Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is a fantastic anime—easily one of the best anime of 2024, if not the best. This masterpiece stands out with its beautiful story, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters. Every character feels so well-crafted that you can’t help but fall in love with them. With its unique plot and deep themes, it’s truly in a league of its own. Finding anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is no easy task, as nothing quite matches its brilliance. However, I’ve selected a few anime that capture the same essence, offering thought-provoking stories and creative approaches to storytelling. Let’s explore these hidden gems!
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn, a young boy who grows up hearing stories about Vinland, a peaceful and fertile land far from his cold Icelandic home. But his life changes when his father is killed, and he ends up living as a mercenary with a single goal: to take revenge on Askeladd, the man who took his father’s life. As war between England and the Danes grows more violent, Thorfinn struggles with his father’s belief that no one is an enemy and no one should be hurt, while living in a world full of fighting and death.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Vinland Saga is set in a historical European landscape and focuses on people questioning the world around them. Both shows deal with the fight against powerful forces and explore the search for a better way of life, making Vinland Saga a great choice for fans of anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
The Heike Story
The Heike Story is set in Japan during a time of war and rising power. It follows Biwa, a young girl with a special eye that lets her see the future. After she disrespects the powerful Taira clan, her father is killed. Biwa meets Taira no Shigemori, the clan’s eldest son, and tells him that the Heike clan’s downfall is near. Shigemori, who can see the spirits of the dead, decides to protect her from harm. As the clan faces growing conflicts, Biwa struggles to live with the knowledge of the future while Shigemori tries to change their fate.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, The Heike Story focuses on a historical setting and explores themes of power, fate, and the consequences of human actions. Both anime show characters dealing with the effects of larger forces around them, making The Heike Story a great pick for fans of anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
Mushi-Shi
Mushi-Shi is set in a time between Japan’s Edo and Meiji periods, with some old technology but a society still isolated from the rest of the world. The story follows Ginko, a “Mushi Master,” who can see mysterious creatures called Mushi. These beings have strange powers, but most people can’t see them. Ginko travels around helping people who are affected by Mushi, studying them along the way. The show is made up of separate stories, each focusing on Ginko’s encounters with Mushi and the people he helps.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Mushi-Shi explores hidden forces in nature and the mysteries of life. Both anime focus on discovering the unknown and the balance between people and the world around them, making Mushi-Shi a great pick for fans looking for anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
Moriarty the Patriot
Moriarty the Patriot is set in 19th-century Britain, where the country is powerful but its society is divided. The class system values people based on their wealth and status, leaving the needy with little chance to improve their lives. William James Moriarty, the second son of the Moriarty family, lives as a nobleman and helps common people with their problems. However, he secretly wants to tear down the unfair system and punish those who benefit from it. Together with his brothers, Albert and Louis, William is willing to go to any lengths—even using violence—to change the world.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Moriarty the Patriot focuses on fighting against an unfair system. Both anime are set in historical European settings and feature characters who challenge the powers that control their world, making Moriarty the Patriot a great pick for fans of anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
From the New World
From the New World is set in a future where some people have special psychic powers called “Cantus.” Saki Watanabe is the last of her friends to develop these powers and join the Sage Academy, a school for people like her. But not everyone is treated the same. Soon after Saki arrives, a classmate disappears. As she walks home one day with her friends—Maria, Shun, Satoru, and Mamoru—they find strange creatures called “Monster Rats.” These creatures worship those with Cantus as gods. As Saki uses her powers to help one, they begin to uncover the dark secrets hidden in their world, realizing their perfect society has a troubling past.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, From the New World explores how hidden powers control society. Both anime follow young characters discovering uncomfortable truths about their world and challenge the powerful forces shaping their lives, making From the New World a great choice for fans looking for anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
Arte
Arte takes place in 16th-century Florence during the Renaissance and tells the story of Arte, a young woman from a noble family who dreams of becoming a great artist. After her father’s death, she is expected to marry and live a comfortable life as a housewife, but Arte refuses to accept this. She leaves her aristocratic life behind and searches for a master who will teach her to become an artist. Despite facing rejection and prejudice as a woman in a male-dominated field, she eventually finds Leo, a skilled artisan who agrees to take her on as an apprentice. As she works hard to improve her craft, Arte faces many challenges but continues to push forward in her quest to prove herself.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Arte focuses on a character who challenges societal expectations and strives for personal growth. Both anime feature strong leads in historical settings, with Arte tackling gender issues in the art world, while Orb explores deeper philosophical and scientific themes. If you’re looking for anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Arte offers a story of perseverance and following one’s dreams.
To Your Eternity
To Your Eternity follows an immortal being called “It,” who is sent to Earth to observe life. It starts as a rock and, over time, takes the form of different beings, including a wolf. The story begins when It transforms into the wolf and becomes aware of its own consciousness. It soon meets a lonely young boy who is searching for a paradise where his clan went. Together, they embark on a journey, but the path ahead is filled with challenges and uncertainty.
I won’t spoil much about the plot, as it unfolds in surprising ways. However, like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, To Your Eternity explores themes of transformation, the search for a better world, and the meaning of life. If you’re looking for anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, this anime offers a deep and philosophical journey into the human experience.
Steamboy
Steamboy takes place in Victorian-era Britain during the industrial revolution. The story follows James Ray Steam, a young inventor from a family of famous engineers. Ray receives a mysterious ball from his grandfather that contains a powerful steam engine. Soon, the O’Hara Foundation, a powerful group, starts chasing him, wanting to take the invention for themselves. As Ray tries to understand the secret behind the ball, he is forced to deal with those who want to use its power for their own gain.
Like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, Steamboy shows the dangers of powerful inventions and how people and organizations fight to control them. Both anime are set in historical European settings and explore the impact of science and technology on the world, making Steamboy a great pick for fans looking for anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
I hope you enjoyed this list of anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth! Each of these shows brings something special to the table, offering unique stories and captivating experiences. If you have any favorites from this list or know other anime like Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, feel free to share them in the comments!