The release of Vinland Saga took the world by storm. The revenge story comes straight from Wit Studio, the group behind Attack on Titan. Those who enjoy coming-of-age stories with historical touches will love Thorfinn's saga. He's the revenge-driven protagonist in Vinland Saga hunts down the man who killed his father, Askeladd.

Vinland Saga prides itself on Thorfinn's character development along with a heartbreaking backstory. Due credit is given for stunning artwork, amazing action scenes, and a top-notch depiction of a historical tale. Luckily for Vinland Saga fans, there are several more anime that are similar and entertaining.

Updated on February 29th, 2024 by Louis Kemner: This list of great anime like Vinland Saga has been updated to adhere to CBR's current publication standards.

20 Dororo Sees A Child On A Quest For Revenge To Recover Themselves

Dororo Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.3/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.25
• IMDb:8.3

Created by legendary mangaka Osamu Tekuza, Dororo offers a revenge-driven protagonist just like Vinland Saga. While Thorfinn is on a quest for revenge for what was done to his father, Hyakkimaru is on a quest for revenge for what his father did to him. His dad, lord Daigo Kagemitsu, surrendered his son's body parts to demons for the sake of power, leaving his son helpless.

However, Hyakkimaru is taken by a doctor and given prosthetics that allow him to function in the world. After killing one of the demons, Hyakkimaru realizes the only way for him to become whole is to kill all of them. Beautifully animated and with a well-developed supporting cast, its easy to get pulled into Dororo.

19 91 Days Offers A Gritty Crime Family Drama

91 Days Scores:

• Anime Planet: 3.98/5
• MyAnimeList Score: 7.83
• IMDb: 7.7

Like Vinland Saga, 91 Days is a period piece focused on a single protagonist looking for revenge. While Thorfinn wants revenge on Askeladd for taking his father's life, Angelo Lagusa wants revenge on the Vanetti mafia for killing his family. Throwing away his name, Angelo becomes Avilio Bruno and bides his time for the chance to get revenge.

For Thorfinn, the story is about him learning how to seek peace rather than constantly answer violence with violence. For Avilio, any chance of ever achieving peace is thrown aside, as he gradually destroys the Vanetti family.

18 Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Tells The Backstory Of The Original Gundam Antagonist

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.13/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.33
• IMDb: 7.5

On first glance, it's easy to think Mobile Suit Gundam wouldn't have anything in common with Vinland Saga. However, despite the futuristic setting, some things remain the same. The Origin focuses on protagonist Char Aznable after the destruction of his family at the hands of the Zabi Family, who usurped his father's power and took over the Principality of Zeon.

While Thorfinn gradually learns what his pacifist father was trying to teach him, Char is completely different. Consumed by revenge, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin shows everything Char's willing to do to destroy the Zabi family.

17 Jormungand Focuses On A Child Soldier Trying To Find Peace

Jormungand Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.04/5
• MyAnimeList: 7.80
• IMDb: 7.4

Taking place in the present day, Jormungand is still quite similar to Vinland Saga. The protagonist is a child soldier named Jona, taken in by an arms dealer with immense power named Koko and asked to be her bodyguard. However, like Thorfinn, Jona actually wants to kill Koko for spreading the tools of war that destroyed his home. Over time though, both characters realize the world is far more complicated than it seems.

Jormungand might not have the same close quarters combat scenes, but there are plenty of action scenes as Koko's group of bodyguards are forced to protect her on increasingly dangerous missions.

16 Altair: A Record of Battles Shows There's More To Life Than Vengeance

Altair Scores:

• Anime Planet: 3.68/5
• MyAnimeList Score: 7.55
• IMDb: 7.6

Like Thorfinn, Altair's lead Mahmut lost his parent in the midst of war. Unlike Thorfinn though, Mahmut chose not to become consumed with the desire for revenge. Instead, he aims to create a peaceful world where no one has to lose their parents the way he did.

Altair: A Record of Battles trades the focus on bloody conflict for more political conflicts. War is ever present as a possibility, but Mahmut's job is to try and prevent it when possible. Nonetheless, the show's excellent character development rivals what Vinland Saga has done.

15 Castlevania's Dracula Seeks Revenge Against Those Who Wronged Him

Castlevania Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.1/5
• IMDb: 8.3

While Castlevania isn't a true anime, it's based on a popular Japanese video game. Furthermore, it features a similar storyline as Vinland Saga. Basically, Castlevania is a tale of vengeance and the heroes that try to stop mass destruction.

Set in the mid-15th century, it focuses on Count Dracula and his desire to punish those who helped burn his wife at the stake. Opposing him are a monster hunter, a magician, and Dracula's son. The latter's name is Alucard, thus cementing proof that Dracula is mean—but not too creative with naming his children.

14 Brave 10 Focuses On The War During The Warring States Period

Brave 10 Scores:

• Anime Planet: 3.48/5
• MyAnimeList Score: 6.75
• IMDb: 6.4

Brave 10 takes place during China's Warring States era, between 475 and 221 B.C. Like other programs in this genre, Brave 10 shows war and tragedy from a different perspective. This time, it's from the view of an Iga Ninja, Kirigakure.

