One of the greatest aspects of anime is its versatility in showcasing virtually every genre possible. It’s all on the table regarding Japan’s premiere animation style: superheroes, science fiction, romance. Samurai anime is an exceptionally popular genre that people love worldwide.
Typically, these shows have intense action scenes set in Japan’s distant past. They can also showcase modern adaptations, such as anime, that blend style, history, drama, and fierce combat into a single narrative. Here are some of the best samurai anime available for those seeking fantastic shows to explore!
(Editor’s Note: These samurai anime shows have intense action sequences and other mature themes; please refer to IMDb for content warnings if necessary.)
Samurai Champloo
When a young girl named Fuu accidentally finds herself in a terrible situation, two men join her quest. She is searching for the samurai who smells of sunflowers. Set during the tumultuous Edo period, Samurai Champloo combines hyper-stylized action with hard-hitting drama, all infused with cool hip-hop culture. As Fuu travels across Japan with Mugen and Jin, they come from entirely different backgrounds. Their journey reveals how fantastic and dangerous Japan was many years ago.
Afro Samurai
In this show’s universe, whoever wears the Number 1 headband will be the greatest warrior in the world and possess the powers of a god. A fierce hierarchy of bloody combat leads the main character, Afro, to witness his father—the wearer of the Number 1 headband—get cut down by the wearer of the Number 2 headband.
When Afro grows into a man, he vows revenge on the man who killed his father. Afro Samurai is stylish, violent, and a unique anime in that it stars a strong black lead as its titular samurai hero. It’s not for the weak of heart or younger viewers, but Afro Samurai is a great watch for those thirsting for something different.
Gintama
In an alternate Japan where aliens called the Amanto have invaded Tokyo, Gintama reimagines the late Edo period. Gintoki Sakata runs a freelance odd job business with Shinpachi Shimura, a human, and Kagura, an alien teenager. The series subverts traditional samurai narratives by introducing aliens, creating a unique blend of comedy, action, and intrigue that stands out from typical samurai stories.
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Samurai 7
Based on the classic film Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa, Samurai 7 is a bold new take on the classic story. In this rendition, a group of incredibly powerful cybernetic bandits have taken over the village of Kanna. The villagers are poor but desperate for help, so they enlist the aid of a group of samurai.
Those looking for a straight and direct adaptation of Kurosawa’s film should look elsewhere, as Samurai 7 infuses the original tale with a hefty dose of science fiction. Many elements, such as names and the general plot, are still the same, but Kurosawa’s film didn’t have bloodthirsty machine men.
Basilisk
Long ago, two lovers had no choice but to become bitter enemies. Their clans—the Iga and the Koga—were destined to fight to the death, with the shogun compelling them again into combat. Basilisk is reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, featuring star-crossed lovers caught in a blood feud neither wants.
The story is especially exciting because every clan member possesses extraordinary powers, like a man controlling his hair and a woman controlling her blood. It’s a grim and violent narrative that offers a fantastic take on feudal Japanese stories. Word to the wise: don’t get too attached to the characters, as Basilisk is a relentless and cruel tale.
Why do people like these samurai anime shows?
Samurai anime are popular because they offer fans a glimpse into a bygone era. Just as many people admire Classical Greece and the myths of Zeus and Hercules or enjoy the tales of King Arthur and Camelot, samurai anime connects the present to the past. While many have realistic aspects, anime’s joy lies in transforming truth kernels into stories of fantasy and magic. Sword battles are intense, and villains possess nightmarish abilities. Most importantly, Japan’s landscapes are depicted beautifully.
From the old architecture of Edo-period Tokyo to Sengoku-period villages, the attire and weapons of the characters bring history to life. While these stories may not always be historically accurate or realistic, a good story is still compelling. The grizzled warriors of Japan’s past certainly had remarkable stories to tell. Do you like samurai anime? Which one is your favorite? (It’s okay to say Samurai Champloo!) Please let us know in the comments below! We would love to hear why you love samurai anime so much!
