The Ultimate Guide to the Top Ninja Anime Series (Excluding Naruto)

The Naruto franchise is widely regarded as the pinnacle of ninja fiction, but there are numerous anime and manga that do justice to the subject. Ninjas have always been popular protagonists for Japanese writers, as they offer easy access to secret societies, shadow wars, and intricate magical abilities. Despite the immense popularity of Masashi Kishimoto's orange-clad ninja, many other ninja stories often go unnoticed by anime enthusiasts.

Fortunately, ninja tales are versatile and can fit into various genres. Japan's shinobi and kunoichi have appeared in dark and intense political thrillers, science fiction adventures, and even romantic comedies. For those looking for something different or simply wanting to satisfy their ninja craving between Boruto releases, the options are plentiful and only limited by personal preferences.

10 Brave 10

Brave 10 can be likened to "Naruto without Naruto", as it captures many of the same elements: quirky characters, fantastical powers, and intense fight scenes. This historical fantasy centers around Saizo Kirigakure, a former Iga ninja who becomes a bodyguard for a priestess called Isanami. They are then recruited by samurai Yukimura Sanada to join his group of ninja known as the "10 Braves". Their mission is to protect Yukimura's territory and the hidden power possessed by Isanami. Standing in their way are various antagonists inspired by historical figures such as Ieyasu Tokugawa and Hanzo Hattori.

In 2012, TMS Entertainment produced a 12-episode series based on the manga. However, it only covers a small portion of Kairi Shimotsuki's original work, which spans eight volumes and has a nine-volume sequel. Despite this limitation, the adaptation offers a concise and enjoyable counterpart to Naruto. Saizo, in particular, is a captivating character with his brooding demeanor and black hair reminiscent of Sasuke Uchiha. If you have some free time, Brave 10 is worth exploring, especially since all episodes are available on YouTube.

9 Ninja Slayer

This Original Net Animation (ONA) embodies pure insanity. With a penchant for extravagance and absurdity, Ninja Slayer revolves around Kenji Fujikido's relentless pursuit of vengeance against the "evil ninja" responsible for his family's demise. The eponymous Ninja Slayer engages in battles against bizarre foes like bugmen, towering cyborgs with pillar-like heads, and adversaries with names such as "Demolition Ninja" or "Hugeshuriken." Accompanied by a group of female sidekicks whose appearances and attire satirize the clichés of 90s anime.

Trigger's comedic style may not hit the mark consistently, as they sometimes sacrifice animation quality in the 10-minute episodes for the sake of parody. This aspect could cause potential viewers to turn away, especially considering the frequent instances of sexual harassment towards one of the female characters. It is a far cry from Trigger's renowned drama, like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners. However, this ONA exudes unadulterated fun. Watching the characters move like paper cutouts, combined with the voice actors' most dramatic performances, is bound to bring a smile to one's face. Ninja Slayer offers a remarkable and exhilarating experience that must be witnessed to be truly comprehended and believed.

8 Blackfox

Created by 3Hz, Blackfox is the result of blending a superhero's origin tale with the world of ninjas. Centered around Rikka Isurugi, she employs her inherited ninja training and robotic companions to track down the individuals who pilfered her family's research.

Although originating from Japan, the visual style of Blackfox bears a striking resemblance to Western comics. As Rikka navigates an American-style city, her battle with vengeance resonates with enthusiasts of iconic comic book characters such as Batman. Unintentionally emulating these comic book conventions, Blackfox stands as a unique and intriguing animated film.

7 Ninja Ryukendan

This content is actually a sequel to the Ninja Gaiden trilogy for the Nintendo Entertainment System. It continues the story of "Dragon Ninja" Ryu Hayabusa and Robert Sturgeon as they once again strive to prevent the resurrection of the Evil God.

There are numerous aspects of this Original Video Animation that make it captivating. From its polished animation to its connection with a video game that dates back decades, it provides a glimpse into the world of the 1990s. Fans of anime or dedicated gamers should definitely watch Ninja Ryukendan to appreciate its significance in the history of animation.

6 Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl

Jubei-chan has gained a cult following due to its unconventional concept. The story takes place 300 years after Jubei Yagyu's death, where his skills are passed down to Jiyu Nanohana through a magical eye patch. Whenever Jiyu wears the eye patch, she transforms into a ninja alter-ego and must battle against the Ryujouji School, determined to defeat the latest incarnation of Jubei. This series satirizes the traditional magical girl genre by featuring a protagonist who becomes a ninja using a "adorable" eye patch, aided by a pushy adult rather than a cute mascot.

Initially, the anime embraces farcical elements and exaggerates character traits, but later transitions to a more dramatic tone. It delves into the intensity of the Ryujouji feud and its impact on Jiyu's life and family. In 2004, Madhouse released a second season that further amplifies both the comedic and dramatic aspects. Despite the presence of various female ninjas, no other series has successfully replicated Jubei-chan's distinctive formula.

