The 7 Best Anime Inspired by Medieval Europe, Ranked

Even among other historical settings in anime, the medieval European era seems to attract fans the most. The aesthetic value of Europe back in those days makes for the perfect backdrop for a rich narrative. That’s precisely why so many Isekai anime have the medieval European setting. However, they aren’t among the best anime has to offer.

Since the medieval era spans across a broad spectrum of time, from the 5th century to the late 15th century, anime set in that time period can also feel quite diverse. Of course, world-building is a key factor in how effectively an anime utilizes its medieval European inspirations, but we’ve also considered the overall storyline and its impact when making this list.

7 The Seven Deadly Sins Brings Shonen Action to Medieval Europe

Shonen fans would absolutely love The Seven Deadly Sins, especially if they are also interested in watching an anime set in medieval Europe. Although it isn’t directly set in the real-world timeline of that era, the story takes heavy inspiration from that period, including its theology, architecture, kingdom structure, and more.

To give it a shonen touch, the anime does have supernatural and fantastical elements like demons, goddesses, fairies, magical powers, etc. But the fantasy world-building of The Seven Deadly Sins elevates the show’s appeal while further highlighting its medieval European inspirations. Still, since its later seasons didn’t perform as well, we had to rank it at the bottom.

6 Spice and Wolf Offers a Slice-of-Life Medieval-Europe Atmosphere

Spice and Wolf is literally a better fantasy than most Isekai anime. It isn’t strictly about political warfare or high-octane sword battles. Instead, it focuses on merchants, churches, markets, traveling traders, currencies, the economic relationships between towns, and everything else that will certainly give you the feeling of living in medieval Europe.

The growing chemistry between Lawrence and Holo, his companion, as they journey across the fantasy world also makes for a perfect comfy watch. The reason we ranked it as high as 6th on the list is that, rather than relying heavily on its power-fantasy aspects, Spice and Wolf remains focused on exploring the medieval European setting.

5 Ranking of Kings Perfectly Captures the Medieval-Europe Aesthetic

Don’t judge Ranking of Kings by its cover poster! It deserves 5th place. While the anime does have a cartoonish art style and starts somewhat slow, it soon becomes a masterpiece with some ethically dark themes that were relevant during the medieval European era. In terms of the overall world-building, it might also give you the best medieval European aesthetic.

The countryside scenery in this anime perfectly captures the feel of that past era. The art style eventually complements the world-building as well. But, of course, since it’s inspired by medieval Europe and not directly based on it, there are supernatural powers and different races as well. However, all of that is beautifully tied to its deep psychological storyline.

4 Claymore‘s World-Building Is Deeply Rooted in Medieval Europe

The top 3 anime with a medieval European setting are in a league of their own. Starting with Claymore, which is an adaptation of one of the most critically acclaimed shonen storylines, the anime offers a medieval European setting perfectly. The stone castles, churches, armor, swords, medieval clothing, and feudal-style social structures give the anime a strong European identity.

More importantly, this particular setting isn’t random at all. The medieval era perfectly complements Clare’s heartbreaking storyline in Claymore. The constant fear of oppression from the strong and the revenge narrative that it follows perfectly fit the themes of that era. Therefore, Claymore easily secures the 4th place on the list.

3 Berserk Blends Dark Fantasy With Medieval Europe Inspirations

If we compared the source materials instead of the anime adaptations, Berserk might have ranked at the top. That said, the original Berserk adaptation is still one of the best representations of a medieval European setting. Berserk also has an excruciatingly dark storyline, featuring mythical creatures and a relentless revenge narrative.

All of that makes Guts’ character arc really compelling to viewers. It even features one of anime’s most iconic villains, Griffith. The anime takes the medieval European setting and gives it a Lovecraftian horror touch, making it an indisputable masterpiece. The Golden Age arc, in particular, helps it earn a spot in the top 3.

2 Orb Explores 15th-Century Europe to Convey a Powerful Message

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is essentially based on 15th-century Poland and appears to be deeply rooted in our real-world history. It delivers a powerful message about the collective effort behind scientific discoveries, and in this instance, it was the discovery of heliocentrism: the idea that the Earth revolves around the Sun, and not the other way around.

You may think, didn’t Copernicus first propose that idea? While that is what is recorded in history, Orb tells the journey of all the forgotten heroes who passed along the idea before it reached Copernicus, in a time when speaking against geocentrism was considered blasphemy, and you could have been killed for it. Thus, this epic journey in Orb easily deserves the 2nd spot.

1 Vinland Saga Offers an Inspirational Story Set in Medieval Europe

Let’s not forget that the Viking Age also falls within the medieval period. That’s why Vinland Saga‘s storyline feels the most unique among the other entries on the list. The amount of effort that has gone into writing Vinland Saga is absolutely insane. The anime starts as a one-dimensional revenge story but later evolves into a deeply inspirational tale.

But what makes Vinland Saga deserving of 1st place as a medieval Europe anime is something different. Despite having such a strong narrative, its world-building is so on-point that you’d find yourself compelled to look through real historical maps and learn about the history of several characters while watching the anime. This simply takes the immersion to another level.

So, what are your thoughts on the above list? Feel free to share with us.