Though the life of an actual samurai might have lacked glamour, the fantastic stories told in anime allow these icons of old Japanese culture to shine in an entirely new light. With stylish outfits, razor-sharp katanas, and typically possessing a stoic, cool vibe, anime samurai are a staple of the medium, always leaving an impact when they appear on the screen.
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With as many samurai-based anime as there are, it’s only natural that some would rise to the top, becoming classics. Among those classics, however, are a select few that demand respect and appreciation.
Updated by Dev Tugnait on July 17, 2025:We have refreshed our list of Best Samurai Anime with 5 new entries to include recent masterpieces and old classics. Dive back in to discover tales of honor, swordplay, and history that might just become your next favorite! Don’t miss out on the enhanced samurai journey.
20The Ambition Of Oda Nobuna
The Ambition of Oda Nobuna is set where many of Japan’s famous samurai warlords of the Sengoku period are reimagined as women. The tale centers on Yoshiharu Sagara, a high school student who gets sent there and crosses paths with Oda Nobuna, a female version of the famous warlord.
The characters are depicted with distinct personalities, and the series does a commendable job of blending factual historical elements with its fictional premise. The animation and action sequences are well-executed, capturing the intensity of samurai warfare while maintaining a light-hearted tone.
19Samurai Girls
Samurai Girls is an anime set in an alternate version of Japan’s early 21st century, blending samurai culture with the modern. The story unfolds at Buou Academic School, an institution where students train in the way of the samurai.
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The protagonist, Muneakira Yagyuu discovers that he can unlock the hidden potential within female warriors, turning them into Master Samurai. Characterized by its ecchi and harem elements, the series is filled with fan service and romantic comedy tropes. The animation style incorporates ink-wash painting effects, paying homage to traditional Japanese art.
18Mushibugyo
Mushibugyo is an action samurai anime set in an alternate Edo period, where giant insects pose a deadly threat to humanity. The story follows Jinbei Tsukishima, a young and enthusiastic warrior who joins the Insect Magistrate’s Office to protect the people of Edo from these monstrous bugs.
Armed with his sword and unwavering spirit, Jinbei battles these creatures alongside other unique and skilled warriors. The anime is characterized by its vibrant animation, intense battle scenes, and a variety of insect enemies, each requiring different strategies to defeat.
17Brave 10
Brave 10 is a thrilling samurai anime that takes place amid the tumultuous era of Japan’s Warring States. The story is about Kirigakure Saizou, a wandering ninja who becomes one of the ten brave warriors under the warlord Sanada Yukimura. The series explores the dynamics between these warriors as they fight to protect their lord.
The animation style of Brave 10 is vibrant, with well-executed battle sequences that showcase the unique abilities of each warrior. Despite its action focus, the anime also delves into loyalty, honor, and the complexities of leadership.
16Peace Maker Kurogane
Peace Maker Kurogane is set in the turbulent final years of the Edo period, revolving around Tetsunosuke Ichimura, who joins the Shinsengumi, a special police force composed of samurais. Seeking to avenge his parents' death, Tetsunosuke desires to become a strong warrior, but his journey is fraught with challenges due to his petite stature and naive disposition.
The series intricately explores themes of revenge, maturity, and the moral quandaries of violence set against political unrest and social upheaval. The anime provides viewers with a glimpse into the lives of samurais.
15Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Shigurui: Death Frenzy takes place in the early Edo period and focuses on two samurai, Gennosuke Fujiki and Seigen Irako, disciples at the Kogan-ryu dojo. They compete for the attention and favor of the dojo’s master, Kogan Iwamoto, a brilliant but deeply disturbed individual.
The anime opens with the two men preparing to duel to the death before the shogun. Through flashbacks, the series unfolds the events that led them to this moment. Shigurui is an intense, mature story that explores the samurai lifestyle, notable for its graphic violence and uncanny realism.
14Blade Of The Immortal
Blade of the Immortal is an anime series based on a manga by Hiroaki Samura. The story follows Manji, a deadly samurai with the curse of eternal life due to a mysterious bloodworm technique. The condition is that killing 1,000 evil men will lift Manji’s curse.
Tired of his endless existence, Manji agrees to help Rin Asano, a young girl seeking vengeance against a group of swordsmen called the Itto-ryu, who killed her parents. The series delves into their perilous journey, confronting skilled warriors and the consequences of eternal life.
13Katanagatari
Katanagatari is an anime series based on a light novel. Set in Edo-era Japan, it follows Shichika Yasuri, the seventh-generation head of the Kyotoryu school of fighting, and Togame, a strategist. Shichika initially can’t wield a sword but is a master of a martial art that uses his own body as a weapon.
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Togame enlists him in a quest to collect twelve unique and powerful swords, known as the Deviant Blades, crafted by a legendary swordsmith. The series is structured episodically, focused on obtaining each blade guarded by unique and challenging opponents.
12Basilisk
Basilisk revolves around two rivalninja clans, the Iga and Kouga, who have been feuding for centuries. The two clans' heirs, Oboro of the Iga and Gennosuke of the Kouga, fall in love and seek to unite their families, but their hopes are shattered when political forces reignite the clan rivalry.
A death match is ordered, pitting ten warriors from each clan against each other to determine which clan will serve the Tokugawa shogunate. The series combines historical drama, romance, and fantasy elements, creating a dark and engaging tale.
11Samurai Deeper Kyo
Samurai Deeper Kyo is set against the backdrop of early 17th-century Japan. The story follows Demon Eyes Kyo, a feared samurai known for his fiery red eyes and having killed a thousand warriors in the Battle of Sekigahara. However, post-battle, Kyo’s consciousness becomes trapped within the body of his rival, Kyoshiro Mibu, a kind-hearted medicine peddler.
Faced with danger, Kyo’s consciousness awakens, and he embarks on a journey to find his original body. The anime masterfully showcases intense sword fights and supernatural elements, making it a must-watch for samurai-genre enthusiasts.
