Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit - Recommendations

Alt title: Seirei no Moribito

If you're looking for anime similar to Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, you might like these titles.

The Twelve Kingdoms

The Twelve Kingdoms

Yohko is nothing but ordinary. Throughout her life she has been considered an outcast, especially with a hair color not native to many in Japan, bright red. Things change for Yohko when a mysterious man named Keiki arrives and claims that she is his empress. Yohko and two friends are then taken through a vortex, and then abandoned.. in a world of demons and magic.

16 votes

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Reasons you might like The Twelve Kingdoms...

Aydan Aydan says...

They boh have strong female leads, set in a swords/shield setting, while not going all Snow White and the 7 dwarf.

greyknight79 greyknight79 says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and The Twelve Kingdoms are set in medieval times and have strong leading female characters. While Youko from Twelve Kingdoms doesn't start out strong like Balsa from Seirei no Moribito, both characters grow and change with the world around them.

Both series were based on books and have very developed worlds that are rich with history, and half the time they managed to keep my attention just by learning more about these worlds. If you enjoy good suspense and political maneuverings as well as some great action sequences then you will enjoy both of these series.

abunai abunai says...

There is a tradition in fantasy storytelling of picking familiar-but-not-quite settings. In Western fantasy, it is often a quasi-medieval setting. In anime, correspondingly, it is often a quasi-Chinese setting, or other familiar Asian country. In 12 Kingdoms, there is a strongly Chinese flavour to the fantasy universe -- whereas in Seirei no Moribito, the flavour is more Central Asian, quasi-Nepali. Both stories, however, deal with intrigue and battle, and have strong female protagonists. A liking for one is sure to produce a liking for the other.

Sheex Sheex says...

By means of storytelling, Junni Kouki and Seirei no Moribito are two peas in a pod. Though Seirei places a bit more focus on character growth in favor of world development, a relatively serious, dramatic atmosphere pervades both, and provides for a very formal experience. Both flaunt the work of very adept writers who have mastered their art, which, quite thankfully, are additionally backed by two amazing soundtracks that really capture the essence of each tale. Tack on similar medieval, feudal Japan thematics, and you really can't go wrong.

tasanime tasanime says...

Both are based on highly imaginative, successful, fantasy based fiction novels that have been adapted into beautifully executed anime pieces. If you liked one, you will surely love the other.

Dragoness Dragoness says...

Both series posses almost similar Asian-like settings, strong female leads, dramatic battes, and storytelling method. However their are obvious differences which make watching the series worth while. If you like this series, I have no doubt you'll like this as well.

WitchWillow WitchWillow says...

Seirei no Moribito like The Twelve Kingdoms has a rich fantasy setting that comes alive with each episode. In Seire no Moribito's case it is a quest tale set in fantasy Asian lands with an emphasis on responsibility and honour. But this emphasis is anything but simple. Similar themes on the duties of nobility, strong female protagonists and likeable supporting characters make these two extremely complimentary.

chamomille chamomille says...

Both series are based on legends and take place in medieval times. Both main characters Balsa and Youko are strong women who have to deal with intriques of the imperial court in order to fulfill their duty. If you liked one, you would surely like the other.

Rhesian Rhesian says...

I'll echo the previous recommendations already made.  Both have strong female warriors (from the start for Seirei and eventually in TK) as main characters who try to understand their places in their worlds.  There's also a similar naturalistic, medieval vibe in both series.

SilentWarlock SilentWarlock says...

Twelve Kingdoms and Moribito are both Asian-styled fantasy settings featuring strong female leads (or in Twelve Kingdom's case, one who becomes strong).  Both have very well developed worlds and great atmosphere.  Both are also based on novels--from my experience this usually tends to result in deeper, more interesting stories.Twelve Kingdoms is based in a very political world, and includes a fair amount of magic and demons, as well as having the main character coming from a modern-world setting.  Moribito focuses less on politics, has magic in smaller quantities, and is based entirely in it's own time-setting. 

