Holo, a powerful wolf deity, is reduced to a mere folktale in her world. She meets Lawrence, a traveling merchant who makes her his new business partner and promises to take her to her homeland of Yoitsu. Although Lawrence is more interested in opening a shop, his adventure with Holo spirals into something he least expected. ..
If you’re having trouble finding anime that’s similar to Spice & Wolf, we’ve found 10 alternate shows that’ll give you a similar experience.
We’ve reviewed a number of anime this year, and we wanted to share with you our thoughts on each one. If you’re looking for a new anime to watch, be sure to check out our full reviews of the series.
- The Crown
- Stranger Things
- Game of Thrones
- The Mindy Project
- Veep
- Silicon Valley
- The Good Place
- Master of None
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- The Mindy Project
Maoyu
Similarities – Setting & Romance
This anime features a well-paced and engaging story that mixes history and agriculture. The romance between the characters in Maoyu feels authentic and not rushed. The story is well-paced, with interesting plot twists that keep you engaged.
The characters in Maoyu and Spice & Wolf are charming and somewhat humorous. They explore realistic issues involving war, politics, and other economy-related matters. Maoyu leans more into those subjects than Spice & Wolf, since our characters are at the cusp of those dilemmas. However, fans of the books will find Maoyu as entertaining and intriguing as Spice & Wolf.
In a conflict between humans and demons, the Hero fights to stop the war. He becomes infatuated with the Demon Queen, but she seeks his help to stop the war. After pondering, he accepts. ..
These remarks convince the Hero to work alongside the Demon Queen as the anime follows their journey to end the war.
Katanagatari
Similarities – Absorbing Dialogue & Character Relationships
Katanagatari is a beautiful and emotionally-driven series that will leave a lasting impression on many Spice & Wolf fans. The witty dialogue and charming interactions between Holo and Lawrence make for an enjoyable read, and the visuals are stunning.
The partnership between Katangatari’s protagonists, Shichika and Togame, mirrors the relationship between Holo and Lawrence. These characters will grow fond of one another after each event, activity, and situation they endure. The growth never feels rushed and is paced wonderfully to make their later companionship feel satisfying and emotional.
Katanagatari’s storyline occasionally treads similar ground, making the plot feel predictable and bland. The story also centers around the history of ninjas, while Spice & Wolf feels more grounded in realism despite its slight supernatural influences regarding Holo’s god-like roots. ..
Katanagatari is a great anime that is full of action and excitement. The story is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Log Horizon
Similarities – Fantasy & Politics
Log Horizon is set in a world where MMORPGs are reality, and the show follows the adventures of a group of players who are forced to join the game’s governing body, the Guild. The Guild is made up of powerful characters from the game, and they use their positions to manipulate and control the players. Log Horizon explores themes like war, politics, and power dynamics. ..
Log Horizon takes place in an online role-playing game, which gives it a more fantastical feel than Spice & Wolf. Characters in the series indulge in similar trading, discussion, and shopping routines as Lawrence does in Spice & Wolf.
Elder Tale is a popular MMORPG that players can explore for hours on end. Shiroe, a new player, is stuck inside the game with a few other players. He embraces his new lifestyle and embarks on a quest to seek more knowledge about his new home. Unbeknownst to Shiroe, he’ll encounter many friends and enemies along the way. He hopes to bring peace to one of the game’s prominent locations called Akihabara.
Crest of the Stars
Similarities – Romance & Characters
Spice & Wolf is set in a farming village, while Crest of the Stars is set in a galactic empire. Both anime start slow but use their sluggish pacing to build upon the relationship between their two lead protagonists. ..
Jinto Linn is a powerful being who has the power to rewrite reality. He is the head of the Abh Empire and is responsible for attacking humanity. The Four Nations Alliance, made up of humanity’s best warring nations, must stop Jinto from rewriting reality and destroying everything. They use their skills and knowledge to fight against Jinto and his empire.
Jinto must learn the ways of Abh’s nobility and live amongst those who conquered his people in order to build a relationship with Lafiel, the princess who assists him. The anime will have two different story arcs, one that focuses on the war and another that focuses on Jinto’s interactions with Lafiel. ..
Fans of the anime will enjoy the interactions between Lafiel and Jinto. While their conversations don’t stray into witty remarks or humorous banter, the anime hones in on the bond between them. Lafiel displays similar energy as Holo whenever she’s around Jinto. However, Lafiel displays more socially awkward character traits in comparison.
Mushishi
Similarities – Themes & Mood
Lawrence is not the only one who has a doppelgänger in Mushishi. Lafiel, the android clone of Holo, shares many similar characteristics with Ginko, the human doppelgänger of Mushishi’s protagonist, Ginko. Both characters are calm and perceptive, and they enjoy traveling and discovering new things. They will meet many people during their journey and have a profound impact on their lives. ..
