Kurosawa Akira’s Seven Samurai inspired many adaptations, but Samurai 7 stands out for blending classic samurai storytelling with sci-fi elements, layered character growth, and a strong underdog narrative. Its themes of power imbalance, moral ambiguity, and loyalty resonate far beyond its setting.
The following underrated anime series share similar storytelling approaches—whether through unconventional power systems, tightly written ensemble casts, or narratives that subvert expectations—yet remain overlooked compared to mainstream hits. If Samurai 7 left a lasting impression on you, these anime deserve a spot on your watchlist.
1. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE (select regions)
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: ★ 8.1
- Studio/Staff: Production I.G | Director: Kenji Kamiyama
- Awards: Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award
Plot Summary: A wandering spearwoman protects a cursed prince hunted by his own empire.
Similarities: Grounded combat, mature themes, slow-burn character development, and honor-bound warriors resisting corrupt power structures.
2. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.8
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: A timid samurai becomes involved with an unconventional crime family.
Similarities: Subverts samurai archetypes, focuses on internal conflict rather than flashy battles, and explores loyalty from unexpected angles.
3. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.6
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: Two broken swordsmen are pitted against each other in a brutal era of decay.
Similarities: Deconstructs bushido ideals, emphasizes consequence-heavy combat, and rejects romanticized heroism.
4. Casshern Sins (2008)
- Streaming: Funimation (select regions)
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.5
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: An amnesiac warrior wanders a dying world searching for redemption.
Similarities: Philosophical tone, existential stakes, and a tragic hero journey reminiscent of Samurai 7’s fallen warriors.
5. Texhnolyze (2003)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.7
- Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: Power struggles unfold in a collapsing underground city.
Similarities: Bleak atmosphere, cyclical violence, and social decay replacing traditional good-versus-evil narratives.
6. Kemonozume (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.4
- Studio/Director: Madhouse | Masaaki Yuasa
Plot Summary: A forbidden romance between demon hunters and monsters challenges an ancient order.
Similarities: Experimental animation, emotional storytelling, and rebellion against rigid traditions.
7. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: Film (1)
- MAL Rating: ★ 8.3
- Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: A nameless ronin protects a hunted child from mercenaries.
Similarities: Stoic protagonist, masterful swordplay, and a self-contained underdog narrative.
8. Samurai Flamenco (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 22
- MAL Rating: ★ 6.9
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: A man tries to become a real-life superhero—with unpredictable results.
Similarities: Radical genre subversion and escalating narrative twists that defy audience expectations.
9. Ergo Proxy (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 23
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.9
- Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: A dystopian mystery exploring identity and free will.
Similarities: Heavy philosophical undertones, gradual world-building, and morally complex characters.
10. Basilisk (2005)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.5
- Studio: Gonzo
Plot Summary: Two ninja clans wage a deadly proxy war.
Similarities: Ensemble cast, tragic power struggles, and characters trapped by political machinations.
11. Noein: To Your Other Self (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.6
- Studio: Satelight
Plot Summary: Children are pulled into a war across parallel universes.
Similarities: Underdog heroes, evolving power concepts, and emotional stakes outweighing spectacle.
12. PlanetES (2003)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: ★ 8.2
- Studio: Sunrise
Plot Summary: Space debris collectors struggle for purpose in orbit.
Similarities: Blue-collar heroes, realistic hardship, and character-first storytelling.
13. Jyu-Oh-Sei (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.2
- Studio: Bones
Plot Summary: Exiled youths fight for survival on a lawless planet.
Similarities: Survivalist themes, evolving leadership, and brutal power hierarchies.
14. Mononoke (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix (select regions)
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: ★ 8.4
- Studio: Toei Animation
Plot Summary: A mysterious medicine seller confronts supernatural curses.
Similarities: Unconventional storytelling, deep thematic symbolism, and episodic moral conflicts.
15. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: ★ 7.1
- Studio: NAZ
Plot Summary: Exiled samurai defend Japan against an overwhelming invasion.
Similarities: Historical realism, desperate underdog resistance, and gritty combat tone similar to Samurai 7’s climactic arcs.
## Why These Anime Work for Samurai 7 Fans
These anime resonate with Samurai 7 fans because they prioritize character evolution over spectacle, explore imbalanced power systems, and consistently challenge traditional genre expectations. Whether through experimental animation, morally gray storytelling, or tightly knit ensemble casts, each series delivers the same emotional weight and narrative depth that made Samurai 7 memorable—just without the mainstream spotlight.
