Top Shrine Maiden Anime Recommendations

Kimi no Na wa.

Also known as Your Name..

Studio: CoMix Wave
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Romance , Supernatural

Mitsuha Miyamizu, a high school girl, yearns to live the life of a boy in the bustling city of Tokyo—a dream that stands in stark contrast to her present life in the countryside. Meanwhile in the city, Taki Tachibana lives a busy life as a high school student while juggling his part-time job and hopes for a future in architecture.

One day, Mitsuha awakens in a room that is not her own and suddenly finds herself living the dream life in Tokyo—but in Taki's body! Elsewhere, Taki finds himself living Mitsuha's life in the humble countryside. In pursuit of an answer to this strange phenomenon, they begin to search for one another.

Kimi no Na wa. revolves around Mitsuha and Taki's actions, which begin to have a dramatic impact on each other's lives, weaving them into a fabric held together by fate and circumstance.



Tags: Body Swapping , Time Manipulation , Urban Fantasy , Coming of Age , Memory Manipulation , Tragedy , Urban , Rural , Gender Bending , Heterosexual , Primarily Teen Cast , Time Skip , Environmental , Mythology , Male Protagonist , Alternate Universe , Trains , Shrine Maiden , School

Steins;Gate

Also known as Steins;Gate.

Studio: WHITE FOX
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Psychological , Sci-Fi , Thriller

Self-proclaimed mad scientist Okabe Rintarou lives in a small room in Akihabara, where he invents "future gadgets" with fellow lab members Shiina Mayuri, his air-headed childhood friend, and Hashida Itaru, an otaku hacker. The three pass the time by tinkering with their latest creation, a "Phone Microwave" that can be controlled through text messages.

The lab members soon face a string of mysterious incidents that lead to a game-changing discovery: the Phone Microwave can send emails to the past and thus alter history. Adapted from the critically acclaimed visual novel by 5pb. and Nitroplus, Steins;Gate takes Okabe to the depths of scientific theory and human despair as he faces the dire consequences of changing the past.

Tags: Time Manipulation , Alternate Universe , Time Loop , Conspiracy , Tragedy , Memory Manipulation , Male Protagonist , Urban , Dystopian , Primarily Adult Cast , Denpa , Philosophy , Dissociative Identities , Chuunibyou , Tsundere , Otaku Culture , Heterosexual , Kuudere , Suicide , Ensemble Cast , Amnesia , Seinen , War , Gender Bending , Post-Apocalyptic , Maids , Trains , Shrine Maiden

Noragami

Also known as Noragami.

Studio: bones
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Supernatural

Minor god Yato is down on his luck. Fed up with his slacker lifestyle, his partner abruptly quits. He has no money, no worshippers, and no shrine to call home. But just when things are starting to seem hopeless, a bus accident forces him to cross paths with Hiyori Iki, a sweet and perky high school girl. After the accident, Hiyori's soul has a bad habit of slipping out of her body, and after enlisting Yato's help to get her back to normal, she begins to fall into the world of spirits and gods.

But Hiyori's not the only one who's keeping tabs on Yato. A god from Yato's past is back, and he's not interested in a friendly reunion.



Tags: Gods , Youkai , Urban Fantasy , Female Protagonist , Shounen , Mythology , Urban , Anti-Hero , Shapeshifting , Swordplay , Memory Manipulation , Found Family , Nekomimi , Shrine Maiden , Revenge , Outdoor Activities , Age Gap , Bullying , Environmental , Exorcism

Hyouka

Also known as Hyouka.

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Mystery , Romance , Slice of Life

Energy-conservative high school student Houtarou Oreki ends up with more than he bargained for when he signs up for the Classic Literature Club at his sister's behest—especially when he realizes how deep-rooted the club's history really is. Begrudgingly, Oreki is dragged into an investigation concerning the 45-year-old mystery that surrounds the club room.

Accompanied by his fellow club members, the knowledgeable Satoshi Fukube, the stern but benign Mayaka Ibara, and the ever-curious Eru Chitanda, Oreki must combat deadlines and lack of information with resourcefulness and hidden talent, in order to not only find the truth buried beneath the dust of works created years before them, but of other side cases as well.

Based on the award-winning Koten-bu light novel series, and directed by Yasuhiro Takemoto of Suzumiya Haruhi no Shoushitsu, Hyouka shows that normal life can be full of small mysteries, be it family history, a student film, or even the withered flowers that make up a ghost story.