EdtheRadical EdtheRadical says...

Both series, are great fantasy works which put alot effort into developing characters. Both are similar in that it involves main characters going outside there comfort zone and needing to make tough decisions.

Of course they both could be classified as "epic stories".

Konakaga Konakaga says...

Both Series deal with a vast fanasty world as their setting, and weave a masterful story thru that world. And both of the female leads are similiar to some degree in how they handle themselves. If you liked one of them, I'd highly recommend the other.

aktorshift2 aktorshift2 says...

They're both brilliant with the flavor of Japanese historical fiction with fantasy elements. Just watch it!

Dolphin Dolphin says...

Moribito and The Twelve Kingdoms are both extremely character-driven anime's, where the action scenes live not for themselves, but to serve the advancement of the character.

Perhaps because of their source material, Twelve Kingdoms is a bit more open-ended, with the feal of a living world and many storylines going, while Moribito is a self-contained story.  However they are both extremely well executed to keep you coming back, episode by episode till the end (or in The Twelve Kingdoms case, when the episodes run out before the end :( )

YoruMoriarti YoruMoriarti says...

Both animes are character driven and feature strong female leads. There are quite a few action sequences, but unlike in some shonen the fights serve not as a way to watch people get beat, but instead to help advance the plot.

However, 'the ending' to The 12 Kingdom's will leave you rather irritated.

Overall both are fantastic

heroicanthy heroicanthy says...

They both have great female characters and worldbuilding + a fantasy world inspired by asian mythology (rather than the run of the mill european/lotr based stuff).

Mushishi

Mushishi

It isn't unusual for a person to feel that the world around them is strange and has unexpected secrets lying just beyond their sight. However, for most people this is just an occasional sensation that greets them upon awakening or chases them into sleep. For the mushi researcher Ginko, it isn't a feeling at all; it is a knowledge which guides his travels and motivates his life. Found in the cracks between what is conceivable and what is not, are the varied life forms collectively known as mushi. They surround us and affect us, but their intensely different nature makes them unrecognizable to most. Ginko brings these life forms into perspective for the lives of those most affected and most in need of an explanation.

12 votes

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Reasons you might like Mushishi...

kawaiipie kawaiipie says...

Both Seirei and Mushishi have high quality animation and environments, and an interesting narrative. They are contemporary fantasies that are set in the past, and have similar pacing. Mushishi's plot is more circular; every episode has a different story. It's about a Mushishi named Ginko who travels around ridding people of their Mushi (invisible insect-type creatures) problems; there is a reason why he can never settle down for too long. Also, if you like Balsa as a character in Seirei, you'll like Ginko; both are competent and good at what they do.

seasong seasong says...

These two anime have a similar pacing. The main characters are both wanderers who can't settle down. Also, there is a similar balance of alternating suspence and slice-of-life. The slice-of-life feel in a fantasy anime is rare and I really enjoyed that both of these had that element and recommend it to others who enjoy the same thing.

Korosu Korosu says...

Mushishi and Seirei no Moribito take place both in a fantasy world with magical creatures and situations. And the main characters got several things in common, Ginko and Balsa are looking for something to complete their lifes, both are traveling without a fixed goal.

The structure of the plot is different, Mushishi has a new story in every chapter, and Seirei no Moribito has only one big story. But both animes got an incredible direction and editing, they are masterpieces. And both have a similar rhythm, if you liked the slowly way of developing the action of one, you will love the other too ;)

uberrig uberrig says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and Mushishi feature rich animation, wandering protagonists and unseen forces of nature that are both good and bad. The leads, Ginko in Mushishi and Balsa in Seirei no Moribito, aren't just wanderers they're singular in that they're both rather phlegmatic about anything that comes there way. They ready to accept just about anything that comes along in the course of a day and not question the validity of it's impact on 'logical thinking'. This makes them spiritual in a different way from their surrounding societies. What you get from Ginko you'll find in his female counterpart Balsa.

