Samurai Anime: 35 Series Featuring Iconic Warriors

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Pop culture & entertainment analyst Krist Bozaia shares his favorite samurai anime
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If you’ve been craving an action-packed, gory anime that dives into the lore and values of the iconic samurai warrior class, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll give you 35 of the best, most action-packed samurai anime series (ranked from highest to lowest IMDb rating) to inspire your next binge watch. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to immerse yourself in samurai values like bushido or you’re in the mood for some samurai vs demon battles, you’re in the right place. Keep reading to find your next favorite samurai anime series!

The Top Samurai Anime Shows

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Pop culture & entertainment analyst Krist Bozaia names Samurai Champloo as his favorite samurai anime series. Samurai anime often blend historical, Edo-period aesthetics and supernatural elements. According to the reviews on IMDb, here are the top best-rated samurai anime series:

  • Gintama (Rated 8.7/10 on IMDb)
  • Blue Eye Samurai (Rated 8.7/10 on IMDb)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yuba (Rated 8.6/10 on IMDb)
  • Bleach (Rated 8.2/10 on IMDb)
1

Gintama

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  1. Gintama follows samurai Gintoki Sakata and his group as they take on an alternate Edo-period Japan that has been invaded by aliens. In this anime, the new alien rulers ban samurai from carrying swords, but that doesn’t stop the leading samurai, Gintoki Sakata. He and an eclectic group join forces to navigate this ever-evolving Edo landscape.
    • Did you know? There actually was a sword ban in Japan in an effort to dissolve the samurai class. In 1876, right before the Meiji restoration, the Haitō Edict banned samurai from wearing their swords.[1]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+
    • IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
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2

Blue Eye Samurai

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  1. Blue Eye Samurai traces the journey of a young warrior who dreams of revenge against the people who made her an outcast in Edo Japan. While it’s not technically an “anime” since it’s American-produced, fans of samurai anime can’t get enough of this gory Netflix series. Blue Eye Samurai won 4 Emmys and is sure to please viewers.[2]
3

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

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  1. Demon Slayer tells the story of Tanjiro, who sets out to become a demon slayer, avenge his family, and cure his sister before she turns into a demon. This epic, supernatural tale is set in Taisho-era Japan and follows the journey of the Demon Slayer Corps in their quest to defeat the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji.
    • Reviews are in! In her review, Kelly Knox calls Demon Slayer one of the best new anime and says, “With stunning swordfights and supernatural powers, high stakes, a lot of heart, and even a fair amount of humor, the 26-episode first season has everything you need for your next anime binge watch.”
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Netflix, Disney+
    • IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
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4

Samurai Champloo

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  1. Samurai Champloo follows two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, who team up with a waitress who saves them from their execution. While this anime only aired for one season in 2004, it has a cult following. Set in a fictitious Edo Japan, Samurai Champloo blends traditional Japanese culture with modern hip hop elements, making for a wild ride.[3]
5

Bleach

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  1. Bleach follows high school student, Ichigo Kurosaki, who can see ghosts, on a mission to save the world. Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper after his family is attacked by a Hollow (malevolent lost soul). Now, he protects others and helps tortured spirits find peace. This series offers a unique blend of the supernatural and traditional samurai lore.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney+
    • IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
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6

Dororo

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  1. Dororo is the story of Hyakkimaru, a warrior with prosthetic limbs, who pairs up with Dororo to reclaim Hyakkimaru’s body parts while surviving a demon-ridden world. After his father, Daigo Kagemitsu, makes a deal with 12 demons to save his land, his son, Hyakkimaru, is born missing 12 limbs. He encounters Dororo after years of roaming in solitude and the two embark on an epic quest.[5]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Hulu,
    • IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
7

Hell’s Paradise

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  1. Hell’s Paradise is about a squad of prisoners and their guards who get stranded on the island of Shinsenkyo, which is infested with mysterious, monstrous residents. Legendary ninja Gabimaru and several other death row convicts are promised a pardon in exchange for finding the Elixir of Life for the Shogun. The catch? No human has ever returned from the island alive.[6]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
    • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
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8

Mononoke

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  1. Mononoke follows a mysterious figure known as the Medicine Seller, who wanders Edo Japan seeking to exorcise evil spirits. The Medicine Seller encounters spirits called mononoke that cling to negative emotions and destroys them by understanding their form, truth, and reason. This series is perfect for anyone interested in horror and the occult.[7]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Netflix
    • IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
9

