Naruto is easily the most well-known ninja in anime, with over 700 episodes across both Naruto and Naruto Shippuden. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only great ninja anime out there – there are plenty of other entertaining series to enjoy.
Here’s a list of other great ninja anime. While they might not be better than Naruto, they’re worth checking out if you’re a fan of the genre. There’s a lot of variety in ninja anime – some are funny or focus on different things – so they aren’t always directly comparable. But if you love the ninja world – with its hidden villages, throwing stars, stealth tactics, and exciting fights – these series are good choices. They won’t teach you how to be a ninja, but you’ll feel like one while watching!
Nintama Rantaro
While Naruto is hugely popular worldwide, Nintama Rantaro is a classic ninja anime beloved by generations of Japanese viewers. It’s been a consistent source of entertainment for kids in Japan since the early 1990s, and remarkably, with over 2,000 episodes, it’s still broadcast on television and enjoyed by younger audiences today.
The main character of Nintama Rantaro is a young ninja-in-training who dreams of becoming a great ninja. However, he currently enjoys practicing with his friends. The series playfully introduced the idea of ninjas wearing glasses, which became a running joke and was later seen in more popular anime like Naruto with characters like Karin Uzumaki and Kabuto Yakushi, making it a more accepted trope.
Under Ninja
This 2023 anime presents a world where ninjas still exist today, living secretly among us. Many struggle with everyday life, including Kuro Kumogakure, the main character. His life takes an unexpected turn when he’s assigned a mission: to go undercover as a high school student and put his ninja abilities to use.
Inspired by Kengo Hanazawa’s manga, Under Ninja received a 12-episode anime adaptation, though the manga is still ongoing in Japan. The story offers a fresh, often funny, but also serious take on the life of a ninja, reimagining it for the modern world. We see ninjas continuing to complete missions for the government, but now they use modern technology to do so.
Flame of Recca
This anime is based on a hugely popular manga from the 1990s. It follows the adventures of a ninja and made a strong impression on fans when it first aired. The series, directed by Noriyuki Abe and adapted from the work of Nobuyuki Anzai, has 42 episodes. While it didn’t become a timeless classic, it’s a well-regarded shonen anime with all the familiar elements of the genre and definitely holds a special place for many viewers.
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Flame of Recca centers around Recca Hanabishi, a teenage boy with a lifelong dream of becoming a ninja. His world turns upside down when he meets a girl he vows to protect. He soon learns he possesses fire-based powers and comes from a ninja lineage. The series picks up momentum as it progresses, delivering exciting and visually impressive battles. With ties to the past and the legendary Hokage clan, the story is captivating and definitely worth checking out.
Senran Kagura
While Senran Kagura is known for some potentially problematic content, it’s actually a pretty fun mix of comedy and action. Adapted from the popular video game series by Kenichiro Takaki, the anime lasted for two seasons. Unfortunately, both the show and the original game series faded away, especially after the creator faced creative limitations and moved on.
Senran Kagura introduces us to the ninja trainees of Hanzou Academy. They quickly become rivals with the girls from Hiritsu Hebi Academy, leading to frequent battles and skill-testing challenges. Though not a classic anime, Senran Kagura offers a fresh and funny take on the ninja story, set in the present day.
Basilisk
Throughout history, governments have secretly employed ninjas, a theme often depicted in anime. The anime Basilisk showcases this with a long-standing, violent conflict between two ninja clans: Tsubagakure and Manjidani. Their fighting eventually stopped when Hattori Hanzo brokered a peace treaty, approved by the Shogun. Years later, Ieyasu Tokugawa, nearing retirement and unsure of his successor, broke the treaty and forced the clans to fight to the death.
Basilisk is a fantastic 24-episode anime from studio Gonzo and a top pick for fans of the genre. The story centers around a deadly competition between ten ninjas from two rival clans, with the winner deciding the next Shogun of Japan. Fueled by a tragic love story from the past, the ensuing battle is brutal and action-packed. Think Romeo and Juliet, but set in the world of ninjas and filled with intense violence – it’s sure to be a thrilling watch.
I’m Living with an Otaku NEET Kunoichi!?
Ninja anime aren’t always about intense battles, protecting families, or saving the nation. Comedy is also a big part of the ninja world and deserves attention. A standout example is I’m Living with an Otaku NEET Kunoichi!?, which started as an online comic and became one of the most enjoyable anime series of 2025.
Shizuri is a highly skilled ninja who abandoned her potential to become a homebody and video game enthusiast. After rescuing a regular office worker named Tsukasa, she unexpectedly moves in with him. Their lives together are filled with everyday tasks, gaming, ninja skirmishes, and the lighthearted humor of a romantic comedy. Adding to the mix, Tsukasa harbors a mysterious family secret.
Ninja Kamui
The anime Ninja Kamui, a collaboration between Japan and the United States, has quickly become a fan favorite. Created by E&H Production, it’s a gritty and intense reimagining of the traditional ninja story, focusing on revenge and finding forgiveness. The show’s 13 episodes are packed with action and immediately grab your attention.
Rather than attempting a complex or groundbreaking narrative, Ninja Kamui deliberately evokes the feel of classic 80s ninja movies. The story centers on Joe Logan, a ninja living in hiding in America with his family, hoping for a quiet life. When his family is tragically murdered, he embarks on a relentless quest for revenge against those responsible. This simple premise is effective, and the series is visually striking. While more seasons are planned, they haven’t been released yet.
Ninja Scroll
I first discovered Ninja Scroll back when the movie came out in ’93, and it totally blew me away! Along with Akira, it’s one of the films that really got anime noticed over here in the West. I remember everyone talking about it when the VHS came out – it was a sensation, and honestly, the violence and mature themes were pretty shocking for the time! Years later, they actually made an anime series in 2003 with 13 episodes, which was cool. While I still think the original movie is better, the series is presented as a sequel and is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan!
The story takes place in Japan’s Edo period and blends historical detail with fantastical elements. It follows Jubei Kibagami, a skilled but wandering ninja, who is manipulated into tracking down other powerful ninjas with extraordinary abilities. He’s assisted by Kagero, a female ninja who is concealing a dark secret.
Brave 10
This anime is known for its incredibly realistic and immersive depiction of Japan’s Warring States period. Based on the manga by Kairi Shimotsuki, it managed to impress ninja fans despite only having 12 episodes.
The anime Brave 10 follows Saizo Kirigakure, a skilled ninja from Iga, as he joins Yukimura Sanada’s campaign amidst a war-torn Japan. Yukimura has gathered ten elite ninjas, and Saizo is one of them. Though a seasoned assassin with a dark past, Saizo’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a woman who challenges him. The series is full of action, and fans of Japanese history and games like Samurai Warriors will enjoy seeing familiar historical figures appear throughout the story.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
This article focuses on ninja anime, and while Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku isn’t strictly about ninjas, it’s too good to leave out. It’s become one of the most popular and intense anime currently available, making it a top pick for fans of exciting fights, action, and ninja-style combat.
The story centers around Gabimaru, a ninja from Iwagakure who is nearly executed for his past crimes. Surprisingly, no one can actually kill him. Once a feared and deadly ninja, Gabimaru now has a single goal: to get home. He’s given a chance to earn a pardon by working with other assassins on a dangerous mission. However, a significant and unknown threat awaits them all.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a strikingly violent and intense anime that offers a unique look into the world of ninjas. It’s become incredibly popular in Japan and is quickly gaining fans in Western countries. Like many hit anime, it began as a manga in Shonen Jump, created by Yuji Kaku. While Naruto still reigns supreme, Hell’s Paradise is quickly becoming a major contender.
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2026-03-25 23:14