Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash (2016)
A hauntingly beautiful dark fantasy anime about strangers with no memories learning to survive in a perilous new world.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash - Series Information
- Original Title: 灰と幻想のグリムガル
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: January 11, 2016 (United States - TV-14), January 11, 2016 (Canada - 14+), January 11, 2016 (Germany - 12), January 11, 2016 (Australia - M), January 11, 2016 (Brazil - 14), January 11, 2016 (Mexico - B-15)
- Networks: AT-X, Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: 灰与幻想的格雷姆迦尔 (CN), Grimgal of Ashes and Illusion (US), Hai to Gensou no Grimgar (JP), Ảo Ảnh Và Tro Tàn (VN)
- Production Companies: TOHO, A-1 Pictures
- Production Countries: Japan
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash - Plot
When Haruhiro awakens, he's in the dark surrounded by people who have no memory of where they came from or how they got there. As the darkness fades, a fantastic new world called "Grimgar" appears before them and their adventure begins—but first, they'll have to choose their guild, class, and special abilities.
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Grimgar's breathtaking world:
Where to Watch Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Looking for where to watch Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Fukushi Ochiai
- Yoshimasa Hosoya
- Hiroyuki Yoshino
- Nobunaga Shimazaki
- Mikako Komatsu
- Haruka Terui
- Tomokazu Seki
- Daisuke Namikawa
- Hiroki Yasumoto
- Mamiko Noto
Writers
- Ryosuke Nakamura
Executive Producers
- Keiji Ota
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash - FAQs
Is Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash based on a light novel?
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is adapted from a light novel series written by Ao Jyumonji and illustrated by Eiri Shirai, originally published in Japan from 2013. The anime covers the early volumes of the source material, faithfully capturing its melancholic tone and slow-burn survival narrative.
What makes Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash different from other isekai anime?
Unlike most isekai series where heroes quickly grow overpowered, Grimgar takes a grounded, emotionally raw approach. The characters struggle with even the weakest enemies, mourn their losses deeply, and face real consequences. Its watercolor-inspired visuals and melancholic pacing set it apart from the genre's typical power-fantasy formula.
Where can you stream Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash?
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is available to stream on Crunchyroll and the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Availability may vary by region.
Is Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time if you enjoy thoughtful, emotionally resonant anime. Grimgar earned praise for its stunning watercolor art style, mature storytelling, and genuine sense of danger. It's a slower, more introspective take on the isekai genre that rewards patient viewers with real emotional depth and beautifully crafted character moments.
Why do the characters in Grimgar have no memories?
The series deliberately leaves the origin of the characters' amnesia ambiguous, especially within the anime's 12-episode run. This mystery is central to the story's tension — the characters must build new identities and bonds without any past to anchor them, making every loss and relationship feel all the more fragile and meaningful.
How many episodes does Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash have?
The anime adaptation of Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash consists of 12 episodes across a single season, which aired from January to March 2016. There is also one bonus special episode included in Season 0. The series concluded without a second season announcement.
Who are the main voice actors in Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash?
The Japanese voice cast features Yoshimasa Hosoya as lead protagonist Haruhiro, alongside Hiroyuki Yoshino as the brash Ranta, Mikako Komatsu as the spirited Yume, Haruka Terui as the shy Shihoru, and Nobunaga Shimazaki as Manato. Tomokazu Seki and Mamiko Noto round out the supporting cast.
What are similar anime series to Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash?
Fans of Grimgar often enjoy Log Horizon for its strategic world-building, Re:Creators for its meta-fantasy storytelling, and Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles for its isekai adventure tone. Hunter x Hunter is also recommended for its emotionally complex characters and dark fantasy themes that echo Grimgar's grounded survival atmosphere.
More About Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
Explore further details about the series on these authoritative resources: