10 Must-Watch Anime for Rurouni Kenshin Enthusiasts

Rurouni Kenshin is a beloved anime and manga series that tells the story of Himura Kenshin, a former assassin who pledges to never kill again. Instead, he dedicates himself to protecting the people of Japan during the Meiji era. With its captivating storytelling, dynamic characters, and thrilling fight scenes, the series has garnered a large following since its debut in the mid 1990s.

Fans of Rurouni Kenshin seeking similar anime to enjoy will be delighted to discover that there are numerous series that capture the essence of Rurouni Kenshin. These anime feature historical settings, compelling characters, intense sword fights, themes of redemption, and more. From action-packed adventures to poignant tales of atonement, these anime are sure to resonate with Rurouni Kenshin enthusiasts.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any particular order.

Sword and spirit: 10 anime series every Rurouni Kenshin fan should see

1) Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo (Image via Manglobe)

Samurai Champloo is an anime from 2004 that features stylized swordplay in a reconstructed samurai setting. The story follows Mugen, Jin, and Fuu as they set out on a quest across feudal Japan to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers. Like Rurouni Kenshin, the series delves into moral conflicts but with a more comedic twist. It also utilizes creative visual techniques during duels, such as comic strip panels and silhouettes, and highlights the intricacies of different sword styles and martial arts.

2) Blade of the Immortal

Blade of the Immortal (Image via Liden Films)

Blade of the Immortal, based on Hiroaki Samura's manga series, is a must-see for Rurouni Kenshin fans. Taking place in Japan during the mid-Tokugawa Shogunate, the gripping story follows Manji, a skilled samurai cursed with immortality, as he reluctantly agrees to help a young girl seek revenge for her murdered parents.

Similar to Kenshin, Manji is on a journey to seek redemption for his violent past while using his exceptional swordsmanship to protect the innocent. The anime captures the same dark and atmospheric tone as the darker Kyoto arc of Rurouni Kenshin, with fluid animation and formidable foes that push Manji’s abilities to new heights.

3) Dororo

Dororo (Image via Tezuka Productions)

Dororo is an action-packed, supernatural drama adapted from the legendary manga by Osamu Tezuka. The story revolves around honor, humanity, and redemption as Hyakkimaru, a swordsman on a mission to retrieve his stolen body parts and humanity by battling demons. Along the way, he forms an unlikely partnership with Dororo, a young orphan thief, and together they journey across feudal Japan, righting wrongs and vanquishing monsters.

Like the intense fights in Kenshin, the battles against demons in Dororo are visually impressive as Hyakkimaru utilizes his sword prosthetics. The series also explores themes of sadness and moral contemplation similar to Rurouni Kenshin. Overall, Dororo is a captivating anime choice for viewers who enjoy the feudal Japan setting and emotionally charged conflicts.

4) Trigun

Trigun (Image via Madhouse)

Fans of Rurouni Kenshin who are interested in a western sci-fi take on a peace-seeking outlaw will enjoy Trigun. This 1998 anime is set on a desert planet and follows the story of Vash the Stampede, an eccentric gunslinger who strives to avoid causing any harm despite the large reward on his head, which attracts deadly enemies.

Similar to Himura Kenshin, Vash has a tragic past marked by violence but uses humor to mask his inner turmoil. While Trigun features more guns than swords, its action-packed fight scenes capture the same essence found in Rurouni Kenshin. The series also shares similar themes of the value of life and the importance of showing mercy, reflecting the moral core of Rurouni Kenshin.

5) Bleach

Bleach (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Bleach is a popular contemporary action anime with a spiritually supernatural setting. The story follows teenager Ichigo Kurosaki, who becomes a Substitute Soul Reaper, dedicated to purifying lost souls and battling corrupted spirit beings known as Hollows.

Similar to Kenshin’s atonement journey, Ichigo is thrust into the life of a Soul Reaper protector to aid those in need. While Bleach showcases more visual spectacle with Ichigo’s magical sword powers and advanced spirit abilities, it shares the same sense of duty and honor as found in Rurouni Kenshin. Both anime also feature expansive worlds filled with a variety of allies and enemies.

6) Sword of the Stranger

Fans who crave the enthralling escapades of Rurouni Kenshin intertwined with otherworldly battles will discover a wealth of enjoyment in Bleach’s mystical lore and intense confrontations.

6) Sword of the Stranger

The image displayed above is from Sword of the Stranger (Image via Bones).

Sword of the Stranger, a 2007 anime film, presents a direct, character-focused action narrative that brings to mind the undertones of Rurouni Kenshin. The story follows young Kotaro, who meets a nameless ronin, while ruthless Ming swordsmen pursue the boy in order to use his blood for alchemic rituals.

