Historical anime Demon Slayer has announced on Twitter that its third season is in production and predicted to premiere in Fall 2023, so it seems that the genre is exploding in popularity with no signs of ceasing. There are few better ways of learning history information than by being fully immersed in the unique worlds of historical anime.
Anime has the ability to embody glimpses of many of the past’s most memorable eras, from the Edo period of Japan portrayed in Samurai Champloo to the Victorian era in Black Butler. In the highest-ranked historical anime, according to MyAnimeList, countless facts can be learned while portraying a fulfilling story to capture the viewer's hearts and minds.
InuYasha
Inuyasha follows the main protagonist, Kagome, who is dragged from modern Tokyo down a well inside her family’s shrine by a demon and transported 500 years back in time to feudal Japan. There she goes on thrilling adventures with a half-dog demon, Inyusha as they attempt to find all the lost pieces of the power-filled Shikon Jewel.
Taking place during the Jidai period, Inuyasha personifies the struggles faced within this time using its constant battles and communal insurrections as a metaphor. It was popularized due to its amazingly unique story filled with mythological themes, juicy drama, lovable characters, and dynamics that were infectiously ionate throughout its running. Furthermore, it is known for being what introduced many viewers, specifically in the West, to anime.
Spice And Wolf
Spice and Wolf is an incredibly unique story taking place in a period akin to the Middle Ages of Europe, following Holo, a wolf deity who was once worshiped by a small town for blessing their annual harvest. However, as time progresses and people grow self-sufficient, she has been deemed nothing but a folktale.
Saving her from this loneliness, a savvy traveling merchant es through town, and Holo takes the opportunity to become his business partner. The two set out on a journey of separate goals that slowly merge together into a mutual purpose as they scour the countryside for economic prospects. The romantic fantasy won fans over with its humbly blooming love story and heartwarming, historically influenced archaic adventures that come equipped with an elegant soundtrack.
Gintama
Regarded as one of the best anime series set in Tokyo, Gintama originates in an alternate Edo period where the planet is invested with an alien species known as the Amanto, that banned the use of weapons to prevent a rebellion. Gintoki, a wooden-sword wielding samurai, encounters civil unrest while fueling a feud with the alien royalty reigning over the world.
Combining aliens with a historical setting is no easy feat, but Gintama makes it look easy, with a style only comparable to a samurai sitcom that refuses to lose its sense of fun. What makes the anime so great is not just its exceptional comedy with a style that can be loved by both Eastern and Western cultures, but its ability to utilize strong characterization in an entirely original way.
Baccano!
The prohibition era was a time plagued by mobsters and crime, but Baccano! adds yet another layer to all the chaos. Its storytelling is intentionally sporadic and eccentric, following a string of intricate character arcs that impressively weave together into one major plot, through the use of a transcontinental train.
From a worsening war between groups of mafias to the making of immortality elixirs, Baccano! is a roller coaster ride where many turns end up actually being a 50-foot drop into the unknown. The non-stop pace of the anime is complemented by its compelling blend of the 1930s and the supernatural. Its creative use of the plot's butterfly effect, superb animation, timely music, and relatable characters dazzles with each unfolding episode.
Dororo
From the maker of the iconic Astroboy comes a much darker story, residing in the middle of the Muromachi period, Dororo. Hyakkimaru is yet another character desperate to become as human as possible, after being sacrificed to a gang of demons. Luckily, he is nurtured back to health by a magical doctor, who dons him with prosthetic limbs made for combat.
The ronin grows into a young man, determined to travel the lands to eliminate the demons who stole his life and regain his limbs. Known for being one of the best winter anime of 2022, its dark, moody tones and deep symbolism are the direct reason for its considerable popularity. Most of all, Dororo’s bold visuals and Hyakkimaru's massive character development are as beautiful as they are profound, rightfully earning the iration of its fans.
Mushishi
Mushishi highlights the world through the eyes of psychic protagonist, Ginko, brimming with ancient spirits known as Mushi that are prone to causing issues for humans. Using this to his advantage, he sells his peculiar skills as a service to aid the community.
With no clear overarching storyline as well as a setting that mirrors both the Edo and Meiji periods, supernatural slice-of-life Mushishi remains quite perplexing throughout its running, entertaining watchers with its immersing world of the paranormal. The series is loved for its perfect expression and the detailed presentation of its vast world, filled with an unmatched mysticism. Its curious visuals and vague yet complex spirits have a way of effortlessly etching themselves into the mind of the watcher, making it entirely unforgettable.
Black Butler
In an attempt to avenge the death of his entire family, Ciel sold his soul to his dedicated demon butler with insane abilities, Sebastian. Ciel’s story of debatable morality became one of the best anime set during the Victorian era, Black Butler. Though Sebastian will one day swallow up Ciel’s mortal soul, the pair unabashedly work together to reveal the mysteries behind the young master’s chain of misfortunes.
Paired with conniving plot tendencies and an entirely eerie soundtrack, it has impressed viewers with its presentation of London, as well as its rich history. The anime originally gained its status with gorgeous, fluid animation and zany characters, driven greatly by a thick plot. However, once-fans have found the second half of the series to be lackluster with an excess of filler episodes.
Samurai Champloo
Yet another anime set with the Edo period, Samurai Champloo reminisces traditional Japanese samurai in unique imageries and incorporates other aspects present in the culture of that time, like kabuki theater. The story unfolds with klutzy teahouse waitress Fuu, who spills a drink on the wrong customer and proceeds to be harassed by a group of samurai. Luckily, another samurai comes to her rescue.
With sword fighting styles comparable to break dancing, the two samurai destroy the shop and accidentally murder a man, and are sentenced to death for doing so. Fuu manages to rescue the rivals and hires them as her bodyguards. The trio set out on an unforgettable trek filled with imaginative fights and comedy, the great quest landing Samurai Champloo as an instant classic. Its multicultural elements of contemporary hip-hop. Bohemian influences, and Edo period make it unlike any other anime to date.
Vinland Saga
Fans are still scrambling for new updates on season 2 of Vinland Saga, the exceptional historical anime that took the world by storm in 2019, originating in Denmark during the era of Vikings. The plot follows Thorfinn as he takes life head-on, attempting to find peace in tumultuous times while sailing the ocean to reach a place of legend, Vinland.
While war wages between England and the Danes that leaves his homeland dripping with danger, Thorfinn promises to avenge his murdered father by killing the leader of a hundred Vikings. The anime became popular not just because of its action-driven conviction, but its impressive character development and fantastic creative realism that transport the viewer into its cruel world. As the audience watch Thorfinn become a true warrior, they are educated about the weapons and fighting techniques of the crusaders.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Currently one of the newest “big three” anime, Demon Slayer not only shows off its extremely authentic replication of aesthetics from the Taisho era, but incorporates them into every beautifully animated sword fight. After all of his family but his sister are slaughtered by demons, Tanjirou Kamado embarks on his dream of becoming a Demon Slayer and saving his sister from becoming a demon herself.
Both the Demon Slayer movie and OVA stand among the highest-ranked historical anime of all time, earning every bit of its viewers' love through lovable characters and astonishing, distinct animation style. This dark fantasy adventure embodies a thrilling atmosphere using its cinematic choreography while staying true to its time period, making sure its viewers the past and the significance of family in a fatal world.
