10 Best Ninja Anime You've Never Heard Of (But Should Watch ASAP!)
If you are a fan of ninja anime, you might have watched some of the popular ones like Naruto, Ninja Nonsense, or Boruto. But did you know that there are many other ninja anime that are equally awesome, but not as well-known?
In this article, we will introduce you to 10 best ninja anime that you’ve never heard of, but should watch as soon as possible. These anime feature amazing action, comedy, romance, and drama, as well as some of the coolest ninja characters ever. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
10. Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl
Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl is an anime that blends action, comedy, and a touch of magical girl elements. It follows Jiyu Nanohana, a normal school girl who discovers she's the reincarnation of a legendary swordsman. With the help of a magical eyepatch, she transforms into Jubei, a powerful fighter destined to defend her family's legacy from a rival ninja clan. Expect flashy sword battles, hilarious antics as Jiyu adjusts to her dual life, and a dash of drama as she grapples with her newfound responsibility.
9. Blackfox
Blackfox is an anime movie that blends futuristic sci-fi with classic ninja action. The story follows Rikka, a young woman from a hidden ninja clan who witnesses a devastating attack on her home. Forced to fight back, Rikka dons a mysterious mask and transforms into the enigmatic Blackfox, a skilled warrior determined to unravel the secrets behind the assault and protect her loved ones.
8. Brave 10
Brave 10 is an action-packed anime set in Japan's violent Sengoku period. It follows a lone samurai who encounters a girl on the run and ends up protecting her. This leads him on a mission alongside the legendary Sanada Ten Braves, a group of elite ninjas serving the warlord Sanada Yukimura. The series offers exciting battles and historical intrigue, but some viewers find the plot suffers and the main character overshadows the ninja warriors.
7. Ninja Slayer
Ninja Slayer is a wild ride of an anime that blends genres like action, comedy, drama, and even science fiction. It centers around Kenji Fujikido, a salaryman who witnesses his family's demise by ninjas. Fueled by vengeance, he merges with a mysterious ninja spirit becoming Ninja Slayer. Set in the neon-drenched Neo-Saitama, Ninja Slayer takes on the villainous Soukai Syndicate ninjas in brutal battles. But it's not all seriousness. The series is known for its over-the-top violence, cheesy dialogue, and dark humor.
6. In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki
In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki is a comedic anime following Tsubaki, a talented kunoichi-in-training, living in a secluded clan with a strict rule: no contact with men. However, Tsubaki starts experiencing confusing emotions whenever men are mentioned. As she grapples with these feelings alongside her fellow kunoichi, hilarious situations arise that challenge their beliefs and force them to question the world around them.
5. Ninja Kamui
Ninja Kamui is a brand new anime series that premiered in February 2024. It follows Joe Higan, a former ninja who left his violent clan behind and sought refuge in rural America. However, his past catches up to him when assassins from his old organization arrive to exact revenge for his betrayal. Now, Joe must use his deadly ninja skills to protect himself and those he cares about, all while confronting the dark secrets of his past.
4. Ayakashi Triangle
Ayakashi Triangle is a shonen anime that blends fantasy, romance, and comedy. The story follows Matsuri Kazamaki, an exorcist ninja tasked with protecting his childhood friend Suzu Kanade. Suzu, unbeknownst to her, attracts evil spirits called ayakashi. Things get complicated when Shirogane, the powerful ayakashi king who resembles a cat, sets his sights on Suzu. Matsuri must now find a way to balance his duties as an exorcist with his feelings for Suzu, all while navigating the hilarious and chaotic world of ayakashi.
3. Ninja Scroll
Ninja Scroll is a violent and action-packed anime film released in 1993. It follows Jubei, a skilled but jaded swordsman, who is tricked into slaughtering his own clan. Now a drifter, he gets tangled up in a battle against the Eight Devils of Kimon, a group of demonic ninjas with special powers who want to overthrow the government. Jubei is joined by a cunning old spy and a deadly kunoichi with a poisonous touch. The film is praised for its stunning animation, particularly its fight scenes, and is considered a classic of the genre.
2. Basilisk
Basilisk is an anime steeped in drama and action. It tells the story of two warring ninja clans, the Kouga and the Iga, who are forced back into conflict after a fragile peace. To settle the score, a deadly competition is established: ten warriors from each clan are chosen and their names inscribed on scrolls. Victory goes to the clan that eliminates all the ninjas on the opposing scroll, with death the only way to cross a name off. This bloody contest tears lovers Gennosuke Kouga and Oboro Iga apart, as they find themselves on opposite sides fighting for the survival of their clans.
1. Hell’s Paradise
Hell's Paradise, also known as Jigokuraku, is an action-packed anime that aired in Spring 2023. The story follows Gabimaru, a powerful but jaded ninja sentenced to death. Offered a chance at freedom, he joins a group of convicts on a perilous mission to a legendary island rumored to hold the Elixir of Life. However, this island is far from paradise. Filled with monstrous creatures and rival treasure seekers, Gabimaru will need to fight for survival and find a way to earn his redemption.
Conclusion
These are the 10 best ninja anime that you’ve never heard of, but should watch as soon as possible. These anime offer a variety of genres, themes, and styles, that will appeal to different tastes and preferences.
Whether you are looking for comedy, romance, drama, or mystery, you will find something that suits you in this list. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your popcorn, turn on your TV, and enjoy these awesome ninja anime. You won’t regret it!