The Apothecary Diaries has always been a recognized light novel and manga, but its anime boosted its popularity even more. It’s a unique series with an impactful female protagonist. This makes it hard to come across other anime like The Apothecary Diaries but we found some just for you.
Here we are with the 5 anime like The Apothecary Diaries that have strong female characters with similar interests. From similar historical settings and mysteries to romance, these anime will provide you with what Maomao left you craving.
Table of Contents
5. The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent
- MAL Rating: 7.31
- Episode No.: 24 (2 seasons)
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent has a similar beginning as The Apothecary Diaries – protagonists of both anime get kidnapped. Sei Takanashi is the female lead of this anime, obsessed with the medicinal qualities of plants and herbs like Maomao. After getting isekai-ed, she sets her sights on being a researcher at the Medicinal Flora Research Institute.
Both protagonists focus on potions and herbs studies. Their interests lead them to various unsavory circumstances. Sei’s aptitude as a Saint exerts an undeniable influence over her new life.
4. Saiunkoku Monogatari
- MAL Rating: 7.87
- Episode No.: 78 (2 seasons)
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Maomao struggles to find her place in the palace. She is often undermined due to her gender and so is the protagonist of Saiunkoku Monogatari, Shurei Hong, or Ko. Like Maomao, she can hardly scrape a living and is recruited to the palace.
Ko is offered the imperial household position to teach the young Emperor to be a responsible ruler. She accepts the invitation for the reward, and once in the palace faces the hardships of creating change. She also starts having a gradual relationship with the Emperor, which mirrors Maomao’s feelings for Jinshi.
3. Snow White with the Red Hair
- MAL Rating: 7.76
- Episode No.: 24 (2 seasons)
- Where to watch: Hulu, Crunchyroll
Shirayuki is a talented herbalist like Maomao. Just like the protagonist of The Apothecary Diaries, Shirayuki has to hide her red hair to avoid unnecessary attention. Additionally, both characters are sought after as consorts.
In Snow White with the Red Hair, Shirayuki meets Prince Zen Wisteria of the neighboring kingdom, who she saved from a poisonous apple with her skills. She begins working as a royal court herbalist in Clarines. Despite a huge difference in status, she and the prince fall in love with each other and eventually begin a romantic relationship.
2. Raven of the Inner Palace
- Mal Rating: 7.54
- Episodes: 13
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
The main attractions of The Apothecary Diaries are its historical fantasy genre, coupled with mysteries and a strong female protagonist. All of these features are present in Raven of the Inner Palace. Both stories take place in the inner palace and concern the emperor’s consorts. Additionally, both protagonists get entangled in solving palace mysteries.
Liu Shouxue, the protagonist of Raven of the Inner Palace, is the Raven Consort, who has no nighttime duties and has no contact with the Emperor. She is claimed to possess mystic abilities and is feared and revered by others. However, the emperor barges in to ask for her assistance with a mysterious case, forcing her to step out of her seclusion for the first time.
1. Ascendance of a Bookworm
- MAL Rating: 7.98
- Episodes: 36 (4 seasons) + 2 OVA
- Where to watch: Crunchyroll
Maomao is a talented apothecary and obsessed with weird exotic herbs and poisons in the Apothecary Diaries. If anyone can rival her obsession, it is Myne, the protagonist of Ascendance of a Bookworm. Her love for books was so strong it carried over to her next life.
Urano Motosu is a bookworm who is crushed to death and is reincarnated as Myne. However, books are scarce and only available to the elites in this new world where she is reborn. So, Myne makes it her mission to create and print her own books so she can read to her heart’s content. Like Maomao, Myne has to go through a series of troubles to do what she likes best – reading.
