The Best Anime Set In The Victorian Era

The Victorian era is one of the most famous periods in all of human history, known for its iconic fashion and love of all things supernatural and paranormal. Many novelists, mangakas, game studios, and anime studios have tried their hand at setting a new and enthralling story during this period.

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Games That Take Place In The Victorian Era

The Victorian Era can make for a great setting for a game, but not many titles utilize its setting. These are some games that do.

These anime series breathe a fresh new breath of life into this era with new tales elevated by the gothic setting, exploring the fascination with inhuman creatures and stories with subtle horror. For those intrigued about seeing more of the Victorian era, these anime shows are a must-watch.

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Black Butler

He Is Simply One Hell Of A Butler

One of the most stylish anime to grace the scene, Black Butler delves deep into cults, demons, and high society in Victorian England, which might be the most horrifying aspect for Earl Ciel Phantomhive. After being captured by demon-worshipping cultists, Ciel saves himself from ending up as a sacrifice by summoning a demon and selling his soul to him, entering into a contract with the demon who would become his butler, Sebastian.

Together, the two work under orders from Queen Victoria herself—from whom the time period derives its name—and delve into investigations of supernatural occurrences that could fill the pages of many penny dreadfuls.

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D.Gray-Man

An Alternative 19th-Century Setting With Plenty Of Exciting Action

Though the Victorian era provides plenty of opportunities to create fun and exciting stories, there are still those creators who utilize this era in a completely new and original way, which opens up more creative possibilities. This is one of the keys behind the success of D.Gray-Man, even if its premature ending soured the experience for some fans.

In this world, creatures known as Akuma—created by the evil Millennium Earl—are ever-present threats to humanity. The Black Order, exorcists who use relics known as Innocence, continue to wage war against the Noah family, and the Earl. Sadly, the anime caught up to the manga, and rather than wait, the show abruptly ended, but it is still an excellent watch for those in need of more Victorian anime to enjoy.

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Croisee In A Foreign Labyrinth

Explores Victorian Paris

• Release Date: July 4th, 2011
• Genres: Drama
• Seasons: 1
• Creator: Jun’ichi Sato
• Streaming Services: Amazon Prime

Whereas most Victorian anime take place in England, or an alternative place that mimics England, Croisee in a Foreign Labyrinth takes viewers on a journey not only to the past, but to other parts of Europe; specifically, Paris.

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A young Japanese girl named Yune befriends a French traveler named Oscar Claudel, and she sets off with him back to his home country of France and starts working for him in his ironworks shop. The basis of the show details how life was back then in France, and Yune forges bonds with others in her new home. It is an easy and relaxing watch that pays beautiful homage to Victorian France.

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The Earl And The Fairy

Fantasy Anime Meets Period Romance

• Release Date: September 28th, 2008
• Genres: Fantasy, Romance
• Seasons: 1
• Creator: Noriko Nagao
• Streaming Services: Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll

An anime that has flown under many anime viewers’ radar, The Earl and the Fairy is tragically overlooked as it pays great homage to its Victorian setting while incorporating magical fantasy elements and romance into the mix.

The protagonist, Lydia Carlton, has the rare power to see fairies. She works with Edgar Ashenbert on an important quest to retrieve a magical sword that is instrumental in his goal of being made a Blue Knight Earl by the Queen of the country. It is a fun adventure to witness, and the blossoming romance between Lydia and Edgar is sweet to behold.

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Emma: A Victorian Romance

Grounded In Everyday Life

Not to be confused with the classic Jane Austen novel, Emma: A Victorian Romance is set in the late Victorian era, centering on a housemaid and her love for an aristocrat; but of course, their love is forbidden.

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What makes this Victorian anime so special is that, unlike other anime set during this period, there is no drama beyond the forbidden love story, and no supernatural elements such as demons or vampires that were popular at that time. Instead, it is an honest and brazen look at how everyday life might have been for both the lower and upper classes at that time, making it a must-watch for true Victorian-era fans.

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Moriarty The Patriot

Based On The Sherlock Holmes Mystery Novels Written By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was one of the most celebrated authors of the Victorian period/ He was the writer behind the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his arch nemesis, William Moriarty. Most adaptations of Sherlock Holmes center around the famed detective, but as the title suggests, Moriarty the Patriot has a slightly different approach.

Though this anime does feature Holmes as a character, Moriarty is the star of the show here. This series is set in the late 19th century, where Britain suffers under brutal class divisions, keeping the rich at the top and the working class stuck in poverty. In typical Sherlock Holmes style, a murder mystery is afoot. Moriarty frames Holmes from the murder, which results in an interesting battle of intellect between the duo, keeping their rivalry well and truly alive in anime form.

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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Phantom Blood Takes Viewers Back To The Victorian Era, And The Start Of The Adventures

As the name of this anime suggests, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure takes viewers on a tour through time and multiple locations around the world, including England, Italy, America, and Egypt. Members of the Joestar family contend with various threats using their Stands, or Hamon in the first two series.

Dio debuts alongside Jonathan Joestar in the first season, known as Phantom Blood, and integrates himself into the Joestar household to claim his fortune. Dio’s antics quickly brand him as a villainous character who delights in tormenting Jonathan, and he becomes dangerous after discovering the power of the mask, creating vampires from ordinary humans. Vampires were popular creatures during the Victorian era, and make the perfect addition to Phantom Blood, setting it apart from the other seasons.

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