The Apothecary Diaries has won hearts around the globe with its protagonist, Maomao, and its intricate plot of mystery-solving cases. The anime stands apart for its art and its intriguing backdrop, which takes viewers into the Tang dynasty during Imperial China.
Since season 2 of The Apothecary Diaries is airing, here is a list of the top ten similar anime to enjoy while you wait for the weekly episodes.
10The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent
Sei Takanashi from The Saint’s Magic Power Is Omnipotent has a striking parallel to Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. Sei is an expert at potion-making and healing magic, like Maomao’s expertise in poisons and apothecary.
In addition, Sei’s love interest is Albert Hawke, a knight who deeply respects her healing ability. This reminds me of the slow-burn relationship between Maomao and Jinshi, which is more humorous.
9Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn resembles Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries. The story revolves around Princess Yona, who transforms from a naive royal into an inspiring warrior and learns to survive after her crush murders her father.
Along her journey, she develops an adorable romantic bond with Hak, her bodyguard and childhood buddy. This bond is similar to Maomao and Jinshi’s slow-burn romance.
8The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife
The Demonic King Who Chases His Wife has the same vibes as The Apothecary Diaries. Both protagonists are strong female leads who are surrounded by politics.
The protagonist, Su Luo, is reincarnated into an ancient world where she is deemed useless and is bullied by novels. However, she soon realizes she has insane abilities that let her manipulate space, create healing elixirs, and more. Like Maomao, she uses her skills to make a palace for herself.
7Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Aoi Tsubaki from Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits is a knowledgeable and diligent girl, just like Maomao from The apothecary diaries.
Aoi gets pulled into the “Ayakashi Realm,” or spirit realm, and makes a life for herself using her cooking skills, the way Maomao uses her apothecary skills to survive in the imperial court.
Aoi gets engaged to Odanna, an ogre lord, and tries to pay her debt off with her skills, but over time, love blossoms among them, which is as cute as Maomao and Jinshi’s bond.
6Undead Murder Farce
Undead Murder Farce is like The Apothecary Diaries in that it is set in the past, particularly in the late 19th century. In it, we follow the protagonist, Aya Rindou, as she solves murder mysteries in Europe.
Aya is partnered with literally a half-demon fighter, Tsugaru, who is like her bodyguard and companion like Dr.Whatson from Sherlock Holmes. The plot is intriguing as it weaves in supernatural elements, like vampires, demons, etc.
5Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End reminds me of Maomao from The Apothecary Diaries, who struggles to portray her emotions despite being a great mage.
These anime have stunning visuals that help you get lost in their fantasy worlds. In Frieren, we go on adventures with her as she tries to understand human emotions, and with Maomao, we see her solve mysteries with her genius mind and skills.
4Saiunkoku Monogatari
Saiunkoku Monogatari has the same setting as The Apothecary Diaries, as it is set in ancient China in the kingdom of Saiunkoku, centering around Kou Shuurei.
She is the daughter of a wise scholar and dreams of using her knowledge to improve the kingdom’s condition, just as Maomao does using her craft of apothecary. Her budding romance with emperor Shi Ryuuki is like Maomao and Jinshi.
3Ascendance of a Bookworm
Ascendance of a Bookworm should be the next anime on your watch list, as it features a diligent female protagonist, Myne, who is like Maomao, using her knowledge and skills to navigate life.
Mayne is reincarnated into a medieval setting where books are rare. She uses her prior knowledge to produce books by creating plant-based paper, inks, etc., as she works her way up in the hierarchy among the nobles.
2Snow White with the Red Hair
Snow White with the Red Hair is a heartwarming anime that shares similarities with The Apothecary Diaries as its protagonist, Shirayuki, is a herbalist in the Kingdom of Clarines, just the way Maomao is an apothecary at the imperial palace.
Shirayuki works as a pharmacist at the Royal Pharmacy in Lilias and uses her skills to carve a path for herself. She shares a romantic bond with Prince Zen Wistaria, which reminds me of Maomao and Jenshi.
1Raven of the Inner Palace
Raven of the Inner Palace bags the first spot because it is also set in ancient China and revolves around the tale of Ryuu Jusetsu, who solves mysteries like Maomao.
Jusetsu is known as the “Raven consort.” She has the supernatural ability to exorcise spirits, find missing objects, and solve mysteries, just like Maomao uses her apothecary skills. Jusetsu shares a slow-burn romance with the Emperor, Ka Koushun like Maomao does with Jinshi.
No Comments on Top 10 Anime Like The Apothecary Diaries