Top 5 Best Anime like Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries has captivated audiences with its blend of historical intrigue, mystery, and a strong-willed protagonist. For fans seeking similar anime, several series offer comparable elements. Here are 5 best anime like Apothecary Diaries, featuring intelligent female leads, intricate plots, and fascinating historical or fantastical settings. Now, let’s get started!

1. Mushishi (2005-2014)

Mushishi stands out for its unique atmosphere and storytelling. Each episode feels like a self-contained folktale, focusing on the interactions between humans and mysterious life forms called “Mushi.” Ginko, the Mushi Master, travels the land, helping people affected by these enigmatic beings.

The anime is praised for its serene pacing, beautiful animation, and thought-provoking narratives that often explore themes of nature, life, and understanding. While it lacks the courtly intrigue of Apothecary Diaries, it shares a focus on a protagonist with specialized knowledge navigating a world filled with unique challenges and a similar episodic structure with a central, insightful character.

2. Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona) (2014-2015)

Yona of the Dawn is one of the best anime like Apothecary Diaries. This series follows the journey of Princess Yona, who is forced to flee her kingdom after a coup. Accompanied by her loyal bodyguard Hak, she embarks on a quest to find the legendary four dragon warriors to reclaim her throne. Yona of the Dawn is lauded for its strong character development, particularly Yona’s transformation from a sheltered princess to a determined leader. It features a compelling blend of action, adventure, political intrigue, and a touch of romance. Fans of Maomao’s resilience and journey of self-discovery in a politically charged environment will likely appreciate Yona’s similar path.

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3. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime) (2015-2016)

This anime tells the story of Shirayuki, a skilled herbalist with rare red hair who flees her kingdom to avoid becoming the concubine of a foolish prince. She encounters Zen, a prince from a neighboring kingdom, and their bond deepens as they navigate various challenges.

Snow White with the Red Hair is praised for its charming romance, strong and independent female lead in Shirayuki (much like Maomao with her herbalist skills), and its focus on her professional growth and relationships. The series offers a heartwarming and less politically intense narrative compared to Apothecary Diaries, but shares the theme of a capable woman carving her own path.

4. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)

The next one in our list of the best anime like Apothecary Diaries is Kakuriyo. This anime follows Aoi Tsubaki, a college student who can see spirits. After her grandfather’s death, she discovers he had accrued a massive debt to the spirit world, and as payment, she must marry an ogre god. Instead, Aoi decides to work off the debt by running a restaurant for spirits.

Kakuriyo offers a unique blend of the supernatural, culinary elements, and romance. While the setting differs significantly from Apothecary Diaries, it features a resourceful female protagonist who uses her unique skills (cooking in this case) to navigate a complex and often politically charged world within the spirit realm.

5. Saiunkoku Monogatari (The Story of Saiunkoku) (2006-2008)

Set in a fictional ancient China-inspired kingdom, this series centers on Shuurei Kou, a young woman from a noble but impoverished family who dreams of becoming a government official, a position forbidden to women. She gets an opportunity to become the young Emperor’s consort to tutor him.

Saiunkoku Monogatari is praised for its strong female lead who strives for her ambitions in a male-dominated society, its intricate political drama, and its focus on leadership and social change. Fans who enjoy the historical setting and the theme of a determined woman navigating courtly life and making a difference will likely find this series appealing.