16 Best Samurai Anime: Slicing Through History and Myth

The classic. Rurouni Kenshin is a cornerstone of samurai anime, and for good reason.

Set in the Meiji era, this series follows Kenshin Himura, a wandering swordsman with a dark past as a legendary assassin known as “Battousai”.

Vowing never to kill again, Kenshin now uses his reverse-blade sword to protect the innocent while trying to atone for his violent past.

The show masterfully balances humor, romance, and intense martial arts sequences, all while exploring the cost of violence and the path to redemption.

Rurouni Kenshin does a great job of humanizing both heroes and villains, showing that even people with blood on their hands can still hope for peace.

It has all the hallmarks of a great samurai tale: honor, tragedy, badass combat, and an emotional journey that still hits hard today.

It’s a perfect entry point for anyone new to samurai anime. The nostalgic 90s art style only adds to its charm.

Rurouni Kenshin info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan
• Episodes: 94
• Released: Winter 1996
• Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
• Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance
• Themes: Historical, Samurai
• Score: 8.28 (MAL), 8.5 (IMDb)

Ever thought samurai stories needed a little hip-hop? Samurai Champloo makes it work like magic.

The story follows Fuu, a plucky waitress, who recruits two polar-opposite samurai: Mugen, a brash rogue, and Jin, a stoic ronin, to help her find samurai who smells of sunflowers.

Along the way, they battle everything from rogue warriors to giant sumo wrestlers, all set to a banging beat-driven soundtrack.

Set in a stylized Edo period, the series mixes breakdancing swordplay, funny humor, and existential musings on purpose and freedom.

Its unique visuals, irreverent humor, and genre-blending storytelling make it one of the most memorable entries in the genre.

Samurai Champloo info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 2004
• Studios: Manglobe
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy
• Themes: Historical, Samurai
• Score: 8.51 (MAL), 8.5 (IMDb)

Dororo is dark, emotional, and unforgettable. The one we know (2019 version) is actually a remake of the original from 1969 (yep, that far back).

Set in a war-torn Japan plagued by demons, it follows Hyakkimaru, a boy whose body parts were stolen by demons at birth due to a deal his father made.

As Hyakkimaru cuts down each demon to reclaim parts of his body, he’s joined by Dororo, a scrappy orphan with their own secrets.

This anime dives deep into the cost of revenge, the nature of humanity, and the burden of legacy.

It’s filled with feudal politics, eerie supernatural elements, and a strong sense of moral ambiguity.

While not a traditional samurai story, its historical setting and sword-fighting action firmly root it in the genre. And it’s not wrong to call Hyakkimaru as ronin (masterless samurai).

It’s brutal, beautiful, and emotionally devastating in all the right ways.

Dororo info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Winter 2019
• Studios: Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Themes: Historical, Mythology, Samurai
• Score: 8.25 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

Watch Dororo trailer:

This one’s for fans who love their samurai stories packed with action and cinematic flair.

This film follows Nanashi, a nameless ronin who reluctantly agrees to protect Kotarō, a young boy hunted by a shadowy Chinese empire.

The plot is straightforward, but the execution? Chef’s kiss.

The animation is gorgeously brutal, especially in the climactic duel, a 10-minute swordfight that was once regarded as one of anime’s greatest.

If you’re craving a tight, emotionally resonant samurai film that doesn’t waste a second of its runtime, this is the one. Minimum dialogue and maximum emotional impact.

Sword of the Stranger info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Stranger: Mukou Hadan
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 2007
• Studios: Bones
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: Historical, Samurai
• Score: 8.25 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)

While Hell’s Paradise might stretch the samurai genre’s boundaries, it definitely belongs here thanks to its strong roots in bushido and the samurai spirit.

The story follows Gabimaru, a deadly shinobi sentenced to death, who’s offered a pardon if he can retrieves an immortality elixir from a deadly island filled with madness.

Paired with Sagiri, a stoic executioner who comes from a prestigious samurai family, Gabimaru battles grotesque creatures and rival warriors while confronting his own humanity.

The series thrives on its eerie atmosphere, philosophical questions about life’s value, and jaw-dropping fight choreography.

The clash between Gabimaru’s killer instincts and his desire to return to his wife mirrors the eternal samurai struggle between the blade and the heart.

With intense battles and a side of existential dread, this one carves out a unique space in the samurai genre.

Hell’s Paradise info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Jigokuraku
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Spring 2023
• Studios: MAPPA
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
• Themes: Gore, Historical, Samurai
• Score: 8.09 (MAL), 8.1 (IMDb)

Watch Hell’s Paradise trailer:

From the creator of Assassination Classroom comes a new twist on samurai-era storytelling. It’s a new contender that’s already making waves.

