Anime like Vinland Saga features strong characters and intense action sequences and explores complex themes such as revenge, war, and politics.
Vinland Saga is an anime that tells the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior who seeks revenge against the man who killed his father.
The show is known for its stunning animation, complex characters, violence, revenge, and redemption themes.
However, anime is known for its historical setting, realistic portrayal of combat, and complex characters.
If you’re a fan, here are some of the best recommendations of anime like Vinland Saga you might enjoy:
1. Rurouni Kenshin (1996)
Rurouni Kenshin follows ex-assassin Himura Kenshin as he seeks redemption and protects those in need in Meiji-era Japan.
He meets Kaoru, the dojo owner, and joins her in protecting Tokyo from various threats.
The past catches up with Kenshin as he confronts former enemies and struggles to reconcile his violent history with his desire for a peaceful future.
The anime explores atonement, honor, friendship, and the consequences of violence and war.
The series features memorable characters and intense sword fights, culminating in a thrilling finale that tests Kenshin’s resolve and brings closure to his journey.
This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
2. Arslan Senki (1991-1992)
Arslan Senki is a Japanese fantasy novel series written by Yoshiki Tanaka and illustrated by Yoshitaka Amano.
The story is set in a fictional kingdom called Pars, modeled after ancient Persia.
It follows Prince Arslan, the young heir to the throne, who is forced to flee his kingdom when the neighboring country of Lusitania invades it.
With the help of his loyal companions, including his mentor Narsus, the skilled archer Elam, and the mighty warrior Daryun, Arslan sets out on a quest to reclaim his kingdom and restore peace to the land.
Along the way, Arslan and his companions encounter a variety of allies and enemies, including the mysterious priestess Farangis, the ruthless general Silvermask, and the passionate Lusitanian prince Rajendra.
As the story unfolds, Arslan must grapple with complex political machinations, military strategies, and philosophical questions about the nature of war and leadership. Arslan Senki is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
3. Attack On Titan (2013-)
Attack on Titan is set in a world where humanity lives in fear of Titans, humanoid giants who devour humans.
After a devastating attack on their hometown, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the military to fight the Titans.
The series explores political intrigue and the psychological toll of war and trauma on the characters.
The mysteries surrounding the Titans deepen as the characters uncover dark secrets about their world and origins.
The anime features intense action scenes and diverse characters with motivations and a backstory.
The series also touches on power, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom.
The story culminates in a climactic battle that reveals the truth behind the Titans and sets the stage for the final conflict.
This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
4. Berserk (1997)
Berserk follows the journey of Guts, a mercenary seeking revenge against his former best friend, Griffith.
The series explores themes such as friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of ambition.
Guts join the Band of the Hawk, a group led by Griffith, and becomes embroiled in a war between rival kingdoms.
The anime features graphic violence and mature themes, including sexual violence.
The story also explores the supernatural, with demons and other creatures appearing throughout the series.
The relationship between Guts and Griffith becomes increasingly strained as Griffith’s ambitions threaten to consume him.
The series concludes with a shocking and controversial ending that leaves many questions unanswered.
The anime has gained a reputation for its dark and gritty atmosphere and for exploring complex moral themes.
5. Sword Art Online (2022)
Sword Art Online is a sci-fi anime set in 2022, where players immerse themselves in a virtual reality MMORPG.
The protagonist, Kirito, is one of the beta testers who gets trapped in the game.
The creator of the game, Akihiko Kayaba, informs the players that the only way to escape is to clear all 100 floors of the game’s tower. If players die in the game, they also perish in the real world.
Kirito and his love interest, Asuna, and other players form a guild and compete to beat the game.
However, as they progress, they discover a dark secret behind Kayaba’s motives, leading to a final battle against the game’s creator.
Kirito and Asuna’s relationship deepens, and they discover the importance of their bonds with other players.
After clearing the game, they can finally return to the real world.
Sword Art Online explores the themes of virtual reality, identity, and love, as the characters struggle to find meaning and purpose in their lives both in and out of the game. This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
6. Kingdom (2012-)
Kingdom follows an orphan boy, Xin, who dreams of becoming a great general in China’s Warring States period.
He befriends a young king, Ying Zheng, and becomes his loyal servant.
Xin and Zheng must navigate political intrigue, betrayal, and warfare as they strive to unify China.
Along the way, they encounter other aspiring generals and enemies who stand in their way. Kingdom is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
Xin’s determination and natural talent catch the attention of other generals, and he rises through the military ranks.
However, they face more challenges and powerful opponents as they reach their goals.
Xin also learns about his past and his connection to a legendary general.
