Spice and Wolf is coming back with a new adaptation in spring 2024, though the previous adaptation is still well worth watching. If you’re a fan of the original and are in the mood for something similar, here are the best adventure romance anime like Spice and Wolf to watch.
It has been over a decade since the original anime was released, but it continues to be a beloved romance series. After all, it is an intriguing blend of adventure, romance, and a heavy dose of economics.
This mix of genres and topics makes the show unique, meaning there’s no anime exactly like it, though the shows in this list should appeal to many Spice and Wolf fans, whether it’s the romance or the atmosphere.
Maoyu
First, we have Maoyu, a fantasy romance anime from 2013. Its story is set in a world where humans and demons are at war.
At one point, the human Hero ventures into demon territory and discovers that their leader is a Demon Queen.
Instead of fighting, the Demon Queen proposes a truce between the two so that they can bring peace to both humans and demons.
It may not exactly be like Spice and Wolf, but the main duo’s dynamic is quite similar, not to mention that the story also deals with economics.
What’s more, the Demon Queen and Hero are voiced by the same VAs as Holo and Lawrence.
The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent
The Saint's Magic Power Is Omnipotent is an isekai, but it is not your typical power fantasy show. Instead, it follows Sei Takanashi, who is transported into a new world and becomes an herbalist.
Sei soon encounters Albert Hawke, the commander of the Knights of the Third Order. After their fateful encounter, Albert falls for Sei.
While its story is quite different, the slice-of-life elements coupled with the show’s focus on romance should make it a compelling watch for Spice and Wolf fans.
Gosick
Gosick is an anime by Bones (of My Hero Academia fame) produced back in 2011. It follows Kazuya Kujo, a transfer student to a school in 1920s Southern Europe.
There, he meets and becomes intertwined with Victorique de Blois, a mysterious girl.
The anime follows the two as they get tangled up in various criminal cases, all while getting closer to each other.
Its setting and the main dynamic of the duo should make this series right up the alley of Spice and Wolf fans; just replace merchant economics with detective cases.
The Ancient Magus' Bride
Another anime that’s worth checking out is The Ancient Magus’ Bride. This series follows Chise Hatori, a Japanese teenager who is sold to and becomes betrothed to the magus Elias Ainsworth.
This series’ fantasy elements along with the dynamic of Chise and Elias should make it a compelling watch for romance and fantasy anime fans.
Even though it doesn’t exactly focus on adventure, the show’s character development along with the deepening of Chise and Elias’ relationship more than makes up for it.
YOU MIGHT LIKE: What Are the Sorcerers in The Ancient Magus' Bride? Sorcerer vs. Mage Differences Explained
Crest of the Stars
Crest of the Stars is a classic sci-fi anime set in the far future where humanity is attacked by the Abh Empire, which is composed of elf-like humanoids.
It follows Jinto Linn, a human who lives among the Abh after his father sold their world to the Empire. There, he befriends the Abh princess Lafiel Abriel.
Soon, they get embroiled in the conflict between the Abh empire and humanity.
This anime has more in common with shows such as Legend of the Galactic Heroes, but some anime fans noted how Jinto and Lafiel’s dynamic is reminiscent of Lawrence and Holo’s.
Plus, its deep focus on galactic warfare makes for an interesting contrast, much like how Spice and Wolf’s economic elements work surprisingly well with its adventure romance story.
Yona of the Dawn
Next is Yona of the Dawn. This shojo adventure romance is rooted in Chinese mythology, and it’s set in the fictional nation of Kouka that’s inspired by Imperial China.
The series follows Yona, the nation’s princess who is forced to flee the palace after a plot against her.
By her side is her loyal bodyguard Son Hak, and they go on a journey to seek the Crimson Dragon King and four dragon warriors so that she can save her country.
Even though the show’s Chinese-inspired setting and epic scale make it pretty far from Spice and Wolf, the relationship and the adventure of Yona and Son Hak give it a similar appeal.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha is a classic anime based on Rumiko Takahashi’s iconic manga. It follows a girl named Kagome Higurashi as she gets transported into the Sengoku Period and meets the half-dog half-human Inuyasha.
They soon go on a journey along with other companions to recover all of the Shikon Jewel fragments before they get into the hands of the evil Naraku.
In many ways, you can think of Inuyasha as kind of like a reverse Spice and Wolf. Inuyasha also features an adventure involving a human and a mystic being with romantic elements.
On the flip side, Inuyasha has more of a focus on action and comedy instead of a more slice-of-life-like economics tale.
READ MORE: The Best Classic Anime to Watch
The Vision of Escaflowne
For those who like the Inuyasha style of adventure romance, there’s also The Vision of Escaflowne. This series follows Hitomi Kanzaki, a human girl who is transported to the world of Gaea.
There, Hitomi goes on an adventure with Van, the prince of the Kingdom of Fanelia, to drive back the Zaibach Empire from taking over the world.
The more action-heavy take on the genre coupled with its surprising inclusion of mechas makes it wildly different from Spice and Wolf, though its adventure and romantic element should make it worth checking out.
Do you have more adventure fantasy anime recommendations? Let us know in the comments.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Anime