The Elusive Samurai (2024) reimagines the story of Hojo Tokiyuki, a young lord navigating feudal Japan’s political chaos after his clan’s downfall.
The series blends historical drama with strategic underdog battles, emphasizing survival through wit over brute strength.
These 15 lesser-known anime share its focus on subverted expectations, morally complex protagonists, and rich historical settings.
1. Katanagatari (2010)
- Streaming: Not available on legal platforms
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 8.03
- Studio: White Fox
- Plot: Swordless samurai Shichika and strategist Togame hunt legendary blades in Edo-era Japan, confronting rivals with philosophical depth.
- Similarities: Features unconventional combat (body-as-a-sword) and historical meta-commentary, mirroring Elusive Samurai’s blend of action and cerebral storytelling.
2. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 6.98
- Studio: NAZ
- Plot: Exiled samurai Jinzaburō leads a ragtag group against Mongol invaders on Tsushima Island.
- Similarities: Focuses on guerrilla tactics and underdog resilience, akin to Tokiyuki’s strategic evasion.
3. Peacemaker Kurogane (2003)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 7.40
- Studio: Gonzo
- Plot: Teenage Tetsunosuke joins the Shinsengumi seeking revenge, but grapples with the cost of violence.
- Similarities: Explores the psychological toll of vengeance, paralleling Tokiyuki’s struggle to balance justice and humanity.
4. Brave 10 (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 6.70
- Studio: Studio Sakimakura
- Plot: Rogue ninja Saizō joins a band of warriors to protect a shrine maiden during Japan’s warring states era.
- Similarities: Ensemble-driven battles and historical fantasy elements echo Elusive Samurai’s team dynamics.
5. The Heroic Legend of Arslan (2015)
- Streaming: HiDive
- Episodes: 33 | MAL: 7.70
- Studio: Sanzigen, LIDEN FILMS
- Plot: Prince Arslan reclaims his kingdom with allies after a coup, blending strategy and diplomacy.
- Similarities: Leadership-driven narrative and political intrigue mirror Tokiyuki’s quest to rebuild his clan.
6. Blade of the Immortal (2019)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 7.80
- Studio: LIDEN FILMS
- Plot: Cursed samurai Manji aids a girl seeking vengeance, confronting his bloody past.
- Similarities: Dark, morally gray characters and visceral swordplay align with Elusive Samurai’s exploration of revenge.
7. House of Five Leaves (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.60
- Studio: Manglobe
- Plot: A timid ronin joins a band of kidnappers, uncovering their hidden motives in Edo-era Japan.
- Similarities: Slow-burn character development and subversion of samurai ideals, akin to Tokiyuki’s growth.
8. Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.20
- Studio: Madhouse
- Plot: Two rival swordsmen clash in a brutal tournament, exposing feudal Japan’s cruelty.
- Similarities: Unflinching violence and critique of honor culture resonate with Elusive Samurai’s darker themes.
9. Sword of the Stranger (2007)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: Film | MAL: 8.30
- Studio: Bones
- Plot: A nameless ronin protects a boy pursued by Ming Dynasty assassins.
- Similarities: Minimalist storytelling and emphasis on survival over glory mirror Tokiyuki’s pragmatism.
10. Oda Cinnamon Nobunaga (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 6.50
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Plot: Reincarnated warlord Nobunaga navigates modern life as a dog, reflecting on his past.
- Similarities: Absurd humor juxtaposed with historical reflection, akin to Elusive Samurai’s tonal balance.
11. Hyouge Mono (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 39 | MAL: 7.80
- Studio: Bee Train
- Plot: A tea-obsessed samurai seeks enlightenment during the Sengoku period’s chaos.
- Similarities: Unconventional protagonist and focus on cultural aesthetics over battles.
12. Onihei (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13 | MAL: 7.10
- Studio: Studio M2
- Plot: Edo-era crime boss Heizō leads a task force against thieves and killers.
- Similarities: Anthology-style storytelling highlights moral complexity in feudal society.
13. Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 24 | MAL: 6.20
- Studio: Seven Arcs
- Plot: Rival ninja clans with supernatural abilities battle for dominance.
- Similarities: High-stakes strategy and clan rivalries mirror Tokiyuki’s conflict with the Ashikaga.
14. Gifu Dodo (2024)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12 | MAL: 7.10
- Studio: Wit Studio
- Plot: A disgraced samurai redeems himself by protecting a village from bandits.
- Similarities: Redemption arcs and community-driven stakes align with Elusive Samurai’s themes.
15. Yasuke (2021)
- Streaming: Netflix
- Episodes: 6 | MAL: 6.50
- Studio: MAPPA
- Plot: African samurai Yasuke protects a girl with mystical powers in alternate-feudal Japan.
- Similarities: Historical revisionism and focus on marginalized heroes, similar to Tokiyuki’s overlooked legacy.
Why These Anime Work for The Elusive Samurai Fans
These series resonate through shared elements:
- Underdog Ingenuity: Protagonists rely on strategy, not strength, to overcome overpowering foes.
- Historical Subversion: Many reimagine real events or critique traditional samurai tropes.
- Moral Complexity: Characters grapple with vengeance, justice, and loyalty in gray-shaded worlds.
- Cultural Depth: Attention to period-specific aesthetics and societal structures enriches immersion.
From dark epics to dark comedies, these hidden gems offer fresh perspectives for fans of historical intrigue and tactical storytelling.
