“Sword Story” anime captivate with their exploration of blade-wielding heroes, moral complexity, and the interplay between power and humanity.
These series often feature underdog protagonists, intricate power systems, and subverted tropes, offering fresh takes on classic samurai and fantasy narratives.
While mainstream titles dominate conversations, these 15 underrated gems deserve recognition for their unique storytelling and depth.
1. Reincarnated as a Sword (2022)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Studio: C2C
- Summary: A man reincarnated as a sentient sword mentors Fran, a beastkin orphan, in a quest for strength and purpose.
- Similarities: Weapon-person dynamic, mentorship themes, and action-driven growth.
2. Skeleton Knight in Another World (2022)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.14
- Studio: Studio Kai, Hornets
- Summary: A gamer-turned-skeleton knight navigates a fantasy world, balancing his overpowered abilities with moral choices.
- Similarities: Isekai mechanics, sword-centric combat, and moral ambiguity.
3. Blade of the Immortal (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Liden Films
- Summary: An immortal samurai seeks redemption by killing 1,000 evil men, grappling with his violent past.
- Similarities: Cursed protagonist, existential themes, and visceral swordplay.
4. Ninja Scroll: The Series (2003)
- Streaming: Hulu
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 7.07
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: Jubei, a wandering ninja, protects a priestess from sinister forces in feudal Japan.
- Similarities: Gritty action, historical setting, and antiheroic undertones.
5. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.80
- Studio: Manglobe
- Summary: A timid ronin joins a group of kidnappers, questioning morality and loyalty in Edo-era Japan.
- Similarities: Slow-burn character drama, subversion of samurai ideals.
6. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 (50-min episodes)
- MAL Rating: 8.40
- Studio: White Fox
- Summary: A swordsman without a sword and a strategist collect legendary blades in a dialogue-driven odyssey.
- Similarities: Unique combat philosophy, episodic quest structure.
7. Dororo (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 8.20
- Studio: MAPPA
- Summary: A disfigured samurai regains his body by slaying demons, aided by a street-smart thief.
- Similarities: Redemption arc, dark fantasy, and visceral sword battles.
8. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 1 (Movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.30
- Studio: Bones
- Awards: Japan Academy Prize nominee
- Summary: A nameless ronin protects a boy from mercenaries in a visually stunning feudal tale.
- Similarities: Minimalist storytelling, breathtaking choreography.
9. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust & Betrayal (1999)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 4 (OVA)
- MAL Rating: 8.70
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Summary: A prequel exploring Kenshin’s transition from assassin to pacifist during the Meiji Restoration.
- Similarities: Historical gravitas, anti-violence themes.
10. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.20
- Studio: Madhouse
- Summary: Two rival swordsmen clash in a brutal tournament, deconstructing samurai honor.
- Similarities: Psychological depth, hyper-realistic violence.
11. The Ambition of Oda Nobuna (2012)
- Streaming: HIDIVE
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Studio Gokumi
- Summary: A modern teen aids a gender-swapped Oda Nobunaga in unifying feudal Japan.
- Similarities: Historical reimagining, tactical swordplay.
12. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 6.70
- Studio: NAZ
- Summary: Exiled samurai defend Tsushima Island against Mongol invaders.
- Similarities: Historical warfare, underdog resistance.
13. Le Chevalier D’Eon (2006)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: An 18th-century knight hunts a murderer in a supernatural-tinged France.
- Similarities: Political intrigue, poetic swordplay.
14. Basilisk (2005)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24
- MAL Rating: 7.40
- Studio: Gonzo
- Summary: Two ninja clans with supernatural abilities battle for supremacy.
- Similarities: Clan warfare, tragic romance.
15. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 8.20
- Studio: Production I.G
- Summary: A spear-wielding bodyguard protects a prince harboring a magical spirit.
- Similarities: Protector narrative, lush world-building.
Why These Anime Work for Sword Story Fans
Each series mirrors the core elements of sword-centric narratives: the weight of legacy, the cost of power, and the quest for redemption.
Whether through cursed blades, historical reimaginings, or moral complexity, these anime offer rich explorations of what it means to wield a sword—both as a weapon and a symbol.
For fans craving stories where every strike carries emotional and philosophical weight, these underrated picks deliver unforgettable journeys.
