What is this genre all about? The origin of Elves (Norse; álfar(elves), álfr(elf)) can be found in ancient Norse mythology, in which, elves are described as divine, or near-divine, race of humanoids (Vættir), likened to the Æsir. In common description they are described as sage and immortal beings occupying the threshold between humans and the gods. In some cases humans that were beloved by the gods became elves within their lives. Ancient Elves are delineated into a pair of similar but distinct races; Light Elves (Ljósálfar) and Dark Elves (Svartálfar), each originating from separate homes within the nine worlds of Yggdrasil. Within the Poetic Edda the differences are commonly ascribed as:
"There is one place there that is called the Elf Home (Álfheimr which is the elven city). People live there that are named the light elves (Ljósálfar). But the dark elves (Dökkálfar) live below in earth, in caves and the dark forest and they are unlike them in appearance - and more unlike them in reality. The Light Elves are brighter than the sun in appearance, but the Dark Elves are blacker than pitch." (Snorri, Gylfaginning 17, Prose Edda)
We present you the list of Elf anime you should watch right now.
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Top 20 Elf anime you should watch right now. [2024 List]
- 20. Sousou no Frieren
- 19. Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii?
- 18. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!
- 17. Meitou "Isekai no Yu" Kaitakuki: Around 40 Onsen Mania no Tensei Saki wa, Nonbiri Onsen Tengoku deshita
- 16. Isekai Ojisan
- 15. Sousou no Frieren: Marumaru no Mahou
- 14. Goblin Slayer
- 13. No Game No Life: Zero
- 12. Tensei Kizoku no Isekai Boukenroku: Jichou wo Shiranai Kamigami no Shito
- 11. Kuro no Shoukanshi
- 10. Drifters
- 9. Berserk
- 8. Lodoss-tou Senki
- 7. Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki
- 6. Leadale no Daichi nite
- 5. Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki Part 2
- 4. Edomae Elf
- 3. Zero no Tsukaima: Princesses no Rondo
- 2. Outbreak Company
- 1. Nihon e Youkoso Elf-san.
20. Sousou no Frieren
After the party of heroes defeated the Demon King, they restored peace to the land and returned to lives of solitude. Generations pass, and the elven mage Frieren comes face to face with humanity’s mortality. She takes on a new apprentice and promises to fulfill old friends’ dying wishes. Can an elven mind make peace with the nature of life and death? Frieren embarks on her quest to find out.
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End has finished airing and it has 28 Episodes. It is also Known as: 葬送のフリーレン, Frieren at the Funeral
19. Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii?
Zagan is feared by the masses as an evil sorcerer. Both socially awkward and foulmouthed, he spends his days studying sorcery while beating down any trespassers within his domain. One day he's invited to a dark auction, and what he finds there is an elven slave girl of peerless beauty, Nephy. Having fallen in love at first sight, Zagan uses up his entire fortune to purchase her, but being a poor conversationalist, he has no idea how to properly interact with her. Thus, the awkward cohabitation of a sorcerer who has no idea how to convey his love and his slave who yearns for her master but has no idea how to appeal to him begins.
An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride is currently airing and will have Episodes. It is also Known as: 魔王の俺が奴隷エルフを嫁にしたんだが、どう愛でればいい？, Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf wo Yome ni Shitanda ga, Dou Medereba Ii?
18. Kage no Jitsuryokusha ni Naritakute!
Some people just aren’t suited to playing the part of the flashy, in-your-face hero or the dastardly, mustache-twirling villain with larger-than-life panache. Instead, they operate in the shadows and pull the strings of society through wit and cleverness. That’s the role Cid wants to play when he’s transported to another world. Cid spins a yarn or three and becomes the unlikely leader of the underground Shadow Garden organization that fights against a menacing cult (which he totally made up). However, there’s a catch even his wild imagination didn’t see coming: the cult he concocted actually exists, and they’re beyond displeased that his power fantasy just got in the way of their evil plans!
The Eminence in Shadow has finished airing and it has 20 Episodes. It is also Known as: 陰の実力者になりたくて！, To Be a Power in the Shadows!
17. Meitou "Isekai no Yu" Kaitakuki: Around 40 Onsen Mania no Tensei Saki wa, Nonbiri Onsen Tengoku deshita
The story centers around Yoshizō Yukawa, a major hot spring fan who finds hidden springs to revitalize the economy of the local area. However, he dies after falling off a cliff and is transported to an alternate world, thanks to an inari deity of harvest at a small shrine nestled in the rocks. Together with the inari's attendant princess Mayudama, he continues searching for storied hot springs, only this time in the alternate world. Along the way, he ends up naked in hot springs with furry-eared girls and elven girls.
Pioneer Log of the Storied Hot Springs "Alternate World's Springs": The Reincarnation Destination of an Onsen Fan (Who's Around 40) Was a Relaxing Hot Spring Paradise has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 名湯『異世界の湯』開拓記 ～アラフォー温泉マニアの転生先は、のんびり温泉天国でした～, Isekai no Yu Kaitaku-ki~ AraFō Onsen Mania Tensei-saki wa, Nonburi Onsen Tengoku Deshita~
16. Isekai Ojisan
When his game-obsessed uncle wakes up from a coma, Takafumi tries to help him catch up on nearly two decades of advancements, from smartphones to modern anime tropes. For starters, they create a YouTube channel showing off his uncle's magical powers.
