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Top 20 Best Time Travel Anime Series & Movies

Here’s a question: what’s your favorite time travel anime? Are there even enough good titles in this sci-fi subgenre?

It isn’t filled to the brim each season unlike with the case of isekai titles, but it’s not impossible to find some great ones.

If you’re in the mood for some mind-boggling twists and turns (or even minor time travel elements in an otherwise typical anime) check out my list below.

And fair warning: spoilers ahead(in some cases). Some titles here have time travel itself as a key turning point or surprise in the series, so if you don’t want to know any more just skim the titles and pick one that interests you!

20. Nobunaga Concerto

I’m going to start with Nobunaga Concerto, an anime that does have time travel — but is also more of an isekai.

This is why I’m including it on my list but, but not the highest for sure. So what’s it all about?

As you may have already guessed, it involves Oda Nobunaga . Arguably one of the most popular Japanese historical figures.

He was a brutal leader, but he was also brilliant and a key figure in the reunification of Japan.

But Nobunaga isn’t the OP. In Nobunaga Concerto, he meets Saburou who mysteriously time travels from the 21st century and looks like him.

Saburou was just an ordinary high school kid, but now he must replace Nobunaga, who wishes to relax in his final years.

19. Natsu-iro no Sunadokei (Sandglass of Summer Colors)

This is an old anime. Like, really old.

But while its character design, animation, and overall quality haven’t stood the test of time, it is a worthwhile show that involves more time travel than Nobunaga Concerto.

Sandglass of Summer Colors is an adaptation of a video game, a visual novel (VN) from Princess Soft that was released way back in 2002.

Also, it only has two episodes; it’s an OVA. Still, it’s an intriguing show.

Yes it once again involves a teenage boy, this time named Kotaro Makimura.

But here, the time travel comes in the form of Kotaro waking up to the next school year, and then going back and forth to specific days of his summer vacation.

Through this he learns some very crazy news about his girlfriend Kaho Serizawa. It gets deep.

18. Buddy Complex

In 2014, Sunrise released an action-heavy mecha title that surprisingly wasn’t another entry to their sprawling Gundam franchise.

It’s called Buddy Complex, and it does enough to distinguish itself from other similar titles with its appealing trio, plot, and solid execution.

Buddy Complex starts with the main hero Aoba Watase nearly getting killed in the hands of a massive robot from the future.

Hina Yumihara saves him, and also takes him 70 years into the future for him to learn all about the fighting robots and possibly prevent his demise.

Can he go back to his actual timeline? Or is he stuck in this future of warring military forces?

17. Doraemon

Yes, Doraemon is indeed a time-travel anime — and quite a good one at that.

Some argue that the time travel aspect is a mere gimmick here. But I honestly love what the anime has done with it.

The story isn’t about a dystopian future and someone who wants to save it by going back to the past.

No, it’s about Sewashi Nobi from the 22nd century sending a cat robot to improve the life of his grandfather Nobita Nobi — and that’s wonderful.

With 1,700 episodes, Doraemon has proven that this subgenre can be wholesome for kids.

Likewise, who doesn’t want a four-dimensional pouch that can bring out all sorts of gadgets of different sizes?

16. Punch Line

Punch Line was MAPPA’s third original anime after Garo: The Animation and Zankyou no Terror, the latter being one of my all-time favorites.

No, Punch Line wasn’t a modern classic in my eyes at all.

It didn’t have the serious or ambitious tone of those previous shows.

However, Punch Line was a creative risk that needs commending — and even a reappraisal from anime fans.

It’s silly but fully aware of it.

How silly? It involves spirits, nose bleeding, panty shots.

Also, the OP has to avoid looking at panties as he travels through time as a spirit. Otherwise a meteor immediately kills all life on Earth. So that’s fun.

15. InuYasha

I’ve got another entry here from Sunrise Studio.

InuYasha was one of the biggest shounen titles before series like Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail took over — and it does have time travel.

Kagome Higurashi goes back hundreds of years to feudal Japan. The difference is instead of meeting a general, he meets a white-haired guy who also has dog ears.

Also, both Kagome and Inuyasha can travel between modern Japan and feudal Japan with relative ease.

And I suggest InuYasha just because it’s one of the best shounen series of all time. Time travel or not.

14. Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara (Iroduku: The World in Colors)

I have a soft spot for original anime. It takes a lot of guts to push through with a story you don’t know will work out.

It doesn’t have a built-in fan base unlike with adaptations of manga, LNs, and video games.

But Iroduku: The World in Colors was more than just an original anime.

It was a visually imaginative and wonderfully animated series, and it was clear that P.A. Works didn’t just do this half-heartedly.

Think of it as a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and school drama.

A grandmother sends her emotionally distant granddaughter 60 years back to the past, but she doesn’t say why.

And now that she’s back to 2018(present when released) the young girl named Hitomi Tsukishiro learns all about self-discovery and human connection. Go see it.

13. Charlotte

Look, I get it — Angel Beats was a great anime series.

That was a show that managed to make me love all the students in just 13 episodes.

Plus, I’m confident that most viewers won’t ever forget the ending.

Since then, people have been clamoring for something like it from Jun Maeda.

Well Charlotte came into the fray, but it wasn’t exactly as good as Angel Beats or Clannad.

Still, Charlotte certainly has its moments as a school drama with time travel (among other powers).

Also this is an anime original, and I think the best moments outweigh the pacing and plot issues by the end.

I don’t blame you if you haven’t heard of Zipang.

Despite being released two full years later than Naruto, Zipang somehow sports a more old-school design.

Then again, it’s a fitting choice given the military and historical setting.

Simply put, it’s about a Japanese missile destroyer (a navy warship) called Mirai that gets itself into a storm, but it was no ordinary storm.

Once Mirai gets away from the storm, its crew realizes that they’ve all time-traveled to 1942 — back to the Second World War.

Exciting, right?

Here’s the more interesting part: They must try their best not to change history. But can the crew keep themselves in the background when people are dying left and right?

11. Natsu no Arashi (Summer Storm!)

Interestingly enough, I didn’t catch this until last year — a full decade since its release.

But hey, this is an excellent example of “better late than never” because this is a fine mix of time travel and comedy.

Natsu no Arashi is about, again, a male teenager who meets a beautiful girl.

But Sayoko Arashiyama is far from an ordinary teenager.

She may not even be a teenager as Hajime Yasaka finds a photo of her in her 60s.

What’s going on? And why does Sayoko still look young?

Check out Natsu no Arashi. It’s made by Shaft so expect some visual delights.

10. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)

We’re getting closer to the highest ranking so let’s be really careful now. I did warn about spoilers, so be prepared.

When They Cry deceives its audience by portraying itself as another generic anime with a guy OP and a bunch of cute girls.

Only for it to actually be a murder mystery with a time loop to boot.

Also, it may even be the only horror and time travel anime out there.

One minute you’re seeing kids playing together, all smiles. The next, they’re splattered with blood and having edgy expressions.

Admittedly I hate what happened to the anime adaptation here (although the movie Orange: Future was way better in terms of animation quality and consistency).

I read the manga, and it had moments that could’ve catapulted the anime as a classic.

But the anime did not meet or exceed expectations.

Orange was just above average. But still good enough to warrant a spot here.

If you think the anime was good and made you cry and laugh, consider the gorgeous and much more emotional manga too.

8. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World)

I think Re:Zero is a fine isekai and time travel anime.

It could’ve been like any typical isekai after all the hype for Sword Art Online. But it etched its own place in history.

Re:Zero makes you think that it’s just another guy getting transported to a fantasy world. But the time loop aspect elevates the series to new heights of dread and sheer desperation for Subaru.

It’s not just an escape to a better world with waifu material like Emilia and Rem, it’s overall a really engaging show. And I’m definitely excited for season 2 .

7. Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name.)

Yup, this is big spoiler territory.

I sure hope that you’ve already watched the critically acclaimed movie, which also broke records around the world — or that you’ve read the novel of the same name.

Because time travel is what made audiences gasp in the middle of the movie. Kimi no Na wa is seemingly just about two people living in different regions… but what viewers didn’t know was that they also lived in different periods.

I still remember the shock everyone had in the cinemas (because I saw this twice in theaters).

There is nothing quite like the audiovisual spectacle of a Makoto Shinkai film on the big screen. And the ending is so rewarding if you’ve watched Five Centimeters Per Second.

6. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (The Tatami Galaxy)

Masaaki Yuasa needs no introduction after Devilman Crybaby garnered rave reviews from fans and critics all over the world, in part because it was available on Netflix.

But even before that, I was a huge fan of Yuasa’s directorial prowess.

He’s a man with impeccable skill, ensuring that both substance and style are way above the competition.

The Tatami Galaxy features rapid conversations (so you have to read fast if you prefer subtitles like me) and there’s so much going on when this is all about a young man’s life (and love life).

Watch him go through some sort of Groundhog Day, but in a much more artistic, magical manner.

It’s a rewarding experience across space and time (and tatami), I promise you that.

5. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

At this point, I’m not sure which of my top picks have time travel as one of its biggest turning points.

This one has a certain episode in the latter half that completely turns it from an impressive series to arguably one of the best anime of all time.

You may not agree that it’s a “deconstruction” of the magical girl genre . But it’s clear evidence that Gen Urobuchi could change the game if he had the right team.

Also, this original anime looks breathtaking.

It’s dark, it’s exciting, it’s inspirational.

Shaft had a classic in their hands and they didn’t waste the opportunity.

4. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

As one of Kyoto Animation’s first big hits, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya took the relatively small 2006 global anime community by storm.

It was hilarious, had a stellar set of characters, had a viral opening song, and had episodes that didn’t line up chronologically.

And yet the order of events didn’t ruin the story at all.

The nonlinear structure enabled a new way of looking at the character dynamics. And it made rewatches (in the chronological order) more rewarding.

Once you’ve watched the series (and bless you if you’ve seen the Endless Eight arc) go ahead and enjoy The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya .

3. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time)

Like Masaaki Yuasa and Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Hosoda is one of the best anime directors today.

And he’s done many more amazing films besides this one: Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and The Boy and the Beast, just to name a few.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time works as well as it does because of how it didn’t just use time travel as a gimmick.

It thought of how to shape the character and the story as a whole, creating tension and developing emotional impact in the latter half.

Plus I think many of us can relate to Makoto Shonno. Spending the last year of high school knowing that life is about to change, and yet you’re unsure of your own future.

It’s thrilling, hilarious, and has a heart at its core.

2. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (ERASED)

Am I making a controversial choice by putting this so high on my list?

Not really.

Sure, not everyone was a fan of the adaptation. And I admit that the suspense thriller aspect to it was a bit heavy-handed.

But like with how I feel about Zankyou no Terror, ERASED has highs that are so high, they easily make up for the lows.

It’s an imperfect masterpiece in my eyes.

The first episode was a 10/10 with how it easily grabbed my attention by the end with the change in aspect ratio, signifying the drastic change in time… it’s really interesting.

ERASED has a killer OP from none other than Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and I still think that the birthday scene of Kayo is one of the most heart-wrenching yet simultaneously heartwarming moments in anime.

Also, (big spoiler ahead) I dislike that some fans think the show was bad just because the guy didn’t end up with the girl he saved(and attempted to save again and again) in the past.

Look, you don’t just get to marry someone because you saved their life. You save someone because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect something in return.

1. Steins;Gate

Is there even any other anime that could be at the No. 1 spot?

It’s the first show that comes to mind if you ask most anime fans what the best time travel anime is. And for good reason.

Furthermore, Steins;Gate isn’t just lauded as the top time travel series ever.

It’s also in the running as possible the best anime in general, usually in competition with FMA: Brotherhood.

Steins;Gate is both an outstanding gateway show to anime and one that becomes rewarding once you’ve consumed a ton of anime.

Some claim that it’s overrated, but one thing’s for sure: It set the standard for what a time travel anime could achieve in terms of sheer brilliance and entertainment.

Millennial introvert on the lookout for slice-of-life anime, world cinema, and European music. Follow on Twitter @notspencer08

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Top 10 Time Travel Anime [Updated Best Recommendations]

Time is a construct that no single human being can escape. We’re born, we grow old and we die. However, that won’t stop us from imagining ourselves in positions where we can freely manipulate our influence on history by manipulating time itself. A trope that has seen itself in virtually all storytelling media and features in some of the most influential anime, we’ve decided to drop a list of some of our favourite time travel anime, featuring characters who are able to change the course of history. In many cases, it isn’t as simple as changing a single event, creating some of the most compelling stories. Without wasting anymore time, we present to you Top 10 Time Travel Anime. Please be aware that this is an updated list and the other lists can be found below.

10. Oda Nobuna no Yabou (The Ambition of Oda Nobuna)

• Episodes: 12
• Aired: July 2012 – September 2012

17-year-old Sagara Yoshiharu finds himself travelling back in time to Japan’s Sengoku Era, finding out that all the famous Samurai lords who populate the history books in the modern era are cute girls. He meets Oda Nobuna, Oda Nobunaga’s female counterpart, who then recruits him to be her substitute for her aide, Kinoshita Tokichiro, who was killed by a rival clan. Using his knowledge of history and some of the technological advantages of the modern era, Sagara assists Nobuna in her very well-documented mission to unify Japan under her banner.

Without giving much away as to why he’s there, Oda Nobuna no Yabou follows Sagara into the reaches of the past, retelling a pivotal story in the history of Japan, with a few twists, of course. Being the history nerd that he is, Sagara takes to the Sengoku Era like a fish to water, or more like the protagonist of some sort of role-playing game. Steadfast in his duties so as to avoid changing the tides of history, Sagara assists Nobuna in her quest to take all of Japan.

• Episodes: ???
• Aired: July 2018 - ???

Located far away from Japan’s mainland is the island of Urashima, a place where its inhabitants live carefree lives. However, 5 years prior to the events of the series, the three great families of the island fell into disrepute and it severed all connection to the Japanese archipelago, leading to its slow and steady decline. The only individuals capable of saving the island are the daughters of the three great families; however, they remain conflicted. Things become interesting with the sudden appearance of a man claiming to be a time-traveller; one capable of changing Urashima’s fate.

Combining the time-travel plot device with an amnesia trope brings you Island, a somewhat politically-inclined permutation of the tried and tested time travel concept. The mysterious time-travelling stranger is Sanzenkai Setsuna, a man who washes ashore one day with no idea of who he is; however, his upbeat persona and one memory remain: he is a time-traveller tasked with saving the island of Urashima from an unsavoury end. But how will he do it with missing memories?

• Episodes: 13
• Aired: July 2016 – September 2016

Takamiya Naho begins her first day as a sophomore in high school in a not-so-great fashion as she wakes up late. Dashing to school, she arrives at her desk, finding a strange letter addressed to her. The letter comes from none other than herself, 10 years in the future. Highly sceptical of the letter and its contents, Naho’s attitude changes when it accurately describes several events which happen that day, particularly the arrival of transfer student Naruse Kakeru. Future Naho expresses several regrets in her letter, hoping that her younger self can do better with a heads-up of what is to come, expressing vehemently the need to keep an eye on Kakeru. Using the letter as a guide, Naho uneasily navigates the territory her future-self failed to the first time around.

Quite the emotional rollercoaster, Orange brings a refreshing element to the time-travel trope, making use of messages from the future as a means of altering the past, rather than the characters themselves time-leaping. The series brings together romantic elements in addition to some heart-wrenching moments which we are all too aware of when it comes to shows of this nature.

7. Break Ups

• Episodes: 1 (movie)
• Aired: 2009

The short film follows the trials and tribulations of a young couple who are consistently in an on and off relationship with each other. One day, the two stumble upon a time machine which consequently takes them to various points in history, visiting particular junctures in their relationship. The slice of life animation is technically a Korean production and the animation style is evidently different from the general feel of anime.

Break Ups are unusual in the time-travelling trope given the fact that the characters happen upon the object which allows them to go back in time and the machine itself really only takes them back to certain parts of their lives together as a couple. Available on Crunchyroll, the short film is an interesting change of pace within the time travel trope and contrary to its short runtime, it leaves a lasting impression.

6. Doraemon (2005)

• Aired: April 2005 - ???

As a result of his haplessness, Nobi Nobita’s descendants as far off as in the 22nd century find themselves in a state of poverty. In order to raise the Nobi family’s social status, their time-travelling robotic cat servant, Doraemon, takes it upon himself to go back in time to Nobita’s youth and undo the damage that plunges the family into poverty. However, Doraemon is quite dysfunctional himself and while he makes the child Nobita’s life infinitely more exciting, it still remains to be seen if he can truly do what he set out to do in his mission to the past.

Doraemon’s influence is widespread and many are familiar with the blue time-travelling cat. In fact, he is quite celebrated as an anime character and even features as one of the ambassadors of the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, alongside Shounen legend, Son Goku. The anime itself first aired in the 1970s and was rebooted in 2005, running ever since. Unfortunately for the older series, it was poorly preserved, never released other than on television and nearly all the 1973 series’ footage was destroyed. Nonetheless, we can still enjoy Nobita’s adventures with his robotic feline friend.

5. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi)

• Episodes: 14
• Aired: April 2006 – July 2006

Meet Kyon, a regular high school student who has no belief in any supernatural phenomena and would rather just live a normal life. He attends the same school as the highly eccentric and energetic Suzumiya Haruhi, a girl who is committed to breaking out of a dreary high school life by finding anything unusual: from aliens to ESPers, Haruhi and the new club she’s formed, the SOS Brigade, will find them all! Unfortunately for Kyon, Haruhi has taken an interest in him too, forcing him to join the club alongside the soft-spoken Asahina Mikuru, the stoic Nagato Yuuki and the somewhat popular Koizumi. To his surprise, all three of these club members are abnormal – a time-traveler, an ESPer and a cyborg have all taken up the role of guardian of Suzumiya, whom they have identified as the unknowing god of this realm. In order to avoid any calamities due to Haruhi’s emotions, the club members of the SOS Brigade humour her in any and all of her wacky activities in an attempt to maintain the current order of the world.

While not an out-and-out time-travelling anime, The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi is an anime which garnered much attention for its application of the time-travel trope. The infamous Endless Eight arc of the series’ second season is eight episodes which were more or less the exact same thing animated over and over due to the series’ main characters being caught in an infinite time loop which repeated itself over 15000 times until Kyon found a way out. The arc is still talked about to this day by fans of the series. Aside from the aggravating time-loop which gave Haruhi much attention, the series features Asahina Mikuru, its very own time-traveller whose older self appears to Kyon at some point during the series.

