Top 23 Best Samurai Anime Of All Time – Hey guys!. In this post, I’ll be discussing a list of Top 23 Best Samurai Anime Of All Time. Samurai anime is a subgenre of Japanese animation that focuses on stories set in Japan’s feudal era, when samurai warriors played a prominent role in society. These anime feature sword fights, battles, and other forms of combat, as well as themes of honor, loyalty, and duty.
Samurai anime often explore the conflict between traditional samurai values and the changing world around them, as well as the personal struggles of individual samurai who must confront their own flaws and weaknesses. Many of these anime also incorporate elements of fantasy or historical fiction, blending traditional samurai tales with supernatural or science fiction elements.
Popular examples of samurai anime include classics like Rurouni Kenshin and Samurai Champloo. These anime have gained a dedicated following both in Japan and around the world, and continue to captivate audiences with their epic battles, complex characters, and timeless themes. Let us jump right into it.
23. Kurozuka
Kurozuka is a Japanese anime series based on a manga of the same name by Baku Yumemakura. The series tells the story of Kuro, a skilled swordsman and samurai who is turned into a vampire by a mysterious woman named Kuromitsu. Together, Kuro and Kuromitsu embark on a journey through time, fighting against other vampires and those who would seek to harm them.
As they travel through history, Kuro and Kuromitsu encounter a variety of characters, including the powerful vampire known as the “One Hundred Man Slayer,” as well as a group of monks who seek to use Kuromitsu’s blood for their own purposes. Meanwhile, Kuro grapples with his own inner demons and struggles to come to terms with his new identity as a vampire.
Throughout the series, Kuro and Kuromitsu’s relationship is tested as they face various challenges and threats, including betrayal, treachery, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Ultimately, the series culminates in a dramatic showdown between Kuro and his enemies, as he fights to protect Kuromitsu and uncover the secrets of his own past.
22. House of Five Leaves
The series follows the story of Akitsu Masanosuke, a skilled swordsman who is struggling to find his place in the world. Despite his talents, Masanosuke is unable to hold down a job and is viewed as a failure by those around him. One day, Masanosuke is recruited by a mysterious and charismatic man named Yaichi, who offers him a job as a bodyguard.
However, Masanosuke soon discovers that Yaichi is the leader of a gang of outlaws known as the “House of Five Leaves.” Despite his reservations, Masanosuke becomes increasingly drawn to the enigmatic Yaichi and his gang, which is composed of a diverse group of individuals with their own secrets and motivations.
As Masanosuke becomes more involved with the House of Five Leaves, he begins to question his own values and beliefs. He is forced to confront the moral ambiguity of his actions as a bodyguard, as well as the motives of Yaichi and the other members of the gang.
Along the way, Masanosuke develops complicated relationships with the other characters, including a young thief named Otake, a samurai seeking revenge against the House of Five Leaves, and a mysterious woman who harbors a dark secret. Throughout the series, House of Five Leaves explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the nature of criminality.
21. Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou is a Japanese anime series set in Edo-era Japan, based on a manga of the same name by Hiroshi Fukuda. The series follows Jinbee Tsukishima, a young samurai who dreams of becoming a member of the Insect Magistrate’s Office, a special organization dedicated to protecting the citizens of Edo from giant insects that threaten their safety.
After impressing the members of the Insect Magistrate’s Office with his bravery and skill in combat, Jinbee is appointed as their newest member. He quickly finds himself embroiled in a series of battles against a variety of dangerous insects, including giant spiders, mantises, and centipedes.
As Jinbee trains and grows stronger, he also becomes closer to his fellow Insect Magistrate’s Office members, including the serious and stoic Hibachi, the bubbly and kind-hearted Tenma, and the laid-back and carefree Shungiku. Together, they work to protect Edo and its citizens from the monstrous insects that threaten their way of life.
Throughout the series, Mushibugyou explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of working together to overcome obstacles. It also features intense action sequences, vivid animation, and a diverse cast of memorable characters.
20. Brave 10
Brave 10 is a Japanese anime series set during Japan’s Sengoku period, based on a manga by Kairi Shimotsuki. The series follows the story of Saizou Kirigakure, a skilled ninja who is recruited by a mysterious woman named Isanami to help her find the Brave 10, a group of ten powerful warriors who possess unique skills and abilities.
As Saizou and Isanami travel through Japan seeking out the members of the Brave 10, they encounter a variety of dangerous enemies and obstacles, including rival ninja clans, powerful warlords, and even supernatural creatures. Along the way, Saizou and Isanami develop a complicated relationship, as they learn to rely on each other and trust in their abilities.
