5 Best Anime with Gods & Mythology

Anime often mixes old legends with modern storytelling, giving us gods, spirits, and mythic battles in settings that feel larger than life. Some shows stick close to Japanese folklore, while others borrow from Norse, Greek, or entirely original pantheons. 

These stories explore how gods interact with mortals, sometimes as protectors, sometimes as tricksters, and other times as terrifying enemies. If you enjoy mythology and divine power clashes mixed with human drama, these five anime bring the myths to life in unforgettable ways, ranked by popularity.

5. Kamigami no Asobi

High school girl Yui Kusanagi is whisked away by Zeus into a garden-like academy where gods from different pantheons like Norse trickster Loki, Egyptian god Anubis, and Japanese deity Susanoo—must learn about human love and emotions. 

Yui becomes their teacher, tasked with bridging the gap between divine beings and humanity. The series is both lighthearted and romantic, weaving in myths while showing the gods in youthful, modernized forms. It’s a playful anime that reimagines legends in a school setting, blending comedy, drama, and mythic personalities in unexpected ways.

4. Record of Ragnarok

Every 1,000 years, gods from across the world like Zeus, Odin, Shiva, and others gather to decide humanity’s fate. This time, they choose extinction. Enter Valkyrie Brunhilde, who proposes Ragnarok: humans battling gods one-on-one for survival. 

Fighters like Lü Bu, Adam, and Jack the Ripper face off against divine opponents in brutal matches. The arena battles push both sides to their limits, mixing spectacle with mythology. The gods are shown not just as flawless beings, but as combatants with pride and flaws. Each fight feels like a legendary clash brought to life.

3. Noragami

Yato, a lesser-known Japanese god of calamity, dreams of having millions of worshippers but works odd jobs for five-yen offerings. His life changes after meeting Hiyori Iki, a girl whose soul slips between the human and spirit worlds, and Yukine, a troubled spirit who becomes his weapon. 

Yato battles corrupted phantoms, rival gods, and his own dark past. Set in modern Japan, Noragami mixes action, comedy, and heartfelt emotion while showcasing a god trying to redefine himself. It’s both charming and filled with striking battles against the unseen.

2. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

The Holy Grail War summons legendary figures from myth and history, known as Servants, to fight for the wish-granting Grail. Shirou Emiya, a young mage, forms a bond with Saber, the reincarnation of King Arthur. 

They face opponents like Gilgamesh, the arrogant king of heroes, and other myth-based warriors. The battles take place across Fuyuki City, blending magic, mythology, and modern life. Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works brings gods and legends into high-stakes combat, making every fight a clash of ideals as well as strength.

1. Saint Seiya

In Saint Seiya, mystical warriors called Saints fight to protect the goddess Athena, who reincarnates in the human world to defend Earth. The main group, including Pegasus Seiya, Dragon Shiryu, and Phoenix Ikki, don powerful Cloth armor inspired by constellations. 

They face enemies tied to Greek mythology, including Hades, Poseidon, and other Olympian gods. Known for its dramatic battles and cosmic-scale stakes, the series became a cornerstone of myth-inspired anime. Its mix of astrology, martial arts, and divine warfare still influences modern shows today.