A samurai is not just a person with a sword. In Japanese history, in feudal societies, they were military officers who worked for the local lord. After modernization, these practices gradually became obsolete and were forgotten. However, filmmakers and animators create characters in samurai anime who look noble and brave, reflecting the true essence of a samurai. We showcase the best samurai anime that depicts both realistic and ethereal images of iconic battles and sword-wielding warriors.
Also Read: 10 Super Awesome Yuri Anime That You Didn’t Know About
Best Samurai Anime
1- Samurai Champloo

IMDb: 8.5/10
Our list of best samurai anime starts with a mashup of two completely different genres, the samurai tradition, and hip-hop, which you think couldn’t be more unlike yet have been successfully combined. Samurai Champloo is set in a fictional version of Edo Period Japan and follows the journey of Fuu, a spirited tea waitress. In the series, she helps two opposite personalities: swordsman Mugen, the wild and unpredictable, and Jin, the disciplined ronin.
All three together search for a legendary samurai who smells of sunflowers. This wholly sets into a stunning animation, with dynamic character interactions and a unique storyline.
Also Read: Enjoy The Best Anime Film Of All Time To Make Your Day!
2- Rurouni Kenshin

IMDb: 7.9/10
Rurouni Kenshin is the next story of a young wandering swordsman named Himura Kenshin, who served in the Japanese Civil War under the alias Hitokiri Battosai. This narrative is about how he makes up for his past and all of the people he has killed by helping those who need him. With a reverse-blade sword, symbolizing his commitment to peace, Kenshin’s journey intertwines with several characters, including Kaoru Kamiya, who runs a dojo. This series is a blend of action, drama, and famous sword fight scenes from the Meiji era in Japan.
Also Read: 7 Best 90s Seinen Anime That You Can Binge Watch Right Now!
3- Afro Samurai

IMDb: 7.6/10
Another samurai anime that combines traditional samurai and hip-hop culture is Afro Samurai. It tells the story of a skilled swordsman, Afro, who finds his father, Rokutaro, brutally murdered at the hands of a gunslinger named Justice. To take revenge, Afro dons the Number 2 headband, which gives him the right to challenge the current bearer of the Number 1 headband, Justice.
The headbands symbolize physical power and also embody the burdens and responsibilities of being a top warrior in a brutal world where strength faces constant testing. Overall, this intense action series shows perfect personal growth, thrilling fights, and complex relationships between characters.
Also Read: Explore the World Of Love Stories With 7 Best Romance Anime
4 – Gintama

IMDb: 8.7
Gintama comes fourth on our best samurai anime list. If you love fictional characters from a different universe, then Gintama is for you. The story takes place in the historical Edo period but in an alternate reality known as Amanto, where samurai must protect Earth from invading aliens. This show follows Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric samurai who loves sweets and has a penchant for laziness, along with Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura, a super-strong alien girl. With fights, action, friendship, and loyalty, Gimtana showcases this fantastic journey.
5- Dororo

IMDb: 8.2/10
Dororo, a rich plot and amazing amination-based series, follows a young Ronin Hyakkimaru without limbs, facial features, or internal organs because of his father’s deal with demons. This compromise is taking place to gain some power in exchange for his newborn son’s body parts.
To regain them, Hyakkimaru begins his journey to defeat the demons that possess him. Along the way, he meets Dororo, who becomes his companion. Dororo, a clever and resourceful orphan, adds excitement and thrills to the journey.
Also Read: Best Anime Games On Roblox: Explore Virtual World Of Anime
6- Sword of the Strangers

IMDb: 7.7/10
Humans and dogs share a special bond, which is clearly reflected in our sixth-best samurai anime, Sword of the Strangers. A young orphan named Kotarou and his loyal dog Tobimaru hide from the dangerous Ming Dynasty warriors. In search of a safe place, Kotarou meets a wandering swordsman known as Nanashi, who becomes his protector. Together, they face various challenges and enemies while uncovering a plot that includes a prophecy changing their fates. This anime is a must-watch for those who enjoy action and samurai stories.
Also Read: 7 Best Fantasy Anime: Where Magic Meets Adventure
7- Ninja Scroll

IMDb: 7.8/10
End up with a Ninja Scroll, follows Jubei Kibagami, a skilled swordsman with no political involvement and no difficult challenges. After a chance meeting with a fighter from a criminal group who resembles a storm, he finds himself caught in a political mess. He also becomes embroiled in a struggle against a powerful group known as the Eight Devils of Kimon.
These warriors possess unique and deadly abilities, each more formidable than the last. Jubei fights to protect a beautiful kunoichi named Kagero and expose the truth behind the evil plots threatening the land while facing intense battles filled with stunning animation and choreography. It can be considered a worthy contention for our best samurai anime list.
Also Read: 7 Best Sci-fi Anime: Stories of Space, Time, and Future
Immerse yourself in the fictional world of intense action, great fights, and excellent graphics with the best samurai anime. All these series showcase both traditional and modern Japanese culture in one frame.