There’s something undeniably thrilling about a sweeping, epic quest; the kind where our heroes venture across vast landscapes, facing unknown dangers and forging unbreakable bonds along the way. They allow us to travel alongside the characters, witnessing their growth as they face trials both external and internal.
In anime, the journey often becomes a character in itself, shaping the narrative as much as the protagonists. From perilous treks across untamed wilderness to road trips through futuristic cityscapes, these stories tap into our sense of wanderlust and curiosity. They remind us that the path forward isn’t just about reaching the destination but about the experiences andrelationships forged along the way.
9Yona Of The Dawn
Yona was a sheltered princesswhose world crumbled on her 16th birthday when her father was assassinated. Forced to flee her home with her loyal bodyguard and childhood friend, Hak, Yona finds herself on the run with nowhere to turn. But instead of seeking safety, she sets her sights on a far greater goal: to find the legendary dragons, build an army, and reclaim her rightful place as ruler.
Yona of the Dawn is a captivating tale of growth and resilience, as Yona navigates a world she once knew only from the confines of her palace. Thrust into unfamiliar territory, she must quickly learn the skills necessary for survival and leadership. While the anime delivered a stunning first season, the story continued far beyond, unfolding in the pages of the manga.
8Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest
Fairy Tail: 100 Years Quest picks up one year after the epic battle against Zeref and Acnologia, as Team Natsu sets out on their most dangerous mission yet, the legendary 100 Years Quest. This near-impossible job has remained unfinished for over a century, and it’s no wonder why. Their task? Seal the Five Dragon Gods: Selene, Ignia, Mercphobia, Aldoron, and Viernes, each possessing the power to bring about worldwide devastation.
But danger isn’t the only thing waiting for them on this new adventure. As they face overwhelming foes and unravel ancient secrets, the team’s unbreakable bond is pushed to its limits. Of course, it wouldn’t be Fairy Tail without plenty of heart, humor, and chaos along the way.
7Tales Of Symphonia: The Animation
Based on the beloved video game, Tales of Symphonia: The Animation brings the epic story of Lloyd Irving and his companions to life. The tale begins in the world of Sylvarant, a land on the brink of ruin, where mana, the source of all life, is rapidly depleting. To restore balance, a Chosen One must embark on a dangerous pilgrimage known as the Journey of Regeneration.
What starts as a noble quest to save their homeland quickly unravels into a complex web of deception, sacrifice, and betrayal. The group discovers that regenerating Sylvarant comes at a terrible price: it drains mana from a parallel world, Tethe’alla, plunging it into decline. Determined to break the cycle and save both worlds, Lloyd takes it upon himself to challenge the ancient powers that uphold this twisted system and he confronts painful truths about his past along the way.
Tales of Symphonia: The Animation was released in three distinct arcs. The first, Sylvarant Arc, consists of four episodes. This was followed by the Tethe’alla Arc, also comprising four episodes. The anime concludes with the three episodes of the United World Arc.
6Inuyasha
Kagome was just a typical middle school girl, until she tumbled down her family’s ancient well and found herself in feudal Japan, a time of war, chaos, and roaming youkai. There, she discovers she’s the reincarnation of Kikyo, a powerful miko, and that the legendary Shikon Jewel, a gem capable of granting immense power, was reborn within her body.
When the jewel is stolen and accidentally shattered into countless fragments,Kagome joins forces with Inuyasha, a brash half-yokai, to track down the scattered shards before they fall into the wrong hands. As if battling demons and dark forces wasn’t enough, Kagome must also juggle her duties in the past with keeping up her grades in the modern world.
5One Piece
Gold Roger, the King of the Pirates, amassed a treasure beyond imagination, the legendary One Piece, which he hid before being captured by the Marines. Just before his execution, Roger issued a daring challenge to the world: find his treasure and claim the title of Pirate King. His final words ignited the Great Pirate Era, as crews from across the seas set sail in search of glory and riches.
Among these daring pirates is Monkey D. Luffy, an easy-going adventurer with a heart as big as his ambition.Armed with a straw hatand a body made of rubber thanks to a mysterious Devil Fruit, Luffy assembles a diverse crew of misfits and dreamers. Together, the Straw Hat Pirates brave uncharted waters, face formidable foes, and chase their dreams… all in pursuit of Roger’s treasure and the chance to crown Luffy as the next King of the Pirates!
4Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is astylish blend of historical adventureand modern flair, weaving unique visuals with a hip-hop-infused soundtrack. The story follows vagrant outlaw Mugen and stoic ronin Jin, two swordsmen who have sworn to kill each other. However, their duel is put on hold when Fuu, a spirited tea waitress, saves them from execution and ropes them into a quest to find a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers.
While the series is largely episodic, each adventure immerses the trio in chaos and mayhem, exploring themes of tolerance, acceptance, and mortality. Beneath the fast-paced sword fights and slick beats lies a thoughtful commentary on life, death, and the bonds formed along the journey.
Saiyuki is a retelling of the 16th-century Chinese classic, Journey to the West, blending action, mythology, and a touch of irreverence. In this version, a dark wave of evil has swept across the land from the west, driving yokai into a violent frenzy. To stop the chaos, the enigmatic monk Genjo Sanzo is tasked with traveling to the source of the corruption, accompanied by three yokai companions: Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku.
The Saiyuki anime spans three different series, Saiyuki, Saiyuki Reload, and Saiyuki Reload Blast, chronicling the group’s dangerous journey westward. While the first two series diverged heavily from the manga, the core concept of their adventures remained intact. When Saiyuki Reload Blast arrived, it realigned the anime with the manga’s story, finally bringing longtime fans back on track… until the manga went on hiatus once more, leaving the tale unfinished. The road west is long, and Saiyuki’s fans are still waiting for that final destination.
2Dragon Ball
Originally inspired by Journey to the West, Dragon Ball follows the adventures of Son Goku, a young boy with a monkey tail who spends his days eating and hunting for more food. One day, he meets Bulma, a young woman searching fora set of magical orbsthat can summon the wish-granting dragon, Shenron. Intrigued by her quest, Goku decides to join her on her journey.
As they travel together, Goku and Bulma encounter a colorful cast of characters, including martial artists, thieves, and other strange beings. Goku undergoes intense martial arts training, participates in martial arts tournaments, and faces increasingly powerful foes, ranging from gods to aliens, eventually becoming a legendary fighter. Throughout these adventures, Goku’s strength and determination grow, propelling him into battles that not only shape his destiny but the fate of the entire universe.
1Pokemon
Pokemon is a global phenomenon that has captured the hearts of generations. For the majority of its run, the anime follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum, a young trainer on a mission to become a Pokemon Master.
With Pikachu by his side, Ash journeys far and wide, seeking to catch, train, and bond with Pokemon to build a world-class team. While the video games encourage players to “catch ‘em all,” Ash focuses on forging meaningful relationships with a select team of Pokemon… though, in his early years, his herd of Tauros certainly added some chaos. Along the way, Ash makes lifelong friends, faces tough challenges, and competes in prestigious Pokemon battles, all in the pursuit of his ultimate goal.
