Our tale follows a powerful wolf deity named Holo, whose been reduced to a mere folktale because the people of her world no longer require her blessings. She encounters Lawrence, a traveling merchant who makes Holo his new business partner and promises to take her to her homeland of Yoitsu. Although Lawrence is more interested in opening a shop, his adventure with Holo spirals into something he least expected. Fear not if you’re having trouble finding anime similar to Spice & Wolf! We’ve discovered 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience as Spice & Wolf. Additionally, for each anime we’ve reviewed, we’ve included a link that allows you to view our full thoughts about the series to see if it’s worth your time. So without further ado, we present 10 TV shows that should whet your appetite when you’ve finished streaming Spice & Wolf!
Maoyu
Similarities – Setting & Romance
This anime features another character-driven narrative that mixes history and agriculture well. Like Spice & Wolf, Maoyu builds up the relationship between two unlikely companions and contains a wonderful blend of romance and light comedic moments. The romance between the characters in Maoyu feels authentic and not rushed. You’ll find the characters’ interactions charming and somewhat humorous and relatable. Maoyu and Spice & Wolf delve into realistic issues involving war, politics, and other economy-related matters. Maoyu leans more into those subjects better than Spice & Wolf, since our characters are at the cusp of those dilemmas. Regardless, fans will find Maoyu as entertaining and intriguing as Spice & Wolf. Our story takes place during a conflict between humans and demons. Maoyu’s protagonist, the Hero, fights for humanity. His mission is to slay the Demon Queen at her castle. However, he becomes infatuated with the Demon Queen’s stunning looks. The Demon Queen seeks Hero’s help to stop the war, and after pondering, he accepts. These remarks convince the Hero to work alongside the Demon Queen as the anime follows their journey to end the war.
Katanagatari
Similarities – Absorbing Dialogue & Character Relationships
If fans enjoyed the witty dialogue and charming interactions between Holo and Lawrence, they will enjoy Katanagatari. This series is full of emotionally-driven character interactions and beautiful visuals that will leave a lasting impression on many Spice & Wolf fans. The partnership between Katangatari’s protagonists, Shichika and Togame, mirrors the relationship between Holo and Lawrence. These characters will grow fond of one another after each event, activity, and situation they endure. The growth never feels rushed and is paced wonderfully to make their later companionship feel satisfying and emotional. In contrast to Spice & Wolf, Katanagatari’s storyline occasionally treads similar ground, making the plot feel predictable and bland. The story also centers around the history of ninjas, while Spice & Wolf feels more grounded in realism despite its slight supernatural influences regarding Holo’s god-like roots. Nevertheless, if you can look past the anime’s repetitive story beats, you’re in for a stellar time with Katanagatari.
Log Horizon
Similarities – Fantasy & Politics
Despite its more video game-like roots, Log Horizon shares a few elements with Spice & Wolf. For instance, this show tackles politics and the manipulative tactics individuals commit to achieving power. You can expect to see characters comment on the horrifying notions of war and witness militias causing more harm than good in these universes. War aside, Log Horizon leans more into its fantastical elements than Spice & Wolf due to the series taking place inside an MMORPG-like area. You can expect to see fully-fledged anthropomorphic beings to large monsters with menacing features as opposed to beings like Holo. Nevertheless, the characters in Log Horizon indulge in similar trading, discussion, and shopping routines as Lawrence does in Spice & Wolf. It tells the story of Shiroe, who is trapped with a few other players inside a popular MMORPG named Elder Tale. Instead of panicking, Shiroe embraces his new lifestyle and embarks on a quest to seek more knowledge about his new home. Unbeknownst to Shiroe, he’ll encounter many friends and enemies along the way. He hopes to bring peace to one of the game’s prominent locations called Akihabara.
Crest of the Stars
Similarities – Romance & Characters
Imagine erasing Spice & Wolf’s agricultural setting and replacing it with something that feels more galactic in scale. You’d end up with a series like Crest of the Stars. For instance, both anime start slow but utilize their sluggish pacing to build upon the relationship between their two lead protagonists. Crest of the Stars occurs in a futuristic setting where humanity is being attacked by the Abh Empire, a society full of advanced humanoid organisms with better technology. Humanity creates the Four Nations Alliance, a faction made up of humanity’s best warring nations, to oppose these foes. At the center of this conflict is Jinto Linn. He must learn the ways of Abh’s nobility and live amongst those who conquered his people. He befriends Abh’s princess Lafiel Abriel, who assists him with his endeavors. Therefore, the anime features two different story angles, one that focuses on the war and the other that leans into the relationship between Lafiel and Jinto. Like Holo and Lawrence, fans will enjoy Jinto and Lafiel’s chatter with each other. While their discussions don’t stray into witty remarks or humorous banter, the anime hones in on the bond between them. Lafiel displays similar energy as Holo whenever she’s around Jinto. However, Lafiel displays more socially awkward character traits in comparison.
