Top Anime Like Blue Eye Samurai: Best Picks for Fans of Samurai Action

anime like blue eye samurai

Can’t move on from the thrilling adventures in Blue Eye Samurai? If you have always loved historical anime series with a lot of swordplay, you’ve come to the right place. Aside from providing viewers the knowledge of the past, these kinds of stories also have the gripping entertainment and animation that anyone would love to watch. While this hit has set the bar high for a rich–historical action series, there is still a diverse range of samurai–themed series that share the same concepts with this! So here are the best anime like Blue Eye Samurai!

Rurouni Kenshin

Way back in the Meiji-era Japan, Rurouni Kenshin follows the story of a wandering assassin, Kenshin Himura or also famously known as the fearsome Hitokiri Battousai. Roaming the countryside with his reverse-blade sword, Battousai seeks redemption by helping others in need, vowing to never take a life ever again. Not until threats come his way. 

Himura keeping his ideals empowered despite the threats is a one-way lesson that could be gotten from this series. This series also humanizes the protagonist well, trying to resonate with the hint of reality as human beings. Overall, this anime like Blue Eye Samurai balances well with the narrative of Battousai’s personal and emotional growth, making it a classic that almost anyone can enjoy.

Shigurui

If you already liked Blue Eye Samurai’s darker elements, Shigurui is much more than that. The story centers on two disciples of Iwamoto Kogan; the one-armed Fujiki and the blind Irako, in Edo Japan. They are fiercely challenging themselves to claim Kogan’s successor. The problem? Only one of them could ever win. 

This anime focuses more on the conflicts of fate, rivalry, and pride. As it was way darker, it also showcases a slower pace in storytelling and gives more intense themes which might not be appropriate or appealing to everyone. However, despite its provocative narrative, it still commits to historical elements and more accurate samurai ideals, making it a good watch in the genre. 

Dororo

If your life’s miserable, then how much more is Hyakkimaru? Born without limbs or facial features due to his father’s demonic pact, he still lives, and continues living in that way. Not until he was abandoned and left alone, dying. After being saved by a good medicine man, he later on meets Dororo who becomes his loyal companion through thick and thin.

Dororo is a masterpiece that displays a great balance of self-exploration, friendship, and even bravery. As you continue to watch it, you’ll be captivated by the narrative’s heartbreaking and thought-provoking layers that surely adds lessons to our life. Plus Dororo and Hyakkimaru’s perfect dynamics in the series will make you realize that this isn’t just your typical samurai action story. 

House of Five Leaves 

With the historical elements still on the run, House of Five Leaves will let you meet the most timid and reluctant samurai ever in anime history. Masanosuke “Masa” Akitsu is a wandering ronin and a master swordsman with a bit of social anxiety. He was eventually tangled up with a mysterious group. The moment he gets transported, he finds himself in a world where honor and immorality are a blur where he must grapple with their ideals immediately. 

House of Five Leaves proves that the real battle can’t be found in the complexity of any sword fights and battles, it is within yourself. Taking a subtle way of storytelling, its lack of intense action scenes is still compensated by its unique narrative approach and perfect world-building. It centers into themes of the internal conflicts Akitsu has, delving more into human relationships and their moral dilemmas. 

Vinland Saga

Have you ever thought how similar Vikings and Samurais actually are? This thought might seem far from some of you, but the terrors of honor and weight of violence speaks the same volume as one another; just like how the Vinland Saga is with Blue Eye Samurai. Vinland Saga follows the journey of young Thorfinn, who is seeking revenge against the man who killed his father. This story emphasized vengeance and harsh realities of human nature. 

Personally, I consider this one of the best picks for an anime like Blue Eye Samurai. The storytelling of this series is outstanding as some of the events were based on authentic historical details from before. You can resonate well with Thorfinn’s internal dilemma, that could make you go along the story up until the end. It could also make you empathize well about the cycles of violence of war from the past as well as how humans can change. 

Ninja Scroll

As demons lurk in the shadows, swordsmen are as needed now as they were before. Ninja Scroll is a movie that follows the story of Jubei Kibagami as he finds himself entangled in political intrigue amidst a mysterious plague. His journey reaches its peak as he fights enemies alongside Kagero, uncovering the truth behind the known plague together.

If you love anime like Blue Eye Samurai, then Ninja Scroll is perfect for you. It features deep emotional undertones and intense historical action that will keep you engaged throughout the series. Despite its older release, this anime still offers remarkable and relatable scenes that compare well with the most recent series on the internet, serving as the masterclass basis for other samurai horror stories.

Afro Samurai

How could a mere headband grant warriors god-like powers, right? This is the actual concept of Afro Samurai. We follow the story of Afro, who experienced and witnessed the worst things as a young boy at the hands of a ruthless gunslinger. Eventually, he dons the Number Two headband, ready to fend off anyone in his path.

If you’re seeking a more revenge-oriented anime similar to Blue Eye Samurai, Afro Samurai offers you everything. You will notice the established relationship Afro has with Ninja Ninja, which balances the darker elements surrounding the series. Overall, it perfectly blends intense action with a masterful narrative, with a straightforward pacing throughout the story.

Basilisk 

In a world where Romeo and Juliet meets Ninja Warfare, Basilisk centers the story around the forbidden love of Kouga and Iga. These two ninjas try their best to unite their families through marriage following a long overdue truce, until the resurgence of war forces them into a battle royal. Due to this brutal twist, their love remains at risk as they choose between their duty and feelings.

Basilisk is a complex story that revolves around themes like love, sacrifice, and political intrigue. It effectively captures the tension between desires and loyalty, imposing an extreme struggle on the main protagonists. With stakes as high as their clan’s pride, the action and heartbreaking scenes will leave you breathless, making it an anticipated watch for fans of samurai action with a hint of romance.

Samurai Champloo 

Breaking the historical anime playbook on Samurai, Samurai Champloo offers something different. Following three incompatible companions—a clumsy waitress, a stoic ronin, and a wild vagabond—they embark on a journey to find a mysterious samurai who smells like sunflowers. Taking a break from intense battle fights, this anime series leads you to comedic antics and action that create a creative style in samurai storytelling.

When modernity meets traditional antics, an imaginative experience is established within the viewer’s perspective. Adding a historical context with modern elements adds depth to the overall concept of an anime, which Samurai Champloo takes seriously in its creation. If you’re looking for a lighter and funnier anime like Blue Eye Samurai, consider this option first.

Katanagatari 

In a serious quest to collect twelve legendary swords, Shichika, the enigmatic seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school, accepts a deal with the ambitious strategist, Togame. Together, their alliance embarks on a dangerous journey to complete the quest and fight against those who wish them harm. If you take everything you know about any samurai anime, Katanagatari will subvert your expectations.

Katanagatari transports you to the adventurous world of Shichika and Togame, making you feel as if you are journeying with them. The character dynamics of these two protagonists offer outstanding narratives unlike any traditional samurai stories. Also, the animation style is one of a kind, enhancing the viewing experience while making each battle feel significant.

Conclusion

Of course, Blue Eye Samurai will always have a unique flavor for you, but in the realm of its genre, these series on the list will take you through another gateway and depth of samurai-themed anime. Each brings its own sense of concept and style, pushing the boundaries to tell a different story with a similar blend of narrative. The bonus part is that these stories provide a glimpse of history, offering you more knowledgeable lessons. And while you’re here, check out the top anime where people turn into weapons!

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