Ranking of Kings
Alternative names: Ousama Ranking, King Ranking
Other genres: Adventure
Episodes: 23 (Open End, Season 2 is currently running)
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
The young prince Bojji is despised by his own kingdom. The people call him the “useless prince” and because he cannot hear or speak, he stumbles from one mishap to the next.
Bojji is supposed to be the next king of the land, but in his current state and with his existing reputation, that seems almost impossible – especially since his brother is also vying for the throne.
Alongside rather unusual companions, Bojji sets out on a journey to overcome his own fears and prove to the people that he is capable of much more than they give him credit for.
What to expect from Ranking of Kings: “One should not judge a book by its cover” is a phrase that has rarely held as much truth as with Ranking of Kings. The art style is rather unusual for anime and may remind many of children’s series – yet after just a few episodes, it becomes clear that this does not reflect the seriousness of the story or the brutality of some characters.
Ranking of Kings is a rather atypical hero story that may seem made for children at first glance – but upon closer inspection, it can often leave adults swallowing hard and reveals a political web of intrigues and conspiracies that is simply thrilling.
Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Alternative names: Jobless Reincarnation: I Will Seriously Try If I Go To Another World
Other genres: Drama, Ecchi
Episodes: 24 (Open End)
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
At 34 years old, the despised protagonist dies in an accident – and shortly thereafter is reincarnated in another world. As young “Rudeus,” still equipped with the mind of an adult, he quickly develops magical talent and is early on instructed in magic and swordsmanship.
As Rudeus’ abilities surpass everything he could learn in his new hometown, he is sent to the court of a noble family to continue his studies – thus beginning a story in which he learns about the things that were denied to him in his previous life: friendship (and loads of action).
What to expect from Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation: The origin and behavior of the main character make the first episodes somewhat difficult to endure – but afterwards, a vast, well-thought-out world with many exciting facets and lovable characters unfolds. The series maintains a perfect balance between action-packed fights and more emotional character moments with depth.
It is difficult to put into words, but few series manage to create a “feeling” for another world as well as Mushoku Tensei does – especially the soundtrack contributes significantly to that feeling.
To Your Eternity
Alternative names: Fumetsu no Anata e, To You, The Immortal
Other genres: Adventure, Drama
Episodes: 40 (2 seasons, Open End)
Stream available on: Crunchyroll
A lifeless orb is hurled to Earth. Equipped only with the ability to learn from the memories and emotions that things or beings experience and adapt, many years pass. First, the orb becomes a stone, then moss. Ultimately, a wolf dies on this moss-covered stone, allowing the being to take on its form. The wolf, in turn, belonged to a boy who waits in the cold for the return of his family and whose memories the being can draw from.
In its newly humanoid form – but still lacking the abilities and knowledge that define a human – the being begins its journey through several epochs of the world, meeting new people whom it influences and who in turn influence it.
What to expect from To Your Eternity: To Your Eternity is one of those series where you know after the first episode that it will break your heart – over and over again. And even though you know that only a single character can endure through time, the farewells are painful and the emotions are powerful.
Nevertheless, the series is simply beautiful. Although it revolves around an immortal being, it tells a lovely story about mortality and the potential that exists within every life – and that one should make the most of the one chance given to everyone. And sometimes the best thing is to simply watch this anime.
Do you have any other fantasy anime that you would urgently recommend when one wants to dive into another world?
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