Animeis best-known for tales of fantasy and adventure, but there’s also a subsection of anime dedicated to historical romance without magical elements. These shows, occasionally adapted from classic literature, are great forBridgertonand Jane Austen fans looking for movies and shows that are emotional with beautiful historical settings.
Often referred to as “slice of life” anime, these movies and television shows do not rely on magic, prophesies, epic battles, or mythic settings. Instead, they are grounded in very human experiences. Of course, magical anime is just as fun and just as engaging, but it serves a different purpose. “Slice of life” historical anime focuses on a time and place long gone. There’s something a little gentler, at times almost cozy, about the pace of these historical romances.
9’Lady Oscar: The Rose of Versailles' (1979)
The Rose of Versailles
Lady Oscar: The Rose of Versaillesis a TMS Entertainment series that ran for 40 episodes from 1979 to 1980. It was initially directed by Tadao Nagahama and, later, by Osamu Dezaki. The story begins in 18th century Versailles on the cusp of the French Revolution. Lady Oscar is the daughter of a powerful general who raised her as a boy. Now a grown woman with tactical sensibilities, Lady Oscar becomes Commander of the Royal Guards tasked with protecting Marie Antoinette.
A Gorgeous New Adaptation
The show was well-received at the time and has since been adapted yet again. In 2025, MAPPA made a film adaptation ofThe Rose of Versailles. The movie is directed by Ai Yoshimura (Dance with Devils: Fortuna) with a screenplay by Tomoko Konparu (Cat’s Eye). Much like the 1970s series, the update proves to be a feast for the eyes.
8’Tales of Little Women' (1987)
Tales of Little Womenis an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic 1868 novelLittle Womenthat was produced by Nippon Animation. Fumio Kurokawa (Little Princess Sara) directed the show, which premiered in 1987 and ran for 48 episodes. The story follows the March family in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania during the American Civil War. While the anime changes the setting from Massachusetts to Pennsylvania, it features all the same beloved characters, including Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy, Marmee, and Laurie. The anime takes place a little before the novel, with a focus on the war, and leads into the early events established by Alcott in her novel.
Animating a Beloved Classic
The show was made for World Masterpiece Theater, which adapted classic works into animated films.Tales of Little Womenis one of the few WMT projects to have aired in the United States. HBO showed the series in 1988. It is considered to be a nostalgic watch and a pretty faithful adaptation of the source material, especially for the time.
10 Underrated Anime Series You Can Binge In a Single Day
There are a lot of bite-sized anime masterpieces that offer addictive stories worth watching in a single day.
7’Only Yesterday' (1991)
Only Yesterday
Only Yesterdayis a rareStudio Ghibli filmwithout fantasy elements. Written and directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder Isao Takahata, the movie is an adaptation of the 1980s manga of the same name by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone. The story is set in two timelines. It begins in 1982 with a young woman named Taeko Okajima traveling to the Japanese countryside for a vacation. During the trip, she looks back at her girlhood in 1966.
The dual timelines help to craft a moving coming-of-age tale alongside a thoughtful love story as, in present-day 1982, Taeko finds an unexpected romance.
The 15-Year Wait
The film did well at the box office in Japan and received praise from critics, though it would not be released in Europe until 2006. American audiences did not get to see the film until 2016. Despite the wait, it remains a beloved classic today with a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
6’From Up on Poppy Hill' (2011)
From Up On Poppy Hill
From Up on Poppy Hillis a more recent example of a no-magic “slice of life” drama from Studio Ghibli. The film takes place leading up to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics in Yokohama, Japan, where 16-year-old Umi Matsuzaki and her friends are trying to save their clubhouse. It is directed by Gorô Miyazaki (Tales from Earthsea) with a script by anotherStudio Ghibli co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki, and Keiko Niwa (The Secret World of Arrietty). It is based on the 1980s manga written by Tetsurō Sayama and illustrated by Chizuru Takahashi.
The Nostalgic Wonder of Studio Ghibli
The romantic component here is secondary to the story of friendship and family, but the film has a lot of heart. It takes a close look at post-war Japan with a focus on “slice of life” moments.From Up on Poppy Hilldelivers visually with a nostalgic feel and all the classic touches that Studio Ghibli fans love.
10 Anime Movie Masterpieces Not Based on a Manga
While most anime comes from manga pages, these movies drew inspiration from other sources.
