7.3 / 10 (based on 6064 reviews)
Amateur mage Shirou Emiya gets involved in a fight between mages using mythological heroes.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Noriaki Sugiyama, Kate Higgins, Kari Wahlgren, Liam O’Brien
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1 season, 24 episodes, 23-minute runtime
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Fate/Apocrypha (2017)
6.6 / 10 (based on 2480 reviews)
In an alternate universe the theft of the Holy Grail 50 years previously ushers in a new conflict between the Mages Association and the rebellious Ygdillemna Family. With the activation of the Greater Grail, 15 Servants are summoned for an unprecedented battle royale in a new Holy Grail War.
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Fate/Grand Order: Zettai Maju Sensen Babylonia (2019)
7.2 / 10 (based on 847 reviews)
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Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Fantasy, History
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Fate/Extra Last Encore (2018)
5.3 / 10 (based on 880 reviews)
Waking up in a strange virtual world with no recollection of the past, Hakuno finds himself forced to fight for survival in a war he does not understand for a prize beyond value; the opportunity to have one’s wish granted. With only an enigmatic “Servant” by his side, Hakuno Kishinami will have to face both friends and foes in battles to the death in order to not only gain possession of a mysterious object known as the “Holy Grail,” but also to find the answer to the most important question of all: “Who am I?”
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
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2 seasons, 13 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya (2013)
6 / 10 (based on 418 reviews)
Illyasviel von Einzbern is a normal schoolgirl in Japan. She lives with her overachieving nice guy older brother Shirou Emiya and her two maids, her parents are perpetually out of the country, and she has fanciful dreams of using magic to make her dreams of love with Shirou come true. Enter fierce rivals Rin Tohsaka and Luviagelita Edelfelt, two Magi who have been sent to Japan by Zelretch the Wizard Marshall, Master of Parallel Worlds, with the powerful sentient Kaleidosticks to collect the mysterious Class Cards and clean up their mess. After getting fed up with their constant infighting, one Kaleidostick, Magical Ruby, senses Illya’s fleeting dream of magic and leaves Rin for her, tricking her into becoming a magical girl. Now Illya is being forced by Rin to collect the dangerous Class Cards in her place. But perhaps more dangerous still are Illya’s own mysteries that may have unknowingly attracted Ruby to her.
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1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Lord El-Melloi II Sei no Jikenbo: Rail Zeppelin Grace Note (2018)
6.9 / 10 (based on 350 reviews)
When Lord El-Melloi II, the later Waver Velvet, gets asked to claim his inheritance over Adra Castle, he travels there with his apprentice Gray to do so. But they are not the only ones called that way. The will of the previous owner states that the assembled contestants, including Luviagelita Edelfelt, must compete in a game of wits to win the castle.
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1 season, 14 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya 2wei (2014)
6.3 / 10 (based on 252 reviews)
The magical girls are back, and ready for another round of adventure! After successfully recovering the Class Cards, fifth graders-turned magical girls Illya and Miyu think they can finally take it easy. But as fate would have it, the girls are once again called back into active duty when they find out that the Cards have left some very nasty side effects on their world. However, their seemingly easy mission goes totally awry with the appearance of a dark stranger who looks just like Illya! Who is this new but familiar face, where did she come from, and what does she want from Illya? With the arrival of this new foe, it seems like Illya’s finally met her match when her everyday life takes one dark turn!
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
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1 season, 11 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
In the world of anime, few series have sparked as much debate and fan fervor as “Fate/stay night.” Originally airing in 2006, this series has become a cornerstone of the anime community, inspiring countless discussions, fan theories, and even academic analysis. But what exactly makes “Fate/stay night” stand out from the myriad of other shows? Let’s break it down, without any unnecessary fluff.
The Basics
At its core, “Fate/stay night” is about the Holy Grail War, a brutal battle royale between seven mages (Masters) and their summoned heroic spirits (Servants) who fight to claim the mythical Holy Grail, a magical artifact said to grant any wish. The story follows Shirou Emiya, a high school student who unwittingly becomes a Master and summons Saber, a powerful servant, finding himself thrust into the conflict.
Unique Blend of Genres
One of the first things that sets “Fate/stay night” apart is its genre-blending nature. It’s not just an action-packed battle series; it’s also a deep dive into historical, philosophical, and even romantic themes. The show skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy, history, and slice-of-life, creating a narrative that’s as intellectually stimulating as it is visually engaging.
For example, each Servant is a historical or mythical figure, from King Arthur (Saber) to Hercules (Berserker), which adds a layer of historical intrigue. Viewers often find themselves going down rabbit holes, researching the real-life legends behind the characters. This blend not only makes for compelling storytelling but also enriches the viewer’s experience by making them curious about history and mythology.
Character Complexity
Another standout feature of “Fate/stay night” is its character development. The series excels at presenting morally complex characters, each with their own motivations, fears, and desires. Shirou, for instance, is not your typical hero. His obsession with becoming a “hero of justice” is both his driving force and his greatest flaw, leading to fascinating internal and external conflicts.
Saber, too, is far from a simple character. Her struggles with her past, her identity, and her duty provide some of the series’ most poignant moments. This complexity extends to the antagonists as well, who are often as well-developed as the protagonists, making it hard to see the conflict in black and white terms.
The Animation and Soundtrack
While the 2006 animation might not stand up to today’s standards, for its time, “Fate/stay night” was a visual feast. The battle scenes, in particular, were beautifully choreographed and animated, capturing the intensity and scale of the conflicts. The use of color and lighting added an extra layer of depth to the visual storytelling, highlighting the mood and tone of each scene.
The soundtrack deserves special mention as well. Composed by Kenji Kawai, known for his work on “Ghost in the Shell,” the music of “Fate/stay night” is both haunting and beautiful. It perfectly complements the show’s atmosphere, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. The opening and ending themes, performed by Sachi Tainaka, are especially memorable, capturing the epic and tragic tones of the series.
Impact on Pop Culture
It’s impossible to talk about “Fate/stay night” without mentioning its impact on pop culture. The series spawned a massive franchise, including sequels, prequels, spin-offs, video games, and even a successful mobile game, “Fate/Grand Order.” The “Fate” universe has become a phenomenon, with a dedicated fan base that spans the globe.
This impact is partly due to the series’ rich lore and expansive world-building. The concept of the Holy Grail War and the Servant system provides endless possibilities for storytelling, allowing for diverse narratives within the same universe. This has led to a variety of “Fate” stories, each exploring different aspects of the world and its characters.
Criticisms and Controversies
No discussion of “Fate/stay night” would be complete without addressing some of the criticisms it has faced. The 2006 adaptation, in particular, has been criticized for its pacing and the way it combines elements from different routes of the original visual novel. Some fans argue that this approach dilutes the impact of certain storylines and character arcs.
Additionally, the series has been part of debates around the portrayal of female characters in anime. While characters like Saber are praised for their complexity and strength, some aspects of the series, including its origins as an adult visual novel, have raised questions about the portrayal of women and gender dynamics.
Final Thoughts
“Fate/stay night” is a series that defies simple categorization. Its blend of action, history, philosophy, and romance, combined with deep character development and rich world-building, makes it a standout in the anime world. While it may not be perfect, its impact on pop culture and its ability to spark discussion and debate are undeniable.
For those new to the series, “Fate/stay night” offers a gateway into a richly imagined world that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. And for long-time fans, it remains a seminal work that continues to inspire and captivate. Whether you’re drawn to the epic battles, the complex characters, or the intricate lore, “Fate/stay night” is a series that has something for everyone.