Awesome Urban Fantasy Anime

XXXholic

Episode count: 41 English Dub: 1-24

Kimihiro Watanuki has always been able to see spirits his whole life. They are attracted to him and can even attack him at times. He has the deepest wish to not see them anymore. One day he stumbles into Yuko Ichihara’s shop. However, her shop isn’t an ordinary shop, she specializes in granting wishes. Unfortunately, his wish is too big to pay for upfront, so she strikes a deal for him to work part time at his shop until he has done enough work to pay off his wish.

This show isn’t for everyone. It has a lot of philosophical thoughts and concepts behind the actual storyline. I think it is a very interesting show with a lot of thought provoking events and amazing characters. Plus, the fantasy elements are really unique and creates an interesting alternate version of our world.

The Devil is a Part-timer

Episode count:12 English Dub: All Episodes

Sadao is the devil from another world. He is the head demon of all the other demons. Now, him and his friend and former top general, Alciel, are stuck in our unmagical world. Instead of ruling his demons, he now works at the local McRonalds flipping burgers and earning a minimum wage. His new goal is to make it to the top of the burger chain!

This anime is so much fun. It has so much comedy and light heartedness. If you are looking for something fun with some good characters and some surprising twists this anime is for you. The fantasy elements are more related to the alternate world, but it does show up in our world from time to time. Maybe you’ll find Satan isn’t as bad as you’d think.

Kamisama Kiss

Episode count: 25 English Dub: All Episodes

Nanami has a horrible father who gambled away all their money which leads to him running away and Nanami being homeless. As she is wandering in the park at night, she saves a stranger from a dog. He thanks her by offering her a home at the shrine. Only, it isn’t just a home, she is now the god of the shrine!

This anime is a romantic comedy. It is another fun light hearted story with a lot of fantasy elements. Nanami interacts with yokai and travels to the spirit world. This anime is good for all ages.

Fruit Basket

First version- Episode count: 26 English Dub: All Episodes

Second version- Episode count: 63 English Dub: All Episodes

Tohru Honda is temporarily living in a tent because she doesn’t have a home to go to. Shortly after moving in, she discovers that she lives right next to the Soma estate. When her tent is destroyed the Somas invite her to live with them even at the risk of exposing their secret. After an unfortunate fall, Tohru discovers that the Somas turn into members of the Chinese zodiac.

Once again, this anime is another light hearted anime with a really sweet main character. Tohru is always so happy, upbeat, and selfless. This anime has many good characters and has some low fantasy elements from the curse that the Somas are under which causes them to turn into animals in the zodiac. This is another anime that is great for all ages with a great meaning to its story.

Promised Neverland

Episode count: 23 English Dub: All Episodes

The Grace Field orphanage is a wonderful place to grow up. All of the kids are happy and loved there. It is always a bit bittersweet when one of them gets adopted, but everyone knows that they are going on to a family who will love them and give them lots of happiness. Unfortunately the spell is broken when little eleven year old Emma discovers that maybe her home isn’t as loving and happy as she thought.

This anime is intense and not for the faint of heart. If you like stories that have a lot of suspense, surprises, and cliff hangers, then you will love this anime. The fantasy elements are a bit more in the background, but is the very basis of the world and plot. I definitely recommend this anime and suggest going into it knowing nothing. The surprises are much more exciting that way.