5’Kids on the Slope' (2012)
Kids on the Slope
Kids on the Slopeis a 12-part miniseries set against the backdrop of 1966 Nagasaki. Produced by MAPPA and Tezuka Productions and adapted from the Yuki Kodama manga, the series is helmed byCowboy Bebop’s Shinichirō Watanabe. The story explores the friendship between the ambitious Kaoru Nishimi and two of his classmates, nonconforming jazz enthusiasts Sentarō Kawabuchi and Ritsuko Mukae.
This Love Triangle Has a Great Soundtrack
Part love letter to jazz and part love triangle between the three main characters,Kids on the Slopeis an engaging series steeped in music and culture. The 1960s were a time of transformation, making it a fitting setting for a group of teenagers who are just starting to understand themselves. The visuals are stunning and the attention given to male friendship is inspiring. The show also boasts an incredible, award-winning soundtrack.
4’Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modern' (2017)
Released in two parts,Haikara-San: Here Comes Miss Modernis a Nippon Animation film directed and adapted for the screen by Kazuhiro Furuhashi (Samurai X). It is based on a 1970s manga series written and illustrated by Waki Yamato (The Tale of Genji). The film isn’t the first adaptation of Yamato’s work. Nippon Animation produced a 32-episode television series that aired on TV Asahi in Japan from 1978 to 1979.
A Comedic Romance for the Ages
Set in 1920s Japan, the story follows tomboy Benio as she tries to sabotage her arranged marriage to an army lieutenant named Shinobu, only to find herself falling in love with him. The film explores social issues and gender roles of the times, but is also something of a screwball comedy — especially in part one. Some viewers consider the narrative a little clichéd at this point, but still think it is entertaining for those interested in the1920s setting.
3’Arte' (2020)
Based on the manga written and illustrated by Kei Ohkubo,Arteis a 12-episode series set in 16th century Florence, Italy. Arte is an aristocrat who loves art. When it comes time to marry a nobleman, she chooses instead to find an artisan mentor who can teach her how to become an artist. Her position becomes complicated, however, when she falls in love with her mentor.
Love and Art During the Renaissance
The show is produced by Seven Arcs andRenaissance-era Italymakes for a visually engaging backdrop. Arte is a strong-willed, likable protagonist. In 2021, the character was nominated for Girl of the Year at the Anime Trending Awards. Romantic elements are definitely present, but the show is more about Arte finding her own path and pursuing her passions.
2’The Apothecary Diaries' (2023)
The Apothecary Diaries
The Apothecary Diarieshas all the colorful, vibrant vibes of magical girl anime but in a more grounded historical setting. Based on Natsu Hyūga’sApothecary’s Soliloquybook series, the anime adaptation is directed by Norihiro Naganuma (The Ancient Magus' Bride). The first two seasons have been produced by Toho Animation Studio and OLM.
The series follows the adventures of a girl named Maomao, who is kidnapped and sold into service at the Imperial Palace. When those at the palace learn of her skills as an apothecary, Maomao is promoted to serve under a generous, high-ranking concubine while at the same time solving medical mysteries across the palace.
A Cozy Historical Mystery
The show is set in a 15th century realm meant to mirror the Tang Dynasty, though the opening credits make a point of stating that the show is not based on real people or atrue story. Maomao loves plants and this provides for some sumptuous imagery magnified by the beauty of the palace. With mystery and romance as the show’s leading forces, it’s an ideal comfort watch for audiences who want something light and intriguing with a fun protagonist.
1’Anne Shirley' (2025)
Anne Shirley
The Answer Studio has produced a new 24-episode anime series based on one of literature’s most beloved young heroines, Anne Shirley. When the Cuthberts send for a boy to help them with their farm, the orphanage mixes it up and sends them a girl named Anne instead. Anne is an incredibly creative 11-year-old with a big heart. Soon, she begins to win over the reluctant Cuthberts and they take her in as their own.
Reimagning Prince Edward Island
TheAnne Shirleyanime seriesis directed by Hiroshi Kawamata (Suzume) and written by Natsuko Takahashi (The Betrayal Knows My Name), with fans already excited about the animation. It is based on a translation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novelAnne of Green Gablesdone by Hanako Muraoka in the 1950s. Like the original book, the anime is set on Canada’s Prince Edward Island during the 20th century. The show focuses on Anne and her relationship with the Cuthberts as well as her friendship with neighbor Diana Barry and her burgeoning romance with local boy Gilbert Blythe.
