With House of the Dragon concluding its second season, fans are already yearning for something to fill the void until the next installment. The show’s unique blend of high fantasy, political drama, and personal conflict is hard to replicate, but anime offers many series with similar themes. From epic battles to intense political intrigue, here are 10 anime that capture the spirit of House of the Dragon.
1. The Twelve Kingdoms
If you’re drawn to immersive world-building like that in A Song of Ice and Fire, The Twelve Kingdoms is a must-watch. This anime follows Yoko Nakajima, a high school student thrust into a world of political intrigue and mythical kingdoms. While not as violent as Westeros, it excels in creating a rich, culturally diverse setting inspired by Chinese and Japanese history.
2. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan offers intense action, political conflict, and morally complex characters. Set in a world where humanity is fighting for survival against towering Titans, the series mirrors the high-stakes drama of House of the Dragon. Its later seasons focus heavily on political strife between nations, reminiscent of the power struggles in Westeros.
3. Record of Grancrest War
A condensed fantasy epic, Record of Grancrest War is perfect for fans of political intrigue and magical battles. It follows a young mage, Siluca, and a noble, Theo, as they fight to bring peace to their war-torn land. The series manages to pack epic battles and dramatic tension into just 24 episodes without sacrificing narrative quality.
4. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
This space opera might seem far removed from the medieval fantasy of House of the Dragon, but its deep political and ethical complexity is strikingly similar. Set in a galaxy at war between the authoritarian Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance, it explores governance, ethics, and military strategy in ways that echo the power struggles of Westeros.
5. The Elusive Samurai
Set in a politically charged era of Japanese history, The Elusive Samurai follows Hojo Tokiyuki, the last child of a fallen dynasty, as he seeks revenge and the restoration of his clan. With stunning visuals and fluid animation, this anime captures the emotional weight of political conflicts, much like House of the Dragon.
6. Heaven Official’s Blessing
This fantasy epic centers around Xie Lian, a disgraced martial god, and his entanglement with Ghost King Hua Cheng. Full of supernatural conspiracies and complex emotions, the political tension and high-stakes drama in Heaven Official’s Blessing make it a perfect choice for fans of intricate storylines.
7. Claymore
For fans of dark fantasy, Claymore offers a gritty world filled with demonic creatures and powerful female warriors. Clare, the protagonist, battles monstrous beings in a tale of vengeance and survival. Its medieval setting and intense swordplay bear striking similarities to the brutal world of Westeros.
8. Vinland Saga
Set in the Viking era, Vinland Saga explores the harsh realities of warfare and its impact on individuals, similar to the grounded, mature tone of House of the Dragon. Thorfinn’s transformation from a vengeful warrior to a man grappling with his past is one of the most compelling character arcs in anime.
9. Code Geass
Code Geass combines political intrigue with mechs and military drama. Exiled prince Lelouch leads a rebellion against the oppressive Britannian Empire, echoing the succession wars and complex power struggles seen in House of the Dragon. The series offers a thrilling mix of strategic battles and personal conflicts.
10. Berserk
If you’re looking for a dark, medieval fantasy that matches the tone of House of the Dragon, Berserk is the ultimate choice. Guts’ journey of revenge is brutal, emotional, and filled with the themes of power and ambition’s corrupting influence. Though older, the 1997 anime captures the intense, violent beauty of the story.
These anime provide a range of experiences that reflect the core elements of House of the Dragon—political intrigue, epic battles, and complex characters. For fans craving high-stakes drama and rich world-building, these series are sure to fill the gap.