I’ve been a big fan of Tabletop RPGs for 7 years. I’ve played everything from sci-fi to fantasy settings.
In addition, with the increasing popularity of D&D over the past couple of years, there are certainly numerous animations to add to the excitement of a fantasy world.
It is important to note that although the subgenre isekai is interspersed with various RPG tropes, they’re certainly not the only D&D-inspired shows there.
In addition, given my love for the realm of fantasy RPGs, I’ve got quite a few shows that meet the criteria.
Let’s get to the world of sword magic and a new way of storytelling. Discover some amazing anime suggestions for Dungeons and Dragons fans.
Updated June 14, 2024, by Shagun Singh: It’s fascinating to discover the significant impact Dungeons & Dragons had in Japan, even though many people assume its influence was limited to the West.JRPGs such as Final Fantasy drew significant inspiration from D&D, incorporating many familiar elements from the beloved tabletop role-playing game created by Wizards of the Coast. Given the immense importance of gaming in Japanese culture, it’s no surprise that many anime draw inspiration from Dungeons & Dragons or provide a perfect experience for D&D veterans.
Here Is A List Of Best Anime For D&D Fans
17. Delicious in Dungeon (2024)
Delicious in Dungeon is a manga that has garnered a lot of anticipation for an adaptation.
The concept of the show revolves around a band of adventurers who find themselves in a dungeon with limited resources.
To survive, they must defeat the monsters they encounter and use them as a source of sustenance.
These heroes are under a tight deadline because one of their party members was eaten by a monster in a dungeon.
It’s quite a challenge to navigate through a maze filled with formidable creatures and quickly defeat them to compensate for their lack of readiness.
All of this is happening as they desperately try to save someone in a final, desperate rescue mission.
16. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (2023)
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a captivating fantasy anime that offers a fresh perspective on the concept of time.
With its cosy atmosphere, this series stands out as a truly unique adventure that is definitely worth checking out for anime fans.
Frieren, the elf, has the unique experience of witnessing her party of heroes age and pass away while she remains unchanged.
This bittersweet realisation highlights the complex nature of having a long lifespan, as it brings both blessings and challenges.
It’s an anime that will make you think and is perfect for DnD fans who value character growth more than non-stop action.
15. Studio Ghibli Movies
This is a broad listing, that’s the reason it’s at the top of this list.
This doesn’t include all Ghibli films – but I’d feel I’m not expressing this spirit did not at the very least mention Ghibli.
There’s an excellent choice of films to pick from that will fit an adventure-themed spirit and here’s one of the most well-known which I’ll choose for this article:
Princess Mononoke, Valley of the Wind, and Howl’s Moving Castle.
I could write an entire list for myself for assessing Ghibli films based on their qualities (which we do have!)
However, you can pick some Ghibli films that have concepts that interest you, and you’ll have fun in a wonderful adventure.
14. Mushishi
This is a stunning story about a wanderer that travels from town to town to find solutions to people’s diverse problems.
It might not be full of fighting, or action.
This show is a perfect example of the idea of an intimate adventure.
It’s full of Japanese mythology, which could be the perfect setting for your worldbuilding and provides a fascinating look into the ways that rural Japan could be utilized as the setting.
13. The Rising of the Shield Hero
These are some of the traditional styles of a D&D tale.
This is an Isekai story about four people being dragged into the world that they are to save by using one of the four legendary weapons.
Although the building of the party isn’t exactly a lot of fun, the world-building setting is quite interesting. Shield Hero is very interesting due to its dark themes.
While I do think that the beginning of the season is a little slow, it’s an intriguing take on adventurers who take on less glamorous jobs and show how their downtime can be utilized to its fullest.
12. Seven Deadly Sins
This one is a thrilling experience with more power to be certain.
Seven Deadly Sins follows characters based (not unexpectedly) on the mythological 7 sins.
In this universe, mistakes (while being flawed in their unique ways) are the main characters of our tale.
The universe of the show is full of stunning images, great character designs, and an intriguing concept of a traveling restaurant with bad food.
11. Demon Slayer
I was initially hesitant about putting this on my list.
After a lot of contemplation on what the core of the show’s story is I’m convinced that it has a lot in common with the character of D&D.
Beginning with a sad backstory and a group of friends, we begin to gather all with unique quirks, special abilities, as well as motives, all of which coincide to find themselves fighting the big bad character of the story.
This covers many of the tasks that adventurers usually undertake.
The Demon Slayer is an incredible show by itself.
It also makes the most of its Japanese setting, which inspires the various designs and powers of the demon to surpass the western-style settings that are commonly employed.
10. Log Horizon
Log Horizon is one of the many Isekai that use an in-universe game that plays as the setting in which our heroes are stuck.
But when it comes down to this concept, I believe Log Horizon is one of the greatest examples of using the game’s user-generated mechanics to tell a story.
If you’re looking to create the perfect Isekai D&D adventure I think this is among the best you can take on for inspiration.
With a delightful group of characters and the possibility of a third season in the latter half of 2021, Log Horizon will continue to present new and exciting ways to experience its setting.
9. Magi: The Labyrinth/Kingdom of Magic
I’m mixing the two of these shows because the other is an obvious continuation.
But Magi is a fantastic series based on The Arabian Nights story of Alibaba and Aladdin.
