There is something unique about Samurai anime that no other anime has. The intensity, the sense of pride, the moral codes, and, most importantly for me, the traditional clothing, not to mention the lit duels to the death.
Noble samurais are the most awesome martial artists we can come across and, of course, series based on them have to be as great as they are.
So here’s a list of the best samurai anime ever made up to this point.
34. Legendary Brave Swordsman Yaiba
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Legendary Brave Swordsman Yaiba |
| Author | Gosho Aoyama |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Pastel |
| Premiered | Apr 9, 1993 |
| Episode Count | 52 episodes |
| Duration | 22 min. per ep. |
All kids have big dreams, and they all believe they are something special, something much cooler than a mundane human, but not all kids are anime characters who are far more mature than the average adult. Kurogane Yaiba is the name of this brat. He resolved to become a Samurai, a noble swordsman who will become the blade of the weak.
Any father who hears that will be overjoyed because he now has a miniature version of himself that he can shape into a hero. As a result, they began an intense training regimen that even an MMA champion couldn’t handle.
The boy had only known the forest as his home, so when he was thrust into modern society, specifically the modern society of the 1990s, he was completely thrown off his feet, but in a good way, you know… unique adventures kept coming his way one after the other.
33. Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran |
| Author | Akitaro Daichi |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | Jan 26, 2000 |
| Episode Count | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Ran is a female samurai who loves her sword as much as she loves her life’s water, sake! She is a one-of-a-kind warrior, the pride of all women, and even the biggest man can’t get her on her knees because she’s the one wiping the floor with them… when she’s sober, of course.
While wandering the land, she meets Lady Meow of the Iron Cat Fist, a skilled Chinese martial artist. They simply clicked and began travelling together.
This anime is a depiction of their wild adventures. Each episode stands alone; consider them mini-movies; they’re super entertaining and fun; you’ll love them!
32. Time of Shura
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Time of Shura |
| Author | Masatoshi Kawahara |
| Genre | Action |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Comet |
| Premiered | Apr 6, 2004 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
In the martial arts world, there is a legend that talks about an invincible technique, a unique style called Mutsu Enmei-Ryu that allows the user to crush an armed army on his own.
Isn’t that ridiculous? However, there are some simpleton muscle heads who believe everything they hear and go after the Mutsu house’s descendants, hoping to engage in the fight of their lives.
Will they be disappointed or return to us, or more specifically to me, to say, “I told you so”?
31. Musashi Gundoh
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Musashi Gundoh |
| Author | Naoyuki Sakai |
| Genre | Adventure, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | ACC Production |
| Premiered | Apr 9, 2006 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 25 min. per ep. |
Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: how can a gunman be called a samurai… But he also wields a sword, so that counts, right?
The thing is, he needs it. His gun, which he uses to seal demons, is super lit, and his sword is super Kakkoii, a sparkly electro sword. The problem is that picturing all of this cool stuff in the hands of a whiny kid takes all of the magic out of it.
He won’t give them to anyone, because he needs them to make a girl way out of his league fall head over heels for him! You know what, I’m rooting for him because, in the end, he’s the good kid, with some perverted thoughts (cough…like all of you…cough), but a good kid all around.
30. Gifuu Doudou!!: Kanetsugu to Keiji
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Gifuu Doudou!!: Kanetsugu to Keiji |
| Author | Masato Deguchi |
| Genre | Action |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Premiered | Jul 3, 2013 |
| Episode Count | 25 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
The Sengoku era was not a typical period in Japanese history. War and political unrest had engulfed the country, and they had given birth to incredible men to help them escape.
Naoe Kanetsugu, a military prodigy, and Maeda Keiji, an unrivalled warrior, were the two most important figures at the time.
However, the more incredible you are, the more the world’s problems appear to you to be games. So, thinking more of themselves, the two legends wanted to ensure that their names would go down in history.
If it means restoring peace, so be it; challenges are always more fun to overcome the more difficult they are; it’s just that their concept of difficulty differs from ours.
I can’t wait to see what mind-boggling nonsense they’ll pull on the world.
29. Asu no Yoichi! – Samurai Harem
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Asu no Yoichi! – Samurai Harem |
| Author | Yū Minamoto |
| Genre | Comedy, Romance |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | AIC |
| Premiered | Jan 9, 2009 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Yoichi Karasuma was born with a sword in his hand. Living alone with his father, the man trained him to be just like the traditional samurais, not only with his sword skills, but also with his speech and clothing.
