The Apothecary Diaries, Spice and Wolf & More

The story of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is set in a fantastical world where mages, dwarves, and humans co-exist. Every magic user shares the common purpose of eliminating demons. Likewise, Frieren’s party ventures to defeat the Demon King. As Frieren learns the human ways on her journey, she learns to adopt them on her way to the Northern lands. Frieran has occupied a special place in the fandom as one of the most popular anime characters.

Since the anime’s second season is slated for 2025, here are the seven best anime shows for fans of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End to watch.

Kino’s Journey

Kino’s Journey ran from April 2003 to July 2003, spanning thirteen episodes. Originally, Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World was produced by Studio A.C.G.T. produced the series. It was rated suitable for viewers above 17 due to the violent and profane content in the anime. However, the series has limited violent scenes, making it ideal for all age groups.

The anime series is based on Keiichi Sigsawa and Kohaku Kuroboshi’s light novel of the same name. It explores the inner world of a traveler who travels to distant places because she does not wish to settle down. Like Frieren, Kino is equally thoughtful and eager to understand the world around her.

As she experiences the various conditions of being human, Kino encounters philosophical complexities that lead to her character development. Overall, Kino’s Journey is inspiring to watch.

Spice and Wolf

Spice and Wolf is one of the best anime shows to watch after Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, owing to its similar themes of adventure and fantasy. The anime is based on Isuna Hasekura and Jū Ayakura’s light novel series of the same name, blending the ideas of commerce and fraternity.

Though Spice and Wolf does not feature an elf with a lifespan of thousands of years, its protagonist is a spectacular wolf deity, Holo. The 600-year-old wise wolf travels across various regions with Kraft Lawrence, a merchant in his 20s, Kraft Lawrence. As they travel together, Holo explains how her existence has been limited to folktales. Despite hailing from two worlds, the two team up to tackle the commercial world with their intelligence and tactical skills.

Recently, the Spice and Wolf series got its own remake. Titled Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf, it is now available on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

To Your Eternity

Based on the Kodansha Manga Award-winning series, Yoshitoki Oima’s To Your Eternity is one of the most prominent manga among several others. In 2021, the anime adaptation of the series was directed by Masahiko Murata and produced by Brain’s Base.

Released during Spring 2021, To Your Eternity revolves around an immortal being, Fushi, who has the ability to change forms. Although he is sent to Earth to live among humans, he is devoid of any concrete identity. He begins his life on Earth as a rock and moss. Later, as he starts to find his way around the blue planet, he gains awareness and takes the shape of an abandoned boy.

A lonely Fushi, who dreams of reuniting with his companions one day, eventually explores the Earth and interacts with humans around him. Like Frieren, he subsequently develops his identity and consciousness as he learns the ways of the world. Fans of Frieran: Beyond Journey’s End can certainly consider watching To Your Eternity.

Wandering Witch: The Journey Of Elaina

Another fantasy adventure series to watch for fans of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is Wandering Witch. The anime is based on Jōgi Shiraishi and Azure’s light novel series. It got an anime adaptation during Fall 2020 by Studio C2C, spanning 12 episodes.

The series revolves around Elaina, a young witch who grew up exploring stories about Nike, a witch who traveled worldwide and became famous. Elaina, too, aspires to venture into the world and understand its intricacies on her own. Hence, she sets off on a journey without a limiting destination.

During her journey, Elaina interacts with various people, eventually becoming an integral part of their lives. At the same time, these people become an inseparable part of her journey. Like any adventurer, Elaina understands the world for what it is, both good and bad. This makes Wandering Witch a must-watch for those who enjoy watching Frieren’s adventures.

Honey and Clover

J.C. Staff produced Honey and Clover, a Spring 2005 anime series based on Chika Umino’s manga of the same name. It explores various genres, of which comedy, drama, and romance remain prevalent throughout the series.

The plot is set in Tokyo, and it reflects the lives of three arts college students. Takemoto Yuuta, Mayama Takumi, and Morita Shinobu share a small, cheap apartment in the city. Though Shinobu is irresponsible and is infamous for failing grad school, Mayama is a responsible mentor and senior to Takemoto.

A carefree Takemoto crosses paths with the beautiful and talented Hagumi Hanamoto, who changes his life right at their first encounter. Thereafter, the series transcends themes of friendship, unrequited love, and identity, setting the stage for a perfect coming-of-age narrative.

The Apothecary Diaries

Norihiro Naganuma directed The Apothecary Diaries at studios OLM and TOHO Animation. This mystery and historical anime television series premiered in the Fall of 2023. Natsu Hyūga crafted the light novel series on which the anime is based. From October 2023 to March 2024, the anime ran 24 episodes. Additionally, the next season is set to be released in 2025.

The series follows Maomao, a young apothecary who is kidnapped and sold off to work as a maid at the Imperial Court. As she settles down in the palace and begins to find her way through her monotonous life, she impresses various people with her skills as an apothecary. In fact, her resistance to poison makes her a perfect fit for food tasting, an essential designation in the Imperial harem.

As the higher-ups recognize her talent, Jinshi, an eunuch, requests Maomao to assist him in solving various mysterious cases that take place in the palace.

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation

Currently broadcasting the second part of its second season, Mushoku Tensei began airing in Winter 2021. Studio Bind animated the series, whose primary themes include Isekai and reincarnation. The light novel series of the same name was written by Rifujin na Magonote.

The story follows a 34-year-old NEET in Japan who meets with an accident and is reincarnated in a fantasy world. Contrary to his previous life, this new world consists of monsters, beasts, and humans.

Rudeus Greyrat, the infant he is reincarnated as, learns magic and lives happily until he disappears in a Mana calamity one day. From thereon, he ventures on a journey to find his lost friends and family, encountering various challenges on the way.