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10 best anime to watch if you like Haigakura

Haigakura’s presenting a mix of Chinese mythology, fantasy adventure, and captivating characters, has captured the hearts of anime fans since its premiere in October 2024. With intricate worldbuilding and emotional storytelling, this series stands out as an exceptional new anime.

Fans of this series may be looking for similar shows to fill the void. The good news is that several anime feature comparable strengths, including mythological inspiration, supernatural worlds, unlikely heroes, and East Asian settings.

The following list explores 10 enthralling anime to satisfy viewers craving more of what they loved from Haigakura.


10 best anime for fans of Haigakura

1) Noragami

Noragami (Image via Bones)
Noragami (Image via Bones)

Centered around Japanese deities and spirits, Noragami immediately evokes Haigakura’s premise involving wayward gods affecting humanity. Protagonist Yato dreams of having millions of worshippers, yet remains a minor and obscure god without a single shrine dedicated to him.

He soon meets middle schoolers Hiyori and Yuki, who get caught up in Yato’s supernatural exploits. With heavy doses of action and comedy, Noragami still manages tender moments as Yato bonds with Hiyori and Yuki while assisting spirits and defending them against phantoms.

The fascinating dynamics between human and divine characters and an engaging story in a modern supernatural setting give Noragami wide appeal.


2) Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Image via Studio Bind)
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation (Image via Studio Bind)

Boasting intricate fantasy worldbuilding, Mushoku Tensei centers around Rudeus Greyrat, a 34-year-old NEET reincarnated as a baby in a magical realm of swords and sorcery.

Retaining memories of his previous life, Rudeus seeks redemption, training to become a mighty mage while learning valuable life lessons. Vibrant landscapes, exhilarating adventures, and captivating drama make the series essential for Haigakura fans.

Dynamic characters also showcase complex development across the seasons. Mushoku Tensei promises a rollercoaster fantasy saga certain to satisfy viewers craving detailed fantasy worlds.


3) Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic

Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Inspired by Middle Eastern folk tales, Magi shares Haigakura’s flair for adapting mythic traditions into fantastical anime narratives.

It focuses on Aladdin, a magical being traveling the world and entering dungeons filled with treasures and traps alongside his friend Alibaba. Alongside lovable protagonists and mystical stories, Magi explores socio-political strife in a fantasy setting reminiscent of ancient Persia.

Mythology and morality blend seamlessly in this acclaimed adaptation. Haigakura viewers who crave more mystical Eastern lore should find Magi the perfect companion series.


4) Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (Image via Ufotable)
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (Image via Ufotable)

Boasting intense action choreography and emotional drama, Unlimited Blade Works forms part of the acclaimed Fate franchise based around historical and mythological figures battling for the Holy Grail.

The series follows mage Shirou Emiya as he is drawn into a secret magical war in Fuyuki City. Shirou joins forces with the fierce warrior Rin Tohsaka to confront other mages and epic heroes.

Thrilling combat sequences, potent character development, and an intricately crafted modern fantasy setting earn Unlimited Blade Works praise from critics and fans alike. Viewers missing Haigakura’s blend of historical fantasy and character-driven storylines should thoroughly enjoy this entry from the legendary Fate series.


5) Kamigami no Asobi

Kamigami no Asobi (Image via Brain's Base)
Kamigami no Asobi (Image via Brain's Base)

This reverse harem anime involves Yui Kusanagi being transported to a mythical academy where she meets incarnations of gods from various pantheons, including Apollo and Loki.

Tasked with teaching the unruly deities about humanity, Yui’s interactions with the gods prompt all parties to reflect deeply on love and the meaning of life. Beyond the magnetic character dynamics and humor, Kamigami no Asobi finds inspiration from Shinto, Greek, and Norse mythology like Haigakura.

Yui also shares similarities with Haigakura’s protagonist, who is initially talentless and finds purpose by helping wayward gods. Overflowing with eye-catching gods in training, fascinating backstories, and touching romance, Kamigami no Asobi should readily appeal to fans.


