Highlights

  • Craft unique characters with diverse races and backgrounds in Dungeons & Dragons for an immersive experience.
  • Enjoy engaging stories of group heroism against evil, mirrored in various anime inspired by DnD.
  • Dive into a world full of fantasy and adventure in DnD-inspired shows like Overlord and Goblin Slayer.

Dungeons and Dragons is perhaps the most ubiquitous story-telling medium that everyone can use. People can craft unique characters from dozens of races, moral alignments, and backgrounds. Beyond that, DnD DMs can create wholly immersive journeys or choose from pre-made stories that everyone will enjoy. The sheer impact this tabletop RPG has had is truly immense, inspiring many quality video games and defining a generation of people who loved getting lost in these rich fantasy worlds.

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The idea of adventuring as a group of heroes to fight against a great evil is a simple yet engaging concept that can be present in a myriad of unique ways with this game. It's a wonderful time that people can spend with their friends, and any anime fans who want to see a campaign of DnD play out on their screens should check out some intense shows that capture the magic of this tabletop RPG.

Updated March 14, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Most people would be surprised to know how much of an impact Dungeons & Dragons had in Japan, despite most people feeling that the influence of this tabletop role-playing game was localized in the West.

JRPGs like Final Fantasy were heavily inspired by D&D, with the majority of tropes in this genre being natural evolutions of what already existed in the popular TTRPG developed by Wizards of the Coast. With gaming in Japan being significant in their culture, it's easy to see why several anime have also been inspired by Dungeons & Dragons or are perfect for D&D veterans to have a great time with.

1 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End

Features All The Hallmarks Of A D&D Campaign, Including An Elven Mage, A Gang Of Heroes, And A Demon Lord

Frieren among flowers
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Adventure
Fantasy

Release Date
September 29, 2023
Studio
Madhouse
Japanese Title
Sousou no Frieren
Number of Episodes
28 (Currently Airing)

One of the more recent fantasy anime to come out and keep fans engaged with its unique take on the passage of time, the cozy nature of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End makes it one of the most unique adventure anime to check out.

Frieren is an elf with a lengthy lifespan, and watching the party of heroes around her slowly age and pass away while she watches her friends outgrow her is a sobering moment that shows how a lengthy lifespan is both a boon and a curse. It's a surprisingly thought-provoking anime perfect for DnD fans who prioritize character development over all-out action.

2 Overlord

A Hilarious Isekai Where The Solitary Human Player Is Stuck In The Game As A Fearsome Lich

ainz ooal gown glaring
Overlord
Action
Adventure
Fantasy
Isekai

Release Date
July 7, 2015
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
52

Isekai anime have become all the rage in modern times, and the fact that the majority of these anime take place within games makes them perfect for DnD fans to get into. Fans who want to get into an isekai anime with a comedic tone will love what Overlord has to offer.

The main character is the only human in a virtual world where the various races inhabiting the land are slowly destabilizing. This character appears as a powerful lich with fearsome powers, making for a fun situation where he's thrust into hilarious circumstances that almost parody his strength, with one notable instance being when he spends an inordinately long amount of time buffing himself up before a battle.

3 Delicious In Dungeon

The Heroes Must Save Their Friend From Digestion And Gain Sustenance By Killing And Eating Monsters

Delicious in Dungeon E02 Laios Marcille Chilchuck Senshi Campfire
Delicious in Dungeon
Comedy
Fantasy

Release Date
January 4, 2024
Studio
Trigger
Japanese Title
Dungeon Meshi
Number of Episodes
24

Delicious in Dungeon is a manga that many people desperately wanted an adaptation for. The premise of the show involves a group of adventurers who must make up for their lack of supplies in a dungeon by killing and eating the monsters that stand in their way.

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The reason why these heroes are facing such a time constraint is that a close party member was devoured by a monster in a dungeon. This makes for a race against the clock as they make headway in a labyrinth full of tough beasts and ingest them to make up for the lack of preparation they had to contend with before delving into the dungeon in a last-ditch rescue attempt.

4 Goblin Slayer

A Dark Fantasy Show With Many Adventurers Who Have Varied Abilities

Goblin Slayer Party Members
Goblin Slayer
Fantasy
Action

Release Date
October 7, 2018
Studio
LIDENFILMS
Japanese Title
Goblin Slayer

Goblin Slayer is a show that became very popular in no small part because of the controversy surrounding its opening episode. The show takes a rather bold approach on how to portray its titular monsters in the game.

