The manga titled “Vinland Saga,” penned and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura, falls under the historical genre. An animated adaptation debuted from July 8 to December 30, 2019. Studio MAPPA is currently working on a second season. To pass the time until the next installment of this remarkable anime series, here’s a rundown of 20 other anime series you might enjoy if you’re a fan of “Vinland Saga.
20. The Twelve Kingdoms
Original Run: April 9, 2002 – August 30, 2003
Number of Episodes: 45
We kick off our top picks similar to Vinland Saga with The Twelve Kingdoms. This tale unfolds in a world mirroring ancient China, split into twelve island kingdoms named the Twelve Kingdoms. Each of these kingdoms is governed by a ruler selected by the divine creature known as the kirin, descended from Heaven and bound to a specific kingdom.
In instances of severe hurricane-like catastrophes that resemble natural disasters, there is an interplay and unregulated interactions between our world and another one, known as shoku. It’s worth noting that while some inhabitants of this world may have a vague understanding of ours, the converse is often inaccurate or untrue.
19. Record of Ragnarok
Original Run: June 17, 2021
Number of Episodes: 12
In the epic tale of Record of Ragnarok, a grand meeting occurs every millennium in Valhalla, the spiritual realm, where all deities and pantheons gather under the leadership of Zeus, the supreme Greek god. This gathering serves to decide the survival or demise of mankind. However, this time around, it seems humanity’s days are numbered, with nearly every god voting for their annihilation. But just as the decision is about to be made, Brunhild, a Valkyrie, steps in and challenges the gods to a tournament called Ragnarök. The purpose? To prove whether humans truly deserve such a fate.
In this competition, thirteen deities from different mythologies will battle it out against thirteen remarkable individuals who’ve left indelible marks on history. If humanity manages to win at least seven out of the 13 confrontations, the gods will refrain from destroying humanity. However, up against mighty figures like Zeus, Poseidon, or Shiva, the human champions will need to exceed their own limits to even stand a chance of emerging victorious.
In this situation, they can rely on the aid from the Valkyries. Adhering to the principle of Volund, each of the 13 Valkyries will combine with a mortal warrior, transforming into a weapon potent enough to wound gods. As the tournament unfolds, the gods will gradually come to recognize that humans are not as feeble as they initially believed.
18. Shigurui
Original Run: July 19, 2007 – October 12, 2007
Number of Episodes: 12
In Shigurui, we encounter the deadly sword technique of merciless master Kogan Iwamoto, a style said to be unbeatable. Any brave souls who have dared to confront his dojo have either lost their lives or sustained gruesome injuries. Yet, as Kogan grows older, there comes a time when he will select one of his pupils to take over and marry his daughter.
In the dojo, Gennosuke and Seigen stand out as the top two samurai, yet beyond their skill on the battlefield, they share no common bond. Instead, a fierce rivalry burns between them, fueled by ambition and greed. This destructive rivalry threatens to tear one of them apart, setting in motion a chain reaction that could plunge the Kogan school into chaos. “The Swords of Revenge” is a gritty narrative that delves into the dark underbelly of samurai culture, a time marked by decadence, cruelty, discipline, madness, and spirituality.
17. Hunter × Hunter
Original Release Dates: From October 16, 1999 to March 31, 2001 and from October 2, 2011 to September 24, 2014
Number of Episodes: A total of 62 episodes were aired during the first run, while 148 episodes were broadcasted in the second run.
The story of Hunter x Hunter primarily follows Gon Freecss, a twelve-year-old boy with a dream to become a hunter. Hunters are distinguished individuals who possess authorization to perform almost any action they desire, merely by presenting their membership card. This allows them to obtain items for free from the association’s funds, commandeer vehicles and accommodations for work purposes, and essentially engage in any profession worldwide. They can act as bounty hunters, chefs, archaeologists, zoologists, vigilantes, or experts in various fields.
Gon’s unknown father, Ging Freecss, is renowned as one of the most skilled hunters during his era. His ambition to track down and meet his father is what drives Gon to pursue a career as a hunter himself.
