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But, for some fans, that release date can’t come soon enough. Frieren has developed a devout cult following, who are desperately searching for anime with that similarly indescribable spark that made Frieren so special. While many will agree that the series is one-of-a-kind, there are some anime that hold close similarities to Frieren.
1) Ranking of Kings
Ranking of Kings is another series that blends an emotional, character-driven story with gorgeous and cute art. Unlike Frieren, which frequently subverts the tropes of the fantasy genre, Ranking of Kings follows the fundamental steps of an underdog story in a fantasy setting. But, it does it to such great effect that it evokes the same respect and understanding of the genre as Frieren.
Based on the manga by Sลsuke Tลka, the series follows Boji, a deaf and miniscule prince with dreams of becoming king. Due to his small stature, the people of the kingdom claim he will never be king, but with the help of his best friend, a shadow named Kage, Boji strives to make his dream come true.
2) From the New World
In the later episodes of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Season 1, the series toys with the concept of morality. Fern is presented as a clear-cut protagonist, Ubel is a sadistic character but is still presented as a hero, and Frieren’s morality is also called into question, and she is still a hero. The series doesn’t hold the viewer’s hand; it simply presents the characters and lets viewers decide for themselves who they support.
That’s what fans will appreciate in From the New World. The post-apocalyptic sci-fi series toys with the line between antagonists and protagonists. From the New World also puts its characters at the forefront, letting their personalities and morality drive the story, much like Frieren.
3) Mushi-Shi
Mushi-Shi might be as close as you can get to Frieren, while still providing something different and unique. One of Frieren‘s most engaging elements is its everyday vibe. Amidst the dragons, demons, and magic, much of Frieren is spent following the everyday lives of its characters, as they are presented as grounded people who happen to live in a fantasy setting.
Mushishi perfects this concept. The slow and meditative series follows Ginke, a “Mushishi,” who ponders the existence of the complex yet basic lifeforms known as Mushi. The odd creatures might hold the key to understanding our very existence. Mushishi is, at times, a slow burn. But that’s also its biggest strength, as the series is methodical and thought-provoking in its exploration of life itself.
4) Humanity Has Declined
Frieren blended heavy-hitting themes and action with an adorable aesthetic and art style, courtesy of Madhouse animation. Humanity Has Declined, despite its pessimistic title, achieves the same rare feat, blending the post-apocalyptic genre with cute and aloof fairies.
The series follows The Mediator, a young girl who is sent by the UN as an intermediary between the surviving humans and the fairies, who are unintentionally destructive in their pursuit of candy. Behind its adorable art style, Humanity Has Declined is hilarious, thought-provoking, and incredibly cynical.
5) Land of the Lustrous
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End wouldn’t be complete without the complex creatures and factions that fill its fantasy world. Land of the Lustrous will appeal to Frieren fans who love worldbuilding while also providing gorgeously fluid animation and an engaging story.
Land of the Lustrous is set in the far future, where mineral creatures known as Gems inhabit a strange planet that has been decimated by meteors. The Gems live peacefully among themselves but are hunted by the Lunarians, a species residing on the moon who hunt them to make jewelry from their bodies.
