History or social studies is one of the more popular school subjects, but it isn’t for everyone. Thankfully, many TV shows and movies tell past events through entertaining narratives, leaving out the monotone lectures. However, anime has also provided many historical series, whether based on real events likeThe Elusive Samuraior merely set during a major period like91 Days.
While shows likeJujutsu KaisenandOne Pieceare fun, the best historical anime can entertain fans while teaching them a little bit about history.This list will rank the ten best historical anime seriesbased onhistorical relevance, accuracy, writing, story, animation, overall quality, and how well it utilizes the setting. While anime likeDemon Slayeris set in a real-time period, it has no historical impact, unlike all of these shows.
10’Black Butler' (2008)
Setting: Victorian-era London (19th Century)
Just because they are historical doesn’t mean these anime must be about specific events. Still,Black Butlercrafts a primarily fictional story with some moments inspired by real events to create a unique experience. Ciel Phantomhive is the young heir of his family after everyone tragically died. Now, he and his demonic butler serve the queen, undergoing the underworld’s most hideous tasks so they avoid reaching the light of day.
Victorian London isn’t a common era for animeto explore, makingBlack Butlera unique show that demonstrates this time through a dramatic lens.Each arc is full of mystery and drama, solving one occult crime after the next with help from a colorful cast. Whilethe new season ofBlack Butlerexplores Germany, past seasons highlight the elegance and twisted Victorian era, including Jack the Ripper.
Black Butler
9’Baccano!' (2007)
Setting: The United States of America during the Prohibition Era
While Victorian London is a surprising setting for anime, the United States during the prohibition era is equally shocking. Japan doesn’t focus on much outside of the country, but once in a while, they will bless fans with shows such asBaccano!This mystery thriller follows multiple perspectives, including bandits on a train, a scientist with an immortality elixir, and two rival gangs in the middle of a war.
Baccanois an underrated masterpiece, but unfortunately, it doesn’t score higher because the setting isn’t the most relevant to the story. Despite this, the settingadds a unique vibe to the showwith great set pieces and backgrounds. Each perspective seamlessly blends into one another, combining stories into one grand dark conspiracy, makingBaccanoone of thebest anime fans can binge in one day.
8’Rurouni Kenshin' (1996)
Setting: Meiji Period of Japan (1878)
The Meiji Period was a critical time in Japanese history, reforming the way they do things and modernizing the country.Rurouni Kenshinfollows these events through the eyes of the titular protagonist, a former assassin who aims to atone for his sins by helping passersby and defeating heinous villains without killing.
Some fans can separate the artists from the art; if fans can’t, they should avoidRurouni Kenshin, as the author has a troublesome history. But if fans can get past that, this anime is a brilliant historical series that relies on its specific period to deliver a groundbreaking story.The entire plot runs through the historical setting, holding immense value and importance, showcasing the development of the era and rebuilding of Japan, and makingRurouni Kenshina timeless anime.
7’The Rose of Versailles' (1979)
Setting: 18th Century France (French Revolution)
Shockingly, most of this list is anime that is not set in Japan. Maybe since everyone knows their history, creators focused on untraditional settings or unfamiliar history, which is the case withThe Rose of Versailles, set in France during the French Revolution. Sent to France, Marie Antoinette meets her bodyguard, Oscar, a woman masquerading as a man who wishes they could live as they were born.
The Rose of Versailleshas complex characters whomesh their personal stories with the events of the French Revolution. AlthoughThe Rose of Versaillesisn’t fully historically accurate, it has more than enough real events and inspiration to be a renowned historical anime. The blend of history and fiction creates a balanced mixture that spices up the known events with drama, action, and romance.
The Rose of Versailles
6’Kingdom' (2012)
Setting: Warring States Period of Ancient China (475-221 BCE)
Historical anime can range anywhere from sixty to thousands of years ago, andKingdomfollows the latter’s approach by making a series about the warring states period in ancient China. Xin is a measly peasant, but he dreams of becoming the greatest general, and this show follows his triumphs in the war alongside the ruler of the province.