4. Sakurada Reset

• Episodes: 24
• Aired: April 2017 – September 2017

Asai Kei is a high schooler who lives in the seaside city of Sakurada, where the inhabitants are born with special abilities. One day on the school rooftop, he meets Haruki Misora, a stoic girl with the ability to reset everything around her up to three days prior. Her ability renders everyone completely oblivious to the reset, including herself. However, Kei has his photographic memory and, choosing to join their powers, Kei and Misora decide to join their school’s Service Club in order to help people in their town. However, their club is soon employed by the Administration Bureau, an organisation fixated on managing the abilities of the town’s inhabitants for their own desires. Kei and Misora may soon find out that there is more to what happens in Sakurada than meets the eye.

Sakurada Reset sets a limiter on the time travel trope it employs and to that end, there is a great potential for a lot of difficulty that the protagonists much endure in order to do the good that they desire to do. The series is incredibly interesting and the application of supernatural abilities central to the events of the series creates quite the worthy explanation for the manipulation of time which forms such an integral part of the series.

3. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World)

• Episodes: 26
• Aired: April 2016 – September 2016

One night, high school shut-in Natsuki Subaru decides to head over to the nearby convenience store in order to buy a few things, but when he steps out, he finds himself in the market district of a town in an alternate world. Modelled on the fantasy worlds he’s familiar with in the games that he plays, Subaru quickly takes to the hero role he believes he is there to fulfil, but not much longer after his arrival, he is attacked by bandits and subsequently killed. To his surprise, Subaru finds himself back in that same market and he’s attacked by the same bandits, but this time around, he is saved by a white-haired beauty named Satella. Satella is travelling in search of the thief who stole her family insignia, and out of gratitude for her help, Subaru decides to join her in her search. When they finally find the individual responsible, Subaru and Satella are both brutally murdered. Subaru awakens to the same sight: the same market, the same bandits attack him again and yet again Satella comes to his aid as history inexplicably repeats itself.

Re:Zero came in a year filled with stories of time travel; however, this particular rollercoaster came with plot-twists and emotions galore! Subaru’s Return By Death very closely mimicked the checkpoint save model which many games employ and in that capacity, his deaths often heralded a return to an earlier point in time. Subaru had no control whatsoever over which point in time to which he returns and much of the anime shows a frustrated Subaru coming to grips with his own death, as well as the deaths of many others on several occasions. This quickly wears away at him and to that end, Re:Zero will torture the viewer… and Subaru, of course.

2. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time)

• Aired: July 2006

Konno Makoto is a high school senior who isn’t quite coming to grips with the demands of her future. She ebbs between the pressure applied by her teachers for her to take charge of her own future, and the sunny days she spends with her friends. Makoto’s life changes when she accidentally finds out that she is capable of literally leaping through time. Her mundane life becomes complicated as Makoto quickly learns about the drawbacks of playing with time, as well as the consequences of her newfound ability.

Quite the classic as far as the time travel trope is concerned, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a seemingly unassuming narrative which quickly becomes convoluted as the days Makoto relives begin to weigh heavily on her and her own decisions begin to have dire consequences. With the power to freely navigate the ever-flowing stream of time, Makoto is put through quite a lot emotionally as her power isn’t the only thing she deals with.

1. Steins;Gate

• Aired: April 2011 – September 2011

Okabe Rintarou is a self-proclaimed mad scientist who rents out a room in a building in Akihabara, where he and his friends (whom he dubs “lab members”) create “future gadgets” as a hobby. Alongside Shiina Mayuri, his childhood friend, and perverted hacker friend Daru, Okabe spends his time messing around with their most interesting invention yet: the Phone Microwave. The device has the strange ability to turn bananas into piles of green gel. While not very promising in terms of scientific breakthroughs, strange things begin happening after the Phone Microwave’s creation and soon enough, the contraption turns out to be able to send emails into the past which alter the flow of history. Soon realising the true gravity of their creation, Okabe must navigate the various consequences that come with the manipulation of time.

With Steins;Gate: 0 freshly entering its second cour, it is of no surprise that the first anime gets a mention on this list. Intense on so many levels, Steins;Gate is an incredible story that brings together elements of comedy and suspense in a character-driven plot that will shake you to the core. With time travel as its core theme, Steins;Gate throws you into an intricately woven plot with many twists and turns and an exploration of the consequences of time travel like none other. The series is well-deserving of the top spot on this list – just don’t let CERN know that.

Final Thoughts

Like we said before, time travel is a concept which exists in all forms of storytelling and as human beings, our current helplessness against the flow of time brings us to think up incredible stories. Maybe we wish to be free of it, maybe we wish to control it – whatever the reason behind our fixation on the concept of time, the fact remains that the resulting anime can be completely engrossing. Have we forgotten to mention your favourite time travel anime? Drop a comment below and tell us about it – if you’ve got the time.

Author: Hoshi-kun

I’m South African, harbouring an obsession for anything remotely related to Japan, mostly anime, of course. I draw sometimes. Some people call me Naledi, it’s my real name, or something like that. People think I’m stoic because I don’t smile often (I do sometimes). I like languages. Hoshi-kun and Naledi are the same side of the same coin.

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Top 5 Anime by Hoshi-kun

If there’s anything people ponder about at one point or another, it’s a variation of some sort relating to time travel. Maybe it’s travelling to the ancient past to observe what life was like. Maybe it’s travelling to the more immediate past to witness historical events or observe certain people alive during that time. Maybe it’s travelling to some point in the future to see what happens to humanity. Whatever the case, it’s an idea that is very difficult to get your head around, leading to multiple ideas and theories as to what might happen if it was ever attempted.

There are multiple anime that depict these ideas. Some are more detailed in their approach to a resolution, such as exploring the idea of multi-verse theory or the consequences that result in not thinking through your actions. Others focus more on other aspects of the anime and leave time travel as just another tool in the story. Here are the top 10 examples of time travel used in anime.

10. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

• Aired: May 22, 2009 - Sep 11, 2009

Although this anime may be about a group of students having supernatural adventures due to the main character’s unique ability to warp reality, it does have a unique take on time travel, even if it’s controversial. In what’s become known as the “Endless Eight arc” in the 2nd season, this anime does succeed in demonstrating the idea of time looping, or repeating the same events over and over. In this case, most of the 2nd season has the same few weeks looped for years and years as the characters experience the same events and do the same things repeatedly with no change whatsoever. If you’re a fan of Groundhog Day in terms of witnessing a character repeat the same day over and over again as well as the “slice of life” anime tone, this is the anime for you.

9. In Search of the Lost Future

• Aired: Oct 4, 2014 - Dec 20, 2014

This anime may start off as something of a “slice of life” anime at first as we are introduced to the main cast of characters attending Uchihama Academy participating in school events and beginning to move to a new building due to increased numbers. However, a mystery slowly begins to unfold in the old building, and we eventually see the main character, Sō Akiyama, wrestle with premonitions of the future showing his friends in danger. As Sō struggles to attempt to rescues his friends, including his closest friend Kaori Sasaki, and resolve the mystery, the tension only continues to build until the final reveal. If you’re a fan of both time travel and mystery, this is certainly an anime worth checking out.

• Episodes: 25
• Aired: Apr 4, 2016 - Sep 19, 2016

This anime is a great example of the time travel theme of returning back to the same spot in order to redo something over and over. After mysteriously arriving in a strange land only to get beat up by some thugs, Subaru Natsuki meets a beautiful girl only to get killed by a mysterious darkness alongside said girl. However, Subaru suddenly awakens to the same exact scenario of confronting the same thugs and meeting Satella. Re:ZERO is a great time travel anime not only because it does not have any plot holes as a result of time travel, but also keeping the viewer engaged as Subaru gets more and more desperate in his attempts to fix his mistakes and redo everything. If you enjoyed the movie Source Code for its similar take on time travel, this is definitely worth watching.

7. Noein: To Your Other Self

• Aired: Oct 12, 2005 - Mar 29, 2006

In the near future, a struggle is taking place between 2 different dimensions: the good guys, La'cryma, and the bad guys, Shangri-La. A group, known as Dragon Calvary, is dispatched throughout space and time to search for the Dragon’s Torque, seen as the only thing that can stop the invasion from Shangri-La. One of those members, Karasu, meets his past self and his friend 15 years in the past, which appears to be a promising lead…

Noein’s time travel mechanics revolve around the idea of how different dimensions can result due to different actions that are taken. This is especially important, as the series takes a more “character driven” approach to what happens as opposed to a “plot-driven” approach. As a result, you have a beautifully crafted series that achieves what it set out to do. If you’re a fan of the time travel genre who would also like more of the quantum aspect involved, this would be the anime to check out first.

6. Charlotte

• Aired: Jul 5, 2015 to Sep 27, 2015

This anime may focus a fair amount on kids with magical powers who lose them when they become adults or overuse them, but one of the main characters, Shunsuke Otosaka, has the power to send his mind back in time to change the past, resulting in some key events unfolding. This is a unique take on travelling back in time, as most anime have the characters going back physically either through a time machine or some other unique way. To go back through the mind alone is a trend that may start to appear more and more as time goes on. If you were a fan of the time travel method used in X-Men: Days of Future Past, then this anime may be the one for you.

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

• Aired: Jan 7, 2011 - Apr 22, 2011

Again, another example of an anime that upon first glance you would not expect a complicated theme to be explored. Yet one of the “Magical Girls”, Homura Akemi, sets out to prevent the harm of another Magical Girl by going back in time. A big lesson regarding time travel is demonstrated here, though: sometimes the changes you set out to make are impossible to achieve, no matter how hard you try. If you’re a fan of the idea of how time travel doesn’t necessarily work out in the end as well as cuteness, Puella Magi Madoka Magica delivers in spades.

4. Dragon ball Z

• Episodes: 291
• Aired: Apr 26, 1989 - Jan 31, 1996

Yeah, this may be a shounen anime at heart, but considering you have one of its biggest arcs revolving around a time traveler from the future arriving to save Goku and his friends from androids as well as an android travelling back to the past to absorb the very androids themselves, it’s impossible to ignore this aspect. Not to mention Dragon Ball Super currently featuring one of the strongest characters in anime who can turn back time 3 minutes at will. Time travel may not be approached in this anime as the “main topic” so to speak, but if you want to watch an anime where time travel is still fun and interesting despite being a secondary focus, then look no further than DBZ.

3. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

• Episodes: 1
• Aired: July 15, 2006

This movie serves as the definitive example for what someone would probably do when realizing they can go back in time for the first time, making it that much more believable. Makoto Konno isn’t someone who has plans for going back in time. On the contrary, she tries to figure out what to do with her new ability as she goes along, only to learn the hard way what the consequences of her actions are. It is only by the sudden arrival of a character we wouldn’t expect that Makoto truly learns how to treat this new power. If you want to watch a believable experience in terms of what an average teen would do with time travel, then watch this movie.

• Aired: Jan 8, 2016 - Mar 25, 2016

The newest example of a time travel based anime, Erased focuses on Satoru Fujinuma using his special time travel ability to prevent bad things from happening to those he cares about. In this case, the focus of the time travel aspect is mainly on the mystery of how his ability suddenly jumps to going back years in the past as opposed to seconds. With the protagonist being a 29 year old male suddenly gifted with said ability as well as a new focus on the time travel element changing within the series, this anime is worth checking out if you’re curious as to a new take on the time travel genre.

• Aired: April 6, 2011 – September 14, 2011

No doubt which anime was going to be #1. Steins;Gate earns that spot for a reason: the setup of the time travel aspect, the combination of different takes on it, the different reactions of the characters to it as they slowly learn what it means, and the resolution at the end that ties back into the beginning without nay plot holes. As time passes, Steins;Gate will serve as the benchmark as to not only how to properly do a time travel related anime, but also serve as a basic framework in terms of how to properly tell a time-travel related story. If you have not seen this anime yet and are a lover of time travel, then wait no longer.

Time travel is a complicated concept to nail down. With so many aspects, possibilities, and a high likelihood of going wrong if not executed correctly, it’s a wonder why there are so many anime that choose to use it. However, if done correctly, the payoffs can be huge, as you can not only have an incredible adventure that unfolds with great characters along for the ride, you can also create a story that ultimately is fun to watch. These are the top 10 anime that best convey time travel. Are there any that are missing? Is there an anime that is ranked too high or too low? Let us know in the comments!

Author: Ian Williams

Hi, my name's Ian. I grew up in the United States, but I've traveled to and lived in many different countries, including Scotland, Japan, and New Zealand. Some of my hobbies include reading, writing, chess, running, playing video games, and watching anime. I started getting more into anime after watching Dragon Ball Z on Toonami as a kid, and have been hooked by the amazing stories and characters in anime ever since.

Top 5 Anime by Ian Williams

Have you ever wished that you could view the statue of liberty before it changed colors or watch the broadcast of Neil Armstrong stepping onto the moon, live? You could even go back to feudal Japan, like Kagome did in Inuyasha, and see a world full of yokai (monster) and other dangerous things. There are many different events throughout history that I would love to see, if I could travel through time. Which brings us to this list of the top 10 time traveling anime.

In this list, you will be reading about different anime that have taken the concept of time traveling in their own way. While most of the time, they will purposely travel in time, other times, they will be picked up by the hands of fate and played with.

• Aired: October 2004 – March 2005

The phrase “wrong place at the wrong time” could summarize Zipang for us. As the latest destroyer, Mirai, travels into a fierce storm that does little damage to the ship, but the storm is a rouge time vortex that sucks the Mirai and all of her crew into the past during the middle of the of the biggest war in human history, World War II. Now, it is up to Captain Umezu Saburo to get his ship and crew back to their own time, without interfering with history too much.

Time travel can be tricky and the consequences of a single mistake years ago, could change what you know about the present. Luckily, the Captain of Mirai knew this and tried to stay out of history’s events. Leaving it to be the first choice for the entrance to Time Traveling anime.

9. Arata naru Sekai: World's/Start/Load/End (World’s End)

• Episodes: OVA (30 minutes)
• Aired: October 2012

A rite of passage for most high school students is the graduation trip. Some students go off to tropical paradises while others just take a trip to the big city. Arata, Hongou, Arisa and Ichimiya take a trip to their own town. Doesn’t sound that exciting, until you see what has happened to the once pristine town after 6,000 years.

Methods of time traveling can vary from show to show. Sometimes we are not even shown the explanation behind the time traveling. These girls are shot out of their time and are put into a world that they never expected to be the future, for without humans around, the earth could take strange turns.

8. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuutsu (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

• Aired: May 2009 – September 2009

A whirlwind with long hair tied up in a yellow bandana, that is the best for Haruhi Suzumiya, for her logic is far out there and even the wises person in the anime, Kyon, can’t figure out what she is doing half the time. This is an anime where the main character, Haruhi, drags her friends around to do anything that she thinks of and sometimes her imagination can run wild.

It is almost like Haruhi can conjure up anything out of her imagination, even a Time Traveler who joins her school and becomes a slave of Haruhi’s whim. Though, it’s not all bad for Mikuru Asahina as she sometimes likes the outfits that Haruhi dresses her up in.

In the second season, the mechanics of time traveling come into play with most of the season portraying the repetition of the same few weeks for almost 43 years. Bringing the possibilities of a time loop into this list. Where sometimes that loop is set up to fix something, this time it was set up for fun, even if Haruhi didn’t realize it.

7. Noein – Mou Hitori no Kimi e (Noein: To Your Other Self)

• Aired: October 2005 – March 2006

When a man in a black trench coat appears before you, you should run for you don’t know who that might be. Haruka was lucky because the man in the black cape was Karasu, the furture version of her high school friend Yu Goto. Karasu was sent back to find the Dragon Torque and to fend off the agents of Shangri-La, people from a alternative future, where Haruka was already killed for who and what she is.

The time traveling in Noein shows us that many different actions can cause different dimensions to appear. Even if the event that caused the branch to split was not that long ago, a small change could drastically alter the course of time and have major repercussions with the world around it. If Captain Saburo wished, he could have changed the outcome of World War II with his accidental time traveling. The agents from Shangri-La showed us the outcome of what a change in history could do to in our future. Which brings it to number seven of this list.

6. Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku (Now and Then, Here and There)

• Aired: October 1999 – January 2000

Now and There, Here and There is another anime that the main character finds himself in a new time, surrounded by a harsh environment and harsher people. Shuuzou Matsutani tries to find his way back to his time and go home. Getting the help from Lala-Ru, a blue haired girl, he sets out to survive, and in doing so, he helps those who have to live in the harsh future.

Now and Then, Here and There shows us another version of what the future may bring if we don’t change our actions and protect the environment. Once the world turns into that from Fallout, there is no real hope. The time traveling in Now and Then, Here and There comes from the future, where they can grab people and bring them back from the past. Almost like the teleporters in Star Trek, just temporal-porters.

5. Charlotte

• Aired: July 2015 – September 2015

Life is tough sometimes and when you have magical powers, it doesn’t really make life any easier. In Charlotte, some teenagers have gained magical powers from a mysterious source. But, they are not going to take over the world, for once they become an adult their powers fade. Though, to control a child with magical powers would make any adult powerful, so an academy was built to protect those kids with powers. The builder of Hoshinoumi Academy is a secretive man who doesn’t want to be in the memories of anyone again.

Without giving away too many spoilers, one of Charlotte’s key plot devices is a person with the power to send his mind back in time to change the past. Charlotte spends some time explaining what happens as a result of this persons’ time traveling. Hopefully, you’ll agree why this new show is up high on the list of Time Traveling anime.

4. Mirai Nikki (The Future Diary)

• Aired: October 2011 – April 2012

Imagine that you are given the power to always know what your loved one is always doing, before they do it. Now, think if your stalker had that power instead! The Future Diary centers on the idea of a powerful god, the God of Time and Space, who gives his power to different people. Those people have to fight to survive. When Yukiteru Amano starts receiving messages from his future self, he teams up with Yuno Gasai, to hopefully survive this whole game/battle together. But, Yuno’s intentions are not as honorable as they may seem.

Time traveling can be good and harmless, but The Future Diary takes the concept to a darker place with the whole “Fight to Survive” aspect, but it does give us a new take on what time traveling can be. The time traveling in The Future Diary is limited to around 10 minutes. Which leaves you open for major insolvencies if you’re in trouble stretching further back than that limit.