As the Brave 10 comes together, they are faced with a growing threat from the Tokugawa Shogunate, which seeks to eliminate all opposition and consolidate its power. The members of the Brave 10 must work together to protect themselves and their allies, while also grappling with their own inner demons and struggles.
Throughout the series, Brave 10 explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power and control. It also features intense action sequences, vivid animation, and a diverse cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique skills and motivations.
19. Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls
Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls is a Japanese anime series set in an alternate version of Japan’s Tokugawa period, where samurai and warriors with magical powers coexist. The series follows the story of Muneakira Yagyu, a young samurai who becomes the master of a group of powerful warrior girls known as the “Master Samurai.”
As Muneakira trains and works alongside the Master Samurai, he discovers that they each possess unique magical abilities that allow them to fight against powerful enemies and protect their kingdom. Along the way, Muneakira develops close relationships with the Master Samurai, including the fierce and determined Jubei, the elegant and intelligent Sen, and the energetic and mischievous Hanzo.
However, Muneakira and the Master Samurai soon find themselves embroiled in a power struggle between the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and the rebel forces seeking to overthrow them. As they navigate this dangerous political landscape, they must also confront their own personal demons and struggles, including Muneakira’s own traumatic past and the Master Samurai’s desire for freedom.
Throughout the series, Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls explores themes of loyalty, power, and the struggle for independence and agency. It also features dynamic action sequences, vivid animation, and a diverse cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and backstories.
18. The Ambition of Oda Nobuna
The Ambition of Oda Nobuna is a Japanese anime series set in an alternate version of Japan’s Sengoku period, where historical figures are depicted as female characters. The series follows the story of Sagara Yoshiharu, a high school student who is transported back in time to this alternate version of Japan.
After arriving in this new world, Yoshiharu finds himself in the midst of a war between rival factions vying for control of the country. He is soon rescued by a young woman named Oda Nobuna, who is depicted as a beautiful and charismatic female version of the historical figure Oda Nobunaga.
Yoshiharu quickly realizes that he has been transported to a world where many historical events and figures have been changed, and that his knowledge of history may be the key to helping Nobuna achieve her ambitions of conquering the entire country. As Yoshiharu becomes increasingly involved in Nobuna’s quest for power, he also becomes closer to the other female historical figures.
Throughout the series, The Ambition of Oda Nobuna explores themes of power, ambition, and the struggle for control. It also features vibrant animation, colorful character designs, and a diverse cast of memorable female characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.
17. Nurarihyon no Mago
Nurarihyon no Mago is a Japanese anime series based on a manga by Hiroshi Shiibashi. The series follows the story of Rikuo Nura, a young boy who is part human and part yokai, or supernatural creature. Rikuo is the grandson of Nurarihyon, the powerful leader of the Nura clan, a group of yokai who live in a hidden realm called the “Night Parade of One Hundred Demons.”
Although Rikuo is initially hesitant to embrace his yokai heritage, he eventually becomes the successor to Nurarihyon and takes on the role of leading the Nura clan. As Rikuo becomes more involved in the world of yokai, he must navigate complex power struggles and battles against rival clans, including the powerful Gokadoin clan, who seek to destroy the Nura clan and establish their own dominance.
Along the way, Rikuo is aided by a colorful cast of characters, including his loyal human and yokai friends, as well as powerful yokai allies such as the yuki-onna Tsurara and the oni Aotabo. Throughout the series, Nurarihyon no Mago explores themes of power, identity, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
It also features dynamic action sequences, vivid animation, and a diverse cast of memorable yokai characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.
16. Sengoku Basara
Sengoku Basara is a Japanese anime series loosely based on the historical events and figures of Japan’s Sengoku period. The series is known for its exaggerated character designs and over-the-top action sequences. The story follows a number of historical figures, such as Date Masamune, Sanada Yukimura, and Oda Nobunaga, as they battle for control of Japan.
The series is characterized by intense battle scenes, flashy attacks, and bombastic dialogue. Each character has their own unique fighting style and personality, and the battles often involve massive armies and large-scale destruction. As the series progresses, the characters form alliances, forge rivalries, and engage in epic battles that determine the fate of Japan.
Along the way, they confront their own personal demons and struggles, as well as the larger political forces that shape the course of history. Sengoku Basara explores themes of power, loyalty, and the struggle for control in a violent and chaotic world. It also features a diverse and memorable cast of characters, each with their own distinct personality and motivations.
15. Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a Japanese anime series based on a manga by Takayuki Yamaguchi. The series is set in 17th century Japan and follows the story of two samurai, Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen, who are chosen to participate in a deadly duel called the “Kogan-ryu School’s Absolute Style Tournament.”
The series is known for its graphic violence and explicit content, as well as its attention to historical accuracy and detail. It explores themes of honor, revenge, and the cost of violence, as the characters confront the brutal realities of samurai culture. The story is told through a nonlinear narrative, with flashbacks and flash-forwards that reveal the characters’ backstories and motivations.
As the tournament progresses, the characters face off against each other in brutal and bloody battles, each one fighting for their own reasons and driven by their own personal demons. Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a dark and intense series that challenges viewers to confront the brutality of Japan’s feudal past. It features intricate and detailed animation, as well as a gripping story.
14. Hakuouki
Hakuouki is a Japanese anime series based on a popular video game series. The story is set in the late 19th century and follows a young woman named Yukimura Chizuru, who travels to Kyoto in search of her missing father.
In Kyoto, Chizuru finds herself caught up in the conflicts of the Shinsengumi, a group of samurai who are fighting to defend the city from a group of anti-government rebels known as the Choshu clan. The Shinsengumi take Chizuru under their wing and she becomes an important member of their group, assisting them in their battles against the Choshu rebels and other enemies.
The series explores themes of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice as the characters navigate the complex political landscape of late 19th century Japan. Along the way, Chizuru becomes embroiled in a romantic relationship with one of the members of the Shinsengumi, while also facing danger and betrayal from unexpected sources.
Hakuouki is known for its historical accuracy and attention to detail, as well as its beautifully animated fight sequences and stunning visuals. The series has also been praised for its portrayal of strong female characters in a male-dominated society.
13. Samurai Deeper Kyo
Samurai Deeper Kyo is a Japanese anime series based on a manga by Akimine Kamijyo. The story is set in Japan during the Edo period and follows the adventures of a powerful samurai warrior named Demon Eyes Kyo. Kyo is known for his incredible strength and his ability to defeat his enemies with ease. He is also rumored to be possessed by the spirit of the legendary samurai, Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Along the way, Kyo encounters a number of other powerful warriors, including his rival, the bounty hunter Shiina Yuya. As Kyo and Yuya journey together, they become caught up in a plot to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate and restore power to the emperor. The series is known for its action-packed fight scenes, its colorful cast of characters, and its intricate plot.
Samurai Deeper Kyo explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for power in a time of political upheaval. It also features a number of supernatural elements, including demons, spirits, and powerful mystical artifacts. The series is known for its fast-paced action, its intricate plot twists, and its engaging characters. It is a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime and manga.
12. Blade of the Immortal
Blade of the Immortal is a Japanese anime series based on a manga by Hiroaki Samura. The story is set in Japan during the Edo period and follows the adventures of a skilled samurai named Manji, who is cursed with immortality after killing 100 other samurai. Manji is haunted by his past and seeks redemption for his sins by helping others in need.
He is joined by a young girl named Rin, whose parents were murdered by a group of powerful swordsmen known as the Itto-Ryu. Together, Manji and Rin set out on a quest for revenge against the Itto-Ryu, while also confronting their own inner demons. The series is known for its intense action sequences, its graphic violence, and its exploration of complex moral themes.
It features a colorful cast of characters, including skilled swordsmen, deadly assassins, and powerful sorcerers. Blade of the Immortal explores themes of redemption, revenge, and the cost of violence. It is a dark and gritty series that challenges viewers to confront the brutal realities of feudal Japan. The series is also known for its stunning visuals and detailed animation.
11. Basilisk
Basilisk is a Japanese anime series based on a novel by Futaro Yamada. The story is set in Japan during the Edo period and follows two rival ninja clans, the Iga and the Koga, who are engaged in a bitter feud that has lasted for generations.
The series begins with a truce between the two clans, but this peace is shattered when the Shogun orders the two clans to fight to the death in order to determine which clan will become the next rulers of Japan. The Shogun selects ten warriors from each clan, known as the “Ten Braves,” to represent their respective sides in the deadly contest.
The series is known for its intense action sequences, its graphic violence, and its exploration of complex moral themes. It features a colorful cast of characters, including skilled ninja warriors, powerful sorcerers, and deadly assassins.
Basilisk explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the cost of war. It is a dark and gritty series that challenges viewers to confront the brutal realities of feudal Japan. The series is also known for its stunning visuals and detailed animation, making it a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime.
10. Samurai 7
Samurai 7 is a Japanese anime series inspired by the classic film Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa. The story is set in a futuristic world where humanity is oppressed by powerful machines known as “Nobuseri.” In order to protect their village from the Nobuseri, a group of farmers hire seven samurai warriors to help them.