Tags: School Club , Detective , School , Male Protagonist , Primarily Teen Cast , Bowling , Coming of Age , Classic Literature , Episodic , Heterosexual , Rural , Filmmaking , Otaku Culture , Tsundere , Politics , Cosplay , Shrine Maiden , Bullying

Dandadan

Also known as DAN DA DAN.

Studio: Science SARU
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Drama , Romance , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

This is a story about Momo, a high school girl who comes from a family of spirit mediums, and her classmate Okarun, an occult fanatic. After Momo rescues Okarun from being bullied, they begin talking. However, an argument ensues between them since Momo believes in ghosts but denies aliens exist, and Okarun believes in aliens but denies ghosts exist.

To prove to each other what they believe in is real, Momo goes to an abandoned hospital where a UFO has been spotted and Okarun goes to a tunnel rumored to be haunted. To their surprise, they each encounter overwhelming paranormal activities that transcend comprehension. Amid these predicaments, Momo awakens her hidden power and Okarun gains the power of a curse to overcome these new dangers! Their fateful love begins as well!?

The story of the occult battle and adolescence starts!



Notes:
- Worldwide premiere of Episode 1 before the Japanese television premiere occurred at Anime Expo July 6, 2024.
- Episodes 1-3 titled as DAN DA DAN: FIRST ENCOUNTER was pre-screened in advance in theaters on August 31, 2024 in Asia, September 7, 2024 in Europe and September 13, 2024 in North America. The regular TV broadcast began October 4, 2024.

Tags: Urban Fantasy , Youkai , Ghost , Aliens , Super Power , Surreal Comedy , Primarily Teen Cast , Shounen , Henshin , Heterosexual , Male Protagonist , Female Protagonist , Exorcism , School , Gyaru , Love Triangle , Tragedy , Demons , Nudity , CGI , Shrine Maiden , Zombie , Tokusatsu , Unrequited Love , Achromatic

Steins;Gate 0

Also known as Steins;Gate 0.

Studio: WHITE FOX
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Psychological , Sci-Fi , Thriller

The eccentric, self-proclaimed mad scientist Rintarou Okabe has become a shell of his former self. Depressed and traumatized after failing to rescue his friend, he has decided to forsake his mad scientist alter ego and live as an ordinary college student. Surrounded by friends who know little of his time travel experiences, Okabe spends his days trying to forget the horrors of his adventures alone.

While working as a receptionist at a college technology forum, Okabe meets the short, spunky Maho Hiyajo, who later turns out to be the interpreter at the forum's presentation, conducted by Professor Alexis Leskinen. In front of a stunned crowd, Alexis and Maho unveil Amadeus—a revolutionary AI capable of storing a person's memories and creating a perfect simulation of that person complete with their personality and quirks. Meeting with Maho and Alexis after the presentation, Okabe learns that the two were Kurisu's colleagues in university, and that they have simulated her in Amadeus. Hired by Alexis to research the simulation's behavior, Okabe is given the chance to interact with the shadow of a long-lost dear friend. Dangerously tangled in the past, Okabe must face the harsh reality and carefully maneuver around the disastrous consequences that come with disturbing the natural flow of time.

Tags: War , Alternate Universe , Time Manipulation , Artificial Intelligence , Tragedy , Dystopian , Post-Apocalyptic , Dissociative Identities , Urban , Age Regression , Time Skip , Male Protagonist , Philosophy , Amnesia , Denpa , Kuudere , Memory Manipulation , Military , Fugitive , College , Chuunibyou , Otaku Culture , Shrine Maiden , Gore , Primarily Adult Cast , Disability

Dandadan 2nd Season

Also known as DAN DA DAN Season 2.

Studio: Science SARU
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Comedy , Drama , Romance , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

The second season of Dandadan.

Okarun and Jiji have made a strange discovery, while Momo finds herself under attack! What mysterious encounters await them next?!



Notes:
- Worldwide premiere of Episodes 1-3 titled as DAN DA DAN: EVIL EYE before the Japanese premiere was pre-screened in advance in theaters on June 6, 2025 in North America by GKIDS Films and June 7 and 8 in Europe by Piece of Magic Entertainment and Animation Digital Network.

Tags: Ghost , Super Power , Youkai , Aliens , Shounen , Surreal Comedy , Urban Fantasy , Heterosexual , Primarily Teen Cast , Male Protagonist , Female Protagonist , Henshin , Cult , Unrequited Love , Exorcism , Female Harem , Love Triangle , Tokusatsu , Achromatic , Suicide , Super Robot , Kaiju , Shrine Maiden , Body Horror

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni

Also known as When They Cry.

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

After moving into the quiet town of Hinamizawa, Maebara Keiichi spends his days blissfully in school often playing games with his local friends. However, appearances can be deceiving. One fateful day, Keiichi stumbles upon news of a murder that had occurred in Hinamizawa. From this point on, horrific events unfold in front of Keiichi, as he soon learns his close friends may not be all that they seem. Based on the amateur mystery game by 07th Expansion, the story is told in a series of different scenarios.

Tags: Denpa , Alternate Universe , Ensemble Cast , Time Manipulation , Tragedy , Time Loop , Conspiracy , Rural , Achronological Order , Gore , Body Horror , Chibi , Bullying , Torture , Yandere , Male Protagonist , Twins , Urban Fantasy , Mythology , Pandemic , Primarily Female Cast , School Club , Shrine Maiden , Primarily Teen Cast , Police , Historical , Crossdressing , Board Game

Inuyasha

Also known as InuYasha.

Studio: Sunrise
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Comedy , Fantasy , Romance

Kagome Higurashi, an average ninth grader, gets pulled into an ancient well by a demon, bringing her 500 years in the past to the feudal era. There, she meets Inuyasha, a half-demon who seeks the Shikon Jewel to make himself a full-fledged demon. With Inuyasha and new friends, Kagome's search for the Jewel of Four Souls begins...



Tags: Reincarnation , Youkai , Historical , Demons , Female Protagonist , Love Triangle , Rural , Revenge , Magic , Swordplay , Isekai , Heterosexual , Tsundere , Shounen , Time Manipulation , Kemonomimi , Male Protagonist , Monster Boy , Archery , Shapeshifting , Shrine Maiden , Travel , Episodic , Orphan , Curses , Age Gap , Necromancy , Kuudere , Body Horror , Primarily Teen Cast , Monster Girl , Memory Manipulation

Lucky☆Star

Also known as Lucky☆Star.

Studio: Kyoto Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Slice of Life

What’s the best way to eat dessert? Do twins really have a psychic connection? What kind of guys are into moe girls? These are the kinds of questions that float through the inquisitive mind of anime super-fan Konata Izumi. When she’s not lost in her favorite manga or logging hours in one of her online games, she’s debating the mysteries of the universe with the best friends a girl could ask for.



Tags: Cute Girls Doing Cute Things , Female Protagonist , Primarily Female Cast , Parody , Otaku Culture , Primarily Teen Cast , School , Ensemble Cast , Meta , Episodic , Coming of Age , Twins , Video Games , Philosophy , Tsundere , Kuudere , Cheerleading , Ojou-sama , Shounen , Shrine Maiden , Baseball , Mixed Media

Katanagatari

Also known as Katanagatari.

Studio: WHITE FOX
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Romance

Yasuri Shichika, seventh successor of the Kyotouryuu (bladeless) sword art, lives on an isolated island with his older sister, Nanami.

One day Shichika is visited by a woman named Togame, who requests his aid in her quest to find and collect the final twelve swords forged by the legendary master swordsmith, Shikizaki Kiki. Shichika and Togame begin their odyssey by leaving the island he called home for over 20 years. They will face twelve individuals who possess and protect Shikizaki's legendary swords.

Join Shichika and Togame on an exciting, epic adventure that defies reality as they discover the true potential of the Kyoutoryuu sword style!



Tags: Swordplay , Martial Arts , Tragedy , Historical , Samurai , Travel , Revenge , Gore , Heterosexual , Male Protagonist , Philosophy , Ninja , Female Protagonist , Meta , Anachronism , Episodic , Politics , Tsundere , Coming of Age , Primarily Adult Cast , Time Manipulation , Body Horror , Rural , Slapstick , Guns , Shapeshifting , Nudity , Body Swapping , Urban , Shrine Maiden , Desert , Ghost , Robots

Love Live! School idol project

Also known as Love Live! School Idol Project.

Studio: Sunrise
Status: Finished
Genres: Music , Slice of Life

Otonokizaka High School stands on the border of three cities: Akihabara—a pop culture mecca that's evolving by the minute; Kanda—a conservative, cultured city where history and tradition reign supreme; and Jinbo—a quiet area reserved for a more mature, sophisticated population. Amidst this culture clash, the school now faces closure due to the enrollment of fewer and fewer students.

With the school planning to close within three years, nine female students come together with one thing in mind—form a pop idol group to revive the school's popularity and keep it from shutting down. "In order to protect our beloved school, there's only one thing we can do... become pop stars!"