Goblins truly are heinous creatures, and the Goblin Slayer has become so powerful mainly because of the strength he displays against these nightmarish creatures. Shock value aside, fans of DnD can definitely check Goblin Slayer to see what makes it so special.

5 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime

The Protagonist Is A Shapeshifting Slime In A Sword & Sorcery World

geld that time i got reincarnated as a slime
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Action
Adventure
Isekai

Release Date
October 2, 2018
Studio
Eight Bit
Japanese Title
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
Number of Episodes
48+

The isekai genre has taken off, and That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime is certainly riding this wave of popularity right now. It helps that the premise of this series sets it apart from other contemporaries, with most people wondering how an uninteresting slime can be a great protagonist.

The fact that this slime can shapeshift certainly makes it more interesting. The main protagonist decides to create a nation full of monsters, setting him on a collision course with many powerful characters in the series.

6 Sword Art Online

Focused On Virtual Reality MMORPG Worlds

Asuna Yuuki & Kirito in Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online
Isekai
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
July 8, 2012
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Number of Episodes
96

Sword Art Online is an anime everyone loves to hate, and it's pretty unfair that this show has become such a punching bag despite having some great moments. The show wasn't afraid to take risks at times, even if the character writing could be all over the place and suck out any fun from the series.

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However, once viewers stop placing this isekai anime on a pedestal, they can genuinely be invested in the show and what it aims to provide — a simple yet engaging story that may not push any boundaries... but serve as a great popcorn thriller, if nothing else.

7 Fairy Tail

A World Populated By Wizards In Many Guilds

Happy and the other Fairy Tail members in the Sense of Wonder opening
Fairy Tail
Animation
Action
Adventure

Release Date
October 12, 2009
Studio
A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, CloverWorks
Number of Episodes
328

A shonen series that is easy to digest and features some great character moments, Fairy Tail is a fun anime that fans can get into if they have a thing for DnD and anime. The scenarios that characters find themselves in time and time again are pretty imaginative... even if some people feel that the series' reliance on camaraderie and the power of friendship can be a bit too much to fathom.

Regardless, this simplicity is a huge reason why fans got into Fairy Tail in the first place. Natsu Dragneel is an entertaining protagonist, even if he doesn't really bring anything new to the table. This, coupled with the awe-inspiring fights, make this series pretty engaging, if somewhat trite.

8 Claymore

A Dark Fantasy Anime With Sword-Wielding Heroines

Teresa Of The Faint Smile, Claymore
Claymore
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
April 4, 2007
Studio
Madhouse
Number of Episodes
26

Claymore is a dark fantasy series with a pretty unique setting, featuring a group of blonde heroines who have the skills required to hunt down and defeat many tough yoma who are terrorizing the land. The protagonist of this series is Clare, one of the weakest Claymores, who aims to avenge a close friend who was killed by a horrifying Awakened Being who is pretty powerful.

It's a shame that the anime ended with an original conclusion instead of adapting the full series, but fans can always read the manga if they're invested in the storyline. It's a great series that feels like a dark and dangerous DnD anime, with many nefarious forces aiming to strike the heroes where they stand.

9 The Rising Of The Shield Hero

An Isekai Anime Where The Hero Masters A Powerful Shield To Become Unmatched In Combat

Naofumi Iwatani and Melty in The Rising of the Shield Hero
The Rising of The Shield Hero
Isekai
Action
Fantasy

Release Date
January 9, 2019
Studio
Kinema Citrus, DR Movie
Japanese Title
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
Number of Episodes
50

Isekai anime has become all the rage in modern times, with The Rising of the Shield Hero being one of the many shows that are capitalizing on this genre's current popularity. The series takes a look at an unfortunate hero who is transported into a different world, where he instantly reaches rock bottom after a series of unfortunate events.

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However, Naofumi slowly comes to realize just how powerful and useful his shield is. His journey from a reviled hero into a respected one is a joy to witness, and fans can't wait to see how this adventure will pan out in later seasons!