At the age of 17, the boy had already mastered the Soaring Wind, Divine Wind swordsmanship style, the pinnacle of the martial arts world.
His father had nothing left to teach him, so he was sent to a dojo in the city without even considering training him in common etiquette.
Now that he lives with three illegally ravishing sisters, the perverted misunderstandings he encounters are endless, but are they truly innocent misunderstandings?
28. Amatsuki
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Amatsuki |
| Author | Shinobu Takayama |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Premiered | Apr 5, 2008 |
| Episode Count | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
What was your least favourite class in school? Isn’t that history? It’s all memorization, no logic, and no way to pass the exam if you haven’t studied. Tokidoki Rikugou, on the other hand, shares our disdain for it.
The boy passes all of his classes except this one, and as a result, his school forces him to attend a super boring seminar on the Edo era at a nearby museum to pique his interest in history, as if that will ever work.
He went, and instead of becoming interested in history, he became history because he is now trapped in the museum simulation and is in 1600 Japan.
However, as much as he hates the course, he knows one thing for certain: they never mentioned man-eating demons living in that era, so why is one on the bridge, right in front of him?
Watch a lazy teen transform into a powerful samurai, because he has no choice if he wants to live, and quickly become a history buff.
27. Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls |
| Author | Akira Suzuki |
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Arms |
| Premiered | Sep 4, 2010 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Japan is a remarkable country; not only is it beautiful, but its people are prosperous and at the pinnacle of modernity.
However, not everyone is pleased with how well it is doing. Humans, being jealous creatures, intend to bring down those they believe are better than them.
Faced with threats from all sides, Japan decides to train the next generation to be the country’s wall, and establishes a special academy to do so.
Muneakira Yagyuu enrolled in that academy and met a lot of strange people, but the most strange was that mysterious girl who appeared out of nowhere and kissed him on the lips.
Like Sleeping Beauty, something within him awoke, a unique power capable of assisting him in protecting his country. But who is this girl, and most importantly, what is her phone number?
26. Brave 10
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Brave 10 |
| Author | Kairi Shimotsuki |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | TMS Entertainment |
| Premiered | Jan 8, 2012 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Assassins were chasing Isanami, a miko whose temple had been destroyed. Fortunately, she came across a Ronin named Kirigakure Saizou who protected her. Can’t seem to get rid of her, the Ronin agrees to accompany the girl to a castle.
They met the castle’s Lord, Sanada Yukimura, who decided to gather ten brave warriors.
25. Samurai Kings
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Samurai Kings |
| Author | Yasuyuki Mutō |
| Genre | Action |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio I.G |
| Premiered | Apr 2, 2009 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Three warlords are at odds with one another. They’re going all out on the battlefield with their OP right hands by their sides.
On the menu are crazy techniques, awesome moves, elaborated strategies, and lit fights to the death.
Battle-craved warriors of unimaginable talent are rewriting history on behalf of their masters. Only one person can be at the top, and only one person can rule Japan. The strongest will win it all, and the losers will perish.
With so much at stake, why do they all enter the arenas with a smile that says, “I’m having the time of my life?”
24. Kurozuka
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Kurozuka |
| Author | Baku Yumemakura |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | Oct 7, 2008 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Kuro is an undefeated swordsman who does not seek fame or fortune, nor does he wish to become the best on Earth; all he wants is to spend eternity with the love of his life.
Oh, no metaphors here; the woman he loves is a vampire, and he is willing to become immortal for her.
One of his servants stabbed him in the back while he was undergoing his transformation. The thing is, he was never his servant in the first place, but a Red Army lackey.
He passed out and awoke in a post-apocalyptic Japan he didn’t recognise. Worse, the evil Red Army rules that revolting world. That’s all! The garbage must be removed. A lone swordsman is going up against the strongest power that exists right now in order to save the Earth, or more precisely, to exact his revenge and find his beloved.
A desperate situation that will put our prodigy MC to the test.
23. Samurai Deeper Kyou
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Samurai Deeper Kyou |
| Author | Akimine Kamijyo |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Premiered | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Two famous samurais were engaged in the decisive battle that would decide the fate of the war. A meteorite struck right where they were standing as they were preparing their final strike. When the smoke from the clash cleared, their remains were nowhere to be found.