GuardianEnzo GuardianEnzo says...

Like Seirei no Moribito, Mushishi is a series that relays on extraordinary writing and character development rather than breakneck pacing and action.  Both are beautifully drawn and animated as well.

LovelyOne LovelyOne says...

Both series contain a fantasy element mixed with a medieval setting.  The lead characters are wise, interesting and immedietly likeable.  They conduct investigations into strange circumstances to save others and there is a similar flow about their stories.  Seirei no Moribito contains some great action, while Mushishi focuses on mostly drama.  The overall feeling of both series are the same, slow paced with moments of great intensity.  Needless to say, if you like one, try the other!

mtf05 mtf05 says...

both are fantasy set in ancient times, have amazing artwork that looks similiar in each, mushishi is episodic while Seirei no Moribito has a progressive story line

dareka dareka says...

Both Anime offers a very rich detailed environment that can absorb you. If you like the fantasy elements of one, you should also check out the other.

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both anime take a historical period piece and add a mix of fantasy. The interaction between the spirit and human realms make these animes very similar. The idea of the "Mushi" and the realm of "Nayuga" link these two anime.

adge3 adge3 says...

Both these anime focus on mature and well-developed characters. They feel genuine and so do their struggles. There is a respect for the world and for nature and the customs of the people and culture. The animation in both is beautiful and detailed, reflecting the time of feudal japan where nature is abound and humans are but a part of the world, not controlling it. The episodes flow in a similar pace, a bit slower in some parts designed for reflection on certain aspects of the show. 

I would reccomend this series towards a more mature crowd, 16+ as the themes explored fringe on unsuitable for children due to the constant death and loss and sacrifice. 

aktorshift2 aktorshift2 says...

Both series have excellent characters, and both leads face challenges where the answer is often not a set right or wrong.

Digster Digster says...

Both anime are based around marin characters with similar goals, which is to travel around and help strangers. The difference between them is that Seirei uses her skill as warrior to help people wihile Ginko uses his knowledge of Mushi(creatures that only a select few can see that often significantly influence the lives of people that unknowingly encounter them) to help. Both anime are extremely well animated with similar pacing. If you liked one, you will most likely enjoy the other  

Sword of the Stranger

Sword of the Stranger

Kotarou is a brash young orphan in war-torn Japan, on the run from mysterious pursuers with Tobimaru, his faithful canine companion. Clueless as to why anyone would want him, much less imperial warriors from mainland China, a chance encounter with a strange wandering swordsman could not be more unwelcome in Kotarou's skeptical eyes – especially when the stranger has a secret past that has caused him to seal his blade. Forced by circumstance to work together for survival, the unlikely duo forge a tenuous friendship that is threatened all too soon when Kotarou's pursuers thrust the two into a dizzying whorl of clashing ambitions between men both big and small. Will the stranger manage to overcome his past and save them both from peril with his blade?

11 votes

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Reasons you might like Sword of the Stranger...

alex14san alex14san says...

Both Mukou Hadan and Seirei no Moribito makes accent on relationship between an ex-samurai and a kid. Both have very beautiful nature landscapes (especially of autumn) and excellent fights choreography. But Stranger have more fights, blood and violence since it's a samurai action movie and Seirei no Moribito is just a fantasy tale.

ace52387 ace52387 says...

Seirei no Moribito and Stranger both follow the softening of rogue bodyguards as they travel and protect a helpless child. Visually, the trademark of both is the frenetic and beautiful action scenes. On the drama side of things, both are tales of selfless heroism fit for bedtime stories. These two titles possess everything one would look for in a martial arts epic.

