Just over a year after its reveal at PlayStation’s September 2024 State of Play, Ghost of Yotei has arrived. The game is receiving positive reviews from both critics and players, and though some were hoping to continue Jin’s story, Atsu’s tale of revenge appears to be equally captivating.
Similar to how Ghost of Tsushima beautifully referenced the classic samurai films that influenced it-especially those by the famous Japanese director Akira Kurosawa, and even included a dedicated “Kurosawa Mode”-Ghost of Yotei is adding a new “Watanabe Mode” designed to capture the feel of a Shinichiro Watanabe anime. If you’re enjoying Ghost of Yotei, here’s a list of some of the best samurai anime to explore.
Yasuke
MAPPA Brings an Enigmatic Historical Figure to Life
Yasuke in Netflix anime
| Studio | MAPPA |
| Episodes | 6 |
| Streaming | Netflix |
While details about his life are scarce, Yasuke’s story has captured the imagination of many people. Over time, he’s appeared in numerous films, books, and video games – including Assassin’s Creed Shadows – and has served as inspiration for characters across popular culture. The 2021 MAPPA adaptation, also named Yasuke, cleverly blends historical facts with exciting science fiction, creating a truly memorable and original experience.
Featuring music by Flying Lotus and a distinctive art style, Yasuke really captures the same feeling as activating Watanabe Mode in Yotei. If you want a traditional samurai anime but with something different, this is the one to watch.
Revenger
A Modern Revenge Tale That Hits All The Marks
| Studio | Ajiado |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
If you enjoy the Ghost of Yotei’s focus on revenge, you should definitely watch Revenger. This anime centers around Raizo Kurima, who seeks retribution against those who tricked him into killing his father-in-law. He soon receives an invitation to join a team of skilled assassins dedicated to helping people who can’t defend themselves.
Revenger is packed with exciting action sequences that any anime enthusiast will love, especially if they enjoy awesome samurai battles. Beyond the action, the show features a compelling group of characters who make the emotional moments really resonate.
The Elusive Samurai
A Fun Spin on the Classic Samurai Formula
| Studio | CloverWorks |
| Episodes | 12 (ongoing) |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
Inspired by the manga created by Yusei Matsui, The Elusive Samurai combines everything fans love about samurai stories with the exciting energy of a classic shonen adventure. The story centers on Hojo Tokiyuki, a historical figure who loses everything – his family and position – after a power grab. Accompanied by a priest, he sets out on a quest, using his remarkable ability to evade capture to seek vengeance against those who destroyed his family.
Matsui’s manga series started in 2021 and remains popular today. Hojo brings a fresh perspective to fight scenes, creating incredibly impressive action that sets this Samurai anime apart from others.
Blade of the Immortal
A Beautifully Animated Redemption Story With A Dark Twist
| Studio | Liden Films |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Streaming | Prime Video |
There are two anime versions of Hiroaki Samura’s Blade of the Immortal available. Although both are good in their own ways, the 2018 series is a more thorough adaptation and stays true to the original manga. The story centers around Manji, a wandering samurai. Cursed with immortality and burdened by his past actions, Manji embarks on a quest to defeat 1000 wicked individuals, hoping to finally end his unending life.
Blade of the Immortal is a visually striking series with a unique style, likely to appeal to fans of classic anime. While the story and its underlying themes can be quite serious, this is actually what makes it exceptional and places it among the top Samurai anime available.
Drifters
Isekai Tropes With a Historical Hook
| Studio | Hoods Entertainment |
| Episodes | 12 |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
The Isekai genre has become incredibly popular recently. Each new season brings even more isekai shows, adding to a large number of titles that often repeat familiar ideas. Drifters takes the core idea of isekai and offers a fresh take on it.
