15 Best Historical Anime: Time Travel Through the Pages of Animation

Anime is a diverse and popular medium of entertainment that can appeal to a wide range of audiences. One of the genres that anime fans often enjoy is historical anime, which are anime series or movies that are set in or inspired by a specific historical period, culture, or event. Historical anime can offer a unique perspective on the past, as well as showcase the creativity and artistry of the anime creators.

Historical anime can vary in their degree of accuracy and realism, depending on the intended tone and message of the story. Some historical anime aim to faithfully depict the historical setting and characters, while others use historical elements as a backdrop for fantasy, romance, comedy, or action. Regardless of their approach, historical anime can provide an engaging and educational experience for the viewers, as well as spark their interest in learning more about the history behind the anime.

In this article, we will introduce you to 15 of the best historical anime that you can watch right now. These anime cover different time periods and regions, from ancient Japan to medieval Europe, from the American Revolution to the Meiji Restoration. Whether you are looking for a realistic drama, a thrilling adventure, or a hilarious parody, you will find something to suit your taste in this list.

So, without further ado, let's dive into the 15 best historical anime of all time.

15. Master Keaton

Master Keaton is a detective anime about Keaton, a historian and archaeologist who solves mysteries. Keaton is a half-British, half-Japanese man, who works as an insurance investigator and a lecturer. He also has a background as a former SAS soldier and a survival expert.

He travels around the world, and uses his knowledge and skills to unravel various cases, such as murders, thefts, and frauds. He also deals with his personal and family issues, such as his divorce, his daughter, and his father.

Master Keaton is a historical anime that shows the adventure, mystery, and drama of the characters, and the history, culture, and society of the different regions. Master Keaton is a great anime for anyone who loves detective, history, and slice of life.

14. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion is a war anime about a group of exiles who defend Japan from the Mongol invasion. The group consists of Jinzaburo, a former samurai who is banished to Tsushima Island, Teruhi, a princess of the island who leads the resistance, and other criminals and rebels who are sent to the island as a punishment.

They face the overwhelming force of the Mongol army, who have superior weapons, tactics, and numbers. They also face the betrayal and corruption of some of the Japanese nobles, who collaborate with the Mongols.

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion is a historical anime that shows the action, drama, and tragedy of the characters, and the history, politics, and warfare of the Mongol invasion. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion is a great anime for anyone who loves samurai, war, and history.

13. Shigurui: Death Frenzy

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a samurai anime about two swordsmen who have a deadly rivalry. The swordsmen are Fujiki, a one-armed swordsman who is loyal and disciplined, and Irako, a blind swordsman who is ambitious and ruthless.

They are both disciples of Kogan, a legendary and cruel sword master who runs the Kogan dojo. They compete for the succession of the dojo, and the love of Iku, Kogan’s daughter. They also face the challenges and dangers of the Edo period, such as the Tokugawa shogunate, the ninja clans, and the Christian rebels.

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a historical anime that shows the violence, gore, and horror of the characters, and the culture, art, and philosophy of the sword. Shigurui: Death Frenzy is a great anime for anyone who loves samurai, blood, and horror.

12. Drifters

Drifters is a fantasy anime about historical figures who are transported to another world and fight against each other. The historical figures, called Drifters, are warriors, leaders, and heroes from different eras and regions, such as Oda Nobunaga, Shimazu Toyohisa, Joan of Arc, and Scipio Africanus.

They are summoned by a mysterious man, called Murasaki, who assigns them to save the world from the Ends, another group of historical figures who are corrupted by despair and hatred, and who want to destroy the world. The Ends are led by the Black King, a mysterious and powerful figure who commands an army of monsters and magic.

Drifters is a historical anime that shows the fantasy, action, and comedy of the characters, and the history, culture, and personality of the historical figures. Drifters is a great anime for anyone who loves fantasy, history, and action.

11. Hyouge Mono

Hyouge Mono is a comedy anime about Sasuke, a tea master who serves under Oda Nobunaga and witnesses the Sengoku period. Sasuke is a vassal of Nobunaga, a warlord who tries to unify Japan by force. Sasuke is also a lover of art and culture, especially tea ceremony and aesthetics.

He is obsessed with collecting and admiring beautiful and rare items, such as tea utensils, pottery, and paintings. He also meets and interacts with other famous figures of the period, such as Sen no Rikyu, the greatest tea master, and Hashiba Hideyoshi, Nobunaga’s successor.

Hyouge Mono is a historical anime that shows the humor, irony, and beauty of the characters, and the history, politics, and culture of the Sengoku period. Hyouge Mono is a great anime for anyone who loves comedy, history, and art.