Set in feudal Japan after the fall of the Kamakura shogunate, it centers on Tokiyuki, a young heir forced into hiding after his clan is betrayed.

Unlike your typical sword-swinging protagonist, Tokiyuki survives not by fighting head-on but through agility, cleverness, and strategy, earning him the title of “elusive.”

It’s a refreshing take on the genre, balancing humor, action, and a coming-of-age journey against a rich historical backdrop. The cat-and-mouse chases only add extra layer of fun.

If you’re looking for a samurai anime that breaks the mold while keeping the heart of the genre intact, this one’s a fresh and exciting pick.

The Elusive Samurai info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2024
• Studios: CloverWorks
• Genres: Adventure, Comedy
• Themes: Historical, Samurai
• Score: 7.81 (MAL), 7.3 (IMDb)

Watch The Elusive Samurai trailer:

Before we start, what is Gintama even about? It’s hella wild. One thing for sure, it’s the most un-samurai samurai anime out there.

Set in an alternate Edo period where aliens have taken over Japan, this series is a genre-bending rollercoaster that combines comedy, drama, and jaw-dropping action.

At the center is Gintoki Sakata, a silver-haired samurai with a wooden sword, and absolutely no motivation to work… unless money or friends are involved.

On the surface, Gintama is a hilarious, fourth-wall-breaking comedy that parodies everything from shounen tropes to historical dramas.

But beneath all the jokes, it delivers some of the most emotionally resonant samurai storytelling around. It took hundreds episodes to get there though…

Gintama info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 201
• Released: Spring 2006
• Studios: Sunrise
• Genres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Gag Humor, Historical, Parody, Samurai
• Score: 8.93 (MAL), 8.7 (IMDb)

Literally just what the title says: a samurai with an afro.

With its bold visuals, hip-hop soundtrack, and gritty narrative, Afro Samurai is like a samurai western dipped in urban cool.

This anime follows Afro, a lone warrior on a quest to avenge his father’s death and claim the “Number One” headband, the symbol of the strongest fighter in the land.

It’s a brutal and stylish blend of East and West, steeped in themes of vengeance, loneliness, and legacy.

Though short-lived (only 5 episodes), the series packs a punch with its raw energy, drip visuals, and existential undertones.

Afro Samurai info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 5
• Released: Spring 2007
• Studios: Gonzo
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: Gore, Samurai
• Score: 7.37 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

If you’ve ever wanted your samurai anime with a side of real-world history, Angolmois brings the real-life Mongol invasions of Japan to vivid, bloody life.

The story centers on a group of exiled warriors forced to defend Tsushima Island against the overwhelming Mongol forces.

Led by the disgraced samurai Jinzaburō, these outcasts must put aside their differences and fight for survival against impossible odds.

The anime portrays samurai honor and loyalty not as lofty ideals, but as hard choices made in brutal circumstances.

This isn’t glamorous heroism, it’s a desperate, muddy scramble for survival.

The show excels in showing the chaos of war, with tactical battles, military stuff, and characters who are flawed but deeply human.

If you’re into historical accuracy with a dash of creative liberty, this one’s a raw, riveting ride.

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Angolmois: Genkou Kassenki
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2018
• Studios: NAZ
• Genres: Action, Drama
• Themes: Historical, Military, Samurai
• Score: 7.12 (MAL), 7.1 (IMDb)

Watch Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion trailer:

Ever wonder what would happen if famous warriors from history got isekai’d into a fantasy world and told to fight in an epic battle of good vs. evil? That’s Drifters in a nutshell.

Our main samurai here is Shimazu Toyohisa, a real-life warrior from Japan’s Sengoku era, who ends up in a mysterious realm after dying in battle.

There, he teams up with other historical figures to fight against dark forces threatening this strange new world.

Drifters is fast-paced, violent, and packed with grit, but it also reflects the bushido code in a setting where loyalty and honor are constantly challenged.

It’s a blast to watch legendary warriors clash in over-the-top battles, all while staying rooted in their core identities as samurai or soldiers.

Drifters info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Fall 2016
• Studios: Hoods Entertainment
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
• Themes: Adult Cast, Gore, Historical, Isekai, Military, Samurai
• Score: 7.88 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Basilisk is a romantic tragedy dressed in ninja-samurai garb, with enough betrayal, gore, and heartbreak to leave you reeling.

Two rival ninja clans, bound by centuries of bloodshed, finally reach a truce. Their heirs, Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro Iga, fall deeply in love with each other.

But after the shogun’s death, the two clans are forced into deathmatch once again to decide the next shogun, leaving the two lovers tragically caught in the middle.

While it leans more toward ninja action than classic samurai, the themes of loyalty, duty, and tragic honor run deep.