Rurouni Kenshin

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  1. Rurouni Kenshin tells the story of a wandering swordsman, Himura Kenshin, who vows never to kill again. Himura leads a solitary life and helps those in need, eventually befriending a dojo master and helping her restore her dojo.[8] This 2023 series is a reboot of the popular 1996 anime of the same title.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu
    • IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
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10

Basilisk

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  1. Basilisk tells the story of rival ninja clans fighting for the opposing sons of Hidetada Tokugawa.[9] While this show deals more with ninjas than samurai, it’s still a fan favorite. Plus, it still features some epic samurai battle scenes. Classified as a ninja version of Romeo and Juliet, this is a must-watch for lovers of samurai anime.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
11

Sword of the Stranger

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  1. Sword of the Stranger follows a swordsman who reluctantly takes a boy and his dog to a Buddhist temple. When young Kotaro and his dog run into No Name, a mysterious stranger, the three embark on a chaotic journey to escape a band of Chinese assassins in hot pursuit. This classic tale of unlikely friendship is an action-packed hidden gem.[10]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video
    • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
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12

Shigurui: Death Frenzy

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  1. Shigurui reveals the history between a blind samurai and a one-armed samurai who prepare to face off in a tournament. This notoriously gory series tells the tale of two samurai warriors who have been competing for the hand of their master’s daughter and the secrets of his sword. Now, they must battle one last time.[11]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
13

Afro Samurai

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  1. Afro Samurai follows a Black samurai on a mission to avenge his father. Set in a futuristic Japan, this popular series stars Samuel L. Jackson as the legendary, vengeful Afro Samurai. If you’re looking for a gritty fusion of Japanese culture and hip-hop, this is the series for you.[12]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
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14

Samurai 7

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  1. Samurai 7 is the story of a village that recruits samurai to defend them from bandits. After being traumatized by the Nobuseri, a vicious group of warriors, the village sends a priestess to hire samurai for protection. Together, the samurai stand between the helpless village and the dreaded warriors.[13]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
15

Hyouge Mono

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  1. Hyouge Mono is about Furuta Sasuke, a warlord obsessed with the art of the tea ceremony. This series is set in the Sengoku period, also known as the Age of Warring States. In this war-torn era, Furuta must decide between his art and his desire for a promotion and wealth.[14]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Not available on streaming services
    • IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
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16

Ronin Warriors

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  1. Ronin Warriors follows five men with mystical suits of armor and their fight against Talpa, the ruler of the Netherworld. Also known as Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers, this anime features lots of epic battles and supernatural elements. If you want to see some insane samurai vs demon action, this is the series for you.[15]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
17

Blade of the Immortal

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  1. Blade of the Immortal follows Rin, who seeks to avenge her parents with the help of the cursed samurai Manji. After Rin’s parents are slain by swordsmen, she teams up with the ronin Manji. He is cursed with immortality and can only break his curse by slaying 1,000 evil men.
    • Reviews are in! In this review, Panos Kotzathanasis says, “Blade of the Immortal is an anime of very few faults, one of the best titles of recent years, and one that truly continues the legacy of anime like Ninja Scroll and Basilisk.”
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Prime Video
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
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18

House of Five Leaves

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  1. House of Five Leaves follows Akitsu Masanosuke, a shy samurai who becomes the bodyguard for the leader of the “Five Leaves.” Akitsu Masanosuke is a skilled but timid swordsman who often runs away from fights. He receives endless mockery before being hired by Yaichi, the charismatic leader of the Five Leaves.
    • Reviews are in! In this Reddit post, user u/Reddevilslover69 says House of Five Leaves is one of the best samurai anime ever made and praises its art and “impeccable soundtrack.”
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
19

Drifters

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  1. Drifters is about famous samurai Shimazu Toyohisa, who is transported to a fantasy world right before he dies. This series is an epic combo of history and fantasy. Transported from the real historical Battle of Sekigahara, Shimazu joins the group known as the “Drifters” in a series of battles against other legendary warriors.[16]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Hulu
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
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20

Onihei

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  1. Onihei tells the story of Heizo Hasegawa in his fight to eliminate injustice in the city of Edo. This series takes place in the latter half of the Edo period. Known as “Heizo the Oni,” Heizo Hasegawa is feared by thieves and criminals. With a quirky cast of characters, this gory story of justice is sure to entertain.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Tubi TV
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
21

Shura no Toki: Age of Chaos

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  1. Shura no Toki is about the Mutsu clan, who practice a martial art called Mutsu Enmei-Ryu and can defeat powerful swordsmen and warriors without any weapons. Based on the manga series of the same name, this anime features fascinating historical elements and lots of action. Following three generations of the Mutsu clan, Shura no Toki depicts epic battles with legendary fighters.[17]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Not available on streaming services
    • IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
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22