GosoxJ GosoxJ says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and Stranger -Mukou Hadan- start with elite warriors taking up the task of protecting a young child. At first the children and their bodyguards regard eachother apathetically but they gradually begin to warm to one another. Both Seirei no Moribto and Stranger -Mukou Hadan- also feature intense and fast-paced fights and good animation. If you liked Seirei no Moribito or Stranger -Mukou Hadan- your sure to like the other.

poetax poetax says...

While Serei no Moribito is about a woman who protects a young prince from his family, Sword of the Stranger is a story of a man protecting a young boy from their own government. Each story is about a hardened warrior learning to care and protect someone for more than just money. Watch as both young boys learn to trust their protectors, and their protectors in tern learn to live a more filling life. The anime are so similar it is impossible to like one and not the other.

chamomille chamomille says...

Both anime are very similar - it's a sensitive story about warrior and a brave child and special relationship they develop by traveling together. If you liked one, you'd surely like the other.

Anathemus Anathemus says...

The relationship between the main characters are indeed very similar in Seirei no Moribito and Mukou Hadan, Nanashi and Balsa are both loners with amazing martial artist skills, that will encounter a helpless child in desperate need of help.

The landscape on both of these shows are also equally beautiful, some of the best I've seen in Anime, truly a must-see!

cyberanarkist1 cyberanarkist1 says...

Both these titles have common elements of a young child being protected by a rough around the edges reluctant hero with less than blatantly obvious motivations.

In both cases the hero is a highly trained loner who exhibits incredible competence at fending off , equally capable and relentless persuers intent of the capture of the hero's charge.

JAhU JAhU says...

Both Seirei no Moribito and Blade of a Stranger have a bodyguard protecting a child in their plot. Blade of a Stranger has a lot of action sequences, Moribito on the other hand relies more on dialogs and character development. However both shows have similar setting and both don't contain any anime cliches. Thats why fans of one of those anime might find the other interesting.

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both of these anime feature a lone warrior protecting a young boy from those that seek to harm him. Adventure, daring sword fights (spear fights), and some seriously sinister baddies. Where have all the good ronin gone? These two anime of course!

sympa88 sympa88 says...

They both follow the story of a wondering swords man/woman who is extremely skilled and tasked with protecting a "special" child for some reason.

There is also some mystical aspect in there too.

Inu230 Inu230 says...

There's something inside a young boy that condems him to death.

Pursued by ignorant people, protectied by a skilled adult, he learns the truth about what's inside him and the part he plays in his world.

Impressive fight sequences and sweet slow developing relationship between young boy and protector await your eyes.

Yona of the Dawn

Yona of the Dawn

In the kingdom of Kouka, Princess Yona lives a sheltered but peaceful life with her pacifist father, King II. Surrounded by attentive servants and protected by her bodyguard Hak, Yona's only difficulties in life are her unruly red hair and trying to convince her father to let her marry her cousin, Soo-wan. But on the night of her 16th birthday, Yona suddenly loses everything she holds dear and is forced to leave the castle. With no one left but Hak to defend her, Yona realizes that she must become strong if she is to survive. She embarks on a quest to find allies, and an ancient legend involving the Crimson Dragon King and his four Dragon Warriors may be her key to reclaiming her kingdom.

8 votes

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Reasons you might like Yona of the Dawn...

Nocturnalgloria Nocturnalgloria says...

Both are high fantsy anime with an ancient Asian setting in which a young member of the royalty ends up on the run and is protected by a bodyguard. The tone of these series is very similar with gorgeous period clothing, plenty of adventure and a deeper investment in character growth than is perhaps to be expected from such premises. The way the sheltered prince/princess come to experience the outside world is also handled beautifully in both. Akatsuki has a romance slant that is missing in Seirei but otherwise they very alike and well worth watching.

GrnEydDvl GrnEydDvl says...

