Top 20 Historical anime you should watch right now. [2024 List]

Historical anime you should watch right now.

What is this genre all about? Historical anime have clear ties to our history and usually occur in a particular epoch.

We present you the list of Historical anime you should watch right now.

Try our anime quiz: Anime Characters Guessing Quiz/Game

20. Kimetsu no Yaiba

Kimetsu no Yaiba

It is the Taisho Period in Japan. Tanjiro, a kindhearted boy who sells charcoal for a living, finds his family slaughtered by a demon. To make matters worse, his younger sister Nezuko, the sole survivor, has been transformed into a demon herself. Though devastated by this grim reality, Tanjiro resolves to become a “demon slayer” so that he can turn his sister back into a human, and kill the demon that massacred his family.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has finished airing and it has 26 Episodes. It is also Known as: 鬼滅の刃, Blade of Demon Destruction, KnY, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Kyoudai no Kizuna, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Bonds of Siblings, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc, 鬼滅の刃-兄妹の絆-, 鬼灭之刃, הלהב קוטל השדים, قاتل الشياطين, ดาบพิฆาตอสูร, Miecz zabójcy demonów – Kimetsu no Yaiba, Guardians de la nit: Kimetsu no Yaiba, İblis Keser

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19. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

Falling forever into an endless dream... Tanjiro and the group have completed their rehabilitation training at the Butterfly Mansion, and they arrive at their next mission on the Mugen Train, where over 40 people have disappeared in a very short period of time. Tanjiro and Nezuko, along with Zenitsu and Inosuke, join one of the most powerful swordsmen within the Demon Slayer Corps, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, to face the demon aboard the Mugen Train on track to despair.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train has finished airing and it has 1 Episodes. It is also Known as: 劇場版 鬼滅の刃 無限列車編, Gekijouban Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Infinity Train

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18. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Geiko-hen

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hashira Geiko-hen

The members of the Demon Slayer Corps and their highest-ranking swordsmen, the Hashira.
In preparation for the forthcoming final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, the Hashira Training commences. While each carries faith and determination within their hearts, Tanjiro and the Hashira enter a new story.



Notes:
• The first episode has a runtime of ~1 hour and received an early premiere in cinemas as part of a special screening alongside the final episode of Kimetsu no Yaiba: Katanakaji no Sato-hen.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Hashira Training Arc has finished airing and it has 8 Episodes. It is also Known as: 鬼滅の刃 柱稽古編, KnY 4, Demon Slayer Season 4

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17. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Kusuriya no Hitorigoto

Maomao lived a peaceful life with her apothecary father. Until one day, she’s sold as a lowly servant to the emperor’s palace. But she wasn’t meant for a compliant life among royalty. So when imperial heirs fall ill, she decides to step in and find a cure! This catches the eye of Jinshi, a handsome palace official who promotes her. Now, she’s making a name for herself solving medical mysteries!

The Apothecary Diaries has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: 薬屋のひとりごと, Drugstore Soliloquy

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16. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen

After visiting the Rengoku residence, Tanjirou and his comrades volunteer for a mission within the Entertainment District, a place where desires are sold and demons dwell. They journey alongside the flashy Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui, in search of a monstrous foe terrorizing the town. Sworn to slay creatures of the night, the hunt continues.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Entertainment District Arc has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: 鬼滅の刃 遊郭編, Kimetsu no Yaiba 2, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 2, Demon Slayer 2, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Yuukaku-hen

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15. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Mugen Ressha-hen

The TV version of Kimetsu no Yaiba Movie: Mugen Ressha-hen including an entirely new first episode. The first episode depicts Rengoku as he embarks on his journey to the Mugen Train. The remaining episodes will add about 70 new animation cuts and new background music, as well as a new trailer.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Mugen Train Arc has finished airing and it has 7 Episodes. It is also Known as: 鬼滅の刃 無限列車編, Kimetsu no Yaiba Movie: Mugen Ressha-hen (TV), The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc TV

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14. Vinland Saga Season 2

Vinland Saga Season 2

A new millennium begins in the southern part of the Jutland peninsula in Denmark.
After the death of his longtime enemy, Askeladd, Thorfinn lost his purpose in life. He was bought by the landowner Ketil as a "slave" and engaged in land reclamation work on his farm. Thorfinn meets a young man there, Einar, who was also a slave like him. The encounter with Einar led Thorfinn to face the sins he had committed and began to find meaning in life.
On the other hand, Canute, who became the King of England, attempted to extend his territory for the establishment of "the promised land".

Vinland Saga Season 2 has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: ヴィンランド・サガ SEASON2, Vinland Saga Season 2

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13. Jigokuraku

Jigokuraku

The Edo period is nearing its end. Gabimaru, a shinobi formerly known as the strongest in Iwagakure who is now a death row convict, is told that he will be acquitted and set free if he can bring back the Elixir of Life from an island that is rumored to be the Buddhist pure land Sukhavati. In hopes of reuniting with his beloved wife, Gabimaru heads to the island along with the executioner Yamada Asaemon Sagiri. Upon arriving there, they encounter other death row convicts in search of the Elixir of Life... as well as a host of unknown creatures, eerie manmade statues, and the hermits who rule the island. Can Gabimaru find the Elixir of Life on this mysterious island and make it back home alive?

