Samurai anime dramas depict the Japanese history and the authenticity of the samurai Kings. The dramas are nothing but an adaptation of the manga series, which put forward the main themes, historical figures, and futuristic world. However, the makers of these best anime sequels have kept the exact name of the dramas as it is a modification of the manga. Samurai anime dramas mainly have an Edo period background with an authentic fighting style of the samurai kings.
Being a story of ancient Japan, the drama characters have never failed to connect with the audience through their animation style, fight scenes, and related topics with unique artwork.
50. Best Samurai Anime: Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal
- Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Cast: Mayo Aozuka as Kenshin Himura, Miki Fujitani as Kaoru Kamiya
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
As a prelude to the well-known Rurouni Kenshin series, Samurai X: Trust & Betrayal delves deeply into Kenshin Himura’s beginnings. Kenshin’s tragic past is revealed in this compelling story, from his time as Battousai, a cold-blooded assassin, to his quest for atonement. His tragic yet tender love story with Tomoe Yukishiro, which has a significant impact on his life, is also explored in the anime. It’s a masterwork that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of samurai honour, love, and remorse with its breathtaking animation, compelling narrative, and deep emotional depth. Fans of samurai animation and people who appreciate a profoundly poignant story should not miss this.
49. The Tale of the White Serpent
- Director: Eiichi Yamamoto
- Writers: Noboru Nakamura
- Cast: Haru Matsuda, Yukiko Fuji, Tsutomu Tamura
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Streaming Platform: N/A
Samurai themes, mythology, romance, and tragedy are all masterfully combined in this animation. A mysterious white serpent who has been condemned to live as a human is the subject of this tale. The story, which is set against the backdrop of traditional Japanese culture, examines strong topics like love, loyalty, and betrayal. The path of the main character, who encounters obstacles that try their heart and soul, is both moving and inspirational. The story is brought to life by the intricate animation and attention to cultural elements, which transport viewers to a realm of long-standing customs and intense feelings. Anyone who enjoys emotional storytelling and vintage samurai tales should watch this touching drama, which skillfully combines romance and action.
48. Shinsengumi!
- Director: Osamu Yamasaki
- Writers: Ryota Yamaguchi
- Cast: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Masanobu Ando, Keiko Matsuzaka
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
Shinsengumi! tells the tale of the Shinsengumi, a band of samurai committed to defending Kyoto in times of disturbance, and is set in the tumultuous last years of the Edo period. Their ascent and the difficulties they encounter personally while adhering to their objective are highlighted in the anime. It vividly depicts the world of samurai honor and loyalty with its compelling action sequences, deep historical focus, and large cast of characters. The Shinsengumi’s hardships demonstrate their resolve to maintain their values despite Japan’s profound transformation. Anyone who like samurai tales or wishes to get a peek of Japan’s intriguing past should watch this series because it blends history with drama.
47. Best Samurai Anime: Samurai X: Reflection
- Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Cast: Mayo Aozuka as Kenshin Himura, Miki Fujitani as Kaoru Kamiya
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Streaming Platform: N/A
The last part of Kenshin Himura’s journey, Samurai X: Reflection, brings his story to a poignant conclusion. As he navigates his past regrets, battles with aging and mortality, and his intense love for Kaoru, the anime centers on Kenshin’s life after achieving peace. It illustrates his emotional struggles as he tries to strike a balance between his love for his family and his need for atonement in a beautiful way. The narrative, which depicts the more subdued and vulnerable aspects of Kenshin’s life, is heartwarming and thought-provoking. For *Rurouni Kenshin* fans who want to witness the last stages of Kenshin’s journey and the love that characterized his later years, this anime is a must-watch due to its emotional depth and gratifying ending.
46. Mugen no Juunin (2008)
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writers: Hiroaki Samura
- Cast: Takuya Kimura, Hana Sugisaki, Sota Fukushi
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The story of Manji, a cursed warrior who is compelled to live forever because of a supernatural healing skill, is told in Mugen no Juunin. In an attempt to atone for his previous transgressions, he consents to shield and assist Rin, a young girl, in exacting revenge for the horrific killing of her family. Intense sword fights abound in the anime as Rin and Manji battle deadly opponents and deal with the fallout from retaliation. In a straightforward and impactful manner, the themes of retribution, immortality, and the price of pursuing justice are examined. Mugen no Juunin is an engrossing anime that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while delving deeply into complex emotions thanks to its superb animation and compelling plot.