Both of these shows feature a royal child (prince in Seirei, princess in Yoma), who is driven out of the castle and has to run for their lives.  Each of them are protected by a primary bodyguard who travels with them from the start and are incredibly loyal throughout, and other companions that they collect along the way.  The prince/princess have to learn about life's hardships and what it's like to live outside of the castle walls, and they both embrace it well and travel with their mission firmly in mind.  These are both historical shows with lots of magic and folklore as primary drivers of the plot, but the strength of the human spirit is the focus and permeates each series.  If you liked one show, I think you'll like the other.

JordanJas JordanJas says...

both feature royalty figureing out the lives of commoners ad getting stronger because of it. also both have strong female main characters

snivets snivets says...

When a noble child is forced to flee from their home and hide in the common world, what happens? Both shows start with this intial premise, and have similar-feeling fantasy worlds, influenced by historical Asia. As a bonus, both have exciting battle/fight sequences!

BookWorm4ever BookWorm4ever says...

Both stories are very similiar and different. Both main charecter were forced to flee their palace because their lives were in danger, both with 1 guard each. The main characters both know little of the outside world and are being hunted by the kingdom. Both are in historic setting and mainly use weapons such as spears, swords etc. 

KKuro KKuro says...

In a world filled with so many vapid airheads, you can't get enough good, strong, intelligent, female leads.

cimbo cimbo says...

Strong female leads. Solid character development. Great storytelling. Good for watching with kids, as well.

Kirenahana Kirenahana says...

Strong female leads, historical/fantasy setting, gripping story and interesting characters. The storylines themselves are not similar, and although Yona has the occasional cute ínteraction, neither has any ecchi or fan service, and they take themselves seriously. 

I believe that people who love Yona for the well-written story and incredible character development (and not because of the mistaken notion that this anime is somehow a reverse harem) will appreciate Moribito. 

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo is all about style, from the dj-style scratching scene changes to the hip-hop-inspired soundtrack to the eclectic character design. Mugen's fighting style is a funky meld of capoeira and limb-cutting, and Jin is the dramatic foil; he is all steel and old-school samurai style. What binds them together is the desire to test each other's abilities, and a promise to a girl named Fuu: to find the samurai that smells of sunflowers, who plays a pivotal role in her past. Together they travel through edo-era Japan, finding battle and comedy wherever they stop.

7 votes

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Reasons you might like Samurai Champloo...

norco norco says...

Both Samurai Champloo and Seirei no Moribito seem to take place in the same time period. They both have fight scenes that have excellent animation. Also, much of the character development is done through similarly styled flashbacks.

SaiAkuto SaiAkuto says...

Bothe series are about a great masters of sword which travel in order to complete a quest they have taken.They meet a lot of enemys which couses their personality to change and develope. One more similarity would be that both animes leave you with a great desire for secound seson.

poetax poetax says...

While one story centers on two male samurai protecting a girl, and the other one female samurai protecting a boy, both are very similar. Both have original choreographed fighting sequences that never become boring. They each also deal with elements of hardened characters who grow to appreciate the company of the ones they are traveling with. If you can appreciate one, you will find good parts in the other.

Nocturnalgloria Nocturnalgloria says...

Samurai Champloo and Seirei no Moribito are very unique anime that stand apart from the rest. Taking place in feudal Japan, both have to offer high production values that shine in the highly detailed landscapes and very fluid animation. The fighting scenes are pieces of careful choreography that blend with the soundtrack. While Samurai Champloo is zany and filled with pop culture references that make it deliberately anachronical, Seirei no Moribito reproduces the period rather accurately and is a sober anime about human emotions; both defy a too strict categorization in a particular genre

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both anime are set in a distinct time period of Japan. The storylines are similar. Powerful warriors protecting someone of importance on a journey of discovery. Jin (champloo) and Balsa (Seirei) are also quite similar in personality.

KiyoneSaya KiyoneSaya says...

Both series focus on unlikely individuals brought together to go on a journey to find anwers to unaswered questions. With great fight scenes and quiet moments

subparalien subparalien says...

Fantasy swordfighting and an older style of animation. Seirei no Morbito is far more supernatural, while Samurai Champloo veers into the punk. Both are a good time.

