Yona of the Dawn, commonly known as “Akatsuki no Yona,” is a great example of a shoujo anime that isn’t like the others. When faced with unforeseen circumstances and unsure of how to handle them, it is something with which we can all identify.
This is precisely what Yona, the crown princess of the Kouka Kingdom, faces when her longtime crush Soo-Won kills her father on her sixteenth birthday and claims the throne for himself in a treasonous act.
General Hak, Yona’s companion, and protector, join her on a quest to ask the four legendary dragons for help. During the course of her journey, Yona realizes that she wants to become a princess who can help her people and bring her kingdom to its former glory. Growing up sheltered and pampered, she undergoes a transformation into a wise and fearless warrior from her former sweet and naive self.
If finishing Yona of the Dawn made you want to see more, rest assured that there is no lack of titles suitable for you to watch. Whether it be epic historical tales, zero-to-hero character development, or heart-swelling romance stories, you have many options to choose from after witnessing the nobility of the Crown Princess and her trials. Here are some recommendations for what you can catch next.
1. Akagami no shirayuki-hime
Once upon a time, there lived a girl named Shirayuki. She had striking red hair that never failed to charm passersby.
“Snow White with Red Hair” is a story about this young aspiring herbalist who cuts her hair and flees to the neighboring kingdom of Clarines to escape from the crown prince of the Kingdom of Tanbarun, Prince Raji. He was determined to have her as his concubine after hearing about her red hair and alluring appearance.
In Clarines, Shirayuki meets Zen, the prince of the kingdom. Together, they work hard to achieve their goals. Shirayuki wants to learn more about herbalism, while Zen wants to be a good prince. As they spend time together, they find themselves falling for each other.
2. Inuyasha
On her 15th birthday, Kagome Higurashi was forcefully pulled into an old well located in her family’s shrine by a demon, making her day quite eventful. She found herself transported back in time to a period when demons were not considered unusual in ancient Japan. Surrounded by these creatures, Kagome had to protect the Shikon jewel, which was rich in unimaginable powers.
In the midst of this chaos, Kagome met Inuyasha, a half-demon. Initially mistaking Kagome for Kikyou, a shrine maiden, Inuyasha went back and forth before deciding to put aside his enmity and offer her a hand in recovering the pieces of the jewel before they fell into the wrong hands.
3. Arslan Senki
In the year 320, the Pars Kingdom is at war with Lusitania, and the young prince, Arslan, must flee after his father is betrayed and his army is destroyed. With the help of Daryun, his trusted general Arslan venture on a journey to find allies and reclaim his kingdom.
Unfortunately, there are many enemies in his way, including armies from other kingdoms and a mysterious man with a silver mask who threatens Arslan’s right to the throne. Arslan must gather strength and allies to overcome these obstacles and prepare himself for his future as King.
4. Kamisama Hajimemashita
Kamisama Kiss follows Nanami Momozono, who becomes homeless when her father’s debt causes them to lose everything. She saves a man from a dog, and he offers her his home, which turns out to be a rundown shrine.
She discovers that she’s been mistaken for the land god of the shrine and must take on divine duties with the help of a fox familiar named Tomoe. Along the way, they face threats from various creatures, and Nanami starts to develop feelings for a certain familiar.
5. Nanatsu no Taizi (The Seven Deadly Sins)
Adapted from a popular manga series that transports readers to a medieval world similar to the European Middle Ages, the third princess of Liones, Elizabeth, decides to team up with the rumored Seven Deadly Sins, a group of knights, to take back her kingdom and bring justice from the Holy Knights the guardians of Britannia who staged a coup d’etat and became the new rulers of Liones.
If the Holy Knights defeated the Seven Deadly Sins, the knights who turned against their own people a decade ago, why do rumors about their survival continue to persist to this day? Elizabeth will uncover everything.
6. Skip Beat!
Kyouko Mogami is totally devoted to helping her childhood friend, Shoutarou “Shou” Fuwa, become a superstar. She works day and night at multiple jobs, never once complaining because she’s so fascinated by him. But then she overhears Shou labeling her as just a maid with no real value.
Kyouko is furious! She decides to get back at him by entering the crazy world of showbiz and becoming a bigger success than he ever could. The entertainment industry is brutal, and she has to face all sorts of challenges. But Kyouko’s fired up and won’t stop until she’s shown Shou who’s boss. It’s gonna be a wild ride, but she’s determined to make it to the top!