Hell's Paradise has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: 地獄楽, Heavenhell, Paradition, Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku

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12. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Katanakaji no Sato-hen

Kimetsu no Yaiba: Katanakaji no Sato-hen

Tanjiro’s journey leads him to the Swordsmith Village, where he reunites with two Hashira, members of the Demon Slayer Corps’ highest-ranking swordsmen - Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito and Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji. With the shadows of demons lurking near, a new battle begins for Tanjiro and his comrades.

Notes:
• The first episode has a runtime of ~49 minutes.
• The final episode has a runtime of ~52 minutes.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Swordsmith Village Arc has finished airing and it has 11 Episodes. It is also Known as: 鬼滅の刃 刀鍛冶の里編, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Swordsmith Village Arc, KnY 3, Demon Slayer Season 3

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11. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga

As a child, Thorfinn sat at the feet of the great Leif Ericson and thrilled to wild tales of a land far to the west. But his youthful fantasies were shattered by a mercenary raid. Raised by the Vikings who murdered his family, Thorfinn became a terrifying warrior, forever seeking to kill the band's leader, Askeladd, and avenge his father. Sustaining Throfinn through his ordeal are his pride in his family and his dreams of a fertile westward land, a land without war or slavery … the land Leif called Vinland.

Vinland Saga has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: ヴィンランド・サガ, Vinland Saga

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10. JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV)

JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (TV)

In 1868, Dario Brando saves the life of an English nobleman, George Joestar. By taking in Dario's son Dio when the boy becomes fatherless, George hopes to repay the debt he owes to his savior. However Dio, unsatisfied with his station in life, aspires to seize the Joestar house for his own. Wielding an Aztec stone mask with supernatural properties, he sets out to destroy George and his son, Jonathan "JoJo" Joestar, and triggers a chain of events that will continue to echo through the years to come.

Half a century later, in New York City, Jonathan's grandson Joseph Joestar discovers the legacy his grandfather left for him. When an archeological dig unearths the truth behind the stone mask, he realizes that he is the only one who can defeat the Pillar Men, mystical beings of immeasurable power who inadvertently began everything.

Adapted from the first two arcs of Hirohiko Araki's outlandish manga series, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken follows the many thrilling expeditions of JoJo and his descendants. Whether it's facing off with the evil Dio, or combatting the sinister Pillar Men, there's always plenty of bizarre adventures in store.

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (2012) has finished airing and it has 26 Episodes. It is also Known as: ジョジョの奇妙な冒険, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken (2012)

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9. Gintama

Gintama

The Amanto, aliens from outer space, have invaded Earth and taken over feudal Japan. As a result, a prohibition on swords has been established, and the samurai of Japan are treated with disregard as a consequence.
However one man, Gintoki Sakata, still possesses the heart of the samurai, although from his love of sweets and work as a yorozuya, one might not expect it. Accompanying him in his jack-of-all-trades line of work are Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses and a strong heart, Kagura with her umbrella and seemingly bottomless stomach, as well as Sadaharu, their oversized pet dog. Of course, these odd jobs are not always simple, as they frequently have run-ins with the police, ragtag rebels, and assassins, oftentimes leading to humorous but unfortunate consequences.
Who said life as an errand boy was easy?

Gintama has finished airing and it has 201 Episodes. It is also Known as: 銀魂, Gin Tama, Silver Soul, Yorinuki Gintama-san

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8. Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon

Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon

Despite being born into a noble family, Miyo lost her birth mother at a young age and grew up being abused by her stepmother, stepsister, and father.

When she finally receives news that she's to be married off, she finds out that her husband-to-be is Kiyoka, a soldier with a reputation for being cruel and heartless. In fact, he's had numerous previous fiancées who have all fled his household; none lasting even a mere three days.

Resigned to the fact that her family had abandoned her, Miyo knocks on the gate of the Kudou household to find herself greeted by a beautiful man with pale skin. Despite the poor treatment she receives from her husband-to-be during their first meeting, Miyo is unable to return to her old home and spends her time cooking and doing chores. However, as the days pass, Miyo and Kiyoka being to slowly open their hearts to each other...

My Happy Marriage has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: わたしの幸せな結婚, Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon

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7. Bungou Stray Dogs

Bungou Stray Dogs

For weeks, Atsushi Nakajima's orphanage has been plagued by a mystical tiger that only he seems to be aware of. Suspected to be behind the strange incidents, the 18-year-old is abruptly kicked out of the orphanage and left hungry, homeless, and wandering through the city.
While starving on a riverbank, Atsushi saves a rather eccentric man named Osamu Dazai from drowning. Whimsical suicide enthusiast and supernatural detective, Dazai has been investigating the same tiger that has been terrorizing the boy. Together with Dazai's partner Doppo Kunikida, they solve the mystery, but its resolution leaves Atsushi in a tight spot. As various odd events take place, Atsushi is coerced into joining their firm of supernatural investigators, taking on unusual cases the police cannot handle, alongside his numerous enigmatic co-workers.