The samurai, led by the wise and powerful Kambei Shimada, must use their skills and ingenuity to train the farmers and prepare them for battle against the Nobuseri. As the samurai and farmers work together, they confront a number of challenges, including powerful enemies, internal conflicts, and the weight of their own pasts.
The series is known for its action-packed fight scenes, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes such as honor, duty, and sacrifice. Samurai 7 also features stunning visuals and detailed animation, bringing to life a futuristic world that is both beautiful and dangerous.
The series is a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime and for anyone who appreciates epic storytelling and thrilling action.
9. Ninja Scroll
Ninja Scroll is a classic Japanese anime film directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. The story is set in feudal Japan and follows the adventures of Jubei Kibagami, a wandering ninja who is hired by a government spy named Dakuan to investigate a group of powerful and deadly ninja warriors known as the Eight Devils of Kimon.
Jubei must use his skills and intelligence to confront each of the Eight Devils, who possess unique abilities that make them incredibly dangerous opponents. Along the way, he teams up with a female ninja named Kagero, who has a deadly secret of her own. The film is known for its intense action sequences, its graphic violence, and its exploration of complex moral themes.
It features a colorful cast of characters, including skilled ninja warriors, powerful sorcerers, and corrupt government officials. Ninja Scroll explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the cost of power. It is a dark and gritty film that challenges viewers to confront the brutal realities of feudal Japan.
The film’s stunning visuals and detailed animation have made it a classic of the samurai and ninja genres, and a must-watch for fans of action and anime.
8. Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Stranger is a Japanese anime film directed by Masahiro Ando. The story is set in feudal Japan and follows a young boy named Kotaro who is being pursued by the Ming dynasty’s imperial forces, who believe he possesses an immortality elixir. Kotaro is accompanied by a loyal dog, Tobimaru, and encounters a wandering ronin named Nanashi, who agrees to help them reach their destination.
As they journey together, Nanashi and Kotaro form a bond, and Nanashi becomes determined to protect the boy and his dog from the imperial forces. However, as they approach their destination, they must confront a group of powerful Chinese warriors hired to capture Kotaro.
The film is known for its breathtaking animation, intense action sequences, and emotional depth. It explores themes of honor, loyalty, and the true meaning of strength. The characters are well-developed, and the fight scenes are meticulously choreographed, making Sword of the Stranger a standout in the samurai and action genres.
Sword of the Stranger is a must-watch for fans of anime and action, and for anyone who appreciates a well-told story with heart and soul.
7. Drifters
The story follows Shimazu Toyohisa, a samurai warrior who is transported to a mysterious world after being fatally wounded in battle. In this world, Toyohisa discovers that he is one of many “Drifters,” powerful warriors from different eras and cultures who have been brought together to fight against the “Ends,” a group of powerful beings determined to destroy all life.
Toyohisa teams up with other Drifters, including the legendary warrior Oda Nobunaga and the infamous Yoichi Suketaka Nasu, to form an alliance and fight against the Ends. The Drifters use their unique skills and knowledge to battle against powerful foes, and to protect the innocent people of the world they find themselves in.
The series is known for its thrilling action sequences, its exploration of historical and mythological figures, and its complex characters. It also features a unique blend of humor and drama, as the Drifters must confront their own personal demons and rivalries while battling against their powerful enemies.
Drifters is a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime and for anyone who enjoys action and adventure. It is a unique and entertaining series that blends history, fantasy, and mythology into an exciting and captivating story.
6. Dororo
Dororo is a Japanese anime series based on the manga series by Osamu Tezuka. The story is set in feudal Japan and follows the journey of a young orphan named Hyakkimaru, who was born without many of his body parts, which were traded to demons by his father, a powerful lord, in exchange for power and prosperity.
Hyakkimaru sets out on a quest to reclaim his missing body parts, aided by a young thief named Dororo. Along the way, they encounter various demons and evil spirits, which Hyakkimaru must defeat in order to regain his body. The series is known for its stunning animation, its exploration of complex moral themes, and its gripping action sequences.
It explores themes of identity, family, and the cost of power, as Hyakkimaru must confront his own past and the legacy of his father. Dororo is a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime and for anyone who enjoys a well-told story with heart and soul.
It is a dark and intense series that challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of feudal Japan, while also offering hope and redemption through the strength of its characters.
