whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action

The best samurai action anime you can start from the beginning

55 anime that are both action and samurai, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Gintama, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen, Samurai Champloo.

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The list

1. 1 Gintama TV · 2006 · 201 episodes · Sunrise · #21 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
2. 2 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
3. 3 Samurai Champloo TV · 2004 · 26 episodes · Manglobe · #152 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Rurouni Kenshin TV · 1996 · 94 episodes · Gallop · #365 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
5. 5 Dororo TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #370 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
6. 6 Stranger: Mukou Hadan Sword of the Stranger Film · 2007 · Bones · #411 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Jigokuraku Hell's Paradise TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · MAPPA · #628 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Drifters TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Hoods Entertainment · #972 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
9. 9 Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna Lupin the Third: The Woman Called Fujiko Mine TV · 2012 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #1256 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
10. 10 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (2023) Rurouni Kenshin TV · 2023 · 24 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #1719 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
11. 11 Juubee Ninpuuchou Ninja Scroll Film · 1993 · animate Film · #1741 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
12. 12 Mutsu Enmei Ryuu Gaiden: Shura no Toki Time of Shura TV · 2004 · 26 episodes · Studio Comet · #2028 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
13. 13 Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou Basilisk TV · 2005 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #2054 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
14. 14 Mugen no Juunin: Immortal Blade of the Immortal ONA · 2019 · 24 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #2409 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
15. 15 Hakuouki: Reimeiroku Hakuoki: Demon of the Fleeting Blossom - Dawn of the Shinsengumi TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Studio Deen · #2502 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
16. 16 Afro Samurai TV · 2007 · 5 episodes · Gonzo · #2705 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
17. 17 Hakuouki OVA OVA · 2011 · 2 episodes · Studio Deen · #2717 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
18. 18 Shigurui Shigurui: Death Frenzy TV · 2007 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #2840 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
19. 19 Hakuouki Hakuoki ~Demon of the Fleeting Blossom~ TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · Studio Deen · #2870 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
20. 20 Onihei TV · 2017 · 13 episodes · Studio M2 · #3051 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
21. 21 Sengoku Basara Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings TV · 2009 · 12 episodes · Production I.G · #3058 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
22. 22 Dororo to Hyakkimaru Dororo TV · 1969 · 26 episodes · Mushi Production · #3133 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
23. 23 Peace Maker Kurogane TV · 2003 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #3158 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
24. 24 Mushibugyou Mushibugyo TV · 2013 · 26 episodes · Seven Arcs Pictures · #3218 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
25. 25 Hidamari no Ki Tree in the Sun TV · 2000 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #3382 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.