3. Toki o Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time)

• Episodes: Movie (98 minutes)

High school is the time of a young girl’s life. Makoto is a normal high school girl who loves baseball and her normal high school life. Unfortunately for Makoto, that all changes one day when she is alone in the chemistry room. She hears something in the teachers’ area and goes to investigate. Finding a small metallic walnut. As she looks down at the walnut, something falls over behind her, scaring her, causing her to trip. She lands on the walnut and finds herself in a time vortex. Waking up on the floor of the chemistry room, she thinks nothing of it, until she wrecks her bike, flying through the air and almost getting run over by a train. But, something weird happened that caused her to relive the past few minutes of her life.

Time Travelers need to keep good track of their toys, or who knows who will pick it up and cause havoc in the time stream. Luckily for the owner of the walnut shaped T.A.R.T.I.S., Makoto didn’t abuse the power too much… or destroy the universe. Time traveling should be for the professionals.

2. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

• Aired: January 2011 – April 2011

There have been many “Magical Girl” anime and each one has its own spin on an enemy and an ally. Now, when the enemy you have to fight, is a soul stealing witch, then you must count on your little fluffy friend, Kyuubey. The only thing Kyuubey wants is the crystals from the evil witches, what could be so wrong with that? To help fight the witches, Kyuubey grants his little magical girls anything that they could wish for. One of those little magical girls received the power to travel through time.

With the power to time travel, Magical Girl Homura Akemi sets out to stop the evil of the witches from harming another Magical Girl. However, she tries so many times that she becomes cold and the changes she wishes to make are impossible to achieve. Time, just can’t be changed sometimes. That is what this anime tells us about the hazards and rules of time traveling.

What can go wrong when a self-proclaimed mad scientist tries to fix his microwave? Luckily, you get a working microwave that can still heat up your leftover meatloaf from last night. Unlucky… or maybe lucky, you also get a time traveling device that allows you to send messages back to your past self. Each text that is sent, slightly changes the past until, Rintarou Okabe, discovers how it works. Then he really messed up Akihabara, the wonderland for Otaku all around the world. Left with a broken microwave, Rintarou has to repair what he wrecked.

This is not a happy-go-lucky anime where the lead character gets rich and lives a happy life. Instead, Rintarou’s life will not be the same. Each text he sends changes the very world he lives in and not every text that is sent can change what is meant to be.

This is an anime full of laughs and heartache by bringing you into its grasp like a hurricane playing with a butterfly. It drags you into the action and breaks your heart by the time it’s done.

Steins;Gate, is said to be the prime example of what a time traveling anime should be. It is what other sci-fi anime should look to become. Of course, you have older anime that has dealt with time traveling, Inuyasha for starters. Even Dragon Ball Z has had some time traveling. But Steins;Gate is currently the top among Time Traveling anime.

Time is not something that should be messed with. Even if you can achieve miraculous things with it, the little butterflies that you could make are numerous and unpredictable. A simple action in your past, could completely change your life, and not always for the best. Anime, such as Steins;Gate and Charlotte, show what could happen if you mess with time traveling, both good and bad.

As the anime Zipang showed us, it is sometimes best to just stay out of the course of time and let the events that happened, happen. Other time traveling anime, like Inuyasha, Now and Then, Here and There and World’s End, just pretend that the events in the previous time don’t really affect the future time line.

Is there another great anime series that is based on time travel that you want to share? Let us know in the comments below!

Author: Zack Ringler

My name is Zack Ringler, just like it is written on all of my articles. I come from America, Indiana to be precise. I work for the Board of Education in Utsunomiya Japan. Heard of it? Didn’t think so. I am a teacher, writer and game designer with my first game “Moonshine Run” going on Kickstarter later this year. You can learn more about me on my facebook by looking up my name or just adding /zringler to the end of the facebook URL. Hope you like what you read, later.

Top 5 Anime by Zack Ringler

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The 11 Best Time Travel Anime of All Time

The incredible Mamoru Hosoda’s latest film Mirai hits select theaters this week , and its story about a magical garden that functions as a gateway for time travel got me excited to revisit some of my favorite anime time travel stories. With so many options out there, it’s easy to find yourself entangled—quantumly or otherwise—in a whole realm of titles. So on today’s episode of The Dan Cave , we’re gonna tachyon a few options for you with a rundown of the best time travel anime you need to put in your eyeballs.[brightcove video_id=”5972309587001″ brightcove_account_id=”3653334524001″ brightcove_player_id=“rJs2ZD8xâ€]

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Image: Madhouse

If you could you go back in time and fix minor mistakes in your life, would you do it? As much as I’d like to think I have self control, I would be screwing up the time stream more than a barrel of butterfly poison in a heartbeat. And that’s exactly what Makoto Konno does in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time . And like so many Ashton Kutchers before her, Makoto discovers that altering her actions can lead to terrible consequences, especially for those around her. What follows is Makoto using a limited number of leaps through time to try and fix what she managed to break before time itself is irreparably broken. As for me, I’d probably run out of leaps on some trivial nonsense like changing what appetizer I ordered the other night to something tastier. How was I supposed to know the calamari was a bad choice?!

Steins;Gate

Image: Funimation

Let’s be honest, if I didn’t include this, it would open up a rift in space and time as we know it because Steins;Gate is one of the best time travel anime in every reality. It’s he story of a self-styled mad scientist, Rintaro Okabe, who invents weird gadgets in the “Future Gadget Laboratory,” which is really just an apartment he shares with his pals: the ditzy Mayuri and the horned up hacker Daru. Together they create the most ambitious crossover since Catdog : the Phone Microwave. Except this doesn’t just let you nuke Hot Pockets through the power of emoji; it lets you send text messages back in time. What follows is a tangled web of love, lies, and murders most foul as they begin altering the flow of time as we know it. Mostly it’s a case study in why you should be extra careful the next time you send someone a regrettable late-night text. These things are literally called D-Mails. I mean, come on.

Mirai Nikki

Do you ever have conversations with yourself? I spend what scientists call “an uncomfortable amount of time†talking to myself in the car every day. But that’s just my overactive brain. When high school student Yukiteru Amano talks to his imaginary friends, Deus Ex Machina and Murmur, they turn out to be the god of space and time and a servant of the gods, respectively. Yukiteru is gifted a diary from this deity that is filled with entries about brutal, bloody battles that take place in the future. They describe a horrific battle royale between Yukiteru and 11 other people who possess these mysterious diaries. Fortunately for Yukiteru, his classmate Yuno has sworn to protect him, and murders basically everyone who tries to come for him. Unfortunately for Yukiteru, she is also madly in love with him and may have some ulterior motives. All of this just makes me deeply grateful that I deleted my LiveJournal before it could plunge me into a competitive slaughterfest.

Thermae Romae

Image: Discotek Media

Not every time travel anime has to be about preventing the apocalypse. Sometimes they’re about being a fish out of water enjoying new experiences. And that’s exactly what happens in Thermae Romae , the story of a Lucius, an ancient Roman architect who designed bathhouses that is suddenly transported to modern-day Japan where—surprise, surprise—he has the time of his life at Japanese bathhouses. And much like luxuriating in steaming hot water, it’ll leave you feeling nice and toasty inside.

Occult Academy

Image: A-1 Pictures

In the year 2012, aliens invaded planet Earth. Faced with certain destruction, mankind sent time travelers back to the year 1999 in order to prevent the coming apocalypse by destroying an artifact known as the Nostradamus Key, which triggers the eventual alien invasion. It’s up to Maya, the headmaster of the titular spooky high school, and a time traveler named Fumiaki to hunt down the key, and wind up fighting everything from demons to mothmen to chupacabras along the way. So in other words, this is the true story of Bizarre States .

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Image: Aniplex of America

Fighting evil by moonlight, horrifying everyone who watches it by daylight, never running from a real fight, this absolutely isn’t sailor moon. Madoka is an incredible, subversive take on the magical girl genre and while it isn’t a time travel anime per se, time travel does factor into the plot in a way that will genuinely surprise you and leave you reeling long after the credits roll. That is, of course, if you haven’t already been thrown for approximately 45,000 other loops by this frequently surprising and surprisingly freaky series.

Image:  Crunchyroll

What would you do if you got a letter from yourself in the mail? I’d probably try real hard to remember if this was some sixth grade project and when I realized it wasn’t, I’d probably start freaking out. When it happens to high schooler Naho Takamiya, she is skeptical until enough corroborating events happen to prove that it’s from her 26-year-old self in the future. The note is full of tips on how to correct small mistakes in her own life, but more importantly it contains a warning about a transfer student named Kakeru. Be careful around him, it urges, as he is not around in the future. From that cryptic warning springs a heartfelt, humorous and highly enjoyable shoujo romance that wins points for style if not for originality.

Image: Geneon Entertainment

One of my favorite books when I was younger was William R. Forstchen’s The Lost Regiment , which tells the story of a Union Army regiment from the Civil War getting transported to an alien world. Zipang checks off many of the same alt-history boxes with its tale of a platoon of modern-day Japanese soldiers who suddenly find themselves transported back in time to World War II. With their knowledge of world history and their advanced military strategy, they could feasibly win the war for Japan. But the Japan of World War II is much different than the one they left behind. And despite their intentions not to get involved or alter history, things go to hell in a handbasket faster than I can eat my body weight in takoyaki, which in case you don’t know is uncomfortably quick.

Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Subaru Natsuki is having a terrible, horrible, no-good very bad day. After leaving the convenience store, he finds himself ripped from the world he knew and transported into a fantasy land. He befriends a half-elf girl named Satella…only to get murdered by a bunch of goons. When Subaru wakes up, he isn’t in some sweet hereafter; rather, he is living the same day over and over again. Can he use his knowledge of history to avoid getting killed, or is he doomed to be the world’s saddest and meatiest GIF of all time? You’ll just have to watch to find out.

Nobunaga Concerto

Image: Fuji TV

The best history teachers really know how to make the past come alive. Unfortunately for Saburou, his teacher sucked and he had no interest in Japanese history. Which is unfortunate because before he knew it, Saburou found himself transported back in time to the Sengoku Era , dropped at the feet of none other than Oda Nobunaga, the legendary legendary Japanese daimyo who attempted to unify Japan during the late sixteenth century. Even weirder? The two look almost identical. And before he knew it, Saburou was no longer a high school student, but the stand-in for one of Japan’s most high-profile military figures. The rest, as they say, is history. Specifically historical fiction.

Some people possess incredible abilities. Usain Bolt can run faster than anyone on Earth, Kyle Hill can climb like a spider monkey, Kid Rock can smell a pig from a mile away. And in Erased , manga artist Satoru Fujinuma can travel back in time moments before something horrible is about to happen to him so he can try and prevent it. When his mother is suddenly and brutally murdered, Satoru finds himself transported back in time all the way back to 1988, when he was in elementary school. This time, he has a chance to prevent a very different tragedy: the abduction and murder of one of his classmates, Kayo Hinazuki. And when it’s done, you’ll find yourself wishing you could travel back to a time before you’d seen it so you can watch it all over again for the very first time.And those are some of the best time travel anime of all time! But tell me—which is your favorite? What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.

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Dan Casey is the senior editor of Nerdist and the author of books about  Star Wars  and  the Avengers . Follow him on Twitter ( @DanCasey ).

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20 Best Samurai Anime

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Samurai are among the most important people in Japanese culture and history. Considering that, they are among the biggest sources of inspiration for Japanese artists. Animators have brought samurai history to life through anime , creating some amazing fight sequences and even better discussions on honor and friendship. While samurai are part of the military caste, they are also much more than that.

Samurai have a unique code of honor unlike anything else seen in the country, or anywhere in the world, for that matter. For those interested in seeing samurai in action, there are some really amazing samurai anime out there. These warriors have always been a key part of anime, and while samurai anime tend to be rooted in historical realism rather than fantasy, the battles in these series are absolutely fantastic. Everyone will find something to love in these awesome samurai anime.

Updated by Sage Ashford on December 26th 2023 : Samurai will forever be one of the most popular archetypes in fiction, and there are plenty of great samurai anime series available. This list has been revised to include more information on these samurai series.

10 Classic Anime Toonami Helped Make Big

Cartoon Network's Toonami has helped make anime more mainstream, with series like DBZ and InuYasha particularly benefitting from this push.

20 Orient's Protagonists Form A Band Of Oni Hunting Samurai

Musashi is a teenager with a dream of becoming a Bushi, like all the men he looked up to growing up. Unfortunately, Musashi lives in a town completely controlled by Oni, demons who treat humans as slaves to mine ore and as a food supply. When Musashi’s town is freed by a clan of Bushi, he remembers his dream once again, and teams up with his childhood friend Kojirou to create the greatest Bushi Clan of all time.

Orient is another shonen series from Shinobu Ohtaka, best known for their work on Magi: Kingdom of Magic . Though it has a slow start, once the series heats up it becomes an awesome adventure series with the kind of grand scale that will appeal to fans of series like Eden’s Zero . Fans will also find the leads refreshing, since this shonen series manages to avoid creating yet another Goku clone.

19 Ronin Warriors Pits Magic Samurai Against An Evil Shogun

Centuries ago, a group of brave warriors battled against the evil warlord Talpa. Though they defeated him, they weren’t able to finish him off, instead splitting his power up into nine suits of powered armor. Now in the modern day he’s awakened, eager to reclaim his power — and the only thing standing in his way are five warriors who’ve turned his armor into a force for good.

Ronin Warriors is the rare example of a modern samurai series. Though it’s clearly inspired by the popularity of Saint Seiya , it still does more than enough to separate itself from the series it’s copying, swapping the Greek mythology references for a background in Japanese history. Fans of classic '80s anime series should have already seen this, but it’s never a bad time for a rewatch.

18 Samurai 7 Mixes Seven Samurai With Giant Robots

Samurai 7 is based on the film Seven Samurai. It is very similar to the film. It's set in a futuristic world that has just been through a war that has put it on the brink of extinction. Villages and cities are being torn apart by bandits who were once samurai soldiers.

However, these samurai have now merged with machines and have become weapons. While it may be a good show, Samurai 7 just has the same taste as something that has already existed, making it not that original. Still, it features plenty of exciting elements that action fans will enjoy.

17 Peace Maker Kurogane Presents A Different Side Of The Shinsengumi

Ichimura Tetsunosuke joins the Shinsengumi for one reason: to become strong enough to get revenge on the people responsible for killing his parents. However, joining the Shinsengumi only helps Tetsunosuke understand just how weak he is. Still, the young teen refuses to give up, following the Shinsengumi down their path, however dangerous it might become.

Peace Maker Kurogane might focus on the Shinsengumi, but they take enough liberties to present a cast that’s different from expected interpretations. Kurogane might seem like a series that only cares about its revenge plot, but it also mixes in enough comedy to keep things from being too bleak. The series is a massive epic, so when viewers are finished with the anime, they should check out Peace Maker Kurogane's still running manga .

16 Samurai Deeper Kyo Uses A Twisted Antihero To Fight Even Greater Enemies

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At the end of the Sengoku period, there were two legendary swordsmen whose skills were unmatched. Kyoushirou Mibu of the Mibu clan, and the monstrous killer Demon Eyes Kyo. The two clashed, and in the end somehow Demon Eyes Kyo’s personality got trapped within the body of Kyoshirou Mibu. Kyo seeks to regain his own form, which pulls him into several conflicts across the world.

With its slightly ecchi protagonist, heavy focus on samurai, and perfect mix of comedy and action, Samurai Deeper Kyo exemplifies early 2000s anime. However, it never gets old seeing Demon Eyes Kyo awaken and use the pacifist Mibu’s body to deal with troublesome enemies. Meanwhile, the back-and-forth battle between a pacifist and a bloodthirsty warrior provides the perfect internal conflict when everything seems too easy for Kyo.

15 Drifters Uses Isekai To Tell A Dark Story With Historical Figures

Warrior Toyohisa Shimazu is suddenly sent from the Battle of Sekigahara to an entirely new world where he meets warriors of legend. In this new world, Toyohisa is part of a group known as "Drifters," beings from Earth summoned to protect society against an army of enemies known as the Ends.

Drifters comes directly from the creator of Hellsing , so experienced fans should know what they’re getting into. It’s a bloody, violent series with protagonists who find joy in being plunged into battles where their survival isn’t certain. Effectively, this is an isekai for historical figures. So long as people can adapt to the show’s dark humor, they’ll find an awesome action series. After all, how many other series let Oda Nobunaga and Toyohisa Shimazu fight against Jeanne d’Arc?

14 Blade of the Immortal Puts An Immortal Samurai On An Impossible Quest

While there are two anime adaptations of the original Mugen no Junin manga, fans prefer the newer 2019 version. In Blade of the Immortal , the series protagonist, Manji, is an incredible swordsman who has been cursed with immortality.

Manji vows to kill one thousand evil men to atone for the good ones he has slain so that he might finally find peace and die. The art is minimalist in a way that feels reminiscent of many classic '90s anime , using muted color palates and still frames to create a grim, atmospheric style that reinforces the story's dark themes.

13 Sword of the Stranger Combines Brilliant Action With An Exploration Of Japan's Relation With Foreign Nations

Sword of the Stranger takes place during the Sengoku Era and is one of the great chanbara masterpieces of modern cinema. The fight scenes are absolutely gorgeous. As blood flies and bodies break in the thrill of combat, death is always a blade's length away from the characters.

The main plot concerns a force of Chinese warriors in Japan. This allows Sutorenjira: Mukon Hadan to explore important narratives about Japan's relations with foreigners, using this theme to subvert expectations while adding depth to the story's feudal politics.

12 Hyouge Mono Exists For Fans Who Love Deep Dives Into The Sengoku Era

Hyouge Mono is an underrated series that is a brilliant examination of the small details of life usually overlooked in the Sengoku Era. The major historical battles of the period are mere background details that seem far less important than the character dramas, many of which revolve around traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The series is a bit slow-paced compared to more action-oriented anime.

However, Hyouge Mono brings a perfect mix of humor, drama, cultural details, and nuanced ideas that ensure it always remains engaging. Unfortunately, this studio often gets looked over due to it appearing in the era just before anime streaming on sites like Crunchyroll became a big deal. Hunting it down might prove a challenge, but it's worth it for historical era fans.

11 Kurozuka Gets Original With Samurai Vampires

25 best swordsmen in anime, ranked.

Swordsmen and women are an iconic staple of shonen anime, and these are some of the finest blade wielders ever animated.

There are a lot of great samurai anime out there, but few of them have katana-wielding vampires whose relationships span centuries from the distant past into the present and beyond. Kurozuka is an original twist on the iconic samurai story that infuses the genre with sci-fi and horror elements, even as it maintains elements of a romance story.

Supernatural elements are commonplace in anime of any setting. However, the way Kurozuka spans multiple time periods and makes dramatic tonal shifts sets it apart from other series.

