10 Best Fantasy Anime to Watch if You Like Harry Potter

For devoted enthusiasts of a specific series, locating comparable content can often prove difficult due to the unique allure that particular franchise holds. Take ‘Harry Potter‘, for instance, which has significantly influenced the fantasy genre. Whenever discussions revolve around magical academies, wizards, and protagonists chosen by destiny in contemporary media, ‘Harry Potter’ is inevitably mentioned. People are captivated by intricately crafted worlds that blend magic, wonder, and a well-constructed narrative, yet retain coherent plots, engaging characters, and memorable antagonists. Nevertheless, given the passage of time since ‘Harry Potter’ concluded, and perhaps due to personal preferences, not all fans may be keen on revisiting the series.

In this compilation, we’ve handpicked some anime shows that share a striking resemblance and resonate with familiar themes, appealing to fantasy enthusiasts. Interestingly, you’ll find that half of these titles revolve around witchcraft or wizardry as their primary focus, while the remaining half offers school settings reminiscent of Hogwarts. So if your preference leans towards the mystical and magical, here are some anime series that deliver an enchanting experience!

10) Tweeny Witches

As a devoted fan of enchanting stories, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for “Tweeny Witches,” a timeless gem in the fantasy genre that’s been captivating audiences since its debut in 2004. With an impressive run of 40 episodes within a single season, this series has stood the test of time.

Interestingly enough, it seems to have drawn inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s masterpieces, “Through the Looking Glass” and “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” What sets “Tweeny Witches” apart is its compelling portrayal of a dark fantasy realm brimming with intrigue and conflict.

The series delves into themes that resonate deeply: the power of friendship, the courage derived from strong beliefs, and the repercussions of war. If you’re a fan of captivating stories filled with magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas, I highly recommend giving “Tweeny Witches” a watch!

In this animated series, we join our protagonist Arusu, a young girl with a passion for anything mystical and extraordinary. One fateful day, she receives a book that transports her to the Enchanted Kingdom, a realm governed by potent witches. At first, Arusu is thrilled to discover these magical beings exist, but her excitement doesn’t blind her to the reality: the witches are oppressing the fairies living within the kingdom. Determined to learn more about this world, Arusu undergoes training to become a witch herself and uncovers her ability to manipulate the ancient Book of Spells. With these new magical powers, Arusu pledges to confront the evil forces in the Enchanted Kingdom and challenge the wrongdoings committed by those in power.

9) Flying Witch

Among all the selections here, I’d say Flying Witch stands out as one of the rare ones steering clear from magical academies. Instead, it masterfully intertwines everyday life with magic elements, offering a visually stunning slice-of-life series laced with a touch of the extraordinary. Making its appearance in 2016, this anime spanned just one season comprising twelve episodes. The story’s core values revolve around the themes of camaraderie, family bonds, the power of community, and discovering enchantment within ordinary moments.

In “Flying Witch,” our story revolves around Makoto Kowata, a 16-year-old witch who moves to live with her relatives in Aomori, immersing herself in the serene countryside. Eager to enhance her magical abilities, Makoto sees this peaceful setting as the perfect place for self-development. Although she has magical powers, they are artfully woven into the storyline, and the narrative also explores ordinary activities like Makoto’s relationships with her non-magical peers and daily life in her new community.

8) The Irregular at Magic High School

In the year 2014, I came across the captivating anime series titled “The Irregular at Magic High School.” Spanning three complete seasons with a total of 52 episodes, this show delves into the deep-seated division between varying tiers of magic practitioners. As an observer, I was intrigued by its portrayal of intricate themes such as societal disparity, the conflict between technology and magic, and the essence of self-worth. Pondering over these elements, it poses a thought-provoking question: is diligent effort and honed ability more significant than innate talent?

In the anime “The Irregular at Magic High School,” our story centers around the Shiba twins, Tatsuya and Miyuki. They attend a unique magical academy where their magical abilities are honed. The twist is that Miyuki belongs to an elite group known as “Blooms,” students with extraordinary magic; meanwhile, Tatsuma is categorized as a “Weed,” having lower-tier magic skills. Despite being labeled as a Weed, Tatsuma strives to conquer the prejudice he encounters by developing his own distinct combat style and climbing up the school’s hierarchy.

