The Ultimate Guide to Must-Watch Anime for Vinland Saga Fans

Vinland Saga follows the life of Thorfinn, a young boy who is forever changed by his father's death. Raised among Viking mercenaries, he embarks on a journey of revenge, facing numerous challenges along the way. In this treacherous world, Thorfinn must continuously hone his skills, as there is no room for peace.

There are several compelling reasons why Vinland Saga has gained popularity. Its meticulously crafted historical backdrop vividly portrays the Viking way of life and their epic battles. Additionally, the series tells a deeply moving and authentic personal tale, effortlessly blending intense action with nuanced drama. While no other anime can entirely replicate its unique charm, there are many exceptional series that share similar elements which contribute to the allure of Vinland Saga.

10 Attack on Titan

Given the vast difference in length, it is unsurprising that Attack on Titan surpasses the anime adaptation of Vinland Saga in terms of scope. However, at their core, these two narratives share striking similarities. Like Thorfinn, Eren is driven by loss and seeks vengeance, leading him to join the military and confront the Titans that pose a threat to those dear to him. Additionally, both shows place equal importance on their supporting characters, adding complexity to the overall storytelling. Yet, the most significant resemblance lies in their unwavering willingness to embrace unfettered brutality and dramatic intensity.

9 91 Days

Similar to Vinland Saga, 91 Days revolves around themes of loss and revenge. Angelo, like Thorfinn, has tragically lost his family to the Vanetti mafia and seeks to avenge them by secretly joining the same group. However, despite the shared premise, the two shows take different approaches. Thorfinn's story incorporates elements of adventure and drama, while Angelo's tale is more grounded in realism. Additionally, the historical settings of the shows differ greatly, with 91 Days delving into the world of gangsters. Therefore, personal enjoyment may be influenced by individual affinity for specific time periods and narratives.

8 Berserk

7 Kingdom

Berserk is the captivating tale of Guts, also recognized as the Black Swordsman. Initially a solitary mercenary, he eventually becomes a member of Griffith's group, the Band of the Hawk, after being defeated in a duel. Despite their undeniable strength, Griffith's hidden agenda and aspirations appear to surpass the comprehension of others. While both Berserk and Vinland Saga share a historical backdrop of the Middle Ages in Europe, Berserk delves into mature themes encompassing dark fantasy and elements of horror. Nevertheless, the two manga share common threads such as complex character development, a thirst for vengeance, and an intriguing historical setting, creating a sense of familiarity amidst their distinctive nature.

While set in China's Warring States period, Kingdom meticulously crafts a realistic backdrop for its narrative. The protagonist, Xin, driven by the loss of his beloved friend Piao, must endure the hardships of a war-torn country and surmount numerous challenges in his quest to fulfill his promise of becoming the greatest war general. An intriguing parallel can be drawn to Vinland Saga's second season, as both Xin and Piao, much like Throfinn and Einar, encounter each other and form a friendship amidst the trials of slavery. Despite their adverse circumstances, their unwavering hope and relentless determination propel them towards a brighter future.

6 Claymore

The tale of Claymore is set in a world devastated by shape-shifting demons called youma, whose insatiable hunger can only be satisfied by devouring human flesh. In this grim and horrifying realm, the only ones courageous enough to confront these malevolent creatures are the Claymores - formidable warriors who are a unique blend of human and youma. Through the eyes of Clare, one of these extraordinary beings, and her loyal companion Raki, a young man she rescued, the story of Claymore unfolds. While the dark fantasy and horror elements of Claymore may seem distant from those found in Vinland Saga, both narratives share a common emphasis on themes of vengeance, unwavering determination, and richly developed characters. Furthermore, the animated action scenes in Claymore are equally captivating and exhilarating.

5 To Your Eternity

The resemblance between To Your Eternity and Vinland Saga is striking, particularly in their exploration of humanity. However, Vinland Saga's focus on this theme is more concentrated, delving deep into the personal drama of its characters. On the other hand, To Your Eternity takes us on a journey across different time periods and places. We follow the protagonist, Fushi, who starts out as a mere orb without thoughts or emotions upon arriving on Earth. But as he encounters various individuals and goes through different experiences, he gradually learns the essence of true humanity.

4 The Heroic Legend of Arslan

3 Golden Kamuy

Golden Kamuy recounts the adventures of an unconventional duo, Sugimoto "the Immortal" and Asipra, a young Ainu girl. Both harbor a common goal: discovering a cache of gold. Sugimoto, driven by the dying wish of his comrade, and Asipra, determined to reclaim her people's ancestral treasure. Yet, their path is laden with obstacles, for they are not the sole possessors of the map leading to this fabled bounty. Despite its distinct ambiance, occasionally punctuated by moments of levity, Golden Kamuy's narrative is rooted in reality, brimming with intensity, and draws inspiration from historical events.

2 Dororo

Dororo's titular character accompanies Hyakkimaru, a formidable lone warrior whose body parts were sacrificed to demons by his father in exchange for immense power. As Hyakkimaru uncovers the fact that his lost body parts are restored with each demon he vanquishes, he embarks on a vengeful quest to regain everything that was taken from him in this sacrificial act. Despite differing in their supernatural and mythological inspirations compared to Vinland Saga's grounded elements, Dororo also unfolds within a historical backdrop. Furthermore, the narrative explores similar themes of vengeance, a backdrop of warfare, and the indomitable resilience in the face of tragedy.

1 Drifters

Unlike any other entry on this list, Drifters stands out with its unique Isekai theme. The tale unfolds as Toyohisa Shimazu, on the verge of death, is abruptly transported into a world that is completely foreign to him. Within this realm, he forges friendships with renowned historical figures like Nobunaga Oda and Yoichi Suketaka Nasu. Together, they join forces to safeguard the well-being of elves and demihumans. While Drifters and Vinland Saga may share certain similarities, Drifters lacks the intricate drama found in the latter. Nevertheless, this series is a must-watch for those seeking anime with historical inspirations, epic-scale wars, and beautifully choreographed fight sequences, all in the backdrop of an original and captivating adventure.

Vinland Saga's debut instantly took the world by storm, enthralling viewers with its distinctive setting and narrative style. This deeply personal tale seamlessly intertwines elements of action and emotions, taking audiences on an unforgettable journey. With meticulous attention given to both world-building and character development, every facet of the show contributes to its unique and exceptional nature. While no other anime can replicate the brilliance of Vinland Saga, fans of this remarkable title will undoubtedly find these alternative shows equally compelling.