A little over a year after it was announced during PlayStation's September 2024 State of Play, Ghost of Yotei is finally here. The game has been met with praise from critics and fans alike, and while some fans were disappointed they wouldn’t be continuing Jin’s journey, Atsu’s revenge story looks to be just as exciting.
Just as Ghost of Tsushima paid homage to the legendary samurai movies that inspired it – particularly those of renowned Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa – with the aptly named “Kurosawa Mode”, Ghost of Yotei will be introducing a new “Watanabe Mode” that will make players feel as though they’re playing through a Shinichiro Watanabe anime. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the best samurai anime you can check out if you’re enjoying Ghost of Yotei.
Yasuke
MAPPA Brings an Enigmatic Historical Figure to Life
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Studio |
MAPPA |
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Episodes |
6 |
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Streaming |
Though not much is known about him, Yasuke's story has piqued the interest of many. He's been featured in various films, books, and video games over the years, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, and has gone on to inspire various characters throughout pop culture. MAPPA's epynomous 20021 adaptation of Yasuke's story mixes in various historical elements with engaging sci-fi, making for an unforgettable and unique experience.
With music by Flying Lotus and a unique visual style, Yasuke perfectly fits the vibe you get from turning Watanabe Mode on in Yotei. If you're looking for a classic samurai anime with a twist, this is it.
Yasuke
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2021 - 2021-00-00
WHERE TO WATCH
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 6
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- MyAnimeList Score
- 5.75
Revenger
A Modern Revenge Tale That Hits All The Marks
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Studio |
Ajiado |
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Episodes |
12 |
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Streaming |
If you're more into Ghost of Yotei's themes of revenge, then the aptly named Revenger might be the perfect anime to check out. The series follows Raizo Kurima, who, after being fooled into killing his father-in-law, sets out to get revenge on those who wronged him. Shortly after, he is invited to join a group of professional assassins who aid those powerless to help themselves.
Revenger has tons of amazing action that will satisfy any anime fan's desire for cool samurai fight scenes. But the series also has a great cast of characters who carry it through its more dramatic beats.
Revenger
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2023 - 2023-00-00
- Network
- Tokyo MX
- Directors
- Toshiyuki Sone, Akira Kato, Mitsuyo Yokono, Hidekazu Oka
- Writers
- Renji Oki
Cast
-
Jun KasamaKurima Raizo (voice) -
Yuuichirou UmeharaUsui Yuen (voice)
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Shunsuke TakeuchiMurakami Teppa (voice)
-
Hisako KanemotoNio (voice)
The Elusive Samurai
A Fun Spin on the Classic Samurai Formula
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Studio |
CloverWorks |
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Episodes |
12 (ongoing) |
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Streaming |
Based on the manga by Yusei Matsui, The Elusive Samurai takes all the best things about the Samurai genre and adds a classic shonen spin to it. The series follows real-life historical figure Hojo Tokiyuki, who loses his family and status following a coup. Joined by a priest, he journeys out to use his incredible elusive skills to get revenge on those who tore his family apart.
Matsui's manga began serialization in 2021 and has been going strong ever since. Hojo's novel approach to battle leads to some visually stunning action sequences that you won't get from any other Samurai anime.
The Elusive Samurai
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- July 6, 2024
- Network
- Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
- Yasushi Tomoda
- Writers
- Rino Yamazaki, Dai Katarayama
Cast
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Asaki YuikawaTokiyuki Hojo
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Yuichi NakamuraYorishige Suwa
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Hinaki YanoShizuku
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Mari HinoKojiro
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.81
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- CloverWorks
- Based On
- Manga
Blade of the Immortal
A Beautifully Animated Redemption Story With A Dark Twist
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Studio |
Liden Films |
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Episodes |
24 |
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Streaming |
There are two anime adaptations of Hiroaki Samura's Blade of the Immortal out there. While both have their merits, the 2018 series is a much more complete adaptation that does the manga justice. The series follows a Ronin named Manji. Cursed with immortality and haunted by the misdeeds of his past, Manji sets out to kill 1000 evil men in a bid to put an end to his eternal life.
Blade of the Immortal is a beautiful series with a very distinct style that will speak to old-school anime fans. The story and themes are heavy at times, but that's precisely why it stands out among its contemporaries as one of the best Samurai anime out there.
Blade of the Immortal
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 10, 2019
Manji is an infamous swordsman in feudal Japan who is known as the "Hundred Man Killer," as he has killed one hundred innocent men. However, there is something far more frightening than his ominous reputation: the fact that he is immortal. This is the handiwork of eight-hundred-year-old nun Yaobikuni, who placed bloodworms capable of healing almost any wound in Manji's body. To atone for his crimes, Manji resolves to kill one thousand evil men. Yaobikuni agrees to this proposal, saying that if he succeeds, she will undo his curse of immortality. Soon after this promise, Manji meets Rin Asano, a 16-year-old girl who requests Manji's assistance in killing those who slaughtered her parents.
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Streaming Service(s)
- Amazon Prime Video
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.42
Drifters
Isekai Tropes With a Historical Hook
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Studio |
Hoods Entertainment |
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Episodes |
12 |
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Streaming |
The Isekai genre has exploded in popularity over the years. Every new season sees more and more isekai titles added to an already long list of shows, with most of them relying on the same tired tropes. Drifters takes the basic isekai premise and puts a new spin on it.
When real-life historical figure Toyohisa Shimazu is transported from the Battle of Sekigahara to a strange new world, he becomes part of a group called "Drifters". Toyohis must now fight against an enemy known as the "Ends" alongside a variety of historical figures, trying to protect this new world. If you're into isekai anime but want something a little different, Drifters stands out as a one-of-a-kind experience.