10 Brave 10 Gives A More Fantastical Look At Samurai

A girl being pursued by assassins runs into a ronin samurai. He saves her and subsequently can't get rid of her, as she begs for him to escort her to a nearby castle. Once there the lord is initially reluctant to help her but turns out not to be so helpless after all, additionally the lord seems to have a plan of his own, the formation of a group of 10 warriors.

10 Best Action Anime That Aren't Shonen

Anime like Cowboy Bebop and Vinland Saga deliver awesome fight scenes and complex plots that keep fans hooked.

Brave 10 is about two warriors who also have superpowers and the interesting rivals and friends they meet throughout their adventures. It's a perfect mixture of fun-filled fantasy and action-packed anime.

There is a huge theme of balance in the show, on what it means to be good and bad, and how no one is just one or the other. With some incredible character designs and some beautifully animated fight scenes, Brave 10 is a great series to show to new fans. On top of that, the series isn't long, so anyone looking for their samurai fix can spend a weekend with Brave 10 .

9 House of Five Leaves' Unique Animation Style Makes It Unforgettable

One thing that people watching House of Five Leaves will notice immediately is how amazing the artwork is. The story might sound familiar to people who are experienced with watching anime. It follows Akitsu, who is naïve but a brave and skilled swordsman.

Throughout his journey, Akitsu learns there is far more to being a samurai than just holding a sword and looking cool. However, the artwork in Saraiya Goyou is so wonderfully unique and beautiful that it is worth the watch. Even if the story might sound repetitive, this samurai anime is excellent nonetheless, and fans should give it a go.

8 Shigurui: Death Frenzy Focuses On A Duel Between Two Of Japan's Greatest Swordsmen

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a story about darkness, death, and lots and lots of blood. It's incredibly violent, and a lot of the characters experience long moments of hopelessness. The story begins near the beginning of the Edo era, which is meant to be peaceful, until Tokugawa Tadanaga gets the bright idea to do a sword tournament... using real weapons.

The first match focuses on two gifted swordsmen: Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen. Each man is a disciple of one of the greatest swordsmen in Japan, and each is determined to prove themselves as the best. Shigurui: Death Frenzy delves into their match, what led them to their current path, and what happens when the match is over.

7 Rurouni Kenshin Focuses On The Dawn Of The Tokugawa Era

Rurouni kenshin.

The adventures of a young wandering swordsman who stumbles upon a struggling martial arts school in Meiji era Japan.

Rurouni Kenshin: 15 Strongest Characters, Ranked

Kenshin is a wandering swordsman who vows to use his abilities for good, which naturally pits him against powerful characters.

Rurouni Kenshin is arguably the most successful and famous samurai anime in the world. The story follows Kenshin Himura, an ex-assassin who is trying to find his way in life and protect the people in Japan instead of going back to his former life. He has seen that the world is bloodthirsty and thrives on violence, and he knows that it's wrong.

Rurouni Kenshin was like nothing else on the market when it first released. Unlike most shonen heroes, the protagonist's goal wasn't to become strong. He was already the strongest. Instead, the series is about him learning how to be at peace with himself, and forgive himself for his own bloodthirsty actions during the war. With iconic character designs and a very real, raw look at what it meant to be a swordsman in that era, this series is just as worth watching today as it was in the past.

6 Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls Is A Romeo And Juliet-Inspired Ninja Love Story

The Kouga Ninja Scrolls is perfect for fans of Romeo and Juliet . It's a beautiful love story told from the point of view of a prince and a princess from rival families who are falling in love. The rival families in Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou are from ninja clans, and the constant blood feud is pushing them over the edge.

Anyone looking for impressive ninja fights featuring enemies with supernaturally powered characters won't be disappointed, either. While they ask for a truce throughout the anime, this samurai anime is filled with secret battles that happen between the two families.

5 Samurai Kings Brings Dynasty Warriors-Inspired Samurai Action

Samurai Kings manages to combine superpowers and samurai swordsmanship all into one neat package. It's a nice mix of the modern and the old-fashioned, which is what makes it such a good anime. The series released in 2009 and has two seasons.

Samurai Kings follows the heroes and their constant battles and struggles to best their rivals. The protagonists try to take down someone called the "Demon King" and take back the land that they feel belongs to them. Inspired by the Capcom video games, Samurai Kings manages to retain the feelings of the Musou-style action that made the game franchise so popular.

4 Mushibugyou's Samurai Protect Japan From Giant Bugs

Mushibugyou is set in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan. In the series, Mushi, which are giant insects, begin to attack people and essentially bring down the whole country. Because of that, there are warriors that are rounded up and sent to fight them.

Created by the Shogunate, the City Patrol is a collection of warriors specifically trained to be strong enough to protect the country. The story follows one of the samurai, Jinbei Tsukishima. Jinbei is a young soldier, who takes over for his father after he's no longer able to fight anymore.

3 Afro Samurai Follows A Blood-Soaked Quest For Revenge

Afro Samurai takes place in a future version of Japan. There, legend says that whoever holds the Number 1 headband will have god-like powers. Whoever has Number 2 can challenge Number 1, but anyone can challenge Number 2. Enter Afro Samurai.

Wielder of the Number 2 headband, Afro is constantly fighting battles and improving his skills. Fortunately for him, he's earned the Number 1, and can stand up to the never-ending threats after his headband. His goal is tracking down the Number 1 and defeating him, all for the sake of revenge. People looking for complex statements on society can look elsewhere; Afro Samurai isn't about that. It's about Gonzo showing off how great they are at creating captivating sword combat scenes, and viewers being dazzled by over-the-top violence and just how awesome Afro can be.

2 Samurai Champloo Is Legandary For A Reason

Samurai champloo.

Fuu, a waitress who works in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, from their execution to help her find the "samurai who smells of sunflowers."

Samurai Champloo is a highly stylized martial arts masterpiece that is the brainchild of director Watanabe Shinichiro, who rose to prominence after the success of his previous sci-fi series, Cowboy Bebop . As Watanabe turned his attention from the future to Japan's feudal past, he revitalized the chanbara genre with this story about three unlikely companions.

A young woman named Fuu searches for a samurai who smells like sunflowers, accompanied by her two bodyguards, the stiff samurai Jin and the cutthroat outlaw Mugen. In Samurai Champloo , the high drama and political tensions of the Edo Era are contrasted with modern hip-hop influences, creating a truly unique aesthetic. The anime balances multiple tones, being at once dark but funny, stylized yet gritty, and both exhilarating and tragic. There really is nothing else like Samurai Champloo .

1 Gintama Effortlessly Blends A Variety Of Genres Into A Unique Samurai Epic

In an era where aliens have invaded and taken over feudal Tokyo, an unemployed samurai finds work however he can.

Gintama is a huge anime that takes place in the Feudal era of Japan. In this world, Japan has been taken over by aliens, and the samurai have lost their powers. The self-centered main character, Gintoki , is forced to go from job to job because of it.

There are some amazing themes in Gintama that has to do with the government, rising up in rebellions, and of course, like every anime, power, friendship, and love — in whatever form it comes in. Gintama is a truly excellent samurai anime.

• afro samurai

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The Best Samurai Anime of All Time

It's hard not to love an anime with epic sword fights and Edo period ideals. Here is Ranker's list of the best samurai anime of all time , as voted on by fans of the genre. With so much great samurai anime out there, it's hard to say what the best one is. If you're more interested in some good old fashioned shootin', then you'll want to check out these top western anime series instead. People often cite Shiniciro Watanabe's Samurai Champloo as the greatest samurari anime, but there are plenty of other greats, such as Samurai X, Afro Samurai and Ninja Scroll . We've included the first episode of each show when available, so check out a few you haven't seen before if you're looking for a new anime to watch .

If you add a new show to the list, make sure it falls under the specific "samurai" genre. Shows like Bleach  may have swordplay, but you wouldn't consider it to be a true samurai series.

1. Samurai Champloo

• Samurai Champloo

2. Samurai X

3. Rurouni Kenshin

• Rurouni Kenshin

4. Sword of the Stranger

5. Ninja Scroll

6. Afro Samurai

7. Samurai 7

• Scott Ingram
• CC-BY-NC 2.0

10. InuYasha

11. Nurarihyon No Mago

12. Basilisk

13. Blade of the Immortal

14. Samurai Deeper Kyo

15. Berserk

16. Sengoku Basara

17. Hakuouki

18. Shigurui Death Frenzy

19. Peacemaker

20. Samurai Warriors(Sengoku Musou)

21. Ambition of Oda Nobuna

22. Sword Art Online

23. Dungeon Ni Deai Wo Motomeru No Wa Machigatteiru Darou Ka

24. Saiyuki

25. Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma

26. Samurai Girls

27. Intrigue in the Bakumatsu – Irohanihoheto

28. Sword for Truth

30. Carried by the Wind: Tsukikage Ran

31. Onimusha

32. Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure

33. Meiji Gekken: 1874

• Meiji Gekken: 1874
• Anime Underground

Not sure what type of anime you're looking for? We've got you covered. Here's our collection of lists that feature anime of every niche sub genre you can think of.

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10 best samurai anime of all time.

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Who Is The Strongest Character In Martial Arts Anime?

Anime & hip hop's connection runs so much deeper than fans think, 45 best anime series of all time, ranked.

• Samurai anime and manga series offer diverse and exciting narratives blending genres while staying true to the spirit of skilled swordsmen.
• Yasuke, Afro Samurai, and Samurai 7 provide unique takes on the samurai genre, each with their own intriguing storylines and visual styles.
• From Rurouni Kenshin to Gintama, the samurai genre consistently delivers memorable characters, action-packed plots, and themes of honor and justice.

As the home of the samurai profession, Japan has an understandable love for the genre and thus many samurai anime and manga series exist. These series transport viewers to feudal Japan or imaginative worlds inspired by its rich culture, where skilled swordsmen uphold justice, navigate intricate political landscapes, and embark on journeys of personal growth.

Although many have faithfully depicted the life of a samurai, there are just as many that take their own route and blend genres while staying true to the spirit of the swordsmen. This makes the samurai genre an extremely diverse and exciting one, and there's bound to be one or two that strike a chord with anime fans.

Martial arts anime has some of the strongest and most memorable characters, but who is the strongest hand-to-hand master fighter of them all?

10 Yasuke Had Huge Potential

Produced by mappa studios.

Netflix's Yasuke was a highly anticipated anime that unfortunately didn't live up to its full potential. The 6 episodes it received were not enough to fully flesh out the intriguing historical character of Yasuke, Japan's first African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century. Although a lot is lacking, it is nonetheless an enjoyable series that has amazing visuals and fight scenes courtesy of Mappa Studio .

Retired from his life as a warrior, Yasuke seeks solace as a boatman until he's drawn into conflict protecting a mysterious child with powerful abilities. Together, they confront dark forces and Yasuke must rediscover his warrior spirit amidst betrayal, magic, and the struggle for justice in a fantastical reimagining of history.

Directed by LeSean Thomas and Takeru Sato, Yasuke is a Netflix-based Anime that stars the voices of LaKeith Stanfield in the lead role. The premise revolves around an African man who becomes a warrior under the hand of Lord Oda Nobunaga in 1582. After Nobunaga's forces fall, Yasuke attempts to live a quiet life but is pulled back into his old ways when forced to protect a mother and her young child.

9 Samurai 7 Is a Fantastic Recreation of a Beloved Movie

Produced by gonzo.

Samurai 7 is a brilliant reinterpretation that pays homage to the movie Seven Samurai from the legendary director Akira Kurosawa , and maintains the core themes such as honor and sacrifice. This retelling adds a sci-fi twist to the samurai genre and significantly expands on worldbuilding. The anime was visually and aesthetically pleasing and was ahead of its time when it came to art direction, making it a timeless masterpiece.

In a post-apocalyptic world where robotic bandits oppress villages, a brave young woman named Kirara sets out to find samurai who can protect her village. She recruits seven diverse and skilled warriors, each with their own motivations and skills. These samurai, led by the enigmatic Kambei Shimada, face not only mechanical foes but also their internal conflicts and past traumas.

8 Blade of the Immortal Is as Gritty as It Gets

Produced by lidenfilms.

Blade of the Immortal is a staple in the samurai genre, and the plot is one of the more intriguing ones. The series embraces the bloody nature of the profession, and although the action can get extremely gruesome at times, it is a necessary aspect that makes viewers understand the brutal life of the lead. What sets Blade of the Immortal apart is its deep exploration of morality, vengeance and justice, and gives an introspective look into the minds of the characters.

At its core is Manji, a complex protagonist burdened with immortality after a life of violence. His journey toward redemption intertwines with Rin, a young girl seeking vengeance for her family's murder. Their partnership forms the emotional core of the series, evolving from a reluctant alliance to a deep bond built on shared loss and determination.

7 Superpowers and Samurai Collide in Brave 10

Produced by tms entertainment.

Brave 10 isn't just limited to samurai but also focuses on historical events, fantasy elements, and other martial arts such as ninjas and swordsmen. The supernatural aspect makes it even more exciting , giving powers to its characters and enhancing the scale of the fights. The series' political commentary is interesting, examining the brutal life in the Sengoku period that involved allies, betrayals, wars, and war among warlords.

Saizou Kirigakure, a talented ninja, is recruited by Yukimura Sanada, a charismatic warlord, to gather a team of ten powerful warriors called Braves. The anime is set during Japan's Sengoku period and follows Saizou as he enlists these diverse fighters, each with their special skills and backgrounds. Together, they navigate the dangerous world of warring warlords and supernatural threats, forming deep bonds and facing personal challenges along the way.

6 Rurouni Kenshin Is a Staple of the Genre

Produced by studio deen and gallop.

Rurouni Kenshin was one of the most popular anime of the late 1990s, and it is back for a much-deserved remake. It is one of the most grounded and realistic samurai anime, portraying the life of a ronin (a masterless, wandering warrior) well and making themes of honor a cornerstone of the series. This is why Rurouni Kenshin is one of the most influential in its genre , and other series outside it like Bleach , Fairy Tail , and Hunter X Hunter cited this masterpiece as an inspiration.

Eichiro Oda, creator of One Piece, was an assistant on Rurouni Kenshin.

Rurouni Kenshin stars Kenshin Himura, a former assassin, Battousai, who has vowed never to kill again. Wandering the countryside of Japan during the Meiji era, Kenshin protects the weak and fights against injustice while seeking redemption for his past. Along the way, he befriends Kaoru Kamiya, Sanosuke Sagara, and others, forming deep bonds as he battles foes from his dark past.

5 Afro Samurai Is a Short yet Violent Ride

Afro Samurai is an ambitious anime in every sense of the word. The plot is both futuristic and historical, the art style is very distinctive, and the choreography and sword fights are fantastic. Produced by Samuel L. Jackson, this anime has an awesome soundtrack composed by the legendary rapper RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, perfectly complementing the series' that blends hip-hop with traditional Japanese influences.

Afro Samurai follows the story of Afro, a talented swordsman seeking vengeance against Justice, his father's murderer and rival for the title of "Number One." The anime is set in a futuristic yet feudal Japan-inspired world, blending action, philosophy, and supernatural elements as Afro faces off against adversaries and grapples with inner conflict.

While the influence of Hip Hop on anime is well-known, a less-known fact is that anime has also had a massive cross-cultural influence on Hip Hop.

4 Samurai Champloo Is a Hip-hop Samurai Fusion Masterpiece

Produced by manglobe.

From the creator of Cowboy Bebop comes an epic and original samurai adventure that blends the world of rap and Japanese history seamlessly. At the heart of the series is a trio as iconic as Team 7, with the chaotic Mugen, calm Jin, and sweetheart Fuu journeying together. Each episode is as fresh and exciting as the last, and the action and humor in the series are just top-notch.

After saving Mugen and Jin, Fuu lands two people to accompany her on the journey of finding "the samurai who smells of flowers". Although there's lots of incredible action typical of a samurai story, Samurai Champloo is an entertaining anime that will not only leave viewers bursting with laughter but also make them engage with the development of the main cast.

Produced by Mappa

Dororo is one of the anime that put Mappa on the map and made it the giant it is today. It is a remake of Osamu Tezuka's manga of the same name and contains supernatural elements such as demons while staying true to the samurai aspect. Although the main plot is very gory and violent, it is a heartwarming journey of friendship and companionship. The action scenes are nothing to scoff at, as the choreography accompanied by the pools of blood makes it an intense watch.

Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose body parts were stolen by demons at birth due to his father's pact. Armed with prosthetics and accompanied by a young orphan called Dororo, Hyakkimaru hunts down the demons to reclaim his body parts and kill the monsters that made his life a living hell.

Dororo (2019) is a Japanese anime series based on Osamu Tezuka's classic manga. Set in the Sengoku period, it follows the journey of Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose body parts were sacrificed to demons by his father in exchange for power, and Dororo, a young thief. Together, they seek to recover Hyakkimaru's stolen body parts by defeating the demons that possess them.

2 Sword of the Stranger Is a Theatrical Masterpiece

Produced by bones.

Although Studio Bones has made masterpieces like Mob Psycho 100 and My Hero Academia , Sword of the Stranger is easily one of their best works . This movie was a pure masterclass, having incredible choreography and compositions. For a movie as short as this, it packs a heavy emotional punch and contains many themes like redemption, facing your past, looking for a purpose, and more.

The movie follows a nameless ronin who befriends a young orphan boy, Kotaro. The boy is being pursued by Ming forces seeking his blood for immortality. Reluctantly drawn into their plight, the ronin must confront his troubled past and face formidable foes in a series of intense sword battles. As their journey unfolds, bonds of trust and honor are tested against the backdrop of feudal Japan's turbulent warring states period.

1 Gintama Is a Unique Take on the Samurai Setting

Produced by bandai namco pictures.

Gintama is by far one of the funniest anime of all time , which heavily contrasts the usual bloody nature of samurai anime by adding humor. It constantly parodies pop culture and other series like One Piece and Naruto , and there is no limit to how absurd an episode can get. Comedy isn't the only thing it does though, as certain arcs like Farewell Shinsengumi and Courtesan of a Nation are some of the most intense arcs in anime, and they depict the action-packed life of samurai perfectly. Gintama's strength lies in its unpredictability , which constantly keeps fans guessing and entertained.

Set in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded Japan, Gintama revolves around Gintoki, a former samurai with a sluggish streak who maintains an unspecialized temp job business. Gintoki, along with his friends Shinpachi and Kagura, undertake a variety of humorous and frequently absurd missions that combine action and drama with comedy.

