The emperor ordered the marriage of Qian Yunshang and Ye Youming. The young woman worries that she won’t be treated with dignity and doesn’t want to give up her freedom in exchange for an unsatisfactory husband for the rest of her life. She begs her mother and father to give up on sending her, but in her desperate attempt, she cunningly advises her parents to send Qian Yun Xi, their firstborn child.
Yun Xi’s parents abandoned her in an unknown place because of her extraordinary powers, which she has had since birth. She is delighted to switch places with her sister, and as she desperately needs love, she readily consents to marry Ye Youming. He shows his rage against the Qian family as he realizes that Yun Xi is not the woman he had imagined marrying. Still, he helplessly finds himself falling for her and her extraordinary powers.
The execution of the storyline and the characters has been done superbly and has made Psychic Princess an enjoyable watch. For fans of the genre, it is more than intriguing to watch ancient Imperial Chinese history in a fictitious animated setting with gorgeous artwork. For fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope, this anime is a must-watch!
- Original run – 2018-2019
- IMDb Rating – 8.0
- Genre – Comedy, Drama, Historical, Superpowers, Romance
- Where to watch – Crunchyroll
30 Anime like Psychic Princess
Heaven Official’s Blessing
Based on ancient China, Xie Lian was the beloved Crown Prince of the majestic kingdom of Xianle and is now the protagonist of the Heaven Official’s Blessing. He had ascended to the above abode at a very young age but was sent back to the mortals. Another few years later, he ascended to the heavenly home again but was again sent back to the mortals.
Now, as he ascended for the third time, he decided to succeed in all his missions. On the first mission, he comes across a creepy stranger, who later turns out to be a Ghost King, Hua Cheng. The two embark on a journey to complete the mission and unravel what other secrets the heavenly realm has to offer.
This animation is filled with remarkable, finely drawn art style and picturesque visuals.
- Directed by: Li Haoling
- Studio: Haoliners Animation League
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Fantasy, War
- Release date: October 31, 2020
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Hetalia Axis Powers
Short comedy episodes on the personified countries involved in the World Wars. Germany is stuck with North Italy and Japan after the war, which he has to deal with. North Italy is powerless and fragile and has a weird obsession with pasta, while Japan is robust and reliable but, again, with weird obsessions. Watch how Germany tackles these problems while also facing endless taunts from the Allied Forces, who are already in an internal conflict.
- Directed by: Bob Shirohata
- Studio: Studio Deen
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Genre: Comedy, Historical
- Release date: January 24, 2009
- Where to Watch: Funimation
Mo Dao Zu Shi
Two men on a mission to find the secrets of the magical realm, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, are determined to train hard and skilfully master the art of magic. Their sole aim is to solve as many mysteries as they can in order to combat demons and dark energy. Watch Mo Dao Zu Shi as the friendship between the two men is wholesome, while the action and adventure they face will leave you breathless.
The animation provides beautifully carved-out characters and designs. The opening theme is a banger, “Drunken Dreams of the Past” and “As Promised,” both by none other than Lin Zhixuan.
- Directed by: Xiong Ke, Ma Chendi
- Studio: Tencent Penguin Pictures, B.C May Pictures
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
- Release date: July 9, 2018
- Where to Watch: WeTV
Kamisama Kiss
A beautiful struggling girl Nanami Momozono ends up in a majestic mansion after saving a helpless man from a stray dog but is suspicious of her surroundings. She tries to run away from the place, unaware that it is truly a shrine, but two shrine spirits stop her. They mistake her for Mikage, the land god of the shrine, which was the man Nanami had saved earlier. Watch how Nanami takes up the offer of serving as the divine god of the shrine and tackles all problems concerning the shrine and the spirits.
- Directed by: Akitaro Daichi
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy
- Release date: January 6, 2015
- Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Also Read: 10 Fox Anime Characters Who Became Fan-Favorites
Snow White with the Red Hair
Contrary to her name, “Snow White,” Shirayuki is a fun-loving girl with red hair. She lives in the country of Tanbarun and works at a herbal shop. After facing difficulties, she refuses to be acquainted with Prince Raji, who is from the same kingdom as Tanbarun. And so we see Shirayuki cutting off her long red hair, and she runs to the wilderness until she is met by Zen Wistalia, who hails from the neighboring kingdom of Clarines. Watch how she makes her own name while ultimately becoming so powerful and stronger than before.
- Directed by: Masahiro Andō
- Studio: Bones
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Genre: Adventure, Romance, Fantasy
- Release date: July 6, 2015
- Where to Watch: Funimation
Yona of the Dawn
The kingdom of Kouka births Yona, a beautiful, powerful princess who is loved and protected by all until an act of treason corners her to flee her royal palace with her childhood friend and most trusted bodyguard, Son Hak. Yona and Son Hak are all alone, facing the dangers alone. With no other companion, they decided to get stronger so that they could recapture Kouka, which is rightfully theirs, and defeat all the enemies. Yona of the Dawn tells us the tale of Yona and Son Hak unraveling the deepest ancient mysteries to get back to Kouka.
