Anime is an incredibly vast medium. It can cover any topic, from crime dramas to slice-of-life shows. It really is a style of medium unlike any other, but there's an entire category of anime which is universally underrated — those with historical themes.
People enjoy learning, as long as it's entertaining. That's why these shows are great. A lot of them add supernatural elements or embellish stuff, but the best have a backbone from Earth's history.
Updated on April 21st, 2022 by Sarah Martin: Anime is an incredibly versatile medium. With lovable characters and never ending potential for a story's setting, anime can be enjoyed even if it takes place in ancient settings. Although some may find it hard to relate to characters in historical settings, the world-building present in several fan-favorite anime series makes it easy to connect with these characters and become immersed in their world. While some anime make social commentary about the state of the world during that time, many reinterpret the era and have fun with it a bit.
15 Emma Is A 19th Century Romance
Emma: A Victorian Romance takes place in the 19th century. It's a touching series animated by the same studio which produced the iconic Bleach. Its titular protagonist, Emma, doesn't come from extraordinary wealth. Yet, her love interest William still enters into a relationship with her. William is from the wealthy aristocratic societies that dominated the Victorian era. This anime is a heartwarming romance that would be pretty easy to show someone who, otherwise, doesn't watch anime. Additionally, Emma makes comments about the unfairness and wealth inequalities of the Victorian age.
14 Inuyasha Takes Place During The Sengoku Jidai Period
The Sengoku Jidai period, or the period of Warring States, was a time when Japan was defined by constant civil war and societal unrest. This time period lasted for over a century, and it's here that Inuyasha takes place.
The anime begins with Kagome, a middle schooler from present-day Tokyo who gets teleported all the way back to this period after falling into her family's shrine. Ultimately, she meets the iconic half-demonic dog, half-human, Inuyasha. This anime set the standard for excellence in the isekai genre, and it's a must-watch for all anime fans.
13 Black Butler Is A Gothic Anime Set In The 19th Century
Set in the age of Queen Victoria's rule over England, Black Butler is a classic gothic anime that holds a special place in the hearts of fans everywhere. Following Ciel Phantomhive and his demonic servant Sebastian Michaelis, Black Butler tells a tale of a boy's compromised morality.
Ciel Phantomhive essentially sold his soul to Sebastian in an attempt to avenge the death of his entire family. He also seeks to become the leader of his family's prominent toy company. Black Butler has an eerie soundtrack and plenty of occult references that define the series, so it's definitely worth a shot for fans of dark fantasy and shojo.
12 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Steel Ball Run Takes Place In America During The 1890s
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure's seventh part, Steel Ball Run, takes place in the United States during the late 1890s. The premise of this part is that all of the characters must compete against thousands of others in the Steel Ball Run race. The race crosses the entire country and the grand prize is fifty million dollars.
There are several references to iconic American archetypes, and it almost reads like a classic Western film. Additionally, its villain is the 23rd President of the United States — Funny Valentine. Valentine is excessively patriotic, ruthless, and possibly anime's most well-written antagonist.
11 Demon Slayer Takes Place During The Taisho Era
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Demon Slayer is one of shonen anime's modern "big three," alongside Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia. However, while the other two are set in present-day Japan, Demon Slayer takes place in the Taisho era. The Taisho era was a fifteen-year period defined by democracy, artistic innovation, and it was when the roots of present-day Japan truly began to cement themselves.
Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado who's left to pick up the pieces after a demon slaughtered his entire family except for his sister, Nezuko. However, Nezuko became a demon. Grieving and confused, Tanjiro embarks on his journey to join the Demon Slayer Corps to avenge his family and cure his sister.
10 The Saga Of Tanya The Evil Takes Place In 1940s Europe
The Saga of Tanya the Evil is absurdly dark and an odd take on the "Isekai" genre, where characters are usually reborn in video game worlds to play out their power fantasies. Tanya is a bit different. She's actually a middle-aged salaryman reborn into the body of a powerful but young magician girl.
All the names in this show are obviously fictional, but it's very heavily based on aspects from Europe as well as World War I and II. There are several uncomfortable things about the show, but ultimately, The Saga of Tanya The Evil is entertaining and worth giving a shot.
9 Samurai Champloo Takes Place In The Edo Period
Samurai Champloo is another example of an anime set during the Edo Period of Japanese history. Typically, anime set in this time period recalls the imagery of traditional Japanese samurai. Katana-wielding swordsmen are often the main characters, and several aspects of traditional culture are present — such as kabuki plays or characters wearing time-appropriate clothing. The main characters typically focus on honing their skills as swordsmen and embark on grandiose adventures, fighting enemies along their path.
It seems people genuinely appreciate and want to learn more about feudal Japan. It's certainly interesting, and with the world-building in Samurai Champloo, it's impossible to not be enticed to learn more. Samurai Champloo is a fan-favorite and regarded as a classic, so it's certainly worth watching.
8 Legends Of Arslan Takes Place In Pre-Islamic Persia
Similar to games such as Dynasty Warriors and Fire Emblem, Legends Of Arslan focuses on entities best described as demigods. They fight in a global war, serving as respected generals. These demigods are capable of single-handedly taking out several hundreds of enemies as though they're taking out the trash.