Princess Mononoke

Princess Mononoke

With the rise of the Iron Age in feudal Japan, man and nature grow increasingly at odds. As mankind infringes more and more into the kingdom of the beasts, many of the elder animal gods begin to succumb to their rage, cursing themselves as they lash out at rural and urban settlements alike. When a young Ashitaka, hero of his village, is imparted with one of these curses after slaying a crazed god, he forces himself into exile to prevent further harm to his village. As he ventures out into the world, however, he discovers just how dire the straights have become - with man and beast ready to break into all out war, his curse becomes the least of his problems. As both sides teeter dangerously on the side of outright slaughter of one another, Ashitaka sets his own problems aside and, using his charisma and honor, seeks to quell the hatred before it gets beyond repair - but will he be in time or is he simply delaying the inevitable?

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Princess Mononoke...

VivisQueen VivisQueen says...

These anime share a same sort of 'feel'. That is, if it is the touch of mythology (spirits, shamanic magic) that you enjoyed about the one, then you will find that same sort of treatment in the other. I believe the general era setting in both is quite similar too, with sprawling grassland/forest beautifully contrasted with busy and detailed towns in a similar fashion. Action in both is treated with beauty and very fast-paced. The theme of nature and humans being in conflict is evident in both too, while more prominent in Princess Mononoke. As for differences, I'd say Seirei no Moribito has a more mature look

Gumby Gumby says...

Seirei and Princess Mononoke have wonderfully vibrant and lush animated environments. Both stories are set in fantastical worlds and involve the struggle between humanity and nature to control the land. The protagonists walk the line between the two, slowly unraveling the larger motives behind each side. Each is solid in every respect.

Sheex Sheex says...

Seirei no Moribito is basically Mononike-hime in series, rather than movie, format. In addition to being animation masterpieces, both share a very serious, relatively accurate portrayal of realistic feudal Japan weaved with light mysticism; though Mononoke-hime gives its supernatural elements slightly more emphasis. Given their huge number of similarities in thematics and presentation, if you enjoyed one the other is a guaranteed hit, most especially if you enjoy the portrayal of iron age Japanese history.

giantsquid giantsquid says...

Both have great-looking, vivid animation and nice action sequences/fighting.  Both also have strong female lead characters.

tikkymykk tikkymykk says...

They both radiate with a certain atmosphere that can't be explained with words, you just gotta see it yourself. I've seen Mononoke for the first time like 10 years ago, and i watch it every now and then, but as soon as i finished first few episodes of seirei i immediately thought of mononoke. It feels like two sides of a coin. Strongly recommend. Peace out <3

Claymore

Claymore

In times of olde, humans live in constant fear of demons known as yoma. These vicious creatures can take the appearance and memories of humans they have devoured, thus blending into society as they freely feast on human flesh. The key to stopping the yoma lies with the tolerated yet feared Claymores - women who are half-demon, half-human, and fully fated to become the demons that they hunt. Meanwhile, in a village, the young Raki has been banished; his only crime was losing his family to the yoma. Raki is drawn to a Claymore named Clare, and together their journey begins. While Clare fights the yoma plaguing the land, can Raki help her in her struggle to retain her humanity?

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Claymore...

aspasia aspasia says...

Both shows feature a stoic female warrior who suddenly finds herself caring for a young boy. Themes of motherhood abound. Also, both Seirei and Claymore have compelling themes and excellent character development. And for fans of kickass action, there is plenty to be had. I highly recommend them both.

poetax poetax says...

Both anime are about a young boy who travels with an older swords-woman. The woman originally hardened through battle becomes softer as the series continues. Fighting, blood, battles, and the search for love are important to each. If you like Serei no Moribito, then you are sure to like Claymore

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Take a strong female fighter whose life was given to her by another fighter, and give her a young, inexperienced boy to protect. Apart from era and setting, these two anime are identical, with a mixture of the supernatural and fighting sequences.

chaybear chaybear says...

