Vinland Saga has captured the audience with its intricate blend of intense battles, characters, historical fiction, and political intrigue. It is set in the era of Vikings, presenting a gripping tale of honor, revenge, and personal growth. For all fans looking to explore similar settings and themes, a vast variety of anime series exist. There are plenty of other great series that contain many elements that make it unique to watch. From the brutal and dark world of Berserk to the clever strategy, these shows offer an engaging story that is filled with history, action, and complex characters.
1. Castlevania
Castlevania is a horror-action anime set in a dark medieval fantasy world, and is loosely based on a video game series. The first season was released in 2017. The story is about Belmont, who is a monster hunter from the disgraced Belmont Clan. He battles with Dracula’s forces, who are seeking revenge on all humanity for the death of his wife. Along with Alucard, Dracula's son, and Sephardic Belnades, a magician, Trevor confronts demons, vampires, and other supernatural forces. It combines rich storytelling, intense action, and complex characters, it provides captivating experiences, which makes it stand out.
2. Berserk
Berserk is a dark fantasy action anime series released in 2016. Guts is a lone mercenary who has incredible strength but a tragic past. It explores his complex relationship with the charismatic leader, Griffith, of the Band of Hawk, i.e., a group of mercenaries. It takes place in a dark medieval reign filled with magic, demons, and grey characters. The story stands out for its profound psychological exploration and brutal violence with mature themes. It provides a gripping and disturbing narrative that makes it an influential and classic anime.
3. Claymore
Claymore is an action fantasy anime series released in 2007. It is set in a medieval world filled with demonic creatures known as Yoma. Clare is a member of the Claymores, which is a group of female warriors that are infused with Yoma blood, enabling them to fight with monsters. She is on a quest for revenge against a particular Yoma who had wronged her, becoming central to the plot. Claymore is known for its complex characters, battles, and grim atmosphere. The blend of horror, action, and drama makes the anime a compelling watch for fans of mature and darker anime.
4. Dororo
Dororo is a dark samurai anime series released in 2019, based on a manga. Hyakkimaru is a ronin cursed born without organs or limbs, and Dororo is a young organ thief. Forty-eight demons took Hyakkimaru’s body parts, and to be able to retrieve them, he must kill each demon to regain a part of himself. They face human and supernatural threats. It is a mix of Accenture and action, portraying a feudal Japan filled with legend and myth. The bond between Dororo and Hyakkimaru makes the anime quite engaging to watch.
5. Golden Kamuy
Golden Kamuy is a historical anime released in 2018. It is set in the early 20th Century in Hokkaido, Japan. It follows the adventure of Saichi Sugimoto who is a veteran of the Japanese-Russo war, and an Ainu girl, Asirpa. Both embark on a treasure hunt to find hidden Ainu gold while facing fierce competition from the military and other treasure seekers. It blends adventure, comedy, and action while providing insight into Ainu’s culture. The engaging plot, complex characters, and unique survival elements make the anime a fascinating must-watch series.
6. Kingdom
The Kingdom is set in the Warring States era of ancient China. It follows the journey of Xin, who is a young orphan with the aspiration of becoming the most renowned General in history. He combines forces with the ambitious and young King of Qin, Ying Zheng, as they journey to unify China. The series showcases an epic battle with a focus on strategy and tactics. It offers a thrilling experience filled with drama and action while capturing the ambition and warfare in a pivotal era of Chinese history.
7. Moribito: Guardian Of The Spirit
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit is an action anime series released in 2007. The story is about Balsa who is a skilled spear-wielder, who is hired to protect Prince Chagum. Chagum carried a mysterious spirit that could bring catastrophe to the Kingdom, and due to this, his father ordered his assassination. Balsa is responsible for keeping him safe and uncovering the truth behind this spirit. It is noted for its exploration of destiny, detailed world-building, strong character development, and the relationship between nature and humanity. It combines politics, action, and mystical elements with stunning animation.
8. The Heroic Legend Of Arslan
The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a historical adventure anime series released in 2015. It is set in a world reminiscent of the ancient Middle East. Arslan is a young prince who is forced to flee his kingdom after a treacherous plot that leads to his father’s defeat. With a small group of loyal followers, he aims to reclaim his throne and bring peace to his land. It has a rich portrayal and diverse form of characters, the anime offers an engaging take on this classic coming-of-age set in a historical fantasy.
9. Altair: A Record Of Battles
It is an anime set in a fictional world inspired by the Turkish Empire. Mahmut is a young military leader navigating political warfare and turmoil between two rival nations. The anime skilfully combines political and historical aspects while highlighting Mahmut’s growth as a diplomat and strategist. Trying to prevent an all-out war, he is entangled in a complex web of rivalries and alliances. Through his experiences, he explores the challenges of leadership, the intricacies of international relations, and the nature of power.
10. Legend Of The Galactic Heroes
It is a sci-fi anime series. It is a sweeping space opera that explores warfare, political conspiracy, and personal ambition in a distant future where two major powers, the Free Planets Alliance and the Galactic Empire, are locked in a conflict. It follows the brilliant strategies of Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm, two young military geniuses, as they navigate the complexity of leadership and war. It delves into history, philosophy, and human nature and makes it a classic anime.