Imagine the people’s surprise when one of them survived and is now living as a perverted medicine carrier here to heal only the pretty woman.
There should definitely be more to the story! And you’re correct, there is. The man’s soul is not his own, and it has not yet awakened…
22. Mushibugyo
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Mushibugyo |
| Author | Hiroshi Fukuda |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Seven Arcs Pictures |
| Premiered | Apr 8, 2013 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Stop right here if you can’t stand insects! Because this anime is about oversized man-eating bugs that are as ugly as you can imagine.
Those monsters are destroying Japan, and the government has no choice but to form a special faction to combat them.
The warriors who joined that faction became the land’s heroes, the people’s protectors, and they now have a new recruit.
He has a personality similar to Luffy but is less Kakkoii. He is hyper, clumsy, goofy, and stupid.
His pest control journey will be full of obstacles and unbelievable adventures as he strives to become a swordsman as impressive as his father.
21. Yasuke
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Yasuke |
| Author | LeSean Thomas |
| Genre | Action, Fantasy |
| Type | ONA |
| Studio | MAPPA |
| Premiered | Apr 29, 2021 |
| Episode Count | 6 episodes |
| Duration | 29 min. per ep. |
The first African samurai’s story. That alone cemented his place in history; however, he has also become known for his extraordinary abilities.
He deserted his master, became a ronin, and abandoned his sword for unknown reasons. But fate refused to accept his retirement and forced him back into the world of martial arts.
Although he is no longer an official warrior, the samurai code is still engraved on his soul, and when he saw an entire village being decimated, he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
He assisted and came across a very mysterious child, a child with strange powers, and he couldn’t leave him alone for some reason.
Follow the exploits of a unique duo as they travel through a land of magic and giant robots who, well, are completely out of place here.
20. Samurai Flamenco
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Samurai Flamenco |
| Author | Seiko Takagi |
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Manglobe |
| Premiered | Oct 11, 2013 |
| Episode Count | 22 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
“A hero will never give up, never hide, never be defeated, and never accept evil!” says Massayashi Hazama.
Following that one phrase, he is determined to become a real Hero, complete with ridiculous costume.
Endorsing the moniker “Samurai Flamenco,” he will stop any type of evildoer, even the insignificant ones who believe it is acceptable to pee in public.
That series will make you wonder what it is like to be a true samurai. A man wielding a sword or a man of strong values and morals, a righteous man adhering to the code of a warrior worthy of the title.
19. Angolmois: Record of the Mongol Invasion
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Angolmois: Record of the Mongol Invasion |
| Author | Nanahiko Takagi |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | NAZ |
| Premiered | Jul 11, 2018 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
The King of Kings crossed the great sea and landed in mediaeval Japan. Of course, his intentions were not to make friends with his friendly neighbours, but rather to take over the entire place.
His arrival precipitated what became known as “Genkou.” As the war raged on, Japan required warriors unlike any other.
Devoted men who followed strict morals and codes, men who will obey any orders given to them as long as they are on the path of justice.
And this is how the first samurais appeared in Japan, my friends.
18. Onihei
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Onihei |
| Author | Shōtarō Ikenami |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio M2 |
| Premiered | Jan 10, 2017 |
| Episode Count | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Heizou Hasegawa is our MC’s name, and he was the police chief in 1783. However, they were not as civilised as we are today. Any method that results in criminals being imprisoned is acceptable.
Torture, threats, manipulation, you name it, all of his actions earned him the moniker “Devil Heizou.”
However, the real man isn’t as bad as they made him out to be. All he wants is for his family to live in an environment free of evil and depravity. A noble objective fit for a noble samurai.
17. Hyouge Mono
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Hyouge Mono |
| Author | Yoshihiro Yamada |
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Bee Train |
| Premiered | Apr 7, 2011 |
| Episode Count | 39 episodes |
| Duration | 25 min. per ep. |
Let us travel back in time to Japan’s Warring Star Era. We’ll be following the exploits of Furuta Sasuke, the famous Oda Nobunaga’s right hand man.
Tea ceremonies are the only thing he enjoys more than his sword. He believes they are the key to a fortunate life.
He happened to come across some juicy information coming straight from a Tea Master’s mouth.
And that will be the start of an extraordinary journey for a tea-loving samurai with a very distinct, to say the least, personality.
