Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin (2024)

Title: Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: July 6, 2024
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: P.A. Works
Director: Masayuki Yoshihara
Starring: Naomi Oozora, Takashi Narumi, Ryota Yano


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the game, or farming anime.

What is this about?
A lazy goddess is banished to an island infested with demons along with some humans.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
The Isle of Demons, Lofty Realm, Yanato.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the game is one of my all-time favorites.

How did I like this?
It's hard to determine how much I liked this based purely off the anime, or what was triggering my feelings from playing the game. Either way, I did enjoy it and definitely did cry.

Have you seen Sakuna? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal - Season 3 (2016)

Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: April 4, 2016
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Toei Animation
Director: Chiaki Kon
Starring: Kotono Mitsuishi, Ryou Hirohashi, Kenji Nojima


Who would I recommend this to?
Sailor Moon fans and those who want more magical girls.

What is this about?
A group of magical girls must face an enemy dead set on destroying Earth.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever after the first two seasons.

Where does it take place?
Tokyo, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I love Sailor Moon. Now, to prepare for Cosmos.

How did I like this?
My favorite season! I love the outer guardians so much! And Chibiusa isn't the worst anymore!

Have you seen Sailor Moon Crystal? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal - Season 2 (2015)

Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 17, 2015
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Toei Animation
Director: Munehisa Sakai
Starring: Kotono Mitsuishi, Ryou Hirohashi, Kenji Nojima


Who would I recommend this to?
Sailor Moon fans and those who want more magical girls.

What is this about?
A group of magical girls must protect future Earth.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever after the first season.

Where does it take place?
Tokyo, Japan in the 30th century and present.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I love Sailor Moon. Now, to prepare for Cosmos.

How did I like this?
I don't think I loved it as much as the first time, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Chibiusa is still the worst though! I am fully team Usagi and all of her emotional ragey feelings!

Have you seen Sailor Moon Crystal? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal - Season 1 (2014)

Title: Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Crystal
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: July 5, 2014
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Toei Animation
Director: Munehisa Sakai
Starring: Kotono Mitsuishi, Ryou Hirohashi, Kenji Nojima


Who would I recommend this to?
Sailor Moon fans and those who want more magical girls.

What is this about?
A group of girls realize they are protectors of a missing princess and the legendary silver crystal.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Tokyo, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because I love Sailor Moon. Now, to prepare for Cosmos.

How did I like this?
I don't think I loved it as much as the first time, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. It's so different than the original anime, but does follow the manga more closely.

Have you seen Sailor Moon Crystal? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

House of the Dragon - Season 2 (2024)

Title: House of the Dragon
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 1 hour
Release Date: June 16, 2024
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: Home Box Office
Creator(s): Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin
Starring: Emma D'Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Matt Smith


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season and GoT.

What is this about?
A battle for the crown. With dragons.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season, or in two years, so it's fresh for season 3.

Where does it take place?
Westeros.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first season.

How did I like this?
Honestly, this season was pretty boring. I feel like nothing happened, and it was all set up for things to come. It definitely had some good and intense moments, like one episode that had me bawling. But for the most part, I wasn't invested in what was going on. It was all too slow.

Have you seen House of the Dragon? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Vampire Academy - Season 1 (2022)

Title: Vampire Academy
Rating: TV-MA
Run Time: 47 minutes
Release Date: September 15, 2022
Genre(s): Series, Fantasy, Drama
Production Co.: My So-Called Company
Creator(s): Marguerite MacIntyre, Julie Plec
Starring: Sisi Stringer, Daniela Nieves, Kieron Moore


Who would I recommend this to?
No one.

What is this about?
A secret vampire world under attack by evil vampires.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
I was wondering the same thing...

Why did I decide to watch this?
The book series is my absolute favorite.

How did I like this?
It's sooo bad! Like, as an adaption it's horrendous and messy. They took plot points from every book and mixed them with some original content, and it's a mess. Even as its own standalone thing, it's messy, and inconsistent, and I was left with too many questions. And not the type that would be answered in the nonexistent following seasons. Just basic questions about the world and who these people are and where/when this is set and why?!?!?! 

But it was entertaining enough that I made it all the way through, so yay?

Have you seen Vampire Academy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fluffy Paradise (2024)

Title: Fluffy Paradise
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 7, 2024
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: EMT Squared
Director: Junichi Kitamura
Starring: Ai Kakuma, Genki Ookawa, Taketora


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for something cute and adventurous.

What is this about?
A woman is reincarnated into a fantasy world where all animals and monsters love her.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Asdyllon.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked really cute.

How did I like this?
It's cute, but not as cute as I was expecting. This definitely leans more toward the fantasy politics side rather than the cute girl petting cute animals side.