7. Akame ga Kill!
Night Raid is the assassination unit of the Revolutionary Army. They aim to overthrow the corrupt Prime Minister, Honest, who exploits the child emperor’s naivety for his own gain. The nation is in turmoil, and poverty is rampant. Though Night Raid is composed of skilled assassins, they understand the gravity of taking lives and the potential consequences.
Tatsumi, a boy from a small village, joins Night Raid on his quest to aid his impoverished hometown. He learns about their ideals and resolute determination to fight the Empire. Tatsumi faces tough challenges, including powerful enemies, moral dilemmas, and the true meaning of being an assassin with a cause. Akame ga Kill! Follows Tatsumi’s journey as he battles against the Empire.
8. Maid-Sama!
Misaki Ayuzawa, the first female student council president of Seika High School, works tirelessly to improve the school life of girls while being strict with the boys, earning her the title of “Demon President.”
One day, she encounters Takumi Usui, the school’s most popular boy, rejecting a girl’s love confession. Misaki reprimands him, but Usui is indifferent. Later, Usui discovers Misaki’s secret job as a maid cafe worker and begins to tease her. Will Usui keep Misaki’s secret safe?
9. Mo Dao Zu Shi (Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation)
The Yiling Patriarch, Wei Wuxian, was feared for his demonic cultivation and for raising the dead to fight the great cultivation sects.
After being dead for 13 years, he returns in the body of a madman in Mo Village, where a dismembered arm leaking demonic energy sets off a new mystery. Lan Wangji, who Wei Wuxian believes hates him, joins him in unraveling the mystery, which is linked to Wei Wuxian’s past.
10. Romeo x Juliet
On Neo Verona, the Montague family kills the Capulet family and takes over. Juliet, the rightful heir, survives and becomes a secret vigilante called the Red Whirlwind. She falls in love with Romeo, the son of the cruel Prince. Both families want to destroy each other, and a secret beneath the city threatens their love. Can they overcome their fate and stay together?
11. Hiiro no kakera
Tamki Kasuga, a high school girl, thought gods and ghosts were only in fairy tales until she moved to her grandmother’s remote village. She learns that her family has the responsibility of keeping these creatures sealed away. With five handsome guardians by her side, she embarks on a dangerous journey to fulfill her duty as the Tamayori Princess. Can she handle the weight of this role?
12. Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Guts is a wandering mercenary who only cares about money. He meets the Band of the Hawk, and after a fierce battle with their leader, Griffith, he joins their group. In three years, Guts becomes one of their top fighters, and together they dominate every battle. But something dangerous is lurking, and it threatens to change Guts’ life forever.
13. Sugar Apple Fairy Tale
In Highland, humans enslaved fairies by taking their wings. Ann Halford, an aspiring confectioner, wants to see fairies treated as equals. She sets out to win a medal at the Royal Candy Fair, accompanied by her fairy bodyguard, Shall Fen Shall. As they journey together, they develop a deeper understanding of each other’s desires.
14. Princess Mononoke
In “Princess Mononoke,” Ashitaka’s arm is cursed by a demon boar, leading him on a journey to find a cure. Along the way, he becomes embroiled in a conflict between Lady Eboshi, who seeks to destroy the forest to advance her technology, and Princess San, who fiercely defends it.
Ashitaka struggles to reconcile the opposing forces of nature and industry while battling the demon within himself. The film explores complex themes of environmentalism, industrialization, and the human impact on nature
15. Ouran High School Host Club
Haruhi Fujioka, a studious girl at Ouran Academy, stumbles into the Host Club’s music room and breaks an expensive vase. To repay the debt, she joins the club and poses as a male host, entertaining female students while dealing with the eccentric personalities of her fellow hosts.
16. Fruit Basket
After a family tragedy, Tooru Honda is forced to live in a tent, but she discovers that it’s on the property of the Souma family. They offer to take her in, and she discovers their secret: they turn into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when hugged by the opposite sex. Tooru’s new life with the Soumas is filled with adventure, laughter, and romance.
17. The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old Japanese girl, is sold at an auction to a tall masked gentleman named Elias Ainsworth, who is a magus. She is ridiculed by her peers for her unconventional behavior and is willing to give herself to any buyer. Elias takes her to his cottage in rural England, where she becomes his apprentice and supposed bride.
18. Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE
Syaoran, while excavating the mysterious ruins in Clow Country, finds his childhood friend, Princess Sakura, who suddenly sprouts wings that scatter into many feathers. As the feathers disappear into different dimensions, Sakura loses her memory.
To save her and restore her memories, Syaoran embarks on a journey through various worlds to collect the feathers. He is joined by Kurogane, a ninja exiled from Japan Country, Fay, a runaway magician who wants to travel between worlds indefinitely, and Mokona, a creature shaped like a white meat bun.
19. Chihayafuru
Chihaya Ayase had only one dream as a child, to see her elder sister become Japan’s top model. However, after defending her classmate Arata Wataya from bullies, she discovers the competitive world of karuta, a card game based on the Ogura Hundred Poets anthology.
She joins the Shiranami Society with Arata and Taichi, and they aim for the title of Queen of Karuta. In high school, she creates a karuta club with Taichi’s help and a few newcomers, aiming for victory in the national championship at Omi Shrine.
20. Code:Realize: Guardian of Rebirth
Cardia Beckford lives alone, feared by people as a monster due to a deadly substance in her body. Her father embedded the eternally beating heart, Horologium, in her chest, which can produce infinite power but also destroy anything it touches.
The British military wants the Horologium, and Cardia is their prisoner until rescued by the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin. Joining him, Cardia sets out to uncover the truth about her missing memories, her father’s connection to the terrorist organization Twilight, and the Horologium in her chest.
21. Arte
Arte, a young lady from an aristocratic family in 16th-century Florence, dreams of being an artist during the Renaissance. After her father’s death, she’s expected to marry and abandon her passion for art.
Determined to pursue her dream, Arte seeks a master artisan to take her as an apprentice but is shunned for being a woman. Eventually, renowned artisan Leo agrees to teach her, and Arte embarks on a difficult journey to become a master artisan, facing various challenges along the way.
22. The Legend of the Legendary Heroes
In the anime series “The Legend of the Legendary Heroes,” Alpha Stigma is a cursed power that allows the bearer to analyze all types of magic but also brings destruction and death to others. Ryner Lute, an Alpha Stigma bearer, makes an oath with his best friend, Sion Astal, to make their nation more peaceful after losing many classmates in a war.
Sion becomes the King of Roland and sends Ryner on a mission to search for relics to aid the nation, accompanied by swordswoman Ferris Eris. Along the way, Ryner seeks to uncover the secrets behind his cursed eyes.
23. Raven of the Inner Palace
The Raven Consort, Ryuu Jusetsu, is a feared and respected figure among the royal court, residing in her jet-black palace and known for her mystic abilities to fulfill requests ranging from finding lost items to inflicting curses.
Despite the rumors surrounding her, Jusetsu prefers to live a quiet life in solitude until the young emperor, Ka Koushun, approaches her with a mysterious case, prompting her to step out of her palace for the first time.
Despite her initial reluctance, Jusetsu finds herself making a bond with Jiujiu, a curious court girl who becomes her attendant. Together, they fulfill requests from the palace, but dangers await outside that could unearth Jusetsu’s past and threaten her present.
24. That Time, I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Satoru Mikami is a 37-year-old corporate worker living a monotonous life in Tokyo who has never had a girlfriend. One day, he is stabbed by a random assailant, and while dying, he hears a mysterious voice that gives him commands he cannot understand.
He wakes up to find that he has been reincarnated as a slime in a new world and has gained the power to devour and mimic the abilities of anything he consumes. In this new world, he befriends Veldora, a sealed Catastrophe-level monster, and promises to help him destroy the seal.
In return, Veldora gives him the name Rimuru Tempest and divine protection. Now free from his past life, Rimuru sets out on a new journey, gradually changing his fate with his unique abilities.
25. Dance with Devils
Ritsuka Tachibana, a good student, is called to the student council for breaking school rules. The council members, Rem Kaginuki, Urie Sogami, Shiki Natsumezaka, and Mage Nanashiro, seem to have ulterior motives.
Soon after, Ritsuka’s mother is kidnapped, and she finds herself in the middle of a battle between vampires and devils who are searching for the forbidden “Grimoire.” Her protective brother Lindo returns, but even he has secrets. Ritsuka struggles to know whom to trust, and her attraction to the handsome student council members complicates matters further.