16. Hakuoki Demon of the Fleeting Blossom
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Hakuoki Demon of the Fleeting Blossom |
| Author | Osamu Yamasaki Tsunekiyo Fujisawa |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Premiered | Apr 4, 2010 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Let me begin by saying that this series is a visual feast. The most attractive and beautiful anime characters are depicted in sexy traditional clothing, with extraordinary abilities combined with cold, mysterious, and brooding personalities.
I know I don’t need to say much more to persuade you to watch this masterpiece, but I’ll give you a brief synopsis anyway.
We don’t care about the girl who was looking for her father; all we care about is that she ended up in the Shinsengumi, a special police force that only deals with white-haired monsters with superhuman strength.
Their sole purpose is to protect Japan and its people from the supernatural threat, but this is no easy task given that they are normal humans themselves.
She became entangled in their problems, but she is well compensated because they are also assisting her in her search for her father. She really hit the jackpot because she is now living in a dream where hot guys do her job for her.
I’m sure this is how the entrance to heaven will appear when we get there.
15. House of Five Leaves
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | House of Five Leaves |
| Author | Natsume Ono |
| Genre | Drama, Mystery |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Manglobe |
| Premiered | Apr 16, 2010 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
Masanosuke Akitsu is an outstanding samurai. It’s not his fault he has a timid personality; it’s just how he is. However, as a result of his unreliability, his employer always fires him.
Akitsu, who was beginning to doubt his resolve as a samurai, was unexpectedly hired by a man named Yaichi. He’s supposed to be his bodyguard, an honourable job except he’s now guarding an infamous gang boss.
Yaichi’s activities contradict all of his beliefs; however, the “Five Leaves” piqued his interest, so he is sticking with them for the time being, not that he has anywhere else to go.
14. Intrigue in the Bakumatsu: Irohanihoheto
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Intrigue in the Bakumatsu: Irohanihoheto |
| Author | Junichi Miyashita |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | Oct 6, 2006 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
With a sword in his hand, Yojiro Akizuki is something else. A true devil who fights in the most bizarre ways. His weapon is an extension of his body as well as an artefact that is essential to locating the special items he is looking for.
Blood follows him wherever he goes. His second half is chaos and destruction, but who would have thought we’d find humans worse than him?
While wandering through the land, he came across a travelling theatre troupe with a truly evil agenda. I’m sure they’ll be best friends pretty soon.
13. Samurai 7
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Samurai 7 |
| Author | Mizutaka Suhou, Akira Kurosawa |
| Genre | Sci-Fi |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gonzo |
| Premiered | Jun 12, 2004 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 26 min. per ep. |
It’s time to travel into the future, to a time when samurai traded their bodies for robotic limbs to gain superhuman strength.
However, that technology was not solely for their use, and evil doers were overjoyed to learn that they now have an extremely easy way to fill their pockets.
Those criminals chose to target a village, a village with no means of defence. Desperate, the villagers descended on the nearest town, pleading with passing samurais for assistance.
With so little to offer, it’s no surprise they left empty-handed. However, fate smiled on them when battle-crazed individuals accepted their offer solely for the thrill of the fight.
Stay tuned for epic battles, insane techniques, and mind-boggling plans and strategies!
12. Drifters
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Drifters |
| Author | Kouta Hirano |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Hoods Drifters Studio |
| Premiered | Oct 7, 2016 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
All Tomoyasu ever wanted was an epic death fit for a samurai like himself. His time had finally come, one against an entire battalion, but some higher power had other plans.
When he was unexpectedly transported to another world, he found himself in the middle of a completely new war, one with creatures of darkness.
He wasn’t sad about it; he wanted the greatest death possible, so supernatural creatures fit the bill far better than mundane humans.
It’s just that the man is virtually unkillable, and his abilities are extraordinary. Let’s see who can deliver the “Coup de Grace.”
11. Ninja Scroll
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Ninja Scroll |
| Author | Yoshiaki Kawajiri |
| Genre | Adventure, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Supernatural |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | Jun 5, 1993 |
| Episode Count | 1 episode |
| Duration | 1h. 31 min. |
Jubei Kibagami was a samurai who had had enough of his masters’ filth. To escape his past and the political conflicts he had to face, he decided to turn it into a sword for hire.