Kingdom explores the themes of ambition, loyalty, and brotherhood as Xin and Zheng build a bond that transcends their differences and inspires those around them.
7. Dororo (2019)
Dororo is a dark fantasy anime set in feudal Japan. The protagonist, Hyakkimaru, was born without limbs, eyes, ears, and skin due to a pact made by his father with demons.
He sets out to reclaim his body parts from the demons by killing them. Along the way, he meets a young thief named Dororo, who becomes his traveling companion.
Together, they encounter various demons and human enemies who stand in their way.
Hyakkimaru’s battles are not just physical, as he also struggles with his own identity and morality.
Dororo, on the other hand, learns about the harsh realities of life and the sacrifices people make to survive.
As they journey together, they form a bond that transcends their goals.
The anime explores the themes of revenge, redemption, and humanity as Hyakkimaru and Dororo confront their pasts and the consequences of their actions.
The art style and animation are notable for their gritty and atmospheric visuals, adding to the show’s overall sense of dread and foreboding. Dororo is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
8. Samurai Champloo (2005)
Samurai Champloo is a hip-hop-infused anime set in an alternate feudal Japan.
It follows three unlikely companions, Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, who embark on a journey to find the samurai who smells of sunflowers.
Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including duels with other samurai, run-ins with organized crime, and encounters with supernatural beings.
Mugen and Jin are fierce rivals, often clashing over their differing fighting styles and personal philosophies.
Fuu is the mediator between the two, and her goal drives the plot forward.
The anime’s soundtrack, composed by Nujabes, adds to its unique style, blending traditional Japanese instruments with hip-hop beats.
Samurai Champloo explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and culture clash as the characters confront their prejudices and preconceptions about each other.
This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
9. Drifters (2016)
Drifters is a fantasy anime that follows historical figures, known as Drifters, who are transported to a parallel world to fight in a war between good and evil.
The protagonist, Shimazu Toyohisa, is a samurai warrior transported to this world after a battle.
He meets other Drifters, including Oda Nobunaga and Nasu no Yoichi, and joins them in fighting against the Ends, a group of evil beings led by a powerful magician, Murasaki.
The Drifters form alliances with various groups worldwide, including elves, dwarves, and historical figures from different eras.
As the war escalates, the Drifters face more powerful enemies, and their motivations and pasts are revealed.
Drifters explore the themes of heroism, morality, and redemption as the characters confront their demons and fight for a more significant cause.
The anime’s animation style, characterized by its gritty and violent depiction of warfare, adds to the world’s overall sense of chaos and danger. Drifters are one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
10. Golden Kamuy (2018)
Golden Kamuy is a historical anime set in the early 20th century.
It follows the story of Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russo-Japanese war, who teams up with Asirpa, an Ainu girl, to search for a hidden treasure.
The treasure map is split into pieces, and they must retrieve them from other dangerous individuals.
Along the way, they encounter other characters with their motivations and agendas, including other soldiers, escaped convicts, and Ainu rebels.
Asirpa’s knowledge of Ainu culture and survival skills prove invaluable to their journey, while Sugimoto’s experience in warfare and combat helps them overcome their enemies.
The anime also explores the Ainu culture and history, shedding light on their struggles against the Japanese government’s assimilation policies.
Golden Kamuy explores the themes of survival, identity, and cultural clash, as the characters navigate a harsh and unforgiving landscape. This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
11. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004)
Fullmetal Alchemist is a fantasy anime set in a world where alchemy is a widespread practice.
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life using alchemy but suffer severe consequences.
Edward loses an arm and a leg while Alphonse’s body is taken. The two embark on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, which they believe can restore their bodies.
Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including dangerous foes, corrupt government officials, and their own past mistakes.
As they delve deeper into the secrets of alchemy and the truth behind their world, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.
The anime explores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the price of power, as the brothers confront their mistakes and the consequences of their actions.
This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
12. Shoukou no Altair (2017)
Shoukoku no Altair is a historical anime set in a fictional world inspired by the Ottoman Empire.
The story follows Mahmut, a young Pasha (high-ranking official) in the Turkiye Stratocracy.
Mahmut is tasked with maintaining peace and order in the empire, but his job becomes increasingly tricky as political tensions rise and outside forces threaten their borders.
Along with his aides, Abiriga and Cyrus, Mahmut must navigate the treacherous world of politics and warfare while keeping his beliefs and values in check.
As the story progresses, Mahmut uncovers a larger conspiracy involving his government and the neighboring Balt-Rhein Empire.
Shoukoku no Altair explores the themes of loyalty, diplomacy, and the consequences of war, as the characters confront the realities of power and the sacrifices needed to maintain it.