45. Mugen no Juunin: Immortal (2019)
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writers: Hiroaki Samura
- Cast: Takuya Kimura, Hana Sugisaki, Sota Fukushi
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Manji, an immortal samurai condemned to live forever by a magical power, is the subject of this live-action television series. In an attempt to atone for his violent past, he consents to assist Rin, a young girl, in exacting retribution on the people who killed her family. As the narrative progresses, Manji and Rin deal with the fallout from their quest for vengeance while facing perilous foes. Deep themes of justice, immortality, and the cost of retaliation are all explored in the series. It offers both exciting combat and contemplative periods with a blend of furious action and profound pondering. This compelling series tells a compelling tale of redemption while capturing the moral and emotional challenges of its protagonists.
44. Best Samurai Anime: Katanagatari
- Director: Keitarou Motonaga
- Writer: Nisio Isin (Novel)
- Cast: Yoshimasa Hosoya, Yukari Tamura, Masako Ikeda
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Set in an alternate Edo-period Japan, Katanagatari follows Shichika Yasuri, the last practitioner of the Kyotouryuu sword style—one that relies on using the body as a weapon instead of traditional blades. He is recruited by Togame, a cunning strategist, to help retrieve 12 legendary Deviant Blades, each with its own mysterious power. Unlike fast-paced action anime, Katanagatari features a unique blend of philosophical storytelling, stunning stylized animation, and deeply engaging character dynamics. With each episode playing out like a self-contained chapter in a grander journey, this anime offers a poetic and emotionally charged experience unlike any other in the samurai genre.
43. Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds
- Director: Osamu Yamasaki
- Writers: Ryōta Yamaguchi
- Cast: Houko Kuwashima, Shinichiro Miki, Showtaro Morikubo
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
In the tumultuous latter years of the Shogunate, Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds carries on the tale of Chizuru, a young woman who discovers the secrets about the Shinsengumi. Chizuru learns intimate details about the samurai’s loyalty, hardships, and lifestyles as she gets more acquainted with them. The animation tells a captivating tale set in 19th-century Japan by fusing romance, historical realism, and mystical aspects. The plot revolves around Chizuru’s friendship with the Shinsengumi members, which gives the historical events more emotional depth. Hakuoki: Kyoto Winds is a gripping and emotional continuation of the Hakuoki series, combining action, romance, and history.
42. Kumo desu ga, Nani ka?
- Director: Shinji Ishihara
- Writers: Okina Baba
- Cast: Aoi Koga, Natsuki Hanae, Saori Hayami
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
In Kumo desu ga, Nani ka? , despite not being a conventional “samurai” series, this anime examines themes of battle, survival, and self-discovery. The protagonist unexpectedly reincarnates as a spider creature in this fantasy setting. She faces a harsh world full of struggles and obstacles because she has no recollection of her previous life. She eventually becomes stronger and transforms into a more formidable creature as she battles for her life. Her quest of conquering challenges, picking up new abilities, and figure out where she fits in this perilous world is followed throughout the anime. For those who like survival and metamorphosis stories, it is a thrilling movie because it blends action, strategy, and character development.
41. Best Samurai Anime: Sengoku Night Blood
- Director: Keiichiro Kawaguchi
- Writers: N/A
- Cast: Daisuke Ono, Kaito Ishikawa, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka
- IMDb Rating: 6.3
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
An parallel Sengoku period is shown in Sengoku Night Blood, when vampires and samurai coexist. The narrative centers on a contemporary woman who is inexplicably taken back in time to this perilous period. Many of the historical samurai she encounters there are vampires. She must negotiate shifting alliances, conflicts, and romance as she becomes enmeshed in the intricate world of these otherworldly warriors. The anime offers a thrilling blend of action, mystery, and romance by fusing historical events with fantasy. Sengoku Night Blood adds an intriguing variation to the conventional Sengoku period tale with its distinct interpretation of samurai and vampire mythology.
40. Samurai Champloo
- Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Writers: Shinji Obara
- Cast: Kazuya Nakai, Ginpei Sato, Ayako Kawasumi
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Samurai Champloo, which is set during the Edo period, chronicles the journey of three unexpected friends across Japan. A young woman named Fuu is searching for a warrior who has a sunflower scent. She is joined by Mugen, a wild and unpredictable fighter, and Jin, a calm and disciplined swordsman. They encounter many obstacles as they go through a dangerous and exciting world together. What makes this anime unique is its blending of traditional samurai action with hip-hop culture, creating an exciting and fresh experience. The series is known for its stunning animation, memorable characters, and a soundtrack that mixes hip-hop with traditional Japanese music, making it a must-watch for fans of action and culture.