- Directed by: Kazuhiro Yoneda
- Studio: Pierrot
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance, Fantasy
- Release date: October 7, 2014
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Also Read: 42 Anime Like Akatsuki no Yona (Yona of the Dawn)
Chrono Crusade
Set in the 1920s, America was surrounded by demons all over the country, and people couldn’t save themselves from these demons. So the holy organization was set up, known as the Order of Magdalene, in hopes of demolishing all demonic activities and places. This anime entraps you with such horrifying tales of Rosette Christopher and Chrono, who are demonic exterminators with a thirst for revenge on the demon Aion.
- Directed by: Yū Kō
- Studio: Gonzo
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
- Release date: November 24, 2003
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Samurai Champloo
The story follows three characters- Mugen, Jin, and Fuu. The trio is best known for balancing each other’s energy- Mugen is hot-tempered while Jin is calm, and Fuu makes them work together and stay put. Set in the Edo period, they go on a journey to find “the samurai with the smell of sunflowers.”
The anime includes profanity to an extent and is considered quite graphic for viewers and has been advised accordingly. The storyline may seem complicated, but it addresses some of the pressing issues in Japan. The soundtrack features hip-hop, and RnB fused with traditional music.
- Directed by: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Studio: Manglobe
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, War
- Release date: May 20, 2004
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: 22 Anime Like Samurai Champloo That You Should Watch
Inuyasha
The anime is focused on a fifteen-year-old middle school student Kagome Higurashi. Poor girl didn’t know what to do when she got teleported to Tokyo during the Sengoku period as she met Inuyasha. Inuyasha is a half-dog demon and half-human. He and Kagome embark on a journey to recapture lost jewel fragments across the country.
The animation has a softer design style with no profanity, but it still depicts the oddly placed Sengoku period of Japan. Kaoru Wada is behind its soundtracks, giving us one of the most calming music to listen to.
- Directed by: Masashi Ikeda (#1–44), Yasunao Aoki (#45–167)
- Studio: Sunrise
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy
- Release date: October 16, 2000
- Where to Watch: Hulu, Netflix
Dororo
The series is indeed a future classic. It focuses on samurai and demons, while it is a narrative of two very different people during the Waring States era of Japan. It tells the tale of a child who had been cursed badly at childbirth. He grows up without vision, hearing abilities, and a sense of touch to fight the demons who cursed him as he is rescued by a medicine man who gives the child the will and strength to fight. He is then met by an orphan child named Dororo, and the two join hands to fight off demons.
- Directed by: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Studio: Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Historical, Fantasy, War
- Release date: January 7, 2019
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video
Also Read: Anime Similar To Dororo That You Should Watch
Katanatagari
Set in the Edo period of Japan, Shicika Yasuri is a swordsman who has a unique trait: he practices Kyotouryuu, a technique in which one’s own body is used as the blade. Shichika and Nanami, his sister, are living in peace but get interrupted by Togame, who has an odd request to collect all twelve unique swords, which are also commonly known as the “Deviant Blades.” Shichika joins Togame in capturing the Deviant Blades, despite the various attacks by enemies across the country.
- Directed by: Keitarō Motonaga
- Studio: White Fox
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance, Historical, Fantasy
- Release date: January 26, 2010
- Where to Watch: N/A
House of Five Leaves
Set in the Edo period of Japan, the series follows a young lost samurai who goes by the name Masanosuke Akitsu. As a skilled swordsman himself, he proves to be worthy by his employers, but one flaw that affects his relationship with others is his weak and timid personality. But no worries, he has the plot armor. He gets an offer from the young attractive bandit leader Yaichi, who asks him to be the bodyguard for Five Leaves, and he hesitantly accepts the offer, working carefully not to lose this job.
- Directed by: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Studio: Manglobe
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Martial Arts
- Release date: April 15, 2010
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Also Read: Best Samurai Anime To Watch To Look Forward To
Maria, The Virgin Witch
Set in medieval France during the infamous Hundred Years’ War, the series portrays Maria as a strong young witch who routinely uses her magic to the fullest to safeguard the country and prevent further conflicts. She helps and fights against many- including the nobles, the churches, the poor peasants and mercenary gangs, and the Heaven itself. The series isn’t just about the retelling of events but gives a much deeper delve into history as we know it.