7) Soul Eater

The television series titled “Soul Eater” delves into the realms of supernatural, fantasy, and horror genres. It initially aired in 2008, comprising a single season with 51 episodes. While some deviations from the original manga’s storyline occurred, resulting in criticism about the final arc and conclusion from fans, it remains recommended viewing due to its distinctive premise and endearing characters.

“Soul Eater” skillfully tackles themes such as moral ambiguity, the question of sanity, camaraderie, and personal purpose, making it an engaging watch overall.

The story of Soul Eater unfolds at Death Weapon Meister Academy, a school that nurtures humans capable of transforming into weapons and their partners, known as Meisters. Maka Albern and her weapon counterpart, Soul Evans, are students there, aiming to achieve one common goal: transforming into a Death Scythe. To accomplish this, they must gather 99 human souls and the soul of a witch. Once completed, they will become an elite team tasked by the Grim Reaper to maintain harmony between death and life.

6) Blue Exorcist

The animated series, titled “Blue Exorcist,” offers an enthralling fusion of fantasy and supernatural elements. It chronicles the journey of a young man who is actually the son of Satan, as he strives to become a skilled exorcist. This anime first graced our screens in 2011, spanning across four seasons and even a feature film titled “Blue Exorcist: The Movie.” Despite occasional delays in season releases, fans agree that the series is more than worthwhile due to its captivating storyline and multi-dimensional characters. You can anticipate themes such as self-discovery, the battle between good and evil, understanding one’s identity, and the significance of meaningful relationships in this thrilling tale.

In the story, our main character is named Rin Okumura. He grew up with his brother Yukio, who was brought up by a skilled exorcist named Shiro Fujimoto. Unfortunately, Rin’s adoptive father gets killed by the demon king, revealing that both he and his brother were born to Satan in secret. Motivated by revenge for Shiro’s death and a desire to confront Satan, Rin decides to become an exorcist. This decision leads him to join True Cross Academy, a school dedicated to training the future generation of exorcists, preparing them for battle against the increasing number of demonic forces.

5) Mashle: Magic and Muscles

In the realm of contemporary anime, I’ve come across a fresh series titled “Mashle: Magic and Muscles” that intrigues me. Unlike many others in its genre, this show focuses on a protagonist who doesn’t suddenly discover hidden magical powers. Instead, the comedy arises from the unexpected juxtaposition of a powerless character navigating a world dominated by magic.

What sets this series apart is its exploration of social inequality, with magical beings held in high regard while those without are looked down upon. This unique perspective offers an engaging commentary on the society’s hierarchy and attitudes towards the non-magical.

Unlike characters such as Harry Potter who possess a significant latent magical talent, our protagonist here embarks on comedic adventures, using his brute strength to overcome fantastical challenges in a manner that’s nothing short of hilarious.

In the story titled “Mashle: Magic and Muscles“, our protagonist is named Mash Burnedead. Unlike many in his world who prosper thanks to magical abilities, Mash has none. However, what he lacks in magic, he makes up for with an extraordinary physical strength that significantly outshines the norm. When Mash’s hidden strength is exposed, he is forced to depart from the forest he calls home with his grandfather and enroll at Easton Magic Academy. At this academy, he will undergo rigorous training to become a Divine Visionary – a prestigious title that could safeguard Mash and his family from harm. But before attaining this status, Mash must endure tough training and employ his strength to surmount challenges others would solve with magic.

4) Black Clover

The animated series “Black Clover,” first aired in 2017, is a popular shonen fantasy title that boasts a devoted fanbase. With a staggering 170 episodes, the show has been divided into distinct “seasons.” Although it falls under the fantasy genre, “Black Clover” stands out due to its combination of thrilling action, humorous moments, and captivating adventure. The story explores themes such as perseverance in the face of challenges, discrimination within society, the value of diligence and training, camaraderie, and the charm of pursuing your dreams. While there are some similarities to “Harry Potter,” like the Magic Knight teams being reminiscent of Hogwarts houses with their distinctive robes and quarters, “Black Clover” carves its own niche through a well-executed mix of successful battle shonen elements.

