Summary
- Most anime do not feature elves as protagonists; they usually act as supporting characters.
- Some anime portray elves as main characters, showcasing their entertaining stories.
- Anime like "Frieren" and "Delicious in Dungeon" depict elves in unique, engaging ways.
Elves are an integral part of the fantasy genre, known for their longevity, their magical prowess, and, depending on the story, their reclusive nature. Because they live such long lives, they're able to collect a vast amount of experience and witness key moments in history, which can be good for exposition and world-building. In anime, they usually become important characters or play a big part in the plot.
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With the start of a new decade, new shows emerge, striving to outperform ones that previously captivated audiences. These anime do exactly that.
Unfortunately, there aren't many anime that feature elves as protagonists. Despite their strengths and versatility as characters, most elves become supporting players or love interests to the hero, acting as proof of the fantasy being portrayed. Luckily, there are some great anime that portray elves as the main characters, showing just how entertaining their stories can be.
7 Don't Hurt Me, My Healer!
A Gag Anime With Dry Humor
- MyAnimeList Score: 6.34
- Episodes: 12
- Aired: 2022
- Genres/Themes: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Studio: Jumondo
Adventurers are a staple in fantasy, and they make great protagonists because their job takes them on interesting journeys. Karla and Alvin are an unlikely duo, and they wouldn't be traveling together if Karla hadn't accidentally cursed Alvin in the first place. Now, he can't stray too far from her, or else he'll die. Despite this setback, Alvin is determined to become a great adventurer, even if he must drag Karla with him.
Gag anime and manga can be hit or miss because everyone's sense of humor is different. Don't Hurt Me, My Healer! Is a fun story, but its style of comedy might not appeal to everyone. It's goofy and absurdist, using a lack of common sense as its basis. There isn't much of a plot, but each episode has its own small storyline.
6 Cop Craft
A Police Anime With A Fantasy Twist
Cop Craft
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 9, 2019
- Studio
- Millepensee
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- MyAnimeList Score
- 6.72
Cop Craft takes place in a world where a mysterious portal opened above the Pacific Ocean, allowing mysterious creatures, like fairies, monsters, and elves, to reach Earth. As a result, the city of San Teresa became a hotspot for otherworldy people to live, but the increase in population also introduced new types of crimes related to magic, drugs, and trafficking. Kei Matoba is a detective in San Teresa who is tasked with tracking down a kidnapped fairy with the help of Tilarna Exedilika, a noble elf from the other world.
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Despite being a short twelve episodes, Cop Craft is an entertaining anime that tells a satisfying story. The background of a modern city combined with fantasy elements is fascinating in itself, but combined with a high-stakes plot, it makes for a thrilling experience, especially with characters like Kei and Tilarna. Their opposite personalities are the center of many conflicts, but they're still able to work together to save the missing fairy.
5 In The Land of Leadale
A Simple Video Game Isekai
In the Land of Leadale
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022-00-00
- Network
- Tokyo MX
- Directors
- Naoyoshi Kusaka, Masakazu Takahashi, Hiromichi Matano
- Studio
- Maho Film
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- MyAnimeList Score
- 6.95
Isekai happens in several ways, the most iconic being the truck. In this anime, Keina Kagami dies after her life support fails, and she wakes up as "Cayna" in the world of her favorite virtual game, Leadale. However, the world isn't as she remembers it, and it turns out that 200 years have passed since she last logged in. Undeterred, she sets off to discover what's changed and what's left of the world she once knew.
There are a few anime and manga that use similar storylines, but In The Land of Leadale is interesting because Cayna is a High Elf. Their naturally long lifespans make 200 years seem pretty inconsequential, so she's able to visit relatives and old friends as if nothing has happened. Despite being human, she's able to experience an elf's perspective.
4 Otaku Elf
A Shut-in Elf's Life Hiding On Earth
Otaku Elf
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- April 8, 2023
- Studio
- C2C
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.26
Reverse isekai are fun because they often include fantasy characters interacting with things from real life. In this case, the elf Elda was summoned during the Tokugawa shogunate, and she's been the area's local goddess for 400 years. The story follows Koito Koganei, a 16-year-old girl who is appointed as Elda's new shrine maiden. She spends her days serving Elda while also going to school. The problem is that Elda hasn't left the shrine in 60 years and has developed severe social anxiety.
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A story about an otaku elf doesn't initially come off as sentimental or nostalgic, but it has quite a few touching moments. It's just as funny as most would expect, especially considering Elda is addicted to gaming and Red Bull. Elves are usually portrayed preciously, so it's interesting to see such a whimsical, comical character.
3 Welcome To Japan, Ms. Elf!
An Interesting Reverse Isekai
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf!
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2025 - 2025-00-00
- Network
- AT-X
- Studio
- Zero-G
While isekai are usually one-way streets, the characters in this anime are able to go between worlds. Kazuhiro Kitase is able to experience life in another world while he dreams. In those dreams, he's younger and stronger, living as an adventurer. However, he learns that those dreams are a reality when he wakes up with his elf friend Mariebelle in his bed. Together, they try to unravel the mystery behind this bridge between worlds while also appreciating modern life in Japan.
Welcome to Japan, Ms. Elf! Is a fun mix of adventure and slice of life, and it's able to balance them by literally putting them in different worlds. Other anime also introduce modern products and technology to their respective fantasy worlds, but those elements rarely come to earth. Marie's experiences in Japan are the best part of the show, and it'd be great if more of the story was focused on that.
2 Delicious In Dungeon
A Quirky Culinary Adventure
Delicious in Dungeon
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- January 4, 2024
- Studio
- Trigger
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.61
Delicious in Dungeon is a popular anime that takes the usual dungeon-delving adventure and frames it around food. After being defeated by a dragon, Laois, Chilchuck, and Marcille venture back into the dungeon to find their missing party member, Falin. Unfortunately, they squandered all their funds and have no supplies left. They're saved when they meet Senshi, a dwarf living off monsters and plants he can find.
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Compared to other fantasy anime, Delicious in Dungeon stands out because it focuses on an entire party rather than a singular person. Marcille is an elf and an integral member of the party as one of two casters. While she specializes in offense and utility, she's able to support the group as well. She has tons of great moments in the story that are incredibly funny.
1 Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
A Timeless Adventure For The Family
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- September 29, 2023
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Number of Episodes
- 28
- MyAnimeList Score
- 9.31
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End has become well-known for its amazing storytelling and wonderful animation. The story follows Frieren, an elf who was once part of the party that defeated the demon king and ended the war. After the death of the hero Himmel, she begins to regret taking her long life for granted and sets off on an adventure to create new experiences. With no final destination, she goes on a long journey, appreciating each day.
Rather than a single plotline, Frieren takes an episodic approach to telling its story, and while some may not favor that style, it's a great reflection of how the characters, especially Frieren herself, may remember their lives. This is just one example of what makes this anime so great: intention. It's clear that everything from the pacing to the environment was done for a purpose.
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