The 11 Best Anime That Deals With Time Travel

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Tatami galaxy: a bizarre masterpiece, highest rated anime episodes according to imdb, key takeaways.

• Time travel anime can be hit or miss, but when done well with strong narrative and world-building, they can be exceptional to watch.
• Tokyo Revengers offers a different take on shonen stories with a weaker protagonist trying to fix the future, making it a unique watch.
• Steins;Gate is considered one of the greatest anime series for its intricate handling of time travel and diverse genres like romance and drama.

For the longest time, humans have been fascinated with time travel as the ability to travel to the past and future to observe and even influence events can be tempting. Despite that, shows about time travel can sometimes become convoluted and exposition-heavy. However, when executed well and combined with an excellent narrative and interesting world-building, these types of shows can be exceptional to watch.

The world of anime has utilized and explored the use of time travel extensively, with entire genres revolving around being ‘spirited away’ to other realms both real and fantasy. Some of these shows, however, have become instant classics, receiving high praise from avid anime viewers. To help provide some guidance into this particular theme, let's take a look at the best time travel anime of all time.

Updated August 31, 2024, by Mark Sammut: Time travel anime are not extremely common, but they are always a blast when they come around. This article has been expanded with more recommendations and more information about the included anime.

11 Tokyo Revengers

Myanimelist: 7.90 (season 1), tokyo revengers.

Tokyo Revengers follows the journey of Hanagaki Takemichi , a grown man who has nothing going for him. However, Takemichi's life changes when an accident causes him to go back in time. It takes him some time to understand that he actually traveled 12 years back, but eventually, he manages to figure it out. The anime takes a different turn from the usual shonen stories by making the protagonist weaker than the rest of the characters, a decision that can be somewhat divisive since Takemichi does not grow more physically competent as the series progresses. Still, anyone who wants to see a "normal" character trying to fix the future should watch Tokyo Revengers .

Tokyo Revengers: Every Main Character's Age, Height, And Birthday

Tokyo Revengers is an action-packed series with a great cast of characters. Here's every character's age, height, and birthday, and some trivia.

Now, Tokyo Revengers is arguably among the most famous time travel anime , but it is not necessarily among the very best. The anime loses steam after its opening season, with subsequent arcs feeling rather repetitive. Crucially, the time travel element is not particularly interesting or deeply explored; in fact, it is mostly just used to set up the next arc.

10 The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

Myanimelist: 7.23 (season 2, endless eight arc), the melancholy of haruhi suzumiya.

What happens when an unassuming high school girl is a god and can create anything she imagines or sets her mind to? Say hello to Haruhi Suzumiya, a 15-year-old girl with powers that can alter the fabric of time and space who is blissfully unaware of her abilities. The show focuses on Haruhi and Kyon who are part of their school's SOS Brigade, an after-school club that is focused on paranormal and abnormal phenomena. The club also keeps tabs on Haruhi as her abilities could warp, alter, and destroy the world and each misadventure brings the characters and viewers closer to understanding what Haruhi is.

OK, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is a bit of a weird case since time travel is not explained that concretely in the anime, and it is mostly just mentioned and part of the overall lore. Just to be clear, it is important to the universe and story; however, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya rarely feels like a time travel anime . The only exception is the Endless Eight arc, which locks the main characters in a time loop that only Kyon recognizes. While experimental and ambitious, this saga tends to be extremely divisive, to the point of arguably ruining the show's momentum.

MyAnimeList: 7.87

Inuyasha (2000).

Inuyasha is a popular anime series that is based on the work of Rumiko Takahashi. Inuyasha covers the journey of Kagome Higurashi. When she falls into the well at her family shrine, Kagome finds herself in the Sengoku period. She eventually meets Inuyasha and travels with him all over Japan to regain all the pieces of a shattered jewel.

Inuyasha is much more adventurous in comparison to the other time travel anime . It also has a good amount of action and romance, which is enough to keep viewers glued to their screens. Another great thing about the anime is the fact that it has over 100 episodes, making it a great series for fans who like long shows.

8 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Myanimelist: 8.10, the girl who leapt through time (2006).

Mamoru Hosoda’s classic 2006 sci-fi romance movie tells the story of a high school girl, Makoto, who learns how to time travel and uses it to her benefit. However, with great power comes great responsibility, a rule that Makoto doesn’t adhere to, which leads to some complicated and devastating outcomes. Despite a plot that may appear too "straightforward" at a glance, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is an engaging and thought-provoking coming-of-age drama with moments of a slice of life that audiences can relate to.

Makoto is not only charming but also relatable, and she mostly uses her newfound power to do stuff that most teenagers would do. Eventually, the movie's relaxing and lighthearted tone takes a turn for the dramatic, largely thanks to the introduction of a secondary character.

7 Your Name

Myanimelist: 8.83, your name (2016).

Your Name tells the story of a Tokyo boy, Taki, and a country girl, Mitsuha, who periodically swap bodies. Through this, they manage to help each other out in different aspects of their lives. However, as they deepen their bond and try to figure out the phenomenon, the swapping stops abruptly, prompting Taki to uncover the reason why. The time travel twist does not reveal itself until about halfway through; consequently, while a major part of the story and arguably one of the best moments of the movie, this element is not immediately apparent.

Beautifully animated and supported by the awesome J-pop soundtrack of Radwimps, Your Name will tug on anyone’s heartstrings and make them root for the characters. Ever since its release, Your Name has become established as one of the greatest anime movies of all time, and that seems unlikely to change anytime soon.

MyAnimeList: 8.23 (Season 1)

Re:zero -starting life in another world-.

Part of the Isekai genre, Re:Zero focuses on Subaru Natsuki who is transported to a fantasy world. The time travel aspect comes into play every time Subaru dies since he resurrects at the last checkpoint similar to video games, prompting him to figure his way through until reaching the next checkpoint. Over time, the psychological ordeal of watching his friends and himself die only to be resurrected begins to take on toll on his psyche, creating a very interesting if not disturbing fantasy narrative .

Re:Zero's Subaru is quite different from many isekai anime protagonists, but he's also one of the best. Here's why.

Beyond his resurrection ability, Subaru is pretty ordinary and weak, which means he has to use his knowledge of events to try and get an upper hand in situations that are generally well beyond his capabilities. Re:Zero has plenty of strengths and positives, but one of its greatest achievements is its exploration of Subaru's psyche.

MyAnimeList: 8.30

Erased (2016).

A psychological murder thriller with elements of time travel set in Tokyo and Hokkaido. Erased follows Saturo who experiences a phenomenon known as ‘revivals’ that sends him back in time moments before a catastrophic incident occurs to prevent it from happening. When his mother is murdered, the event causes him to travel back in time 18 years into the past, allowing him to not only save his mother but the lives of his former classmates whose tragic ends mirror that of his mother.

A gripping thriller that will glue any viewer to their seat, Erased is a must-see for anyone interested in crime thrillers and the mystery genre . The anime notoriously ends on a polarizing note that can retroactively hurt the rest of the show; nevertheless, it is still worth watching.

4 Link Click

Myanimelist: 8.73.

Link Click is a Chinese donghua rather than a Japanese anime. Despite its origins, the show deserves to be highlighted since it is extremely good.

Link Click presents a fantastic twist on the time travel concept, all wrapped up in an intense murder mystery that rarely loses steam. Cheng Xiaoshi and Lu Guang have a unique business where they (essentially) deliver closure to clients. Accomplishing this task requires a photograph, which allows Cheng Xiaoshi to travel back in time to when it was taken. At this point, his goal is usually to just gather information while he inhabits the photographer's body, and he should try to avoid changing anything. Obviously, that is not always possible, which can have dire consequences for the future.

Link Click is an entertaining watch from start to finish, and it is held together by two great protagonists who complement each other beautifully. Initially, the anime seems to follow a case-of-the-week structure, but eventually things begin to tie together to create a fascinating whole.

3 The Tatami Galaxy

Myanimelist: 8.56, the tatami galaxy.

A thought-provoking masterpiece that blends drama and comedy well, The Tatami Galaxy follows a college student who regrets how he spent the last two years of his life. After an encounter with a girl, he finds himself restarting college life from scratch, visiting different timelines depending on which circle/club he decides to join. Each episode focuses on a different reality, showcasing the protagonist's trials and failures as he constantly fails to build the life he believes he is owed.

There are a lot of anime about antisocial loners, but The Tatami Galaxy is like nothing you've ever seen.

The Tatami Galaxy is an absolute trip in the best possible way. With clever writing, relatable characters, and a well-defined visual identity, this show deserves to be tracked down by anyone remotely interested in anime, regardless of their fondness for time travel.

The Tatami Time Machine Blues is also great.

2 Summer Time Rendering

Myanimelist: 8.48, summer time rendering.

Summer Time Rendering is a story about Shinpei Ajiro, who loses both of his parents. Instead of becoming a recluse, he grows up with Ushio and Mio. The three become very close before Shinpei Ajiro eventually leaves for Tokyo. After a few years, he returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of Ushio. However, he refuses to believe that Ushio died normally and eventually comes to learn about his power which allows him to reset time.

Summer Time Rendering adds a unique twist to the regular time travel tropes. A solid combination of mystery and sci-fi, the anime is an absolute rollercoaster with barely anything resembling a dull moment, and most of its early episodes end on huge twists that always feel earned. Eventually, the anime transitions into more of a battle shonen, and it nails that part as well.

1 Steins;Gate

Myanimelist: 9.07, steins;gate (2011).

Considered one of the greatest anime series out there, Steins;Gate revolves around Rintaro Okabe, a self-declared mad scientist who manages to create a time machine. Meanwhile, SERN, an organization that is also researching time travel learns of the machine and steals it, killing one of Rintaro’s friends in the process. This causes Rintaro to go back in time to prevent his friend’s death unleashing a cascade of time travel problems.

Those who have watched Steins;Gate praise the show for its intricate handling of time travel and the rules the show establishes. The show will appeal to anyone who enjoys romance, comedy, drama, and hard science fiction genres.

The following anime episodes have the highest ratings on IMDb, with some of them reaching near-perfect scores.

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Elusive Samurai is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful anime I've ever seen

It looks like CloverWorks is going all out

by Ana Diaz

Elusive Samurai is a story about a samurai in hiding — but the series itself is so flashy, I can’t help but marvel at every frame.

The new anime from CloverWorks is based on the life of Hōjō Tokiyuki, a real-life historical figure who was heir to Japan’s shogunate in the 1300s. The story follows the young lord Tokiyuki as he seeks to restore his family’s rule after the ferocious warrior Ashikaga Takauji betrays and overthrows the Hōjō clan. I won’t spoil what happens from there, but I’ll say one thing: No matter what else it’s doing, Elusive Samurai boasts some of this season’s best animation.

CloverWorks animates much of the show in a bright, cheery style that flaunts the gorgeous free-flowing kimonos of Kamakura-era Japan. It’s just so nice to see details like the intricate folds of Tokiyuki’s sky-blue and cerulean garb in motion, and subtle details like the delicate bounce of fabric as he rides a trotting horse.

But the spectacle doesn’t stop there. The early episodes demonstrate the series is an absolute all-you-can-eat buffet of visual styles. CloverWorks highlights tense moments with animation inspired by other art forms. When Tokiyuki confronts the soldiers who overthrew his family and burned down his tranquil home, he sees them with impact frames that look like they’re drawn with a fiery palette of thick oil pastels. In the second episode, Tokiyuki fights an uncle trying to capture him. The animators portray a key fight scene in a style that makes it look painted with splotchy ink, but inverted so Tokiyuki feels otherworldly.

And a narrator occasionally connects plot points to historical events, so having a scene that appears to take inspiration from traditional Japanese art styles, like shadow puppetry, feels appropriate. The visual references are grabby, but not all over the place.

I’m still waiting for a few other parts of the show to develop beyond the animation. Like several popular shōnen series, Elusive Samurai takes some time to get its story rolling. A few of the characters can be grating as they train up and learn the ropes. Still, each episode stands out as a visual delight, making Elusive Samurai one of the best anime from the 2024 summer season — an exhilarating start to a show with an animation style that simply can’t be contained.

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Members Score Newest Title

Samurai Champloo

Fuu Kasumi is a young and clumsy waitress who spends her days peacefully working in a small teahouse. That is, until she accidentally spills a drink all over one of her customers! With a group of samurai now incessantly harassing her, Fuu desperately calls upon another samurai in the shop, Mugen, who quickly defeats them with his wild fighting technique, utilizing movements reminiscent to that of breakdancing. Unfortunately, Mugen decides to pick a fight with the unwilling ronin Jin, who wields a more precise and traditional style of swordfighting, and the latter proves to be a formidable opponent. The only problem is, they end up destroying the entire shop as well as accidentally killing the local magistrate's son. For their crime, the two samurai are captured and set to be executed. However, they are rescued by Fuu, who hires the duo as her bodyguards. Though she no longer has a place to return to, the former waitress wishes to find a certain samurai who smells of sunflowers and enlists the help of the now exonerated pair to do so. Despite initially disapproving of this idea, the two eventually agree to assist the girl in her quest; thus, the trio embark upon an adventure to find this mysterious warrior—that is, if Fuu can keep Mugen and Jin from killing each other. Set in an alternate Edo Period of Japan, Samurai Champloo follows the journey of these three eccentric individuals in an epic quest full of action, comedy, and dynamic sword fighting, all set to the beat of a unique hip-hop infused soundtrack. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

The greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu's land is dying, and he would do anything for power, even renounce Buddha and make a pact with demons. His prayers are answered by 12 demons who grant him the power he desires by aiding his prefecture's growth, but at a price. When Kagemitsu's first son is born, the boy has no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, nor even skin—yet still, he lives. This child is disposed of in a river and forgotten. But as luck would have it, he is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons, allowing for him to survive and fend for himself. The boy lives and grows, and although he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, he must defeat the demons that took him as sacrifice. With the death of each one, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. For many years he wanders alone, until one day an orphan boy, Dororo, befriends him. The unlikely pair of castaways now fight for their survival and humanity in an unforgiving, demon-infested world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Edo is a city that was home to the vigor and ambition of samurai across the country. However, following feudal Japan's surrender to powerful aliens known as the "Amanto," those aspirations now seem unachievable. With the once-influential shogunate rebuilt as a puppet government, a new law is passed that promptly prohibits all swords in public. Enter Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric silver-haired man who always carries around a wooden sword and maintains his stature as a samurai despite the ban. As the founder of Yorozuya, a small business for odd jobs, Gintoki often embarks on endeavors to help other people—though usually in rather strange and unforeseen ways. Assisted by Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses supposedly learning the way of the samurai; Kagura, a tomboyish girl with superhuman strength and an endless appetite; and Sadaharu, their giant pet dog who loves biting on people's heads, the Yorozuya encounter anything from alien royalty to scuffles with local gangs in the ever-changing world of Edo. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hell's Paradise

Sentenced to death, ninja Gabimaru the Hollow finds himself apathetic. After leading a blood-soaked life, Gabimaru believes he deserves to die. However, every attempt to execute him inexplicably fails. Finally, Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a fledgling member of a famed executioner clan, is asked to take Gabimaru's life; yet Sagiri makes no move to kill him as requested. Insisting that Gabimaru will not die because of his love for his wife, Sagiri instead offers him the chance to obtain a full pardon for his crimes. If he can travel to the island of Shinsekyo and obtain the Elixir of Life—which supposedly grants immortality—and bring it back for the shogun, then his freedom will be assured. But of the many who have traveled to Shinsekyo in search of the mythical Elixir, not a single person has returned sound of mind, if at all. Though unaware of the numerous dangers ahead, Gabimaru decides to accept the offer—alongside ten other death row convicts—in hope that he and his wife may finally live in peace. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama Season 4

Gintoki, Shinpachi, and Kagura return as the fun-loving but broke members of the Yorozuya team! Living in an alternate-reality Edo, where swords are prohibited and alien overlords have conquered Japan, they try to thrive on doing whatever work they can get their hands on. However, Shinpachi and Kagura still haven't been paid... Does Gin-chan really spend all that cash playing pachinko? Meanwhile, when Gintoki drunkenly staggers home one night, an alien spaceship crashes nearby. A fatally injured crew member emerges from the ship and gives Gintoki a strange, clock-shaped device, warning him that it is incredibly powerful and must be safeguarded. Mistaking it for his alarm clock, Gintoki proceeds to smash the device the next morning and suddenly discovers that the world outside his apartment has come to a standstill. With Kagura and Shinpachi at his side, he sets off to get the device fixed; though, as usual, nothing is ever that simple for the Yorozuya team. Filled with tongue-in-cheek humor and moments of heartfelt emotion, Gintama's fourth season finds Gintoki and his friends facing both their most hilarious misadventures and most dangerous crises yet. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

At the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Toyohisa Shimazu is the rearguard for his retreating troops, and is critically wounded when he suddenly finds himself in a modern, gleaming white hallway. Faced with only a stoic man named Murasaki and hundreds of doors on both sides, Toyohisa is pulled into the nearest door and into a world completely unlike his own. The strange land is populated by all manner of fantastical creatures, as well as warriors from different eras of Toyohisa's world who were thought to be dead. Quickly befriending the infamous warlord Nobunaga Oda and the ancient archer Yoichi Suketaka Nasu, Toyohisa learns of the political unrest tearing through the continent. Furthermore, they have been summoned as "Drifters" to fight against the "Ends," people who are responsible for the creation of the Orte Empire and are trying to annihilate the Drifters. As the Ends grow more powerful, so does the Empire's persecution of elves and other demihumans. It is up to Toyohisa and his group of unconventional heroes to battle in a brand-new world war to help the Empire's subjects, while challenging the Ends protecting the land to claim it for themselves. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama'

Gintama season 2.

After a one-year hiatus, Shinpachi Shimura returns to Edo, only to stumble upon a shocking surprise: Gintoki and Kagura, his fellow Yorozuya members, have become completely different characters! Fleeing from the Yorozuya headquarters in confusion, Shinpachi finds that all the denizens of Edo have undergone impossibly extreme changes, in both appearance and personality. Most unbelievably, his sister Otae has married the Shinsengumi chief and shameless stalker Isao Kondou and is pregnant with their first child. Bewildered, Shinpachi agrees to join the Shinsengumi at Otae and Kondou's request and finds even more startling transformations afoot both in and out of the ranks of the the organization. However, discovering that Vice Chief Toushirou Hijikata has remained unchanged, Shinpachi and his unlikely Shinsengumi ally set out to return the city of Edo to how they remember it. With even more dirty jokes, tongue-in-cheek parodies, and shameless references, Gintama' follows the Yorozuya team through more of their misadventures in the vibrant, alien-filled world of Edo. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Rurouni kenshin.