Baki-Dou: The Invincible Samurai

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  1. Baki-Dou follows Baki and a band of underground arena fighters as they face the resurrected Musashi Miyamoto, Japan’s greatest samurai. After the success of a science experiment, a clone of the legendary samurai faces modern Japan. Miyamoto tries to assimilate, but his ancient ideals begin to clash with the peaceful present.[18]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Netflix
    • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
23

The Elusive Samurai

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  1. Elusive Samurai is about Hojo Tokiyuki, the rightful heir of the Kamakura shogunate, and his fight to stay alive following a rebel massacre in 1333. Tokiyuki teams up with the Shinto priest, Suwa Yorishige. Now, Tokiyuki must fight to survive as he schemes to reclaim his birthright.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
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24

Hakuoki

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  1. Hakuoki is about Chizuru Yukimura, who is rescued by the Shinsengumi when she is attacked on a search for her missing father. Chizuru begins working for the Shinsengumi and faces bloodthirsty demons. This series is based on a video game of the same name.[19] Whether you’re a fan of the game or you need some samurai vs demon action, this series is a must-watch.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
25

Ōoku: The Inner Chambers

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  1. Ōoku tells the history of an alternate reality in early modern Japan where a disease has killed most of the male population. In this gender-bending series, Japanese women take on the roles usually assigned to men… and the inner chambers of the shogun become a harem of men for Japan’s rulers.[20]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Netflix
    • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
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26

Angolmois: Genkou Kassenki

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  1. Angolmois is about a group of exiled prisoners who come together to defend against the Mongols in 1274. In this action-packed historical anime, exiled prisoners join forces with a samurai clan to defeat their enemies.[21] This anime is perfect if you want to be entertained and educated about 13th-century Japan.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
27

Ninja Scroll

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  1. Ninja Scroll tells the story of a swordsman battling a demonic clan of killers who want to overthrow the Tokugawa Shogunate. While this anime is more about ninjas than samurai, it’s still a popular series among fans of samurai anime. In this series, we meet the wandering swordsman, Jubei Kibagami. He must protect the “Dragon Stone” in the midst of a war between two rival ninja clans.[22]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video
    • IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
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28

Samurai Deeper Kyo

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  1. Samurai Deeper Kyo tells the story of Kyoshiro, a samurai who must grapple with his suppressed alter-ego, Demon Eyes Kyo. Kyoshiro helps Yuya Shiina, a young girl who captures outlaws, as he fights for control of his body. This anime is based on a manga series of the same name.[23]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Not available on streaming services
    • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
29

Kurozuka

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  1. Kurozuka follows the 12th century samurai Kuro, a character loosely based on legendary Japanese swordsman Minamoto no Yoshitsune. After encountering a mysterious woman named Kuromitsu, Kuro discovers the woman is an immortal vampire and dedicates himself to her. But how much will Kuro give up to spend an eternity with Kuromitsu?[24]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Not available on streaming services
    • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
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30

Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings

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  1. Sengoku Basara is about Nobunaga Oda, a general known as the “Demon King of Owari,” who is determined to eliminate anyone who stands in his way. Two feuding warriors, Masamune Date and Yukimura Sanada, must work together to overthrow Oda. Together, the skilled swordsmen will put their differences aside and fight the Demon King together.[25]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
31

Mushibugyou

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  1. Mushibugyou is the story of a young samurai named Tsukishima Jinbei, who joins an organization to fight giant insects. This highly rated adventure series takes place in the Edo period. Jinbei has hopes of winning every battle until the day he dies and risks his life daily with the Mushibugyo organization to exterminate the giant insects that are running rampant in Japan.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime TV
    • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
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32

Revenger

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  1. Revenger follows samurai Kurima Raizo, who crosses paths with master assassin Usui Yuen. Together, the two look into a series of assassinations of members of the samurai clan, the Satsuma. This anime crosses murder mystery with revenge plot, with lots of gory samurai battles to boot.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
33

Brave 10

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  1. Brave 10 follows priestess Isanami, who is on the run from assassins, and her unlikely companionship with a ronin samurai named Saizo. Together, the unlikely pair travel to Ueda Castle. In an action-packed adventure, Isanami and Saizo face beasts and battles as part of the Brave 10 warriors with special powers.
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll, Prime Video, Tubi TV
    • IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
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34

