5 Best Anime With Ancient Magic Like Narnia

There is something special about fantasy worlds where magic feels older than the characters themselves. Be it long-lost spells, mythical beasts, or ancient lands that have been around for centuries, some anime have the same magical world feel that makes The Chronicles of Narnia so captivating.

If you want to watch anime that will offer you a unique fantasy experience without falling into the usual magic-school formula, here are the top 5 anime for you to check out.

1 Frieren Takes You Into a World of Forgotten Magic

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a great pick for anyone who loves the idea of ancient magic. Frieren is an elf who has lived for more than a thousand years, so she sees magic very differently from the humans around her. Even simple spells can remind her of people and places from centuries ago.

The anime shows this beautifully during the Aura arc. Frieren uses knowledge she gained long ago to deal with Aura, while her memories of Flamme also show how much history is hidden behind her powers. Also, what makes it feel a little like Narnia is that sense of an old world slowly fading away alongside its primeval wonders.

2 The Ancient Magus’ Bride Feels Like a Hidden Magic World

If the idea of a magical world existing on the other side of our familiar world sounds intriguing to you, then The Ancient Magus’ Bride would definitely make for a great pick. The life of Chise changes forever once she meets Elias in the first episode, revealing to her a world full of fae, spirits, dragons, and many other creatures.

What we like most is that the magical system in the anime never feels too simple. Moreover, the way in which the show approaches the characters and treats them as ancient beings with their own set of primordial magic rules rather than fictional creatures makes it even more Narnia-like.

3 Made in Abyss Opens the Door to an Ancient Lost World

Made in Abyss takes the idea of exploring a mysterious fantasy anime world and makes it much darker. The Abyss is a huge unknown filled with strange creatures, ancient relics, forgotten sorcerous relics, and secrets that nobody fully understands. The adventures of Riko and Reg soon turn out to be way more than just another adventure.

From season 1 of Made in Abyss itself, it becomes clear why the Abyss feels so different from most anime. Every new layer reveals something that feels older and more dangerous, steeped in an ancient magical curse that governs the entire pit. This anime will give you the same feeling of entering an unknown world in Narnia, but set within a much harsher, unforgiving realm.

4 Magi Brings Ancient Magic and Mythical Adventures

Magi is filled with everything one might expect to find in an old-fashioned fantasy adventure. Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana explore a world full of kingdoms, Dungeons, djinns, and magical treasures. It feels like one of those stories where a new adventure can start at any time.

The Zagan Dungeon arc is a great example. The characters enter a mysterious Dungeon and come face-to-face with powerful magic and a Djinn. The show has been heavily influenced by the Arabian Nights, which makes it feel like an ancient folktale. This combination of ancient myths, magic creatures, and grand adventures makes Magi a perfect choice for Narnia lovers.

5 Ranking of Kings Feels Like a Classic Dark Fairy Tale

At first, Ranking of Kings would resemble a children’s fable-like fairy tale. However, as the story progresses, a darker side begins to emerge. In episode one, we are introduced to Bojji and Kage, and the world soon expands to include giants, demons, curses, and strange powers.

The story becomes much deeper during the later conflicts. That is what makes the anime work so well here. Like Narnia, it can look innocent on the surface while telling a much deeper story about courage, kindness, sacrifice, and what it really means to be strong.

Now the big question: Which of these anime would you watch first if you want a fantasy world with the same magical wonder as Narnia? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.