While on a journey of self-reflection, Kirigakure rescues Isanami, a shrine maiden who escaped the burning of her temple. The pair meet up with Lord Yukimura Sanada, who has a goal of banding ten braves together to change the course of history. With Kirigakure and Isanami added to the group, the titular Brave 10 travel across ancient China to dole out justice.

13 Space Brothers Shares Vinland's Saga's Relentless Pursuit of a Goal

Space Brothers Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.16/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.49
• IMDb: 8.2

Space Brothers is not about Gundams or far-off planets. The pair aren't equipped with special armor to fight off an alien invasion. Instead, the show is steeped in a history that might eventually come true. Space Brothers focuses on Mutta and Hibito, two brothers who think they see a UFO when they're kids. From that point on, their goal is to become astronauts.

However, things don't always go according to plan for both of them. While Hibito reaches his goals, Mutta ends up working for the automotive industry. A job loss and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity bring the two brothers together again.

12 Golden Kamuy Focuses On The Aftermath Of A Famous War

Golden Kamuy Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.01/5
• MyAnimeList: 7.88
• IMDb: 8.1

Another anime like Vinland Saga that rests deeply in the figments of war and survival, Golden Kamuy details the story of Sugimoto. A war veteran, he lived through the Russo-Japanese conflict, earning the moniker "Sugimoto the Immortal." Now, he's on a journey to find a treasure in order to help the widow of his deceased friend, Toraji.

Sugimoto is saved by Asirpa, an Ainu girl from the wilderness. As they develop an alliance, their symbiotic relationship is deeper than viewers might think. Golden Kamuy is particularly lauded for the accurate historical representation of Ainu culture, woven intricately into the story. It makes for one of the most accurate historical anime of all time.

11 Drifters Shows A Violent World With Light Historical Elements

Drifters Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.1/5
• MyAnimeList: 7.89
• IMDb: 7.6

A seinen historical drama, Drifters traces the story of Toyohisa Shimazu, who fights valiantly in the Battle of Sekigahara. Just when Toyohisa is about to die, he finds himself in a white corridor face-to-face with a quaint man sitting at a desk. Toyohisa is then transported into a new land through one of the doors.

Toyohisa finds he is a drifter, a deceased war hero, and certainly not the only drifter to be present there. Drifters is violent and ruthless, just as any historical anime tends to be. The characters are well-developed, and there's an additional dose of humor, too.

10 Yona Of The Dawn Combines Court Drama With A Coming Of Age Tale

Yona of the Dawn Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.22/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.03
• IMDb: 8.0

Yona of the Dawn traces the coming-of-age story of Princess Yona, who is in a bid to reclaim the throne usurped by her treacherous cousin, Su-won. Initially, Yona is a spoiled princess who hasn't stepped out into the real world—at least until what she holds dear is taken away from her. As she faces the real world, she sees the role poverty, strife, and corruption play in her kingdom.

With her childhood friend, Son Hak, by her side, Yona must take back what's hers and restore the kingdom to pride and glory. Yona of the Dawn is based on Akatsuki no Yona by Mizuho Kusanagi. It's filled with political vengeance, betrayals, and battles. Additionally, the anime score is very mesmerizing.

9 Kingdom Is Another Historical Series Focused On War

Kingdom Scores:

• Anime Planet: 3.92/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.45
• IMDb: 8.6

Much like Vinland Saga, Kingdom is about war, although the premises differ. It is based on China's Warring States period. The main difference is that a raging dragon has burnt the cities to the ground. Amid this chaos and confusion, kingdoms rise and fall. The succession war is ultimately won by the kingdom of Qin.

Kingdom's story starts with best friends, Li Xin and Piao, rendered orphans by war. Piao's recruitment into the king's army and his subsequent death lead Xin into the scene. As Xin takes on his destiny to become the Great General of China, he discovers himself along the way.

8 Berserk's Protagonist Is On A Revenge-Fueled Mission Against An Invincible Opponent

Berserk Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.12/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.57
• IMDb: 8.7

Berserk is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga in the world of sienen. It follows the story of Guts, the Black Swordsman, who's suffered unspeakable abuses at the hands of his foster father, Gambino. Guts flees his past life, only to be discovered by Griffith, the leader of a mercenary band called Band of the Hawk.

Guts joins forces with Griffith's mercs, who become more invincible than ever before. As they take on the world in the Golden Age story arc, Griffith's dark secrets and power lust are revealed. Berserk (1997) was the first adaptation of Kenpuu Denki Berserk by Kentaro Miura. The anime poses deep existential questions as Guts' story arc progresses, such as those on humanity, existence, ambition, and love.