Uncle from Another World has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 異世界おじさん, Ojisan in Another World
15. Sousou no Frieren: Marumaru no Mahou
Chibi shorts posted on the official YouTube account of TOHO Animation and Twitter account of the main series.
Note: Includes "Tokubetsu-hen:「Shokutaku o Shiawase ni Suru Mahou」/Mizkan Ajipon Collaboration"
Sousou no Frieren: Marumaru no Mahou is currently airing and will have Episodes. It is also Known as: 葬送のフリーレン ～●●の魔法～, Sousou no Frieren End Mini Anime, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End Mini Anime, 葬送のフリーレン ミニアニメ
14. Goblin Slayer
"I'm not saving the world. I just kill goblins." Rumor has it that, in a certain guild in the middle of nowhere, there is an extraordinary man who has climbed all the way to the Silver rank just by killing goblins. At the same guild, a priestess who's just become a new adventurer has formed her first party... and the man who ends up rescuing that party when they get into trouble is none other than the Goblin Slayer.
Goblin Slayer has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ゴブリンスレイヤー, Goblin Slayer
13. No Game No Life: Zero
Six thousand years before Sora and Shiro were even a blink in the history of Disboard, war consumed the land, tearing apart the heavens, destroying stars, and even threatening to wipe out the human race. Amid the chaos and destruction, a young man named Riku leads humanity toward the tomorrow his heart believed in. One day, in the ruins of an Elf city, he meets Shuvi, a female exiled "Ex-machina" android who asks him to teach her what it means to have a human heart.
No Game No Life: Zero has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: ノーゲーム・ノーライフ ゼロ, No Game No Life Movie, No Game, No Life Zero, NGNL Zero, NGNL the Movie
12. Tensei Kizoku no Isekai Boukenroku: Jichou wo Shiranai Kamigami no Shito
After dying in the act of stopping a crime in modern Japan, our hero is reincarnated as Cain von Silford, third son of a noble family in a world of swords and sorcery. In his new life, all children receive a blessing from the gods…but Cain is unexpectedly blessed with an absolutely enormous, over-the-top cornucopia of magical powers. If his dream of traveling the world as a free spirit is to come true, he can’t reveal too much of his potential to the wrong people. A light-hearted, escapist adventure in another world begins!
The Aristocrat’s Otherworldly Adventure: Servings Gods Who Go Too Far has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 転生貴族の異世界冒険録 〜自重を知らない神々の使徒〜, Chronicles of an Aristocrat Reborn in Another World
11. Kuro no Shoukanshi
Waking up in a strange new place with no memory of his past life, Kelvin learns that he’s bartered away those very memories in exchange for powerful new abilities during his recent transmigration. Heading out into a whole new world as a Summoner — with his first Follower being the very goddess who brought him over! — Kelvin begins his new life as an adventurer, and it isn’t long before he discovers his hidden disposition as a battle junkie. From the Black Knight of the Ancient Castle of Evil Spirits to the demon within the Hidden Cave of the Sage, he revels in the fight against one formidable foe after another. Join this OP adventurer in an exhilarating and epic saga as he and his allies carve their way into the annals of history!
Black Summoner has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 黒の召喚士, Kuro no Shoukanshi
10. Drifters
Shimazu Toyohisa, whilst involved at the Battle of Sekigahara, manages to mortally wound Ii Naomasa, but is critically wounded in the process. As he walks from the field broken and bleeding, Toyohisa finds himself transported to a corridor of doors, where a bespectacled man at a desk waits for him. This man, Murasaki, sends Toyohisa into the nearest door where he wakes up in another world. There, Toyohisa meets other great warriors like him who have been transported as well, to be part of a group known as "Drifters."
Drifters has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: DRIFTERS, Drifters: Battle in a Brand-new World War
9. Berserk
Now branded for death and destined to be hunted by demons until the day he dies, Guts embarks on a journey to defy such a gruesome fate, as waves of beasts relentlessly pursue him. Steeling his resolve, he takes up the monstrous blade Dragonslayer and vows to exact vengeance on the one responsible, hunting down the very man he once looked up to and considered a friend.
Along the way, he encounters some unlikely allies, such as a small elf named Puck, and Isidro, a young thief looking to learn swordsmanship from the former mercenary. As the ragtag group slowly comes together after having decided to join Guts in his quest, they will face incredible danger unlike anything they have ever experienced before.
Berserk (2016) has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ベルセルク, Berserk
8. Lodoss-tou Senki
Created from the aftermath of the last great battle of the gods, Lodoss and its kingdoms have been plagued by war for thousands of years. As a quiet peace and unity finally become foreseeable over the land, an unknown evil begins to stir. An ancient witch has awakened, bent on preserving the island of Lodoss by creating political unbalance throughout the many kingdoms and keeping any one from maintaining central control. Only a mixed-race party of six young champions, led by the young warrior Parn, stand between this new threat and Lodoss' descent back into the darkness of war and destruction.
