Gintama isn’t just your typical comedy anime – it’s a masterpiece that stands out as one of the greatest shounen anime ever created. The beauty lies in its ability to seamlessly blend humor with intense, life-threatening situations, often presented with gripping violence and jaw-dropping action.
Set in a unique twist on Japan’s historical period, Gintama introduces you to various duels and sword techniques, making it a standout samurai anime. The series, with its mix of humor and serious moments, is a rollercoaster that will leave a lasting impression on you.
While Gintama might not be the type of series you binge-watch in one sitting, take your time to connect with each character. Go easy on yourself, and you’ll be on an extraordinary journey. Produced by the Sunrise studio, Gintama promises to captivate you like no other anime. Get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
1. Gintama (2006-2010)
- Episode: 201
- Show: 2006-2010
The story is set in an alternate history of the late Edo period when humanity was attacked by aliens called “Amanto.”
During this period, Edo’s samurai valiantly fought against the alien invaders. However, the shogun takes a backseat and surrenders when faced with the alien force. He strikes a deal with them, letting them enter the country, turning the Tokugawa Bakufu into a puppet government.
Our main character, the quirky samurai Gintoki Sakata, decides to work as a part-time freelancer. He teams up with Shinpachi and Kagura, forming a group called Yorozuya, ready to tackle various odd jobs.
While many stories are standalone episodes, some overarching storylines and adversaries gradually unfold, adding depth to the narrative.
2. Gintama – The Movie (2010)
- Episode: 1 Movie
- Show: 2010
“Gintama – The Movie (2010)” is an anime film that adapts the Benizakura Arc, originally seen in episodes 58-61 of the Gintama series. The movie enhances this arc with improved visuals for an even more engaging experience.
3. Gintama’ (2011-2012)
- Episode: 51
- Show: 2011-2012
After being away for a year, Shinpachi Shimura returns to Edo only to find a surprising twist: Gintoki and Kagura, his Yorozuya companions, have transformed into entirely different personalities!
Confused and fleeing from the bewildering Yorozuya headquarters, Shinpachi realizes that everyone in Edo has undergone unbelievably extreme changes, both in looks and character. Notably, his sister Otae has married the head of the Shinsengumi, Isao Kondou, and is expecting their first child.
In this state of confusion, Shinpachi agrees to join the Shinsengumi as requested by Otae and Kondou, only to discover even more astonishing transformations happening inside and outside the organization.
Amidst the chaos, Deputy Chief Toushirou Hijikata remains unchanged. Together with Shinpachi and his unconventional Shinsengumi comrades, they embark on a mission to restore Edo to its former state.
Filled with dirty jokes, comedic parodies, and shameless references, Gintama follows the Yorozuya team through more hilarious misadventures in Edo’s lively and alien-infested world.
4. Gintama’: Enchousen (2012-2013)
- Episode: 13
- Show: 2012-2013
When Gintoki Sakata disappears, Yorozuya gets a new leader: Kintoki, Gintoki’s golden-haired twin. To reclaim his position, Gintoki needs help from those around him. The problem? No one can remember him!
Between Kintoki and Gintoki, who will be the main character?
Meanwhile, Yorozuya heads back to Yoshiwara’s red-light district to assist an old prostitute in finding her long-lost lover.
Although the district is no longer underground, the trio learns the tragic story of Yoshiwara’s residents that still haunts them. With flashbacks, the Yorozuya witnesse eternal love and does their best to protect it with heart and soul.
Gintama: Enchousen blends action-packed moments with the usual light slapstick humor for Gintoki and friends.
5. Gintama: The Final Chapter – Be Forever Yorozuya (2013)
- Episode: 1
- Show: 2013
When Gintoki apprehends a movie hijacker, he checks the footage and finds himself in a post-apocalyptic Edo. A mysterious “White Plague” has devastated the world, and Gintoki realizes he’s time-traveled five years into the future!
Shinpachi and Kagura, once part of Yorozuya, have split up and become a formidable force. Gintoki has been missing for years, leaving behind a cryptic journal entry.
Disguised by the android time machine, Gintoki reunites the Yorozuya team to investigate the White Plague. Soon, he discovers that saving the future involves delving into the shadows of his own past.
6. Gintama° (2015-2016)
- Episode: 51
- Show: 2015-2016
Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura are back in action as the cheerful yet financially challenged members of the Yorozuya team!
