Anime has been around for over a century now, with its origins, in the Japanese context, being traced all the way back to the late-1910s. While animation has evolved throughout the years, becoming more realistic and incorporating many different stories, themes, and characters than their distant film ancestors, it has only grown more in popularity all over the world. Anime, in particular, has gained quite a fanbase throughout the years, becoming a staple for many people.
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That said, many anime shows have found their inspirations in different forms of art. Some may be inspired by Japanese folklore and legends, or based on manga series that have been extremely popular in Japan, but others come from the Western canon. Specifically, English playwright William Shakespeare has had his influence not only in American and English-speaking movies, but in anime as well. Here are 10 anime series that have found some form of inspiration in the legendary playwright.
10 Toradora! (2008-2009)
The original Toradora manga series was released originally back in 2006, but it took several years before the anime adaptation of the series was made and broadcast on Japanese television. In the show, the main character is entering his second year of high school, but finds himself struggling not only because of his personality, but also his appearance when it comes to his peers. As he tries to get into more sociable situations, it leads into a romantic one for himself instead.
Based on The Taming of the Shrew
While Toradora might not be directly cited as inspired by Shakespeare, fans of the Bard will definitely notice the parallels to some of the Bard’s most famous works, especially The Taming of the Shrew. Meant for light watching, this series doesn’t take too long to finish for those not looking to get too invested in a show right now. Stream on Netflix
9 Romeo x Juliet (2007)
Romeo x Juliet found its way to the Japanese and English-speaking world in the 2000s, and is a riff on what is now one of Shakespeare’s most well-known plays. This anime takes place on a floating island, where the Montagues and Capulets are feuding with each other. When the Montagues slaughter the Capulets, leaving only Juliet alive, she vows to avenge her fallen family members. But when she starts her mission and spots Romeo in the room, the rest is history.
Based on Romeo & Juliet
For those familiar with the original Romeo & Juliet play, this anime adaption provides some fun twists that could seemingly only be done with anime. Although the original love story can be a bit trite at times, especially when incorporated into this setting, the show is still a lot of fun throughout its running time. Stream on Crunchyroll
8 Nagi no Asukara (2013-2014)
In Nagi no Asukara, known in English as A Lull in the Sea, fantasy takes on a delightful twist. Based on the manga that ran for three years before concluding its print run, the anime imagines a possibility in which humanity lived at the bottom of the ocean, rather than on land. People have adapted by adopting gills, but others decide to move to the surface, breaking the peace and systems already in place. As four students from the ocean are forced to attend high school on the land, they have to deal with a lot of complicated emotions in the process.
Inspired by Romeo & Juliet
Nagi No Asukara also isn’t directly referenced as being inspired by the Bard, but fans of the show can easily note how certain elements of the plot mirror Romeo & Juliet throughout the course of the show. With an incredible world and lots to admire when it comes to animation, this is an anime worth watching at least once. Stream on Netflix
7 Blast of Tempest (2012-2013)
The manga series Blast of Tempest originally landed on bookshelves back in the summer of 2009, and the animated series came out several years later in 2012, and ran for 24 episodes until 2013. Its main character is Mahiro, a high schooler with a major trauma: his stepsister was murdered alongside their parents. When he’s mysteriously contacted by a different clan leader, it leads to him discovering an entire plot that could change the world’s trajectory for the worse.
Blending Hamlet and The Tempest
Blast of Tempest is inspired by two of Shakespeare’s plays, Hamlet and The Tempest, and these two influences run deep throughout the course of the show. With their core themes forming the crux of Blast of Tempest, it certainly becomes quite an interesting series to watch throughout because of this mashup. Stream on Crunchyroll
6 Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
When the anime adaptation of Fate/Zero came out in 2011, the series ran for only two seasons, but it garnered so much praise due to its storyline and visuals. Based on a light novel, the series is technically a prequel to the novel Fate/stay night, but it can easily be watched on its own. In it, a contest is happening within Fuyuki City to find the right winners to summon the Holy Grail. This year, the protagonists are determined to win.
A Unique Shakespeare Appearance
Not only is Fate/Zero fascinating to watch, as its themes emerge in unique ways compared to its setting and characters, but it’s a fun anime as well. At one point in the series, there’s a clear reference and nod to Shakespeare. Stream on Hulu
5 Requiem of the Rose King (2022)
The LGBTQ+ anime adaptation of Requiem of the Rose King released in 2022, and ran for 24 episodes. Taking its inspiration from two different Shakespeare plays, it follows loosely the story of Richard III, the doomed monarch from the War of the Roses period of English history. With a compelling twist to history, as the main character is made intersex, the struggle for the English throne rages in the background.
A Remix of Richard III and Henry VI, Part 3
Requiem of the Rose King is not only based on Shakespeare’s Richard III, but also the third party of Henry VI, Part 3. It offers a completely different take on history, utilizing an intersex Richard III, while introducing a deeply complex war and period in an accessible manner. Stream on Crunchyroll
4 Mars Red (2020)
General theater lovers would enjoy Mars Red, an anime that came out on Japanese television back in 2020. Running for three seasons before concluding its run, the series finds its roots in the early-1920s, as vampires are starting to become an increasing threat to humanity. The Japanese government decides to take action and make its own unit to combat this, but, as the members of Code Zero find, there are a lot of complications coming their way.
Some Subtle Theater References
One would have to be well-versed to know all the references packed into Mars Red, including the ones about Shakespeare. Although the series isn’t directly inspired by theater, someone involved with the production and writing certainly was a big fan of it. Stream on Crunchyroll
3 Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
Another entry to the Fate franchise, which also includes Fate/Zero, Fate/Apocrypha was also a manga before being made into an anime. This version takes place in a completely different alternate timeline to the Fate/stay night show, adding even more lore to the franchise by showing a different series of events that could have taken place during the Third Holy Grail War.
A Subtle Reference to the Bard
Although Fate/Apocrypha is best enjoyed in tandem with other entries in the franchise, creating a deeper understanding of everything going on, Shakespearean fans will notice a subtle reference to the Bard in this adaptation, too. Whether new to the series or an old fan, Fate/Apocrypha should be high on everyone’s lists. Stream on Netflix
2 The Ancient Magus’ Bride (2017-2023)
The Ancient Magnus’ Bride concluded its run in December 2023, marking two seasons of the show before wrapping up its storyline. In the series, a high schooler decides to make a drastic decision: she’s going to sell herself. She does just that, putting herself on bid, and she’s bought for 5 million pounds by a humanoid named Elias. Now forced to live with one some may call a demon by human standards, the series follows her coming-of-age under these circumstances.
What’s in a Name?
As an anime, The Ancient Magus’ Bride is solid when it comes to its plot and visuals, and for those who know their Shakespeare, some of the characters’ names should be familiar. Several are named after key Shakespeare characters, making it a fun time to spot all the references. Stream on Crunchyroll
1 CUE! (2022)
Aired in the beginning of 2022 on Japanese television, CUE! is based on a Japanese game that can be played on a smartphone. While the original game is a simulation about training voice actors, the anime series is about 16 young women who all dream of becoming voice actors. Each episode follows their trials and struggles as they work hard towards achieving their dreams and goals.
Hamlet Makes an Appearance
Shows like CUE! can be endearing to watch, as despite its twists and turns, it still manages to be relatable in a myriad of ways, not just for aspiring voice actors. In one episode, the girls are forced to read Hamlet, and it even seems like a throwback to high school English classrooms as they act out the play. Stream on Crunchyroll
