whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

The best historical drama anime you can start from the beginning

189 anime that are both drama and historical, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto, Vinland Saga, Chi. Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite.

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The list

1. 1 Kusuriya no Hitorigoto The Apothecary Diaries TV · 2023 · 24 episodes · OLM · #33 on MyAnimeList 98% would recommend
2. 2 Vinland Saga TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Wit Studio · #45 on MyAnimeList 97% would recommend
3. 3 Chi. Chikyuu no Undou ni Tsuite Orb: On the Movements of the Earth TV · 2024 · 25 episodes · Madhouse · #56 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
4. 4 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Hotaru no Haka Grave of the Fireflies Film · 1988 · Studio Ghibli · #142 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
6. 6 Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju TV · 2016 · 13 episodes · Studio Deen · #144 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
7. 7 Prism Rondo Love Through a Prism ONA · 2026 · 20 episodes · Wit Studio · #188 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
8. 8 Rainbow: Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin Rainbow TV · 2010 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #189 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
10. 10 Tenmaku no Jaadugar Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia TV · 2026 · 12 episodes · Science SARU · #202 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
11. 11 Tian Guan Cifu Heaven Official's Blessing ONA · 2020 · 11 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #229 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Versailles no Bara The Rose of Versailles TV · 1979 · 40 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #279 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
13. 13 Romeo no Aoi Sora Romeo's Blue Skies TV · 1995 · 33 episodes · Nippon Animation · #314 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
14. 14 Sakamichi no Apollon Kids on the Slope TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #342 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
15. 15 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
16. 16 Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni In This Corner of the World Film · 2016 · MAPPA · #414 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
17. 17 Kaze Tachinu The Wind Rises Film · 2013 · Studio Ghibli · #533 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
18. 18 Karasu wa Aruji wo Erabanai Yatagarasu: The Raven Does Not Choose Its Master TV · 2024 · 20 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #671 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
19. 19 Gosick TV · 2011 · 24 episodes · Bones · #685 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
20. 20 Hyouge Mono TV · 2011 · 39 episodes · Bee Train · #705 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
21. 21 Takarajima Treasure Island TV · 1978 · 26 episodes · Tokyo Movie Shinsha · #787 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
22. 22 Kurenai no Buta Porco Rosso Film · 1992 · Studio Ghibli · #807 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
23. 23 Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette TV · 2007 · 52 episodes · Nippon Animation · #839 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
24. 24 Ie Naki Ko Nobody's Boy Remi TV · 1977 · 51 episodes · Madhouse · #867 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
25. 25 Ie Naki Ko Remy Sans Famille TV · 1996 · 23 episodes · Nippon Animation · #885 on MyAnimeList 86% 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.