5. Gintama
Gintama is a Japanese anime series based on the manga series by Hideaki Sorachi. The story is set in an alternate universe, where aliens have invaded and taken over feudal Japan. The series follows the adventures of Gintoki Sakata, a lazy samurai who runs an odd jobs business to make ends meet. Gintama is known for its unique blend of action, comedy, and drama.
The series features a wide cast of characters, including humans and aliens, each with their own quirks and personalities. The series also parodies many popular anime and manga, making it a favorite among fans of the medium. While the series is primarily comedic, it also explores serious themes such as family, loyalty, and the meaning of life.
Gintoki and his friends find themselves caught up in various conflicts, often involving the powerful government and various factions vying for power. Gintama is a must-watch for fans of anime and for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. It is a series that defies categorization, offering a unique blend of humor and action that has made it one of the most beloved anime series of all time.
4. Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is a Japanese anime series based on the manga of the same name by Takashi Okazaki. The story follows Afro, a skilled samurai who is seeking revenge against Justice, the man who killed his father and took the Number One headband, a symbol of the greatest warrior in the world.
Afro Samurai is known for its stunning animation and intense action sequences, as well as its exploration of themes of revenge, power, and identity. The series features a unique blend of hip-hop music and Japanese samurai culture, giving it a distinctive style and atmosphere. As Afro sets out on his quest for revenge, he encounters various enemies and allies, each with their own motives and agendas.
Along the way, he confronts his own past and the legacy of his father, as well as the corrupt system of power and violence that dominates the world of the samurai.
Afro Samurai is a must-watch for fans of action and samurai-themed anime, as well as for anyone who enjoys a well-told story with complex characters and themes. It is a series that combines style, substance, and spectacle into a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
3. Bleach
Bleach is a Japanese anime series based on the manga series by Tite Kubo. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who has the ability to see ghosts. One day, he encounters Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who is tasked with protecting the living world from evil spirits known as Hollows. After Rukia is injured in battle, she transfers her powers to Ichigo, turning him into a Soul Reaper.
Together, they must battle Hollows and other dangerous enemies, while also uncovering a conspiracy involving the Soul Society, the organization of Soul Reapers. Bleach is known for its stunning action sequences, intricate plotlines, and complex characters. The series explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle between good and evil.
As Ichigo and his friends encounter new enemies and challenges, they must also confront their own fears and weaknesses. Bleach is a must-watch for fans of shonen anime and for anyone who enjoys a well-told story with memorable characters and thrilling action. It is a series that has captivated audiences for years, and continues to be a beloved classic of the anime genre.
2. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese anime series based on the manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki. The story follows Kenshin Himura, a former assassin who has vowed to never kill again after the end of the Bakumatsu war. He wanders the country as a rurouni, or wandering swordsman, offering aid and protection to those in need.
As Kenshin encounters new friends and enemies, he must confront his past and the violent legacy of the Bakumatsu war. Along the way, he is joined by Kaoru Kamiya, a young woman who runs a dojo, and other allies who help him in his quest to protect the innocent and uphold justice.
Rurouni Kenshin is known for its blend of action, drama, and romance, as well as its exploration of themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of violence. The series features memorable characters, including Kenshin himself, who is known for his distinctive fighting style and his desire to protect those around him.
Rurouni Kenshin is a must-watch for fans of samurai-themed anime and for anyone who enjoys a well-told story with memorable characters and themes. It is a series that has become a classic of the anime genre, and continues to be beloved by fans around the world.
1. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a Japanese anime series set in an alternate version of Japan’s Edo period. The story follows three unlikely companions: Mugen, a wild and impulsive swordsman; Jin, a stoic and skilled samurai; and Fuu, a young woman who hires them to help her find a “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”
As they journey together, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu encounter various foes and allies, each with their own unique story and motivations. Along the way, they also discover a deeper connection between themselves and their mysterious quest. Samurai Champloo is known for its distinctive blend of hip-hop culture, samurai action, and humor, as well as its stylish animation and eclectic soundtrack.
The series explores themes of freedom, loyalty, and the meaning of family, as the three companions learn to trust each other and work together to overcome their challenges.
Samurai Champloo is a must-watch for fans of action-packed anime and for anyone who enjoys a unique and creative spin on samurai-themed stories. It is a series that has become a classic of the anime genre, and continues to be beloved by fans around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, samurai anime is a beloved subgenre of Japanese animation that has captivated audiences with its tales of honor, duty, and swordplay. These anime offer a unique blend of history, fantasy, and action, drawing on the rich tradition of samurai culture and storytelling.
From classics like Afro Samurai and Gintama, samurai anime has become a staple of the anime industry and continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the genre, samurai anime offers a thrilling and immersive experience that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat.
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