In the final years of the Bakumatsu era lived a legendary assassin known as Hitokiri Battousai. Feared as a merciless killer, he was unmatched throughout the country, but mysteriously disappeared at the peak of the Japanese Revolution. It has been ten peaceful years since then, but the very mention of Battousai still strikes terror into the hearts of war veterans. Unbeknownst to them, Battousai has abandoned his bloodstained lifestyle in an effort to repent for his sins, now living as Kenshin Himura, a wandering swordsman with a cheerful attitude and a strong will. Vowing never to kill again, Kenshin dedicates himself to protecting the weak. One day, he stumbles across Kaoru Kamiya at her kendo dojo, which is being threatened by an impostor claiming to be Battousai. After receiving help from Kenshin, Kaoru allows him to stay at the dojo, and so the former assassin temporarily ceases his travels. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan tells the story of Kenshin as he strives to save those in need of saving. However, as enemies from both past and present begin to emerge, will the reformed killer be able to uphold his new ideals? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Afro Samurai

When he was a young boy, Afro witnessed his father be cut down in a duel at the hands of a man known only as Justice. After taking the life of Afro's father, Justice cast aside his Number Two headband and took the Number One to claim its godly powers as his own. Years later, having obtained the Number Two headband which grants him the right to challenge the Number One, Afro moves forward in his hunt for revenge on the man who murdered his father. There is just one thing that stands in his way—everyone else in the world! Though the Number One can only be challenged by the Number Two, the Number Two can be challenged by anyone. As his enemies gather to try and take the title of Number Two, Afro must fight through a myriad of foes and obstacles if he hopes to reach the Number One and claim vengeance once and for all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Stranger: Mukou Hadan

Sword of the stranger.

In the Sengoku period of Japan, a young orphan named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru steal from unsuspecting villagers in order to make ends meet. However, Kotarou is forced to remain on the run when he finds himself being hunted down by assassins sent by China's Ming Dynasty for mysterious reasons not involving his petty crimes. Fortunately, the duo run into Nanashi, a ronin who has taken refuge in a small temple, when Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru poisoned. Although the samurai saves the helpless pair from their pursuers, he feels that there is no need to help them further; but when offered a gem in exchange for his services as a bodyguard, he reluctantly accepts Kotarou's offer of employment—just until Tobimaru is healed and the two reach their destination. As the three set out on a perilous journey, it soon becomes evident that their path is riddled with danger, as the Ming Dynasty has now sent a terrifying swordsman after them to capture Kotarou and fulfill a certain prophecy. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama': Enchousen

Gintama: enchousen.

While Gintoki Sakata was away, the Yorozuya found themselves a new leader: Kintoki, Gintoki's golden-haired doppelganger. In order to regain his former position, Gintoki will need the help of those around him, a troubling feat when no one can remember him! Between Kintoki and Gintoki, who will claim the throne as the main character? In addition, Yorozuya make a trip back down to red-light district of Yoshiwara to aid an elderly courtesan in her search for her long-lost lover. Although the district is no longer in chains beneath the earth's surface, the trio soon learn of the tragic backstories of Yoshiwara's inhabitants that still haunt them. With flashback after flashback, this quest has Yorozuya witnessing everlasting love and protecting it as best they can with their hearts and souls. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama Season 5

After joining the resistance against the bakufu, Gintoki and the gang are in hiding, along with Katsura and his Joui rebels. The Yorozuya is soon approached by Nobume Imai and two members of the Kiheitai, who explain that the Harusame pirates have turned against 7th Division Captain Kamui and their former ally Takasugi. The Kiheitai present Gintoki with a job: find Takasugi, who has been missing since his ship was ambushed in a Harusame raid. Nobume also makes a stunning revelation regarding the Tendoushuu, a secret organization pulling the strings of numerous factions, and their leader Utsuro, the shadowy figure with an uncanny resemblance to Gintoki's former teacher. Hitching a ride on Sakamoto's space ship, the Yorozuya and Katsura set out for Rakuyou, Kagura's home planet, where the various factions have gathered and tensions are brewing. Long-held grudges, political infighting, and the Tendoushuu's sinister overarching plan finally culminate into a massive, decisive battle on Rakuyou. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen

Samurai x: trust and betrayal.

When mankind's savagery surpasses his fear of death, there is little hope for those who wish to live honest lives. Beneath a full moon, a young boy witnesses the murder of the bandits who had enslaved him, and is then christened with a new name by the man who rescued him. This boy is Shinta, now known as Kenshin Himura, and he is destined to become a swordsman. The softness of his heart does not befit the occupation, but his desire to protect the innocent is absolute. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen details the origins of the man who would bear the name of Hitokiri Battousai long before he swore his oath not to kill and before he earned his reputation as an assassin. The young man's heart is divided between justice and corruption, while the fate of a nation rests on his actions. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama Movie 2: Kanketsu-hen - Yorozuya yo Eien Nare

Gintama: the movie: the final chapter: be forever yorozuya.

When Gintoki apprehends a movie pirate at a premiere, he checks the camera's footage and finds himself transported to a bleak, post-apocalyptic version of Edo, where a mysterious epidemic called the "White Plague" has ravished the world's population. It turns out that the movie pirate wasn't a pirate after all—it was an android time machine, and Gintoki has been hurtled five years into the future! Shinpachi and Kagura, his Yorozuya cohorts, have had a falling out and are now battle-hardened solo vigilantes and he himself has been missing for years, disappearing without a trace after scribbling a strange message in his journal. Setting out in the disguise given to him by the android time machine, Gintoki haphazardly reunites the Yorozuya team to investigate the White Plague, and soon discovers that the key to saving the future lies in the darkness of his own past. Determined to confront a powerful foe, he makes an important discovery—with a ragtag band of friends and allies at his side, he doesn't have to fight alone. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama.: Shirogane no Tamashii-hen

Gintama.: silver soul arc.

After the fierce battle on Rakuyou, the untold past and true goal of the immortal Naraku leader, Utsuro, are finally revealed. By corrupting the Altana reserves of several planets, Utsuro has successfully triggered the intervention of the Tendoshuu’s greatest enemy: the Altana Liberation Army. With Earth as the main battleground in this interplanetary war, Utsuro's master plan to destroy the planet—and himself—is nearly complete. An attack on the O-Edo Central Terminal marks the beginning of the final battle to take back the land of the samurai. With the Yorozuya nowhere in sight, the bakufu all but collapsed, and the Shogun missing, the people are left completely helpless as the Liberation Army begins pillaging Edo in the name of freeing them from the Tendoshuu's rule. Caught in the crossfire between two equally imposing forces, can Gintoki, Kagura, Shinpachi, and the former students of Shouyou Yoshida put aside their differences and unite their allies to protect what they hold dear? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama.: Porori-hen

Gintama.: slip arc.

Following the grim events of Iga, Kokujou Island, Rakuyou, and multiple fruitless confrontations with the Tenshouin Naraku and Tendoshuu, Gintama.: Porori-hen takes its viewers on a trip down memory lane to when Yorozuya were mostly doing what they did best—odd jobs. The great space hunter Umibouzu has returned to Edo and is livid when he finds out that his daughter Kagura has a boyfriend. He blames Gintoki for being an incompetent guardian, but has the time finally come for him to let go of his daughter? Back with shameless parodies, risqué humor, and lively camaraderie, Gintoki, Kagura, and Shinpachi are faced with unforeseen situations that manage to be both hilarious and emotionally stirring. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama.: Shirogane no Tamashii-hen - Kouhan-sen

Gintama.: silver soul arc - second half war.

Following the temporary retreat of the Altana Liberation Army from the Kabuki District, the state of the war has seemingly improved. However, as the Oniwaban, Shinsengumi, and residents of the district combat the army's remnants, Edo's greatest inventor Gengai Hiraga is abducted. Responsible for causing the enemy's withdrawal by rendering their weapons useless, Gengai's nanomachine virus is now at risk of being shut down. Meanwhile, a laser capable of obliterating a planet is activated in Earth's orbit on the Liberation Army's mother ship. Another battle ensues when Shinsuke Takasugi and the rest of the Kiheitai arrive on the vessel to stop the weapon from firing. Forced to fight a war on two fronts, the Yorozuya and their allies must prevail on both sides to save Edo and the rest of the world. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou

For centuries, the Iga and Kouga ninja clans have engaged in a bitter war. But when a ceasefire is ordered by the powerful warlord Ieyasu Tokugawa, the two clans are forced to put down their arms. Years later, Gennosuke Kouga, heir of the Kouga clan, and Oboro Iga, heir of the Iga clan, have fallen in love. Through marriage, both heirs aim to bring peace to the clans. But their hopes are dashed when flames of rivalry between their clans are reignited, and they are dragged into another war. Ieyasu's two grandsons have both claimed to be the next heir to the shogunate. To resolve this dispute, both the Kouga and Iga are ordered to send their 10 best warriors to fight in a bloody battle royale, with each clan representing one of the potential shogunate heirs. Two scrolls with the names of the fighters are given and are to be marked in blood upon the given fighter's death. The prize for winning is the favor of the Tokugawa shogunate for a thousand years. Torn between their love for each other and duty to their clans, Gennosuke and Oboro must ultimately decide the fate of their clans. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Girls

Samurai girls.

With its gorgeous landscape and prosperous people, Great Japan is the envy of all other nations. But a serious threat hovers over the country. Mysterious guardians known as Master Samurai are Great Japan's only defense. At the behest of the student council, young samurai Muneakira Yagyuu arrives at Buou Academic School. Run by the Tokugawa Shogunate, here children of warriors are given aristocratic education required to run the country. The school is led by the student council president Yoshihiko Tokugawa and his sister Sen, who also happens to be Muneakira's childhood friend. Upon arriving at the academy, Muneakira finds himself in the midst of a terrible fight. During the chaos, the sky fills with a peculiar white light and a mysterious girl named Juubei Yagyuu appears and suddenly kisses Muneakira. With his kiss, she awakens an unknown power that protects them. Just who is this girl, and where did she come from? Muneakira finds himself entangled in the fate of the country and a threat that will shake Great Japan to its core. He must learn the secret behind the Master Samurai and the kiss that awakened Juubei's power in order to protect his country. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~

In 1864 Japan, a young woman named Chizuru Yukimura is searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor by trade whose work often takes him far from home. But with no word from him in months, Chizuru disguises herself as a man and heads to Kyoto in search of him. Attracting the attention of ronin, she tries to hide and ends up witnessing a horrifying sight: the ronin being brutally murdered by crazed white-haired men. In a startling turn of events, members of the Shinsengumi arrive to dispatch the creatures. But Chizuru's safety doesn't last long, as this group of men tie her up and take her back to their headquarters, unsure of whether to let her live or silence her permanently. However, once she reveals the name of her father, the Shinsengumi decide to keep her safe, as they too have been searching for him. But Koudou is more connected to the Shinsengumi than they let on, and soon Chizuru finds herself embroiled in a conflict between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as political tension in Kyoto. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama Movie 1: Shinyaku Benizakura-hen

Gintama: the movie.

Gintoki and his Yorozuya friends (or rather, employees suffering under labor violations), Shinpachi and Kagura, continue to scrape by in the futuristic, alien-infested city of Edo. They take on whatever work they can find while trying not to get involved in anything too dangerous. But when Katsura, the leader of the Joui rebels and Gintoki's long-time acquaintance, disappears after being brutally attacked by an unknown assassin, Shinpachi and Kagura begin an investigation into his whereabouts and the identity of the assailant. Meanwhile, Gintoki takes on a seemingly unrelated job: the blacksmith Tetsuya requests that Gin recover a strange and powerful sword called the Benizakura which was recently stolen. As the two investigations gradually intersect, the Yorozuya crew find themselves in the midst of a major conspiracy that hinges on the sinister nature of the Benizakura sword. Gintoki resolves to take the fight directly to the enemy headquarters, and together with a few unexpected allies, sets out on one of his most perilous jobs yet. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sengoku Basara

Sengoku basara: samurai kings.

In the Sengoku period, the struggle for power and unification has brought endless bloodshed to the unstable Japan. Out of all the warring generals, Nobunaga Oda—the "Demon King of Owari"—has established himself as the strongest ruler. Friend or foe, he is determined to crush anyone who stands in his way of creating a tyrannical central government. The only two who dare rebel against Oda are the "One-eyed Dragon of Oshu" Masamune Date, and the distinguished but hot-blooded warrior of the Takeda clan, Yukimura Sanada. Though they share the goal of preventing Oda from unifying the domains, Masamune and Yukimura cannot see eye-to-eye. Equally skilled in combat, mutual admiration for one another causes these two feuding warriors to forge a fierce rivalry, thwarting any attempts to form a united front against the Demon King of Owari. With Oda's forces closing in on their respective territories, Masamune and Yukimura reluctantly learn to put aside their differences and fight together against the threatening usurpator. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama: The Final

Gintama: the very final.

Two years have passed following the Tendoshuu's invasion of the O-Edo Central Terminal. Since then, the Yorozuya have gone their separate ways. Foreseeing Utsuro's return, Gintoki Sakata begins surveying Earth's ley lines for traces of the other man's Altana. After an encounter with the remnants of the Tendoshuu—who continue to press on in search of immortality—Gintoki returns to Edo. Later, the regrouped Shinsengumi and Yorozuya begin an attack on the occupied Central Terminal. With the Altana harvested by the wreckage of the Tendoshuu's ship in danger of detonating, the Yorozuya and their allies fight their enemies while the safety of Edo—and the rest of the world—hangs in the balance. Fulfilling the wishes of their teacher, Shouyou Yoshida's former students unite and relive their pasts one final time in an attempt to save their futures. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Isanami, a young priestess of Izumo, is forced to watch as a group of evil ninja burn her temple to the ground and slaughter the people within, leaving her no choice but to flee into the forest to escape the same fate. By chance, she stumbles upon Saizou Kirigakure, a masterless ninja from the Iga school. The two travel to Ueda Castle to ask Yukimura Sanada for help. Isanami's possession of a strange and devastating power is revealed, and Sanada readily agrees to help her, gathering ten brave warriors to Isanami's side. Thus begins Brave 10, a story set in the Warring States period. It follows Saizou and Isanami's journey throughout the war-laden lands in search of brave warriors to serve under Yukimura's banner, each possessing powerful skills of their own. They'll have to travel far and wide, all while trying to fend off those who would chase after the dark power that she possesses to make it their own.

Juubee Ninpuuchou

Ninja scroll.

Jubei Kibagami wanders feudal Japan as an itinerant swordsman-for-hire. After a past betrayal left him masterless, he has no more patience for warring political factions and their schemes. Unfortunately, both past and political intrigue collide when he meets and saves a female ninja named Kagero from a man with the ability to make his body as hard as stone. The sole survivor of a ninja clan, Kagero continues her team's last mission: investigate a mysterious plague that wiped out an entire village. Jubei wants nothing to do with this, but the stone-like man's allies, a group of ninja with supernatural powers known as the Devils of Kimon, make that option difficult. To make matters worse, a government spy poisons Jubei, promising him an antidote if he can unravel the true intentions of the Devils of Kimon and their connection to the plague. The trail leads to shadow leaders, a plot to overthrow the government, and a man that Jubei thought he would never see again.

In the far distant future, on a planet that might have been called "earth", there was a war between samurai who mechanized their bodies. After the long war, people enjoyed a modest peace. Facing starvation and abductions at the hands of fearsome mechanized bandits (Nobuseri), the farmers of Kanna Village make the dangerous choice to hire samurai for protection. The village's water priestess, Kirara, her younger sister, Komachi, and a heartbroken villager, Rikichi, set off to hire willing samurai with nothing to offer but rice from their meager harvests. Through dangerous encounters and a bit of luck, seven samurai of varying specialties and experience are gathered for an epic battle against the bandits and the merchants that influence them. Samurai 7 is based loosely upon Kurosawa Akira's famous movie "Seven Samurai"/"Shichinin no Samurai"

Shigurui: Death Frenzy

At the beginning of the Edo Era, when people enjoyed a time of peace, Lord Tokugawa Tadanaga holds a fighting tournament. In the past, matches were fought with wooden swords. This time, real swords will be used. One-armed Fujiki Gennosuke and blind Irako Seigen will fight each other in this match. Both are disciples of Iwamoto Kogan, who is known as Japan's greatest swordsman. Each of them are determined to prove himself the successor of Iwamoto's school. However, there can only be one champion. So begins a story of intertwining fates, conflict, and strange destinies. (Source: ANN)

Katsugeki/Touken Ranbu

Katsugeki touken ranbu.

In 1863, Izuminokami Kanesada and his partner, Horikawa Kunihiro, arrive in the streets of Edo from the future to investigate their master's reports of an upcoming enemy invasion. As humanoid manifestations of the famous Toshizou Hijikata's swords, they have been tasked with protecting history from the Retrograde Army that seeks to alter it. Soon enlisting the help of other sword warriors, they continuously battle the mysterious army throughout the Bakumatsu period. However, their journey will not be an easy one. Fraught with blood and betrayal in the chaotic era closest to their hearts, the duo will be forced to make difficult decisions with everything they care about on the line. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (2023)

In the late 19th century, as the cruel times of the Bakumatsu period came to a close, a new Meiji era marked the age of restoration for Japan. With the war over, its infamous hero Hitokiri Battousai disappeared into thin air, leaving only his legend behind. Years later, a seemingly plain wanderer named Kenshin Himura encounters Kaoru Kamiya, the owner of a struggling local dojo in Tokyo. Kaoru pursues a self-proclaimed Battousai who roams the streets, indiscriminately killing citizens and police officers. Furthermore, the warrior professes to use the Kamiya Kasshin-ryu—a sword style developed by Kaoru's father deeply rooted in the essence of life, not death. Kenshin decides to help Kaoru take down the impostor and restore her father's dojo. Unbeknownst to all, Kenshin is none other than the real warrior whose name still terrifies the people. Although Kaoru eventually learns the truth, his oath to atone for his murderous history by bloodlessly protecting the weak moves her, and she welcomes Kenshin to stay at her dojo. However, Kenshin's ideals are soon challenged by ghosts of the past and enemies of the present. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Jigokuraku 2nd Season

Hell's paradise season 2.

Second season of Jigokuraku.

