Alright, anime peeps! Bored of the same old fantasy stuff? You know, the whole sword-and-sorcery, mystical lands routine? Been there, seen that. What if we told you there’s an anime genre that throws mythical creatures and magic right into the city life you already know? Yup, we’re talking about urban fantasy anime! Imagine demons hanging out in the next alleyway, psychics solving crimes alongside detectives, or even undead idols rocking out on stage. Wild, right? That’s what makes it so awesome! So, ditch the chores, grab some chips, and get comfy ’cause we’re about to dive into the top 15 urban fantasy anime.
This list is stacked with everything from demon-slaying action to helping out forgotten gods, all happening in the most familiar, modern places. Basically, we’re gonna show you the fantastical hidden under the city lights. Let’s get this anime party started!
Blood Blockade Battlefront
Ever felt like you’re missing out on a hidden gem? Well, let me introduce you to “Blood Blockade Battlefront”, an urban fantasy anime that’s been flying under the radar, but is absolutely worth your time. This anime is a treat not just for its jaw-dropping animation, but also for its captivating storyline and the unique world it brings to life.
Imagine New York City, but not as we know it. Welcome to Hellsalem’s Lot, a city transformed three years ago when a portal to another dimension flung open, merging our world with one beyond our wildest dreams. Trapped in an impenetrable bubble, humans and otherworldly creatures coexist in a chaos that’s oddly fascinating.
At the heart of this tumultuous city is our protagonist, Leonardo Watch. He’s not your average photographer; he’s got the “All-seeing Eyes of the Gods”, a gift that came at a steep price – his sister’s eyesight. Driven by a sense of purpose and guilt, Leonardo joins Libra, a clandestine organization of superhumans dedicated to maintaining order amidst the chaos.
His teammates? They’re a motley crew of eccentric and powerful individuals. There’s Klaus V. Reinherz, the enigmatic leader of Libra who wields a mysterious blood technique. Then there’s Zapp Renfro, the hot-headed swordsman who’s as reckless as he is skilled. And let’s not forget Chain Sumeragi, a werewolf with a knack for spying.
Darker than Black
Dive into the world of “Darker than Black,” an urban fantasy anime that’s not just about supernatural abilities, but also about the human heart and its depths. This anime might take a bit of time to warm up to, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.
Imagine a world where the rules of physics as we know them have been twisted, all due to the sudden appearance of two enigmatic gates – Heaven’s Gate and Hell’s Gate. This is a world where people, known as Contractors, gain extraordinary powers, but at a cost so steep, it questions the very essence of their humanity.
At the center of this whirlwind of mystery and intrigue is Hei, a Contractor who’s not just any guy with superpowers. He’s an assassin, a spy, and a legend known as the Black Reaper. He’s a man on a mission, delving deep into the secrets that surround the gates, the Contractors, and his own murky past.
Boogiepop Phantom
In the heart of the city, where the line between reality and illusion often blurs, comes an urban fantasy anime that will leave you questioning your own perception – “Boogiepop Phantom”. This isn’t your typical feel-good anime, but a dark fantasy that delves deep into the human psyche, stirring up emotions you never thought an anime could.
Imagine witnessing a strange phenomenon that lights up the night sky, a pillar of light that seems almost otherworldly. This event isn’t just a spectacle, it’s a trigger, one that gives birth to ‘phantoms’ – electromagnetic lifeforms that thrive on human emotions. It’s a chilling thought, isn’t it? The idea that our very feelings could be a source of sustenance for these spectral entities.
“Boogiepop Phantom” isn’t afraid to explore the complex themes of identity, memory, and death. It’s a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you follow an ensemble cast of characters, each with their own unique perspective on the unfolding events.
And then, there’s the urban legend of Boogiepop, an angel of death who is said to come for those in their darkest hours. It’s a haunting concept, one that adds an extra layer of intrigue to this already captivating anime.
Midnight occult civil servants
Miyako Arata believes he has gotten a normal public servant job when he joins the Shinjuku Ward Office. But it turns out he’s a member of the Night Community Exchange Department, which has a branch in each of Tokyo’s twenty-three ward offices.
Their role is to solve occult problems involving non-human beings. They work night after night, accompanied by his senpai and department head Sakaki Kyoichi and the occult obsessive Himetsuka Seo, facing up against beings whose existence violates the laws of our universe.