6) Natsume's Book of Friends

Natsume’s Book of Friends (Image via Brain's Base, Shuka)
Natsume’s Book of Friends (Image via Brain's Base, Shuka)

Orphaned from a young age, Takashi Natsume can see spirits and mythical entities. He inherits the “Book of Friends” from his long-deceased grandmother Reiko, a powerful tome-binding spirit subdued by Reiko during her life.

Natsume seeks to free these trapped spirits by returning their names while coming to understand his enigmatic grandmother. Like Haigakura, the series juggles human stories with those of supernatural beings rooted in Japanese tradition for an unforgettable experience.

Moving character writing from start to finish cements Natsume’s Book of Friends as essential viewing for fans.


7) Mononoke

Mononoke (Image via Toei Animation)
Mononoke (Image via Toei Animation)

Set during Japan’s Edo period, this haunting anthology series follows the mysterious “Medicine Seller” as he vanquishes Mononoke, vengeful spirits embodying regret, rage, or sorrow.

Blending elements of fantasy, horror, and folklore, Mononoke’s standalone stories depict the Medicine Seller encountering different Mononoke in his travels and employing specialized weapons and insight to quell them.

Visually arresting while exploring meaningful themes, Mononoke bears similarities to Haigakura in its rootedness in Japanese lore while offering universal lessons on the human condition. Fans of Haigakura keen on more thought-provoking supernatural tales should schedule a meeting with the masterful Mononoke.


8) InuYasha

InuYasha (Image via Sunrise)
InuYasha (Image via Sunrise)

Rumiko Takahashi’s beloved series warrants mention, given its strong female protagonist, feudal Japan setting, and emphasis on Japanese folklore involving demons and magic.

The story begins with teenager Kagome Higurashi being pulled into the Bone-Eater’s Well at her family shrine, finding herself 500 years in the past during Japan’s violent Sengoku period.

Amidst warring clans and roaming beasts, Kagome joins half-demon InuYasha to reclaim scattered shards of the powerful Shikon Jewel and prevent mass chaos. Blending action, comedy, and romance to stellar effect, InuYasha is a great choice for fans of Haigakura’s ancient Japan setting and supernatural drama.


9) The Twelve Kingdoms

The Twelve Kingdoms (Image via Pierrot)
The Twelve Kingdoms (Image via Pierrot)

Schoolgirl Youko Nakajima is abruptly transported to the world of the Twelve Kingdoms and soon discovers she is destined to rule the kingdom of Kei.

Guiding her in this strange new land of magic, mythical beasts, and ancient customs is Keiki, a kirin (mythical creature) serving the kingdom of Kei. Navigating political intrigue while confronting horrific monsters, Youko must embrace her destiny to restore order and stability in the kingdom of Kei.

An engrossing epic fantasy imbued with Chinese mythology similar to Haigakura, The Twelve Kingdoms is compulsory viewing for fans desiring rich worldbuilding and female protagonists rising to heroism against all odds.


10) Seirei no Moribito

Seirei no Moribito (Image via Production I.G)
Seirei no Moribito (Image via Production I.G)

Seirei no Moribito follows Chagum, a prince carrying a water spirit egg in his body. If the egg hatches, it will maintain balance in the water cycle.

However, evil forces want Chagum killed to start a war. The female warrior Balsa is hired to protect the prince from enemies while keeping his secret safe. Like Haigakura, Seirei no Moribito features Chinese-influenced fantasy.

Seirei no Moribito explores spirituality and shamanistic connections between the material and spiritual realms. The deep worldbuilding and characterization are sure to appeal to fans.


Conclusion

Haigakura masterfully crafts a fantasy world with various mythology and intrigue. The anime provides viewers with captivating adventures, spiritual themes, and charismatic characters like the music-wielding protagonist Ichiyou.

Fans taken with this imaginative blend of action and folklore will find more to love in the 10 anime recommendations covered here. Whichever elements spoke most to fans, they are sure to discover new adventures to captivate their imaginations among these recommendations.

The stories expand on common themes of destiny, humanity's relationship with the divine, and finding inner strength in enchanting settings. Fantasy and folklore come alive through creative worldbuilding and lovable characters. Each anime provides its own spin, building on viewers’ passion for the genre.


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