As the home of the samurai profession, Japan has an understandable love for this genre and therefore many samurai anime and a manga series exists. The series transports viewers to feudal Japan or fantasy worlds inspired by its rich culture, where skilled swordsmen uphold justice, navigate complex political environments, and embark on a journey of personal growth.
While many have faithfully depicted the life of the samurai, there are many who take their own path and mix styles while staying true to the spirit of the sword wielders. This makes for a very unique and exciting samurai genre, and there will be one or two that impress anime fans.
15
It took off
Produced by Mappa Studios
Netflix's It took off it was a highly anticipated anime unfortunately it didn't reach its full potential. The 6 episodes that were found were not enough to fully reveal the character of Yasuke's interesting history, Japan's first African samurai who worshiped Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. Although there is a lot missing, it is still a fun series with amazing visuals and fight scenes courtesy of Mappa Studio.
Retired from his life as a warrior, Yasuke seeks solace as a sailor until he is drawn into a conflict protecting a mysterious child with powerful abilities. Together, they face dark forces and Yasuke must rediscover his heroic spirit amid betrayal, magic, and the struggle for justice in a fantastic reimagining of history.
14
Samurai Deeper Kyo
Produced by Studio Deen
Based on the Edo period but with a gentle historical freedom, a trend in popular anime, Samurai Deeper Kyo is a one-season, 26-episode adaptation of the 1999 Kodansha original. The series follows Kyoshiro Mibu, a compassionate doctor who hides a sinister secret, who harbors the spirit of Demon Eyes Kyo, a ruthless samurai and samurai assassin of the era, including a fictionalized version of Oda Nobunaga.
The series follows Kyoshiro's ties to the Mibu and Kyo families as bounty hunter Shiina Yuya hunts him down this time. wonderful, anachronistic samurai action anime with a light touch of romance.
13
Peacemaker Kurogane
Produced by Gonzo
For history buffs, Peacemaker Kurogane examines the years leading up to the Meiji Restoration, a turbulent period that would soon see the samurai lose their former prominence as the ruling class in Japanese society. The series follows Tetsuonosuke “Tetsu” Ichimura as he joins the Shinsengumi, a group of warriors who resisted the waves of the Meiji Restoration, with Tetsu joining them to avenge his parents.
Peacemaker Kurogane is one of the most well-received anime of the Meiji era Rurouni Kenshin, was widely viewed for its action and Shinsengumi motifs, found everywhere in samurai references including Ragnarok's record again It came.
12
Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Produced by Madhouse
For Madhouse animation, that's amazing Shigurui is an obscure samurai anime. However, this comes to a final product that falls short of the true dimension due to the incomplete adaptation of Takayuki Yamaguchi's popular manga. However, with special cinematic color palettes and beautiful character designs, it's hard to ignore the brilliance and beauty of the serieseven if it ran for a total of twelve episodes.
The series depicts an Edo-era tournament run by Tokugawa Tadanaga, with the anime focusing on the deadly conflict between Gennosuke Fujiki and Seigen Irako and their most painful connection.
11
Samurai 7
Produced by Gonzo
Samurai 7 it's a clever reinterpretation that pays homage to the movie Seven Samurai from legendary director Akira Kurosawa, and maintains themes such as honor and self-sacrifice. This retelling adds a sci-fi twist to the samurai genre and significantly expands on the world-building. The anime had a great look and feel and was ahead of its time when it came to art direction, making it a timeless masterpiece.
In a post-apocalyptic world where robot gangsters oppress villages, a brave young woman named Kirara sets out to find samurai who can protect her village. You recruit seven different and skilled heroes, each with their own motivations and abilities. These samurai, led by the enigmatic Kambei Shimada, face not only mechanical enemies but also their own internal conflicts and past traumas.
10
Blade of the Immortal
Produced by LIDENFILMS
Blade of the Immortal it is a staple in the samurai genre, and the plot is one of the most interesting. The series embraces the bloody nature of the work, and although the action can be quite brutal at times, it is a necessary element that makes viewers understand the brutal life of the lead. What does it mean? Blade of the Immortal apart from its deep examination of morality, revenge and justice, and provides an intimate look into the minds of the characters.
Its centerpiece is Manji, a troubled character who struggles with immortality after a life of violence. His journey to justice meets Rin, a young girl who wants revenge for the murder of her family. Their partnership forms the emotional core of the series, from a dubious relationship to a deep bond built on shared loss and determination.
9
Courage 10
Produced by TMS Entertainment
Courage 10 it is not limited to samurai but also focuses on historical events, mythological elements, and other martial arts such as ninjas and swordsmen. The supernatural element makes it even more excitingwhich gives its characters power and improves the level of combat. The series' political commentary is interesting, exploring the brutal life in the Sengoku period involving alliances, betrayals, wars, and wars between warlords.
Saizou Kirigakure, a skilled ninja, is hired by Yukimura Sanada, a charismatic warlord, to gather a group of ten powerful warriors called the Braves. The anime is set during Japan's Sengoku period and follows Saizou as he takes on these various fighters, each with special abilities and backgrounds. Together, they navigate the dangerous world of warlords battling supernatural threats, forming deep bonds and facing personal challenges along the way.