In this captivating narrative, I find myself observing the journey of a resilient young orphan named Asta. Unlike many others who carry the innate magical power that sets the world’s elite apart, Asta was born devoid of such ability. Yet, undeterred by his lack, Asta harbors an ambitious dream: to one day ascend to the prestigious title of Wizard King, a position held by the most potent mage alive.

His relentless dedication and burning passion have guided him on this path, leading him to unlock an extraordinary secret. Asta found within his grasp a rare five-leaf clover grimoire, a magical book that bestows upon him the unique ability to counteract magic. With this newfound gift, Asta can dismantle and neutralize other magic users’ abilities.

This extraordinary talent serves as a stepping stone for Asta to progress towards his objective, forging alliances with his fellow traveler and rival, Yuno, as they strive together to grow stronger and realize their shared dreams.

3) The Ancient Magus’ Bride

The Ancient Magus’ Bride is an outstanding illustration of mixing genres, featuring aspects of fantasy, romance, and the supernatural woven together in its narrative. The series initially premiered in 2017 and spans across two seasons, comprising a total of 48 episodes. One of its distinctive qualities lies in incorporating elements from folklore and magic into a single, captivating storyline that doesn’t shun darker aspects. Key themes addressed throughout the show include creating authentic relationships, self-acceptance, healing from trauma, and coping with loss.

In The Ancient Magus’ Bride, I find myself walking alongside Chise Hatori, an extraordinary teenage girl who possesses the unique ability to perceive ethereal beings. This gift, however, has left her shunned and isolated by society, pushing her into a heart-wrenching fate of being auctioned off as a slave.

Fortunately, Chise is purchased by Elias Ainsworth, an enigmatic sorcerer with an animal skull for a face, who seeks to nurture and unlock the full potential within Chise as a “Sleigh Baggy”. This role allows her to straddle the boundary between our world and the realm of the supernatural.

2) Wistoria: Wand and Sword

Titled “Wistoria: Wand and Sword“, this captivating anime series offers an enthralling mix of adventure and magic, with a focus on swordsmanship as well. Debuted in 2024, it currently consists of one season, though there are prospects for a second season slated for 2026. In “Wistoria: Wand and Sword“, significant topics such as social stratification, personal resilience, tradition versus modernization, and elitism are delicately woven into the plot. Magic serves as an instrument in the hands of powerful characters to belittle or disdain those they perceive as inferior or weak, much like other storylines on this list.

In Wistoria: Wand and Sword, we follow the story of Will Serfort, a boy who attends a magical school despite not possessing any magic. Will aspires to be a Magia Vander, the highest rank of mage, but his lack of magic creates obstacles, compelling him to rely solely on his swordsmanship abilities to progress in class. The anime highlights Will’s resilience and unwavering determination to achieve greatness and keep a promise made to his childhood friend, despite encountering prejudice and skepticism from others.

1) Little Witch Academia

When compiling a list of anime similar to Harry Potter, Little Witch Academia is undoubtedly one of the first choices. Packed with elements that fantasy enthusiasts would appreciate, this light-hearted and endearing series doesn’t skimp on delivering emotionally resonant moments. The show premiered in 2017, comprising 25 episodes so far; if you’re seeking more, there are two older movies within the franchise: Little Witch Academia and Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade. The series delves into themes of perseverance over adversity, dedication to your aspirations, self-belief, and emotional depth.

In the animated series “Little Witch Academia,” our main character, Atsuko Kagari, commonly known as “Akko,” embarks on an adventure. Despite not being naturally gifted in magic, Akko makes a daring decision to join Luna Nova Magical Academy. Her dream is to cultivate her skills and emulate her idol, Shiny Chariot, a private witch she deeply admires. Throughout the series, Akko faces numerous obstacles in her education, training, and navigating through the enigmatic magical world she belongs to.

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2025-08-29 17:57