- Studio
- Hoods Drifters Studio
- Number of Episodes
- 15
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.88
Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Alternate Reality Drama & Societal Change
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Studio |
Studio Deen |
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Episodes |
10 |
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Streaming |
Ooku: The Inner Chambers takes place in an alternate reality Edo period where a mysterious disease known as "redface pox" destroys all but a quarter of the male population. With the male population so low, women begin assuming traditional male roles, leading to massive societal change.
While Ooku's premise is based on fiction, much of it plays on historical fact. It's not the most traditional samurai series out there, but the gender role reversal hook allows for some interesting storytelling you won't see anywhere else.
Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2023 - 2023-00-00
- Network
- Netflix
Cast
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Mamoru MiyanoMadenokōji Arikoto (voice)
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Eriko MatsuiTokugawa Iemitsu (voice)
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Yuki KajiGyokuei (voice)
-
Kikuko InoueLady Kasuga (voice)
WHERE TO WATCH
- Seasons
- 1
Dororo
One of Tezuka's Greatest Series Adapted Beautifully
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Studio |
MAPPA/Tezuka Productions |
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Episodes |
24 |
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Streaming |
When samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu makes a deal with 12 demons, he is granted power and prosperity. This comes at the cost of his newborn son, who is born without limbs, a nose, eyes, ears, or skin. The child is then abandoned by his father, leaving him to die. The boy, Hyakkimaru, is saved by a doctor and given artificial limbs. As he grows older, he sets out to find the demons that took his body from him and reclaim what he lost. Along the way, a young orphan named Dororo joins Hyakkimaru on his journey while learning to fight demons alongside him.
Based on the manga by the Godfather of manga, Osamu Tezuka, Dororo is a beautiful series that stands out among its peers. The manga was originally adapted in 1969, and while that series is great in its own right, MAPPA's 2019 reboot is a compelling take on what many consider to be a classic samurai tale.
Dororo
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2019 - 2019
- Directors
- Kazuhiro Furuhashi
- Writers
- Yasuko Kobayashi
- Franchise(s)
- Dororo
Cast
-
Adam Gibbs
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Chaney Moore
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James Belcher
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David Wald
- Studio
- Tezuka Productions, MAPPA
- Number of Episodes
- 24
- Streaming Service(s)
- Prime Video
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.25
Afro Samurai
Ultra Violent Samurai Action That Never Gets Old
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Studio |
Gonzo |
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Episodes |
5 |
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Streaming |
Filled with non-stop action, a great atmosphere, and not shy about showing some absolute carnage on-screen, Afro Samurai is a must-watch for fans of Samurai anime, movies, and everything else. The series takes place in a futuristic version of Japan that still uses the feudal system. In this world, the Number 1 headband is said to give its wearer god-like powers. The holder of the Number 1 headband can only be challenged by whoever has the Number 2 headband. When young Afro witnesses his father, Rokutaro, the holder of the Number 1 headband, die at the hands of an outlaw and holder of the Number 2 headband named Justice, he sets out on a long journey to avenge his father's death and reclaim the Number 1 headband from his killer.
Afro Samurai is filled with amazing fights that benefit greatly from an amazing soundtrack courtesy of RZA, which helps give the series a distinct vibe. You won't find much out there like it. If you're looking for a unique samurai anime, this is it.
Afro Samurai
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2007 - 2007
- Network
- Spike
- Showrunner
- Takashi Okazaki, Fuminori Kizaki
- Directors
- Fuminori Kizaki
Cast
-
Samuel L. Jackson
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Phil LaMarr -
Ron Perlman -
Kelly Hu
- Studio
- Gonzo
- Streaming Service(s)
- Crunchyroll, Hulu
- MyAnimeList Score
- 7.37
Ninja Scroll
The Cult Classic That Paved The Way
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Studio |
Animate Film |
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Episodes |
Movie |
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Streaming |
Ninja Scroll was a gateway into the world of anime for a whole generation of fans. The 1993 film follows wandering swordsman Jubei Kibagami as he is drawn into a conflict against a team of ninjas known as the "Eight Devils of Kimon" after rescuing a ninja named Kagero.
Decades after its release, Ninja Scroll still oozes style. Be it the fluidity of the fight scenes or the beautiful animation, the film stands the test of time.
Ninja Scroll
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- June 5, 1993
- Runtime
- 94 Minutes
- Director
- Yoshiaki Kawajiri
- Writers
- Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Cast
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Koichi YamaderaJubei Kibagami
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Emi ShinoharaKagero
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Takeshi AonoDakuan
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Daisuke GôriGenma Himuro
Samurai Champloo
Shinichiro Watanabe's Iconic Samurai Mashup
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Studio |
Manglobe |
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Episodes |
26 |
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Streaming |
If you're playing through Ghost of Yotei with the Watanabe Mode enabled, why not check out the series that inspired the devs in the first place? Samurai Champloo is a sleek and beautiful anime with a versatile trio of main characters who carry the series on their shoulders. The series follows a young woman named Fuu, who, in search of a samurai who smells like flowers, encounters outlaw Mugen and Ronin Jin. The two join Fuu on her journey despite their stark differences, protecting her as she searches for the elusive samurai.
Aside from its incredible animation, Samurai Champloo also stands out for its amazing soundtrack produced by Fat Jon and the legendary Nujabes. Turning on Watanabe Mode in Yotei will perfectly recreate the feel of watching the anime, with the instrumental lo-fi serving as an homage to Watanabe and Nujabes' work.
Samurai Champloo
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2004 - 2005
- Directors
- Shinichirô Watanabe
- Writers
- Masaru Gotsubo
- Franchise(s)
- Samurai Champloo
Cast
-
Steve Blum -
Kirk Thornton
- Studio
- Manglobe
- Number of Episodes
- 26
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.51