Anime, as a medium, has explored nearly every era and corner of the world. When a historical anime is done well, it not only entertains but also offers an incredible immersion into the sights, sounds, and social pressures of a different time and place.

Beyond the Samurai: A Guide to 5 Amazing Historical Anime

When people think of "historical anime," their minds almost automatically go to Feudal Japan: samurai, shoguns, and katana battles (like in Rurouni Kenshin or Gintama). But that's just one small corner of a vast and fascinating genre.

Historical anime can transport you to the court of pre-revolutionary France, the icy lands of Viking-Age England, or the smog-filled streets of Victorian London.

If you're looking for fascinating stories that use a real-world setting as a character, here are 5 historical anime you must see.

1. Vinland Saga

• Setting: England and Denmark, Viking Age (11th Century)

• Genre: Action, Historical Drama, Seinen.

• Why Watch It: Vinland Saga is, for many, the pinnacle of modern historical anime. The first season is a brutal, action-packed prologue following a young Icelander, Thorfinn, on his quest for revenge. However, the series evolves (especially in Season 2), moving away from simple battles to become a deep character study about pacifism, slavery, and trauma in a world defined by violence. It is based on the real Icelandic Sagas.

2. Golden Kamuy

• Setting: Hokkaido, Japan (Meiji Era, early 20th Century)

• Genre: Adventure, Action, Drama, Comedy.

• Why Watch It: This series delivers on the "beyond samurai" promise. Set after the samurai era, it follows Saichi Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russo-Japanese War, and Asirpa, a young Ainu indigenous girl. They team up on a "gold rush" to find a hidden treasure. Golden Kamuy is famous for its gritty action, absurd comedy, and, most importantly, its incredibly detailed and respectful portrayal of the Ainu culture, food, and beliefs.

3. Moriarty the Patriot (Yuukoku no Moriarty)

• Setting: London, England (Victorian Era, late 19th Century)

• Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller.

• Why Watch It: This series is a reimagining of the classic Sherlock Holmes novels, told from the point-of-view of his nemesis, Professor William James Moriarty. Beyond the mystery, the series is a scathing critique of the rigid and unjust class system of Victorian England. Moriarty positions himself as a "crime consultant" who seeks to destroy the nobility from within. It's a fascinating look at the London historical underworld.

4. In This Corner of the World (Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni)

• Setting: Hiroshima and Kure, Japan (Showa Era, 1930s-1940s)

• Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Historical.

• Why Watch It: This is a critically-acclaimed film that offers one of the most important perspectives in history: the civilian one. The story follows Suzu, a young woman who moves to Kure (a port town near Hiroshima) after getting married. The film is not about battles; it's about daily life, food rationing, family, and the perseverance of ordinary people as World War II looms and irrevocably impacts their lives.

5. The Rose of Versailles (Versailles no Bara)

• Setting: Paris and Versailles, France (Late 18th Century)

• Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Shojo.

• Why Watch It: This is one of the most influential anime series ever made. Although it's from 1979, its impact is massive. The story follows Lady Oscar, a woman raised as a man to serve as captain of the Royal Guard. The series details the events leading up to the French Revolution, with Queen Marie Antoinette as a central character. It is an epic historical drama that mixes real events with romantic fiction.

Conclusion

The historical genre in anime is far more than just katanas. These five series prove that the medium can explore any point in human history (Vikings, world wars, revolutions) with depth, accuracy, and incredible narrative power. They use history not just as a costume, but as the central force that shapes their characters.