Nowadays, the samurai genre appears to be gaining popularity as new shows are released one after the other. Although some of these series are not considered anime, Netflix plays an important part in bringing them to life. If you enjoy the samurai genre, here are the 10 ultimate action-packed samurai anime to watch right now!
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Samurai Champloo
Out of all the anime on this list, Samurai Champloo is a standout samurai show renowned for its distinctive visual style, compelling characters, exceptional soundtrack, anachronistic setting, samurai action, and stylish presentation.
It is the kind of samurai anime that is so captivating, you just can’t get enough.
As expected of Shinichiro Watanabe, the same mind behind Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo’s fusion of hip-hop culture, historical elements, and modern sensibilities created a unique vibe that sets it apart from other shows.
Samurai Champloo is set in alternate Edo-period Japan, and it follows a brash and unorthodox swordsman named Mugen, a traditional samurai named Jin, and a spirited young woman named Fuu.
As the trio crosses paths, prepare yourself for unexpected adventures full of action and humor!
Onimusha
Onimusha is a top-tier samurai anime that boasts exceptional swordsmanship choreography, flawless animation, and artistic direction. It is edgy and gritty—the type of show samurai fans usually like.
It also explores significant themes of war, humanity, aspects of life, and one’s honor. If you played some Onimusha games back in the day, you’ll appreciate the series more.
Musashi Miyamoto is on a journey to vanquish demons called Genma in Onimusha.
These demons were summoned by none other than Iemon to accomplish his nefarious objectives.
Along with other samurai, Musashi aims to stop Iemon, but he can only do this by wielding the powerful oni gauntlet.
However, the more Genma Musashi slays, the more it feeds on his humanity! Talk about a double-edged sword!
ALSO READ: Is Onimusha Season 2 Happening?
Drifters
Drifters is known for its intense action sequences that combine historical figures with fantasy and supernatural elements.
It has an action-packed story that revolves around historical leaders, strategists, and warriors like Oda Nobunaga and Nasu no Yoichi, who get isekai’d to a mysterious world called Drifters.
There, they find themselves in conflict not only against an opposing force called Ends but also against each other.
Although Drifters has been criticized mainly due to its pacing, it is still a beloved samurai anime thanks to its well-executed action scenes, diverse cast of characters, fantastical setting, and in-depth storyline.
Blade of the Immortal
Perhaps one of the darkest samurai anime on the list, Blade of the Immortal is renowned for its dark tones, violence, and gritty but realistic animation. It is an anime that embodies the brutality of a samurai.
Beyond the action, Blade of the Immortal also excels in character development, although the pacing can feel slow at times.
Some viewers even note that the show’s narrative is complex; it needs more attention to keep up with the plot and the characters' motivations.
Blade of the Immortal is all about Manji, a cursed samurai who can’t die. He became immortal after being granted rapid healing abilities brought upon by bloodworms.
As the plot unfolds, Manji becomes a bodyguard for a young girl named Rin, who wants to seek revenge against her family’s murderers, all the while dealing with his plan of redemption.
Shigurui: Death Frenzy
Yet another violent samurai anime, Shiguri: Death Frenzy, prides itself on its unflinchingly graphic depiction of the harshness of the world of samurai and feudal Japan’s brutality.
The show’s animation is dark and haunting, which greatly adds to the overall tone and vibe of the narrative.
Moreover, Shigurui is not for the fainthearted due to its mature content, which includes violent themes of sadism, nudity, visceral and realistic aspects of the samurai genre, and more.
It doesn’t romanticize samurais as heroes at all, which is a huge plus.
Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a story of rivalry between two highly skilled swordsmen: Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen.
They both compete in a deadly tournament where real swords will be used to hail the winner and bury the loser.
At the end of the day, there can only be one champion and one successor in the Iwamoto school of samurais.
Gintama
A samurai anime that consistently breaks the fourth wall, Gintama is infamous for its unique blend of comedy, parody, action, and, surprisingly, emotional depth.
It is a long-running show, so allocate your time well to watching this beloved show!
Gintama is infamous for its references to pop culture, anime, manga, and historical elements, offbeat humor, and varying animation styles.
In addition, Gintama features powerful, compelling, and emotionally resonant story arcs that leave a lasting impression on fans.
Set in an alternate version of feudal Japan, Gintama revolves around Sakata Gintoki, Shinpachi Shimura, and Kagura as they take on odd jobs to make ends meet in a world where aliens invaded the country and carrying swords has been banned.
Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Stranger is a beautifully crafted samurai anime directed by Masahiro Ando that delivers breathtaking fighting sequences, fluid swordplay, edgy animation, and a captivating storyline.
It also features characters with emotional depth who have room for development for such a short time.
This samurai anime film follows Nanashi, a ronin who becomes entangled in a perilous journey against imperial forces and foreign assassins after he encounters a mysterious young boy named Kotaro.
He decides to protect Kotaro, all the while trying to survive in an environment filled with moral dilemmas and danger.
In case you didn’t know, Sword of the Stranger was one of the 14 finalists, along with WALL-E, Kung Fu Panda, and Bolt, in consideration for the 2008 Best Animated Feature Award at the Oscars, but failed to be nominated.
Blue Eye Samurai
For starters, we know that Blue Eye Samurai is not an anime. Still, Blue Eye Samurai deserves a spot on this list due to its compelling storyline, authentic cast, significant themes, and one-of-a-kind animation.
This animated series is influenced by some of the most beloved films of all time, including Kill Bill, Lady Snowblood, and more!
Blue Eye Samurai revolves around Mizu, a mixed-race master of the sword who hides her real gender at a time when revenge for women is not a practical and wise choice.
She is on a bloody path of vengeance against four Westerners who wronged her late mother and made her a creature of shame.
ALSO READ: Meet the Talented Voice Cast Behind Blue Eye Samurai
Rurouni Kenshin
It’s not surprising that Rurouni Kenshin will be on this list. It is one of the best there is and has spawned a series of live-action films, TV adaptations, video games, and more! Who wouldn’t know about the Battousai, Kenshin Himura?
Rurouni Kenshin is a samurai anime that blends action-packed sword fights, historical elements, and compelling characters, each with their motivations, moral complexities, internal struggles, and personalities.
The story follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin who had a change of heart.
He vows never to kill again, contrary to the sins he committed in his blood-stained past.
He became a wanderer renowned for using a reversed-edge sword, which he used to protect others without taking their lives.
Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is one of the most infamous samurai anime out there, thanks to its visually striking animation that features hip-hop culture, an amazing soundtrack, a modern and stylized take on the samurai genre, and, of course, action-packed sequences.
To this day, Afro Samurai is celebrated by fans worldwide and has always been mentioned as one of the best anime of all time.
It never fails to pack a punch, and it always delivers a visually stunning experience, no matter how many times you watch it.
Afro Samurai revolves around a lone swordsman who’s on a quest for vengeance against the man who killed his father and claimed the Number One headband, which symbolizes the strongest warrior in the world.
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