Those who fell in love with the intrigue, lush setting, and rich character work in The Apothecary Diaries are not alone. The series’ blend of historical drama, clever mystery, and slow-burn romance has captivated viewers who crave more than just high-octane battles or light-hearted slice-of-life antics. Instead, The Apothecary Diaries offers a deeper experience and one that rewards patient viewers with layered storytelling, rich world-building, and a heroine who navigates court politics with wit and intuition. For fans who have reached the end of Maomao’s journey (at least for now) and are yearning for something similar, Netflix’s catalog offers a surprisingly large selection of anime that echo the series’ best qualities.

Whether it is the political intrigue of imperial courts, the delicate unraveling of human emotions, or the fantastical lens applied to real-world conflicts, there are many Netflix anime that share something meaningful with The Apothecary Diaries. From period dramas with a twist to visually stunning meditations on grief and hope, these ten titles will help fill the void. Each one carries a unique flavor, some more dramatic, some more romantic, but all will satisfy that craving for complex storytelling and unforgettable characters.

10 Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

Anime Series by Studio Deen; Based on the Manga by Fumi Yoshinaga

Set in an alternate Edo-period Japan, Ōoku: The Inner Chambers flips the gender dynamics of the shogunate by imagining a world where a deadly disease wipes out most of the male population, leading women to take power and men to become prized rarities. This concept alone sets the stage for deep political maneuvering, intimate relationships forged under pressure, and examinations of societal structures not unlike the layered court drama found in The Apothecary Diaries. Like Maomao, the characters in Ōoku navigate a rigid system with limited freedom, finding clever ways to assert agency in a world that’s not built to empower them.

Where The Apothecary Diaries uses the lens of medicine and observation to uncover court secrets, Ōoku leans into power struggles and the human cost of survival in a flipped world. The series is emotionally rich and not afraid to ask hard questions about gender, sacrifice, and societal norms. Its animation matches the thematic tone that is elegant, thoughtful, and quietly powerful. Fans of Maomao’s shrewdness and the subtle unraveling of palace intrigue will find themselves deeply drawn into this reimagined history.

9 Blue Box

Anime Series by Telecom Animation Film; Based on the Manga by Kouji Miura

While Blue Box shifts gears into the realm of contemporary romantic sports drama, it shares with The Apothecary Diaries a grounded emotional core and slow-building relationships that reward attention to nuance. The story follows Taiki Inomata, a diligent bton player who falls for Chinatsu, a basketball star he ires both from afar and increasingly up close when they begin living under the same roof. Much like Maomao’s evolving relationship with Jinshi, Blue Box thrives on moments that are quiet, observational, and rich with unspoken emotion.

The beauty of Shonen Jump's Blue Box lies in its restraint. There’s no melodramatic confession or over-the-top love triangle here, just two young people balancing dreams, competition, and their deepening bond. The emotional stakes feel just as high as any palace mystery because they’re grounded in sincerity. Fans who appreciated the way The Apothecary Diaries built tension between characters through subtle gestures and dialogue will find Blue Box similarly rewarding. It is a reminder that intimacy does not always need fireworks, it can bloom slowly, like the trust Maomao and Jinshi carefully grow.

8 Vampire in the Garden

Anime Series by Wit Studio; Original Anime Production

For fans who were drawn to the delicate world-building and emotional depth of The Apothecary Diaries, Vampire in the Garden offers a short but deep watch. Set in a dystopian future where vampires and humans are at war, the story follows Momo, a soldier disillusioned with violence, and Fine, a vampire queen yearning for peace. Their journey together unfolds like a tragic fairy tale, echoing the tender connections and societal barriers explored in Maomao’s world.

Though Vampire in the Garden runs only five episodes, it packs in a haunting blend of action, beauty, and sorrow.

Though Vampire in the Garden runs only five episodes, it packs in a haunting blend of action, beauty, and sorrow. Much like Maomao’s empathy and curiosity lead her to understand people beyond their status or role, Momo’s evolving relationship with Fine challenges the binaries of enemy and ally. The animation is lush, the music poignant, and the themes of identity, peace, and personal choice resonate deeply. For viewers who want a short but emotionally potent story that examines human (and non-human) connection through a mature lens, this is a perfect follow-up.

7 No Doubt In Us

Anime Series by Paper Plane Animation Studio; Based on the Manhua by Lu Ye Qian He

Adapted from a Chinese manhua, No Doubt In Us tells the tale of an emperor and empress who, through a magical accident, switch bodies. What begins as a comedic premise soon deepens into a compelling exploration of governance, gender roles, and empathy, echoing The Apothecary Diaries’ own fusion of lighthearted charm and serious commentary. The court intrigue is present, but it’s filtered through the unique lens of two rulers literally forced to see the world from each other’s perspective.

Fans who ired how Maomao used her intellect to decode the palace’s mysteries will enjoy watching the emperor and empress navigate their shared duties and gain unexpected insight into one another. The series mixes humor with sincere political insight, highlighting how cultural expectations can obscure truth and hinder understanding. As in The Apothecary Diaries, the romance is understated but meaningful, built on growing respect and mutual care. The series is also a rare gem for viewers interested in historical stories outside of Japan, offering a fresh cultural context with familiar emotional themes.

6 A Whisker Away

Anime Film by Studio Colorido and Twin Engine; Original Story by Mari Okada

In A Whisker Away, fantasy becomes the vehicle for emotional truth, much like how Maomao’s observations in The Apothecary Diaries often reveal hidden feelings and social dynamics. The story follows Miyo, a girl who escapes her troubles by transforming into a cat and spending time with her crush in secret. This magical realism mirrors Maomao’s ability to see what others cannot, both literally and metaphorically, and her struggle to balance her personal desires with social expectations.