If I haven’t yet made my fascination with non-western European fantasy I’m hoping this will inspire me to read it.
The character arcs that are featured in this show are what convince me to include it on this list.
I love the fact that it truly feels like they are three friends.
With stunning locations, flashy magical items, a thrilling high-stakes adventure, and three principal characters with diverse backgrounds that work together seamlessly, Magi is prime D&D adventure material.
8. One Piece
I’d feel dirty if I didn’t make mention of One Piece somewhere on this list.
The bizarre world of the show, mixed with emotional moments of intense intensity is the main thing One Piece is most well-known for.
The pure emotion that goes into the fight scenes, as well as the Straw Hat crew, and the many bizarre islands that the cast can travel to, it truly is like a place that is the result of a group of friends who built it together after having played in it for years.
can alwaysAnd, being a sea and pirate lover, adventures in the sea and pirates can be a bonus for me as an avid player.
I understand that it’s difficult to just suggest One Piece and move on.
Anyone with the desire and time is obligated to take a lesson from the masters of worldbuilding Oda himself.
7. Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
I think this is a fascinating concept for a campaign that is even incorporated by incorporating the levels of adventurers and stats into actual worldbuilding.
It is evident in its god pantheon in the form of real-life religions such as Ancient Greece and even Norse, and even Hinduism, and more.
The world’s diversity is well-crafted.
It’s a good idea to host the idea of a dungeon in the middle of a vast city that is full of possibilities and is full of potential to discover with your group.
This series is one I’ve personally long wanted to be a part of and run since the very first season was released.
One of my favorite aspects is that it has two distinct stories as well as Sword Oratoria following a different group of characters, which makes the universe feel alive, even if it’s just the main actors.
6. Cowboy Bebop
While it isn’t following the traditional D&D rules that emphasize high fantasy that include swords and magic the Cowboy Bebop is an extremely spirited adventure tale.
The Bounty Hunters of the Bebop are perfect for an adventure-themed party, traveling from place to place doing every job in sight and trying to make a few bucks.
The personal stories of each of the characters (as story plots) seem like they could easily be incorporated into any fantasy universe.
With all the variety this show can provide, I would recommend that you take in the story at your own pace and jot down some specifics and stories for your characters, or your world in the case of the DM.
5. KonoSuba
Now I understand exactly what you were thinking.
How can I place an animated comedy series above a myriad of amazing action-oriented fantasy stories?
Let’s face it, D&D is not just action and serious adventure. It’s a game that is played by a group of goofy friends who often choose to do silly activities which somehow succeed (or don’t, and then fail in hilarious ways).
KonoSuba can be described as the opposite aspect of D&D that you will only truly comprehend once you play it for yourself.
The characters’ main concepts seem to be jokes:
A m*sochist fighter a m*sochist wizard who can only cast fireballs, a demoted goddess who disguises herself as a Cleric (with the int stat as an unload stat), and an Isekai’d rogue.
The campaign illustrates that you can have fun, even with just a few laughs, and relish the consequences of failing.
4. Berserk
The Berserk is dark and should be noticed immediately.
It doesn’t shy away from or make any concessions when it comes to more serious issues.
If you’re weak of heart and aren’t able to handle certain tough things, you should not be watching it.
In that regard, it’s best not to go to the 2016 series since it’s not very good.
However, the films, as well as the original show, are all very well-crafted and well-detailed.
Guts is an extremely captivating main character. The journey he takes throughout the story is very personal and at times, very brutal.
He is through a lot.
That being said, if you’d like to be a part of a bizarre world that is reminiscent of that of the Dark Souls games (which were not at all surprising to be inspired by Berserk’s Berserk series), now is the time to see it.
3. Samurai Champloo
Created by the same man who created Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is yet another excellent illustration of what truly feels like a D&D event.
They argue and fight, and fight a lot.
At the end of their day, the group is all united because of a reason.
The main event that brings the group’s journey appears to be so perfect for a D&D group performing a jolly intro and later dealing with the results.
However, given the amount of adventure and fun on display, it’s difficult not to recommend it.
2. Castlevania
It could be a controversial choice, as this is technically a western invention.
However, Castlevania is in partnership with Japanese creators, and I’m considering it.
Whatever the source, Castlevania is just a D&D adventure that is full of excitement, violent combat scenes, a fascinating world, and incredible characters.
Every season, a different way of tackling the four pillars of D&D.
The first season was the reason for our first gathering. The second season is the preparation for our first BBEG.
The third season explores the life of the group after they split for a time – and the fourth season focuses on the final villain the party has to face.
It’s stunningly animated, fun, and funny. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Okay, let’s call it basic and entry-level it’s enough to make my day.
I’ll fight you until the end of the world to defend this anime’s place at the top of the list.
Fullmetal Alchemist is such an excellent show to capture an intricately planned campaign brimming with plot twists, fun characters, and incredibly detailed world-building.
The alchemical system is so flexible that it can be used with all sorts of classes.
It is also a melting pot of different cultures, allowing for different kinds of backgrounds to mix perfectly.
To keep from droning for a long period of time, everyone should see this event if they have any curiosity about D&D.
If you are a fan of an original and well-crafted fantasy or just like to read a good tale, this is for you.
