Few anime have captured hearts quite like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Its melancholic yet hopeful tale of an elf mage navigating life after her companions have ed on was a deep lesson that people loved. he series’ meditative pace, rich character development, and themes of time, memory, and connection set it apart. But fans who have finished Frieren might find themselves longing for similar series.

There are many anime series that can bring Frieren fans similar feelings through their emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and reflective storytelling. Whether viewers are looking for fantasy adventures, thoughtful journeys, or heart-wrenching dramas, there are many options that will fill the Friren-shaped void until the next season.

10 Natsume’s Book of Friends

Anime Series by Brain's Base & Shuka; Based on the Manga by Yuki Midorikawa

Natsume's Book of Friends

Your Rating

Natsume's Book of Friends
Release Date
2008 - 2024
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Matthew Elkins
    Satoru Nishimura (English)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Marisa Duran
    Jun Sasada (English)

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

Like Frieren, Natsume's Book of Friends is a gentle, emotional series that explores themes of connection and memory. The story follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits and inherits a book containing the names of the yokai bound by his late grandmother. As he releases them, he learns about their pasts and forges new relationships.

Related
Got the Tolkien Itch? We Know the Perfect Anime For Lord of the Rings Lovers

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End is the perfect next-watch for fans of Tolkien's sweeping fantasy epic, The Lord of the Rings.

Much like Frieren’s journey of understanding the fleeting nature of human life, Natsume’s experiences highlight the beauty and sorrow of relationships. With its episodic structure and reflective storytelling, Natsume’s Book of Friends offers a heartwarming yet melancholic exploration of human (and non-human) bonds.

9 Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina

Anime Series by C2C; Based on the Light Novel by Jougi Shiraishi

03170968_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina
Release Date
2020 - 2020-00-00
Network
AT-X
Directors
Ayumu Uwano, Takeshi Nishino, Jun Takahashi, Hiroshi Kimura, Satoshi Saga
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Atsushi Ono
    Older gatekeeper (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Daisuke Kirii
    Auctioneer (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Megumi Toyoguchi
    Rosemary (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kana Hanazawa
    Flan (voice)

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

For those who love Frieren's contemplative travel sequences, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina delivers a similarly episodic adventure format. The anime follows Elaina, a wandering witch who explores various lands, each with its own unique stories and inhabitants. Some encounters are heartwarming, while others are tragic, mirroring Frieren’s balance between wonder and melancholy.

Elaina, like Frieren, is more of an observer than an active participant in the lives of those she meets. This detachment often leads to deep reflections on human nature, fate, and the age of time, making Wandering Witch an interesting watch for fans seeking a similar tone.

8 To Your Eternity

Anime Series by Brain's Base & Drive; Based on the Manga by Yoshitoki Oima

To Your Eternity - Poster

Your Rating

To Your Eternity
Release Date
April 12, 2021
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Mitsuki Saiga
    Kahaku
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Reiji Kawashima
    Fushi
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kenjiro Tsuda
    The Beholder
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Eri Inagawa
    Tonari

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

For fans who were drawn to Frieren's exploration of time and loss, To Your Eternity is an even more emotionally devastating take. The series follows an immortal being, Fushi, who takes on different forms as it learns what it means to be human. Throughout its journey, Fushi forges deep connections with mortals, only to experience the inevitable pain of outliving them.

Like Frieren, To Your Eternity is a meditation on the nature of memory, the impact of relationships, and the beauty of fleeting human existence. Its slow-burn storytelling and deep emotional moments make it an excellent choice for fans looking for a thought-provoking fantasy.

7 In the Land of Leadale

Anime Series by Maho Film; Based on the Light Novel by Ceez

03179737_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

In the Land of Leadale
TV-14
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Action & Adventure
Comedy
Anime
Release Date
2022 - 2022-00-00
Network
Tokyo MX
Directors
Naoyoshi Kusaka, Masakazu Takahashi, Hiromichi Matano
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Eri Yukimura
    Cayna (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Daisuke Ono
    Skargo (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kaori Nazuka
    Mai-Mai (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tomokazu Sugita
    Kartatz (voice)

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

In the Land of Leadale follows Keina Kagami, who, after a tragic accident, finds herself in the VRMMORPG world of Leadale, 200 years in the future. Now as the half-elf Cayna, she navigates this new reality with powerful abilities and encounters characters she created, exploring relationships and mysteries within the game.

Seasons
1
In the Land of Leadale main character pointing a sword at the viewer.

For a lighter but still thoughtful take on fantasy journeys, In the Land of Leadale follows Keina, a girl who wakes up inside a VR game after her real-world body perishes. Much like Frieren, Keina is a long-lived being exploring a world that has changed significantly in her absence.

While Leadale leans more toward comedy and slice-of-life than Frieren's emotional depth, it still shares the themes of rediscovery and personal growth. Watching Keina adapt to her new reality, reconnect with people from the past, and embrace her second chance at life makes this a comforting yet enjoyable experience.

6 Yona of the Dawn

Anime Series by Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi

Yona of the Dawn (2014)
Yona of the Dawn

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

For those who appreciated Frieren's strong female protagonist and themes of personal growth, Yona of the Dawn is a must-watch. The series follows Yona, a sheltered princess forced to flee her kingdom after a coup. As she journeys to reclaim her throne, she grows from a naive girl into a determined warrior.

Like Frieren, Yona undergoes a transformation shaped by time, experiences, and the people she meets. The series balances action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, making it an excellent choice for those who love stories about self-discovery and perseverance.

