Fairy Tail is an anime that has made waves consistently over the years. Its fan base is one of the larger ones in the anime community. The story is long but rarely dull. The arcs are countless, and the friendships that grow are heartwarming to watch. The series had a long run spanning from 2009-2019.
The last season finished this year, so while we wait patiently (and possibly never get) the 100 Year Quest adaptation, we are left to wonder what's next, if anything. If you are like us and need something to fill the gaping show hole that Fairy Tail left in your chest, try some of these suggestions.
Update July 28th, 2020 by Louis Kemner: The Fairy Tail franchise is a beloved one, and like other mega-titles such as Bleach and Naruto, it's enjoying a fresh wave of new material to keep it in the spotlight. The 100-year quest story is ongoing, and by now, there are more anime series than ever that should appeal to a Fairy Tail fan. Let us now review five more fantasy-action series that a Fairy Tail devotee ought to try out next.
16 InuYasha
This beloved series is a classic, with its manga launching all the way back in 1996. It also boasts a long, popular anime series with multiple spinoff movies, and a new InuYasha story is on the horizon. It's a good time to be a fantasy anime fan.
InuYasha is a soft isekai series, where Kagome Higurashi falls through a magic well and ends up in feudal-era Japan, a place rife with monsters and magic. She and InuYasha form a team to retrieve the Shikon Jewel and put an end to Naraku's schemes once and for all.
15 Bleach
Once ranking among Shonen Jump's "big three," Tite Kubo's hit series Bleach has a bit of everything, from a short-lived "magical girl" storyline and monster-hunting antics to soft isekai elements and swordfights galore.
Fairy Tail fans will like Bleach's emphasis on the power of friendship, and this power has redeemed more than one Bleach villain. There's also incredible diversity in the magic powers these characters have, from swords and archery to ice, fire, assassination, and mad science, among others.
14 Demon Slayer
This series has been making waves ever since it appeared, and it's a bit like the spiritual successor of InuYasha. Demon Slayer is set during the turn of the 1900s, where old meets new in a rapidly modernizing Japan. But demons lurk in the night, and Tanjiro Kamado has the scars to prove it.
His little sister Nezuko is now a demon herself, and Tanjiro won't stop until he restores his sister's humanity and brings peace to the land. Fortunately, he's got a few allies to back him up in the fight against evil.
13 D.Gray-Man
This series bears some resemblance to Bleach and Demon Slayer, being a "monster hunter" anime where the main characters use their magic powers to find and destroy Akuma (which can emerge from innocent people and take everyone by surprise).
The series stands out with its late-1800s Gothic vibes, from jack-o-lanterns and crosses to eerie castles and full moons, not to mention the cartoonish but wicked villain, the Millennium Earl.
12 Soul Eater
This zany action series has a twist: each main character wields a weapon that is, in fact, a shapeshifting person. Soul Eater Evans can morph into a scythe for his partner (Maka Albern) to use, and Death the Kid has two cowgirl sisters as partners who morph into pistols.
Soul Eater is renowned for its colorful visuals, whimsical character design, and intense action scenes. It can also be surprisingly dark at times. It's not just visual flair; there is substance to the wackiness, too.
11 Dragon Ball
If you are looking for an older anime that has a plethora of content, look no further! Dragon Ball is one of the most beloved anime of all time. It is jam-packed with fighting and action scenes and many comedic parts as well.
There are a ton of plots, twists, and turns to keep you satisfied episode after episode. There are multiple series of the show spanning from 1986 - presently running.
10 Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is a sensational story about getting stuck in a video game. The players do a deep dive. From the comfort of their homes, they attach virtual reality software to themselves and immerse themselves fully into a fictional world. The problem? They are stuck. Even worse, if they die in the game, they die in real life, so hero Kirito has no choice but to draw his sword and fight his way through 100 levels of deadly gaming mayhem. And what he finds at the end might surprise him.