Noragami
In the bustling world of urban fantasy anime, “Noragami” carves out a unique and emotionally resonant space for itself. At its core, it’s a supernatural action-packed journey that introduces us to Yato, a minor deity with big dreams. His heartfelt desire to be worshipped by millions adds a touch of endearing charm to his character, making him relatable in his pursuit of recognition.
Yato’s life takes a dramatic turn when he crosses paths with Hiyori, an ordinary human girl whose life is forever changed after saving him from a near-fatal car accident. This selfless act leaves Hiyori with an extraordinary ability to leave her body in spirit form, creating an unbreakable bond between her and Yato.
Their dynamic is further enriched by the addition of Yukine, a spirit who transforms into Yato’s weapon. Together, this unlikely trio faces a myriad of challenges, from battling menacing phantoms to navigating complex relationships with other gods.
The Devil is A Part-Timer
Oh, the joy of urban fantasy, where the extraordinary meets the ordinary! “The Devil is A Part-Timer” is a delightful blend of comedy and fantasy that’ll have you chuckling and gasping in equal measure. Picture this: Satan, the big bad ruler of the demon world, finds himself in a bit of a pickle. After a crushing defeat by the hero Emilia, he’s booted straight into modern-day Tokyo. Talk about a fall from grace, right?
But here’s where it gets interesting. Satan, now going by the human name Sadao Maou, trades his throne for a fast-food joint. Yep, you heard it right. The once-feared demon lord is now flipping burgers and serving fries, all while navigating the complexities of human life.
You’d think he’d be plotting his grand return to the demon world, but no. Our demon lord has more pressing matters to attend to, like paying the rent, managing household chores, and dodging Emilia, who’s hot on his heels. It’s a wild ride, full of heartwarming moments and hilarious mishaps.
Tokyo Ravens
In the bustling city of Tokyo, where modernity and tradition intertwine, lies a world unseen by ordinary eyes. This is the realm of “Tokyo Ravens4,” an urban fantasy anime that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride.
At the heart of this story is Harutora, a young man born into the prestigious Tsuchimikado clan, renowned for their mastery of onmyoudou, a unique form of Japanese magic. Yet, Harutora is different. He’s devoid of any magical abilities, leading him to live a life of normalcy, away from the mystical complexities of his clan.
However, his mundane life takes a dramatic turn when he reunites with Natsume, his childhood friend and the heir to the Tsuchimikado clan. She proposes a life-changing request: to become her familiar, a protector and aide in her magical endeavors. Despite his lack of magical prowess, Harutora agrees, driven by his deep-rooted feelings for Natsume and a newfound desire to understand his heritage.
This decision leads him to the Onmyo Academy, a place where he uncovers the secrets and perils of the onmyoudou world. As he navigates through this magical realm, Harutora learns more about himself, his clan, and the bond he shares with Natsume.
Bungou Stray Dogs
Bungou Stray Dogs is an anime for people who like Urban Fantasy Anime scenario with mystery and a twist of comedy.
Bungou Stray Dogs5 is a supernatural and mystery anime that follows the members of the Armed Detective Agency, a group of individuals who possess special abilities and deal with cases that are too dangerous for the police or the military. The anime focuses on Atsushi, a young orphan who joins the agency after being rescued by Dazai, a suicidal and eccentric detective. Together, they face various enemies, such as the Port Mafia, a criminal organization that also employs ability users, and the Guild, a foreign group that seeks to take over the city.
Kaze no Stigma
Dive into the world of “Kaze no Stigma,” an urban fantasy anime that’s as emotional as it is action-packed. This isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill anime; it’s a story that might challenge you, and yes, maybe even frustrate you at times. But isn’t that just like life itself?
At the heart of this tale is Kazuma, once a proud member of the prestigious Kannagi family, renowned for their mastery over fire magic. After a crushing defeat in a duel against his cousin Ayano, he’s cast out, left to lick his wounds and rebuild his life.
Fast forward four years, and Kazuma’s back. But he’s not the same man he once was. He’s returned as a formidable wind magic user, a power that sets him apart from his former family and thrusts him back into their tumultuous world.
The Kannagi family is in turmoil, plagued by a series of murders, all committed by a wind magic user. Is it a coincidence that Kazuma returns just as these events unfold? Or is there something more sinister at play?