10 Demon Slayer

Slayers Use Breathing Styles Of Different Elements, Emulating Them In Their Movements

tanjiro-demon-slayer
Demon Slayer
Action
Adventure

Release Date
April 6, 2019
Studio
ufotable
Japanese Title
Kimetsu no Yaiba
Number of Episodes
55

Demon Slayer is one of the biggest anime around right now, with fans eagerly awaiting the newest season. The story of Tanjiro and his friends, as they get stronger and tackle more powerful demons, has all the hallmarks of a traditional DnD adventure with a darker twist.

The different breathing styles can be interpreted as different classes in the show as well, with each character's breathing style corresponding quite well with their personality. Demon Slayer is not going away anytime soon, even with the manga already reaching its conclusion.

11 Log Horizon

An Isekai Anime Where Characters Focus On Different Classes

Log-Horizon
Log Horizon
Isekai
Fantasy
Action

Release Date
October 5, 2013
Studio
Satelight, Studio Deen
Number of Episodes
62

Log Horizon is another isekai series, making it an easy show to recommend for fans of DnD. After all, this show takes place in an MMORPG that conforms to most of the traditional rules and stats that had their foundations set by Dungeons & Dragons!

It helps that the story of Log Horizon is also quite impressive in its own right, with the world-building present in the anime being surprisingly engaging. It might flow a bit too slowly for some people, but viewers who stick through these moments will find themselves enjoying one of the better isekai anime around.

12 Berserk

A Dark Fantasy Anime With Numerous Iconic Moments That Have Shaped The Genre

Berserk Millennium Empire Arc Chapter Of The Holy Demon War
Berserk
Fantasy
Action

Release Date
October 8, 1997
Studio
OLM Team Iguchi
Japanese Title
Kenpuu Denki Berserk
Number of Episodes
25

Berserk is one of the most popular seinen manga of all time, penned by the late great Kentaro Miura. This legendary mangaka has penned some of the most gorgeous manga panels of all time, with the story of Guts and his need for revenge being quite compelling in its own right.

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The fantasy world of Berserk is a perfect fit for fans of DnD who want to check out something dark and interesting. It helps that Guts and his companions are extremely compelling characters that will keep fans hooked regardless of whether they're checking out the anime or manga!

13 Golden Kamuy

Focuses On A Treasure Hunt With A Rotating Party

Golden Kamuy anime
Golden Kamuy
Action
Historical

Release Date
April 9, 2018
Studio
Geno Studio, Brain's Base
Number of Episodes
49

Fans might scratch their heads at this recommendation, given that it is set after the Russo-Japanese War from 1904 - 1905, but the plot is essentially a treasure hunt with a rotating party, and there's a large focus on food. Golden Kamuy shines in its ability to fuse found family motifs with exciting action and characters who, though they might make bad choices, are irresistibly likable.

DnD fans will most appreciate the show's ability to imbue every moment with lore. From learning about the Ainu to Abashiri Prison and the characters' own lives, the anime is full of wonderful details.

14 Grimgar: Ashes And Illusions

An Isekai Anime Focused On Set Rules That Make Every Battle A Dance Of Death

Grimgar Ashes And Illusions
Grimgar Ashes and Illusions
Isekai
Fantasy
Drama

Release Date
January 11, 2016
Studio
A-1 Pictures
Japanese Title
Hai to Gensou no Grimgar
Number of Episodes
12

On the surface, isekai anime sounds like they are made for Dungeons & Dragons fans since they are literally about ordinary people being teleported to fantastical worlds. However, many isekai feature an immediately overpowered protagonist and "chosen one" stories, two things that are generally avoided in DnD.

Grimgar: Ashes and Illusions is an exception. The isekai anime follows a group of teenagers teleported to a cutthroat world based on game logic, and they are notably weak. Simple battles against low-level enemies are fights to the death, and the characters must work cohesively as a party to survive. Unfortunately, the anime is quite short and slow-paced, so it lacks the epic sense of progression found in DnD narratives.

15 Slayers

A Treasure Hunt With A Wide Cast Of Memorable Characters

Slayers heroes anime
Slayers
Fantasy
Action
Comedy

Release Date
April 7, 1995
Studio
E&G Films, J.C. Staff
Number of Episodes
104

This is another classic DnD-inspired anime that everyone should watch. Though older, it ages well with eye-catching visuals and unique character designs. Slayers can be pretty goofy at times, but that's part of the fun of DnD campaigns, right?