7 Attack On Titan Focuses On How War Affects Individuals

Attack on Titan Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.35/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.54
• IMDb: 9.1

Attack on Titan is the marriage of a fantasy story and action-packed scenes as a spectacular anime like Vinland Saga. The story deals with a survival bid against monsters called Titans, who have wiped out most humanity. The remnants of that population live within a three-layered wall.

As the protections are breached by the Titans, a survivor named Eren Yeager joins elite soldiers to attempt to keep the Titans out. Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga constantly remind viewers of the prime importance of survival and the fear of destruction. Likewise, both Thorfinn and Eren have a huge responsibility to shoulder.

6 Rurouni Kenshin Sees A Man Fighting For Redemption For His Past

Rurouni Kenshin Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.13/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.29
• IMDb: 8.5

Rurouni Kenshin is a historical tale of the legendary manslayer Battousai who played a pivotal role during the Bakumatsu. Although he disappeared later, his name and deeds are etched in people's hearts. Now living as Kenshin Himura, the man is on a path of redemption.

Kenshin's reverse-blade is a symbol of atonement he feels is long overdue; however, his journey is beset with numerous challenges, such as the ghosts of his past. The glaring similarity between Rurouni Kenshin's Kenshin and Thorfinn is that both are set on an arduous path. They both have been involved in bloody conflicts, Kenshin in the past and Thorfinn in the present. Fans of Rurouni Kenshin can also look forward to the remake, which releases on July 7th, 2023.

5 The Rising Of The Shield Hero Presents A Darker Hero For A Darker Fantasy World

The Rising of the Shield Hero Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.31/5
• MyAnimeList: 7.96
• IMDb: 7.9

The Rising of the Shield Hero is one of the darker isekai anime series, starring the rough antihero Naofumi Iwatani in a troubled fantasy realm. Like Vinland Saga, the Shield Hero anime depicts a low-tech world where no one gets along, and war and slavery are all too common.

Protagonist Naofumi Iwatani was convicted of a crime he didn't commit, meaning he must fight and survive alone in a violent world. Like Thorfinn Karlsefni, Naofumi has little but his own wits and grit to rely on, though he will gradually make new friends and eventually challenge a twisted king.

4 Demon Slayer Sent Tanjiro On A Quest To Save His Remaining Family

Demon Slayer Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.47/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.49
• IMDb: 8.6

At a glance, Demon Slayer may seem too cartoony to be like Vinland Saga, but this popular shonen anime is much darker than it looks and has some narrative similarities with Vinland Saga. Both series are historical action stories whose heroes suffered personal losses, then embarked on a bloody quest to make things right.

Protagonist Tanjiro Kamado may not be gritty and vengeful like Thorfinn, but his personal arc is still heavy with drama, grief, and intense emotions, and he has actually lost more than Thorfinn ever did. Deep down, though, Thorfinn and Tanjiro don't want to destroy everything, but save people and create something new.

3 Oshi No Ko Centers Around A Reincarnated Man's Quest For Revenge

Oshi no Ko Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.41/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.7
• IMDb: 8.4

Oshi no Ko is not a historical anime and has no action sequences, but its plot should feel familiar to Vinland Saga fans on a personal level. Oshi no Ko is an anime like Vinland Saga because it depicts vengeful boys who will dive deep into darkness to avenge the death of a loved one, but they're more liable to destroy themselves than destroy their enemies.

Any anime fan who found Vinland Saga's revenge quest fascinating will also enjoy Oshi no Ko, even if the packaging is totally different. Protagonist Aqua Hoshino will spend his new life avenging his idol mother's death at any cost, but he doesn't realize what a mistake he's making, and his female friends Kana and Akane may not be able to save him, either.

2 Chainsaw Man's Lead Survives Only By Inflicting Violence On Others

Chainsaw Man Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.35/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.52
• IMDb: 8.4

Chainsaw Man is a "monster hunter" anime that may not have a revenge plot or a historical setting, but its brutal violence and its protagonist may still remind Vinland Saga fans of Thorfinn's story. Like Thorfinn, protagonist Denji/Chainsaw Man is a strong but lost young man who desperately needs to find meaning in his life.

However, constant violence will not bring joy to either Thorfinn or Denji and only through serious introspection can they find their way. Also, Thorfinn and Denji each have an older mentor who has taught them much but is also their enemy on many levels, adding even more tension to the story. That kind of drama makes Chainsaw Man one of the best anime shows like Vinland Saga currently available to stream.

1 Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Features A Young Man Looking For Revenge Against The World

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Scores:

• Anime Planet: 4.32/5
• MyAnimeList: 8.6
• IMDb: 8.3

Setting-wise, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is Vinland Saga's opposite, taking place in a cyberpunk future setting based on a popular video game while Vinland Saga is a historical anime set one thousand years ago. Despite that, both series have a similar narrative and protagonist, all of which make for dark, violent, and compelling entertainment.

Like Thorfinn, the antihero David Martinez had nothing left but anger after his mother died, and he felt lost in a brutal, wired world that cared nothing for him. So, he will run with a vicious gang of urban raiders and criminals, all while desperately seeking the true meaning of his life.