Mushishi
Similarities – Themes & Mood
If Crest of the Stars’ Lafiel felt like a wonderful clone of Holo than Mushishi’s Ginko is Lawrence’s doppelgänger. Ginko displays similar characteristics from his calm demeanor, strong perceptive skills, and fondness for traveling and discovery. Like Lawrence, Ginko will meet many people during his journey and impact their lives for the better. Mushishi’s setting gives off a similar calm and majestic presence as Spice & Wolf’s world. The fantastical elements utilized in Mushishi never feel overbearing, as the anime intertwines its mythical and folk tale-like qualities with its natural setting successfully. Everything from its lush forests to wildlife feels and looks majestic. This is an incredible anime to watch for its relaxing atmosphere. While its plot may delve into complex subjects, Mushishi’s worth watching for its beautiful visuals and Ginko’s interactions with everyone he stumbles across.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Similarities – Romance, Fantasy, Atmosphere
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is full of magical and romantic elements. In some ways, it feels like another interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. While its protagonists Chise and Eins have a strong mentor and student relationship going on throughout the show, it later devolves into something romantic as with Lawerence and Holo. At the same time, The Ancient Magus’ Bride leans more into its fantasy elements than Spice & Wolf does. Viewers can expect Eins and Chise to encounter many mythical creatures from pixies to antagonistic magicians. While these foes aim to make these two suffer, they unknowingly strengthen the bond between them. This show’s art and animation feel miles above Spice & Wolf’s too. It was animated and worked on by the same studio that brought you the jaw-dropping animations in Attack On Titan and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. From its vibrant colors to the handling of its fantasy and romance elements, The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a relaxing show worth watching.
Death Note
Similarities – Character Dynamics
At first glance, Death Note and Spice & Wolf appear to have nothing in common. However, if you can strip away Death Note’s horror and thriller components, you can find some commonalities between this and Spice & Wolf. For example, Death Note’s protagonists Light and L have this ongoing rivalry that grasps people’s attention. Light and L like to outwit each other and stand in the face of adversity. Furthermore, Light obtains help from a higher being and attains a new purpose of world domination. When analyzing these notes and comparing them to Spice & Wolf’s characters and the world, it’s not too far off. For instance, Lawerence has a similar goal to conquer something, but it leans more toward being the best marketplace owner. To help him on his mission, he attains the help of the supernatural deity-like figure Holo. Like Ryuk, Holo throws some witty jokes at Lawerence, often making him mad or upset. However, their relationship develops into a stronger connection as the series continues. Furthermore, Spice & Wolf and Death Note present fans with highly intellectual topics that will require them to ponder. You can read our thoughts on Death Note in our full-season review here!
Toradora
Similarities – Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance
Moving past critical thinking, we have a series that showcases how terrible two characters’ lives can be if they’re deadset on achieving romance. Toradora is a wonderful romantic comedy with slice-of-life elements. Its protagonists Ryuuji and Taiga are on a mission to help each other score a relationship with each other’s friend. To do so, these characters must create genius schemes that will help them impress their interests. Like Holo and Lawerence, these two will realize that their true love was right beside them the whole time. However, Toradora gradually takes time to reach that destined conclusion, allowing Taiga and Ryuuji’s romance to feel genuine and impactful. Romance aside, this show places Ryuuji and Taiga in hilarious scenarios. They often walk away from these situations embarrassed or enraged. The former makes for some hilarious entertainment and will be difficult for anyone not to laugh at. Check this out if you enjoy stellar romantic comedy anime.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Similarities – Characters
From romance to friendship we have The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. This is one of Kyoto Animation’s finest works. It contains fun characters who partake in cheerful and hilarious activities in hopes of making their lives free from mundanity. That said, fans shouldn’t expect Haruhi and her friends to travel a lot in this show. While there are moments in the series where our cast heads out to distant locations, it’s less adventurous compared to Holo and Lawerence’s travels. On the other hand, the activities Haruhi and her companions partake in are more relatable and close to home. From attending school fairs to bullying computer geeks, Haruhi gets involved in many hilarious scenarios that will make older viewers feel younger. At the same time, Haruhi Suzumiya’s male protagonist Kyon has a serious and mature demeanor that will remind viewers of Lawerence. If you were a huge fan of Lawerence’s characters, you’ll feel right at home with Kyon, especially since you’ll be viewing Haruhi’s antics through his perspective.
Eden of the East
Similarities – Subtle Mystery & Romance
Eden of the East balances its romance and mysterious elements well. This show introduces multiple complex topics that will have viewers rewatching specific segments to achieve a better understanding. The second half of the show takes a nose dive due to resolutions feeling rushed. However, if you can look past its poor pacing, you should be in for a fun time. Our tale follows Saki who finds a mysterious man named Akira, who suffers from amnesia. She befriends the poor gentleman and finds out that he’s a terrorist with a lot of money. Little does Saki know the dangers that come with befriending a random and dangerous stranger. While Spice & Wolf and Eden of the East aren’t full-on mystery anime, their worlds provide enough stand-out elements to warrant fans’ speculation and curiosity. Eden of the East feels more dangerous in comparison as this show isn’t afraid to touch upon subjects like murder and terrorism. That said, fans will adore seeing Saki and Akira’s companionship grow in this series. So there we have it, our 10 anime/TV show alternatives to watch when you’ve caught up with Spice & Wolf! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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