- Directed by: Gorō Taniguchi
- Studio: Production I.G
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Historical, Fantasy, Romance
- Release date: January 11, 2015
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Emma: A Victorian Romance
Set in 19th century England, Emma, a maid who works for a strict and empathetic Kelly Stownar, is a beautiful young lady who seems to have quite a big fan following, but she is looking for genuine love. She finds it in William, the eldest son of the Jones family and the former ward of Emma’s governess. They both fall head over heels for each other, but as you might have guessed, the 19th century did not allow relationships between people of such contrasting social ranks. Will their love be strong enough to defy social norms?
- Directed by: Tsuneo Kobayashi
- Studio: Pierrot
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Genre: Drama, Historical, Romance
- Release date: April 2, 2005
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Sengoku Night Blood
In an anime that includes a character being teleported to an alternate universe known as Shinga, Yuzuki, the main protagonist, realizes that the universe is similar to the Sengoku period of Japan. The universe has humans and non-human creatures living together in peace and harmony, but their world is shattering as violence breaks out everywhere, leaving every place unsafe. Yuzuki is on a mission; will she ever find Himemiko, who can fix this wreck?
- Directed by: Katsuya Kikuchi
- Studio: Typhoon Graphics
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Genre: Romance, Historical, Fantasy, War
- Release date: October 3, 2017
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Amnesia
The series follows a young lady who faints at work and wakes up with no memory of her life or anyone in her life. Her friends Shin and Toma are the only ones who help her get home safely. She begins to see and hear a mystical being named Orion, invisible to others. Orion promises to bring back her memories, but it isn’t that easy to do this, as we soon find out that she has to do a lot of things without raising suspicions.
- Directed by: Yoshimitsu Ohashi
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- IMDb Rating: 5.8
- Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery
- Release date: January 7, 2013
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom
Set in 1864 Japan, the series follows Chizuru Yukimura, who heads to Kyoto, disguised as a boy, to look for her father. The story instead takes a twist as she finds herself attacked by mad vicious men who mistake her for a boy and have accidentally taken her to a narrow place for interrogation. But as soon as she reveals the name of her father, the ronins immediately release her since they are also searching for her father, but Chizuru is sandwiched between the ronins and their enemies as the story unfolds.
- Directed by: Osamu Yamasaki
- Studio: Studio Deen
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Genre: Action, Drama, Historical, Fantasy, Supernatural
- Release date: April 4, 2010
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Kakuriyo: Bed and Breakfast for Spirits
The spirits from the Hidden Realm are known as Ayakashi. Since birth, young Aoi Tsubaki has had the ability to see such beings. Her grandfather, who had the same ability, teaches her how to feed them and coexist peacefully with them. After his passing, she struggles by herself to prevent the planet from collapsing since the ayakashi are progressively growing more hungry. In order to save the world and herself, will she accept her fate and get married to Oodanna, the “Master Innkeeper”?
- Directed by: Yoshiko Okuda
- Studio: Gonzo
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Fantasy
- Release date: April 2, 2018
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Meiji Tokyo Renka
Set around the Meiji Period, Mei Ayazuki has been sent to a parallel reality where she must deal with many difficulties, including seeing ghosts and developing close relationships with them. She meets men thanks to her talent, and she begins to feel a connection with them. Will she ultimately find love and remain in the Meiji era permanently, or will she attempt to return to her reality?
- Directed by: Akitaro Daichi
- Studio: TMS/V1 Studio
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Fantasy
- Release date: January 9, 2019
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Appare-Ranman!
The series focuses on a 19th-century cross-country race. Appare Sorrano and Kosame Ishikki seek to compete in the “Trans-America Wild Race” together. Appare has a strong desire to build an automobile of his own and needs to get home without difficulty. Will the two of them seize this opportunity for adventure in order to ultimately obtain their goals? Will they be able to overcome the unforeseeable challenges that stand in their way as they attempt to win the race?
- Directed by: Masakazu Hashimoto
- Studio: P.A. Works
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Historical
- Release date: April 10, 2020
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Also Read: Battle Digest Initial D: When Will The Movie Release Outside Japan?
Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon
Together, Towa and Setsuna make an amazing sibling pair. The inseparable pair’s fate appears to take a turn in this feudal Japan story when a forest fire separates them. Towa has been transported to present-day Japan from another time and place. After ten years, Towa meets her long-lost twin Setsuna along with Moroha and Mistress Three-Eyes. The four of them unite to defeat their rivals, but given that Setsuna has forgotten everything from her childhood, would Towa be able to revive those memories?
- Directed by: Teruo Sato (#1–24), Masakazu Hishida (#25–48)
- Studio: Sunrise
- IMDb Rating: 7.1
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Fantasy
- Release date: October 3, 2020
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Devils and Realist
William Twining discovers a secret room in his enormous mansion while trying to find valuables to pay for his expenses and unintentionally calls forth Dantalion, a haughty demon also known as the Grand Duke of Hell. He did this, but he doesn’t seem to believe it. Will William ever realize that he is at the center of an ongoing dispute between Heaven and Hell?