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This shares the same trait of Golden Kamuy in that, at its heart, it is a treasure hunt. It also makes a great anime to watch with friends, too.

16 Fire Force

Based On How Characters Use Their Abilities, They Can Certainly Fall Into Different Classes

Fire Force characters
Fire Force
Action
Fantasy
Sci-Fi

Release Date
July 6, 2019
Studio
David Production
Japanese Title
Enen no Shouboutai
Number of Episodes
48

Having recently wrapped up its second season with a huge reveal, Fire Force stands out as one the most popular shows on this list for 2020. Each episode seems to reveal another unique fire-related ability or a juicy detail about The Evangelist. Beyond its epic action scenes and great lore, there's much for DnD fans to enjoy about the show.

All of the characters seem to fall into distinct classes based on their abilities. For instance, Arthur is a self-proclaimed Knight (read: Paladin), while Maki is a "fire witch." Joker is basically Gambit in terms of powers, and Captain Obi is an OP, unpowered Fighter ready for anything. Though there is so much more to be revealed about the world, the show has created a truly fantastic world full of narrative opportunities.

17 Little Witch Academia

Features A Magic System & Fantasy Character Archetypes

Little Witch Academia anime
Little Witch Academia
Fantasy

Release Date
January 9, 2017
Studio
Trigger
Number of Episodes
25

The VR broom racing game was a bit of a non-starter, but this show deserves all the love in the world. Not only is it a fantastic show about all kinds of female characters, but it also establishes hard and fast rules about its magic system early on. Without spoiling too much, there is only a finite amount of magic, so batteries often get used making for a techno-fantastical setting.

But the characters also show off unique talents and skills that could be labeled as classes. For instance, Sucy, one of the main characters, absolutely LOVES poison and mushrooms; she could be a necromancer. Another character, Constanze Amalie von Braunschbank Albrechtsberger, has a touch of engineer or artificer about her. Fans of the show will already know who the Bard is.

18 Konosuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!

A Hilarious Isekai Anime With Characters Comfortably Falling Under Certain Classes

konosuba-main-cast
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!
Isekai
Comedy

Release Date
January 14, 2016
Studio
Studio Deen
Japanese Title
Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!
Number of Episodes
20

For a party that consists of a goddess, a powerful mage, and a crusader, Konosuba's heroes sure get into a lot of trouble. A comedy series that essentially parodies isekai tropes, Konosuba is the anime equivalent of a DnD campaign featuring a hilariously dysfunctional party.

The irreverent Kazuma dies and then revives in a fantasy world. Mostly due to his own doing, the protagonist finds himself saddled with a trio of heroines who are sporadically useful and frequently catastrophic. They go on adventures, make plenty of mistakes, and occasionally take on massive threats.

19 Yu Yu Hakusho

Party-Based Fighting, With Each Character Having Unique Powers

Yu Yu Hakusho anime cast
Yu Yu Hakusho
Action
Supernatural

Release Date
October 10, 1992
Studio
Pierrot
Number of Episodes
112

Perhaps as loved as Sailor Moon or Dragon Ball Z, Yu Yu Hakusho follows the spirit detective Yusuke as he trains to fight spirits and demons as a teenager with a single mom (as one does). But there's precedent for DnD fans already adapting the show's universe for campaigns and one-offs.

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Between demons like Hiei and Kurama to characters like Jin, who is basically a wind Genasi Fighter, DnD fans will dig the action and appreciate the epic Drips from Team Urameshi.

20 Escaflowne

Excellent World-Building Where Magic And Science Work In Tandem

Escaflowne anime
The Vision of Escaflowne
Isekai
Adventure
Romance

Release Date
April 2, 1996
Studio
Sunrise
Japanese Title
Tenkuu no Escaflowne
Number of Episodes
26

Though people can watch the film version of this, the anime Visions of Escaflowne has a bit more breathing room for story-telling. The world walks that line between science and magic in the best way possible. It also employs the "fish out of water" trope in that the main character gets plucked from a modern-day setting.

DnD fans will fall in love with the world-building in the show. The main character gets involved in a war for dominance led by the Zaibach Empire, gets caught in a love triangle, and also there's a big robot made of dragon bones. Swap that out for a Githyanki warrior and his Red Dragon, and that's a solid foundation for a campaign right there.