39. Kenshin: The Final
- Director: Keishi Ōtomo
- Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Cast: Tatsuya Fujiwara, Emi Takei, Yōsuke Eguchi
- IMDb Rating: 7.5
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Kenshin’s last conflict with Yukishiro Enishi, his biggest foe, is the focus of the last chapter of the live-action Rurouni Kenshin story. As he faces his past and battles for a peaceful future, this movie powerfully concludes Kenshin’s journey of atonement. The film emphasizes the battle’s human implications with powerful action sequences, poignant moments, and breathtaking scenery. Fans of the series should not miss this film, which provides a satisfying conclusion to Kenshin’s lengthy journey of atonement through a combination of intense sword fights and poignant character growth.
38. Best Samurai Anime: Sakamoto Desu Ga?
- Director: Shinji Takamatsu
- Writers: N/A
- Cast: Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Jun Fukuyama, Kazuya Nakai
- IMDb Rating: 7.7
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
A humorous series called Sakamoto Desu Ga? gives the samurai archetype a playful spin. The show centers on Sakamoto, a high school student who maintains her composure under pressure. Sakamoto handles obstacles and bullies with slick confidence and amazing talents, despite the fact that it is not a typical samurai tale. His conflicts are more about outwitting his opponents with his charm, cunning, and amazing skills than they are about engaging in physical combat. The anime is a fun and distinctive experience that hilariously displays the traditional samurai values of power and honor in a contemporary school environment.
37. Azumi
- Director: Ryuhei Kitamura
- Writers: Yū Koyama
- Cast: Aya Ueto, Shun Oguri, Hiroshi Abe
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Streaming Platform: N/A
Azumi centres on a young girl who has been taught to be an assassin and is set during the Sengoku period. She was raised in a hostile environment and is entrusted with destroying warlords and facing up against ferocious samurai. She must make morally challenging decisions regarding the cost of her training and the people she must murder as she navigates a world of political intrigue and never-ending conflict. The character of Azumi is caught between her humanity and her assassination mission. A harsh and realistic look at a young warrior’s life, full of action and profound inner strife, is shown in the anime.
36. Samurai Jam – Bakumatsu Rock
- Director: Takahiro Ikezoe
- Writers: N/A
- Cast: Jun Fukuyama, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Hiroshi Kamiya
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Streaming Platform: N/A
Samurai Jam – Bakumatsu Rock, which is set during the Bakumatsu period, combines musical elements with samurai action. It centers on a band of dissident samurai who battle the tyrannical Shogunate by using music as a weapon. The original narrative gives the samurai genre a new and exciting edge by fusing rock music with historical figures. The protagonists infuse the conventional samurai story with a new and dynamic aspect by using their musical abilities to disseminate messages of resistance and revolution. This anime provides a distinctive viewpoint on history and rebellion with its upbeat soundtrack and thrilling action.
35. Best Samurai Anime: Masamune Datenicle
- Director: Yoshinori Asao (Chief), Satoru Kiyomaru
- Cast: Ayumu Murase, Yūsuke Kobayashi, Sōichirō Hoshi
- IMDb Rating: 5.7
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Masamune Datenicle provides a time travel trip into a samurai dream. Young Date Masamune is gearing up for his first epic fight. But then the twist comes. Date gets an unexpected visit from a dragon deity at the family shrine. This mystical and mysterious encounter grants him a special jewel. With this gem he has the power to summon the spirits of late Date Clan leaders to help him on his path.
This anime portrays how it will be to have an all-star samurai squad having your back. This anime takes you on a suspenseful adventure through history and mythology. This show cleverly blends samurai action with a supernatural twist.
34. Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom
- Director: Osamu Yamasaki
- Writers: Ryōta Yamaguchi ep- 1, Mitsutaka Hirota ep- 2,3, 9, 12, Yoshiko Nakamura ep- 4, 6, 8, 11, Megumu Sasano ep- 5, 7, 10
- Cast: Houko Kuwashima, Shinichiro Miki, Showtaro Morikubo
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom is an extraordinary and unique anime set in the Edo period. In this period samurais used to dominate. The plot is about Chizuru Yukimura, who starts a journey to find her missing father. Her journey takes her to Kyoto, where she crosses paths with the frightening Shinsengumi, a group of elite samurai.
This anime is truly intriguing because of its combination of historical story and supernatural elements. While Chizuru was on her quest for her father, she discovers a suspicious secret involving a mysterious elixir that transforms people into bloodthirsty berserkers called Furies.
It’s a journey through samurai culture, loyalty, and the battle between humanity and Furies.
