Samurai stories in anime are well-known for their intense sword fights and the strict rules samurai live by. They’ve been popular for many years, entertaining people of all ages. These anime also reflect Japan’s rich cultural history.
Many samurai anime try to honor Japan’s ancient traditions while providing exciting action scenes. Some shows have unique stories and art styles that set them apart.
Let’s look at some of the best samurai anime ever made!
Best Samurai Anime
1. Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)
- Episode: 94
- Released: 1996
- Studio: Gallop, DEEN
Most anime enthusiasts believe Rurouni Kenshin is the best samurai-themed anime ever created. It debuted in 1996 and has since been a significant influence, shaping the samurai genre in anime.
The story is set in Japan in 1878, during the Meiji Restoration. It follows the journey of a wandering samurai named Himura Kenshin, who takes up residence in a martial arts school and makes a vow to refrain from killing with his sword.
Kenshin wields a unique reversed blade, and he now uses it only to defend the innocent, resulting in intense sword battles filled with drama. Combining deep emotions in the storyline and thrilling sword-fighting scenes makes this 1990s anime exceptional.
2. Samurai 7
- Episode: 26
- Released: 2004
- Studio: GONZO
Samurai 7 draws inspiration from the legendary film Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa, presenting a fresh take on feudal Japan in an anime format.
The storyline revolves around a village facing exploitation, seeking vengeance against ruthless bandits. To achieve justice, the villagers enlist the help of a team of skilled samurai warriors.
Featuring superb animation and gripping combat scenes, Samurai 7 blends classic themes with futuristic elements, offering a unique viewing experience that appeals to audiences across generations.
3. Samurai Champloo
- Episode: 26
- Released: 2004
- Studio: Manglobe
Samurai Champloo has captured the hearts of anime fans over the past twenty years thanks to its blend of witty humor, stylish hip-hop music, and endearing characters.
Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe, the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop, this series breaks samurai stereotypes by uniting three lively young individuals.
When a teahouse waitress named Fuu rescues two samurai from execution, they join forces to help her uncover the secrets of her mysterious past by locating a legendary samurai.
With its distinct blend of humor, stunning animation, and a mix of intense action and comedic moments, Samurai Champloo offers an entertaining and unforgettable viewing experience.
4. Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls
- Episode: 24
- Released: 2005
- Studio: GONZO
In 1614 AD, Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls narrates the saga of two rival ninja clans, akin to the plot of Romeo and Juliet. Each faction backs one of the sons of the Japanese shogun for succession.
To settle the conflict, the clans engage in a brutal contest where ten of their finest ninja warriors battle to the death, fraught with tension, gruesome violence, and chaotic twists.
The series has earned acclaim for its breathtaking animation, captivating sociopolitical backdrop, intricate portrayal of historical events, and poignant romantic subplot. Through its narrative, The Kouga Ninja Scrolls brings closure to a longstanding and bloody vendetta.
5. Gintama
- Episode: 375
- Aired: 2006-2020
- Studio: Sunrise
While known primarily for its comedic elements, the Gintama series has also solidified its status as a prominent samurai anime.
Set during the same historical shift when the Shogun relinquished power, and Edo transformed, the story follows Sakata Gintoki, a war veteran who opts for a quiet life, running Yorozuya. This place handles various missions and paid tasks.
Gintama appeals to a broad audience, with well-developed characters and a blend of outrageous parody with intense action sequences, spanning younger viewers and adults. Produced by the Sunrise Studio, the animation is notably smooth and polished.
The enduring popularity of Gintama underscores its consistent entertainment value, surpassing many other Shonen series in longevity and appeal.
6. Afro Samurai
- Episode: 5
- Released: 2007
- Studio: GONZO
Created by Takashi Okazaki and voiced by the legendary Samuel L. Jackson, Afro Samurai is a highly entertaining culture clash that follows a black samurai settling a personal vendetta in Japan after the merciless murder of his father.
Its brilliant blend of futuristic samurai action, sci-fi fantasy, blaxploitation, and hip-hop music makes the flavor much more unique than most anime.
With constant swordplay and intense carnage aimed at a more mature audience, Afro Samurai knows its audience and uses its self-awareness to capture the imagination by contradicting black culture with Japanese traditions.
7. Shigurui: Death Frenzy
- Episode: 12
- Released: 2007
- Studio: Madhouse
The anime series “Shigurui: Death Frenzy” stands out for its intense depiction of tournament-style samurai combat, making it a compelling watch for enthusiasts of epic swordsmanship. Despite its bloodiness, the series offers much more than mere violence.
At its core, “Shigurui: Death Frenzy” serves as a profound character study, getting into the intricate psyches of its protagonists amidst the backdrop of Japanese history. The narrative revolves around a blind fighter pitted against a one-handed opponent in a battle to the death, presenting a gripping exploration of their pasts, motivations, and the larger context of samurai culture.
