Introduction : Anime has always been a treasure trove for storytelling, combining imagination, emotion, and fantasy in ways few mediums can match. Among its many themes, the legendary quest stands as a timeless favorite. These epic adventures push characters beyond their limits, introducing viewers to vast worlds, powerful enemies, and unforgettable journeys. If you love stories where heroes traverse impossible odds in pursuit of something greater, this list of 14 anime with legendary quests is for you.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009) Studio: Bones
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis: Edward and Alphonse Elric, two young alchemists, attempt to resurrect their dead mother through forbidden alchemy. The result? A catastrophic failure that costs them dearly. To restore their bodies, they embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Deep political intrigue across nations
- Ancient alchemical secrets
- Emotional weight of sacrifice and brotherhood
- Epic battles with the Homunculi and Father
Themes: Brotherhood, redemption, war, sacrifice
2. Hunter x Hunter (2011) Studio: Madhouse
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Synopsis: Gon Freecss sets out to become a Hunter and find his long-lost father. His journey leads him through dangerous exams, deadly battles, and complex moral decisions.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Multi-layered arcs like Chimera Ant and Greed Island
- Philosophical depth and character development
- Highly intelligent battles and world-building
Themes: Self-discovery, friendship, morality, survival
3. One Piece (1999 – Present) Studio: Toei Animation
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy
Synopsis: Monkey D. Luffy dreams of becoming the Pirate King. To do that, he must sail the Grand Line in search of the fabled treasure, One Piece, and gather a legendary crew along the way.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Expansive world-building
- Diverse and powerful crewmates
- Iconic villains and epic naval battles
- Deep lore surrounding the Void Century and Will of D
Themes: Freedom, loyalty, dreams, friendship
4. Naruto & Naruto: Shippuden (2002-2017) Studio: Pierrot
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Synopsis: Naruto Uzumaki is a loud, mischievous ninja with a dream of becoming Hokage. His path is marked with hardship, betrayal, and eventually, redemption.
Why It’s Legendary:
- The hero’s journey from underdog to savior
- Ninja world with unique chakra systems
- Legendary battles with Akatsuki and Ōtsutsuki
Themes: Perseverance, destiny, peace, legacy
5. Made in Abyss (2017) Studio: Kinema Citrus
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Drama
Synopsis: Riko descends into the Abyss, a massive pit filled with ancient relics and dangerous creatures, to find her mother and unlock its mysteries.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Unforgiving and mysterious setting
- Heart-wrenching story arcs
- Unique curse of the Abyss affecting adventurers
Themes: Innocence, sacrifice, the unknown, survival
6. Attack on Titan (2013-2023) Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
Genre: Action, Mystery, Fantasy
Synopsis: Humanity is on the brink of extinction, hiding behind walls to protect against monstrous Titans. Eren Yeager vows to destroy every Titan after witnessing tragedy.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Unraveling a deep, global conspiracy
- Stunning plot twists and moral complexity
- Legendary warriors and final revelations
Themes: Freedom, revenge, fate, history
7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019-Present) Studio: Ufotable
Genre: Action, Historical, Supernatural
Synopsis: After demons slaughter his family, Tanjiro Kamado becomes a demon slayer to save his sister and rid the world of evil.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Emotional core of sibling love
- Gorgeous animation and intense battles
- Journey through Japan’s demon-infested past
Themes: Love, resilience, humanity, justice
8. Vinland Saga (2019-Present) Studio: Wit Studio, MAPPA
Genre: Historical, Action, Drama
Synopsis: Thorfinn seeks revenge against the man who killed his father. His journey evolves into a philosophical and physical voyage of discovery.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Viking-inspired quest
- Realistic character transformation
- Deep moral and existential questions
Themes: Revenge, pacifism, legacy, honor
9. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012) Studio: A-1 Pictures
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Magic
Synopsis: A reimagined Arabian Nights world where young heroes explore ancient dungeons and fight to reshape the fate of nations.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Political intrigue mixed with dungeon crawling
- Unique magic systems and world-building
- Characters based on classic legends
Themes: Destiny, friendship, freedom, justice
10. Samurai Champloo (2004) Studio: Manglobe
Genre: Action, Historical, Adventure
Synopsis: Fuu recruits two samurais to help her find a mysterious “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”
Why It’s Legendary:
- Genre-blending: samurai meets hip-hop
- Episodic quest format
- Strong individual and group growth
Themes: Identity, purpose, loyalty, rebellion
11. The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019) Studio: Kinema Citrus
Genre: Fantasy, Isekai, Adventure
Synopsis: Naofumi Iwatani is transported to a parallel world and becomes the Shield Hero. Framed and betrayed, he must clear his name and save the kingdom.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Underdog narrative
- Redemption and rebuilding from the ground up
- Expansive world and layered characters
Themes: Betrayal, trust, growth, resilience
12. Dororo (2019) Studio: MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
Genre: Action, Historical, Supernatural
Synopsis: A young warrior, Hyakkimaru, whose body parts were taken by demons, travels with a thief named Dororo to reclaim them.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Vengeance tied with existential identity
- Journey of regaining humanity
- Deep emotional storytelling
Themes: Humanity, justice, loss, rebirth
13. Fairy Tail (2009-2019) Studio: A-1 Pictures, CloverWorks
Genre: Adventure, Magic, Action
Synopsis: Follow the Fairy Tail guild as they take on dangerous missions, face dark guilds, and battle ancient dragons.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Vast magical world
- Team-based quests
- Bonds between characters feel genuine
Themes: Friendship, bravery, belonging
14. Inuyasha (2000-2004) Studio: Sunrise
Genre: Adventure, Historical, Supernatural, Romance
Synopsis: Kagome is transported to feudal Japan where she meets half-demon Inuyasha. Together, they must recover shards of a powerful jewel.
Why It’s Legendary:
- Time-travel adventure
- Romance and battles blended smoothly
- Mythology-based plot
Themes: Love, fate, redemption, honor
What Makes an Anime Quest Truly Legendary? A legendary anime quest isn’t just about traveling from point A to B. It’s the transformation along the way—the battles fought, relationships formed, and truths discovered. Whether it’s spiritual growth, reclaiming honor, saving loved ones, or reshaping the world, the essence lies in the journey.
Final Thoughts These 14 anime are more than just stories—they’re odysseys of the soul, pushing characters and viewers alike to reflect on courage, loss, and triumph. If you’re hungry for tales that combine emotion with epic fantasy, start with any of these quests. You won’t be disappointed.
Which legendary quest anime is your favorite? Let us know in the comments and share your own adventure picks!