If you're like me, then when you're watching fantasy style anime, the last thing you want is cheesiness. I think both of these shows have done well to avoid that. There's nothing more disappointing than getting really into the moment only to be ripped back out of it by a corny character or joke or facial expression. Balsa and Clare are two characters I can enjoy taking seriously.

KiyoneSaya KiyoneSaya says...

An unlikely pair of warior woman and a boy y are thrusted together. Both women i nthe series have similar upbringings that have compelled them to protect a boy among all else.

Kurenai

Kurenai

To make money, high school student Shinkurou Kurenai works for the secretive Benika as a "dispute mediator," acting to intervene in the disputes of clients – often violently. One day, Benika gives him a much different assignment: to protect Murasaki Kuhoin, a seven-year-old girl from the wealthy Kuhoin family. This turns out to be a more troublesome task than he expects, as Murasaki is spoiled, naive, and completely unaware of what life is like outside of the luxurious one she had previously. He also has no idea why Murasaki needs his protection, though he is slowly obtaining details from a well-informed classmate. Adding to his problems, Shinkurou still must continue to do his previous work for Benika and take care of his social relationships in school while protecting Murasaki, complicating his entire life. Nonetheless, as time passes, he and Murasaki grow close; however, trouble brews in the shadows as everyone - including Shinkurou - seems to be harboring secrets...

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Kurenai...

Worosei Worosei says...

Both have the older person taking care of the younger person. Both have action, and caters more to the characters' growth and development.

Chagum and Murasaki are stubborn kids who come from very aristocratic families as they are thrust into a new world where they must adapt to conditions around them. Shinkuro is also a bit of a younger Balsa, and both end up having a deep caring for their wards and what's best for their ward.

Kurenai is much more slice of life set in a modern (yet different) setting, where Seirei no Moribito branches off into a fantastical direction.

Nocturnalgloria Nocturnalgloria says...

Plot-wise, Kurenai and Seirei no Moribito are similar: both tell the story of a bodyguard who must protect a young child whose powerful family puts him/her in danger. But there is more that ties these titles together such as the unique dynamics between the protected child and the protector who establish a bond of friendship and dedication. With a realistic art direction these anime stray far from clichés and offer an interesting character study as well as a social comment on current Japan (in Kurenai's case) and on Feudal times (Seirei no Moribito). Fans of one are strongly advised to give the other a try.

Releashi Releashi says...

They share a similar basic premise 'common' body guard protects noble child and their relationship develops.

In many ways they compliment each other, where Kurenai is weak; the slightly unoriginal story, undeveloped setting and lacklustre fight scenes Seirei no Moribito is stronger; the setting was more developed and story although not earth shartteringly original was more detailed and fleshed out, the fight scenes were astounding well down and good pieces of story telling in their own right.

I would argue that although not necessarily more likeable the main characters of Kurenai are more detailed and real while despite thinking Balsa one of my favourite characters she seems flatter in comparison. 

PlatapusSpasmAK47 PlatapusSpasmAK47 says...

Kurenai is about the relationship between a little girl and an older guy who has to protect her. Sound familiar? You should definetly check kurenai out, as it shares the same basic principles as serei no moribito. It also has a similar feel to this anime, although it is a tad bit more light hearted.

Rilkar Rilkar says...

Both shows are about someone who becomes a surrogate parent for a child and has to protect that child. And both shows have a lot of action. If you like one you should watch the other.

Erin

Erin

In the war against neighboring countries, the Grand Duke’s warriors use dragon-like beasts called Touda as weapons. Touda are admired across the nation and villages take great pride in breeding them. Erin lives in one such village with her mother, Soyon, who is the best beastinarian in the country. However, life in the village is not so straightforward: Soyon is also an Ariyo, a woman of the Mist People - a race that is feared by humans for its mystical abilities. So that she and Erin can stay in the village, Soyon must flawlessly fulfill her duty capturing and disciplining the Touda; but while Erin wants nothing more than to become a beastinarian, she also feels sorry for the Touda and recognizes that there’s far more to them than meets the eye. Can Erin ever become an ordinary beastinarian when her deepest instincts tell her there is a better way to interact with the Touda?