The film’s exploration of dual identities, inner loneliness, and unspoken emotions makes it a powerful companion piece to The Apothecary Diaries. Just as Maomao often hides her feelings behind a mask of indifference, Miyo wears a literal mask (and fur) to escape her world. The gentle animation, whimsical score, and heartfelt message about accepting oneself all contribute to a deeply satisfying emotional experience. If fans are drawn to stories where characters slowly peel back layers to reveal their true selves, A Whisker Away is worth a watch.

5 Suzume

Anime Film by CoMix Wave Films; Original Story by Makoto Shinkai

Makoto Shinkai’s Suzume may seem very different from The Apothecary Diaries at first glance, because it is a road-trip fantasy about closing supernatural doors to prevent disasters. But at its heart lies a heroine not unlike Maomao, who is curious, driven, and more emotionally complex than she initially lets on. Suzume’s journey through grief, change, and self-discovery echoes the inner growth that Maomao experiences as she navigates the imperial court’s dangerous waters.

The film is visually stunning, with Shinkai’s trademark landscapes and emotionally evocative storytelling. But beyond the spectacle, it’s a story about resilience and finding one’s purpose amid chaos. Much like how Maomao learns to wield her knowledge to help others and protect herself, Suzume uses her experiences to find strength in vulnerability. The emotional payoff is immense, and fans who appreciated The Apothecary Diaries for its introspective protagonist and poignant tone will find Suzume equally moving.

4 Delicious in Dungeon

Anime Series by Studio Trigger; Based on the Manga by Ryoko Kui

For those who enjoyed the blend of intellect and curiosity in The Apothecary Diaries, Delicious in Dungeon offers a quirky but surprisingly rich narrative about survival, knowledge, and camaraderie. At first glance, it’s a fantasy comedy about adventurers cooking monsters in a dungeon, but underneath the gimmick lies a thoughtful exploration of group dynamics, problem-solving, and the value of shared experience. Like Maomao’s ability to deduce cures from symptoms, the characters in Delicious in Dungeon rely on observation and experimentation to survive.

What makes this series stand out is how it balances humor with genuine world-building and emotional arcs. Each meal becomes a chance for characters to reveal something about themselves, much like how each case Maomao solves uncovers hidden court secrets. There’s also a deep respect for craft, whether it’s cooking or medicine, and a love for the scientific method wrapped in a fantasy shell. For fans who loved the analytical nature of Maomao’s work and the friendships she forged along the way, this series will hit the mark.

3 Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Anime Series by Madhouse; Based on the Manga by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe

If The Apothecary Diaries was a study in observing the world with a quiet brilliance, then Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is its perfect counterpart. The story follows Frieren, an elven mage reflecting on her long life after the death of her former adventuring companions. Unlike the urgency of typical fantasy fare, Frieren lingers on memory, emotion, and the slow accumulation of meaning over time. The introspection here mirrors Maomao’s own journey from apathy to engagement with the world around her.

The subdued storytelling, meditative pacing, and attention to subtle shifts in feeling make Frieren: Beyond Journey's End an ideal match for fans who appreciate the quiet depth of The Apothecary Diaries.

What’s especially compelling is how Frieren, like Maomao, becomes more emotionally aware through small interactions and the act of listening. The subdued storytelling, meditative pacing, and attention to subtle shifts in feeling make Frieren: Beyond Journey's End an ideal match for fans who appreciate the quiet depth of The Apothecary Diaries. It’s a series that trusts its audience to notice the little things and rewards them with profound beauty. If fans are ready for something thoughtful, melancholic, and deeply human, this anime belongs at the top of any watchlist.

2 My Happy Marriage

Anime Series by Kinema Citrus; Based on the Light Novel by Akumi Agitogi

Romance in The Apothecary Diaries is subtle, simmering just beneath the surface, and that same emotional restraint defines My Happy Marriage. Set in a historical fantasy world, the series centers on Miyo, a girl born without supernatural ability who is forced into an arranged marriage with a feared military commander. At first, it appears to be a cruel fate, but what unfolds is a tender romance rooted in healing, trust, and mutual understanding.

What makes My Happy Marriage so deep is its emotional maturity. Much like Maomao and Jinshi, Miyo and Kiyoka slowly build a bond based not on grand gestures but on quiet moments and respect. The lush art direction and subdued storytelling in My Happy Marriage give weight to each emotional moment, making even the smallest interactions feel meaningful. For those who found themselves captivated by Maomao’s growing vulnerability and romantic hesitation, this series provides a similar emotional journey with just the right touch of magical realism.

1 Violet Evergarden

Anime Series by Kyoto Animation; Based on the Light Novel by Kana Akatsuki

Few anime series match the emotional weight and artistic splendor of Violet Evergarden. This series tells the story of Violet, a former soldier turned letter-writer, who seeks to understand the meaning of love and emotion after years of emotional suppression. It’s a poignant meditation on grief, healing, and the power of words, paralleling Maomao’s journey of intellectual exploration that gradually opens her heart to deeper emotional truths.

What connects Violet Evergarden to The Apothecary Diaries is the main heroine’s evolution from detached observer to someone who feels deeply, even if she struggles to express it. Both series take their time to build emotional resonance, using episodic storytelling to slowly develop characters. The breathtaking animation, evocative score, and poetic narrative structure make Violet Evergarden not just a must-watch for fans of emotional storytelling, but a spiritual cousin to the emotional arc Maomao experiences. It’s a show that lingers in fans hearts long after the credits roll.