Unfortunately, saying it is easier than doing it. When he came across a damsel in distress, he flew to her aid and is now caught up in the greatest conspiracy Japan has ever faced.
Oh, and instead of dealing with samurais like himself, which would be too easy, he is now up against humans with supernatural powers, if they can still be considered humans. Who knows what they did to their bodies.
Well, I sure hope he survives this time again, although his chances do look grim.
10. Sword of the Stranger
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Sword of the Stranger |
| Author | Fumihiko Takayama |
| Genre | Adventure, Adventure |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Bones |
| Premiered | Sep 29, 2007 |
| Episode Count | 1 episode |
| Duration | 1h. 43 min. |
Kotarou does not have any parents. He is forced to steal in order to survive when he is left alone. However, assassins began targeting his life one day.
He only swindled food; his crimes were not so serious that authorities had to send professionals after him!
On the run, he came across a ronin named Nanashi. He assisted them in getting out of their mess but did not want to get involved in his problems.
As he was leaving the boy, the boy decided to hire him and offered him a gem in exchange for his services. Don’t ask me how he got his hands on something so valuable; I have no idea.
The swordsman accepted his offer, and let me tell you, he will quickly regret it. He is not paid nearly enough for all of the craziness he is about to experience.
9. Peace Maker Kurogane
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Peace Maker Kurogane |
| Author | Nanae Chrono |
| Genre | Action, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gonzo |
| Premiered | Oct 8, 2003 |
| Episode Count | 24 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Ichimura Tetsunosuke was traumatised and may never recover after witnessing his parents being slaughtered by the Choushuu.
Despite his scars and a deep aversion to blood, his desire for vengeance drove him to join the Shinsengumi.
However, it was clear that he was not in the right place. He lacked the necessary skills, but most importantly, he lacked the mental fortitude to slash any state enemy.
Unwilling to give up on vengeance, he persists, unaware of the suffering that awaits him on the path to becoming a true samurai.
8. Shigurui: Death Frenzy
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Shigurui: Death Frenzy |
| Author | Takayuki Yamaguchi |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | Jul 19, 2007 |
| Episode Count | 12 episodes |
| Duration | 23 min. per ep. |
We’ve returned to the Edo Period, one of Japan’s few periods of peace. But, as you know, the Lord’s kind finds great pleasure and satisfaction in battle, so they may have been bored during those boring times.
Tokugawa Tadanaga was organising the annual sword tournament, which was usually held with wooden swords, but he thought it would be a good idea to spice things up a little by having the contestants compete with real weapons.
I believe it was a wise decision because the two main participants were students of Japan’s greatest samurai.
Although one had lost an arm and the other was blind, their skill surpassed that of any other human being on Earth.
While we watch one of the anime universe’s most intense fights, the characters will be putting their lives on the line to see who is more deserving of succeeding their master.
7. Blade of the Immortal
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Blade of the Immortal |
| Author | Hiroaki Samura |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Bee Train |
| Premiered | Jul 14, 2008 |
| Episode Count | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
He was known as the “Hundred Man Killer,” a human-flesh monster. He didn’t hesitate to use his sword against innocent people, women, and children. If evil existed as a person, that man could be it.
A nun, disgusted by his cruelty, decided to curse the murderer. She injected leaches into his blood, a type of insect that has the ability to heal all wounds.
What makes that a punishment? See, the insects not only healed his body, but also transformed him into an immortal. And let me tell you something: some people with low IQs think immortality is the greatest of gifts, but it is actually the worst kind of torture.
The monster, desperate for death, asked the nun how he could atone for his sins. To be honest, there is no way for him to make amends for what he did, but he can at least do some good by killing a thousand evil people in exchange for the innocent lives he took from the world.
6. The Kouga Ninja Scrolls
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | The Kouga Ninja Scrolls |
| Author | Masaki Segawa |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gonzo |
| Premiered | Apr 13, 2005 |
| Episode Count | 24 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
For years, two prominent families have been at odds, and their feud is affecting the entire country of Japan.
Nobody imagined they’d be able to bury the hatchet of war until the two successors fell deeply in love with each other.
They decided to marry in order to force the families to unite, but not everyone was happy about it, or should I say, no one was happy about it.
So, of course, they ruined the couple’s only chance at happiness by ruining the most important day of their lives in the most heinous of ways.
5. Afro Samurai
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Afro Samurai |
| Author | Takashi Okazaki |
| Genre | Action, Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gonzo |
| Premiered | May 3, 2007 |
| Episode Count | 5 episodes |
| Duration | 27 min. per ep. |
In a power-driven world, the strongest man becomes the law. Samurais are given headbands carved with numbers as a symbol of their power in the deprived Earth.
Afro’s father is the current number one. Yes, the title has many advantages, but his life is constantly in danger because everyone below him wants what he has.
After a long period of holding his position, the number two finally got the better of him. He killed him in front of his son, with a smile on his face, and it was the worst mistake he ever made.
The boy grew up to become a legendary samurai. Now that he has the number two headband, he has the authority to challenge the number one.
His retaliation will be a dish he savours as slowly as possible.
4. Samurai Champloo
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Samurai Champloo |
| Author | Masaru Gotsubo |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Manglobe |
| Premiered | May 20, 2004 |
| Episode Count | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
I’m not sure how this girl got a waitressing job given how clumsy she is. It’s no surprise that she’d end up in big trouble surrounded by hotheaded samurais every day.
When that day came, however, two good Samaritans in the shop came to her aid.
Trying to impress the girl backfired when they accidentally killed the magistrate’s son and were immediately imprisoned with a death sentence.
Now it’s the girls’ turn to repay the favour; she broke them out and even hired them as bodyguards, asking them to find a man who smells like sunflowers.
3. Dororo
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Dororo |
| Author | Osamu Tezuka |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Tezuka Productions, MAPPA |
| Premiered | Jan 7, 2019 |
| Episode Count | 24 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Daimyo’s land was dying, and its Lord was powerless to save it. He once reasoned that if the Gods were unwilling to help him, he would gladly pay Demons to do his bidding.
Sounds righteous, but the deprived man was only concerned with retaining his power and influence, even going so far as to offer his newborn son to the monsters.
They ate his limbs, flesh, eyes, and nose; the only thing they couldn’t eat was his will to live.
The baby survived miraculously, but the father saw him as a curse and ordered the servants to dispose of him.
Thrown into the river, a prosthetic maker found him and took him in. He built him a body and raised him with care and love.
The boy grew up to be a formidable warrior, more powerful than any man, faster than any animal, and more skilled than any master swordsman.
Well, he needed all that considering that all the demons of the land were still coming after him to finish what they started.
However, the hunters became the hunted when the samurai realized that if he killed the demon who was in possession of his body parts, he could have it back!
2. Rurouni Kenshin
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Rurouni Kenshin |
| Author | Nobuhiro Watsuki |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Romance |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gallop, Studio Deen |
| Premiered | Jan 10, 1996 |
| Episode Count | 94 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
In the midst of the Great War, a legendary assassin and undefeated swordsman received a wake-up call.
Disgusted by the amount of blood he had spilled, he decided to leave the battlefield and become the blade that will protect the weak.
Swearing to himself that he will never take another life, he wanders the vast land of Japan, assisting all those in need along the way.
But is that really enough to make up for all of his crimes, or is it just to make him feel better about himself?
1. Gintama
| INFORMATION | |
| Title | Gintama |
| Author | Hideaki Sorachi |
| Genre | Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | Apr 4, 2006 |
| Episode Count | 201 episodes |
| Duration | 24 min. per ep. |
Aliens from outer space arrived to claim the Earth as their own. It was a piece of cake for them to conquer the Blue Planet because they were far stronger and more advanced than we were.
There were, however, some warriors who could make them shiver, and those warriors are the great samurais of Japan.
They decided to ban the use of Katanas in order to permanently eliminate the threat and give them peace of mind.
Forced to let go of their devoted companion, the legendary samurai reverted to their former selves.
Only one of them refused to obey the order and maintained his martial arts pride. Are you picturing a Kakkoii and cold fighter with a fierce gaze? Imagine that image in your mind, then imagine the polar opposite, and you have the series’ main character.
Conclusion
So, what are your thoughts on that fantastic anime compilation? The only thing that worries me now is that you, like me, may have already seen most of them.
However, if you look closely enough, you will find the rare pearl you have been looking for.
Some of the anime on the list are criminally underappreciated, while others have older versions that you can watch as well. While modern animation is undeniably superior, there is something magical about the original versions that draws you in, so why not give them a chance as well?
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