Legends of Arslan takes place in pre-Islamic era Persia, combining cultural and historical references to that time period with grandiose depictions of larger-than-life entities. While the show borrows names, places, and events from real-life history, it's not at all a historical documentary. Another masterpiece under the creator of Full Metal Alchemist's belt, the anime is innovative and creative, and it'll keep the audience on the edges of their seats the whole time.
7 Drifters Combines Feudal Era Japanese Ideologies With Modern Day Sensibilities
For all the fans of Vampire Hunter D, Hideyuki Kikuchi has returned with a masterpiece, Drifters. This time the history depicted in the anime is significantly more realistic, but the figures themselves are brought to a fantastical sort of Valhalla-esque afterlife. Famous tacticians, heroes, and warriors from all across history are brought into a fantasy setting after they die in order to duke it out with each other.
And of course, Nobunaga plays a huge part as always. Those who loved the unique art style and tone of Vampire Hunter D will be enraptured by Drifters as well — especially since it has this weird blend of Middle-Earth fantasy, feudal Japanese ideologies, and modern-day sensibilities.
6 91 Days Takes Place In The Prohibition Era
91 Days will certainly make the audience experience their entire range of emotions. At its core, this anime is a tale of revenge. However, as the story progresses, it blooms into a mystery with themes of friendship and family. It's set in the era of Prohibition. Following Avilo and Nero as the latter attempts to keep his family — who happen to be mafiosos — safe, while the former tears the entire family apart from within. It also features the eccentric wild-card Fango, an ally to the Orco family.
The story feels incredibly innovative. While it has a refreshing take, its soundtrack, fashion, and atmosphere certainly take the audience back to the time period it was set in. It's a top-notch anime.
5 Kingdom Takes Place During The Chinese Period Of Warring States
While Arslan Senki feels significantly more like watching an anime filled with Dynasty Warrior and Fire Emblem characters, Kingdom feels more like following the story of Lu Buu's childhood. Kingdom takes place in the Chinese period of Warring States. The protagonist, Shin, lives in the state of Qin. Ultimately, Shin seeks to become the greatest general on the face of the Earth.
The anime is full of brutal battles. There's just as much tactical warfare as there is utter betrayal. Several characters draw inspiration from real-world historical figures. However, some are entirely fictional and have no relation to anybody in real life. Regardless, Kingdom is one of the longest-running anime about war and well-deserving of any praise it receives.
4 Baccano! Takes Place In The Roaring Twenties
For many people, Baccano! was their introduction to anime because it was one of the first of its kind to be picked up by Netflix. The anime takes place during the roaring twenties. The era was full of mobsters ruling the streets and prohibition was the defining norm of the era.
Since this is an anime, there are certainly several fantastical elements scattered throughout the show. Immortality, alchemy, and magic are present throughout. Additionally, its storytelling feels erratic as though the author was just making things up as they went along. However, this is intentional. Ultimately, even the most seemingly unrelated events and details are woven together in the threads of character-specific stories and subplots. Baccano! is an absolute treasure to watch.
3 Gintama Takes Place In 1860s Japan
Gintama is quite a unique series. Its manga has been running strong since 2003, and its anime adaptation is so long it can compete with One Piece or Detective Conan. Taking place in 1860s Japan, the planet has been taken over by a species of aliens called the Amanto who banned all weaponry out of fear of an uprising.
By combining extraterrestrial elements with a historical anime, Gintama reinvented the wheel — creating a timepiece that feels new and exciting. It's a comedic anime which won the hearts of fans everywhere. Ultimately, Gintoki is a likable protagonist who simply wants to sit down, drink a strawberry milkshake, and read Shonen Jump.
2 Golden Kamuy Comments On The Treatment Of Ainu People In Japan
Golden Kamuy is an enigma of an anime. Its main plot is about a war veteran murdering and skinning prisoners in order to find the hidden treasure, while an Ainu survival expert helps him along the way regardless of her people's past. It's a show that should be grim, dark, violent, even a bit edgy, and it is.
But more than that, Golden Kamuy is a hilarious, heartwarming, and tense show that takes superb care of its characters. Just pay attention anytime Sugimoto and Asirpa have a conversation about their cultures, and it'll be clear what the appeal of the show is. Despite the fictional plot, the facts about Russo-Japanese Warrior and the treatment of the Ainu people of Japan are very real.
1 Vinland Saga Focuses On Vikings
Vinland Saga, though relatively new, is an excellent historical anime taking place during the era of Vikings. Vinland Saga is a fan-favorite manga, and its anime adaptation quickly became a classic. On par with the likes of Berserk, this historical timepiece takes place in Denmark and provides plenty of information about the Vikings.
The story of Vinland Saga follows Thorfinn and the events of his life that unfold. The anime will probably only cover his journey with Askeladd and his arrival in Denmark, but there is so much more after that. Vinland Saga is a story of finding peace during the turbulent times of the Vikings, and that's what makes it so interesting.