16. Ninja Scroll: The Series
Original Run: April 14, 2003 – July 15, 2003
Number of Episodes: 13
Ninja Scroll: The Series transports us back to feudal Japan, fourteen years following the demise of Himuro Genma, the immortal warrior. It delves into the secretive and mystical realm of ninjas (or shinobi), as well as the honorable and valiant world of samurais and ronins. The series showcases deadly duels and camaraderie between adversaries with shared objectives, offering a glimpse into this intriguing era.
In this tale, there exist two rival groups: the Hiruko and the Kimon. One individual from the Hiruko (named Roga) pilfers the dragon’s sacred gemstone belonging to their clan. His mission is to locate the radiant princess, Shigure, and bestow the stone upon her. Yet, in his attempt to flee, he’s pursued by both clans who covet the stone and aim to annihilate Shigure’s village.
In this rephrased version: When the Kimon tribe annihilates her, the hero, Jubei, vanquishes them. Meanwhile, the princess manages to flee. The thief Roga, on his deathbed, hands over the stone to Jubei. Throughout her voyage, she encounters countless adversaries from both clans. Eventually, they learn that Hiruko aims to protect her and the stone, guiding them towards a new era. Unfortunately, the Kimon clan’s ambition leads to the downfall of the Hijoko clan and everyone who opposes them.
15. BLACK LAGOON
Original Run: April 9, 2006 – December 19, 2006
Number of Episodes: 24
In the anime titled “BLACK LAGOON“, we join the journey of Rokuro Okajima, a young Japanese employee from a large corporation, who is sent to navigate the waters of Southeast Asia to hand-deliver a disc holding confidential and crucial data belonging to his company.
Unfortunately, a group of rogue pirates, seeking to reclaim his property, launched an attack on his boat. As a result, he was captured and held captive on their vessel, the Black Lagoon, an aging torpedo boat. Despite this situation, he remains confident that his company will take appropriate action, so he’s not overly concerned.
As a cinephile, here’s how I might rephrase it: Unbeknownst to him, my superiors have secretly recruited mercenaries to eliminate me and obliterate any trace of that mysterious record. In the gripping finale of this unforgettable premier, I choose to forsake my tranquil life in Japan and embark on the thrilling journey with these modern-day buccaneers.
14. Rurouni Kenshin
Original Run: January 10, 1996 – September 8, 1998
Number of Episodes: 95
In the year 1878, the narrative of Rurouni Kenshin unfolds in Tokyo. Kenshin Himura, once a ruthless assassin known as Battosaï, or “master swordsman,” served during the Tokugawa era. He conceals a tumultuous history beneath his peaceful exterior since the emergence of the Meiji era. Now a wanderer, he traverses the land, carrying his unique sword with a reversed blade, vowing to never take another life again.
13. Fist of the North Star
Original Run: October 11, 1984 – February 18, 1988
Number of Episodes: 152
In the post-Third World War era depicted in Fist of the North Star, Earth transformed into a barren and unforgiving landscape, with only a handful of survivors enduring this global calamity. Water, now more valuable than gold, became the world’s most coveted resource. As strength took on paramount importance, it was clear that only the mightiest ruled over the world.
In simple terms, when a man who’s sometimes called “the savior of the end of the century” emerges and uses Hokuto Shinken, a martial art with severe consequences for opponents, he will clarify and fulfill his destiny in this new world. Simultaneously, he aids the vulnerable survivors to attain a more respectable existence.
12. ΛFΓO SΛMUΓΛI
Original Release: January 4, 2007 – February 1, 2007
Number of Episodes: 5
In a future Japan where feudalism persists, it’s believed that the individual who possesses the band called Number 1 will be the most esteemed warrior globally, holding power comparable to deities. Acquiring this band can only be achieved by issuing a combat challenge to its current holder.
