Yona is a princess of the Kingdom of Kouka who has lived a sheltered life. When the love of her life murders her father and steals his throne, Princess Yona’s life changes forever. Forced to flee her home with only her faithful bodyguard Hak, Yona embarks on a quest to reclaim her throne. Akatsuki no Yona takes place in a setting reminiscent of feudal China, and follows Yona as she struggles to relate to a people she’s desperately out of touch with. It bears many similarities to Akagami no Shirayuki Hime, particularly the lead character! Both Yona and Shirayuki are thrust into uncomfortable situations, but as is suggested by their red hair, both leads are strong-willed and determined enough to overcome any obstacle. The two series differ in that Akatsuki has much more action and politics, whereas Akagami no Shirayuki Hime settles down into a slice of life anime with romantic and comedy elements.

Shuurei Kou comes from a respected family, but unfortunately not a rich one. Her dreams of becoming a court official seem beyond reach, especially because women are forbidden from such a post. However when she is invited to mentor the Emperor, who is irresponsible and uninterested in matters of ruling, it gives her hope of making change and following her dreams! Saiunkoku Monogatari follows Shuurei’s hardships as she attempts to break traditions. Though different in the respect that Shuurei stays with the Emperor (where Shirayuki escapes Prince Raji), both characters have a special gift and influence on others around them, with Shirayuki being a talented healer, and Shuurei being a brilliant teacher. Saiunkoku Monogatari is a little more politically oriented than Akagami no Shirayuki Hime, but fans of Shirayuki as a character should definitely give this anime a go!

After losing a game of rock, paper, scissors to her sisters, Nike, the youngest princess of the Rain Dukedom, is sent to marry the Sun King Livius. Though this will allow her land to keep its autonomy, she is reluctant to marry, especially when she finds that Livius is just a boy! The World is Still Beautiful features another character which bears similarities to Shirayuki. Nike has the power to call forth the rain, and through her power she influences King Livius, in the same way that Shirayuki’s talent for healing (literally) changes the life of Prince Zen. Fans of Akagami no Shirayuki Hime will appreciate the romance which blossoms between Nike and Livius, as well as the similarities between the female leads.

In a world where the end is gradually approaching, a nation is devoting all of its efforts to stop the end from coming, by researching lost alchemic techniques. The story follows Logy, a talented scientist in the Development Department who moves to a border town to conduct his research. Here he meets Escha, a girl dedicated to using her alchemic talents to helping others. When she is also assigned to the Development Department it marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship. As well as having one of the longest anime names ever, Tasogare no Sora no Renkinjutsushi also has a lot of elements similar to Akagami no Shirayuki Hime. Both tell the story of a heroine who dedicates their life to helping others, and are set in a medieval setting. Fans of Akagami no Shirayuki Hime will also enjoy this anime’s tone, with its mix of comedy, romance and slice of life.

Set in a magical world resembling ancient China, Juuni Kokuki follows Youko as she is teleported there from present day Japan. At first struggling to survive, Youko finds her feet in this strange land, thus beginning a tale of action and political intrigue. Juuni Kokuki features a similar protagonist to Akagami no Shirayuki Hime. Both Youko and Shirayuki are initially weak, but emerge as strong, determined characters (as well as both having uncommon red hair). Both characters experience being a peasant in a land where this kind of thing matters, though as we near the end of the list, admittedly the selections get a little less similar. Juuni Kokuki is a much more serious anime than Akagami no Shirayuki Hime, and features a lot of politics and action scenes.

Prince Arslan is the son of the fearsome King of Pars. Young and innocent, he barely escapes with his life when his father’s trusted retainers turn against him. At the same time, the neighbouring kingdom of Lusitania invades with a huge army, led by the mysterious warrior Silvermask. The story follows Arslan as he tries to rally his people and liberate his kingdom. Arslan and Shirayuki are both soft-hearted and are a little ignorant of the world around them. They are always kind to those around them, even though it could mean them harm. This is where the similarities end really, but if you liked Akagami no Shirayuki Hime and were looking for something with a similar character and more action, then definitely check out Arslan Senki!