Fate series fans would be hard-pressed to find a favorite anime adaptation or spin-off. Of course, every Fate fan has their own opinion on which show should win the popularity contest, but you can’t go wrong with any of them for now!
Fate has become one of the largest and most popular multimedia franchises in Japan. Starting with the Fate/stay night visual novel released back in 2004, there has been a boom in Fate-related media since then. There is everything from games, light novels, manga, merchandise, and an anime adaptation.
Fate-related media has spawned a bunch of different anime titles over the years. They’ve ranged from adaptations of the various original game routes to spin-offs and an alternate universe or reimagining the original story. Even if you’re not into the original source material, there is a Fate anime version out there for all sorts of anime fans. With that said, here are the Fate anime ranked.
Fate/Extra Last Encore
With its rushed pacing and convoluted plot, Last Encore is the least impressive Fate/Extra adaptation. But it does have some redeeming qualities – mainly a great soundtrack and beautiful animation quality.
Today’s Menu For The Emiya Family
The animation style that Ufotable used in this title looks nothing like their other entries, but it’s still as clean and crisp.
One of the more recent entries on this list, Today’s Menu for The Emiya Family, is an adorable and light-hearted spin-off that sees a group of high school students bonding over food. It’s probably one of the most mundane Fate series in terms of battles, so don’t go into it looking for anything too crazy – but if you want to see some great Japanese dishes being cooked up, then this anime will satisfy those cravings!
Fate/Stay Night
Studio Deen‘s adaptations of the Fate/Stay Night series are a mixed bag. They aren’t as terrible or on-par with the Studio Ufotable adaptation, like animations and respect. Still, They manage to introduce newcomers into the world. The original anime series released in 2006 is dated by now. However, it serves its purpose for newbies looking for an introduction to this expansive fantasy universe created back then too!
A film based on Unlimited Blade Works was also adapted by Studio Deen years after – which definitely pales against Ufotable’s work, so we’ll count them both under one studio production here because they’re essentially two halves of something whole.
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Fate/Apocrypha
Fate/Apocrypha is an action anime series set in a parallel universe to the original Fate series. The conflict involves a larger scale Grail War, with servants that are even more numerous than those seen before.
Apocrypha has its moments, but there were times when I felt like things just lost me or feeling too compressed made it diffi for me to keep up! However, there was some really funny dialogue as well, so if you’re looking for something less serious, then this could be a good fit.
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Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia
The Babylonia anime is doing a great job of adapting the game’s story while giving every die-hard fan what they want to see their favorite character on screen. Though it’s still too early to say for sure, the entire series seems like an excellent adaptation so far, and I can’t wait to see more!
Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files
Another one of the newer spin-offs of the Fate series is Lord El-Melloi II’s Case Files. This is a great anime for fans who want to bypass the fighting element of the series and focus more on its lore. Unlike other spin-offs that focused only on combat or school life in Fuyuki City, this new story follows how magic works within Fate/Stay Night by presenting it from an angle not seen before!
Fate/Kaleid Liner PRISMA☆ILLYA
Unlike the original series, Fate/Kaleid anime is a Fate spin-off with an alternate universe that focuses on Illya. The show has four seasons and one film so far, all of which have been well received by the critics since its release in 2017. The movie starts with a light-hearted tone, but the plot eventually picks up. However, it might not be for everyone, considering how different it is from other films in the franchise.
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
This is the anime that really put Fate on the map in the west. Unlimited Blade Works was a hit when it came out and served as a gateway into an amazing series for fans to enjoy. The animation quality is superb and recreates what players experience from the said game while still being condensed enough for anime fans.
If you’re new to the series, this is likely a good starting point as it outshines the Deen adaptations in every way and still manages to serve as an introduction while delivering for those who are already veterans.
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Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel Movies
FSN Heaven’s Feel anime film covers the last and most infamous route. The Heaven’s Feel route is the darkest of all, and so far, this film trilogy has done a great job capturing both tone and atmosphere.
Studio Ufotable always has a high-quality animation standard, so it should come as no surprise that the films are just as good. They’ve got the best visuals of any Fate media to date. They are intended for veteran fans who know their stuff about Deen adaptations or Unlimited Blade Works anime.
Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero is one of the darker entries in the Fate franchise from studio Ufotable. The prequel takes on a much more serious tone than its predecessor, with less light-hearted moments and no repose to be found. But this dark anime series delivers: it has an engaging narrative that just can’t stop moving forward, solid animation quality for all your fight scenes, diverse characters from every age group. Fate/Zero excels at what it does best because of its willingness to take risks without compromising quality or heart.
Honorable mention
Carnival Phantasm
This is an honorable mention since this anime is a crossover anime and not just a Fate series.
Carnival Phantasm is a variety show that features many popular Type-Moon characters, a parody of the Fate series anime. The most notable being from Fate/stay night and Tsukihime. It’s very different in tone than any other entry into this franchise thus far. Still, once you get past all of its wacky moments, it becomes quite comedic to watch!
We know this list will stir up some pretty strong feelings and opinions, but that’s what makes it so much fun. So let us know your thoughts in the comments section below! Do you agree with our picks? If not: Fight me! It’s time for one last battle royale before we sign off on our Fate Anime Masterpieces countdown. But seriously, leave a comment and share your thoughts! What do you think would be a better fate anime countdown?