Have you seen Fluffy Paradise? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure (2022)

Title: Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure
Rating: PG
Run Time: 16 minutes
Release Date: August 25, 2022
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: dwarf
Director: Masahito Kobayashi
Starring: Mikako Tabe, Reina Ueda, Atsushi Miyauchi


Who would I recommend this to?
Cuddly stop motion fans.

What is this about?
Rilakkuma and friends spend a day at an amusement park.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
Nakasugi Park.

Why did I decide to watch this?
The first season was really cute and I wanted more.

How did I like this?
It was so cute! I'm also just a sucker for any story that takes place on a single day, and this day was chaotic and fun for everybody!

Have you seen Rilakkuma's Theme Park Adventure? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Rilakkuma and Kaoru (2019)

Title: Rilakkuma and Kaoru
Rating: PG
Run Time: 11 minutes
Release Date: April 19, 2019
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: dwarf
Director: Mashito Kobayashi
Starring: Mikako Tabe, Mai Kanazawa


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for cute stop-motion animation, or cute things in general.

What is this about?
A woman going through life's ups and downs, except she has adorable bears to teach her life lessons.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a cozy evening.

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked seriously adorable and I wanted to find out about Rilakkuma.

How did I like this?
It's super cute and cozy and wholesome! I was not expecting horror though?! But cozy horror, and just one episode.

Have you seen Rilakkuma and Kaoru? What did  you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Yona of the Dawn - OVA (2015-16)

Title: Yona of the Dawn - OVA
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: September 18, 2015
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Starring: Hiro Shimono, Chiwa Saitou, Masakazu Morita


Who would I recommend this to?
Yona of the Dawn fans or those were were iffy on it.

What is this about?
Backstories of the Four Dragons.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the main season.

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Kouka.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the main series well enough, and it was short.

How did I like this?
These three episodes are the best of the series! They should have been part of the main season! They're kind of sad, but I felt like I really got to know these characters so much better!

Have you seen Yona of the Dawn? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Yona of the Dawn (2014-15)

Title:  Yona of the Dawn
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Starring: Chiwa Saitou, Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of girl-led adventures.

What is this about?
A young princess must learn to fight to take back her kingdom.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Kouka.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded good.

How did I like this?
It did get off to a bit of a rough start with Yona being a shouty heroine, and in fact, lots of characters were quite shouty. But it tones down as the story moves along and gets more serious. I really liked seeing how Yona was able to remain determined without ever becoming cruel, which is what drew her companions to her.

Have you seen Yona of the Dawn? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

My Lady Jane (2024)

Title: My Lady Jane
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 50 minutes
Release Date: June 27, 2024
Genre(s): Historical, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Parkes/MacDonald Image Nation
Creator: Gemma Burgess
Starring: Emily Bader, Edward Bluemel, Anna Chancellor


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like fun.

What is this about?
History is rewritten to be more fantastical and fun and horny.

When would be a good time to watch this?
ASAP.

Where does it take place?
1553 London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I've been interested in the books forever, but never got around to them.

How did I like this?
This is so much fun! It's not what I was expecting at all, in a great way! It's hilarious and exciting and horny! It's an all around amazing time!

Have you seen My Lady Jane? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Sasaki and Peeps (2024)

Title: Sasaki and Peeps
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: January 5, 2024
Genre(s): Fantasy, Anime, Series
Production Co.: SILVER LINK.
Director: Mirai Minato
Starring: Aoi Yuuki, Tomokazu Sugita, Naomi Oozora


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes cute animal companions and magical action.

What is this about?
A salaryman decides to get a pet, and winds up with a magical bird who gets him dragged into some intrigue in his world and a magical realm.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon.

Where does it take place?
Tokyo and the Kingdom of Hertz.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked super fun!

How did I like this?
It's so cute! And different than how I expected, but in a good way. Sasaki loves cute animals and that is adorable! Peeps just a cute little guy! And there's plenty of action, but nothing too over-the-top. I'm general a sucker for someone using modern tech/items/knowledge to start a posh life in a fantasy world.

Have you seen Sasaki and Peeps? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-24)

Title: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Anime, Series
Production Co.: Madhouse
Director: Keiichirou Saitou
Starring: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Chiaki Kobayashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for something cozy, but still with moments of excitement.

What is this about?
A thousand-year-old elf mage goes on a journey.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you're in a cozy mood.

Where does it take place?
An unnamed fantasy world, all across it.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked good and is popular.

How did I like this?
 I really enjoyed it. The more bloody scenes caught me off guard, but overall this is really chill and cozy. It's quite slow paced, but never boring. I want to be Frieren when I grow up.

Have you seen Frieren? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light (1988)

Title: Fashion Lala: The Story of the Harbour Light
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 48 minutes
Release Date: March 11, 1988
Genre(s): Anime, Drama, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Motosuke Takahashi
Starring: Yuriko Yamamoto, Eriko Hara, Hidekatsu Shibata


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who enjoy cheesy '80s anime and cute stuff.

What is this about?
A young girl wants to design dresses for an upcoming dance competition, but her family is mean!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have a free moment for brain candy.

Where does it take place?
I don't know, actually....

Why did I decide to watch this?
A friend posted about it and I thought it looked cute!

How did I like this?
This was sooo delightfully '80s! It was definitely cheesy, but it was fun. And a nice way to pass some time. It's definitely something I would have watched as a kid and then thought I dreamed up.

Have you seen Fashion Lala? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Wish (2023)

Title: Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever.

What is this about?
A king holds onto wishes and a girl wants to take them back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you run out of other Disney movies.

Where does it take place?
Rosas.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney.

How did I like this?
It's fine. Mostly, it just has no direction. Like, it has no idea what it wants to be. For example, the double animation style. I love them both, but not together. It made it hard to know where to look, and at times kind of gave me motion sickness. Then there's this awesome ballad, but why is sung between the king and Asha?!?!? Asha thinks everyone should be able to have the chance to see their wish fulfilled, but the king points out that some wishes could wind up badly, but this dichotomy is never explored. There's a lot of little things like that, which are great, but don't fit.

Have you seen Wish? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Interspecies Reviewers (2020)

Title: Interspecies Reviewers
Rating: R
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 11, 2020
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Comedy, Fantasy
Production Co.: Passione
Director: Yuuki Ogawa, Kenshirou Morii
Starring: Miyu Tomita, Junji Majima, Yuusuke Kobayashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Monster girl lovers.

What is this about?
A group of adventurers review various species' brothels in their free time.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When the kids and prudes aren't around.

Where does it take place?
In a fantasy world, centered around the Ale & Eats tavern.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded really fun, and I do enjoy monster girls.

How did I like this?
This is so ridiculous, in the best way! There's such a variety of girls that these guys have sex with, and the situations they get themselves into are quite entertaining. This is not Hentai, but it does get pretty close, with cleverly covered bits and...replacements. But there is no shortage of boobs!

Have you seen Interspecies Reviews? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement (2023)

Title: Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 8, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Felix Film
Director: Hiroshi Tamadaa
Starring: Rika Nagae, Kaori Maeda, Rika Tachiban


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of silly, cozy isekai.

What is this about?
A young woman is granted the power to jump between worlds, so she brings modern items to a middle ages type world to sell for a profit. And the friends she makes along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever.

Where does it take place?
Another world.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like cozy isekai.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! While I'm generally not fond of shouty heroines, Mitsuha isn't so bad. In fact, I really liked her and her unapologetic capitalist attitude! She will do whatever it takes to upsell dollar store items to reach her goals! But then it takes an unexpected turn and I was super hooked! It's much more exciting than it leads you to believe.

Have you seen Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Hello Kitty: Stump Village (2005)

Title: Hello Kitty: Stump Village
Rating: G
Run Time: 9 minutes
Release Date: 2005
Genre(s): Animation, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: Sanrio
Starring: Kitty White, My Melody, Badtz-Maru


Who would I recommend this to?
Claymation fans.

What is this about?
The misadventures of Hello Kitty and Friends.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon.

Where does it take place?
Stump Village.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Hello Kitty claymation.

How did I like this?
This was ridiculously adorable visually. I need more cutesy claymation in my life! The stories are quite basic, but cute. I was surprised by how many of them were just about all of the ways to make these characters mad!

Have you seen Stump Village? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

A Little Snow Fairy Sugar (2001-02)

Title: A Little Snow Fairy Sugar
Rating: PG
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 3, 2001
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: J.C.Staff
Director: Shinichirou Kimura
Starring: Masumi Asano, Tomoko Kawakami, Kaori Mizuhashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Kids.

What is this about?
A little snow fairy (named sugar) finds a girl who can see fairies and wrecks havoc on her life.

When would be a good time to watch this?
While babysitting?

Where does it take place?
Japan, somewhere.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded kind of cute.

How did I like this?
I didn't really. A few episodes caught my attention and made me feel things, but for the most part I was either bored or severely annoyed. One of my least favorite tropes is someone determined to help but just makes things worse and can't seem to grasp that it's NOT the thought that counts, which is sadly Sugar's entire personality.

Have you seen A Little Snow Fairy Sugar? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?