Freed from the rule of samurai 150 years ago, the people of Hinomoto live peaceful lives and revere their liberators—demons whose true forms remain elusive—as gods. Fated to mine rocks for the demons to feast on, Musashi knows the grim truth: humanity is enslaved by these otherworldly beings and the samurai are the last bastion fighting for freedom. Hiding his true opinion from his peers and growing distant from his childhood friend Kojirou Kanemaki, Musashi lives in angst until the day of his graduation. When the fresh graduates arrive at the mine, they are horrified to see the inhumane treatment of miners and the uncanny physical appearance of their overseers. However, Musashi manages to endure thanks to Kojirou's help. As the demon leader wreaks havoc on the quarry, Musashi is saved once more from certain death by the Takeda samurai clan. Recovering from humiliation and yearning for adventure, Musashi embarks on a journey to become a samurai and form his own clan! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Nige Jouzu no Wakagimi

The elusive samurai.

Tokiyuki Houjou, a carefree eight-year-old noble, is content with the serene life in Kamakura and shows little regard for the serious responsibilities that come with his eventually succeeding his father as the next shogun. Instead of dedicating himself to rigorous training in swordsmanship or archery, Tokiyuki excels in the art of evasion, skillfully dodging his advisors and discovering perfect hiding spots. However, his peaceful existence is shattered when a sudden coup brutally wipes out his clan. Overwhelmed with guilt for being the sole survivor, Tokiyuki contemplates joining his family in death. However, his fate takes an abrupt turn when the enigmatic priest Yorishige Suwa suddenly shoves him onto a battlefield. Yorishige, who prophesies that Tokiyuki will one day become a great hero, leaves the boy with no choice but to navigate his way free of enemy soldiers. As Tokiyuki struggles to survive against these foes, he finds a new thrill in raising the stakes of his usual hide-and-seek games. With a renewed sense of purpose and the promise of powerful allies from Yorishige, Tokiyuki vows to avenge his family—not through his capability to fight, but through his extraordinary talent for running away. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Afro Samurai: Resurrection

After obtaining the Number One headband, which proclaims him to be the best of all warriors, Afro spends most of his days in peace, though his nightmare-filled nights are not so tranquil. His life crescendos into chaos once again when Jinno and Sio, his former friends from long ago, take the headband from him, as well as the remains of his father. Challenged by Sio to don the Number Two headband again and exact revenge on them for their actions, Afro embarks on another journey as the wearer of said headband—an item for which anyone would kill him. Afro Samurai: Resurrection follows Afro as he fights a second series of battles against all manner of foes, wading through the sea of corpses in his wake so that he may once again quench his never-ending thirst for revenge. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hyakka Ryouran: Samurai Bride

Samurai bride.

Second season of Hyakka Ryoran: Samurai Girls.

In 12th-century Japan, swordsman Kurou escapes ghastly pursuers into a deep forest with his servant Benkei. Seeking shelter, the two find themselves within the secluded abode of the mysterious and beautiful Kuromitsu. While they are warmly accepted, the men are warned to never enter Kuromitsu's room. However, driven by innate curiosity and perhaps a condemned love, Kurou peeks through the ajar door, only to find Kuromitsu feasting on the blood of fallen men. He soon learns Kuromitsu is an immortal vampire, and dedicates himself to her—even becoming a vampire himself in order to spend eternity with her. But the cryptic organization known as the Red Army has enlisted the help of Benkei, who betrays Kurou and severs his head. Awaking centuries into the future in an apocalyptic modern-day Japan, Kurou sets off to reunite with his lover and exact revenge on the Red Army. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Saraiya Goyou

House of five leaves.

Masanosuke "Masa" Akitsu is a wandering ronin adrift in Japan's peaceful Edo period. Despite being a skilled swordsman, Masa's meek personality has netted him the label "unreliable," and he is often abruptly dismissed by his employers, leading him to question his resolve as a samurai. As Masa reaches his lowest point, he is approached by Yaichi, a carefree man draped in pink who seemingly hires him on a whim as his bodyguard. Unbeknownst to Masa, the job is not as innocent as it seems, and he is drawn into the illicit activities of the group spearheaded by Yaichi. As he becomes further entwined with the gang known as the Five Leaves, Masa struggles with his own principles. Still, his curiosity spurs him forward to uncover the past and motivations of this mysterious band of outlaws. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mushibugyou

A menace of huge monster-like insects is plaguing the land of Edo. Too powerful to be subdued by ordinary folks, the creatures are hunted by the Insect Magistrates—a group of warriors who specialize in various secret arts and combat styles. To bolster their strength, they summon Genjuurou Tsukishima, the master swordsman from the Tsugaru Province. Due to an unfortunate incident, however, Genjuurou is incapable of answering the call and sends his son, Jinbee, to serve in his stead. Determined to atone for the incident caused by his own cowardice, Jinbee agrees to travel to Edo and join the Insect Magistrates. Armed with his fiery spirit and unwavering resolve, Jinbee vows to become a stronger samurai and rid Edo of the insect threat once and for all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku

Hakuoki: demon of the fleeting blossom - record of the jade blood.

After the conclusion of Hakuouki, Chizuru Yukimura and the Shinsengumi are forced to flee Kyoto and set sail for Edo. In their commander Isami Kondou's absence, vice-commander Toshizou Hijikata steps in as acting commander. However, Hijikata is not only struggling with the extra leadership duties—which worries everyone around him—but also a newfound uncontrollable bloodlust. To make matters worse, the urge does not affect him alone, and it is even beginning to drive some of his subordinates mad. Finally, Kondou returns with orders from the emperor to defend the castle, and a new name for their squad: the Kouyou Chinbutai. But in war, the balance of power can shift suddenly and allegiances can waver. In Hakuouki Hekketsuroku, Chizuru follows the Shinsengumi into the heart of war and continues the search for her missing father, all while the bond between her and Hijikata grows ever stronger. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mugen no Juunin: Immortal

Blade of the immortal.

Manji is an infamous swordsman in feudal Japan who is known as the "Hundred Man Killer," as he has killed one hundred innocent men. However, there is something far more frightening than his ominous reputation: the fact that he is immortal. This is the handiwork of eight-hundred-year-old nun Yaobikuni, who placed bloodworms capable of healing almost any wound in Manji's body. To atone for his crimes, Manji resolves to kill one thousand evil men. Yaobikuni agrees to this proposal, saying that if he succeeds, she will undo his curse of immortality. Soon after this promise, Manji meets Rin Asano, a 16-year-old girl who requests Manji's assistance in killing those who slaughtered her parents. Initially reluctant, Manji refuses Rin's desperate plea. However, owing to her evident lack of strength, Manji changes his mind and agrees to protect Rin for four years. With this partnership set in stone, the two embark on a perilous journey of bloodshed, vengeance, and redemption, each to fulfill their own life's cause. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

A village in danger, a mysterious child, warring daimyo, and the greatest ronin never known all clash in a Japan of magic and mechs. Learn the story of the first African samurai. (Source: Netflix)

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Seisou-hen

Samurai x: reflection.

Kaoru goes to the harbor every day to see if Kenshin has returned. After a while, she starts looking back at her life with Kenshin and all the things that have happened. (Source: ANN)

Manyuu Hikenchou

Magic breast secret sword scroll.

The Edo period of Japan gave rise to a clan of warriors with a very specialized, magical skill. The clan was known as the Manyuu, and the skill was the ability to administer a sword strike that could shrink the size of a woman's breasts. This might not seem like an ability that could exert power over a land, but in Manyuu Hikenchou, large breasts denote status, wealth, fame, and influence. Grave concern has arisen in the Manyuu clan due to the actions of their chosen successor, Chifusa. Disgusted with the breast obsessed society that the Manyuu have created and perpetuated, Chifusa has not only deserted the clan, but also stolen the sacred scroll that details their techniques to growing and severing breasts. Fortunately, Chifusa is not completely alone. Her fellow warrior Kaede is sympathetic to her cause; a sympathy that could place her in considerable danger. Now wanted by the very clan that raised her, Chifusa must defend her life and Kaede's while seeking to undo the damage their brethren have done to the land. Along the way, Chifusa will discover that she harbors a power that goes far beyond the scope of her training, one that could help shape and change the land that she seeks to bring equality to.

Tricked into assassinating his own prospective father-in-law, righteous samurai Raizou Kurima is overwhelmed with guilt. In order to reclaim his honor, Raizou swears vengeance on the lord who gave him those misleading orders. In his pursuit, he is aided by self-proclaimed merchant-of-all-trades Yuuen Usui, who is actually one of the Revengers—assassins who seek justice for the wronged and dispense bloody revenge on their behalf. Tragedy seems destined to follow Raizou as he becomes increasingly intertwined with members of the Revengers. As he begins working as a vigilante alongside them, the complicated web between the corrupt Japanese political elite, the unscrupulous Europeans, and the Revengers gradually reveals itself. The more entangled he becomes in these affairs, the more Raizou realizes that justice is as deceptive as the honor that he sought to redeem. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Heike Monogatari

The heike story.

The Taira clan, also known as the Heike, holds immense authority over Japan. When a young girl, gifted with an odd eye that allows her to see the future, foolishly disrespects the clan, her father pays the price of her crime with his life. Soon after, as fate would have it, Taira no Shigemori—the eldest son of the clan leader—stumbles upon the same unfortunate girl, who now calls herself "Biwa." Biwa informs him that the downfall of the Heike is imminent. After learning of the great injustice Biwa suffered at the Heike's hands, Shigemori vows to take her in and care for her rather than let her be killed. In an era of rising military tension, the Heike are in the midst of a cunning struggle for power, and bloodstained war is on the horizon. Shigemori, whose eyes allow him to see spirits of the dead, is both anxious and hopeful to prevent his clan's demise. Biwa, however, is reluctant to reveal the future to him and must adapt to her new life filled with both happiness and sorrow in this pivotal chapter in Japanese history. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Drifters (OVA)

Despite the Ends’ attack on Verlina being successfully repelled, the war has not yet ended. With the monster armies regrouping, the Black King tightens his grasp on the already conquered territory. New conflicts erupt all across Orte, as its remaining forces struggle to retain control over long-oppressed demi-human races. While Ends grow more potent each day, Toyohisa Shimazu remains unconscious after heavy injuries suffered during the Battle of Verlina. Facing enemies on every side, humanity’s fate is still on a knife's edge. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama: The Semi-Final

As the war temporarily calms down and Edo rebuilds, Gintoki finds Shinpachi—who is still unaware of his return—on a bridge. However, as a fight quickly breaks out between the Yorozuya and the Tenshouin Naraku, suspicion grows, forcing Gintoki to use what is nearest—a loincloth—to mask his identity. Saved for the time being, Gintoki enters the Yorozuya office, but unbeknownst to him, someone else is already waiting there... Meanwhile, Kondou departs Earth to marry Princess Bubbles in an attempt to improve diplomatic relations. After boarding the Gorilla Amanto mother ship, he realizes that he doesn't speak their language. Confused, Kondou tries conversing with them, only to inadvertently gain their support. However, someone associated with the princess crashes the ongoing ceremony. Will the wedding continue, or has Kondou just been saved from becoming the next Gorilla Prince? [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sengoku Basara Ni

Sengoku basara: samurai kings 2.

The deadly confrontation with the Devil King, Oda Nobunaga is over, but the struggle for supremacy continues in Warring Countries-era Japan, as the armies of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin repeatedly engage battle at Kawanakajima. Meanwhile, on the easternmost side of the battlefield, two outstanding characters bound by destiny—one clad in azure and the other in crimson—are about to clash in a long-awaited, decisive duel. Then a sudden dispatch informs that a huge army has surrounded the forces of Takeda, Uesugi and Date at Kakanakajima. Their leader is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the man who inherited Nobunaga's dreams and ambitions, and who is now going to bring havoc over Japan once again! (Source: Production I.G)

Mugen no Juunin

The story takes place in Japan. The year is 2030 and Earth has been completely overrun by a viral disease named "Gibia" that turns infected people into various different monsters, based on their age, sex, and race. A samurai and a ninja from the early Edo period travel together through time and arrive in a ruined Japan to aid a professor working on a cure for the virus. Together, they fight countless Gibia monsters, outlaws, and other fierce foes on their journey to save mankind.

Afro Samurai Movie

Afro samurai the movie.

A movie adaptation of the TV series.

Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna

Lupin the third: the woman called fujiko mine.

Many people are falling prey to a suspicious new religion. Lupin III infiltrates this group, hoping to steal the treasure their leader keeps hidden. There he lays eyes on the beautiful, bewitching woman who has the leader enthralled. This is the story of how fashionable female thief Fujiko Mine first met Lupin III, the greatest thief of his generation. (Source: ANN)

Angolmois: Genkou Kassenki

Angolmois: record of mongol invasion.

The year is 1274. After conquering most of the known world, the Mongols turn their sights on Japan and their first step on the road to a full invasion of the mainland is taking Tsushima Island. Kuchii Jinzaburou and a group exiles are sent by the Kamakura Shogunate to the island at the request of Princess Teruhi. There they will face overwhelming odds and the fate of Tsushima will be decided!

Ninja Batman

Batman ninja.

At Arkham Asylum, Batman clashes with Gorilla Grodd while trying to destroy Grodd's newest invention: the Quake Engine. Amidst the chaos, the engine activates, and the entire asylum suddenly vanishes into thin air—Batman along with it. Once the dust settles, Batman finds himself standing in the middle of an unfamiliar road. He soon realizes that he is no longer in Gotham City—but instead in Feudal Japan! The amazement quickly fades as samurai descend upon him, seeking to take his life. Later on, Batman's investigation leads him to discover that the one responsible for the kill order is none other than his archnemesis, the Joker. Following an encounter with Catwoman, he learns that the asylum's criminals had teleported there two years earlier—each ruling over a piece of Japan with Joker being the dominant warlord. In order to return home, Batman must reactivate the Quake Engine, situated in the remnants of the asylum, now known as Arkham Castle. However, there is one problem: aside from his gadget belt, the arsenal that was once at his fingertips is all but gone. Ninja Batman follows the Dark Knight as he traverses a strange new environment, facing off against familiar foes in a bid to return to Gotham in one piece. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hakuouki: Reimeiroku

Hakuoki: demon of the fleeting blossom - dawn of the shinsengumi.

Beaten and left to perish, Ryuunosuke Ibuki is robbed of everything to his name. Seeing him in such a pitiful state, a man named Kamo Serizawa gives him a second chance and offers him to become his personal assistant. Ibuki seems to be spared by grief, but this new lifestyle only makes him nothing more than a dog to one of the most influential men in all of Kyoto. Meanwhile, with the rise of ronin attacks on the general population, the shogunate sends the Roshigumi to Kyoto to strike for peace. Led by the honorable yet soft-spoken Isami Kondou, the Roshigumi is composed of strong and skilled samurai but lacks any meaningful political connections to gain footing in the city plagued by crime. Having no other choice, Kondou allies with the arrogant Serizawa and his connections in exchange for their combative strength. Despite hating everything the samurai stand for, Ibuki finds himself tangled in the business of the Roshigumi. However, as he interacts with the members under Kondou's leadership, Ibuki slowly realizes that not all samurai are as cruel and dishonorable as he once thought. Hakuouki Reimeiroku explores the early days leading up to the formation of the Shinsengumi while the political tension in Kyoto gives rise to instability and uncertainty. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Peace Maker Kurogane

Although traumatized by witnessing the murder of his parents by one of the Choushuu, Ichimura Tetsunosuke's thirst for revenge lead him to desire strength. At the age of 15, Tetsunosuke approached the Shinsengumi, wanting to become one of its members. However, Tetsunosuke lacked the skill, mind and will to emotionlessly cut down whoever threatened peace and the Shinsengumi. Even with the support of his brother Tatsunosuke and his newfound friends of the Shinsengumi, little did Tetsunosuke know the blood and pain he would have to face being part of this historical group.

Orient: Awajishima Gekitou-hen

After Musashi rescues Michiru Saruwatari from a demon, his friend Kojirou Kanemaki discovers that his father was a member of the Uesugi clan. Determined to learn more about his own past, Kojirou—alongside his Kanemaki clansmen—decides to participate in Uesugi's punitive expedition against the demon lord of Awaji Island: Yamata no Orochi, an eight-headed dragon that threatens to engulf the entire region. However, upon joining Uesugi's military alliance, Musashi faces the harsh reality of fighting against powerful demons. Humiliated by his lack of power and inability to work in groups, he has to learn how to cooperate with his newfound allies. Meanwhile, the Obsidian Eight—a group pursuing the Obsidian Goddess that dwells within Musashi's body—resumes its hunt for Musashi, and plans to thwart the ongoing island operation. As the situation grows chaotic, Musashi and his friends must foil the machinations of the various factions conspiring to seize the Obsidian Goddess. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Samurai Deeper Kyou

Samurai deeper kyo.

In the year 1600, at the fog-covered battlefield of Sekigahara, a fierce battle was waged by two exemplary swordsmen. One was Kyoushirou Mibu, a skilled and noble warrior in possession of the unique powers of the Mibu Clan. The other was the thousand-man slayer, with eyes and hair the color of blood, "Demon Eyes" Kyou. Their legendary clash was cut short when a meteor from the heavens fell down upon that battlefield, leaving both to vanish in its wake. Samurai Deeper Kyou begins four years after that battle, when a gun-wielding bounty hunter by the name of Yuya Shiina hunts down Kyoushirou—now a perverted, traveling medicine-man who has built up a large debt. On her way to claim his bounty, they are attacked by an inhuman monster that seeks to devour Kyoushirou. This encounter awakens "Demon Eyes" Kyou, whose mind has been trapped inside of Kyoushirou's body ever since that fateful battle. Thus begins a grand tale of legendary two swordsmen and the discovery of their secrets.

Gintama: Nanigoto mo Saisho ga Kanjin nanode Tashou Senobisuru Kurai ga Choudoyoi

Gintama: jump festa 2005 special.

Due to the arrival of aliens called the "Amanto," the samurai of feudal Japan have fallen into misery and despair. Denied their swords and stature, they are now treated as an object of pity and utter disregard while the Amanto mercilessly terrorizes the country. To restore the reputation of the samurai, the Anti-Foreigner Faction leader Kotarou Katsura resolves to eradicate the Amanto—even if he must resort to violent methods. With a giant mecha at his disposal, he plans to initiate an attack against the Shinsengumi, an army of skillful samurai dedicated to protecting the peace of Edo. Meanwhile, Yorozuya owner Gintoki Sakata and his friends are out to see the cherry blossoms. However, they are interrupted when the Shinsengumi show up, claiming Gintoki has stolen their spot for flower-viewing. Quickly spiraling into a frenzied quarrel, the two groups settle the fight through a game of rock-paper-scissors—albeit with rather brutal methods. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Ishinshishi e no Chinkonka

Samurai x: the motion picture.

