Vinland Saga is a historical epic that explores themes of revenge, redemption, and the brutal reality of war. Set in the Viking Age, it follows Thorfinn’s journey from a revenge-driven warrior to a pacifist seeking peace and purpose.
The series balances intense action with deep character development and moral introspection, making it a standout in historical anime.
For fans seeking similar narratives, here are 15 underrated anime that capture the essence of Vinland Saga through themes of war, survival, and personal growth.
1. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.86
Episodes: 48 (4 seasons)
Studio: Geno Studio
Plot Summary: Sugimoto, a Russo-Japanese War veteran nicknamed “Immortal Sugimoto,” teams up with Asirpa, an Ainu girl, to hunt for hidden gold in Hokkaido while facing harsh wilderness and ruthless enemies.
Similarities: Like Vinland Saga, it blends historical accuracy with intense action and explores themes of survival, cultural identity, and alliances forged in adversity.
2. Kingdom (2012)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.11
Episodes: 38+ (multiple seasons)
Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Set during China’s Warring States period, orphan Shin dreams of becoming a great general while navigating political intrigue and bloody battles.
Similarities: Both series depict the harsh realities of war and the personal growth of young protagonists amidst political turmoil and power struggles.
3. Arslan Senki (The Heroic Legend of Arslan) (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.68
Episodes: 33
Studio: Liden Films
Plot Summary: Young Prince Arslan loses his kingdom after a devastating war and embarks on a journey to reclaim his throne with loyal allies.
Similarities: Shares themes of leadership, redemption, and the struggles of young warriors in politically unstable times.
4. Yona of the Dawn (2014)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 8.04
Episodes: 24
Studio: Pierrot
Plot Summary: Princess Yona flees her kingdom after her father’s murder and gathers allies to reclaim her throne from her treacherous cousin.
Similarities: Both series feature protagonists who undergo significant growth after losing everything due to betrayal and political upheaval.
5. Samurai Champloo (2004)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.50
Episodes: 26
Studio: Manglobe
Plot Summary: A samurai duo and a young woman embark on an adventure across Edo-period Japan in search of a mysterious “samurai who smells of sunflowers.”
Similarities: Combines historical settings with dynamic action sequences while exploring themes of freedom and personal journeys.
6. Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers (2015)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.27
Episodes: 12
Studio: Passione
Plot Summary: Six heroes are chosen to defeat the Demon God, but when seven gather instead of six, suspicion arises among them.
Similarities: Both series feature strategic battles, morally complex characters, and survival amidst betrayal and mistrust.
7. Akame ga Kill! (2014)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.47
Episodes: 24
Studio: White Fox
Plot Summary: Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of assassins fighting against a corrupt empire using special weapons called Imperial Arms.
Similarities: Shares themes of rebellion against oppressive regimes and explores the cost of revenge and justice.
8. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012)
Streaming Availability: Netflix, Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 8.04
Episodes: 25+ (multiple seasons)
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot Summary: Aladdin and Alibaba explore magical dungeons filled with treasures while uncovering secrets about their world’s history and power structures.
Similarities: Both series feature epic journeys with morally complex characters navigating conflicts tied to power and destiny.
9. Black Butler (2008)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.73
Episodes: 36+ OVAs
Studio: A-1 Pictures
Plot Summary: Young Earl Ciel Phantomhive seeks revenge for his parents’ murder with the help of Sebastian, his demon butler bound by contract.
Similarities: Explores themes of revenge-driven protagonists grappling with morality amidst dark historical settings.
10. Gungrave (2003)
Streaming Availability: Hulu, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.87
Episodes: 26
Studio: Madhouse
Plot Summary: Brandon Heat seeks revenge against his former best friend Harry MacDowell after betrayal leads him to lose everything he holds dear in a mafia syndicate.
Similarities: Shares themes of betrayal, vengeance, and redemption within gritty worlds marked by violence.
11. Attack on Titan (2013)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Hulu
MAL Rating: 9.01
Episodes: Multiple seasons (ongoing)
Studio: Wit Studio / MAPPA
Plot Summary: Humanity fights for survival against giant Titans while uncovering dark secrets about their origins within walled cities under constant siege.
Similarities: Both series feature revenge-driven protagonists navigating brutal worlds filled with political intrigue and moral ambiguity.
15 Underrated Anime Series Similar to Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is a gripping tale of revenge, redemption, and the harsh realities of war, set against the backdrop of Viking history. It explores themes of personal growth, morality, and survival in a brutal world. For fans who appreciate its intense character development and historical storytelling, here are 15 underrated anime that share similar themes and narrative styles.
12. Dororo (2019)
Streaming Availability: Amazon Prime Video
MAL Rating: 8.21
Episodes: 24
Studio: MAPPA, Tezuka Productions
Plot Summary: Hyakkimaru, a young samurai whose body parts were sacrificed to demons by his father, embarks on a journey to reclaim them with the help of a young thief named Dororo.
Similarities: Both series feature protagonists shaped by loss and tragedy as they navigate violent worlds in pursuit of personal redemption. The Sengoku-era setting and themes of morality and survival resonate strongly with Vinland Saga fans.
13. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion (2018)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.16
Episodes: 12
Studio: NAZ
Plot Summary: A group of Japanese warriors defends Tsushima Island from the first Mongol invasion in the 13th century.
Similarities: Like Vinland Saga, this series portrays historical conflicts with gritty realism, focusing on survival, strategy, and the human cost of war. Its grounded storytelling and intense battles will appeal to fans of Thorfinn’s journey.
14. The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll
MAL Rating: 7.93
Episodes: 25 (Season 1)
Studio: Kinema Citrus
Plot Summary: Naofumi Iwatani is summoned to another world as the Shield Hero but is betrayed and ostracized early on. With his companion Raphtalia, he fights to overcome his circumstances and protect the world from destruction.
Similarities: Both series explore themes of betrayal and resilience as their protagonists grow stronger while navigating hostile environments. Naofumi’s journey from despair to redemption mirrors Thorfinn’s transformation in Vinland Saga.
15. 91 Days (2016)
Streaming Availability: Crunchyroll, Funimation
MAL Rating: 7.80
Episodes: 12
Studio: Shuka
Plot Summary: Angelo Lagusa infiltrates a mafia family during Prohibition-era America to avenge his family’s murder.
Similarities: Both series revolve around revenge-driven protagonists who grapple with their morality while navigating dangerous worlds. The intense character dynamics and emotional weight make it a compelling watch for Vinland Saga fans.
Why These Anime Work for Vinland Saga Fans
Each of these anime captures key elements that make Vinland Saga so impactful: morally complex characters, intense action sequences, and deep explorations of human nature in harsh environments.
Whether it’s through historical settings like Dororo or personal revenge stories like 91 Days, these series offer fresh perspectives on familiar themes while delivering equally gripping narratives.
Fans seeking more tales of survival, redemption, and personal growth will find much to love in these hidden gems.