Mushishi is set in a fantastical world that has a similar calm and majestic presence to the world of Spice & Wolf. The fantastical elements used in Mushishi never feel overbearing, as the anime intertwines its mythical and folk tale-like qualities with its natural setting successfully. Everything from its lush forests to wildlife feels and looks majestic. ..
This anime is a great way to relax and enjoy its beautiful visuals and Ginko’s interactions with everyone he stumbles across.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride
Similarities – Romance, Fantasy, Atmosphere
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is full of magical and romantic elements. In some ways, it feels like another interpretation of Beauty and the Beast. While its protagonists Chise and Eins have a strong mentor and student relationship going on throughout the show, it later devolves into something romantic as with Lawerence and Holo.
At the same time, The Ancient Magus’ Bride leans more into its fantasy elements than Spice & Wolf does. Viewers can expect Eins and Chise to encounter many mythical creatures from pixies to antagonistic magicians. While these foes aim to make these two suffer, they unknowingly strengthen the bond between them.
This show is amazing! It was made by the same studio that made Attack On Titan and Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. The colors are vibrant, and the animation is very well done. I would definitely recommend watching it.
Death Note
Similarities – Character Dynamics
Death Note is a manga series written and drawn by Death Note author Katsuhiro Otomo. It tells the story of Light, a high school student who is accused of writing a death note that kills people in the school. The manga was published in Japan between 2006 and 2009. Spice & Wolf is an anime series created by Production I.G. It tells the story of a group of wolves who live in a world where humans are extinct and they must find food to survive. The anime was aired between 2009 and 2013.
In Spice & Wolf, Light and L are two characters who constantly outwit each other. They also have a higher power that helps them achieve their goals. In the notes, it seems like Light is trying to become a world ruler like Lawrence. ..
In order to complete his mission, Lawerence enlistes the help of the supernatural deity-like figure Holo. Holo provides him with some witty jokes, but their relationship develops into a stronger connection as the series continues. Furthermore, Spice & Wolf and Death Note present fans with highly intellectual topics that will require them to ponder.
We’re excited to share our thoughts on Death Note in our full-season review here! In the first season, we loved the way the show explored the dark side of human nature and how it affects relationships. We also enjoyed the way Death Note introduced us to new characters and their stories. Overall, we thought Death Note was a great show that we recommend for fans of dark crime fiction.
Toradora
Similarities – Slice of Life, Comedy, Romance
The series follows Ryuuji and Taiga as they try to find love in a world where love is not possible. Ryuuji is determined to find Taiga, even if it means going through the pain of being rejected by her friends. Taiga is determined to find a way to make things work with Ryuuji, even if it means sacrificing everything she loves.
The two main characters in this story must come up with creative schemes to impress their interests. Taiga and Ryuuji’s romance is gradually developing, but Toradora takes time to reach its destined conclusion. This allows the romance to feel genuine and impactful.
This show is a hilarious romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud. Ryuuji and Taiga often find themselves in hilarious situations, and the former makes for some great entertainment. If you’re looking for an anime that’s both entertaining and funny, then this one is definitely worth watching.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Similarities – Characters
This anime is about a girl named Haruhi who lives in a small town in Japan. She is always looking for something to make her life better, but she never seems to find anything. One day, she comes across a book called “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.” This book has the ability to change someone’s life for the better. The characters in this anime are so likable and they make you feel like you are part of their world. The ending is very satisfying and it makes you want to watch the next episode right away.
That said, fans shouldn’t expect Haruhi and her friends to travel a lot in this show. While there are moments in the series where our cast heads out to distant locations, it’s less adventurous compared to Holo and Lawrence’s travels. On the other hand, the activities Haruhi and her companions partake in are more relatable and close to home. ..
Haruhi Suzumiya is a popular girl who gets involved in many hilarious scenarios. Her male protagonist Kyon has a serious and mature demeanor that will remind viewers of Lawerence.
Kyon is a huge fan of Lawerence’s characters, and he’ll feel right at home with Haruhi’s antics since he’ll be viewing them through her perspective.
Eden of the East
Similarities – Subtle Mystery & Romance
Eden of the East is a well-balanced show that introduces multiple complex topics. The second half of the show suffers from resolutions feeling rushed. ..
Our story follows Saki, a young woman who finds herself in the company of Akira, a man with amnesia. She befriends him and learns that he’s a terrorist with a lot of money. Saki is unaware of the dangers that come with befriending him.
Spice & Wolf is a mystery anime that follows the adventures of a group of friends who travel to different parts of the world. While Eden of the East feels more dangerous in comparison, it provides enough stand-out elements to warrant fans’ speculation and curiosity. The show is also willing to touch upon subjects like murder and terrorism, which makes it an enjoyable watch for those who are interested in learning more about these topics.
- Attack on Titan
- Fullmetal Alchemist
- Naruto
- One Piece
- Death Note
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
- Cowboy Bebop
- Wolf’s Rain
- Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
- Death Note: The Last Name ..
Our picks for the best laptops for students are based on our research and personal experience. We took into account features, performance, and price to come up with our recommendations. Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below!