10. Hakuouki

Hakuouki is a romance anime about Chizuru, a girl who joins a group of warriors who protect the shogunate and have a secret curse. Chizuru is a daughter of a doctor who goes missing in Kyoto. She goes to Kyoto to look for him, and meets the Shinsengumi, a group of samurai who serve the shogun.

She learns that they are also looking for her father, who is involved in a secret project that involves creating artificial vampires, called Rasetsu, who have enhanced strength and speed, but also a thirst for blood and a shortened lifespan.

She also develops a relationship with one of the Shinsengumi members, such as Hijikata, the leader who is strict and determined, Okita, the swordsman who is cheerful and sadistic, or Saito, the spy who is quiet and loyal.

Hakuouki is a historical anime that shows the romance, drama, and action of the characters, and the history, events, and battles of the Bakumatsu period. Hakuouki is a great anime for anyone who loves samurai, romance, and fantasy.

9. Ninja Girl & Samurai Master

Ninja Girl & Samurai Master is a comedy anime about Chidori, a ninja girl who serves under Oda Nobunaga and helps him conquer Japan. Chidori is a young and energetic girl who is skilled in ninjutsu and espionage. She is loyal and devoted to Nobunaga, a warlord who is ruthless and ambitious.

She accompanies him in his campaigns, and meets and fights against other warlords and ninjas, such as Uesugi Kenshin, Takeda Shingen, and Hattori Hanzo. She also befriends and supports other members of Nobunaga’s army, such as Hideyoshi, a monkey-like general who is cunning and resourceful, and Nene, a cheerful and loving wife of Hideyoshi.

Ninja Girl & Samurai Master is a historical anime that shows the comedy, adventure, and cuteness of the characters, and the history, humor, and parody of the Sengoku period. Ninja Girl & Samurai Master is a great anime for anyone who loves ninja, comedy, and history.

8. Nobunaga Concerto

Nobunaga Concerto is a comedy anime about Saburo, a high school boy who travels back in time and impersonates Oda Nobunaga. Saburo is a carefree and lazy boy who likes to play baseball. He accidentally falls into a river and is transported to the Sengoku period, where he meets Nobunaga, a young lord who looks exactly like him.

Nobunaga, who is sick and tired of his life, asks Saburo to take his place, and gives him a device that allows them to communicate. Saburo agrees, and becomes the new Nobunaga, who tries to unify Japan with his modern knowledge and personality.

He faces various challenges and enemies, such as rival warlords, assassins, and traitors. He also meets and befriends other historical figures, such as Mitsuhide, Nobunaga’s loyal and wise retainer, Kicho, Nobunaga’s beautiful and strong wife, and Tsuneoki, Nobunaga’s cheerful and loyal friend.

Nobunaga Concerto is a historical anime that shows the comedy, drama, and action of the characters, and the history, culture, and twist of the Sengoku period. Nobunaga Concerto is a great anime for anyone who loves comedy, history, and time travel.

7. Kochoki

Kochoki is a drama anime about the life and ambitions of Oda Nobunaga and his brother Nobuyuki. Nobunaga is a young lord who is bold and visionary, and wants to create a new and unified Japan. Nobuyuki is a young lord who is calm and pragmatic, and wants to protect his family and clan. They are both sons of Oda Nobuhide, a warlord who rules Owari province.

They face the conflicts and struggles of the Sengoku period, such as the wars, intrigues, and alliances. They also face the bonds and rivalries of their family and friends, such as Kichou, Nobunaga’s wife who is loyal and brave, Ranmaru, Nobunaga’s page who is devoted and faithful, and Yoshimoto, Nobunaga’s enemy who is arrogant and foolish.

Kochoki is a historical anime that shows the drama, action, and tragedy of the characters, and the history, events, and personalities of the Sengoku period. Kochoki is a great anime for anyone who loves drama, history, and family.

6. Beyond the Heavens

Beyond the Heavens is a martial arts anime about Fuu, a boy who learns kung fu from a legendary master and faces various enemies. Fuu is an orphan who lives in a slum and works as a delivery boy. He has a dream of becoming a great martial artist and finding his father, who left him a mysterious pendant.

One day, he meets Shiryu, a master of the Baji Quan style, who saves him from a gang of thugs. Shiryu agrees to teach Fuu kung fu, and takes him on a journey across China, where they encounter different schools, styles, and challenges of martial arts. They also face the threat of the Four Divine Kings, a group of powerful and evil martial artists who seek to conquer the world.

Beyond the Heavens is a historical anime that shows the action, comedy, and drama of the characters, and the history, culture, and philosophy of martial arts. Beyond the Heavens is a great anime for anyone who loves kung fu, adventure, and history.

5. Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight

Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight is a fantasy anime about Montmorency, a boy who meets Jeanne d’Arc and fights in the Hundred Years’ War. Montmorency is a noble who studies alchemy at a prestigious academy.