33. Peacemaker Kurogane (2003)
- Director: Tomohiro Hirata
- Writers: Nahoko Hasegawa
- IMDb Rating: 6.4
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Peacemaker Kurogane is without a doubt a hidden jewel for anime enthusiasts. This series exquisitely depicts historical drama with exciting samurai elements and fights. The story covers Tetsunosuke Ichimura who is a spirited, motivated and vengeance-driven teenager, seeking justice for his parents’ cruel murder. His journey entangled with the Shinsengum, who is a special police force officer.
The series masterfully captures Tetsu’s evolution from an impulsive youth yearning for redemption to a warrior respected and feared by many. Throughout his struggling journey he forges deep connections with legendary Shinsengumi members, and they help them in their own battles while confronting his inner demons.
Peacemaker Kurogane is a mesmerizing anime about self-discovery, sacrifice, and the responsibility that comes along with power.
32. Rurouni Kenshin (2023)
- Director: Hideyo Yamamoto
- Writers: Hideyo Yamamoto
- Cast: Soma Saito and Rie Takahashi
- IMDb Rating: N/A
- Streaming Platform: N/A
Rurouni Kenshin has been included on the list of anime that will be attending AnimeJapan 2023, which has now been formally revealed. It’s almost clear that the Red Stage event will be focused on Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan since its premiere date in 2023 was previously revealed.
Rurouni Kenshin by Nobuhiro Watsuki tells the tale of merciless assassin Kenshin Himura, formerly known as Hitokiri Battousai. He encounters a dojo owner named Kaoru Kamiya while on the road in the Meiji period. They agreed to collaborate since, coincidentally, both of their names were being tarnished.
The Rurouni Kenshin Red Stage at AnimeJapan 2023 is scheduled on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 5.45 pm to 6.20 pm JST, near the conclusion of the first day of the convention.
31. Best Samurai Anime: Orient (2022)
- Director: Tetsuya Yanagisawa
- Writers: Mariko Kunisawa
- Cast: Yuma Uchida as Musashi, Soma Saito as Kojiro Kanemaki, Rie Takahashi as Tsugumi Hattori
- IMDb Rating: 6.1/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Based on the manga created and illustrated by Shinobu Ohtaka, Orient is an anime created by A.C.G.T studio. From January through March 2022, 12 episodes of the first season were shown. In July 2022, a second season that focused on the Awaji Island arc began to premiere.
Musashi and Kojiro, closest friends since the age of 10, listened intently as Kojiro’s father told stories about horrible demons that preyed on the helpless and the heroes who slew them. The two make a pact to become the strongest people in the world while practicing swordplay, but as they get older, Kojiro becomes pessimistic, and Musashi realizes he can’t end 150 years of demon tyranny by himself.
He is almost ready to transition into a life of work and is being referred to as a prodigy with a pickaxe. Yet, he can’t help but feel that he still has a duty to take action, and the injustices in his world will eventually compel him to do so.
30. Yaiba (1988)
- Director: Kunihiko Yuyama, Norihiko Suto
- Writers: Kenji Terada
- Cast: Minami Takayama, Kotono Mitsuishi, Ryô Horikawa
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Yaiba is the best samurai anime of all time. The story drama is about Yaiba, a child samurai who has a magical sword with which he fights against demons.
29. Rurouni Kenshin (1996)
- Director: Keishi Ōtomo
- Writers: Nobuhiro Watsuki
- Cast: Mayo Auzukaze as Kenshin Himura, Miina Tominaga, Miki Fujitani as Kaoru Kamiya, Yuji Ueda, Tomo Sakurai, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Mika Doi, Ikue Ōtani, Ryō Naitō
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Rurouni Kenshin is the story of Hitokiri Battosai, who is a discarded assassin and the main character of the drama. To protect the people of Japan, he left his former life and decided to become Himura Kenshin.
28. Best Samurai Anime: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie (1998)
- Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Writers: Keiko Nobumoto
- Cast: Kōichi Yamadera as Spike Spiegel, Melissa Fahn as Ed, Megumi Hayashibara as Faye Valentine, Unshō Ishizuka as Jet Black, Kazuhiro Nakata, Norio Wakamoto as Vicious, Tsutomu Tareki as Punch, Miki Nagasawa as Judy, Arisa Ogasawara, Tomie Kataoka
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
This samurai anime has a background of 2071, in which a group of boys named “Bebop” is the main character. Their main motive is to find out the fugitives around the planets and moons in search of wanted and finish them off.
27. Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran (2000)
- Director: Akitaro Daichi
- Writers: Akitaro Daichi, Yōsuke Kuroda
- Cast: Kaori Nazuka, Amanda Carlin, Akemi Okamura, Barry Stigler, Ahmed Best, Bridget Hoffman, Reiko Yasuhara as Tsukikage Ran, Mona Marshall as Ran Tsukikage, Michelle Ruff as Meow, Christopher Carroll
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran is a samurai anime drama in which the spectators see a female protagonist named Ran. She is a youthful samurai clubbed with a Chinese martial artist named Lady Meow of the Iron Cat Fist. Ran’s main motive was a fight against the antagonists of Tokugawa Japan.
26. Samurai Deeper Kyo (2002)
- Director: Junji Nishimura
- Writers: Shō Aikawa
- Cast: Akira Ishida, Kyoshiro Mibu, Dan Green, Katsuyuki Konishi, Benitora, Megan Hollingshead, Christopher Kromer, Veronica Taylor, Michelle Newman, Marc Diraison, Wayne Grayson
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story of this best samurai anime is about Demon Eyes Kyo. In this drama, he tries to get back his soul, which has been trapped in the body of his rival samurai, Mibu Kyoshiro. Along with the fight sequence, the watcher will also experience some romantic aspects.
25. Best Samurai Anime: Mirage of Blaze Series (2002)
- Director: Susumu Kudo
- Writers: Hiroko Tokita, Kazuyuki Fudeyasu, Ryosuke Nakamura, Yuki Enatsu
- Cast: Edward Villa as Takaya Ohgi, James Lyon as Nobutsuna Naoe, David Mallow as Ujimasa Hojyo, David Orozco as Nobunaga Oda, Jane Alan as Yuiko Takeda, Jennifer Jean as Miya Ohgi, John Riggins as Yuzuru Narita, Johnny Yong Bosch as Kotaro Fuma, Julie Ann Taylor as Ayako Kadowaki, Kim Strauss as Masamune Date, Kurt Strauss as Ujiteru Hojyo
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
This samurai anime adaptation is about how a group of high school students squabbles against an evil power. The story of the drama remains calm until Nobutsuna Naoe, an adopted son of a noble samurai, walks in.
24. Peace maker Kurogane (2003)
- Director: Tomohiro Hirata
- Writers: Nahoko Hasegawa
- Cast: David Born, Greg Ayres, Luci Christian, Yumiko Kobayashi, Kappei Yamaguchi, Braden Hunt, Mike MacRae, Jôji Nakata, Kenji Nomura, Kôsuke Toriumi, Christine M. Auten, Yûko Nagashima
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story of this samurai anime is about two brothers who joined Shinsengumi for money. In this drama, famous names from history, like cito and Akito, are also there. However, the drama is based on real characters and events from Japanese history.
23. Ninja Scroll: The Series (2003)
- Director: Tatsuo Satō
- Writers: Toshiki Inoue
- Cast: Rikiya Koyama as Jubei Kibagami, Houko Kuwashima as Shigure, Romi Park as Tsubute, Hideyuki Tanaka as Mufu, Norio Wakamoto, Yuzuru Fujimoto as Dakuan, Seizō Katō as Anden Yamidoro
- IMDb Rating: 7/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Ninja Scroll: The series is a samurai anime that shows the conditions in feudal Japan. The drama showed when a powerful ninja group was instructed to protect the Dragon Stone from the Hiruko Clan and the Kimon Shu along with the Priestess of Light.
22. Best Samurai Anime: Shura no Toki (2004)
- Director: Shin Misawa
- Writers: Masatoshi Kawahara
- Cast: Hiroki Takahashi, Marc Diraison, Takashi Matsuyama, Dan Green, Marc Thompson, Debora Rabbai, Erica Schroeder, David Brimmer, Maddie Blaustein, Mollie Weaver, Kevin T. Collins, Anthony Salerno, Adam DeVine
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story drama is about a martial art legend named Mutsu Enmei-Ryu, who can defeat any of his opponents with his strength and power. He has a special ability to defeat an enormous number of armed enemies.
21. Samurai 7 (2004)
- Director: Toshifumi Takizawa
- Writers: Atsuhiro Tomioka
- Cast: Masaki Terasoma, Fumiko Orikasa, Takehito Koyasu, Tetsu Inada, Romi Park, Shin-ichiro Miki, Tadahisa Saizen, Rio Natsuki, Ikuo Nishikawa
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
This samurai anime is about how a group of samurai came together to protect the town from the bandits. However, the villagers take the entire care of the soldiers to serve them and save them from the bandits’ attack.
20. Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls (2005)
- Director: Fumitomo Kizaki
- Writers: Yasuyuki Mutō
- Cast: Kōsuke Toriumi as Kouga Gennosuke, Nana Mizuki as Oboro, Yasushi Miyabayashi as Muroga Hyouma, Risa Hayamizu as Kagerou, Sei Ôhama as Yakushiji Tenzen, Yōji Ueda as Kisaragi Saemon
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Streaming Platform: Funimation
The samurai anime showing a war between the Iga and Kouga ninja clans is Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls. But the anime series took a turn when Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro Iga, who belong to the rival clan, fell in love. They were forced to put their arms down after the powerful warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa asked.
19. Best Samurai Anime: Samurai Champloo (2005)
- Director: Shinichirō Watanabe
- Writers: Shinji Obara
- Cast: Ginpei Sato as Jin, Kazuya Nakai as Mugen, Ayako Kawasumi as Fuu, Takayuki Sugō as Kagetoki Kariya, Unshō Ishizuka as Manzou ‘The Saw’ Sakami, Norio Wakamoto as Uohori Andou, Akio Ōtsuka as Okuru, Sakiko Tamagawa as Sara, Sayuri Yamauchi as Osuzu
- IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
The samurai anime Samurai Champloo has three characters from the Edo period. However, these three came together during a journey across Japan. In the drama Fuu, a young woman was saved by Jin, a young ronin, when harassed by a group of samurai.
18. Musashi Gundoh (2006)
- Director: Yūki Kinoshita
- Writers: Naoyuki Sakai
- Cast: Keiko Nemoto, Daisuke Kirii, Rintarou Nishi, Kôsei Hirota, Jin Horikawa, Rei Igarashi, Shiho Kawaragi, Yû Kobayashi, Chie Nakamura, Daisuke Namikawa, Souichirou Tanaka, Jin Yamanoi
- IMDb Rating: 5.4/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story of one of the best samurai anime Musashi Gundoh is set in a fictitious background. The drama depicts how a young samurai, Musashi, uses his sword and tactics to fight against supernatural elements.
17. Gintama Series (2006)
- Director: Chizuru Miyawaki
- Writers: Shū Matsubara Taku, Kishimoto Masaki Tachihara
- Cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Rie Kugimiya as Kagura, Daisuke Sakaguchi as Kobayashi, Akira Ishida as Kotaro Katsura, Kazuya Nakai as Toshiro Hijikata, Kenichi Suzumura as Okita Sougo
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
This anime series is set in feudal Japan when aliens invaded it and created a chaotic environment. However, to get rid of this situation, a group of samurai came together to fight against the inhuman creatures.
16. Best Samurai Anime: Sword of the Stranger (2007)
- Director: Masahiro Andō
- Writers: Fumihiko Takayama
- Cast: Tomoya Nagase as Nanashi, Kōichi Yamadera as Luo-Lang, Mamoru Miyano as Jyuurouta Inui, Akio Ōtsuka as Shogen Itadori, Naoto Takenaka as Shoan, Unshō Ishizuka as Lord Akaike, Takurō Kitagawa as Fuchinobe, Maaya Sakamoto
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Funimation, Crunchyroll
The Sword of the Stranger is a samurai anime drama that depicts the journey of a swordsman. However, the story proceeds with his moral conflicts and challenging times during his adventurous journey.
15. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Director: Hiroshi Hamasaki, Mitsuyuki Masuhara
- Writers: Seishi Minakami
- Cast: Seizō Katō as Kogan Iwamoto, Emi Shinohara as Lady Iku, Daisuke Namikawa as Gennosuke Fujiki, Nozomu Sasaki as Seigen Irako, Houko Kuwashima as Mie Iwamoto, Todd Haberkorn, Kazuki Yao
- IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
The samurai anime Shigurui: Death Frenzy is set in the Edo period, where Lord Tokugawa Tadanaga arranges a fighting tournament. In this tournament, a one-armed Fujiki Gennosuke and a blind samurai Irako Seigen were against each other. Both of them participated in this tournament to show their power and superiority.
14. Samurai Harem: Asu no Yoichi (2009)
- Director: Rion Kujo
- Writers: Hideyuki Kurata
- Cast: Yukari Tamura as Chihaya Ikaruga, Katsuyuki Konishi as Ukyo Saginomiya, Yuka Iguchi as Masayuki, Nobuhiko Okamoto as Yoichi Karasuma, Rina Satō as Ibuki Ikaruga, Mutsumi Tamura as Masashi, Haruka Tomatsu as Ayame Ikaruga, Hitomi Nabatame as Angela Takatsukasa
- IMDb Rating: 5.9/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Samurai Harem: Asu no Yoichi is one of the best series. The drama story is about Yoichi Karasuma, who took martial arts from his father for 17 years. After completing the training, his father ordered him to continue his practice to gain perfection and strong aptitude.
