Mythology is one of the earliest forms of storytelling, even if it wasn’t meant to be just a story. Either way, mythology and folklore have become fascinating topics to research and have made their way into movies, TV shows, and anime. Although predominantly centered around Japanese folklore, other stories occasionally emerge. While mythology-inspired series likeDragon Ballare great, only anime focusing on the topic are eligible for this list.
Since Japan has a large and comprehensive mythology, there are many fascinating mythological shows that use its influence to tell those stories directly or create adjacent plots.This list will rank the ten best mythology anime showsbased on thelevel of inspiration, originality, execution, overall quality, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and focus/importance of mythology. These ten series are a wonder to watch and help put into perspective the mythological history of the world.
10’Fate/Zero' (2011)
Multiple Mythologies
Battle royales are popular for a reason, andFate/Zeropits some of the most significant historical and mythological figures against each other as familiars. With multiple families and clans entering the Holy War to claim the holy grail,they summon historical and mythological legends to fight for them, resulting in a bloody and epic action anime.
WhileFate/Zeromay be a better show than many of the entries on this list, it isn’t a better mythology anime. More of these shows focus on mythology, whereasFate/Zeroonly includes mythological figuresserving in a completely adjacent setting and story. Still, this anime is a phenomenal treat and change of pace, with some of thebest animation in anime, with stellar fights that are the best in the medium.
9’Noragami' (2014)
Japanese Mythology
While fans are still waiting for a third season after the manga recently finished,Noragamiis still a popular mythological shōnen anime. After a girl involves herself with a Japanese god of war that everyone seems to have forgotten, she becomes tied to the spirit world. She enlists Yato’s help to save her, but he needs a spirit partner, marking the long journey of the supernatural they embark on.
Most ofthe mythological elements are simply characters and some lore, but it still provides a worthwhile experience as an entertaining anime and mythological research. With some of thebest music in animeand plenty of riveting action,Noragamiis a classic series thatdeserves more love for its modern approach to Japanese mythology.
8’Record of Ragnarök' (2021)
No anime has more mythologies thanRecord of Ragnarök, which crams almost every mythology fan can think of into one show. As the committee of gods decides what to do with humans, they propose a tournament for the fate of humanity. The gods choose one fighter, and the humans choose one fighter, creating an over-the-top tournament of man vs god in the mythological anime.
The designs and personalities may not be accurate, butRecord of Ragnarökhasone of the biggest and most vast mythological influences in anime. Each fight showcases a god of a specific mythology, bending their personality to make them more entertaining. They also show their backstories and history, making ita surprisingly accurate and valuable mythological series. It only lands lower on this list because the quality and animation aren’t the greatest, even thoughRecord of Ragnarökis a phenomenal action anime.
Record of Ragnarok
7’The Eccentric Family' (2013)
Made by the same revolutionary author who deliveredThe Tatami Galaxy, The Eccentric Familyis another mystical tale taking place in Kyoto. With Tanuki and Tengu roaming unseen by humans, one shapeshifting tanuki spends his time carefree. However, he and others unravel the mysterious death of his father while looking to avoid the same fate.
While mythology isn’t the purpose of this show, ithighlights tanuki, tengu, and other wonderous creaturesthrough its glamorous story. However, the vibe and atmosphere are the best parts of the anime, with Kyoto looking gorgeous and the festivities mingling well with the creatures.The Eccentric Familybrings ancient Japanese folklore into the modern day, creating one of thebest family-friendly anime series.
6’Blue Exorcist' (2011)
Blue Exorcistwas one of the most popular anime series in the early 2010s, and while its popularity has faded, the return of the anime rekindled many fans' love for the series. Half-human, half-demon, Rin is the son of Satan and must face his supernatural lineage by enrolling at True Cross Academy, where he will learn everything he needs to know about exorcising demons.
This anime doesn’t directly follow mythology, but with exorcists,the show includes many mythological creatures, including some common folklore. It isn’t the best representation of Japanese mythology, but the fascinating creatures add something. However, the main beauty ofBlue Exorcistis the characters and building story, which gets intense near recent seasons, proving whyit is an essential animeof the 2010s.