5 Ayakashi Triangle

Kentaro Yabuki, renowned for his romantic comedy To Love Ru, showcases his signature style in Ayakashi Triangle, a captivating urban fantasy infused with ninjas. The protagonist, Matsuri Kazamari, is a skilled ninja who combats the supernatural threat known as ayakashi. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he defeats the powerful ayakashi, Shirogane, only to be cursed and transformed into a girl. As Matsuri grapples with his new identity, the story delves into his ongoing struggles with ayakashi exorcisms, his quest to lift the curse, and his blossoming romance with the main heroine, Suzu, all while confronting societal expectations surrounding gender.

A notable aspect of Ayakashi Triangle is its ability to empower its female protagonists, showcasing their combat capabilities even in more risqué situations. Evocatively, Matsuri's transformation into a girl does not diminish his importance or reduce him to comedic relief. Additionally, Suzu demonstrates resourceful methods of fighting. The manga's genuine exploration of LGBTQIA themes is a refreshing departure from the reliance on stereotypes often found in anime. Although Studio Connect's adaptation faced delays due to the impact of COVID-19, the series has fortunately resumed its broadcast.

4 In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki

Kunoichi Tsubaki is like a comedic version of Naruto, focusing on the everyday lives of a group of female ninja students. The main character, Tsubaki, is determined to find a man, but this romantic aspect takes a backseat to the humorous interactions and shenanigans of the entire ensemble cast. The adaptation by CloverWorks brings a charming portrayal of what an ordinary ninja's life could be like. It playfully uses traditional ninja imagery from Naruto in everyday activities such as skipping class or sneaking extra food. However, there are still plenty of action sequences to keep the story exciting. For those seeking a lighter and less intense ninja experience, all episodes of In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki can be found on Crunchyroll.

3 Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

Jigokuraku stands out as an excellent example of ninja fiction that fearlessly delves into the horror genre. The narrative revolves around Gabimaru the Hollow, a death row ninja. Despite multiple failed execution attempts due to his resilient body, he receives a unique proposition: team up with nine other condemned criminals to embark on a treacherous mission to Kotaku Island. Their objective is to locate the elixir of immortality and secure a full pardon. Thus begins an intense combination of a battle royale and supernatural mystery, with Gabimaru forming alliances with fellow killers and uncovering the origin of the island's monstrous creatures.

Jigokuraku offers a refreshing change of pace, with its chilling horror elements and a captivating roster of outcasts residing in a sinister rendition of Japan during the Edo period. This, coupled with the fact that MAPPA is adapting the series, has generated enormous anticipation for its release in the spring of 2023. Once again, the studio showcases its prowess through stunning art direction, showcasing breathtaking depictions of Kotaku Island's lush jungles and formidable monsters. While a second season of Jigokuraku has already been confirmed, the manga has concluded with an impressive 127 chapters. The first season is readily available on Crunchyroll, titled "Hell's Paradise."

2 Basilisk

This anime, also known as Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, has earned the nickname "Romeo and Juliet with ninjas" for a reason. It tells the story of the Iga and Kouga ninja clans, bitter rivals with a complex history. When Ieyasu Tokugawa requests both sides to choose their top 10 ninjas to represent his two sons in a shadow war, tensions reach a boiling point. The clans, led by Gennosuke and Oboro, who are in love and yearn for peace, engage in a final, all-out battle to determine the next Shogun, leading to tragic consequences.

This intense fight for survival explores the depths of tragedy, keeping viewers on edge until the very end. The vast array of characters strategically eliminate each other using unique powers reminiscent of those in Naruto. Amidst the rising body count, the anime finds moments to develop the cast, amplifying the sorrow of their inevitable fates.

1 Ninja Scroll

This highly acclaimed animated film consistently appears on lists of the "best anime." It revolves around Jubei Kibagami, a wandering ronin who becomes unintentionally entangled in a mission to eliminate the Eight Devils of Kimon, a group of ninjas aiding anti-government factions. After being poisoned, Jubei must track down all eight ninjas and neutralize them within a limited timeframe, armed solely with his sword and cunning. Additionally, Madhouse, the production company behind this movie, released a TV sequel called Ninja Scroll: The Series in 2003.

This film had a significant impact during the surge of anime's introduction to the Western audience in the 90s. It was one of Yoshiki Kawariji's many works that showcased how the medium could push artistic boundaries and delve into mature storylines, albeit at the risk of perpetuating the stereotype that all anime is excessively violent and exaggerated. Nevertheless, prior to the global phenomenon of Naruto, Ninja Scroll stood as the quintessential ninja film and continues to be highly revered among anime enthusiasts for its exceptional hand-drawn artwork.

These are just a handful of the countless ninja tales that have emerged alongside Naruto. Each show portrays these legendary spies and warriors in its own unique way. No matter if viewers seek comedy, excitement, or relentless action, there is always an opportunity to infuse it with the captivating world of ninjas. Thankfully, a majority of these shows and movies are readily available for quick consumption, offering viewers the chance to dive into the vast array of ninja-themed content. With this selection of 10, it is our hope that viewers will be inspired to venture beyond Naruto and Boruto and discover the hidden gems that lie in their shadow.