
15. Dorohedoro (2020)
Streaming: Netflix
Episodes: 12
MAL Rating: 8.0
Studio: MAPPA
Plot: In a world where sorcerers experiment on humans, a lizard-headed man searches for his lost identity.
Why it’s similar: Though darker and more chaotic, it shares Paladin’s mystery-driven storytelling and unique world logic.
Notable Style: Experimental 2D/3D hybrid animation with cult appeal
Why These Anime Work for The Faraway Paladin Fans
These underrated anime shine in their commitment to immersive storytelling, gradual character development, and spiritual or philosophical undertones. Whether it’s the slow-burn worldbuilding of Moribito or the reincarnation-driven introspection of Seirei Gensouki, each series echoes the emotional and thematic resonance that makes The Faraway Paladin so impactful. If you’re searching for more shows that respect your intelligence, honor character depth, and deliver meaningful fantasy tales—you won’t be disappointed.