Peace Maker Kurogane

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  1. Peace Maker Kurogane follows two brothers who join the Shinsengumi during the Meiji era revolution. This anime features characters with deep, tragic backstories, while still maintaining a lighter, comedic side. With a rich emotional spectrum, Peace Maker Kurogane is sure to captivate viewers.[26]
    • Did you know? The Shinsengumi were a real group of Samurai warriors toward the end of the Edo period known as the “Last Samurai.” They’ve also inspired characters in other anime series like Rurouni Kenshin and Gintama.[27]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
35

Orient

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  1. Orient tells the story of two best friends, Musashi and Kojiro, who swore an oath to each other at age 10 to become the strongest warriors in the world. The two friends are inspired by Kojiro’s father’s tales of the Bushi, groups of heroic warriors. However, as they grow up, Kojiro becomes more cynical, and Musashi struggles to do it alone. But someone must fight to overturn the demon rule that has plagued Japan for 150 years, and Musashi believes it’s him.[28]
    • Where to watch (U.S.): Crunchyroll
    • IMDb Rating: 6.2/10
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.lacma.org/sites/default/files/module-uploads/E4E_samurai_Consolidated.pdf
  2. ↑ https://www.televisionacademy.com/shows/blue-eye-samurai
  3. ↑ https://champloo.fandom.com/wiki/Samurai_Champloo
  4. ↑ Krist Bozaia. Pop Culture & Entertainment Analyst. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/37520/Dororo
  6. ↑ https://best-tv-shows.fandom.com/wiki/Hell's_Paradise
  7. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/2246/Mononoke
  8. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22249034/episodes/
  9. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0856348/
  1. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G24H107GQ/sword-of-the-stranger?srsltid=AfmBOoopM1jr2YN8bAH37XbXoZ9scrEpm-kHpJZqXOJF0N-urPyutsQS
  2. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GR5VGVGGR/shigurui-death-frenzy?srsltid=AfmBOoq2JMX_M_vjy1SmFsco6KrYtktXaADVahgCuzraqVBLv7bgl6hq
  3. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2007/01/04/6718825/tvs-afro-samurai-fuses-martial-arts-hip-hop
  4. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6DK0K8KR/samurai-7?srsltid=AfmBOoq7j9raR9G4caqKiyXEiWw5jORYRtDKvkltUpxoKkKP8is1jjoT
  5. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/9996/Hyouge_Mono
  6. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GT00367517/yoroi-shinden-samurai-troopers?srsltid=AfmBOorLjZTmICn31K9GRiK-1R6WYvLNTVELDvbcv-WNouyLhfiIiweB
  7. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/G6JQ2W44R/drifters?srsltid=AfmBOooQVADIYd6OetMrouaja7EdVIK1SsdZEwx4CyVS5wGMR1zOMFG9
  8. ↑ https://dubbing.fandom.com/wiki/Shura_no_Toki:_Age_of_Chaos
  9. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/58573/Baki-dou
  10. ↑ https://www.animationscoop.com/anime-review-hakuoki-demon-of-the-fleeting-blossom/
  11. ↑ https://www.netflix.com/title/81464005
  12. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8673808/
  13. ↑ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400690/
  14. ↑ https://www.cbr.com/samurai-deeper-kyo-where-watch-anime-read-manga/
  15. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/5039/Kurozuka
  16. ↑ https://myanimelist.net/anime/5355/Sengoku_Basara
  17. ↑ https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GRVD1337R/peace-maker-kurogane?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNy2y_4rcaHn9GPBUQ0EmWec-VuAQ406VZXtor
    Anime Samurai Step 34

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  18. ↑ https://www.fun-japan.jp/en/articles/13915
  19. ↑ https://orient.fandom.com/wiki/Anime

About This Article

Krist Bozaia
Co-authored by:
Krist Bozaia
Pop Culture & Entertainment Analyst
This article was co-authored by Krist Bozaia and by wikiHow staff writer, Samantha Fulton, BA. Krist Bozaia is a TV & movie influencer and anime expert based in Oxnard, California. For the last 7 years, Krist has applied his vast fandom knowledge across all forms of media and content to build an outstanding social media presence. With over 800k followers across platforms, Krist truly embodies his title King of Geeks by diving into anime, movies, TV, animation, comics, video games, and more. He also shares his experiences on the red carpet for world premieres of movies such as Weapons, Final Destination: Bloodlines, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. He holds 3 associate degrees in Anthropology, Social Behavior, and Natural Sciences. This article has been viewed 2,172 times.
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