Residing in an alternate reality in Edo, where swords are outlawed and foreign powers have taken control of Japan, they strive to make a living by taking on any odd job that comes their way.
Season three of Gintama is packed with uproarious comedy and heartfelt moments as Gintoki and his pals navigate amusing misadventures and confront perilous challenges.
7. Gintama. (2017)
- Episode: 12
- Show: Winter 2017
After teaming up with the resistance against the bakufu, Gintoki and his crew, along with Katsura and the Joui rebels, decided to lay low. Nobume Imai and two members of the Kiheitai sought out Yorozuya, revealing that the Harusame pirates had betrayed 7th Division Captain Kamui and Takasugi.
The Kiheitai had a task for Gintoki: locate Takasugi, who had been missing since the Harusame ambushed his ship. Nobume also disclosed information about the Tendoushuu, a secretive organization involving various factions, and their enigmatic leader, Utsuro, who resembles Gintoki’s former teacher.
Aboard the starship, Sakamoto, Yorozuya, and Katsura set out for Rakuyou, Kagura’s home planet, where different factions have gathered, and tensions are escalating. Rakuyou becomes the battleground for old grudges, political strife, and the ominous plot orchestrated by the Tendoushuu, leading to a monumental and decisive clash.
8. Gintama.: Slip Arc (2017)
- Episode: 13
- Show: Fall 2017
It consists of animated episodes from unused manga chapters before returning to the Silver Soul Arc.
9. Gintama.: Silver Soul Arc (2018)
- Episode: 12
- Show: Winter 2018
Utsuro’s grand scheme is laid bare: he aims to initiate a cosmic conflict that would culminate in Earth’s obliteration, providing him the release of death and bringing about the end of the entire universe.
Gintoki and his comrades find themselves in an alliance with past friends and adversaries. Their mission is not only to stop Utsuro but also to confront the casualties of the immortality plan. The vengeful Amanto, now amassing their forces, might be beyond the point of reasoning and pose a threat that must be addressed.
10. Gintama.: Silver Soul Arc – Second Half War (2018)
- Episode: 14
- Show: Summer 2018
The second season of the Silver Soul arc.
11. Gintama: THE SEMI-FINAL (2021)
- Episode: 2
- Show: Winter 2021
As the conflict settled and Edo underwent reconstruction, Gintoki encountered Shinpachi on a bridge, who remained unaware of Gintoki’s return.
A sudden skirmish erupted between Yorozuya and Tenshouin Naraku, heightening suspicions and prompting Gintoki to improvise a disguise to conceal his identity. For now, Gintoki made his way to the Yorozuya office, unaware that another person was already waiting inside.
Meanwhile, Kondou departed Earth to wed Princess Bubbles, aiming to enhance diplomatic ties. Upon boarding the Gorilla Amanto mothership, Kondou discovered a language barrier but unintentionally garnered their support through a comical misunderstanding.
However, an individual linked to the princess disrupted the ongoing ceremony. The question remains: will the marriage proceed, or has Kondou been spared from becoming the next Gorilla Prince?
12. Gintama: THE VERY FINAL (2021)
- Episode: 1 Movie
- Show: Winter 2021
Gintama: THE FINALS is the 3rd and final film adaptation of the remaining Silver Soul arc, and it is the series finale.
Movies
- Gintama Movie 1: Shinyaku Benizakura-hen (2010)
- Gintama: Yorinuki Gintama-san on Theater 2D (2012)
- Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen – Yorozuya yo Eien Nare (2013)
- Gintama: The Finals (2021)
OVAs
- Gintama°: Aizome Kaori-hen (2016)
- Special Episodes
- Gintama: Nanigoto mo Saiyo ga Kanjin nano de Tasho Senobisuru Kurai ga Choudoyoi (2005)
- Gintama: Shiroyasha Koutan (2008)
- Gintama: Dai Hanseikai (2010)
- Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura Hen (2010)
- Gintama’: Futon ni Haitte kara Buki Nokoshi ni Kizuite Neru ni Nerenai Toki mo Aru (2015)
- Gintama°: Umai-mono wa Atomawashi ni Suru to Yokodorisareru kara Yappari Saki ni Cake (2015)
Where to Watch Gintama
The full anime can now be watched legally via the Crunchyroll streaming service.
That was a guide to watching anime Gintama you have questions or want to discuss, you can do so in the comments column, OK?