13. Afro Samurai: Resurrection (2009)
- Director: Takashi Okazaki
- Writers: Fuminori Kizaki, Takahiro Harada
- Cast: Samuel L. Jackson as Afro Samurai, Lucy Liu as Sio, Mark Hamill as Bin, Yuri Lowenthal as Jinno, Zachary Gordon as Kotaro, Liam O’Brien as Shichogoro, Dave Wittenberg, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ariel Winter
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
- Streaming Platforms: Netflix, Hulu
Afro Samurai: Resurrection can be termed the best samurai anime. The story starts when Afro’s father loses his life, and his dead body gets stolen from the grave. He took the sword just like his father to show his leadership quality.
12. Best Samurai Anime: House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Director: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Writers: Tomomi Mochizuki
- Cast: Takahiro Sakurai as Yaichi, Daisuke Namikawa as Akitsu Masanosuke, Yūya Uchida as Matsukichi, Fuyuka Ōura as Otake, Masaya Takatsuka as Umezou, Ao Takahashi as Okinu, Hiroyuki Kinoshita as Heizaemon Yagi
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story of the best samurai anime drama is based on the Edo period where Masanosuke Akitsu, a ronin, and the main character of this television series. He was appointed as a bodyguard and the Five Leaves leader.
11. Samurai Girls (2010)
- Director: KOBUN
- Writers: Ryunosuke Kingetsu
- Cast: Aoi Yuki as Jubee Yagyu, Daisuke Hirakawa as Muneakira Yagyu, Aki Toyosaki as Kanetsugu Naoe, Minako Kotobuki as Sen Tokugawa, Ami Koshimizu as Charles d’Artanian, Takahiro Sakurai as Yoshihiko Tokugawa
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Samurai Girls have a 21st-century background in an alternative realm where the Tokugawa Shogunate has continued its powerful rule. However, the reality is just the opposite of her thoughts.
10. Majikoi – Oh! Samurai Girls (2011)
- Director: Keitaro Motonaga
- Writers: Katsuhiko Takayama
- Cast: Clint Bickham, Yuu Asakawa as Momoyo Kawakami, Blake Shepard, Allison Keith as Cookie, Akane Tomonaga as Kazuko Kawakami, Shizuka Ito as Christiane Friedrich, Hiroshi Kamiya as Yamato Naoe, Hitomi, Norio Wakamoto
- IMDb Rating: 5.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The story of the samurai anime dramas is about Yamato, who is a second-year student from Kawakami Academy, and his fighting spirit. His spirit and dedication are the way to his success and proficiency.
9. Best Samurai Anime: Hyouge Mono (2011)
- Director: Kōichi Mashimo
- Writers: Sanjita basnet
- Cast: Rikiya Koyama, Kôji Ohkura, Masashi Ebara.
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Streaming Platform: Hulu Live TV
This best samurai anime series has a political essence where the main protagonist Sasuke Furuta gets entangled in between his political dream and his affection for the tea ceremony. The drama proceeds with how Sasuke overcomes his entangled thoughts.
8. Brave 10 (2012)
- Director: Kiyoko Sayama
- Writers: Mamiko Ikeda
- Cast: Daisuke Ono as Saizō Kirigakure, Motoki Takagi as Yuri Kamanosuke, Takehito Koyasu as Masamune Date, Hiroshi Kamiya as Rokuro Unno, Tetsuya Kakihara as Sarutobi Sasuke
- IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
Kirigakure Saizou, the main character of the anime, comes to know about Isanami, an Izumo shrine maiden who has been attacked by assassins. On the path to finding his own life, he got to know about this place.
7. Gifuu Doudou!!: Kanetsugu to Keiji (2013)
- Director: Bob Shirahata
- Writers: Yasuhiro Imagawa
- Cast: Daisuke Namikawa, Takuya Sato, Kôji Kikkawa, Naru Kawamoto, Hiroki Yasumoto, Hozumi Gôda, Yôji Ueda, Takayuki Sugô, Kôsei Hirota, Hidekatsu Shibata, Hiroshi Shimozaki, Kôichi Yamadera, Masaki Terasoma, Kazuki Katô, Tomokazu Sugita, Fumihiko Tachiki, Kenji Hamada
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
One of the great samurai anime of all time, Gifuu Doudou!!: Kanetsugu to Keiji is based on a set-up of ancient Japan. The drama is about Naoe Kanetsugu and Maeda Keiji and their events from the past which are fetched in the current time.