The historical warrior Toyohisa Shimazu suddenly finds himself pulled from the Battle of Sekigahara into a bizarre new world. He joins a group called the “Drifters” and must battle against a powerful enemy known as the “Ends”, working with other famous figures from history to safeguard this strange land. If you enjoy isekai anime but are looking for something unique, Drifters really offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Ooku: The Inner Chambers
Alternate Reality Drama & Societal Change
| Studio | Studio Deen |
| Episodes | 10 |
| Streaming | Netflix |
Ooku: The Inner Chambers is set in a reimagined Edo period. A strange illness, called “redface pox,” has wiped out most of the male population – leaving only about 25% remaining. Because so few men are left, women start taking on roles traditionally held by men, which causes huge changes to society.
Although Ooku’s story is imagined, it incorporates many real historical events. It’s not a typical samurai show, but the unique idea of switching traditional gender roles creates compelling and original stories you won’t find elsewhere.
Dororo
One of Tezuka’s Greatest Series Adapted Beautifully
| Studio | MAPPA/Tezuka Productions |
| Episodes | 24 |
| Streaming | Prime Video |
Samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu gains power and wealth by making a pact with 12 demons. However, this comes with a terrible price: his newborn son is born severely deformed, lacking limbs, a nose, eyes, ears, and skin. Abandoned by his father and left to perish, the child, named Hyakkimaru, is rescued by a doctor who provides him with prosthetic limbs. As Hyakkimaru matures, he embarks on a quest to find the demons responsible for his condition and take back what was stolen from him. During his travels, he is joined by a young orphan named Dororo, who learns to fight demons alongside him.
Dororo is a wonderfully crafted series, based on the work of manga legend Osamu Tezuka, and truly shines compared to other shows. Originally adapted for television in 1969, the original series is enjoyable, but MAPPA’s 2019 reimagining offers a captivating new version of this well-regarded samurai story.
Afro Samurai
Ultra Violent Samurai Action That Never Gets Old
| Studio | Gonzo |
| Episodes | 5 |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
Packed with constant action, a fantastic vibe, and plenty of intense on-screen violence, Afro Samurai is a must-see for anyone who loves Samurai anime, films, and related genres. The story is set in a futuristic Japan that still operates with a feudal social structure. Legend says that wearing the Number 1 headband grants the wearer incredible, almost god-like abilities. Only the person with the Number 2 headband is allowed to challenge the holder of Number 1. After young Afro sees his father, Rokutaro-who holds the Number 1 headband-killed by an outlaw named Justice (who has the Number 2 headband), he begins a lengthy quest to avenge his father and take back the Number 1 headband from his father’s killer.
Afro Samurai is packed with incredible action sequences, and the fantastic music by RZA really makes the show stand out. It’s truly one of a kind. If you want a different kind of samurai anime, this is the one to watch.
Ninja Scroll
The Cult Classic That Paved The Way
| Studio | Animate Film |
| Episodes | Movie |
| Streaming | Prime Video |
Ninja Scroll was how many people first discovered anime. Released in 1993, the movie centers on Jubei Kibagami, a swordsman who travels from place to place. He gets caught up in a dangerous fight against a group of deadly ninjas called the “Eight Devils of Kimon” after saving a ninja named Kagero.
Even years after it first came out, Ninja Scroll remains incredibly stylish. Whether it’s the smooth and graceful action sequences or the gorgeous visuals, the movie continues to impress and hold up well over time.
Samurai Champloo
Shinichiro Watanabe’s Iconic Samurai Mashup
| Studio | Manglobe |
| Episodes | 26 |
| Streaming | Crunchyroll |
If you’re enjoying Ghost of Yotei in Watanabe Mode, you might be interested in the anime that inspired the game’s creators! Samurai Champloo is a visually stunning and exciting anime centered around three dynamic characters. The story follows Fuu, a young woman searching for a mysterious samurai who has a unique floral scent. Along the way, she meets Mugen, a rebellious outlaw, and Jin, a stoic ronin. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two samurai agree to protect Fuu as she continues her quest to find the elusive samurai.
Beyond its fantastic animation, Samurai Champloo is also known for its incredible music, created by Fat Jon and the highly respected Nujabes. Activating “Watanabe Mode” in Yotei will capture the same atmosphere as watching the anime, with the instrumental, low-fidelity beats paying tribute to the styles of Watanabe and Nujabes.
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2025-10-03 17:37