Bungo Stray Dogs has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 文豪ストレイドッグス, Literary Stray Dogs

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6. Ousama Ranking

Ousama Ranking

How prosperous your nation is, how many powerful warriors it boasts, and how heroic and strong its king is. These are the criteria that factor into the system known as the Ranking of Kings. The main character, Bojji, was born the first prince of the kingdom ruled by King Bossu, who is ranked number seven. But Bojji was born unable to hear and is so powerless that he can’t even swing a sword. In consequence, his own retainers and the public, look down upon him as completely unfit to be king. It is then that Bojji finds his first friend, Kage, and Bojji’s life takes a dramatic turn…

Ranking of Kings has finished airing and it has 23 Episodes. It is also Known as: 王様ランキング, Ousama Ranking

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5. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo

Fuu Kasumi is a young and clumsy waitress who spends her days peacefully working in a small teahouse. That is, until she accidentally spills a drink all over one of her customers! With a group of samurai now incessantly harassing her, Fuu desperately calls upon another samurai in the shop, Mugen, who quickly defeats them with his wild fighting technique, utilizing movements reminiscent to that of breakdancing. Unfortunately, Mugen decides to pick a fight with the unwilling ronin Jin, who wields a more precise and traditional style of swordfighting, and the latter proves to be a formidable opponent. The only problem is, they end up destroying the entire shop as well as accidentally killing the local magistrate's son.
For their crime, the two samurai are captured and set to be executed. However, they are rescued by Fuu, who hires the duo as her bodyguards. Though she no longer has a place to return to, the former waitress wishes to find a certain samurai who smells of sunflowers and enlists the help of the now exonerated pair to do so. Despite initially disapproving of this idea, the two eventually agree to assist the girl in her quest; thus, the trio embark upon an adventure to find this mysterious warrior—that is, if Fuu can keep Mugen and Jin from killing each other.
Set in an alternate Edo Period of Japan, Samurai Champloo follows the journey of these three eccentric individuals in an epic quest full of action, comedy, and dynamic sword fighting, all set to the beat of a unique hip-hop infused soundtrack.

Samurai Champloo has finished airing and it has 26 Episodes. It is also Known as: サムライチャンプルー, SAMURAI CHAMPLOO

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4. Black Butler

Black Butler

Young Ciel Phantomhive is known as "the Queen's Guard Dog," taking care of the many unsettling events that occur in Victorian England for Her Majesty. Aided by Sebastian Michaelis, his loyal butler with seemingly inhuman abilities, Ciel uses whatever means necessary to get the job done. But is there more to this black-clad butler than meets the eye?
In Ciel's past lies a secret tragedy that enveloped him in perennial darkness—during one of his bleakest moments, he formed a contract with Sebastian, a demon, bargaining his soul in exchange for vengeance upon those who wronged him. Today, not only is Sebastian one hell of a butler, but he is also the perfect servant to carry out his master's orders—all the while anticipating the delicious meal he will eventually make of Ciel's soul. As the two work to unravel the mystery behind Ciel's chain of misfortunes, a bond forms between them that neither heaven nor hell can tear apart.

Black Butler has finished airing and it has 24 Episodes. It is also Known as: Kuroshitsuji, 黒執事, Kuro Shitsuji, Kuroshitsuzi

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3. Baccano!

Baccano!

During the early 1930s in Chicago, the transcontinental train, Flying Pussyfoot, is starting its legendary journey that will leave a trail of blood all over the country. At the same time in New York, the ambitious scientist Szilard and his unwilling aide Ennis are looking for missing bottles of the immortality elixir. In addition, a war between the mafia groups is getting worse. On board the Advena Avis, in 1711, alchemists are about to learn the price of immortality.
Based on the award-winning light novels of the same name, Baccano! follows several events that initially seem unrelated, both in time and place, but are part of a much bigger story—one of alchemy, survival and immortality. Merging these events together are the kindhearted would-be thieves, Isaac and Miria, connecting various people, all of them with their own hidden ambitions and agendas, and creating lifelong bonds and consequences for everyone involved.

Baccano! has finished airing and it has 13 Episodes. It is also Known as: バッカーノ!, Baccano!

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2. Kanojo ga Koushaku-tei ni Itta Riyuu

Kanojo ga Koushaku-tei ni Itta Riyuu

Eunha Park was just a regular girl desperate to get into college, but when she finally does, her elation is cut short as she's pushed off a roof—only to wake up as Raeliana McMillan, a character from a novel whose death serves as the catalyst for the story's events. But Raeliana refuses to die a second time and is determined to change her fate, no matter what!

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion has finished airing and it has 12 Episodes. It is also Known as: 彼女が公爵邸に行った理由, Kanojo ga Koushaku-tei ni Itta Riyuu

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1. Golden Kamuy 2 OVA

Golden Kamuy 2 OVA

OVAs bundled with the 17th, 19th, and tankoubon volumes of the Golden Kamuy manga.

Golden Kamuy 2 OVA has finished airing and it has 3 Episodes. It is also Known as: ゴールデンカムイ OAD, Golden Kamuy OVA: Seton Animal Chronicles

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