5 votes

I agree

Reasons you might like Erin...

Szwagier Szwagier says...

The main character in both animes is a young kid (girl in Erin, boy in Seirei) who holds some sort of special power. For a various reasons both childs are separated from their real parents and live in a place hidden from the main problems of their country ( intrigues, wars, draught etc. )

In both shows there is a medieval oriental society, and some of the side characters are gathered at the royal court.

And of course both shows are made by the same stuff, so there is similar mood, pace and drawing style (though Erin is more childish at times )

kenikki kenikki says...

These shows each feature a child that gets taken from their home, learns various things on their journey and is of some sort of interest to the rulers of the lands. Not to metion that they're both written by the same person.

VivisQueen VivisQueen says...

Seirei no Moribito and Kemono no Souja Erin will appeal to the same fans because of their steadily-paced, character-focused, and lore-heavy approach to portraying the interrelationship between humans and nature. Seirei no Moribito has the added attraction of some great fight scenes and spectacular animation, but Kemono no Souja Erin is also adorably unassuming. Oh, and both are based by books of the same author, Nahoko Uehashi.

tekniq tekniq says...

After watching both animes (I saw Seirei a few years before Erin); I immediately thought of the other after getting into the story line.  They are not so similar in premise that you feel like you're getting the same thing with different characters but familar enough in the sense that you enjoy the watch.

Seirei is more action based and centralizes two character's relationship with each other where Erin involves many different arcs and story line progressions.  

They are both set in feudal times so the feel of the story's universe are simalar.  If you liked one, consider checking out the other for a change of pace yet familar watch.  

monalisaclaire monalisaclaire says...

Both have a historical, rural setting with complex characters struggling with loss and learning to tap into their own power. Both stories are peaceful and gently paced. Both have strong female characters. 

Tales from Earthsea

Tales from Earthsea

In the lush fantasy world of Earthsea, dragons and humans no longer live together as one due to the greed of humanity. It is in this world that the young Prince Arren lives – a young man who is dejected, tormented, and afraid of the ultimate goal of life: death. After killing his father and stealing an heirloom sword forged by magic, Arren sets forth with his trusty steed into the unknown countryside, experiencing the joys and darkness of mankind. Along with the powerful mage Sparrowhawk, an unlikely friend and his own personal angst, Arren must rediscover his desire to live while evil forces threaten his precious life's existence.

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Reasons you might like Tales from Earthsea...

Xen Xen says...

In both Gedo Senki and Seirei no Moribito, a young prince escapes to save his life and matures while living a life as a commoner. Throw in a magician, exotic settings, dark spirits and a smidgeon of philosophy to get an exciting fantasy adventure in each anime.

werelyan werelyan says...

Seirei no Moribito and Gedo Senki are both anime based on outstanding fantasy novels, even the main plot and ideas are very similar. If you liked one, you should give the other one a try. Enjoy!

uliba uliba says...

Both anime are adaptations of two long series of fantasy novels. The fantasy element is very beautifully portrayed with artistic novelties (e.g. the sketch effect on Earthsea, 3d scenes in Seirei no Moribito), ethnic traditions, astonishing landscapes and ethnic music.

The plots have a very common element: the main characters try to follow a peaceful life but there is always trouble ahead. Also their dilemmas are not conventional at all as well as the storylines.

hamletsmage hamletsmage says...

Both anime involve a prince who learns by living as a commoner. Both princes have the guidance of an experienced older person, Balso and Sparrowhawk. And both face tremedous odds.

Both anime have a well balanced mixture of fantasy and philosophy.