The Top 6 Best Fate Anime Series That Shaped the Franchise

The Fate series (which has some of the best anime characters of all time) stands out as one of the most exceptional and widely adapted anime franchises in existence. Its extensive array of spin-offs and alternate timelines have enriched its universe since its inception in 2004 by Kinoko Nasu. Moreover, the franchise extends beyond anime, encompassing manga, light novels, and various video games, offering fans diverse avenues to immerse themselves in the Fate universe and its compelling narratives. Here, we look at the best Fate anime series of all time.

1. Fate/Stay Night (2006)

Fate/Stay Night (described as a visual novel), the original anime adaptation straight from Studio Deen, is kind of a mixed bag in terms of quality. This isn’t necessarily due to it being bad. Still, future adaptations from studios like Ufotable completely overshadow this version in terms of respect for the source material and animation quality.

What is it about? The story revolves around the Holy Grail wars and begins in the Fifth Holy Grail war, which saw many strong fighters like Berserker, a servant of Illyasviel (Ilya) von Einzbern. It stars Shirou Emiya (the main character), the sole survivor of an incident that engulfed an area in Fuyuki City in flames. A decade later, he lives a normal life — only practising magic in his spare time between school and odd jobs. Unfortunately, a series of events drags him to the fight.

Characters: Shiro Emiya, Saber, Archer, Shiro Emiya, Rin Tohsak, Illyasviel Von Einzbern, Taiga Fujimura, Shinji Mato, Sakura Mato

Why we love it: Released in 2006, it served as an excellent introduction to the Fate series. Without this anime, we might not have gotten the chance to enjoy the anime content to this extent today. Today, it works quite nicely as a nostalgia portal for fans looking to see the franchise in its rawest and original form. This is especially nice for newcomers who want an original introduction to the series. For this reason, it definitely deserves a spot among the best fate anime.

2. Fate/Zero (2011)

What is it about? Perhaps one of the darkest entries, Zero (which takes place in Fuyuki City), was adapted by Ufotable (a Japanese animation studio based in Suginami, Tokyo). Considered the best Fate anime by fans of the franchise, there are cool abilities and heroes present in the story, such as the Noble Phantasms used by Heroic Spirits. However, the real highlight is Kiritsugu Emiya (the foster father of Fate/Stay Night‘s protagonist, Shirou Emiya) and Kirei Kotomine. These two are possibly some of the most efficient masters ever introduced in Fate.

Characters: Saber, Kirei Kotomine, Irisviel von Einzbern, Kiritsugu Emiya, Kirei Kotomine, Kiritsugu Emiya, Waver Velvet, Archer, Rider, Lancer, Maiya Hisau

Why we love it: Serving as a prequel to Unlimited Bladeworks and set a decade before the events of Fate/Stay Night (during the Fourth Holy Grail War), the anime has an engaging narrative that will keep you glued to your screen. In fact, it dials things up in a way that makes you feel very sad for the characters. Fate/Zero‘s exploration of the themes of ambition and sacrifice gained the praise of critics and hardcore fans.

3. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works is sure to be the poster child of the anime series in the west. It is also probably ranked as the best Fate anime for a lot of people.

What is it about? The story follows protagonist Shirou Emiya as he becomes embroiled in the Holy Grail War. In this secret battle royale, mages summon heroic spirits to fight for the ultimate prize: the Holy Grail, which can grant any wish. Alongside his enigmatic servant, Archer, Shirou navigates treacherous battles against other mages and their heroic spirits while unravelling the mysteries surrounding the Grail and his own destiny.

Characters: Shirô Emiya, Rin Tohsaka, Saber, Archer, Shinji Matô, Shinji Matou, Gilgamesh, Lancer, Taiga Fujimura, Sôichirô Kuzuki, Caster, Kirei Kotomine

Why we love it: First of all, Ufotable bared its fangs to the world with this anime TV series. Prior to the release of Unlimited Blade Works, most anime got away with subpar fight animations and occasional battles. However, this anime raised the bar and displayed the potential of 2D anime battles. Even seven years after its release, this series is arguably among the top 10 best-animated anime shows. Beyond its awesome animations, Unlimited Blade Works was also a satisfying tale that worked well for TV. The story was superbly paced and concluded within 26 episodes.

4. Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel Movies (2017, 2019, 2020)

The first film in the trilogy, titled Presage Flower, premiered in Japan on October 14, 2017. The second film, titled Lost Butterfly, premiered on January 12, 2019. The third and final film in the trilogy, titled Spring Song, premiered on August 15, 2020. Prior to watching this, it’s best you check out some of the other films or series to get to grips with some of the lore. But, for the experienced fans, this might be the best Fate anime you’ve ever seen.

What is it about? The story delves into Sakura’s tragic past, her connection to the Holy Grail War, and her complex relationship with protagonist Shirou Emiya. As the Holy Grail War unfolds, Shirou finds himself torn between his desire to protect Sakura and his duty as a participant in the conflict.

Characters: Shirou Emiya, Sakura Matou, Saber, Rin Tohsaka, Taiga Fujimura, Zouken Matou, Kirei Kotomine, Issei Ryudou, Kiritsugu Emiya, Rider, Gilgamesh

Why we love it: The Heaven’s Feel film trilogy (produced by studio Ufotable) covers the infamous final route from the Fate/Stay Night visual novel. This Fate route is possibly the darkest version of the Fate/Stay Night story, and the movies capture that tone with a stronger and flashier animation (this film has the best visuals of any Fate property to date).

5. Fate/Apocrypha (2017)

An action anime set in a parallel universe (alternate timeline) is something that any fan will eat up in excitement. Adapted by A-1 Pictures, the animation is superb here and comparable to the high-quality production we’ve seen from Ufotable.

What is it about? This anime is set in the conflict of a large-scale Holy Grail war (60 years after the Third Holy Grail War), with more servants than ever battling for the Grail. In Apocrypha, the Yggdmillennia clan declares war upon the Mage’s Association.

Characters: Sieg, Jeanne D’Arc, Astolfo, Mordred, Rider of Black, Archer of Black, Vlad III, Spartacus, Assassin of Black, Fiore Forvedge Yggdmillenia

Why we love it: While it’s definitely one of the best Fate anime series, it’s also incredibly difficult to follow. That said, if you’re able to keep up with all the action-packed parallel world shenanigans, this might become one of your favourites. Unlike the waifu-focused premise of the Fate/Grand Order game, Apocrypha also gives players a deeper look into the relationships of characters within the time period.

6. Fate/Grand Order Absolute Demonic Front: Babylonia (2019)

What is it about? Adapted from the Fate/Grand Order mobile game, this anime created by CloverWorks studio is one that received a lot of praise upon its release. It sees a fan-favourite Fate villain finally receive the spotlight. Gilgamesh’s rise is interesting to watch as we witness his journey to become the king of heroes.

Characters: Ritsuka Fujimaru, Gilgamesh, Mash Kyrielight, Leonardo da Vinci, Romani Archaman, Merlin, Fou, Ishtar, Enkidu, Siduri, Quetzalcoatl

Why we love it: Telling the story of the 7^th Fate Grand Order, the anime explores the relationships between characters and expands upon their backgrounds with no details ignored.

Honourable Mentions

Honourable mentions, or other great stories set in the world, include Fate/ Extra Last Encore, Fate/Grand Order: Final Singularity, Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm Of The Round Table: Camelot, Carnival Phantasm, Today’s Menu for Emiya Family, The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II and Fate/Grand Order: First Order.

Of course, if you’d like to watch the franchise in some form of chronological order (instead of the release order), begin with Fate Zero and then move on to the Fate Stay Night series. From there, watch Unlimited Blade Works and, finally, Heaven’s Feel.

Being a fan of Fate is satisfying, thanks to the seemingly endless collection of content available for us to enjoy. They do a really great job of introducing interesting new characters with each release. Every entry has something for every type of anime fan, so there’s never really a person who can claim to hate the franchise as a whole. This list showcases our picks for the best Fate anime series of all time. However, different fans have their own opinions to share as well, and we think that’s the beauty of this expansive franchise.

Ask anime fans, and they’ll tell you that the Fate world is one you’ll want to explore again and again. It’s definitely worth watching.

Tell us, what do you think is the best Fate anime series of all time? Here is how to watch the Fate anime series and movies in order.