Their goal is simple: Become an overnight sensation and use their nationwide media exposure to promote their school and bring in a wave of new students to the ailing area. A simple but solid plan, they figure. Naturally, they're nervous and wonder if this plan can really succeed, but for better or worse their new journey has begun...

"All we can ask for is just a tiny bit of support from you. We truly believe that with your help, we can change the world around us. We will make our dreams come true!"



Tags: Idol , Dancing , Primarily Female Cast , School Club , Ensemble Cast , School , Female Protagonist , Cute Girls Doing Cute Things , Primarily Teen Cast , CGI , Tsundere , Tomboy , Fashion , Maids , Shrine Maiden

Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon

Also known as Sailor Moon.

Studio: Toei Animation
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Fantasy , Mahou Shoujo , Romance

Usagi Tsukino is an average student and crybaby klutz who constantly scores low on her tests. Unexpectedly, her humdrum life is turned upside down when she saves a cat with a crescent moon on its head from danger. The cat, named Luna, later reveals that their meeting was not an accident: Usagi is destined to become Sailor Moon, a planetary guardian with the power to protect the Earth. Given a special brooch that allows her to transform, she must use her new powers to save the city from evil energy-stealing monsters sent by the malevolent Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom.

But getting accustomed to her powers and fighting villains are not the only things she has to worry about. She must find the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, the other Sailor Guardians, and the Legendary Silver Crystal in order to save the planet from destruction.



Tags: Magic , Shoujo , Female Protagonist , Henshin , Primarily Female Cast , Urban Fantasy , Super Power , Slapstick , Demons , Found Family , Heterosexual , Coming of Age , Ensemble Cast , Reincarnation , Primarily Teen Cast , Amnesia , Animals , Fairy Tale , School , Space , Superhero , Tragedy , Episodic , War , Dissociative Identities , Urban , Revenge , Aliens , Tokusatsu , Body Horror , Mythology , Age Gap , LGBTQ+ Themes , Shrine Maiden , Unrequited Love , Time Manipulation , Suicide , Makeup , Boys' Love

Kakkou no Iinazuke

Also known as A Couple of Cuckoos.

Studio: Shin-Ei Animation , SynergySP
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance

Mixed up with another family's child as a baby, high school student Umino Nagi is finally meeting his biological parents. On the day of their meeting, he happens to encounter Amano Erika, a high school student at a prestigious and wealthy girls school. At her request, he's half-forced into pretending to be her boyfriend so she can avoid marrying her fiance....However, not only were they the babies who had been mixed up, they're also engaged to each other! The loving parents of both families officially recognize their engagement, and the couple begins living together. Nagi is in love with his classmate Segawa Hiro, and Erika is determined to rebel against her father, so the couple agree not to get involved with each other. The mixed-up and chaotic romantic comedy starts now!



Note: The final two episodes were broadcast together as a one hour special

Tags: Love Triangle , Male Protagonist , Arranged Marriage , Heterosexual , School , Female Harem , Inseki , Shounen , Female Protagonist , Cohabitation , Shrine Maiden , Cosplay , Alternate Universe

BLOOD-C

Also known as Blood-C.

Studio: Production I.G
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Horror , Mystery , Supernatural

Saya is a seemingly normal girl living with her father in a shrine. During the day she goes to school and spends time with her friends at a local cafe. But when night falls Saya is called upon to protect her village from strange monsters.



Tags: Swordplay , Female Protagonist , Vampire , Monster Girl , Gore , Memory Manipulation , Tragedy , Body Horror , Shrine Maiden , Amnesia , Rural , Acting , Youkai , Urban Fantasy , Anthropomorphism , Chimera , Mythology , Primarily Teen Cast , Shounen , School , Cannibalism , Revenge , Nudity , Twins , Crossover

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai

Also known as When They Cry Kai.

Studio: Studio DEEN
Status: Finished
Genres: Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

Continuing from the first series, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai begins to shed some light on the dark mysteries prevalent in the preceding season. The young group of friends in the town of Hinamizawa continue to enter terrible conflicts with one another in their never ending summer of 1983, often ending with the brutal murder of one of their numbers. Furude Rika, with the help of her spiritual friend Hanyuu, tackles challenges over and over, trying her best to keep their lives from coming to a tragic end. With no end to the torture in sight, Rika must call upon the bonds of friendship and trust among her friends to discover the true villain of this eternal June.