26. Neon Genesis Evangelion
In the anime series “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” the world is under attack by monstrous beings known as “Angels” 15 years after a catastrophic event called the Second Impact. The organization NERV is the only hope for humanity, using giant humanoid robots called “Evangelion” to fight the Angels.
Gendou Ikari, the cold leader of NERV, invites his son, 14-year-old Shinji Ikari, to pilot the new robot Evangelion Unit-01. Shinji, traumatized by his mother’s death and emotional neglect from his father, is reluctant but is forced into action when an Angel attacks.
With the help of high-ranking NERV officer Misato Katsuragi, Shinji defends Tokyo-3 against the Angels, unaware of his father’s true motives. Despite the psychological trauma of piloting the Evangelion, Shinji continues to fight for humanity’s survival.
27. The Story of Saiunkoku
Shuurei Kou is a bright young woman who aspires to become a government official, but due to societal restrictions, her dream seems unattainable. She works various jobs to help her impoverished family and father, who is a palace archivist.
One day, she receives an unexpected offer to become the consort of the new emperor, Ryuuki Shi, who is infamous for his laziness and attraction to men. In exchange for a handsome payment, Shuurei agrees to the position and is joined by her friend Seiran Shi, who serves as Ryuuki’s bodyguard.
As they navigate the complexities of court life and politics, Shuurei and Seiran strive to help Ryuuki become a responsible ruler and, in doing so, contribute to the betterment of their country. Saiunkoku Monogatari highlights the importance of effective leadership and the challenges that come with it.
28. Hanasakeru Seishounen
The anime Hansakeru Seishounen follows the life of Kajika Louisa Kugami Burnsworth, the only daughter of an influential industrialist named Harry Burnsworth. When Kajika was just two years old, there was a threat to her life, and her mother died protecting her.
Consequently, Harry sent her to an isolated island where she grew up with her companions, including a white leopard named Mustafa and a boy named Li Ren Fang. Upon turning fourteen, Kajika is asked to participate in a game to find her future husband.
Harry hopes to find a suitable partner for his daughter to protect her from harm. Kajika must choose among three candidates, all of whom possess an irresistible charm, without knowing their identities or locations. The story explores various themes, such as love, friendship, loyalty, family relations, and political intrigue.
The anime highlights the weight of Kajika’s fate, the real threat to her life, and the crucial nature of the husband’s game. Harry must find a partner for his daughter before her deep secret, which even she is unaware of, is discovered.
29. Scrapped Princess
Pacifica Casull was born into royalty but was given the ominous nickname “Scrapped Princess” due to a prophecy that claimed she would destroy the world on her 16th birthday. Saved by a kind family, she now lives with her adoptive siblings, Shannon and Raquel Casull.
However, the God Mauser’s worshippers want her dead after hearing news of her survival. This forces Pacifica to go into hiding, with the three siblings fleeing from those who want her dead.
They question whether Pacifica’s life is worth the world’s end, and as her 16th birthday approaches, they begin to discover the true nature of the Scrapped Princess and the dark secrets of their world. The story explores themes of fate, identity, and sacrifice.
30. Fena: Pirate Princess
Fena Houtman was separated from her childhood friend Yukimaru and lost her father in a shipwreck ten years ago. She is now 23 years old and trapped on an island, being forced to sell herself to men.
On the night of her forced marriage to a client, Fena plans to escape with the help of two old acquaintances. Together, they land on Goblin Island, home to a clan of fierce warriors. Here, Fena learns about her father’s final journey in search of a place called “Eden” and is entrusted with finding it.
With Yukimaru’s encouragement, Fena becomes the captain of a seven-person crew and sets sail to find Eden. However, strange groups begin targeting Fena, making the journey much more dangerous than expected.
31. Fushigi Yuugi (Mysterious Play)
Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo stumble upon an old book that transports them to a mysterious world. They face danger immediately, fighting off slave traders before being saved by Tamahome, who has a symbol on his forehead.
Unfortunately, Yui is taken away by the book’s red light, leaving Miaka alone and desperate to find her. She meets Hotohori, the emperor of the kingdom, who believes she is the priestess of Suzaku, a protector god.
By gathering Suzaku’s seven Celestial Warriors, Miaka can summon the god and have her wishes granted. Despite her hesitation, Miaka accepts the role, hoping it will help her find Yui and solve their problems. Meanwhile, Yui is trapped in the real world and can only watch as Miaka navigates trials and tribulations as the book’s heroine.