The show is gorgeously animated and filled with intense, deadly confrontations with each character wielding unique and often grotesque powers.

Basilisk info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Spring 2004
• Studios: Gonzo
• Genres: Action, Drama, Romance
• Themes: Adult Cast, Gore, Historical, Martial Arts, Samurai
• Score: 7.53 (MAL), 7.8 (IMDb)

Set during a time when samurai duels could be deadly showcases of pride and madness, this anime dives into the dark, decaying core of bushido.

At the heart of the story are two crippled warriors whose rivalry descends into madness, each battling to the death to prove themselves the true successor to their legendary master.

Unlike most anime, Shigurui is soaked in dread and realism, focusing more on internal agony and twisted obsessions than flashy swordplay.

Every frame drips with tension, and the pacing forces you to sit with the disturbing choices each character makes.

Shigurui: Death Frenzy info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2007
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Drama, Suspense
• Themes: Adult Cast, Gore, Historical, Martial Arts, Psychological, Samurai
• Score: 7.35 (MAL), 7.7 (IMDb)

Inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai, Samurai 7 reimagines the classic story in a futuristic world where mech and high-tech machines clash with old-school swordsmanship.

The story follows seven warriors who band together to defend a village from mechanized bandits called Nobuseri.

While some characters are more cyber-samurai than classic swordsmen, the heart of the story remains true to its roots: warriors fighting not for glory, but for justice and the weak.

Though it didn’t reach the same heights as its cinematic inspiration, it’s still a solid pick for fans of tactical combat and character-driven drama.

Samurai 7 info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Summer 2004
• Studios: Gonzo
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Historical, Mecha, Samurai
• Score: 7.43 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Sometimes, the best samurai stories aren’t about noble warriors, but criminals.

Set in Edo-era Japan, it follows Akitsu Masanosuke, a timid, wandering samurai who joins a band of benevolent kidnappers called the “Five Leaves.”

As he gets drawn deeper into their world, he begins questioning his own identity, morality, and purpose in life.

Unlike most action-heavy samurai shows, this one is quiet and contemplative, focusing on character relationships and moral ambiguity.

The art style is soft and muted, matching the show’s slow, thoughtful pace. It’s a meditative piece that asks, “What does it mean to be a samurai when the world no longer needs one?”

House of Five Leaves info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Saraiya Goyou
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2010
• Studios: Manglobe
• Genres: Drama
• Themes: Adult Cast, Historical, Samurai
• Score: 7.75 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

Immortality might sound like a blessing, but for Manji, the protagonist of Blade of the Immortal, it’s a curse.

“Kill 1,000 evil men to lift your curse.” That’s the price Manji must pay to atone for his past sins and earn the right to die.

Teaming up with a young girl seeking revenge, Manji’s journey is a brutal, blood-soaked quest filled with moral ambiguity and intense personal battles.

The series doesn’t shy away from violence or tragedy, but it also uses those elements to ask powerful questions about justice, revenge, and the price of redemption.

The 2019 adaptation in particular is a visual and narrative triumph. It’s raw, stylish, and emotionally powerful.

Blade of the Immortal info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Mugen no Juunin: Immortal
• Episodes: 24
• Released: 2019
• Studios: LIDENFILMS
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Supernatural
• Themes: Gore, Historical, Martial Arts, Samurai
• Score: 7.43 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

If you like your samurai stories with a bit of coming-of-age flavor, Peace Maker Kurogane hits the mark.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of pre-Meiji Japan, the story follows Tetsunosuke, a boy who joins the Shinsengumi (an elite police force) seeking revenge for his parents’ death.

While he starts off as a hot-headed teen with dreams of heroism, he’s quickly forced to confront the harsh realities of violence, loss, and what it really means to wield a sword.

The series skillfully shows the idealism of youth clashing with the grim reality of samurai life. It also balances light-hearted moments with serious historical drama and action.

It’s a touching story about growing up in a world shaped by war and ideology, and it offers a unique perspective through the eyes of a young samurai-in-training.

Peace Maker Kurogane info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Fall 2003
• Studios: Gonzo
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Historical, Samurai
• Score: 7.20 (MAL), 6.3 (IMDb)

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Samurai Anime

Samurai anime captures something timeless. It’s not just the clash of swords or the thrill of combat, but the quiet strength behind every decision.

These stories remind us of the weight of honor, the cost of loyalty, and the power of living by a code in a world full of uncertainty.

They are stories about people, warrior, outcasts, heroes, who face impossible choice and emerge changed, for getter or words.

The genre continues to evolve, but the core remains the same. It speaks to the soul, cuts through the noise, and stays with you long after the final scene.

So, which of these samurai tales have you seen? Got a favorite we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments!