Since anime comes out of Japan, it makes sense for most of its settings to be in Japan itself. This is mostly for the sake of convenience since it involves a lot less research than if the location were outside of Japan and it's an area that writers are familiar with.

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However, once every so often, fans are surprised with foreign locations in their anime. Such settings lend a lot more authenticity and “feel” to the show’s characters, who are clearly Western characters. Of course, the two most obvious locations for such anime would be America and Europe. This article will look at anime that are based entirely in European countries.

10 Vinland Saga

vinland saga thorfinn

Set in the beginning of the millennium in England, the world that fans are introduced to here is a world full of blood, death, betrayal, and wars. With the demise of the Danish King Sweyn Forkbeard near, people have already begun arguing over who will sit on the throne next.

Caught in this war is young Thorfinn, who often dreams of going to the magical place called Vinland. Here, food is plenty, people are happy and wars are non-existent. But, is this place even real?

9 Hellsing Ultimate

Hellsing Ultimate Alucard

Set in Victorian England, the Helsing organization dedicates its time to killing vampires that have taken over their country. Their most powerful weapon against these vampires is a vampire himself, named Alucard.

Most, if not all, vampire killings are traced back to an organization called Millennium. It seems like they want to destroy England completely, but who are they and why would they want to kill so many humans in a never-ending battle between vampires and humans?

8 The Ancient Magus' Bride

Elias and Chise from The Ancient Magus' Bride

The primary location for this anime is England, with the mage Elias’ home being a few hours away from London. This man brings home a child called Chise Hitori, and informs her she will live with him from now on.

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He has two conditions for her. First, she must study hard and become his apprentice. Second, she must learn a multitude of skills in order to become his bride. But is little Chise up for this challenge?

7 Emma, a Victorian Romance

Emma, a Victorian Romance

Set in Victorian London, this anime gives fans a glimpse into the society and class struggles of the people living during those times. In times when class hierarchies were impenetrable, and anything otherwise was considered taboo, blossomed a romance.

Emma is a kind and considerate young maid, who can read and write as well. She and the rich and handsome merchant, William Jones, fall in love with each other, but they have no idea of the hardships that lie ahead.

6 Gosick

Victorigue and Kazuya offer a helping hand in Gosick

Set in 1924, the young Japanese boy Kazuya transfers from his Japanese academy to a European one. Set in the European fictional country of Saubure, Kazuya finds himself shunned by his classmates due to a misunderstanding.

However, he finds solace in the company of a mysterious girl called Victorique, who he found near the school’s library. The two form an instant bond, deciding to solve mysteries that other people cannot solve.

5 Rose Of Versailles

Rose Of Versailles

General de Jarjayes of France’s Royal Guard was blessed with a daughter. He always wanted a son, so he raised his daughter like a man, and named her Oscar. She soon becomes the bodyguard of the vain and selfish Marie Antoinette.

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With the excessive opulence of the nobles and the starvation of the common women and men across the country, a rebellion was to be expected. But who will Oscar side with – the ones she has sworn to protect, or the ones that deserve justice?

4 Le Chevalier D'Eon

Le Chevalier D'Eon

French nobleman D'Eon mourns the death of his sister, Lia de Beaumont, who was an excellent swordswoman. He becomes consumed with finding who was behind her murder, but nothing has him prepared for the rot and debauchery he uncovers while trying to find leads for his sister.

Then there is a secret occult organization, known to dabble in supernatural powers and dark magic. This proves to be too much for D'Eon, but he gets help from the most unexpected person of them all – his own sister!

3 Phantom In The Twilight

Phantom In The Twilight (London)

Young Ton and Shinyao visit modern-day London, to study in a new college and begin a new chapter of their lives. However, the two are separated and Ton finds herself in a café that is run by a vampire, a werewolf, and a “weapon.”

These men instantly recognize her, even though she’s never set her foot outside of Japan before. Who are they and what connection does Ton have with them?

2 Black Butler

ciel phantomhive from black butler

Any and every European anime list is incomplete in what is perhaps the most popular anime set in Europe – Black Butler. The story revolves around the life of young Ciel Phantomhive, who is the Earl of his now-dead Phantomhive family.

He forms a contract with a demon named Sebastian, promising to give him his soul in exchange for finding out (and taking revenge on) those who brutally murdered his family.

1 Moriarty The Patriot

Moriarty The Patriot

As one of the most popular Fall anime of 2020, Moriarty definitely deserves to be on top of this list. Set in Great Britain of the 19th century, the story revolves around James Moriarty and his two brothers.

The three of them aim to end the deeply embedded class discrimination set in their society, by solving one case at a time. Expectedly, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson make an appearance, who can’t even put a temporary hold on the plans of the shrewd genius Moriarty.

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