Xin is sort of an amalgamation of historical figures, using their feats to make the protagonist seem even grander and more impressive. However, most of the events are entirely accurate, withthe story dramatizing them so they’re more suitable as an anime. The action, battles, and drama may be scaled up, butKingdomis still an overlooked animeand historical marvel that isn’t higher because of some rough first seasons.
5’Golden Kamuy' (2018)
Setting: 20th Century Japan (Russo-Japanese War)
Golden Kamuyis surprisingly one of the few historical Japanese shows on this list and centers around a reasonably uncommon period and setting. After the Russo-Japanese War, a soldier hunts for hidden gold, but when he learns about a massive horde, he and an Ainu girl search for the treasure. However, the map is tattooed on multiple escaped convicts, and other groups are looking for the same treasure.
WhileGolden Kamuymay be an original story, many of the facts, characters, and locations are real, providingvaluable insight into a rarely seen setting in media. The show excels at almost everything, delivering a remarkable story with great characters, comedy, drama, and mystery, becoming one of thebest modern action anime series.Golden Kamuyalso revels in the bizarre, adding plenty of outrageous scenes for a distinct flavor.
Golden Kamuy
4’Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju' (2016)
Setting: Showa Period, Japan (1926-1989)
While the title may be a mouthful,Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuis a gorgeous anime that will wow fans with its story and art. After serving time in prison, Yotarou wishes to continue his passion for rakugo, a form of comedic storytelling. Learning from one of the craft’s greatest masters, he learns about himself and his teacher’s dark past.
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuis the earliest anime on this list, taking place shortly afterBaccnao. A fun way to think about this would be if this anime andBaccanowere set in the same universe; the events would possibly overlap. The animeelegantly tells a story about modernization vs traditionand society evolving past the art form, which is why the historical setting matters. Switching between the past and future to grasp the historical context,Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuis masterfully written.
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
3’The Apothecary Diaries' (2023)
Setting: Based on the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in Imperial China
Technically,The Apothecary Diariesisn’t set in a dedicated time but is heavily based on the Tang Dynasty in Imperial China. Still, it is predominantly a historical anime. Initially working as an apothecary at a brothel, Maomao unwillingly becomes a worker in the Imperial Court, using her knowledge to foil schemes and investigate mysterious deaths.
WhileThe Apothecary Diarieshas already proven phenomenal, its incompletion limits it from going any higher, although it could claim the top spot in the future. Each episode is a thrilling new adventure and mystery,highlighting the schemes of the Imperial Court and the workings of ancient China. Its cast and constant mystery make this fascinating period better, serving as ananime with no bad episodes.
The Apothecary Diaries
2’Orb: On the Movements of the Earth' (2024)
Setting: 15th Century Poland
Orb: On the Movements of the Earthis the most recent historical anime to air and highlights a trend of modern historical anime receiving positive reviews, hopefully resulting in more adaptations. Following multiple protagonists, the series tells the long and hard road of proving Heliocentrism, with the Church cracking down on any heretics.
Despite being a very recent anime,Orbisalready a modern masterpiecethat impresses everyone who watches it. Each protagonist has different beliefs but continues to push for truth and knowledge despite different ideologies. The anime isabout humanity’s passion for knowledge and undying curiosity, which pushes innovation and progress.Orbuses its setting to tell a story about history and drive the plot with a modern message, making it one of thebest anime shows of 2024.
Orb: On the Movements of the Earth
1’Vinland Saga' (2019)
Setting: 11th Century England and Greenland (Viking Age)
Fans already have a famous anime about pirates, butVinland Sagais about history’s other infamous raiders. After the Vikings kill his father, Thorfinn joins their crew to enact his revenge. Too weak to do so now, he spends his time training and going on missions with them but ultimately loses his goal and must restart after working as an enslaved person.
Even thoughVinland Sagaisn’t finished, it has shown enough to be consideredthe best historical anime and a modern classic. This anime is historical fiction with many real characters, including Thorfinn, Leif, and Canute. Many events are also true, showcasing a dramatized retelling of battles. Despite many fictional events and character directions,Vinland Sagais still a historical epic that teaches fans enough about history while delivering an entertaining story and renowned character development. Itsprofound philosophical view of people, Vikings, and its timelend a hand to makingVinland Sagaa masterpiece.