5 Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Anime Film by P.A. Works; Written by Mari Okada

Maquia

Your Rating

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms​
Release Date
July 20, 2018
Runtime
115 Minutes
Director
Mari Okada
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Manaka Iwami
    Maquia
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Miyu Irino
    Ariel
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Yuuki Sakurai
    Ariel as a Child
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ai Kayano
    Leilia

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
RENT
BUY

Writers
Mari Okada

This visually stunning film shares Frieren's themes of time and loss but through a deeply personal lens. Maquia tells the story of an immortal girl who raises a human child, knowing she will one day have to watch him grow old and die.

The film’s breathtaking animation and emotional story make it one of the most devastating and realistic anime about the age of time. Like Frieren, Maquia explores the pain and beauty of forming bonds that are inevitably fleeting, making it a heartbreaking yet rewarding watch.

4 Violet Evergarden

Anime Series by Kyoto Animation; Based on the Light Novel by Kana Akatsuki

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Your Rating

Violet Evergarden
TV-14
Drama
Release Date
2018 - 2018
Directors
Taichi Ishidate, Haruka Fujita
Writers
Reiko Yoshida, Tatsuhiko Urahata, Taaki Suzuki
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Erika Harlacher
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Tony Azzolino

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming
BUY

Franchise(s)
Violet Evergarden
Creator(s)
Kana Akatsuki

For fans who were moved by Frieren's emotional depth and themes of understanding human emotions, Violet Evergarden has a similar experience. The series follows Violet, a former soldier learning how to process emotions and connect with people as she works as an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters for others.​​​​​​​

Both Frieren and Violet struggle with emotional expression and understanding the impact of human relationships. Through breathtaking animation and deeply personal storytelling, Violet Evergarden is a stunning meditation on grief, love, and the power of words.

3 Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

Anime Series by ione; Based on the Light Novel by Isuna Hasekura

Spice and Wolf Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf (2024)

Your Rating

Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf
Release Date
April 2, 2024
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Jun Fukuyama
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Ami Koshimizu

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

For a fantasy adventure filled with philosophical musings and charming character dynamics, Spice and Wolf is an excellent choice. The series follows a traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, and Holo, a wise wolf deity, as they navigate the economic and political landscapes of medieval Europe-inspired settings.

Related
Spice And Wolf Isn't Just A Masterpiece, It's One Of The Most Influential Anime Of The Past Two Decades

Adapted from a light novel and blending many genres perfectly isn't all that makes Spice and Wolf one of the most influential anime.

1

Much like Frieren, Spice and Wolf features a protagonist with a long lifespan who forms a deep bond with a mortal companion. The series' focus on dialogue, introspection, and the slow but meaningful development of relationships makes it an interesting and immersive watch.

2 The Apothecary Diaries

Anime Series by OLM & Toho Animation Studio; Based on the Light Novel by Natsu Hyuuga

03194672_poster_w780.jpg

Your Rating

The Apothecary Diaries
Release Date
October 22, 2023
Network
Nippon TV, RAB, TVI, YBC, JRT
Directors
Jun Owada, Akira Koremoto, Kentaro Fujita, Yukihiko Asaki, Erkin Kawabata, Shintaro Itoga, Tsuyoshi Nakano, Akira Shimizu, Yuushi Ibe, Kyohei Yamamoto, Masahiro Matsunaga, Tadao Okubo, Misu Yamaneko
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Aoi Yuki
    Maomao (voice)
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Takeo Otsuka
    Jinshi (voice)

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Writers
Yuko Kakihara, Misuzu Chiba, Hitomi Ogawa
Franchise(s)
The Apothecary Diaries
Creator(s)
Natsu Hyūga

For fans who enjoyed Frieren's intelligent and observant protagonist, The Apothecary Diaries has Maomao, a brilliant herbalist navigating palace intrigues. While not as fantastical, the series offers a similar sense of discovery, mystery, and the impact of knowledge over time.​​​​​​​

Like Frieren, Maomao is analytical and detached at times but gradually forms meaningful connections with Jinshi and those around her. The series blends historical intrigue with character-driven storytelling, making it a great choice for those looking for an engaging, mysterious anime.

1 Delicious in Dungeon

Anime Series by Trigger; Based on the Manga by Ryoko Kui

Delicious in Dungeon TV Series Poster

Your Rating

Delicious in Dungeon
Release Date
January 4, 2024
Directors
Yoshihiro Miyajima
Writers
Ryoko Kui, Kimiko Ueno
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Sayaka Senbongi
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Kentarou Kumagai

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Franchise(s)
Delicious in Dungeon

For fans who loved Frieren's blend of fantasy adventure and slice-of-life moments, offers a uniquely dark twist on the genre. The series follows a group of adventurers who, instead of traditional dungeon-crawling, focus on cooking monsters they encounter to survive.

​​​​​​​

Despite its humorous premise, Delicious in Dungeon shares Frieren: Beyond Journey's emphasis on camaraderie, the age of time, and the personal growth of its characters. The detailed world-building and charming character interactions make it a delightful watch for fantasy fans seeking something fresh yet familiar.

Frieren Beyond Journeys End TV Poster

Your Rating

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Release Date
September 29, 2023
Directors
Keiichirô Saitô
Writers
Tomohiro Suzuki
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Mallorie Rodak
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    Jason Douglas

WHERE TO WATCH

Streaming

Creator(s)
Tsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada