Adventure- Definitive Navigation & Recommendations: The Complete Viewer’s Guide

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Your Ultimate Guide to Adventure Anime: From Epic Quests to Hidden Gems

Welcome, anime fans, to an exploration of one of the most thrilling and expansive genres out there: Adventure! Whether you’re seeking grand voyages across fantastical lands, high-stakes journeys through futuristic cityscapes, or heartwarming expeditions into the unknown, adventure anime offers something for everyone. This curated list dives into various subgenres, providing recommendations from widely acclaimed epics perfect for beginners to unique hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Each title includes a brief description and a direct link to its MyAnimeList page so you can easily learn more, track your watch list, and dive right in! Get ready to embark on some unforgettable journeys!

🔰 Gateways for Beginners
Easy-to-start epics with broad appeal.

Beginners

  • One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy and his diverse crew sail the Grand Line in search of the legendary treasure “One Piece,” embarking on a grand pirate adventure filled with exploration of unique islands and thrilling encounters. (First season began October 20, 1999, and the series is ongoing.)
  • Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009–2010) Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric embark on a nationwide journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies, leading them through various cities and uncovering a deep-seated conspiracy in an alchemy-fueled adventure. (Aired April 5, 2009 – July 4, 2010)
  • Hunter x Hunter Gon Freecss aspires to become a Hunter and find his father, leading him on a series of adventures across treacherous landscapes, into dangerous examinations, and against formidable foes. (Aired October 2, 2011 – September 24, 2014-Original aired in 1999)
  • Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012–2013) Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana explore a vibrant world inspired by Arabian Nights, conquering mysterious dungeons filled with traps and treasures in a quest for power, identity, and to understand the world’s looming darkness. (First season aired October 7, 2012 – March 31, 2013)
  • Little Witch Academia (TV) (2017) Atsuko Kagari enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy, and her journey to become a great witch like her idol involves exploring magical lands, uncovering ancient secrets, and partaking in various whimsical adventures with her friends. (Aired January 9, 2017 – June 26, 2017)
💘 Romance-Adventure
Quests where love and exploration intertwine.

Romance

  • Spice and Wolf (Ookami to Koushinryou) (2008) Traveling merchant Kraft Lawrence encounters Holo, a wolf deity, and they journey together across a medieval-inspired land, navigating economic challenges, exploring new towns, and developing a deep bond along their way. (First season aired January 9, 2008 – March 26, 2008)
  • Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) (2014–2015) After being exiled, Princess Yona embarks on a perilous journey across the kingdom of Kouka to find the legendary dragon warriors, facing danger and discovering the harsh realities of her country while love and loyalty blossom. (Aired October 7, 2014 – March 24, 2015)
  • Maoyuu Maou Yuusha (2013) The Hero and the Demon King form an unlikely alliance and travel together to different parts of their war-torn world, implementing innovative strategies to improve lives and foster peace, all while their unique relationship develops. Their journey involves diplomatic missions and exploration of various territories to implement their plans. (Aired January 5, 2013 – March 30, 2013)
  • The Vision of Escaflowne (Tenkuu no Escaflowne) (1996) High school student Hitomi Kanzaki is transported to the mystical world of Gaea, where she joins Prince Van Fanel in his mecha, Escaflowne, on an epic adventure to fight the Zaibach Empire, exploring diverse nations and uncovering ancient prophecies amidst a brewing romance. (Aired April 2, 1996 – September 24, 1996)
  • Fena: Pirate Princess (Kaizoku Oujo) (2021) Fena Houtman escapes a life of servitude and embarks on a high-seas adventure with a crew of skilled samurai pirates to uncover the secrets of her past and a mysterious place called “Eden,” facing various dangers and forging strong bonds on their voyage. (Aired August 15, 2021 – October 24, 2021)
😂 Comedy-Adventure
Laughs and thrills in every episode.

Comedy

  • KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!) (2016) After dying, Kazuma Satou is reincarnated in a fantasy world and forms a hilariously dysfunctional adventuring party that bumbles its way through quests, monster encounters, and exploring their comical new surroundings. (First season aired January 14, 2016 – March 16, 2016)
  • Gintama (2006–2007) In an alternate-history Edo period invaded by aliens, jack-of-all-trades Gintoki Sakata and his companions take on bizarre jobs that often lead them on wild adventures across the city and sometimes even into space, blending samurai action with sci-fi parody. (First season aired April 4, 2006 – March 29, 2007. The franchise has multiple series and movies extending to 2021.)
  • Space Dandy (2014) Dandy, a flamboyant alien hunter, and his quirky crew travel across a myriad of bizarre and uncharted planets in search of rare aliens, leading to psychedelic and comedic misadventures in every corner of the galaxy. (First season aired January 5, 2014 – March 26, 2014)
  • Great Pretender (2020) Makoto Edamura gets caught up with a charismatic con artist and his crew, embarking on a globetrotting adventure as they pull off elaborate heists in international locations like Los Angeles, Singapore, and London, filled with comedic twists and turns. (Aired on Netflix Japan starting June 2, 2020; TV broadcast July 9, 2020 – December 17, 2020)
  • Fairy Tail (2009–2010) Members of the rambunctious Fairy Tail wizard guild embark on countless paid missions across the magical kingdom of Fiore, exploring new lands, battling dark guilds, and encountering mythical creatures in a series of action-packed and humorous adventures. (First season aired October 12, 2009 – September 27, 2010. The main story continued in subsequent series until 2019, with a sequel “100 Years Quest” started in 2024 and is ongoing.)
🤖 Cyberpunk & Sci-Fi Adventures
High-tech worlds, mind-bending stakes.

Cyberpunk

  • Cowboy Bebop (1998–1999) The bounty hunter crew of the spaceship Bebop travels across the solar system in 2071, chasing down wanted criminals on various planets and space stations, each adventure revealing more about their troubled pasts and the galaxy’s gritty underbelly. (Initial partial broadcast April 3, 1998 – June 26, 1998; full 26-episode run October 24, 1998 – April 24, 1999)
  • Steins;Gate (2011) A group of friends discovers a way to send messages to the past, leading them on a thrilling and dangerous adventure through shifting timelines as they try to prevent a dystopian future. While much of the story unfolds in Akihabara, their journey across different world lines and escape from a shadowy organization forms a core adventure. (Aired April 6, 2011 – September 14, 2011)
  • Psycho-Pass (2012–2013) In a futuristic Japan where the Sibyl System determines criminal potential, detectives venture into dangerous urban environments to hunt latent criminals, uncovering conspiracies. Their investigative pursuits across the city constitute their adventure. (First season aired October 12, 2012 – March 22, 2013)
  • Knights of Sidonia (Sidonia no Kishi) (2014) Aboard the massive seed ship Sidonia, humanity drifts through space, battling alien Gauna. Pilots venture into the void on perilous missions, defending their home and exploring cosmic threats. (First season aired April 11, 2014 – June 27, 2014)
  • Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Koukaku Kidoutai: Stand Alone Complex) (2002–2003) Major Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9 navigate a cybernetically advanced city, undertaking dangerous missions against cybercrime and terrorism, often venturing into hazardous digital and physical landscapes. (First season aired October 1, 2002 – March 25, 2003)
🌑 Dark & Psychological Quests
Grim worlds and mind games for mature viewers.

Dark

  • Attack on Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) (2013) Humanity ventures beyond massive walls protecting them from giant Titans, undertaking desperate expeditions to reclaim territory and uncover truths in a brutal landscape. (First season aired April 7, 2013 – September 29, 2013. The main series concluded in 2023.)
  • Made in Abyss (2017) Young Riko and the robot Reg descend into the Abyss, a colossal, treacherous pit filled with wonders and terrors, on a perilous adventure to find Riko’s mother. (First season aired July 7, 2017 – September 29, 2017. The series has had sequels and is expected to continue.)
  • Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (2004–2005) In a futuristic retelling, the mysterious Count orchestrates a galaxy-spanning revenge. The adventure unfolds as characters travel between opulent Paris, the moon, and other exotic locales, enmeshed in dark schemes. (Aired October 6, 2004 – March 30, 2005)
  • Ergo Proxy (2006) Inspector Re-l Mayer’s investigation into “Proxies” in a domed city turns into a philosophical journey through a post-apocalyptic world, involving travel to ruined landscapes and isolated settlements. (Aired February 25, 2006 – August 12, 2006)
  • Monster (2004–2005) Neurosurgeon Kenzo Tenma’s quest to stop a sociopath he once saved takes him on a suspenseful chase across Germany and Europe, delving into dark conspiracies. (Aired April 7, 2004 – September 28, 2005)
🌿 Slice-of-Life & Adventure
When everyday life becomes an unexpected journey.

Slice-of-Life

  • A Place Further than the Universe (Sora yori mo Tooi Basho) (2018) Four high school girls embark on an extraordinary civilian expedition to Antarctica, experiencing the challenges and wonders of travel, teamwork, and pursuing a grand adventure. (Aired January 2, 2018 – March 27, 2018)
  • Laid-Back Camp (Yuru Camp△) (2018) High school girls explore Japan’s scenic beauty through camping, embarking on various trips to different campgrounds, showcasing the adventure of travel and outdoor life. (First season aired January 4, 2018 – March 22, 2018. The series has had sequels.)
  • Girls’ Last Tour (Shoujo Shuumatsu Ryokou) (2017) Two girls, Chito and Yuuri, navigate the vast, empty ruins of a post-apocalyptic world in their Kettenkrad motorcycle, searching for food, shelter, and meaning in their melancholic yet strangely peaceful ongoing journey. (Aired October 6, 2017 – December 22, 2017)
  • Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou) (2008) Takashi Natsume, who sees spirits (youkai), and his bodyguard Madara embark on numerous journeys through the countryside to return names from a magical book, leading to heartwarming adventures. (First season aired July 8, 2008 – September 30, 2008. The series is ongoing with multiple seasons.)
  • Mushishi (2005–2006) Ginko, a “Mushi Master,” travels the land helping people afflicted by supernatural “Mushi.” Each episode is an atmospheric journey into different rural communities, exploring the relationship between humans and these mysterious life forms. (First season aired October 23, 2005 – March 12, 2006 before going on hiatus and finishing on June 19th. A second series and specials followed.)
🔞 Ecchi-Flavor Adventures
Suggestive thrills for adult audiences.

Ecchi

  • Queen’s Blade: Rurou no Senshi (2009) Warrior women travel across a war-torn continent to compete in the “Queen’s Blade” tournament, facing perilous encounters and rivals on their respective journeys to decide the next queen. (Aired April 2, 2009 – June 18, 2009)
  • High School of the Dead (Gakuen Mokushiroku) (2010) Students escape a zombie apocalypse, embarking on a desperate journey across their overrun city and beyond in search of safety, facing undead and human threats. (Aired July 5, 2010 – September 20, 2010)
  • Bastard!! -Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy- (ONA) (2022) (The original OVA is Bastard!! Ankoku no Hakaishin (1992–1993)) The powerful wizard Dark Schneider is resurrected, leading to explosive magical battles and journeys across a shattered, post-apocalyptic fantasy world teeming with monsters. (First part of ONA released June 30, 2022. The ONA has had subsequent parts.)
  • Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight (Ulysses: Jehanne Darc to Renkin no Kishi) (2018) An alchemist joins Joan of Arc on her legendary march across France during the Hundred Years’ War, using alchemy and facing historical battles with a fantastical, fanservice-laden adventure. (Aired October 7, 2018 – December 30, 2018)
  • Canaan (2009) Caught in Shanghai’s violent underworld, a photographer and journalist follow the gifted mercenary Canaan through thrilling chases and conspiracies, as she undertakes adventurous assassination missions. (Aired July 4, 2009 – September 26, 2009)
🏰 Fantasy & Mythical Adventures
Legends, magic beasts, and epic lore.

Fantasy

  • The Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai) (2014–2015) Princess Elizabeth journeys to find The Seven Deadly Sins to reclaim her kingdom, leading them across Britannia, battling foes and uncovering ancient prophecies. (First season aired October 5, 2014 – March 29, 2015. The main story concluded with later seasons and movies.)
  • Record of Lodoss War (Lodoss-tou Senki) (OVA: 1990–1991) A party of adventurers, including Parn and Deedlit, embarks on a classic sword-and-sorcery quest across the cursed island of Lodoss to confront ancient evils. (Released June 30, 1990 – November 20, 1991)
  • The Vision of Escaflowne (Tenkuu no Escaflowne) (1996) (Repeated from Romance-Adventure) Hitomi Kanzaki is transported to Gaea, joining Prince Van Fanel on an epic fantasy adventure to fight an empire, exploring diverse nations and encountering magic. (Aired April 2, 1996 – September 24, 1996)
  • The Rising of the Shield Hero (Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari) (2019) Betrayed after being summoned to another world, Naofumi Iwatani journeys across the land, undertaking dangerous missions and trading to survive and protect the world from monstrous waves. (First season aired January 9, 2019 – June 26, 2019. The series is ongoing with further seasons confirmed.)
  • Children of the Whales (Kujira no Kora wa Sajou ni Utau) (2017) Inhabitants of a drifting island on a sea of sand encounter the outside world, leading to a desperate adventure for survival and the truth of their existence. (Aired October 8, 2017 – December 24, 2017)
🌌 Isekai & Parallel-World Quests
Thrown into new worlds, forced to adapt and survive.

Isekai

🌟 Underrated & Unique Gems
Hidden pure-adventure treasures—old and brand new—that flew under the radar

Underrated

  • Seirei no Moribito (Guardian of the Spirit) (2007) Spearwoman Balsa protects Prince Chagum, carrier of a water spirit’s egg. Their journey through diverse landscapes to ensure the spirit’s survival involves evading assassins and uncovering ancient lore. (Aired April 7, 2007 – September 29, 2007)
  • The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki) (2002–2003) High school student Yoko Nakajima is transported to a fantastical world of warring kingdoms. Her adventure is a desperate journey of survival, self-discovery, and understanding her destiny. (Aired April 9, 2002 – March 11, 2003)
  • Astra Lost in Space (Kanata no Astra) (2019) Students mysteriously teleported light-years away must journey across alien planets aboard an old spaceship in a thrilling adventure to find their way home. (Aired July 3, 2019 – September 18, 2019)
  • Somali and the Forest Spirit (Somali to Mori no Kamisama) (2020) A golem forest guardian and a human child embark on a heartfelt journey through diverse, monster-filled lands to find other humans. (Aired January 10, 2020 – March 27, 2020)
  • Sirius the Jaeger (Tenrou: Sirius the Jaeger) (2018) Vampire hunters, including the werewolf Yuliy, arrive in 1930s Tokyo. Their mission becomes a globe-trotting adventure involving conspiracies and the search for an ancient artifact. (Aired July 12, 2018 – September 27, 2018)
  • Appare-Ranman! (2020) An engineer and a samurai, stranded in America, enter the “Trans-America Wild Race,” building their own car for an action-packed adventure across the frontier. (Aired April 10, 2020 – September 25, 2020)
  • Wandering Witch: The Journey of Elaina (Majo no Tabitabi) (2020) The witch Elaina travels from country to country, exploring diverse cultures and experiencing a wide array of magical and mundane adventures chronicled in her diary. (Aired October 2, 2020 – December 18, 2020)
  • Drifting Dragons (Kuutei Dragons) (2020) The crew of the draking airship Quin Zaza soars through the skies hunting dragons. Their daily lives are a thrilling adventure filled with the dangers of the hunt and exploration. (Released on Netflix January 9, 2020; TV broadcast January 9, 2020 – March 26, 2020)
  • Sword of the Stranger (Stranger: Mukou Hadan) (2007, Film) A ronin protects a young boy hunted by Ming Dynasty swordsmen. Their perilous journey across feudal Japan is filled with intense sword fights. (Released September 29, 2007)
  • Ninja Scroll (Juubee Ninpuuchou) (1993, Film) Masterless samurai Jubei is drawn into a conspiracy involving a plague and demonic ninjas, taking him on a dark and violent journey through feudal Japan. (Released June 5, 1993)
  • Scrapped Princess (2003) Pacifica Casull, prophesied to destroy the world, journeys across a pseudo-medieval land with her siblings, evading assassins and uncovering truths that blend fantasy with sci-fi. (Aired April 8, 2003 – October 7, 2003)

Where Will Your Next Adventure Take You?

From the boundless seas of One Piece to the intricate politics of The Twelve Kingdoms, the adventure genre in anime is as vast and varied as the worlds it depicts. We hope this list serves as a valuable gateway, whether you’re just starting your anime journey or looking for your next great quest. Each series offers a unique blend of excitement, emotion, and exploration. Click through the links, read the synopses, and find the adventure that calls to you! Happy watching!

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