From feudal Japan to Victorian England, the world of anime offers a captivating lens through which to explore history. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or simply enjoy a good story, historical anime can transport you to different eras, introduce you to fascinating characters, and offer unique perspectives on the past. These series and films often blend historical accuracy with creative storytelling, making learning about history entertaining and engaging.
Historical Anime Gems: Action, Drama, Mystery & More
In this list, I’ve gathered a diverse selection of historical anime across various genres, from action-packed samurai epics to poignant dramas and intriguing mysteries. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let’s embark on a journey through time and animation!
Intrigue and Mystery in the Imperial Court: The Apothecary Diaries
This historical anime hooked me from the start. Set in a vast imperial palace, we follow Maomao, a clever apothecary who finds herself unexpectedly working within its walls. What makes this historical anime special is Maomao’s sharp wit and scientific approach to solving the palace’s many mysteries, from strange illnesses to political conspiracies. It’s a refreshing take on the historical drama, blending captivating mysteries with a glimpse into the daily lives of those within the imperial court.
Family, Demons, and Taisho-Era Japan: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer isn’t strictly historical in the sense of depicting real events, but it beautifully captures the atmosphere of Taisho-era Japan (early 20th century). The blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics with supernatural elements is stunning. Tanjirou’s journey, fueled by his love for his family and his determination to save his sister, is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The action sequences in this historical anime are top-notch, and the emotional depth of the characters makes it a truly memorable experience.
Vikings and the Search for Meaning: Vinland Saga
This historical anime is a brutal yet beautiful exploration of Viking culture. Vinland Saga tells the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking driven by revenge. What struck me most about this historical anime is its exploration of themes like violence, redemption, and the search for meaning in life. It’s not always an easy watch, but it’s a powerful and thought-provoking one.
Revolutionizing the British Empire: Moriarty the Patriot
Set in Victorian-era England, Moriarty the Patriot offers a unique perspective on class and social inequality. This historical anime reimagines the story of Sherlock Holmes’s nemesis, William James Moriarty, as a brilliant strategist seeking to dismantle the corrupt nobility. The series raises interesting questions about justice and the means to achieve it. It’s a clever and engaging historical anime that kept me guessing until the very end.
War and the Birth of an Emperor: Kingdom
Kingdom transports us to ancient China during the Warring States period. This historical anime follows the journey of Shin, a war orphan who dreams of becoming a great general. The scale of the battles is truly epic, and the character development is fantastic. It’s a historical anime that captures the chaos and ambition of this pivotal era in Chinese history.
Demons, Body Parts, and a Warring States Setting: Dororo (2019)
Dororo is a dark and fantastical take on the historical anime genre. Set during the Sengoku period, it tells the story of a ronin and a young thief who team up to fight demons. The visuals are stunning, and the story is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. This historical anime blends action, horror, and a touch of folklore to create a truly unique experience.
Hip-Hop Samurai in Edo-Era Japan: Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a stylistic masterpiece. This historical anime blends samurai action with a hip-hop soundtrack and a distinctly modern sensibility. The three main characters, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, are all incredibly charismatic, and their journey through Edo-era Japan is full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s a historical anime that’s both cool and captivating.
Gold Rush and Ainu Culture in Hokkaido: Golden Kamuy
Set in the early 20th century, Golden Kamuy offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ainu culture and the Hokkaido gold rush. This historical anime combines adventure, suspense, and historical detail in a truly compelling way. The characters are all well-developed, and the story is full of surprises. It’s a historical anime that’s both informative and entertaining.
A Wandering Swordsman and a Young Orphan: Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Stranger is a beautifully animated historical anime film. The action sequences are breathtaking, and the story is both heartwarming and tragic. It’s a historical anime that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption.
Ninjas, Immortality, and a Mysterious Island: Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
Hell’s Paradise blends historical elements with supernatural horror. This historical anime follows a group of criminals who are sent to a mysterious island in search of an elixir of immortality. The visuals are stunning, and the story is full of suspense.
Life During Wartime in Hiroshima and Kure: In This Corner of the World
In This Corner of the World is a poignant and moving historical anime film. It tells the story of a young woman living in Hiroshima and Kure during World War II. The film beautifully captures the everyday lives of ordinary people during a time of great upheaval. It’s a historical anime that’s both intimate and impactful.
A Princess from a Bamboo Stalk: The Tale of the Princess Kaguya
This Studio Ghibli masterpiece is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant historical anime film. It tells the classic Japanese folktale of Princess Kaguya with breathtaking artistry and a touch of magic.
Mystery and the Supernatural in 1920s Europe: Gosick
Gosick blends historical elements with mystery and the supernatural. Set in a fictional European country in the early 20th century, this historical anime follows a Japanese exchange student and a mysterious young girl who solve crimes together.