Blue Exorcist
5’Saint Seiya' (1986)
Greek Mythology
As the oldest anime on this list,Saint Seiyahas had more than enough time to get popular and fade from popularity. Yet, it remains a memorable series that takes inspiration from Greek mythology. The titular character works hard to become a saint, a warrior who serves Athena, but his hardships only start when he and the other saints must protect Athena and undergo grueling battles.
WhileSaint Seiyahas aged and is along-running battle shōnen animethat focuses on fights instead of story, its Greek inspiration is still apparent.Saint Seiyais mythologically adjacent and, for the most part, isfictionalized through Greek inspiration, including the majority of the stories, settings, and events. However, many backgrounds, characters, and lore are accurate, makingSaint Seiyaa fun mythological anime with a refreshing spin.
Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac
4’Hozuki’s Coolheadedness' (2014)
Managing people is a tough job, but imagine managing the afterlife.Hozuki’s Coolheadednessfollows the titular chief deputy of the demon world who manages all of hell’s problems, from its other demonic staff to new residents to the requests of Judeo-Christian hell. Hozuki will troubleshoot any problem with his negotiation and micromanagement skills.
With one of the most singular premises an anime can have,Hozuki’s Coolheadednessexcels as a dark comedy that introduces fans tomultiple Japanese mythological characters who are employees in hell. It may not directly tell their stories, but its influence is done well enough to get the picture. With one of thebest art styles in anime,Hozuki’s Coolheadednessis an episodic delight with no real meaning but plenty to enjoy.
Hozuki’s Coolheadedness
3’The Ancient Magus' Bride' (2017)
Celtic Mythology
Most mythological anime naturally focuses on Japanese folklore, but once in a blue moon, fans will receive a show that focuses on something new.The Ancient Magus' Brideis about a girl and a magus, with the latter buying the former from an auction. Initially accepting her fate, the girl revels in the picturesque cabin in England, where the Magus brought her to serve as his apprentice and supposed bride.
WhileThe Ancient Magus' Brideisn’t solely Celtic mythology, it alsouses German and other European fables, arguably making it a better mythological show. While some stories, lore, and creatures are tweaked for story purposes, there isa high level of research done in each category. The result is a magical world filled with faeries and other imaginative mythological creatures that create abeautifully fantastical anime.
The Ancient Magus' Bride
2’Mononoke' (2007)
Horror anime isn’t the most popular, butMononokeis the most unique and renowned series, which was recently confirmed to get a trilogy of sequel movies decades after its original release. Following a traveling merchant, he exorcises demons and spirits every arc, specifically vengeful spirits who haven’t moved on to the afterlife.
Mononokeare the spirits of deceased humans and creatures who possess or haunt the living, making this showa rare highlight on a niche aspect of Japanese mythology. While it switches these stories up, it takes actual spirits and their stories and makes the anime about them. These fascinating stories are accentuated by the vibrant colors, distinct art style, and unique editing style, which makesMononokeone of thebest avant-garde anime ever.
1’Natsume’s Book of Friends' (2008)
As expected,the best anime about mythology focuses on Japanese folklore. While there were many great series, none can compare to the care, accuracy, enjoyability, and mythology ofNatsume’s Book of Friends. The eponymous character never fits in because of his ability to see Yokai (ghosts/spirits), but his encounter with a cat spirit and finding the Book of Friends slowly changes his life as he vows to free the good Yokai from the book.
Fans may think of world-ending lore and enormous creatures when they hear mythology, butNatsume’s Book of Friendsfocuses on ancient Japan’s countless “minor” folk tales. The anime handles Yokai brilliantly in the same way they were handled in classic stories, giving this animean authentic mythology feeling while using modern methods.Natsume’s Book of Friendsisa timeless anime masterpiecewith touching, heartwarming, depressing, and intriguing stories that will get fans interested in Japanese mythology.
