The realm of fantasy anime stretches far beyond the increasingly popular isekai genre, where characters are transported to, reborn, or trapped in another world. For fans looking for something outside this domain, here is a rundown of the 10 best fantasy anime that aren’t isekai:

1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – This series follows the alchemist brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they seek the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a disastrous attempt at resurrection magic.

2. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic – Set in a magical world inspired by ancient Middle Eastern folklore, this anime tells the story of young Aladdin as he explores dungeons and uncovers the mysteries of an ancient civilization.

3. Fairy Tail – Centered around the eccentric and powerful wizards of the Fairy Tail guild, this series blends magic, dragons, and a wealth of engaging characters in an expansive fantasy world.

4. The Seven Deadly Sins – When a group of disgraced knights known as The Seven Deadly Sins are accused of overthrowing the kingdom, Princess Elizabeth seeks them out to clear their names and save her people.

5. Mushishi – Following Ginko, a “Mushi Master,” this atmospheric and philosophical series delves into life’s most fundamental and mystical aspects through interactions with ethereal creatures called Mushi.

6. Made in Abyss – Young Riko aspires to become a Cave Raider like her mother and explore the depths of the Abyss, a colossal pit brimming with relics and curiosities from long-gone civilizations.

7. Cardcaptor Sakura – This charming series introduces Sakura Kinomoto who accidentally unleashes magical cards into the world and must retrieve them to prevent catastrophe.

8. Little Witch Academia – This feel-good story focuses on young Atsuko “Akko” Kagari as she enrolls in Luna Nova Magical Academy to fulfill her dream of becoming like her idol, Shiny Chariot.

9. Noragami – Straddling both reality and the supernatural realms, it centres on Yato, a minor deity without his own shrine who will grant wishes for 5 yen to achieve fame and followership.

10. Princess Mononoke – Though technically a film, this Studio Ghibli masterpiece deserves mention for its portrayal of the conflict between humanity and nature through a mesmerizing fantasy lens.

Each title offers viewers an escape into worlds filled with enchantment and adventure without relying on isekai tropes, making them perfect for those seeking new realms to discover within anime’s diverse universe.