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Many historical anime are inspired by classic literature but some tell entirely new stories or create unique timelines for viewers to explore. What are the best historical anime out there?
Updated November 26, 2021 by Mark Sammut: Historical anime are not especially common, particularly ones that adhere to the realities of history rather than present fictional accounts of reality. The human mind can imagine incredible worlds filled with fantastical creatures and dream-like landscapes, and anime has brought to life countless of these universes. These purely fictional shows are a delight, but historical anime also have their place. They shine a light on important or forgotten periods of time, all the while delivering engaging, enchanting, or traumatic stories. This article has been expanded to include a few more of the greatest historical anime ever.
14 Remi, The Nobody’s Boy (Ie Naki Ko)
While Ie Naki Ko is now over forty years old, this anime from the 70s is still worth watching today. The show is based on Hector Malot’s novel Sans Famille which has become a literary classic since its release all the way back in 1878 and follows Remi after he learns he is adopted and is sold to a traveling musician named Vitalis. While the show isn’t always faithful to the novel, nor is it a perfect representation of historic times, its timeless tale is sure to please fans.
13 Emma: A Victorian Romance
There’s nothing that quite pulls on the heartstrings like a 19th-century era romance where someone from polite society falls in love with someone far below his station. Emma: A Victorian Romance follows the trials and tribulations of the titular Emma as she slowly falls in love with William. It’s hard to believe this kind of show was made by the same studio that made Bleach but it’s true!
Emma also won an Excellence Prize at the Japan Media Arts Festival in 2005 showing just how much of a must-watch show it is.
12 Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette
Victor Hugo’s most famous novel Les Misérables was published all the way back in 1862 and has been the subject of countless incredible interpretations since. Nippon Animation decided to tackle the story as a part of its World Masterpiece Theater collection and thus Les Misérables: Shoujo Cosette was born.
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Instead of primarily focusing on prisoner 24601 Jean Valjean, Shoujo Cosette tells the story from the titular character Cosette’s eyes. This offers a fresh new look at a classic tale even those who have never watched anime are likely to know.
11 Hyouge Mono
The Era of the Warring States commonly known as Sengoku Jidai has been the focus of countless stories throughout the years. Hyouge Mono stands out from the crowd as it focuses far less on the battles and political intrigue of the period and instead follows a tea ceremony obsessed vassal of Oda Nobunaga named Furuta Sasuke.
The show’s interesting focus on aesthetics, philosophy, and creative moments of silence make it stand out from any other anime out there.
10 The Rose Of Versailles
Any fan of classic anime will remember The Rose of Versailles. This historical retelling of the French Revolution features all of the romance, drama, and political intrigue of 1775.
Seeing how the show diverges from actual historical events to create a fantastic story is truly rewarding for any history buff and those who know little about this important period of turmoil in France will learn a lot about the era along the way.
9 Romeo And The Black Brothers
Romeo and the Black Brothers was one of the last World Masterpiece Theater shows created by Nippon Animation before they took their famous ten-year hiatus on the project. The story is based on the classic children’s novel Die schwarzen Brüder, known by English speakers as The Black Brothers — one of the most read children’s books in the world.
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Still, Romeo and Alfredo’s adventures as chimney sweeps are sure to captivate just as many adults as they would kids who are anime fans.
8 Kingdom
Kingdom’s CG animation tends to put people off, which is a shame as this is one of the best war-themed anime of the last few years. While not quite as good as the manga series, the anime still offers a fascinating alternate look at China’s Warring States period, predominantly framed around the experiences of Xin, an orphan.
Kingdom builds up beautifully following its somewhat mediocre opening episode. The anime explores the trials and sacrifices of war while fleshing out a huge roster of characters. The show recently ended its third season and another sequel is already planned for April 2022.
7 Golden Kamuy
Golden Kamuy’s central storyline, which involves people searching for a huge stash of gold, is pure fiction; however, the anime’s setting adheres faithfully to history. The series is set following the conclusion of the Russo-Japanese War, with a special focus being shown to the Ainu people who live on Hokkaido Island.
Golden Kamuy respectfully presents the different conventions, cultures, and traditions of the Ainu. The anime also explores the effects of war, both physical and mental, all the while delivering a quick-paced adventure with a lot of humor.
6 Rainbow (Nisha Rokubou No Shichinin)
Rainbow covers more recent history but still fits into the genre well. Set in 1955, it follows a group of younger Japanese boys who are put into a disciplinary school and the abuses that the carceral system places upon them. The seven teenagers sent to Shounan Special Reform School quickly form a close bond, doing anything they can to survive together.
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The story takes place shortly after World War II, a time when Japan was rebuilding as a nation and unfortunately, corruption was something that often slipped under the radar. While some historical stories are a bit fluffier, Rainbow focuses on some of the darker parts of history.
5 Baccano!
What makes Baccano! stand out compared to other historical anime is how it covers so many different time periods throughout its story. The show has a lot of interconnected mysteries that show how what seem like inconsequential actions can vastly affect the future.
How does an alchemist in could affect a famous transcontinental train in the 1930s? Anime fans will have to watch Baccano! to find out.
4 Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju
Sometimes, anime takes on incredibly unique themes and Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju is one of them. The story focuses on the Japanese storytelling art of rakugo and how it developed after World War II. The story begins with two friends learning the art from a rakugo master and follows the complicated adventures of their lives going far off into the future.
The show’s accurate portrayal of rakugo is just one of its major appeals for western audiences that have likely never interacted with the art form. The series has plenty of hidden mysteries and pieces of lore to uncover — make sure to watch for subtle changes in the show’s opening animations throughout the first season.
3 Kids On The Slope
Prior to 2012, Shinichiro Watanabe had dappled in historical-leaning anime with Samurai Champloo, but that show isn’t all that cornered with realistically reflecting Edo period Japan. Kids on the Slope is a different beast entirely and covers a post-war era of Japan seldom explored by anime.
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Set during the 1960s, Kids on the Slope is predominantly about three teenagers who come together through their love for music. Although only sprinkled lightly throughout the story, the anime touches on political and religious tensions from this era, particularly Japan’s relationship with America.
2 Grave Of The Fireflies
Grave of the Fireflies is the best historical anime someone will only want to watch once. Directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli, Grave of the Fireflies tells the harrowing tale of two children trying to survive on their own as World War 2 approaches its end.
Although there are a handful of scenes that highlight the war, Grave of the Fireflies is predominantly concerned with the smaller and often forgotten tragedies that happen during these conflicts. It is a devastating film.
1 Vinland Saga
Any fans of stories with Vikings will absolutely fall in love with Vinland Saga. The battle between the Danes and England with all of the Viking raids that took place in between creates a fantastic backdrop for what looks like a simple story on the surface.
Despite the simple premise of Thorfinn trying to get revenge against the man who killed his father, the show is far deeper than what fans would expect from a stereotypical story trope. The trials and tribulations of a war-torn 11th-century world are sure to leave anime fans on the edges of their seats.
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