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5 Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You're Looking for Something Similar, Inuyasha

Some anime put their contemporaries to shame with their stellar execution of multiple genres. Yona of The Dawn is one such work, mixing elements of Shonen, Shoujo and fantasy together for a feudal revenge story on par with works that dedicate their all to a single category. Unfortunately, there’s only a single, 24-episode season and a trio of OVAs to be seen of this show, with no news of a follow-up anywhere to be seen. For those who find they need more variety, romance, or action once they’ve exhausted all this series has to offer, these five anime will do the trick.

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Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

In an ancient kingdom, the spear-wielding warrior Balsa finds herself drawn into a conflict of monumental proportions when she saves a young prince, Chagum, from an assassination attempt. Through this act, she is hired to protect him until his life is no longer in danger, teaching him what she can so that he can protect himself and work toward a solution to his dilemma. However, this soon becomes more complicated when his problems prove more deeply rooted in the supernatural than anyone could have realized.

Matching all of its rapid, steel-clashing-with-steel action with thoughtful and contemplative reflections on personal growth, Prince Chagum’s growth from a helpless boy into a young man capable of altering his fate is on par with Yona’s own growth into a warrior. Likewise, Balsa remains an iconic example of a strong character and mentor, helping the main character to adapt and change to their environment while also finding ways to improve and progress in her own life. Even over a decade later, this series has plenty to offer to those willing to give it a try.

The Heroic Legend of Arsland

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

After his father is slain in a coup de tat, Prince Arslan of the Kingdom of Pars is forced into hiding alongside his servant and protector, Daryun. Hunted by those responsible for the assassination as well as soldiers from the neighboring nation of Lusitania, Arslan is forced to grow up in a hurry from a pampered prince whose defining trait is his innocence into a hardened warrior capable of reclaiming his kingdom and exacting revenge against those that killed his father.

Forgoing a feudal Japanese drama for a more Western styled affair, The Heroic Legend of Arslan still captures the magic of an ancient land in the throes of conflict while also building up a likable cast of characters. Plus, like Yona’s rise from pampered flower into battle-ready badass, Arslan’s metamorphosis from a weakling into a legend is one with thrilling highs and shocking lows, each building to a payoff you can’t wait to see for yourself.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

In a world where the magic of alchemy is not only real but a widely studied field, two brothers named Edward and Alphonse find their bodies taken from them when an attempt to resurrect their mother goes terribly wrong. Edward loses his right arm and left leg, while Alphonse loses his entire body. In an attempt to regain what they’ve lost, the two set out across the land of Amestris, searching for a fabled stone able to restore them to normal, and as a result, become entangled in the plot of a shady organization out to use the stone toward his own ambitions.
Blending lighthearted comedy with a standout example of fantasy shonen, Fullmetal Alchemist is more than worthy of the praise it has received over the years. This goes doubly so for Brotherhood, which takes the epic tragedy of the original and expands it into an even greater work of sacrifice, standing against fate and finding the strength to push forward toward a better tomorrow.

Samurai Champloo

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

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In an alternate version of feudal Japan, hip hop and the way of the samurai exist in harmony as a young woman named Fuu sets out to find her long lost father. Alongside her are two swordsman of some renown: Mugen, a hot-headed killer with a style utilizing break-dancing and wild blows; and Jin, a cool-tempered and more traditional samurai out to home his skills. Together, they’ll travel across the land, becoming embroiled in any number of strange adventures before their journey is over.

Stylistic, experimental and all together original, Champloo’s odd mix of elements is sure to please anyone who wants to see a new twist given to the samurai action genre. Just be ready for an experience far gorier than Yona of the Dawn.

Seven Deadly Sins

Anime Like Yona of the Dawn if You’re Looking for Something Similar

Elizabeth, the princess of the land of Britannia, is traveling far and wide in search of The Seven Deadly Sins, knights of legend who vanished after they were branded traitors. Following a coup by the once revered Holy Knights, the Sins represent her only chance of saving her family and the kingdom from ruin. Luckily, she happens upon Meliodas, the former captain of the Sins and a warrior of immeasurable power. With his help, the Sins can be drawn out of hiding to save the kingdom from darkness once more.
A lighthearted mix of comedy and medieval fantasy, Seven Deadly Sins brings all of the action and intensity of a Shonen wrapped in a jolly and care-free aesthetic. The stakes may be high for the heroes, but it’ll be a joy to watch every magic-filled second of this fairy tale-esque brawl for the fate of a kingdom.
Know of any other great series to watch if you like Yona of the Dawn? Let everyone know in the comments section below, and be sure to check out some of our other recommendation lists for titles like The Ancient Magus’ Bride and How Not to Summon a Demon Lord.

About the author

Keenan McCall

Keenan has been a nerd from an early age, watching anime and playing games for as long as I can remember. Since obtaining a bachelor's degree in journalism back in 2017, he has written thousands of articles covering gaming, animation, and entertainment topics galore.

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