Anime don’t always have to be set in Japan, even if the medium originated there. Many stories are set in Europe, or at least a fictionalized version of it. They feature European aesthetics, characters with European names, and references to European culture. While some are quite old now, they have aged well, are considered masterpieces, and must be on everyone’s watch list.
These anime series don’t just borrow elements from European cultures. Some are even based in countries such as Germany or France, and include historical events. Moreover, there are a variety of genres covered by European anime, from dramas to thrillers to classic battle shonen.
Monster Offers a Grounded Narrative in Late 20th Century Germany
Monster rapidly grew in popularity as one of the greatest murder mystery anime, and even rivaled the reputation of Death Note. The entire appeal of Naoki Urasawa’s story is that he doesn’t use any supernatural elements to heighten the stakes. The characters, the plot, and the world are all grounded in reality.
Set in late 20th-century Germany, Monster involves one of the most gripping murder mysteries in anime, and a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase that challenges morality and ethics. The narrative follows Kenzo Tenma, a kind and well-respected neurosurgeon, who loses his reputation after saving the life of a young Johan Liebert instead of the mayor.
However, years later, after several murders, Tenma realizes he showed mercy towards a serial killer. Throughout Monster, Tenma tries to repent for his action by hunting Johan down himself. Johan’s background also exposes a darker conspiracy. It’s not a traditional redemption story fans would expect, and Germany winds up being the perfect backdrop for it.
The Rose of Versailles Features Famous French Figures
Riyoko Ikeda’s The Rose of Versailles has a distinct style and complex narrative of politics and sexuality. It follows two main protagonists: Marie Antoinette, the reigning Queen of France, and Oscar François de Jarjayes, the commander of the Royal Guards at the Palace of Versailles.
Through them, the story discusses gender identity, navigating patriarchal power systems, and female independence. Oscar is widely regarded as one of the best-written protagonists in anime.
The Rose of Versailles is a semi-biography of Marie Antoinette, as some events of the series are historically accurate to her reign but dramatized, while Oscar is an original character. It’s a gripping political thriller about the French Revolution through the eyes of Oscar, who was raised as a man from birth by her father.
Berserk Depicts Medieval Europe with Dark, Detailed Art
Arguably the darkest and most disturbing anime in history, Berserk’s setting is heavily reminiscent of medieval Europe. The Kingdom of Midland draws inspiration from Denmark and France. The Gothic architecture suits the brutal storyline and enhances the dread and despair Kentaro Miura conveys through his characters.
The story follows Guts, a warrior who joins Griffith and his Band of the Hawk, leading to a complex web of drama and one harsh trial after another. Griffith’s eventual betrayal is one of the most unforgettable in anime, lighting the spark of the grotesque events that follow.
Berserk doesn’t shy away from depicting violence and gore that would make even the most seasoned horror fan flinch. Guts’ story as the main protagonist is complex and traumatic, but his journey and emotional conflict justify his path. Berserk isn’t for everyone, but it still remains among the greatest dark fantasy anime.
Vinland Saga Authentically Portrays Norse Culture Without Mythology
Although the adaptation came out recently, Vinland Saga deserves its flowers for its accurate depiction of Norse culture and history, particularly their society’s obsession with honor, legacy, and glory. While most media focus on Norse mythology and legends, Vinland Saga is deeply rooted in realism and the tragedy of war.
It doesn’t portray violence and a character’s obsession with vengeance as some blaze of glory, but rather as traumatic and consequential to their arcs. Thorfinn’s journey of redemption is one of the best executed and most memorable arcs in anime.
The young Icelandic warrior’s thirst for revenge against Askeladd, killing innocents in his path, evolves into pacifism. After Askeladd’s death, Thorfinn is thrown into slavery, haunted by nightmares of the people he killed, and loses his purpose. He begins to atone for his actions by seeking to create a land of peace. Vinland Saga, at its core, is a layered and captivating narrative of forgiveness.
A classic anime that is a favorite of many fans, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece with no weak arcs and nothing but well-written characters. The setting of Amestris has a unique style, from the architecture to the character designs, and it draws from 20th century European industrial society. The storyline even mirrors the era’s political environment and geopolitics.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, trying to correct their grave mistake after suffering the terrible consequences of attempting human transmutation. The two uncover a deeply twisted plot, led by a hidden mastermind known as Father. What makes Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood a true classic, however, are the life lessons about grief, taking responsibility, and accepting the limitations of human life.
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