Samurai and the Edo era sit at the heart of what many people imagine when they think of “Japanese storytelling,” and for good reason. The Edo period (1603-1868) represents Japan’s last breath of traditional culture before Western influence transformed the nation.
There’s something uniquely compelling about samurai as protagonists. Anime transforms this rich historical tapestry into something even more compelling through its unique visual language. The medium’s ability to shift between meticulous historical detail and stylized action sequences perfectly captures both the reality and the romanticism of the samurai tradition. When we watch samurai anime, we’re experiencing not just stories about Japanese history, but stories about how Japan sees itself.
10. Katanagatari
Katanagatari is a dialogue-driven story with quirky characters and a unique take on the idea of a “sword.” In the story, Strategist Togame recruits Shichika Yasuri, a martial artist who uses a swordless style, to collect twelve legendary “Deviant Blades” forged by a mad genius.
Each blade is unique (and sometimes not even a blade), each owner is basically a boss with a worldview, and each episode is a self-contained chapter that nudges the bigger plot toward a surprisingly sharp finale. Give it three episodes. If the rhythm clicks, you’ll likely ride it to the end and think about that ending longer than you planned.
9. House of Five Leaves
House of Five Leaves features a ronin protagonist, but if you’re expecting typical samurai action with dramatic sword fights and honor codes, you’d be disappointed.
The story follows Masanosuke Akitsu, who’s so painfully shy that he keeps getting fired from bodyguard jobs despite being skilled. He ends up getting tangled with Yaichi, the leader of a kidnapping gang called “Five Leaves.” As Masanosuke becomes more entangled with them, he starts questioning his own principles. House of Five Leaves isn’t for everyone, but it’s absolutely worth watching if you enjoy introspective stories. It’s understated, adult, and kind of perfect at what it sets out to be.
8. Samurai 7
Samurai 7 is a sci-fi reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s legendary film Seven Samuraiso you’ve got your classic katana-wielding warriors… but also giant mechs, futuristic cities, and flying ships. While it won’t please every purist, it’s a unique and visually striking take on the samurai genre.
In the anime, a small farming village is being terrorized by mecha bandits. Desperate for help, the villagers hire seven samurai to protect them. Each samurai has their own backstory and skillset, and the group dynamic is a huge part of the show’s appeal. Their chemistry and growth as a group are really satisfying to watch.
7. Blade of the Immortal
Blade of the Immortal dives headfirst into the grim and morally messy side of revenge and survival. The plot follows Manji, a cursed swordsman who’s immortal (hence the title), and Rin, a teenage girl seeking revenge against a sword school (Itto-ryu) that murdered her family. Rin recruits Manji as her bodyguard, and the two embark on a journey to take down the members of the Itto-ryu one by one. If you’re into dark anime, Blade of the Immortal is absolutely worth your time.
6. Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Shigurui is set in early Edo and around a lord who gets off on spectacle. It follows a brutal sword school where prestige is paid for in flesh. The story takes place during the Edo period, focusing on a martial arts tournament where the fighters use live steel instead of wooden practice swords.
Shigurui focuses on two warriors who are locked in a rivalry fueled by ambition. Both of them were students of a sadistic swordmaster, and the anime dives into how their lives spiral into misery and madness thanks to the master’s depravity and their own personal flaws. The animation by Madhouse is stunningly beautiful, with some of the most meticulously detailed art you’ll see in anime.
5. Dororo
Dororo revolves around Hyakkimaru, whose father traded away his body parts to demons in exchange for their land to be prosperous. Hyakkimaru is born without skin, eyes, ears, limbs, and is basically left for dead. But thanks to a doctor, he survives and is given prosthetic limbs and weapons to function.
Fast-forward to adulthood, and Hyakkimaru is on a mission to kill the demons and reclaim his stolen body parts. Along the way, he meets Dororo, a thief with a mysterious past, and the two develop a close bond as they journey together. And Dororo (the kid) is easily one of the better “heart of the show” sidekicks in recent anime.
4) Gintama
Gintama is set in an alternate Edo period where aliens (called Amanto) have invaded Japan, banned swords, and basically turned the country into a weird sci-fi/feudal hybrid. The story follows Gintoki Sakata, a sweets-addicted former rebel samurai, who now runs an odd-jobs business with his friend Shinpachi. They take on random jobs to pay their perpetually late rent while getting involved with a massive cast of equally bizarre characters.
The 300+ episode count might seem intimidating, but you can honestly jump in almost anywhere after the introduction arcs. The comedy is god-tier when it hits, with some episodes that will have you crying from laughter.
3) Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is set in a futuristic-feudal Japan where status is decided by headbands. The story follows Afro, who saw his father (the “Number One”) killed, and grows up determined to reclaim that family title by cutting through everyone standing between him and revenge. It’s a classic revenge story, but the way it’s delivered — with stylized gore and a unique aesthetic — makes it unforgettable.
2) Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is from Shinichiro Watanabe, the same genius behind Cowboy Bebopand it does for hip-hop and samurai what Bebop did for jazz and space cowboys. The visual style is this perfect blend of traditional Japanese woodblock print aesthetics getting remixed with hip-hop swagger, graffiti art, and some of the most fluid sword choreography ever animated.
The story follows three completely mismatched companions, Jin, Mugen, and Fuu — a waitress who ropes them into helping her find a “samurai who smells of sunflowers.” You’ll find yourself rooting for this dysfunctional trio, even as they bicker and stumble their way through life.
1) Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin (“Battousai”) from the Bakumatsu who’s sworn never to kill again. He carries a reverse‑bladed sword so he can fight without taking lives, drifting into Tokyo and finding a family. His struggle to atone for his bloody past while facing enemies who keep dragging him back to his old ways creates genuinely compelling drama. The show balances lighthearted comedy with serious historical drama surprisingly well, and doesn’t shy away from topics like political assassination, opium wars, and the psychological cost of violence. However, after the Kyoto arc ends, it devolves into filler hell that the manga never covered. Your best bet is to watch through episode 62, then jump straight to the Trust & Betrayal OVA if you want to see Kenshin’s backstory in all its R-rated glory.
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