Sword of the Stranger effortlessly reveals the development of a blossoming friendship through understated conversations and subtle facial expressions, reminiscent of the strong character bonds found in Kenshin and Kaoru. Moreover, the film presents some of anime's most iconic one-on-one fight scenes with precise choreography, making it a must-see for fans looking for emotional, character-driven narratives in addition to captivating swordplay.

7) Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (Image via Production I.G)

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit, based on Nahoko Uehashi's fantasy novel series, is a captivating anime that fans of Rurouni Kenshin will appreciate. The story follows Balsa, a skilled female bodyguard, as she takes on the task of protecting Prince Chagum, who is in possession of a water spirit that puts his life in danger. Together, they must evade spear-wielding assassins as they flee his kingdom.

Like Kenshin, Balsa is highly skilled with a sword, but only uses her abilities to safeguard lives rather than to take them. Both anime feature beautifully executed fight scenes and delve into complex themes of morality and justice within hierarchical societies.

8) Gintama

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit engrosses the audience with its lush scenery and expansive worldbuilding, drawing them into the layered realms of fantasy and human connection, much like the rich universality of Rurouni Kenshin.

For those seeking samurai tales infused with unconventional wit, self-referential jokes, and a plethora of cultural spoofs, look no beyond the uproarious sci-fi extravaganza, Gintama. Set in a parallel late-Edo era, the enduring show depicts a world where extraterrestrial beings known as Amanto have conquered Japan, leading to the abandonment of traditional practices and the prohibition of swords.

The series centers around the eccentric samurai Gintoki Sakata, who takes on odd jobs for cash and fiercely defends the innocent with his trusty blade. Despite his laidback and goofy nature, Gintoki, like Kenshin, carries the weight of a tragic past and remains steadfast in his moral principles. In addition to the comedic swordplay, the series also showcases thrilling and impressive battles that rival the flashing blades of Rurouni Kenshin.

9) Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai (Image via Gonzo)

Combining the essence of samurai action with a hip hop twist, Afro Samurai is a must-see original five-episode miniseries for fans of Rurouni Kenshin. The story follows Afro, an incredibly talented Black samurai seeking revenge as he cuts through countless enemies on his journey up the mountain to face off against the gunman warrior Justice, holder of the coveted Number One headband.

Balancing Afro's emotional backstory of pain and inner conflict with intense, blood-filled combat sequences, the anime depicts his battles against twisted fighters and ninjas using his trusted Number Two headband and sword style.

Afro Samurai embodies redemption themes reminiscent of Kenshin and showcases thrilling action animation, all through the unique perspective of renowned manga artist Takashi Okazaki. The result is an unparalleled and fulfilling anime experience.

10) Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer (Image via Ufotable)

Finally, we have the phenomenal series Demon Slayer, which has risen to become one of the most beloved anime franchises of the modern era.

Set in Japan’s Taisho era, the story follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, a compassionate teenager who becomes a demon slayer after his family is killed by demons. His mission is to save his sister Nezuko, who has become a demon, and protect humanity from the demonic threat.

Tanjiro possesses a unique breathing technique that he uses in battle with his sword. His empathy towards both humans and demons reflects the moral themes of Rurouni Kenshin. While Demon Slayer has a more supernatural backdrop compared to the realism of Rurouni Kenshin, it captures a similar essence of emotion, sorrow, and breathtaking combat that made its predecessor such an exceptional anime.

For modern anime fans, as well as diehard Kenshin lovers, Demon Slayer is sure to deliver an imaginative, emotionally-resonant viewing experience.

Conclusion

Over the years, Rurouni Kenshin has solidified its position as one of the most iconic anime franchises, known for its intense battles, heartwarming friendships, and themes of redemption. This list aims to offer great suggestions for viewers seeking similar samurai, supernatural, or redemptive anime experiences that capture the essence of Rurouni Kenshin.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of anime, I am thrilled to discover these 10 must-watch anime for Rurouni Kenshin enthusiasts. The article provides an exciting list of series that capture the essence of Rurouni Kenshin, offering a diverse range of historical settings, compelling characters, intense sword fights, and themes of redemption. I am particularly drawn to Samurai Champloo, which combines stylized swordplay with a comedic twist, and Blade of the Immortal, which delves into a dark and atmospheric tone with fluid animation and formidable foes.

The inclusion of Dororo and Trigun further expands my anime horizons, introducing me to action-packed supernatural dramas and western sci-fi takes on peace-seeking outlaws. I appreciate the writer's disclaimer that the list is not ranked in any particular order, allowing me to explore these anime without any preconceived notions. Overall, this article serves as an excellent guide for Gen Z fans like me who are eager to expand their anime journey beyond Rurouni Kenshin and discover new captivating series that resonate with the themes and elements we love.