He is fascinated by the legend of the Philosopher’s Stone, a mystical substance that can grant any wish. He witnesses the fall of Paris to the English army, and flees to the countryside, where he meets Jeanne, a peasant girl who has a strong faith and a kind heart.

He accidentally gives her a potion made from the Philosopher’s Stone, which transforms her into a powerful and beautiful warrior, called Ulysses. Together, they join the French army, and fight against the English and the Burgundians, who are aided by other Ulysses, such as La Hire, Gilles de Rais, and Charlotte.

Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight is a historical anime that shows the fantasy, romance, and action of the characters, and the history, events, and legends of the Hundred Years’ War. Ulysses: Jeanne d’Arc and the Alchemist Knight is a great anime for anyone who loves fantasy, history, and romance.

4. Dororo

Dororo is a supernatural anime about Hyakkimaru, a boy who is born without limbs and organs and tries to regain them by killing demons. Hyakkimaru is the son of a lord who made a pact with 12 demons, who granted him power and prosperity in exchange for his son’s body parts.

Hyakkimaru is abandoned and raised by a doctor, who gives him prosthetic limbs and weapons. He sets out on a quest to slay the 12 demons, and recover his missing parts, which also restore his senses and abilities.

He meets Dororo, a young and mischievous thief, who becomes his companion and friend. Together, they travel across a war-torn and cursed Japan, where they encounter various monsters, enemies, and allies.

Dororo is a historical anime that shows the action, drama, and horror of the characters, and the history, culture, and folklore of the Sengoku period. Dororo is a great anime for anyone who loves samurai, demons, and adventure.

3. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a viking anime about Thorfinn, a boy who seeks revenge for his father’s death and joins a band of mercenaries. Thorfinn is the son of Thors, a former warrior who lives a peaceful life in Iceland. He witnesses his father’s death at the hands of Askeladd, a cunning and ruthless mercenary leader, who works for the Danish army.

He vows to kill Askeladd, and follows him as a member of his band, who raid and plunder across England. He also meets other characters, such as Canute, a prince of Denmark who is weak and timid, but has a hidden potential, Thorkell, a giant and fearless warrior who loves fighting and challenges, and Leif, a sailor and explorer who tells stories of a land of peace and prosperity, called Vinland.

Vinland Saga is a historical anime that shows the action, drama, and tragedy of the characters, and the history, events, and culture of the viking age. Vinland Saga is a great anime for anyone who loves vikings, war, and history.

2. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan is a samurai anime about Kenshin, a former assassin who becomes a wanderer and protects the people. Kenshin is a master of the Hiten Mitsurugi style, a sword technique that is fast and lethal. He was known as Hitokiri Battousai, the manslayer, who fought for the Ishin Shishi, a group of rebels who overthrew the Tokugawa shogunate and restored the Meiji government.

He regrets his past, and vows to never kill again. He carries a reverse-blade sword, and travels across Japan, helping those in need. He meets Kaoru, a girl who runs a dojo of the Kamiya Kasshin style, a sword technique that values life and peace. He also meets other friends and foes, such as Sanosuke, a former fighter who is strong and loyal, Yahiko, a former thief who is brave and eager, Saito, a former enemy who is cold and cunning, and Shishio, a former successor who is cruel and ambitious.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan is a historical anime that shows the action, comedy, and romance of the characters, and the history, events, and themes of the Meiji period. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan is a great anime for anyone who loves samurai, history, and action.

1. Kingdom

Kingdom is a war anime about Xin, a boy who dreams of becoming a great general and fights in the Warring States period of China. Xin is an orphan who lives as a slave and a soldier. He has a strong and passionate spirit, and a talent for fighting. He meets Ying Zheng, the young king of Qin, who aims to unify China under his rule.

He also meets other characters, such as Qiang Lei, a girl who is a master of the spear and the leader of the Fei Xin Force, a unit of elite soldiers who follow Xin, Meng Tian, a boy who is a genius of strategy and a friend of Xin, and Wang Qi, a legendary and retired general who becomes Xin’s mentor and inspiration. Together, they face the wars, intrigues, and challenges of the Warring States period, and the other six states, such as Zhao, Wei, Chu, Han, Yan, and Qi.

Kingdom is a historical anime that shows the action, drama, and epicness of the characters, and the history, politics, and warfare of the Warring States period. Kingdom is a great anime for anyone who loves war, history, and strategy.

Conclusion

Historical anime is a genre that can take you to the past, and show you the events, people, and culture of a specific historical period or region. Historical anime can be very educational, entertaining, and diverse, and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Whether you are looking for adventure, comedy, or tragedy, historical anime can deliver. Here are 15 of the best historical anime that will time travel you through the pages of animation.

We hope you enjoyed this article, and we recommend you to watch these anime if you haven’t already.