Renaissance Discoveries and Heresy: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
Orb explores the early days of the Renaissance and the clash between science and religion. This historical anime tells the story of a young Polish scholar who challenges the accepted view of the universe.
Gender Bending and Courtly Intrigue in 18th-Century France: The Rose of Versailles
The Rose of Versailles is a classic historical anime set in 18th-century France. It tells the story of Oscar, a woman raised as a man, who becomes the bodyguard of Marie Antoinette. This historical anime explores themes of gender, class, and revolution.
A Young Heir on the Run: The Elusive Samurai
The Elusive Samurai is a historical anime that blends action and adventure with a touch of humor. It tells the story of a young heir to a powerful clan who is forced to flee after a betrayal.
Supernatural Abilities and the Inner Palace: Raven of the Inner Palace
Raven of the Inner Palace offers a unique perspective on the imperial court. This historical anime focuses on a mysterious concubine who uses her supernatural abilities to help those in need.
A Guard’s Journey and Political Intrigue: Blades of the Guardians
Blades of the Guardians is a historical anime set in ancient China. It follows a guard who becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy.
The Rise and Fall of a Clan: The Heike Story
The Heike Story is a historical anime that tells the story of the rise and fall of the Taira clan in 12th-century Japan. It’s a tragic tale of ambition, betrayal, and war.
A Gang of Kidnappers in Edo: House of Five Leaves
House of Five Leaves is a historical anime that offers a nuanced portrayal of a gang of criminals. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.
Art and Ambition in Renaissance Italy: Arte
Arte is a heartwarming historical anime set in Renaissance Italy. It tells the story of a young woman who dreams of becoming an artist.
A Female Shogun and Her Harem: Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Ooku is a historical anime that reimagines the Tokugawa era with a female shogun and a male harem. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles and power dynamics.
Swords and the Meiji Era: Laughing Under the Clouds
Laughing Under the Clouds is a historical anime set in the Meiji era, when swords were outlawed. It follows three brothers who are tasked with delivering criminals to a prison.
War and Diplomacy in the Türkiye Stratocracy: Altair: A Record of Battles
Altair is a historical anime set in a fictional world inspired by the Ottoman Empire. It tells the story of a young military leader who tries to prevent war.
A Prince’s Quest to Reclaim His Kingdom: The Heroic Legend of Arslan
The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a classic historical anime that tells the story of a young prince who must reclaim his kingdom after it is conquered.
A Princess and Her Dragon Warriors: Yona of the Dawn
Yona of the Dawn is a historical anime that blends action, adventure, and fantasy. It follows a princess who must find allies to reclaim her kingdom.
A Woman in the Imperial Court: The Story of Saiunkoku
The Story of Saiunkoku is a historical anime set in a fictional kingdom inspired by ancient China. It tells the story of a young woman who becomes a concubine to the emperor.
Samurai Warlords and Political Intrigue: Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings
Sengoku Basara is a historical anime that reimagines the Sengoku period with a focus on action and over-the-top characters. It’s a historical anime that’s more about entertainment than historical accuracy, but it’s a fun and exciting ride.
An Artist’s Life in Edo: Miss Hokusai
Miss Hokusai is a historical anime film that offers a glimpse into the life of Katsushika Hokusai’s daughter, O-Ei. It’s a beautifully animated film that explores the world of art and creativity in Edo-era Japan.
Samurai and the Amanto: Gintama
Gintama is a unique historical anime that blends samurai action with science fiction and comedy. It’s set in an alternate Edo-era Japan where aliens have taken over. While it’s not strictly historical, it does incorporate elements of Japanese history and culture. This historical anime is known for its humor, its action sequences, and its surprisingly poignant moments. It’s a truly unique blend that defies easy categorization.
The Power of Music: Sakamichi no Apollon
While Sakamichi no Apollon is set in the 1960s, it beautifully captures the atmosphere of a bygone era. This historical anime focuses on the power of jazz music and the friendships that develop between a group of high school students. It’s a coming-of-age story with a fantastic soundtrack. It’s a historical anime that’s both heartwarming and nostalgic.
A Journey Through Feudal Japan: Mushishi
Mushishi is a unique and atmospheric historical anime set in a world where strange creatures called “mushi” exist. It follows a “mushi master” who travels the land helping people who are affected by these creatures. It’s a historical anime that’s both beautiful and thought-provoking.
This list is just a starting point, of course. There are many other great historical anime out there waiting to be discovered. I encourage you to explore different genres and time periods to find the historical anime that resonates with you. Happy watching!
Last Updated on February 15, 2025 by Yu Alexius