13. Castlevania (2017-2021)
In a world where humans and monsters coexist, Dracula unleashes his army of demons to avenge his wife’s unjust execution. The Church, fearing the spread of magic, refuses to help the people.
Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of a family of vampire hunters, crosses paths with Dracula’s son Alucard, and together they set out to stop the dark lord.
Along the way, they meet Sypha Belnades, a powerful magician, and the three form an unlikely alliance.
They face deadly creatures and dangerous traps as they journey to Dracula’s castle.
The trio discovers that Dracula plans to eradicate all humanity, but they refuse to give up.
The final battle is intense and brutal, with each character facing their demons.
Ultimately, they defeat Dracula, but not without suffering significant losses.
As they delve deeper into the castle’s secrets, they uncover a sinister plot to end the world.
The stakes are higher than ever, and the battles are more brutal. Castlevania is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
14. Brave 10 (2012)
Brave 10 is a historical fantasy anime set in the Sengoku period in Japan.
The story follows the young ninja Saizo Kirigakure, tasked by the priestess Isanami.
He was to gather ten warriors with unique abilities to protect her from the mighty warlord, Yukimura Sanada, who seeks to obtain magical powers.
Saizo recruits ten warriors, each with their strengths and weaknesses. Together, they set out on a dangerous journey to protect Isanami and stop Yukimura’s plans.
Along the way, they battle other skilled fighters and encounter allies and enemies.
The warriors learn more about each other and their pasts as they travel. They also discover more about Isanami’s mysterious powers and connection to Yukimura.
The journey is not without danger, as betrayal and deception threaten to tear the group apart.
Ultimately, the warriors confront Yukimura and his army in a final battle. The battle is intense, with each warrior facing their challenges and enemies.
However, they can emerge victorious through their teamwork and determination and protect Isanami from harm. Brave ten is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
15. Goblin Slayer (2018)
Goblin Slayer is a dark fantasy anime set in a medieval world where goblins are seen as a low-level threat.
A young priestess, new to adventuring, joins a party of adventurers to complete a goblin-slaying quest.
However, the party is ambushed by goblins, and the priestess is the only survivor.
Traumatized by the experience, the priestess meets the enigmatic Goblin Slayer, a skilled adventurer dedicated to hunting and killing goblins.
Together, they embark on various quests to eradicate goblins and protect innocent people from their brutality.
As they travel and battle goblins, they encounter other adventurers who join them in their quest.
Each character has their reasons for fighting and their pasts to confront. This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
Despite the dark themes, Goblin Slayer has a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship among its characters.
It explores the idea that even in a bleak world, people can find hope and meaning through their connections with each other.
16. Space Brothers (2012-2014)
Space Brothers follows two brothers, Mutta and Hibito, who dream of becoming astronauts.
After Hibito is accepted into JAXA, the Japanese space agency, Mutta follows in his brother’s footsteps and applies.
Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Mutta perseveres and is eventually chosen for JAXA’s astronaut program.
Mutta and his fellow astronaut trainees work hard to prepare for their missions, which include trips to the moon and beyond.
Along the way, Mutta learns valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of following his dreams.
He also reconnects with his estranged family and close bonds with fellow astronauts. Space Brothers is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
17. Spice and Wolf (2008)
Spice and Wolf follow the story of a traveling merchant named Kraft Lawrence who encounters a wolf goddess named Holo.
Holo, who takes the form of a young woman with wolf ears and a tail, offers to help Lawrence increase his profits in exchange for taking her to her homeland in the north.
As Lawrence and Holo travel together, they form a close bond and face numerous challenges, including rival merchants and religious fanatics who seek to harm Holo.
Along the way, they learn about each other’s cultures and traditions and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them.
The anime explores themes of economics, politics, and religion, as well as the importance of trust and communication in relationships.
Holo and Lawrence’s witty banter and playful teasing provide comedic relief while highlighting the depth of their affection for each other.
18. Blade of the Immortal (2008)
Blade of the Immortal is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroaki Samura.
The story follows a skilled samurai warrior named Manji, who is cursed with immortality after killing his corrupt lord.
Driven by guilt and a desire for redemption, Manji becomes a wandering sword-for-hire, seeking to atone for his past sins by protecting the innocent and taking on powerful foes.
His quest for redemption leads him to cross paths with a young girl named Rin, whose parents were brutally murdered by a rogue samurai.
Rin seeks Manji’s help in avenging her parents’ deaths, and together they embark on a bloody and violent journey of revenge.
Along the way, they face a variety of deadly enemies, including skilled swords, corrupt officials, and influential criminal organizations. This film is one of the best anime like Vinland Saga.