The war against the Tokugawa Shogunate ended years ago. But there are some who are not happy with the outcome. Shigure Takimi watched his friends and family get slashed down in the name of freedom and prosperity. Now he and a band of desperate rebels have sworn to settle one final score. Only one man stands in their way: Kenshin Himura. But when Shigure discovers Kenshin's true identity as the Hitokiri Battousai, his fight becomes a personal vendetta. (Source: ANN)

Sengoku Otome: Momoiro Paradox

Battle girls: time paradox.

Yoshino Hide is an average girl who always seems to find trouble wherever she goes. One day Yoshino visits a local shrine to pray in order to pass her upcoming test. However, Yoshino sees a blue light coming from inside the Shrine and looks inside to find a mysterious person performing a magic spell. In a stroke of bad luck, Yoshino trips on a small bell and crashes into the shrine, prompting the stranger to catch her. Upon Yoshino's capture, the magic spell spirals out of control and sends Yoshino back in time to the Sengoku Era. Yoshino then encounters Akechi Mitsuhide and Oda Nobunaga. But unlike what really happened during the era, Hideyoshino realizes that everyone in the world is female. She then decides to help Oda Nobunaga find the Crimson Armor which is said to allow the person wearing the armor to conquer all of Japan.

Gintama: Yorinuki Gintama-san on Theater 2D

Demonic Vice-Commander of the Shinsengumi, Toushirou Hijikata, acquires a cursed sword—one which completely rewrites his personality, morphing him from a hard-boiled, no-nonsense cop into a hopeless otaku. As he struggles to break the curse, an ambitious new member of the police force, Itou Kamotarou, seizes the opportunity to depose Hijikata in his bid for power within the organization. However, Itou's scheme is revealed to be more devious than anyone imagined, and the very existence of the Shinsengumi is thrown into peril. In another time and place, the Yorozuya squad is suddenly greeted by a potential new recruit. Before them is a mysterious young woman named Pirako Doromizu who hides a penchant for extreme violence behind her smiling, enthusiastic exterior. However, unbeknownst to Gintoki and the others, Pirako has strong ties to one of the ruling figures of the Kabuki district of Edo, and her arrival sets off a chain reaction that throws the inhabitants of the district into a civil war. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Juubee Ninpuuchou: Ryuuhougyoku-hen

Ninja scroll: the series.

Fourteen years after defeating the immortal warrior Himuro Genma and thwarting the Shogun of the Dark's evil plans, Kibagami Jubei continues to roam all over Japan as a masterless swordsman. During his journey, he meets Shigure, a priestess who has never seen the world outside her village. But when a group of demons destroys the village and kills everyone, Jubei becomes a prime target after acquiring the Dragon Jewel—a stone with an unknown origin. Meanwhile, Shigure—along with the monk Dakuan and a young thief named Tsubute—travels to the village of Yagyu. And with two demon clans now hunting down Shigure, Dakuan must once again acquire the services of Jubei to protect the Priestess of Light. (Source: ANN)

Gintama: Shinyaku Benizakura-hen

It's the running gag of Ben Johnson episode where animation staff reuse the New Years footage; Yorozuya would sit around the kotatsu eating a bowl of tangerines. They discuss elaborate subjects, Shinpachi complains about reusing animation footage, and then Gin-chan always ending the gag with a pointless announcement.

Gintama': Futon ni Haitte kara Buki Nokoshi ni Kizuite Neru ni Nerenai Toki mo Aru

Bundled with limited edition of the 58th Gintama manga volume. The tagline for the bundled anime reads, "It's time for all the Yorozuya members ...to wake up just one more time." (Source: MAL News, edited)

The blade arts of the "Devil" tasked with striking down evils threatening a peaceful Edo! Heizou Hasegawa, upholding the role of chief officer protecting against crime and arson! In 1783, the heart of the Tenmei era, Hasegawa held the office of chief director of the department charged with sustaining safety in the region, suppressing the most vile of thieves and criminals, an individual largely feared, renowned as Devil Heizou... (Source: MAL News)

Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto

Intrigue in the bakumatsu: irohanihoheto.

In the final years of the Bakumatsu, wandering mercenary Yojiro Akizuki travels the length and breadth of Japan. And while he employs his sword in the usual fashion, he also uses it to help him locate supernatural items which he pursues with single-minded determination, often with bloody results. In the course of his quest, he crosses paths with a traveling theater group whose members have their own dark agenda. Is it a chance meeting or the result of some, as yet, undiscovered conspiracy? (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

Gintama: Dai Hanseikai

Some of the characters get together and talk about "regrets" they have after 4 years of anime Gintama. Soon they fight over who gets more screen time. Special animation shown at the Gintama Haru Matsuri 2010 live event.

Bucchigire!

Shine on bakumatsu bad boys.

Following a ruthless attack from an imperialist criminal gang known as the Masked Demons, Shinsengumi's Eighth Division—the law-enforcing squad in Kyoto that remains faithful to the shogunate—is nearly annihilated, with its sole survivor, Heisuke Toudou, critically injured. Urged to rebuild the Shinsengumi by the local feudal lord, Katamori Matsudaira, Toudou decides to offer eight convicts the chance to redeem themselves: they must abandon their old names and become substitutes for the eight Shinsengumi captains. All accept but one, who ends up immediately executed by the former assassin Sakuya. However, Toudou has a hard time transforming the seven reformed criminals into loyal servants. Due to his lack of discipline, the impulsive and vengeful Ichibanboshi, whose family perished at the hands of the Masked Demons, threatens the success of Toudou's strategy. As Toudou pledges to protect the shogunate against imperialists and foreign invaders, other factions, such as Kogorou Katsura's group, start to put their plans in motion with only one goal in mind—to seize power at the dusk of the Edo period. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Gintama°: Umai-mono wa Atomawashi ni Suru to Yokodorisareru kara Yappari Saki ni Kue

After overcoming monumental obstacles in their previous adventures, Gintoki Sakata, Shinpachi Shimura, and Kagura gather at the Yorozuya office to discuss important matters. The trio, accompanied by their hilarious and eccentric friends, reveals a long-awaited notice: the biggest Gintama arc is coming to the big screens! [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Drifters: Special Edition

Bundled with the fifth manga volume.

Sengoku Basara Movie: The Last Party

Sengoku basara - samurai kings: the movie.

The story of the film is set after the conflict instigated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi ended, but not before the Battle of Sekigahara determines who shall be the Shogun of Japan. (Source: ANN)

Hakuouki Movie 1: Kyoto Ranbu

Hakuoki ~demon of the fleeting blossom~ wild dance of kyoto.

Disguised as a boy, young Chizuru Yukimura leaves her quiet home and heads to Kyoto in search of her missing father—a medical doctor by the name of Koudou. She soon learns that the volatile capital city is a dangerous place to be in as she is ambushed by a pair of ronin while in the streets. Much to her horror, the ronin are slain right in front of her eyes by white-haired, red-eyed samurai, only to be quickly disposed of by three men from the Shinsengumi—a special police force who serve the shogun. After the incident, Chizuru finds herself being taken into custody by the Shinsengumi for further questioning. Upon learning that her missing father is also the same man they are searching for, the chief allows her to stay in their care while they look for his whereabouts. While working as an assistant for second-in-command Toshizou Hijikata, Chizuru slowly discovers just how connected the troubling political environment of Kyoto and the demonic-looking white-haired samurai are to her. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sengoku Basara: Judge End

Sengoku basara: end of judgement.

Based on CAPCOM's 2010 game Sengoku Basara 3 (Sengoku Basara: Samurai Heroes), Sengoku Basara: Judge End will depict the epic Battle of Sekigahara. (Source: ANN)

Kochouki: Wakaki Nobunaga

The fearsome warlord, the demonic king—Oda Nobunaga! Before he was trying to rule over Japan, he was a teenager who began his path to greatness with his younger brother and faithful followers. Through succession, betrayal, battles, and bonds between one another, the struggles these boys face promise a future where they can blossom into powerful men. (Source: Funimation)

Hyouge Mono

The story is set during Japan's Sengoku Jidai (Era of the Warring States) and centers on Furuta Sasuke, a vassal of the great warlord Oda Nobunaga and a man obsessed with tea ceremony and material desires in his pursuit of a fortuitous life. Having learned from Oda and the legendary tea master Sen no Soueki, Furuta walks the way of the Hyouge Mono. (Source: ANN)

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Shin Kyoto-hen

Rurouni kenshin: new kyoto arc.

A large scale remake of the time after Kenshin leaves Tokyo up until before the inferno of Kyoto.

Drifters: The Outlandish Knight

In the Orte Empire, Count Saint-Germi succeeds in his negotiations with the merchants of Gu-Binnen, putting an end to a decades-long war and securing the resources Orte desperately needs. Meanwhile, Naoshi Kanno bolsters his beastman forces with the addition of the cat tribe. After receiving an unexpected envoy from Rear Admiral Tamon Yamaguchi—a fellow Imperial Japanese Armed Forces member—Kanno, along with Scipio Africanus, sets out to meet a man he thought to be dead. As his enemies prepare for war, the Black King mobilizes his army, giving command to a certain Drifter's sworn enemy. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sengoku Collection

Sengoku Collection revolves around many samurai who are accidentally removed from a parallel universe inhabited by well-known historic characters. Unlike the historical war period known to us, all inhabitants in this unique world look like high school girls. Coming from the medieval era and finding themselves totally amazed by everything they encounter in modern day Tokyo, the girls become best friends through their adventures. (Source: Crunchyroll)

Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

Edo-period Japan stands strong and proud, decades after its imminent doom was prophesied. The new shogun, Yoshimune "Nobu" Tokugawa, encounters an array of traditions that, to her modern judgment, make little sense. An epidemic exclusively rages among men, resulting in men making up only one-fifth of the population. Still, three thousand young, agile, and beautiful men serve in the Oooku—the shogun's Inner Chambers. To unearth the origins of the existing hierarchy where women head their families and govern the nation, Nobu reviews the chronicles of the odd disease. Customs and traditions have changed to accommodate for the plague; these new laws dictate the current culture and reflect the cruel story of the first female shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa. Most notably, these customs seem to lead back to the moment a young monk, Arikoto Madenokoji, must abandon his way of life and devote his remaining days to the shogun and her Oooku. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Mutsu Enmei Ryuu Gaiden: Shura no Toki

Time of shura.

Legends tell of an invincible martial art known as Mutsu Enmei-Ryu, an unarmed style that allows the user to defeat any number of armed opponents using incredible speed and strength. This is the story of three generations of those who bear the name Mutsu, and their encounters and battles with the strongest fighters of their era. (Source: ANN)

The Bakumatsu was an era in which the souls of young men burned with anxiety for their country's future. Takasugi Shinsaku, a soldier of fortune from Choshu, sneaks aboard a government ship with his comrade Katsura Kogorou in search of a mysterious "timepiece" with the power to manipulate time that he fears the government wishes to keep for themselves. Rather than allow such power to fall into the wrong hands, Takasugi plans to destroy the artifact, but having obtained it, the artifact is quickly stolen, forcing the pair to follow the mysterious thief to the seat of government in Kyoto. However, when they arrive in the capital, they discover that the government has been overthrown and the deity Susanoo now reigns in its place. The streets of the city and the people in them are much different than Takasugi and Katsura remembered. The times may have changed but their mission hasn't - Takasugi and Katsura resolve to reset time and save their nation from the nefarious forces trying to hijack it. (Source: Tokyo Otaku Mode)

Sengoku Musou

Samurai warriors.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi is on the verge of unifying the realm, and all that remains is the Odawara Castle protected by the "Lion of Sagami" Ujiyasu Houjou. Hideyoshi's personally trained generals—Ishida Mitsunari, Katou Kiyomasa, and Fukushima Masanori—as well as Ootani Yoshitsugu, Shima Sakon, and Naoe Kanetsugu are all on the frontline of the battle. Amidst the battle formation are the two young warriors of the Sanada household: older brother Nobuyuki and younger brother Yukimura. As the stalemate begins to break down, Sanada Yukimura rides on a lone horse into the fray. His brother follows him right after. (Source: ANN)

Dororo to Hyakkimaru

To aid his conquest of Japan, the ruthless lord Daigo Kagemitsu offers to sacrifice his soon-to-be-born son to 48 demons. The demons accept, and the next day, the child is born with several missing limbs and is ruthlessly cast down a river. Fifteen years later, a stubborn young boy named Dororo struggles to survive against hunger and oppressive samurai on the streets of an impoverished and war-torn village. After angering a group of thugs, Dororo is attacked by them, but a mysterious man interrupts them, claiming to hear spirits nearby. Sure enough, a monster emerges from the river, and the man then removes his prosthetic arms, revealing blades hidden underneath, with which he slays the monster before leaving. That night, as the man walks through the forest, Dororo approaches him and declares that he will accompany him. From this, the man, Hyakkimaru, reveals that many of his body parts were stolen by demons and that though he sought a peaceful life, he couldn't escape their relentless onslaught. Despite the tale, Dororo still insists on tagging along. And thus, Hyakkimaru travels through Japan with his new companion and a puppy named Nota, facing the brutality of both hell and mankind. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Hakuouki Movie 2: Shikon Soukyuu

Hakuoki ~demon of the fleeting blossom~ warrior spirit of the blue sky.

Second part of two Hakuouki movies.

Fuyu no Semi

Embracing love: a cicada in winter.

Touma Kusaka stands out from the rest of the Choshu Clan, as he does not share their anti-foreigner sentiment. After reuniting with Keiichirou Akizuki, a vassal of the Tokugawa family who once helped him escape from government authorities, the pair begin studying English in secret. As they continue to meet behind their feuding families' backs, romance between the two begins to bloom. But with war looming on the horizon between their respective clans, Kusaka and Akizuki's hope for a world where they can be together may never come to fruition if their obligations and bloodlines get in the way. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Soul Buster

Keishuu, China. The history books say that in the era of the Three Kingdoms, this land was a place of never-ending war. A young high school boy, Sonshin, who hates his city's history, is troubled by a certain dream. When he wakes up from the dream, strange things begin to happen one after another, and without understanding what's going on, he suddenly finds himself facing Gien, one of the generals from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, who's trying to kill him! Just before Gien's blade strikes home, a mysterious beautiful woman appears in front of Sonshin. What trials await Sonshin, as he witnesses this terrible battle between two generals of the Three Kingdoms? (Source: Crunchyroll)

Rurouni Kenshin Special

Samurai x special.

A VHS only special episode. Also known as Episode 95.

Yoroiden Samurai Troopers

Samurai troopers.

Thousands of years ago, the evil emperor Talpa attempted to conquer the Earth. Defeated, he was banished to the Nether Realm and his armor was divided into 9 separate suits. Now, he has returned to conquer Earth, having reclaimed 4 of the suits. The other 5 are in the possesion of those who are the only hope of stopping him: The Ronin Warriors. (Source: ANN)

Kazemakase Tsukikage Ran

Carried by the wind: tsukikage ran.

In the Edo or Tokugawa period (1600–1868), Ran, a female wandering samurai whose skill with the katana is only matched by her taste for sake (rice wine), is joined by a chinese martial artist who calls herself Lady Meow of the Iron Cat Fist. Tsukikage Ran has individual episodes that are just short stories of their adventures.

Gintama: Monster Strike-hen

Collaboration anime between Gintama and Monster Strike.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Kyoto Douran

Rurouni kenshin season 2.

Second season of Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (2023).

Hakuouki: Hekketsuroku - Kyoto Kaisouroku

Summary of the first season of Hakuouki Shinsengumi Kitan. Aired the week before the second season began.

Hakuouki OVA

Two short OVA of Hakuouki distributed to those who purchased all six volumes of the DVD. A fandisc game "Hakuoki Zuisouroku" and an official parody "Hakuoki SSL (a high school parody)" were animated.

Meiji Gekken: 1874

Shizuma Origasa, once a renowned samurai in the Aizu Domain, has fallen on hard times following his home region's crushing defeat against the new imperial government. To make ends meet, Shizuma now works as a rickshaw puller in Tokyo. Meanwhile, he tirelessly searches for his missing fiancée, Sumie Kanomata, the younger sister of his close friend Gennosuke, who had entrusted Shizuma with her safety in his final moments. After foiling an assassination plot, Shizuma is hired by the police force, and he uses this opportunity to further his pursuit of Sumie. However, he soon lands in a whirlpool of political conspiracies involving government loyalists, persistent rebels, cunning courtesans, meddlesome foreigners, and even a mysterious yakuza member, Kyoushirou Shuragami. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

This ambitious series will focus on Miyamoto Musashi, who is modeled after Toshiro Mifune, the Japanese film icon known around the globe. This is the beginning of an intense series full of realistic action in which Musashi's blade slices through evil as he traverses a land plagued by poverty. (Source: Official Youtube, edited)

During the turbulent end of the Tokugawa era, many children became war orphans. One of these orphans, a nameless son of a samurai, ends up meeting Ryouma Sakamoto, a man working against the Bakufu government. Impressed by the orphan's skill with a blade, Ryouma gives him the name "Ryo" and lets him travel by his side. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Sengoku Basara: Setonai no Gekitotsu! Hi wo Fuku Umi no Daiyousai - Fugaku!!

Maeda Toshiie and Matsu visit Chousokabe Motochika, who governs Shikoku. They tell Motochika unreasonable demands from Nobunaga. Motochika rejects them and urges Maeda to betray Nobunaga. Meanwhile Keiji tries to convince Mouri Motonari to join the fight against Nobunaga, and is imprisoned as a result. Motochika and Motonari move against each other.

Stranger: Mukou Hadan Pilot

Sword of the stranger pilot.

Young Nanashi is a drifting samurai under the service of an enigmatic monk who teaches the ways of life. In search for the meaning of life, Nanashi is forced to partake in certain horrendous acts to overcome the corrupt governments of China and Japan. The mysterious and observant samurai is forced to show a dark side to accomplish his goals and rescue society. [Written by MAL Rewrite]

Touken Ranbu Kai: Kyoden Moyuru Honnouji

Touken ranbu kai kyoden.

Anime adaptation of the stage play Touken Ranbu: Kyoden Moyuru Honnouji.

Rurouni Kenshin: Special Techniques

Similiar to the "Himura Kenshin's Greatest Hits" from the first special, this episode goes through every technique of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryuu and explains how it works.

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