32. Seirei no Moribito
Seirei no Moribito is about a drought-threatened Shin Yogo Empire, where Prince Chagum is the host of a water demon. He is to be sacrificed to save the Empire, but mercenary Balsa is tasked with protecting him. Balsa embarks on a journey to keep Chagum safe, facing challenges and mysteries along the way. The story explores themes of nature, family, and the bonds between strangers.
33. Rokka no Yuusha
Rokka no Yuusha is a thrilling anime about six heroes chosen to fight the Demon God, but when they unite, they find seven heroes present and suspect one of them to be a fraud. Adlet Mayer fights to prove his innocence and identify the true impostor before it’s too late. It’s a story of heroism, betrayal, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.
34. The World is Still Beautiful
“The World is Still Beautiful” is a romantic anime that tells the story of Livius, the young and powerful King of the Sun Kingdom, and Nike, the fourth princess of the Rain Dukedom. Despite rumors of Livius’ cruelty and tyranny, he decides to marry Nike in an effort to form an alliance between their nations. However, as Nike prepares for the worst, she discovers that Livius is entirely different from what she imagined him to be.
35. Kamigami no Asobi
In the anime “Kamigami no Asobi,” Yui Kusanagi, a high school student, is transported to a different world after discovering a mysterious sword in her home. She meets five handsome men and Zeus, the King of the gods, who has created the Academy of the gods to restore the deteriorating relationship between humans and deities.
Zeus appoints Yui as the instructor and gives her one year to educate the young gods on human behavior while learning about the gods herself. If she fails, they will all be trapped in Zeus’ realm forever.
36. Legend of Basara
“Basara” is an anime that follows the story of twins Tatara and Sarasa, born in a small village. According to the prophet Nagi, Tatara is the chosen one who will free Japan from the tyrannical rule of the King and his four sons.
However, Tatara is killed by the ruthless Red King, and Sarasa must take on her brother’s name and role to avenge his death and liberate Japan. The anime portrays Sarasa’s journey as she fights against the King and his sons, leading the rebellion and fulfilling her brother’s prophecy.
37. Katanagatari
“Katanagatari” is set in Edo-era Japan, where Shichika Yasuri practices a unique sword-fighting style using his body as a blade. He agrees to help Togame, a strategist, collect twelve legendary swords known as the “Deviant Blades.”
Together, they face powerful opponents on a perilous journey, where they must become an unbreakable team to succeed. Along the way, Shichika also becomes interested in Togame beyond its mission, adding another layer to the story.
38. Hakkenden -Eight Dogs of the East
After their village was set ablaze due to a mistaken belief that a virus had wiped out its inhabitants, siblings Shino, Sousuke, and Hamaji were saved by a man who gave them a life-altering choice.
Five years later, they live under the protection of the Imperial Church until Hamaji is kidnapped in an attempt to reclaim a demonic sword. Shino and Sousuke must unite to rescue her from the Church in the Imperial Capital, beginning a perilous journey.
39. Hakuouki
Chizuru Yukimura disguises herself as a man to find her missing father in Kyoto, Japan. She witnesses ronin being killed by white-haired men but is saved by the Shinsengumi. They take her in and discover her father has connections to their group. Chizuru became involved in conflicts and political tensions in Kyoto.
40. The Twelve Kingdoms
Youko Nakajima, a red-haired high school girl who desires to be normal, is visited by a blond man from another world, Keiki, who claims she is his master and belongs on the throne of his kingdom. They are attacked by otherworldly beasts called youma and escape to Keiki’s realm with two classmates. However, they are separated from Keiki and must learn to survive in this new world.
41. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
Magi are powerful magicians who select a worthy candidate to become a king and conquer Dungeons to acquire mythical djinn power. They help their elected representative build a powerful country.
Aladdin is a young Magi searching for his true self, accompanied by Ugo, his djinn friend. He befriends Alibaba, and together they embark on an adventure across the world, encountering frequent irregularities.
42. Cross Ange: Rondo of Angel and Dragon
Angelise is a princess in a world of peace brought by the technology of “Mana.” However, as a Norma, she is exiled to a military base where she must fight against savage creatures called DRAGONs. Discovering a shocking truth about them challenges her beliefs and forces her to question the society she once trusted.
Also read:43 Anime Like Boarding School Juliet That You Should Watch