- Directed by: Chiaki Kon
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Genre: Comedy, Historical, Fantasy, Mystery
- Release date: July 7, 2013
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Touken Ranbu – Hanamaru
Saniwa, who lives in the year 2205, possesses the unique ability to give inanimate objects life. Saniwa is unique and must utilize his abilities to protect the world from evil forces and rectify history. Is he going to be able to do it? It is an adaptation of a game that goes by the same name.
- Directed by: Tomoaki Koshida
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- IMDb Rating: 7.0
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Historical, Fantasy
- Release date: January 7, 2018
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Heike Monogatari
The Taira clan, commonly known as the Heike, which has the most influence over Japan, is the focus of the animated series. A little child who has an extraordinary eye and ability to predict the future disrespects the clan unintentionally. Her father loses his life as a result of her wrongdoing. After the gifted girl predicts the impending demise of the clan Taira, the clan leader’s eldest son chooses to protect her and preserve his clan rather than kill her and risk the demise of his clan. A well-informative retelling of the tale of Heike.
- Directed by: Naoko Yamada
- Studio: Science SARU
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Genre: Drama, Historical
- Release date: September 16, 2021
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
Nobunaga Concerto
“Who cares about what happened in Japan’s past? It has nothing to do with my life.”
A happy-go-lucky high school student Saburou expresses his feelings and gets teleported to the Sengoku Era of Japan. With much surprise, he stands right in front of the legendary Nobunaga Oda. But much to our surprise, the two get along pretty easily since they seem to remind each other of themselves. Watch the two chaotically adapt to each other’s surroundings and nature.
- Directed by: Yūsuke Fujikawa
- Studio: Fuji TV
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Genre: Comedy, Romance, Historical
- Release date: July 12, 2014
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll
Also Read: Gintama Is A Quirky And Fun Series To Give A Try
Peacemaker Kurogane
A masterfully crafted historical action-comedy series centered on the Shinsengumi, the Japanese police force most active during the Edo Period of Japan. Tetsunosuke first approaches the Shinsengumi at the age of 15, but does the poor boy realize the many atrocities he would have to go through in order to join such a vast organization as the Shinsengumi?
- Directed by: Tomohiro Hirata
- Studio: Gonzo
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Historical
- Release date: October 7, 2003
- Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
The story focuses on the realm of the Magi, a strong magician group. In order to obtain the power of the djinns imprisoned within the perilous labyrinths known as dungeons, each Magi selects a deserving candidate to become a king who aids them in conquering the labyrinths. Will Aladdin, a young mage, ever discover who he really is and what he is capable of? Watch as he sets off on a thrilling quest with his mentor Ugo to discover who he is and what he can do.
- Directed by: Koji Masunari, Naotaka Hayashi
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Release date: October 7, 2012
- Where to Watch: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Alderamin on the Sky
Ikta Solork is interrupted by the immediate war between the Katjvarna Empire and the Republic of Kioka. He joins the army along with his childhood best friend, where he meets other men and women of strength and power. He soon forms a close bond with them and proceeds to save the heir princess of the Katjvarna Empire along with the others. Will the group be able to complete this mission and successfully stop the war too?
- Directed by: Tetsuo Ichimura
- Studio: Madhouse
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Release date: July 9, 2016
- Where to Watch: Crunchyroll, Funimation
The Tale of The Princess Kaguya
The animated movie likewise follows the same plot and is based on the Japanese folktale of Princess Kaguya from the 10th century. A little, adorable infant is found within a shining bamboo shoot by Okina, a bamboo cutter.
He raises her up, telling everyone that she is the lovely princess whom the heavens have sent to bless the Earth. One day, he discovers ample gold and treasures to become wealthy and raise the small girl like an actual princess. But as the story goes on, the young princess Kaguya’s background and identity gradually come into question.
Studio Ghibli doesn’t fail to ever amaze us with its amazing artwork and design aesthetics while the stimulating and melodious soundtrack is gifted to us by none other than Joe Hisaishi.
- Directed by: Isao Takahata
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Genre: Historical, Fantasy
- Release date: November 23, 2013
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Princess Mononoke
Set in an indigenous village of Emishi, a young prince Ashitaka risks his life to defend his village from a demon boar. He meets Lady Eboshi of Tatara and Princess San, who are in constant feuds in regard to deforestation and protecting one’s ancestral lands.
Hayao Miyazaki beautifully shows the distinction between technology and nature, but at the same time, he narrates this beautiful story through the characters of Ashitaka and Princess San about how one can live with both in peace and harmony.
- Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
- Studio: Studio Ghibli
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Release date: July 12, 1997
- Where to Watch: Netflix
Also Read: 33 Nostalgic Quotes From Princess Mononoke