11. Blade of the Immortal
Original Run: From July 13, 2008 to December 28, 2008 and from October 10, 2019 to March 25, 2020
Number of Episodes: A total of 13 episodes and 24 episodes respectively
or
Original Run: The broadcast period was between July 13, 2008 and December 28, 2008 as well as October 10, 2019 to March 25, 2020
Number of Episodes: There were a total of 13 episodes for the first run and 24 episodes during the second run.
The narrative of “Blade of the Immortal” unfolds in Japan during the Edo period. Our main character, Manji, is a skilled warrior who boasts an extraordinary edge over his adversaries: he cannot die from any wound inflicted upon him. In days gone by, he was responsible for the deaths of 100 other samurai, including his own sister’s husband. An ancient nun, rumored to be 800 years old, bestows upon him the gift of immortality through creatures called “kessenchū.” These worms possess the power to heal any injury and even regenerate lost limbs, despite the fact that the amputation had occurred hours earlier.
Through the tragic loss of his sister, he embraces a task aimed at ending his eternal life: slaying 1,000 wicked individuals to seek redemption. Manji encounters a young woman named Rin Asano and pledges to aid her in seeking vengeance for her family who were brutally murdered by an elite group of sword-masters under the command of Kagehisa Anotsu. Not only did Anotsu kill Rin’s father, but he also destroyed her dojo (martial arts school).
Anotsu aims to bring together all fencing schools across the country under the banner of his own school, the Ittō-ryū, which places greater emphasis on personal mastery than technique. This process involves either assimilating or eliminating other schools. A rival group called Mugai-ryū has also emerged, standing in opposition to Ittō-ryū. The true reasons behind Anotsu’s actions and ambitions remain unclear, but his strategies, which often lead to victory, share similarities with those of the Ittō-ryū.
10. Basilisk
Duration: April 12, 2005 – September 20, 2005 and January 8, 2018 – June 18, 2018
Number of Episodes: A total of 24 episodes in both periods.
The story, titled Basilisk, centers on feudal lord Ieyasu Tokugawa, who faces a predicament: he’s unsure which of his two sons should succeed him as ruler of the empire. His advisor proposes an unusual solution. Instead, they arrange for a deadly competition. The Emperor’s two ninja clans – one hailing from Iga province and the other from Kōga province – are pitted against each other. Ten master ninjas from each clan will fight on behalf of either son.
The victorious group will decide which heir will claim the throne. Ieyasu consents to this contest, designating the Iga clan to support his eldest son Takechiyo, and the Koga clan to back his second son Kunichiyo. The chieftains of both factions eagerly agree to engage in combat, as they had been locked in a long-standing cold conflict prior to this. Once the peace treaty brokered by Hattori Hanzō was lifted, members of the Iga and Koga clans instantly turned hostile towards each other, displaying an almost morbid enthusiasm for bloodshed.
Yet, adding a layer of complexity, it’s revealed that Gennosuke from Koga and Oboro from Iga, who share a deep affection for one another, belong to rival clans. This sets off a bitter conflict where these lovers find themselves pitted against each other, compelled to question their allegiances and ultimately clash on the battlefield.
9. Attack on Titan
Original Run: April 7, 2013 – ongoing
Number of Episodes: 70 (+8 OVA episodes and several movies)
In Attack on Titan, the story centers around Eren Jäger, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackermann, and their friend Armin Arlert, who reside within human cities fortified by massive walls as a defense against mysterious giants known as Titans. These colossal beings indiscriminately attack humans for reasons that remain unclear.
For over a century, walls built to ensure peace have stood firm. However, one fateful day, the Titans breach the outermost wall, Wall Maria, causing the inhabitants to retreat even deeper. In this chaos, Eren’s mother perishes, prompting him and countless others to flee towards the second wall, Wall Rose. Overwhelmed by grief, Eren vows to annihilate the Titans.