6. Best Samurai Anime: Mushibugyou (2013)
- Director: Takayuki Hamana
- Writers: Yōichi Katō
- Cast: Rumi Ōkubo as Hibachi, Satomi Akesaka, Megumi Han, Mamoru Miyano, Yū Serizawa, Jun Fukuyama, Rikiya Koyama, Takuma Terashima as Mugai, Junichi Suwabe, Kenn as Jinbee Tsukishima, Kazuhiko Inoue
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
This great samurai anime shows how giant insects named “Mushi” invaded the Earth. However, the Earth had been rescued by the newest community of samurai.
5. Laughing Under the Clouds (2014)
- Director: Hiroshi Haraguchi
- Writers: Yūya Takahashi
- Cast: Yuki Kaji, Yuichi Nakamura as Kumotenka, Takahiro Sakurai, Tsubasa Yonaga
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
The main characters of this drama are the three brothers. They reside in a cloudy place cursed by a demon snake that rebirths every 300 years. To make the place curse-free, the three brothers and more people find the path to end that monster.
4. Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings (2017)
- Director: Itsuro Kawasaki
- Writers: Yasuyuki Mutō
- Cast: Kazuya Nakai as Date Masamune, Sōichirō Hoshi as Sanada Yukimura, Norio Wakamoto, Tesshō Genda as Takeda Shingen, Natsuko Kuwatani, Toshiyuki Morikawa as Katakura Kojuro, Takehito Koyasu as Sarutobi Sasuke, Romi Park as Uesugi Kenshin
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation
This samurai anime Sengoku Basara Samurai Kings has portrayed Japanese and samurai cultures during the Sengoku period. “Demon King of Owari,” named Oda Nobunaga, became the most significant warning of the evils. However, two young men, Date Masamune, and Sanada Yukimura, stand up to be his rival and form one of the enormous associations for the “demon king” to defeat him during the Sengoku era.
3. Best Samurai Anime: Blade of the Immortal (2017)
- Director: Takashi Miike
- Writers: Hiroaki Samura
- Cast: Takuya Kimura as Manji, Hana Sugisaki as Rin Asano, Sota Fukushi as Kagehisa Anotsu, Hiroaki Samura, Hayato Ichihara as Shira, Erika Toda as Makie Otono-Tachibana, Kazuki Kitamura as Sabato Kuroi, Chiaki Kuriyama as Hyakurin, Tsutomu Yamazaki as Kensui Ibane
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
Blade of the immortal is considered one of the best samurai anime dramas. The story of the immortal blade revolves around a competent samurai in feudal Japan who has been cursed for being immortal. However, as the story of blade of the immortal proceeds, he meets a young girl and promises to help her take revenge on her parent’s death. This revenge took the shape of a battle with some dangerous warriors.
2. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Director: Takayuki Kuriyama
- Writers: Shōgo Yasukawa
- Cast: Yūki Ono as Kuchii Jinzaburō, Kenji Nomura as Shiraishi Kazuhisa, Rikiya Koyama as Onitakemaru, Kenji Hamada, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Shun Horie, Shirō Saitō as Zhāng Míngfú
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll
This great samurai anime is about how a community of prisoners transferred to Tsushima Island to seek help after the Mongol invasion for the first time in Japan. They all received help from the Toi Barai clan and the Goryeo forces.
1. Best Samurai Anime: Dororo (2019)
- Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Writers: Yasuko Kobayashi
- Cast: Hiroki Suzuki as Hyakkimaru, Rio Suzuki as Dororo, Akio Ōtsuka as Kagemitsu Daigo, Shōya Chiba as Tahomaru, Naoya Uchida as Kagemitsu Daigo, Mutsumi Sasaki as Biwa Hoshi, Chie Nakamura as Nui-nokata, Mugihito
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
- Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video
In this samurai anime, Dororo is the main cast rescued by Hyakkimaru when he tries to rob a person. Then they went together to the countryside to find out the demons who had taken Hyakkimaru’s limbs. During this journey, they faced several monsters and ghosts.
The samurai mentioned above anime dramas have fantastical elements which have been an alternative to manga history. A samurai drama gives the perfect portrayal of Japan’s military power, love story, and sophistication. Hopefully, the spectators can easily find out their favorite samurai anime from the list to grasp the essence of Japan.
