Missing Frieren: Beyond Journey's End? We've Got You With These 10 Anime

Few anime have captured hearts quite like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. Its melancholic yet hopeful tale of an elf mage navigating life after her companions have passed on was a deep lesson that people loved. he series’ meditative pace, rich character development, and themes of time, memory, and connection set it apart. But fans who have finished Frieren might find themselves longing for similar series.

There are many anime series that can bring Frieren fans similar feelings through their emotional depth, character-driven narratives, and reflective storytelling. Whether viewers are looking for fantasy adventures, thoughtful journeys, or heart-wrenching dramas, there are many options that will fill the Friren-shaped void until the next season.

10

Natsume’s Book of Friends

Anime Series by Brain’s Base & Shuka; Based on the Manga by Yuki Midorikawa

Like Frieren, Natsume’s Book of Friends is a gentle, emotional series that explores themes of connection and memory. The story follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits and inherits a book containing the names of the yokai bound by his late grandmother. As he releases them, he learns about their pasts and forges new relationships.

Much like Frieren’s journey of understanding the fleeting nature of human life, Natsume’s experiences highlight the beauty and sorrow of relationships. With its episodic structure and reflective storytelling, Natsume’s Book of Friends offers a heartwarming yet melancholic exploration of human (and non-human) bonds.

9

Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina

Anime Series by C2C; Based on the Light Novel by Jougi Shiraishi

For those who love Frieren’s contemplative travel sequences, Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina delivers a similarly episodic adventure format. The anime follows Elaina, a wandering witch who explores various lands, each with its own unique stories and inhabitants. Some encounters are heartwarming, while others are tragic, mirroring Frieren’s balance between wonder and melancholy.

Elaina, like Frieren, is more of an observer than an active participant in the lives of those she meets. This detachment often leads to deep reflections on human nature, fate, and the passage of time, making Wandering Witch an interesting watch for fans seeking a similar tone.

8

To Your Eternity

Anime Series by Brain’s Base & Drive; Based on the Manga by Yoshitoki Oima

For fans who were drawn to Frieren’s exploration of time and loss, To Your Eternity is an even more emotionally devastating take. The series follows an immortal being, Fushi, who takes on different forms as it learns what it means to be human. Throughout its journey, Fushi forges deep connections with mortals, only to experience the inevitable pain of outliving them.

Like Frieren, To Your Eternity is a meditation on the nature of memory, the impact of relationships, and the beauty of fleeting human existence. Its slow-burn storytelling and deep emotional moments make it an excellent choice for fans looking for a thought-provoking fantasy.

7

In the Land of Leadale

Anime Series by Maho Film; Based on the Light Novel by Ceez

For a lighter but still thoughtful take on fantasy journeys, In the Land of Leadale follows Keina, a girl who wakes up inside a VR game after her real-world body perishes. Much like Frieren, Keina is a long-lived being exploring a world that has changed significantly in her absence.

While Leadale leans more toward comedy and slice-of-life than Frieren’s emotional depth, it still shares the themes of rediscovery and personal growth. Watching Keina adapt to her new reality, reconnect with people from the past, and embrace her second chance at life makes this a comforting yet enjoyable experience.

6

Yona of the Dawn

Anime Series by Pierrot; Based on the Manga by Mizuho Kusanagi

For those who appreciated Frieren’s strong female protagonist and themes of personal growth, Yona of the Dawn is a must-watch. The series follows Yona, a sheltered princess forced to flee her kingdom after a coup. As she journeys to reclaim her throne, she grows from a naive girl into a determined warrior.​​​​​​​

Like Frieren, Yona undergoes a transformation shaped by time, experiences, and the people she meets. The series balances action, political intrigue, and emotional depth, making it an excellent choice for those who love stories about self-discovery and perseverance.

5

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms

Anime Film by P.A. Works; Written by Mari Okada

This visually stunning film shares Frieren’s themes of time and loss but through a deeply personal lens. Maquia tells the story of an immortal girl who raises a human child, knowing she will one day have to watch him grow old and die.

The film’s breathtaking animation and emotional story make it one of the most devastating and realistic anime about the passage of time. Like Frieren, Maquia explores the pain and beauty of forming bonds that are inevitably fleeting, making it a heartbreaking yet rewarding watch.

4

Violet Evergarden

Anime Series by Kyoto Animation; Based on the Light Novel by Kana Akatsuki

For fans who were moved by Frieren’s emotional depth and themes of understanding human emotions, Violet Evergarden has a similar experience. The series follows Violet, a former soldier learning how to process emotions and connect with people as she works as an Auto Memory Doll, writing letters for others.​​​​​​​

Both Frieren and Violet struggle with emotional expression and understanding the impact of human relationships. Through breathtaking animation and deeply personal storytelling, Violet Evergarden is a stunning meditation on grief, love, and the power of words.

3

Spice and Wolf: Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf

Anime Series by Passione; Based on the Light Novel by Isuna Hasekura

For a fantasy adventure filled with philosophical musings and charming character dynamics, Spice and Wolf is an excellent choice. The series follows a traveling merchant, Kraft Lawrence, and Holo, a wise wolf deity, as they navigate the economic and political landscapes of medieval Europe-inspired settings.

Much like Frieren, Spice and Wolf features a protagonist with a long lifespan who forms a deep bond with a mortal companion. The series’ focus on dialogue, introspection, and the slow but meaningful development of relationships makes it an interesting and immersive watch.

2

The Apothecary Diaries

Anime Series by OLM & Toho Animation Studio; Based on the Light Novel by Natsu Hyuuga

For fans who enjoyed Frieren’s intelligent and observant protagonist, The Apothecary Diaries has Maomao, a brilliant herbalist navigating palace intrigues. While not as fantastical, the series offers a similar sense of discovery, mystery, and the impact of knowledge over time.​​​​​​​

Like Frieren, Maomao is analytical and detached at times but gradually forms meaningful connections with Jinshi and those around her. The series blends historical intrigue with character-driven storytelling, making it a great choice for those looking for an engaging, mysterious anime.

1

Delicious in Dungeon

Anime Series by Trigger; Based on the Manga by Ryoko Kui

For fans who loved Frieren’s blend of fantasy adventure and slice-of-life moments, Delicious in Dungeon offers a uniquely dark twist on the genre. The series follows a group of adventurers who, instead of traditional dungeon-crawling, focus on cooking monsters they encounter to survive.

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Despite its humorous premise, Delicious in Dungeon shares Frieren: Beyond Journey’s emphasis on camaraderie, the passage of time, and the personal growth of its characters. The detailed world-building and charming character interactions make it a delightful watch for fantasy fans seeking something fresh yet familiar.