As far as streaming services go, few names carry as much weight as HBO Max. Thanks to the support of the historic subscription television service, their platform hosts some of the most significant titles in television, film, and modern media, including a slew of fantasy anime that bolster its international lineup.
Although HBO Max’s anime library is a bit lacking compared to some streaming services, the fantasy genre is undeniably its strongest. From regularly syndicated shonen programs to beautifully animated Studio Ghibli films, HBO Max possesses numerous anime that should appeal to fans of all kinds.
Spirited Away
Runtime: 2h 5m
As Studio Ghibli’s crown gem, Spirited Away transcends the boundaries of the anime medium. The fantasy movie won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time before being unseated by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in 2020.
Even by Hayao Miyazaki’s normal standards, Spirited Away is an outstanding work of creative genius. Its main character, Chihiro Ogino, undergoes a wondrous journey throughout its runtime. Along the way, she explores a breathtaking, hand-drawn fantasy world that elicits feelings of childlike awe among even the most stoic anime fans.
Tokyo Revengers
37 Episodes
Whereas most shonen anime focus on intense combat and excessive power-scaling, Tokyo Revengers instead opts for a more innovative route. Its main character, Takemichi Hanagaki, has been on a downhill slide since graduating from school, but after a freak accident grants him the ability to go back in time, he earns a second chance at the life that passed him by.
The setting of Tokyo Revengers isn’t necessarily fantasy-driven; it mostly takes place in a realistic version of modern-day Tokyo. However, the time-traveling mechanic is used frequently throughout both of its two seasons, and it frequently leads Takemichi to experience surreal events that change the course of the entire world he inhabits.
Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy
12 Episodes
Most isekai anime demonstrate some sort of fantasy elements, and Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy, as its name suggests, is no exception. Based on the Tsukimichi light novel, this series sends its protagonist, Makoto Misumi, to a strange world where he is heralded as the realm’s next great champion.
Unfortunately for Makoto Misumi, Tsukimichi: Moonlit Fantasy’s primary antagonist — the Goddess who brought him to the world — decides that he is unworthy and banishes him to the Wasteland. There, he must make friendships and hone his skills before one day reclaiming his rightful spot as the world’s greatest hero.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Runtime: 1h 59m
Although Howl’s Moving Castle is technically an adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, Studio Ghibli takes the film’s narrative in a slightly different direction. Having grown up during the tail end of World War II and possessing a keen interest in anti-war themes, Hayao Miyazaki changed the backdrop of Howl’s Moving Castle to a kingdom that is torn apart by conflict.
Despite the war-related subplot of the film, Howl’s Moving Castle does not lack the fantasy overtones that define most Ghibli works. Sophie, its main character, adventures through vibrant locales, and the titular castle she encounters is as well-crafted as any set piece in Ghibli’s history.
Weathering With You
Runtime: 1h 51m
Weathering with You became the seventh highest-grossing anime movie of all time when it debuted in 2019, and it has only gotten better with age. The fantasy-romance film is a breath of fresh air for fans of both genres, due in large part to its stellar animation and touching narrative.
Hodaka Morishima, a first-year high schooler living in rural Japan, functions as the protagonist of Weathering with You. After he runs away to live in Tokyo, he encounters a girl capable of controlling the weather. Together, they embark on a journey that explores not only their bond with one another but also their impact on the physical world around them.
My Neighbor Totoro
Runtime: 1h 28m
The fantasy genre isn’t intrinsically related to children’s media, but films like My Neighbor Totoro exemplify the natural synergy between the two. Its entire narrative is infused with an innocent sense of wonder, resulting in a portrayal of the world that elicits many of the same emotions experienced by kids who are seeing the world for the first time.
My Neighbor Totoro’s titular spirit became the overarching mascot for the entire Studio Ghibli franchise, which speaks to the lasting influence of this movie. Although My Neighbor Totoro tells the story of a child whose mother is severely sick, it’s still a heart-warming story that is as enjoyable as any on HBO Max.
To Your Eternity
20 Episodes
In 2021, To Your Eternity burst onto the scene, quickly earning a reputation as one of the fastest up-and-coming anime of the year. Since then, its following has only gotten bigger, and with a second successful season now under its belt, the gorgeous fantasy series’ future is looking as bright as any in the genre.
To Your Eternity spends most of its runtime exploring the life of It — an otherworldly, immortal orb that can replicate any lifeform or object that it encounters. Eventually, It takes the form of a wolf and befriends a young boy, starting a journey that will slowly teach It about what it truly means to be human.
Princess Mononoke
Runtime: 2h 13m
Despite its limited theatrical release in North America, Princess Mononoke is still among the most beloved anime movies of all time. The feature film is Studio Ghibli’s shining tribute to environmentalism. Accordingly, it features a wide range of breathtaking vistas and mythical nature spirits that are as well-animated as any in the fantasy genre.
Princess Mononoke revolves around a historic prince named Ashitaka and the fate of his tribe, which finds itself in the middle of a struggle between industrialized society and the realms of nature. In order to ensure the survival of both groups, Ashitaka must navigate this conflict with the utmost courage and integrity.
Noblesse
13 Episodes
Noblesse, alongside Tower of God and The God of High School, forms the initial trio of Korean web comics licensed by the Crunchyroll platform. While the series hasn’t enjoyed the same commercial success as its two peers, it’s still among the most successful South Korean anime in recent memory, making it an excellent addition to HBO Max.
Noblesse continues the narrative of the 2016 OVA Noblesse: Awakening, and although the latter isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying Noblesse, it definitely provides some helpful context. Rai, the franchise’s protagonist, is over 800 years old, so learning about his rich history pays off significantly as the anime continues.
Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind
Runtime: 1h 35m
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind debuted in 1984 and played a significant role in establishing Studio Ghibli as a major animation company on an international level. The film is the first movie based on an original story by Hayao Miyazaki, and it establishes several of the recurring themes that would appear in his later works.
The Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind manga differs a bit from its theatrical counterpart. However, thanks to their shared commentary regarding the power of nature, the danger of war, and the meaning of human interaction, both versions of the story present a similar tone. With some of the most beautiful landscapes in anime history, this movie is arguably HBO Max’s greatest visual splendor.