Rurouni Kenshin remains a cornerstone of samurai-themed anime, known for its deep character arcs, moral complexity, and a powerful blend of historical drama and shounen action. With a protagonist haunted by his past, unique combat philosophies, and nuanced storytelling, Rurouni Kenshin blends traditional samurai values with emotional depth and exhilarating sword fights.
This list highlights 15 underrated anime series that echo the core themes of Rurouni Kenshin: underdog journeys, redemption arcs, martial arts systems, and the subversion of good vs. evil tropes. These hidden gems deserve more attention for fans seeking depth, action, and storytelling that goes beyond the surface.
1. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Plot: In Edo-period Japan, two swordsmen with drastically different ideologies enter a brutal tournament under the twisted sponsorship of a warlord.
- Similarities: Both series are set in Meiji/Edo-era Japan and explore the consequences of violence, personal honor, and samurai codes.
- MAL Rating: 7.36
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: Madhouse
- Notable Staff: Directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki (Steins;Gate)
- Awards: Praised for its unique, realistic art style and visceral direction
2. Blade of the Immortal (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Plot: Cursed with immortality, a ronin named Manji must kill 1,000 evil men to atone for his sins.
- Similarities: Features redemption-driven storytelling and moral ambiguity similar to Kenshin’s character arc.
- MAL Rating: 7.88
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: LIDENFILMS
- Notable Staff: Based on Hiroaki Samura’s award-winning manga
- Awards: Jury Recommended Work at the Japan Media Arts Festival
3. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Exiled samurai defend Tsushima Island from the first Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274.
- Similarities: Focuses on samurai tactics, historical realism, and fighting against overwhelming odds—an underdog theme central to Rurouni Kenshin.
- MAL Rating: 7.11
- Episodes: 12
- Studio: NAZ
- Notable Style: Uses a parchment-style visual filter for historical authenticity
4. Hyouge Mono (2011)
- Streaming: Not widely available (DVD/import)
- Plot: A tea master and warlord navigates the aesthetics of art and the chaos of Sengoku warfare.
- Similarities: Deep philosophical undertones and introspective characters set against political unrest and martial conflict.
- MAL Rating: 8.02
- Episodes: 39
- Studio: Bee Train
- Notable Staff: Directed by Koichi Mashimo (Noir)
- Awards: Jury Recommended Work – Japan Media Arts Festival
5. Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu
- Plot: Two ninja clans wage a deadly war while two lovers from opposing sides struggle to maintain peace.
- Similarities: Like Kenshin and Tomoe, tragic romance and duty collide with intense swordplay and period setting.
- MAL Rating: 7.55
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Based on a novel by Futaro Yamada
6. Intrigue in the Bakumatsu: Irohanihoheto (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A mysterious swordsman gets involved in political conspiracies during Japan’s transition from shogunate to modernity.
- Similarities: Set during the same era as Rurouni Kenshin, with samurai drama and identity subtext.
- MAL Rating: 7.02
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Director Ryosuke Takahashi (Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
7. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Prime Video
- Plot: A nameless ronin protects a boy being hunted by Chinese assassins, leading to breathtaking sword duels.
- Similarities: Like Kenshin, the protagonist seeks to avoid killing but is forced into battle by circumstance.
- MAL Rating: 8.26
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- Studio: Bones
- Notable Staff: Action directed by Yutaka Nakamura (Cowboy Bebop)
- Awards: Won Best Animated Feature at Asia Pacific Screen Awards
8. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A strategist and her swordless swordsman partner seek out twelve legendary blades.
- Similarities: Explores unconventional combat styles, character-driven storytelling, and moral dilemmas in a stylized historical setting.
- MAL Rating: 8.37
- Episodes: 12 (1-hour episodes)
- Studio: White Fox
- Notable Staff: Written by Nisio Isin (Monogatari Series)
9. Gasaraki (1998)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A political and spiritual mecha drama blending traditional Japanese ritual with modern warfare.
- Similarities: Offers introspective character arcs and philosophical themes reminiscent of Kenshin’s internal struggles.
- MAL Rating: 6.80
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: Sunrise
- Notable Staff: Ryosuke Takahashi & Goro Taniguchi
10. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (1999)
- Streaming: Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Plot: A prequel revealing Kenshin’s past as Hitokiri Battousai and his tragic love story.
- Similarities: While technically part of the franchise, it deserves mention for fans who haven’t seen this darker, emotionally charged installment.
- MAL Rating: 8.79
- Episodes: 4 (OVA)
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Awards: Critically acclaimed for mature storytelling and visuals
11. The Twelve Kingdoms (2002)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: A high school student is transported to a parallel world and must survive political upheaval and personal transformation.
- Similarities: Features deep character evolution, identity themes, and swordplay—mirroring Kenshin’s journey.
- MAL Rating: 8.12
- Episodes: 45
- Studio: Pierrot
- Notable Staff: Directed by Tsuneo Kobayashi (Emma: A Victorian Romance)
12. Peace Maker Kurogane (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Plot: A young boy joins the Shinsengumi to avenge his family, only to confront the realities of violence and duty.
- Similarities: Historical setting, internal conflict, and the presence of the Shinsengumi like in Rurouni Kenshin.
- MAL Rating: 7.28
- Episodes: 24
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Music by Tetsuya Takahashi (Blue Gender)
13. Gifuu Doudou!!: Kanetsugu to Keiji (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Plot: Chronicles the friendship and battles of two samurai during Japan’s Sengoku period.
- Similarities: Brings mature characters, bushido codes, and historical warfare similar to Kenshin’s backdrop.
- MAL Rating: 6.71
- Episodes: 25
- Studio: Studio Deen
14. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Plot: A female bodyguard protects a prince accused of being possessed, triggering political and spiritual conflicts.
- Similarities: Centers on honor-bound warriors, redemption, and rich world-building akin to Rurouni Kenshin.
- MAL Rating: 8.13
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Production I.G
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: SAC)
15. Shura no Toki (2004)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Plot: Follows unarmed martial artists across generations as they clash with historical samurai and swordsmen.
- Similarities: Underdog fights against sword-wielders, emphasis on technique and personal philosophy like Kenshin’s Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu.
- MAL Rating: 7.05
- Episodes: 26
- Studio: Studio Comet
Why These Anime Work for Rurouni Kenshin Fans
Each of these series—whether set in feudal Japan or a stylized world—mirrors Rurouni Kenshin‘s dedication to layered character arcs, moral introspection, and dynamic action. They spotlight personal growth, historical conflict, and redemption, resonating with fans of Kenshin’s journey from assassin to protector. If you’re drawn to stories of warriors haunted by their pasts, ethical dilemmas, and emotionally charged combat, these underrated anime series will more than satisfy.