Record of Lodoss War has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: ロードス島戦記, Record of Lodoss War OVA
7. Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki
"O, Hero!" With that cliched line, Kazuya Souma found himself summoned to another world and his adventure--did not begin. After he presents his plan to strengthen the country economically and militarily, the king cedes the throne to him and Souma finds himself saddled with ruling the nation! What's more, he's betrothed to the king's daughter now...?! In order to get the country back on its feet, Souma calls the wise, the talented, and the gifted to his side. Five people gather before the newly crowned Souma. Just what are the many talents and abilities they possess...?! What path will his outlook as a realist take Souma and the people of his country down?
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 現実主義勇者の王国再建記, Re:Construction the Elfrieden Kingdom Tales of Realistic Brave, A Realist Hero's Kingdom Restoration Chronicle, A Realist's Kingdom Reform Chronicles, Genjitsushugisha No Oukokukaizouki
6. Leadale no Daichi nite
Due to a terrible accident, Keina Kagami is forced to live on life support in order to survive. The only way for her to be free is within the VRMMORPG "Leadale." One day, her life support stops functioning, and Keina loses her life. But when she wakes up, she finds herself in the world of Leadale 200 years in the future. She is now the high elf Cayna, who possesses lost skills and OP statuses and becomes closer to the other inhabitants of this world. But among those inhabitants happen to be the "children" she made in character creation?!
In the Land of Leadale has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: リアデイルの大地にて, World of Leadale
5. Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki Part 2
The second part of Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki.
How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Part 2 has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 現実主義勇者の王国再建記 第二部, Re:Construction the Elfrieden Kingdom Tales of Realistic Brave, A Realist Hero's Kingdom Restoration Chronicle, Genjitsu Shugi Yuusha no Oukoku Saikenki 2nd Season
4. Edomae Elf
Takamimi Shrine has an unusual resident – Elda, an ancient elf who’s obsessed with video games! The shrine’s teenage attendant, Koito Koganei, keeps this reclusive otaku well-supplied with energy drinks and junk food. Even though she loves 100%-ing her games, Elda has duties to attend to, and Koganei is bound and determined to make this otaku elf fulfill them! It’ll just take an offering or two to bribe—um, we mean convince Elda to put down her new game…
Otaku Elf has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 江戸前エルフ, Edomae Elf
3. Zero no Tsukaima: Princesses no Rondo
Following his brave sacrifice in the war against Albion, Saito Hiraga is knighted and treated as an aristocrat, something that proves difficult for Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière. With their relationship no longer defined as the mighty Void mage and clueless familiar, she wonders what exactly this means for them.
While venturing to a castle, Louise is ambushed by a powerful mage named Sheffield. Battling alone, the young mage nearly faces defeat until Saito makes his appearance. The mystical and unknown nature of Void magic seems to be at work in the battle, and Louise begins to believe in the possibility of another Void user. Moreover, she realizes that Saito's magical rune is fading, and so a new adventure begins as they search for the elf who revived Saito in the past. The relationship between former master and servant faces a new challenge as they work to restore the runes and redefine the bond which holds them together.
The Familiar of Zero: Rondo of Princesses has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: ゼロの使い魔 ～三美姫（プリンセッセ）の輪舞（ロンド）～, Zero no Tsukaima: Princess no Rondo, Rondo of the Princesses, Zero's Familiar 3rd Series, Zero no Tsukaima S3
2. Outbreak Company
Having a light novel author father and an eroge illustrator mother, Kanou Shinichi is a thoroughbred otaku. However he does not have any special power except for his broad knowledge, sharp insight, and impeccable instinct about "MOE" and its products, from manga to anime to games to light novel to figures. One day he found himself transported to a fantasy world where elves live and dragons fly. And he is given a task—not to fight monster or embark on a quest, but to enhance cultural exchange by becoming a "moe missionary" in this fantasy world! He meets a palace guard who has a bit of fujoshi taste, a half-elf maid, and the empress who is a little girl. He comes up with the idea of building a school. At first it runs as a comedy but later there are serious matters that Shinichi needs to face: ethnic discrimination, social problems, conflict with neighboring countries, sabotage by opposition elements including Japanese government, etc. Can he overcome the obstacles, successfully bring "moe" culture to the fantasy world, and help the people there as well?
Outbreak Company has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: アウトブレイク・カンパニー, Outbreak Company
1. Nihon e Youkoso Elf-san.
Kazuhiro Kitase's only hobby is sleeping. Ever since he was young, he would enter a wondrous world within his dreams and go on thrilling adventures. One day, he goes on an adventure with an elf girl he became friends with in his dream world, but it's put to an abrupt halt when they both get scorched with a dragon's breath! As he wakes up from his dream, he notices a familiar figure sleeping next to him...the elf girl from his dreams?! Join Kazuhiro on his new adventures through Japan with Ms. Elf!
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! has not yet aired. It will air on December 31, 2024. It is also Known as: 日本へようこそエルフさん。, Nihon e Youkoso Elf-san.