Tags: Denpa , Time Loop , Alternate Universe , Time Manipulation , Conspiracy , Ensemble Cast , Rural , Torture , Female Protagonist , Gods , Twins , Urban Fantasy , Primarily Female Cast , Shrine Maiden , Gore , Body Horror , Kuudere , School , Historical , Politics , School Club , Mythology , Military , Primarily Teen Cast , Crossdressing

Koori Zokusei Danshi to Cool na Douryou Joshi

Also known as The Ice Guy and His Cool Female Colleague.

Studio: Zero-G , Liber
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance , Slice of Life , Supernatural

The setting is a workplace where a snowy-white romance blows in like a blizzard.

Himuro is a descendant of yuki-onnas living in modern times and a newbie office worker. When he gets emotionally overwhelmed, he ends up causing blizzards or starts building snowmen and igloos. Whenever his secret romantic feelings for his unique yet kind coworker Fuyutsuki intensify, he sometimes ends up freezing those around him. Then, there's Fuyutsuki. Everyone always sees her as the cool type, but Fuyutsuki is actually also pretty curious about her mysterious coworker, Himuro.

Their relationship continues to gradually evolve daily through work and work events. Eventually, they start to spend time with each other outside of work, but they're both a bit awkward when it comes to love, so they just can't seem to get closer... 

A heartwarming workplace fantasy romcom starring a seemingly cool couple is about to begin!



Tags: Office Lady , Primarily Adult Cast , Heterosexual , Iyashikei , Work , Youkai , Kuudere , Super Power , Urban Fantasy , Josei , Male Protagonist , Female Protagonist , Office , Kemonomimi , Episodic , Tsundere , Age Regression , Shrine Maiden

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Gou

Also known as Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU.

Studio: Passione
Status: Finished
Genres: Drama , Horror , Mystery , Psychological , Supernatural , Thriller

New kid Keiichi Maebara is settling into his new home of peaceful Hinamizawa village. Making quick friends with the girls from his school, he's arrived in time for the big festival of the year. But something about this isolated town seems "off," and his feelings of dread continue to grow. With a gnawing fear that he's right, what dark secrets could this small community be hiding?



Tags: Denpa , Tragedy , Alternate Universe , Female Protagonist , Yandere , Torture , Time Manipulation , Conspiracy , Achronological Order , Coming of Age , Time Skip , Rural , Anti-Hero , Gore , Primarily Teen Cast , Time Loop , Urban Fantasy , Reincarnation , Shrine Maiden , Body Horror , Gods , Twins , Primarily Female Cast , Detective , Historical , School Club , Dissociative Identities , Witch , Drugs , Suicide , Mythology , Male Protagonist , Demons , Yuri

Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi

Also known as The Elusive Samurai.

Studio: CloverWorks
Status: Finished
Genres: Action , Adventure , Supernatural

In the year 1333, the Kamakura shogunate government comes crumbling down. A trusted vassal, Ashikaga Takauji, betrays the shogunate and organizes a rebellion. Houjou Tokiyuki, the rightful heir, escapes the massacre with a Shinto priest named Suwa Yorishige to Kamakura. On the run and fighting to stay alive, Tokiyuki sets in motion his plan to reclaim his birthright.



Tags: Historical , War , Samurai , Swordplay , Male Protagonist , Tragedy , Fugitive , Demons , Primarily Child Cast , Revenge , Urban Fantasy , Gore , Shounen , Surreal Comedy , Anachronism , Philosophy , Suicide , Ninja , Gods , Archery , CGI , Religion , Spearplay , Shrine Maiden , Magic

Urusei Yatsura (2022)

Also known as Urusei Yatsura (2022).

Studio: David Production
Status: Finished
Genres: Comedy , Romance , Sci-Fi , Supernatural

When an alien race known as the Oni invade Earth, the chronically unlucky and unapologetically lecherous Ataru Moroboshi is selected as humanity’s representative in a duel for the fate of the planet! His opponent is Lum, the Oni’s very pretty princess, and it’s only thanks to Ataru’s unscrupulous behavior that he’s able to scrape out a win in a treacherous game of tag against her. Ataru thinks he’s had his lucky break at last, but when Lum takes a shine to him off the battlefield, the conflict follows him home as Lum invades not only planet Earth, but also the womanizing Ataru’s love life!



Tags: School , Surreal Comedy , Slapstick , Episodic , Aliens , Love Triangle , Unrequited Love , Cohabitation , Heterosexual , Ensemble Cast , Tsundere , Male Protagonist , Parody , Shounen , Super Power , Family Life , Female Protagonist , Urban Fantasy , Youkai , Tomboy , Shrine Maiden , Yandere , Meta , Gender Bending , Crossdressing , Time Manipulation , Animals , Shapeshifting , Snowscape , Tennis