At the center of this storm is Ayano, the heir of the Kannagi family and the wielder of the sacred sword Enraiha. Her relationship with Kazuma is complex, to say the least. Their past is filled with shared memories and bitter rivalry, a tension that only grows as they’re forced to confront their feelings and the challenges that lie ahead.
A Certain Magical Index
In the bustling, neon-lit world of Academy City, a place where the line between science and magic blurs, we find ourselves drawn into the captivating narrative of “A Certain Magical Index8”. This urban fantasy anime paints a vivid picture of a future where psychic abilities are as common as your morning coffee, and students, the city’s predominant inhabitants, are honing these powers as espers.
At the heart of this thrilling tale is Touma, an ordinary high school student who, despite being ranked the lowest in psychic abilities, harbors a unique power that sets him apart – the Imagine Breaker. This mysterious ability allows him to negate any supernatural phenomenon, making him an anomaly in a city teeming with espers.
Touma’s life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Index, a young, enigmatic girl with an extraordinary secret. She’s a living library, having memorized the contents of 103,000 forbidden magical books. Their encounter thrusts them both into the heart of the brewing storm between the science and magic factions, forever changing their lives.
takt op.Destiny
This anime is relatively new in comparison to others on this list, but it is just as good as the others.
Takt Op is set in 2047, in a future world where music cannot be freely played because it attracts monsters known as “D2s.” These monsters were created by a black meteorite that fell from the sky years ago and included Black Night Siderites.
They despise human-created music and are drawn to its source, attempting to destroy it because it is the only thing that can harm or kill them. The Symphonica International Organization and the Musicarts join their forces to defend cities from D2s.
Fate Series
Imagine stepping into a world that mirrors our own, yet teems with ancient magic and mythical beings. Welcome to the realm of “Fate,” an urban fantasy anime that masterfully intertwines the mundane with the extraordinary.
At its core, “Fate” is a gripping tale of survival, where individuals from all walks of life are thrust into a high-stakes game. Each participant is armed with a familiar from antiquity, and driven by desires and ideals as unique as their fingerprints. The stage is set for a battle royale like no other, where the line between friend and foe blurs, and alliances are forged and broken in the blink of an eye.
The narrative centers around the Holy Grail War, a conflict that transcends time and space. Heroes from various eras are summoned, each bringing their own legends and lore to the table. The reasons for joining the war are as diverse as the characters themselves, adding a layer of intrigue that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
What makes “Fate” truly captivating is its modern-day setting. The juxtaposition of ancient magic and contemporary life breathes fresh air into the urban fantasy genre. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to seamlessly blend elements of the past and present, creating a world that is both familiar and fantastical.
Re:Creators
Many stories have been made by people. Joy, despair, rage, and intense emotion Stories generate strong emotions and hold the audience’s attention. Those emotions, however, are nothing more than the feelings of a spectator.
What if the stories’ characters had free will? Are we, the writers, considered gods in their eyes? Our world needs a revolution. Punishment for the gods’ homeland. Re:CREATORS. Everyone is transformed into a Creator.
Death Note
Death Note is one of the most popular entries on our list and a continuous anime classic. It revolves around Light Yagami, a 17-year-old student who discovers an ancient notebook known as the “Death Note,” which has the power to kill anybody whose name is written within it. With great power in his hands, Light adopts the identity “Kira” and sets out on a journey to rid humanity of evil using his newfound abilities.
He soon finds himself challenged by L, a mysterious detective who employs unconventional means to capture Light before he does any further damage. Since its start, this fascinating cat-and-mouse struggle between one man’s twisted sense of justice and another experimental approach has captivated viewers, confirming Death Note as one of the best pieces of urban fantasy anime ever created.
Durarara
In this anime, there is not a single main character, but rather many main characters who will provide you with very unique in-story points. Mikado Ryuugamine has always desired the excitement of city life, and an invitation from a childhood friend persuades him to move to Tokyo.
On his first day in the city, his wishes already seem to have been granted. In Tokyo’s downtown district of Ikebukuro, amidst numerous odd rumors and warnings of anonymous gangs and dangerous inhabitants, one urban legend stands out above the rest—the existence of a headless “Black Rider” who is said to be seen driving a jet-black motorcycle through the city streets.