9 Goblin Slayer
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This anime is not for the faint of heart. The first episode is very graphic and not intended for all audiences. However, if you are not squeamish it is a great watch. In a medieval-style fantasy world, adventurers gather at the guild to accept quests in exchange for currency.
The show features an innocent priestess cleric whose adventuring knowledge is lacking and the Goblin Slayer. The Goblin Slayer exists to do one thing - eradicate the nasty little goblins. His vast experience with goblins make him an experienced adventurer, although some poke fun at him since he does not take on larger beasts. Additional characters include a high elf archer, a dwarf shaman, and a lizard priest.
7 Fire Force
This show is relatively new but is already quite memorable. Special forces (the fire soldiers) are needed to maintain order in the world since people keep randomly bursting into flames. The afflicted are known as infernals, and the fate for them is death. The Fire Force comes in and quickly puts them to rest, and so they act as grim reapers of sorts.
But that's not all. The White-Clad cult is scheming to destroy the entire world in a new Great Cataclysm, and hero Shinra Kusakabe's own brother Sho is involved. Shinra will risk everything to save the world and his long-lost brother alike.
6 Seven Deadly Sins
Seven Deadly Sins is a great watch after finishing Fairy Tail. The shows are very similar in style and tropes. The Sins are a misfit bunch of friends who just so happen to be the fiercest knights in the kingdom. After being away for quite some time on a quest, they come back to the kingdom to discover they have been betrayed and framed. They are cast out as traitors, and the group disbands.
Fast forward to Elizabeth Liones, a princess of the kingdom stumbles into the captain of the sins tavern. She begs him to help her find the seven deadly sins. The Holy Knights are causing a commotion, and she needs their help to set things straight. Meliodas reveals himself as the dragon sin of wrath and agrees to help.
5 Hunter x Hunter
This anime is another solid shonen with a great story. Gon Freecss wants to become a Hunter. They are members of society that can track down treasures, other people, and beasts of all kinds. They possess credentials to access specialized resources reserved only for them. To become one, you must pass the very hard to master Hunter exam.
4 Noragami
Noragami is a short watch. It is approximately 25 episodes in its entirety. In a world of spirits, demons, and gods, Yato is a minor god who longs to have a shrine. Yato's regalia leaves him, and he is forced to work odd jobs to make ends meet. Down in the dumps, he meets two individuals who change his luck forever - Yukine and Hiyori. Together they endure storms that only true friends can survive.
3 My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is one of the hottest shows out right now. Fans are crazy about this action-packed shonen featuring high school students honing their quirks and working towards their ultimate goals to become pro heroes. The show does a great job of incorporating drama, comedy, and unique stories.
The main character, Izuku Midoriya, was born quirkless. He wants nothing more than to be a super-hero like his idol, All Might. As chance would have it, Izuku meets All Might, and he chooses him to be his successor - passing on his quirk One For All. Will Izuku be able to take All Might's place as Number One Hero and the symbol of peace?
2 Welcome To Demon School! Iruma-Kun
This anime is a new one. It has not been dubbed yet, so if you don't mind reading subtitles, then this one is for you. The anime is mostly a comedy but does a great job of addressing real issues like bullying and not judging someone from the way they look.
Iruma-Kun is a slave to his parents in the human world. One day, a high-level demon kidnaps him and asks if he will be his grandson. Iruma, unable to decline anyone's requests, agrees to the demon, Sullivan's request. Sullivan spoils Iruma with all the food he can eat, clothes, a new room, and other material items. He informs Iruma he will attend Babyls School for Demons. A surprised Iruma worries but doesn't decline the offer.
1 Is It Wrong To Pick Up Girls In A Dungeon
This anime is a fun watch. It is short and an easy binge on Hulu. Bell Cranel is the sole member of the Goddess Hestia's familia. He is a lone adventurer in his world. Bell is a hard worker and does what he can to provide for himself and his Goddess. He is captivated by Ais Wallenstein, a strong swordswoman who saved his life. He envies her skill and has a bit of a crush on her, as well. Bell is oblivious that the other females around him have feelings for him, including the Goddess Hestia, herself.