8. Samurai Champloo
Original Run: May 20, 2004 – March 19, 2005
Number of Episodes: 26
Samurai Champloo narrates the story of Fuu, a 15-year-old girl who previously worked at a tea house. However, after a fierce three-way battle between Mugen, a roaming warrior, Jin, a traveling samurai, and the guards of the town’s Daikan’s son, her tea house was destroyed.
Following their battle, Mugen and Jin are apprehended with a sentence of execution set for the following day. In order to aid her quest for the “samurai who has a sunflower-like scent,” Fuu assists them in their escape. However, despite their agreement, Mugen and Jin continue to engage in heated confrontations, displaying an intense, almost professional rivalry. Both samurais have mysterious backgrounds.
The narrative follows their journeys through various routes and shadowy corridors, detailing how they solve the predicaments they encounter along the way. Samurai Champloo combines authentic settings from the Edo Era with contemporary aesthetics and allusions.
This blends numerous facets of contemporary life, prominently featuring hip-hop subcultures, encompassing rap music, graffiti art, characters inspired by “gangsta” archetypes, logos from Adidas and Converse, baseball, and allusions to the atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
7. InuYasha
From October 16, 2000 to September 13, 2004, and from October 3, 2009 to March 29, 2010, a total of 193 episodes were broadcast.
The anime “InuYasha” unfolds in feudal Japan during a period of constant conflict, known as the Sengoku era (prior to 1600). In this turbulent time, humans and supernatural beings called Youkai or Mononoke coexist. These entities possess diverse abilities, appearances, and forms; however, they all share one common trait: a desire for human flesh.
They frequently assault villages because of this, and people are constantly terrified that one such attack might target their own. Inu-Yasha is a unique entity, possessing characteristics both demonic and human – a hanyō in other words.
One day, he launches an attack on a village guarding the Shikon Jewel, seizes it and flees. The Shikon Jewel, known as Shikon no Tama, holds incredible powers, among which is significantly amplifying the abilities of any demon who controls it. Simultaneously, Inu-Yasha aims to utilize this power to fully transform into a demon.
6. Kingdom
Original run: June 4, 2012 – present
Number of episodes: 108
The tale unfolds in ancient China, where our protagonist, young Shin, embarks on a quest to achieve his ambition of becoming a renowned General across the heavens. Born in the turbulent State of Qin, Shin’s world is rife with internal strife and external threats.
The narrative unfolds during the era of the Warring States, a time when China was fragmented into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han, Wei, Chu, Yan, and Qi. Simultaneously, we delve into the tale of Shin, who plays a significant role in the life of Ei Sei, a figure destined to become Qin Shi Huang, the man who would later bring unity to China.
5. Fate/Apocrypha
Original Run: July 2, 2017 – December 30, 2017
Number of Episodes: 25
In an alternate universe similar to Fate/stay night, instead of summoning an Avenger, the House of Einzbern has called forth a Ruler during the Third Holy Grail War. The Holy Grail was relocated from Fuyuki following the war, transported to Romania. This means the events depicted in Fate/Zero and Fate/stay night did not occur. The narrative centers around the struggle between two opposing sides: the Reds and the Blacks, each with seven summoned Servants. A unique Ruler-class servant is also called by the Grail to manage the Holy War.
In this story, the Red faction comprises mages dispatched by the Magicians Guild known as the Clock Tower, while the Black faction consists of the powerful Yggdmillennia family of magicians from Romania. As we move forward into a fresh phase, the Holy Grail War is set to undergo significant alterations, paving the way for an immense conflict unlike any before – a grand war that promises to shake the very foundations.
4. Fate/stay night
Original Run: January 7, 2006 – June 17, 2006
Number of Episodes: 24
In the city of Fuyuki, Japan, seven masters engage in intense combat, employing their magical abilities and summoned servants. The victor will gain access to a powerful artifact known as the Holy Grail, which can grant one’s deepest desire. Among the available scenarios, FATE is the initial and most widely favored.
In this narrative, Shiro and his companion, Saber, are at its center. Throughout the tale, Shiro remains unwavering in his convictions, willing to challenge the truth itself. To many, he appears as a young character in this context. The initial 2006 anime series produced by Studio Deen predominantly follows this storyline, incorporating some minor aspects from the other two as well.