Through the intense battles and visceral encounters, the anime explores deep into each character’s backstory, revealing how their experiences and scars shape their identities and approach to combat.
8. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings
- Episode: 24
- Aired: 2009-2010
- Studio: Production I.G.
“Sengoku Basara” is a fascinating samurai anime that seamlessly blends elements of video game aesthetics and ancient samurai swordplay with futuristic superpowers, resulting in a memorable culture clash of intense battles.
Set in Japan’s tumultuous Warring States period, the story unfolds against a nation grappling with the threat posed by the Demon King. To safeguard their land and preserve its sovereignty, Japan entrusts the task to enigmatic samurai warriors Date Masamune and Yukimura Sanada. Together, they lead daring attacks against feudal lords intent on seizing power and expanding their domains.
Derived from the acclaimed Capcom video game, the anime adaptation of “Sengoku Basara” brings the game’s vibrant world to life with stunning visuals and dynamic action sequences. Produced by Production IG, renowned for its innovative approach to animation, the series adeptly combines multimedia conventions to create a cohesive and visually striking narrative.
9. Kurozuka
- Episode: 12
- Released: 2008
- Studio: Madhouse
There are many great samurai anime, but few have a katana-wielding vampire whose relationship spans centuries from the past to the present and beyond, as Kurozuka does.
This original twist on the iconic samurai story infuses the genre with elements of sci-fi and horror while still retaining elements of a romance story. Supernatural elements are common in anime of any setting, but the way Kurozuka covers multiple periods and makes dramatic shifts in tone sets it apart from other series.
10. Mugen no Junin (Blade of the Immortal)
- Episode: 13
- Released: 2008
- Studio: Bee Train
There are two anime adaptations of the original “Mugen no Junin” manga: the 2008 version and the more recent 2019 version.
The series follows the protagonist, Manji, an extraordinary swordsman cursed with immortality. Tormented by the burden of his longevity, Manji seeks redemption by vowing to slay a thousand evil men to atone for the innocent lives he has taken. His ultimate goal is to find peace and finally embrace death.
Throughout his journey, Manji encounters Rin, a young girl driven by a personal vendetta, seeking revenge for the death of her family. Together, they form an unlikely alliance as Rin assists Manji in his quest to confront the one thousand evil warriors.
At its core, “Mugen no Junin” explores themes of redemption, vengeance, and the quest for inner peace. The deep bond forged between Manji and Rin is the story’s heart, highlighting the importance of friendship and companionship in the face of adversity.
One of the most striking aspects of “Mugen no Junin” is its breathtaking artistry. The anime showcases stunning visuals and meticulously crafted animation, capturing the essence of the manga’s intricate artwork and dynamic action sequences.
11. Saraiya Goyou (House of Five Leaves)
- Episode: 12
- Released: 2010
- Studio: Manglobe
This samurai anime deserves to be on the list because of its stunning artwork. Although the story is quite similar to several others, it follows the naive but brave Akitsu, ultimately learning that there is more to being a samurai than just wielding a sword and looking cool.
However, the artwork is so unique and beautiful that it makes Saraiya Goyou worth watching. Additionally, even though the story may sound repetitive it is still good.
12. Katanagatari
- Episode: 12
- Released: 2010
- Studio: White Fox
“Katanagatari,” crafted by Nisio Isin, the mastermind behind the distinctive Monogatari series, revolves around the theme of swords, as implied by its title. However, what sets it apart is its protagonist, Shichika Yasuri, a samurai whose prowess lies in martial arts rather than wielding a sword.
The story unfolds on a remote island where Shichika lives quietly with his sister Nanami until the ambitious strategist, Togame, arrives. Togame seeks Shichika’s assistance in retrieving twelve unique swords to be presented to the shogun.
Their quest leads them to confront formidable wielders of these legendary weapons and other power-hungry entities intent on thwarting Togame’s objectives. As they face adversaries and unforeseen challenges, Shichika and Togame must forge an unbreakable bond and work together to overcome the obstacles in their path.
13. Brave 10
- Episode: 12
- Released: 2012
- Studio: Saki Makura
Brave 10 follows two powerful warriors on exciting adventures. They meet fascinating friends and rivals along the way. This anime is a cool mix of fantasy and thrilling samurai battles.
It makes you think about good and evil, showing that things aren’t always black and white. Brave 10 does a great job of mixing fun, action, and more profound ideas.
14. Mushibugyou
- Episode: 26
- Released: 2013
- Studio: Seven Arcs
In an alternate history of Japan, the Mushi, which are giant insects, start attacking and basically take down the entire country. Therefore, there were soldiers gathered and sent to fight them.
The story follows one of the samurai, Jinbei Tsukishima. He is a member of the City Patrol, and he was the one who replaced his father, who could no longer fight.
15. Dororo
- Episode: 24
- Released: 2019
- Studio: MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
Dororo tells the tale of a gloomy fantasy quest filled with unearthly forces and driven by the inner turmoil of its protagonists.