8
House of Five Leaves
Produced by Manglobe
A common misconception of samurai anime is that it must combine the visual, violent spectacle common to its seinen and shonen manifestations. House of Five Leaves it focuses on the position the unusual character, Masanosuke Akitsu, whose skills as a samurai are influenced by his shy personality.which affects his career prospects, however he meets the leader of the Five Leaves, a local bandit gang.
If you look beyond the art style, it's similar to some of the best and most overlooked anime short Ping Pong: Animationone can easily find the gentle atmosphere and wonderful song in this samurai anime.
7
Rurouni Kenshin
Produced by Studio Deen and Gallop
Rurouni Kenshin was one of the most popular anime of the late 1990s, and it's back for a much-deserved remake. It is one of the most grounded and realistic samurai anime, depicting the life of a ronin (a mindless, wandering warrior) and making themes of honor a cornerstone of the series. That's why Rurouni Kenshin it is one of the most influential of its kindand other series outside of it A brush, Fairy Tailagain Hunter X Hunter he cited this artwork as inspiration.
Rurouni Kenshin stars Kenshin Himura, a former assassin, Battousai, who has vowed never to kill again. Wandering rural Japan during the Meiji era, Kenshin protects the weak and fights against injustice while seeking redemption from his past. Along the way, he befriends Kaoru Kamiya, Sanosuke Sagara, and others, forming deep bonds as he battles enemies from his dark past.
6
Afro Samurai A Short But Violent Journey
Produced by Gonzo
Afro Samurai it's an ambitious anime in every sense of the word. The plot is futuristic and historical, the art style is very unique, and the choreography and sword fights are fantastic. Produced by Samuel L. Jackson, the anime features a melodious soundtrack composed by legendary rapper RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, perfectly complementing the series' mix of hip-hop and traditional Japanese influences.
Afro Samurai follows the story of Afro, a skilled striker seeking revenge on Justice, his father's killer and rival for the title of “Number One.” The anime is set in a futuristic but powerful Japan-inspired world, combining action, philosophy, and the supernatural as Afro faces enemies and struggles with inner conflict.
5
The Elusive Samurai
Produced by CloverWorks
Not much has been said about the beauty of The Elusive Samuraibrilliant visuals, and its quirky and witty humor courtesy of Yusei Matsui's brilliant vision. The series bills itself as a historical samurai anime centered on real people, but with extreme magical realism. an energetic, comic spectacle that jumps from classic gag manga comedy to unrelenting, shocking drama.
It's a thoroughly perverse samurai anime, and with only one season so far, there's still a lot of ground to cover as Tokiyuki Hojo fights Takauji Ashikaga's bloody rebellion against the Kamakura Shogunate.
4
Samurai Champloo
Produced by Manglobe
From the creator of Cowboy Bebop comes an epic and original samurai adventure that seamlessly blends the world of rap with Japanese history. At the heart of the series are three iconic people as Team 7, with the chaotic Mugen, the calm Jin, and the beloved Fuu traveling together. Each episode is as fresh and exciting as the last, and the action and humor in the series is top notch.
After saving Mugen and Jin, Fuu lands two people who would accompany her on a quest to find “samurai who smell the flowers”. Although there are many wonderful actions common to a samurai story, Samurai Champloo it's anime fun will not end leave the audience bursting with laughter but also have them participate in the development of the main characters.
3
Dororo
Produced by Mappa
Dororo is one of the anime that put Mappa on the map and made it the giant it is today. It is a remake of Osamu Tezuka's manga of the same name and contains supernatural elements such as demons while remaining faithful to the samurai element. Although the main plot is very dark and violent, it is a fun adventure of friendship and friendship. The action scenes are nothing to scoff at, either choreography accompanied by pools of blood makes for a sharp watch.
Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose body parts are stolen by demons at birth due to his father's agreement. Armed with artificial limbs and accompanied by a young orphan named Dororo, Hyakkimaru hunts demons to restore his body parts and kill the monsters that make his life a living hell.
2
Sword of the Stranger is a Theater Masterpiece
Produced by Bones
Although Studio Bones has done similar art Mob Psycho 100 again My Hero High School, Sword of the Stranger easily one of their best works. This film was a pure masterclass, with amazing choreography and songs. For a short film like this, it packs a heavy emotional punch and contains many themes such as redemption, looking to the past, searching for purpose, and more.
The film follows a nameless ronin who bonds with a young orphan boy, Kotaro. The boy is pursued by the Ming army for his blood so that he will not die. Unwilling to be dragged into their misery, the ronin must confront their past and face formidable foes in a series of intense sword battles. As their journey continues, bonds of trust and honor are tested against the backdrop of Japan's turbulent regional era.
1
Gintama is a unique take on the Samurai Setting
Produced by Bandai Namco Pictures
Gintama it's one of the funniest anime ever, contrasting the usual bloody nature of samurai anime by adding humor. It always plays pop culture and other similar series One piece again Narutoand there's no limit to how absurd an episode can get. Comedy isn't the only thing it does, as some arcs like Farewell Shinsengumi and Courtesan of a Nation are some of the strongest arcs in the anime, and show the action-packed life of samurai well. Gintama's strength lies in his unpredictabilitywhich always keeps fans guessing and happy.
Set in another Edo period where aliens have invaded Japan, Gintama revolves around Gintoki, a former samurai with a lazy habit who maintains a non-specialized temporary business. Gintoki, along with his friends Shinpachi and Kagura, perform various funny and often absurd activities that combine action with drama and comedy.