Datto Nishiwaki’s manga combines elements from this storyline with that of Unlimited Blate Works. In the Unlimited Blade Works, accessing it requires completing the FATE storyline first, thereby preventing Saber from attacking Archer. Alternatively, you can reach this scenario by not helping Rin in the FATE story, but doing so leads to an unfavorable outcome. The narrative primarily revolves around Rin, Shirou, and Archer. The backstory of Archer, which was unknown in the initial scenario, is significantly expanded upon here.
As I reflect upon the cinematic spectacle that is Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works, I find myself marveling at the transformation of our protagonist Shirō. No longer the wide-eyed innocent we first met, he has honed his skills to a razor’s edge and vanquished numerous Servants. Yet, amidst this newfound prowess, Shirō remains steadfast in his pursuit of ideals – a beacon of innocence caught between maturity and youth. To the purists, he is a teenager in transition, a captivating blend of adolescence and childhood spirit.
3. Fate/zero
Original Run: October 1, 2011 – June 23, 2012
Number of Episodes: 25
The narrative unfolds a decade prior to the happenings of Fate/stay night. In the midst of the Holy Grail War, seven powerful magicians (Masters), chosen by the Holy Grail, are preparing to call forth seven legendary spirits (Servants). These summoned entities will then clash in a brutal conflict, continuing until only one remains standing. This intense battle has occurred three times before, and now it’s time for the fourth round. Excitement builds as the magicians make their way to Fuyuki, eagerly hoping for victory in this upcoming contest.
Without a doubt, the Holy Grail holds the power to fulfill anyone’s deepest desire. Among the seven skilled Masters, Kirei Kotomine appears indifferent towards obtaining it, whereas Kiritsugu Emiya is relentless in his pursuit. The intense competition between these two main characters, along with the battles between Masters and Servants, forms the core of this narrative.
This narrative delves into the authentic account of the fourth Sacred Grail War that transpired a decade prior to the renowned Fate/stay night video game, with details previously scattered. The tale centers around Kiritsugu Emiya, Shiro’s foster father and protagonist, Tokiomi Tohsaka, Rin’s father, and Kirei Kotomine, the young central adversary in this epic battle.
2. Claymore
Original Run: April 4, 2007 – September 26, 2007
Number of Episodes: 26
Claymores represent a unique class of warriors, being half-human and half-demon, summoned by villages to guard against threats like demons. Known for their silver eyes and the large swords strapped on their backs, humans often refer to them as “silver-eyed witches” or simply “Claymores,” due to the type of sword they wield. Among these warriors, Claire is one of them.
She was summoned to a village where demons were terrorizing and consuming the inhabitants. She managed to kill all but one remaining member of a nearly wiped-out family, who had transformed into a monstrous being. The lone survivor, Raki, found himself isolated, then chose to accompany her on her murderous journeys, taking up the role of a cook. Over time, he would uncover the mysteries and tragic fates of these unique women.
1. Berserk
Duration: October 7, 1997 to March 31, 1998 and July 1, 2016 to June 23, 2017
Episode Count: 25 episodes (Season 1) and 24 episodes (Season 2)
Berserk narrates the tale of when Guts, a formidable warrior with an oversized sword, crosses paths with Griffith, the charismatic leader of the Falcon Troop, a group of mercenaries working for the kingdom of Midland. This encounter will spark a complex alliance between them. The strength and prowess of Guts will soon become indispensable to Griffith’s grand aspirations, as he is not only a skilled swordsman but also a brilliant strategist.
As a devoted fan, I’d say that this anime chronicles the journey of the Falcon Troop, from their meteoric rise to their heart-wrenching fall. It delves into the intricate bond between Guts and Griffith – a connection marked by self-serving manipulation, shared military camaraderie, and an inexplicable emotional dependence on each other’s presence.
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2025-05-29 11:47