17 Anime Similar To Vinland Saga To Watch

Miss Thorfinn’s epic battles? ‘Sword of the Stranger’ is an anime film that mirrors the fluid combat and deep character development found in Vinland Saga. Follow the journey of a wandering swordsman, No Name, whose decision to help a boy and his dog pulls him into a whirlpool of conflict. Watch it for its breathtaking action sequences and the thrill of the Samurai way of life.

In the anime roster similar to Vinland Saga, ‘Claymore’ adds a delightful twist by presenting a world of warrior women who slay monstrous beings. Their life purpose? To protect a medieval world from half-human, half-Yoma beings. Clare, our female Thorfinn, navigates her path with ferocity and empathy, making ‘Claymore’ a compelling choice for fans of nuanced characters and visceral action.

Ever thought about mixing Samurai with hip-hop? Sounds wild, right? But ‘Samurai Champloo’ makes it work, and how! Infusing an Edo-period Japan setting with anachronistic elements of modern hip-hop culture, this anime is perfect if you’re craving something out-of-the-box yet reminiscent of the thrilling adventure found in Vinland Saga.

While ‘Mushishi’ doesn’t have the grand battles or political power plays of Vinland Saga, its immersive storytelling and human nature exploration make it worthwhile. As an anime to watch if you like Vinland Saga, ‘Mushishi’ offers a calm, reflective atmosphere while maintaining a level of mysteriousness that keeps you hooked.

Think Vinland Saga meets star-crossed lovers meets ninja warfare. ‘Basilisk’ is a potent concoction of historical drama, romance, and thrilling action. Drenched in blood, tears, and tragic love, ‘Basilisk’ is a gripping narrative that won’t disappoint fans of animes like Vinland Saga. Love is war, indeed!

Is your life empty after the conclusion of Vinland Saga? Fret not, Arslan Senki, or “The Heroic Legend of Arslan,” is here to provide the perfect blend of political intrigue and battlefield drama, much like our beloved Viking epic. Don’t be fooled by Arslan’s pretty-boy looks; this prince with a purpose could teach Thorfinn a thing or two about leadership. Plus, there are fewer boats, so it’s ideal for those with anime-induced sea sickness.

Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? ‘Golden Kamuy’ gives you just that, with a dash of historical intrigue, robust action, and, yes, cooking lessons! Similar to Vinland Saga, it creates an intriguing narrative around two unlikely partners navigating the harsh wilderness. Its survival, friendship, and war wounds served on a gold-plated platter!

Craving more anime similar to Vinland Saga? Why not throw in a little bit of everything? ‘Drifters’ does precisely that by summoning historical warriors into an alternative world. Think of it as a bloody battle royale featuring your favorite fighters from history class. If Vinland Saga tickled your historical fancy, then ‘Drifters’ will have you rolling with laughter and shuddering with horror in the same episode.

In the vein of anime to watch if you like Vinland Saga, the epic ‘Fate/Zero’ stands tall. Bringing together legendary historical and mythical figures to duke it out in a war for the Holy Grail sounds bonkers, right? Well, that’s ‘Fate/Zero’ for you! The strategic battles, moral dilemmas, and exploration of the human condition make it a perfect alternative for those hungry for more Vinland-esque content.

Time for a palate cleanser. ‘Gintama’ might not be an anime like Vinland Saga in terms of theme or setting, but it certainly matches up in terms of layered characters and rich storytelling. If you’re looking to replace the Viking-era drama with a dose of humor (and occasional pathos), ‘Gintama’ is your go-to.

Packed with comedic takes on samurai, aliens, and everything in between, it’s a well-deserved break from all the heavy sword swinging.

‘Brave 10’ catapults us into China’s tumultuous Warring States era, spanning 475 to 221 B.C. Unlike your typical historical series, ‘Brave 10’ flips the script, showcasing the drama of war and tragedy through the eyes of an Iga Ninja, Kirigakure.

As Kirigakure embarks on his introspective journey, he saves Isanami, a shrine maiden who narrowly escapes her temple’s fiery destruction. They join forces with Lord Yukimura Sanada, a man on a mission to unite ten brave warriors capable of altering history’s trajectory. 

‘Blade of the Immortal’ spins the tale of an ageless samurai, Manji, trapped under the curse of endless life due to his gruesome past of countless slayings. His only route to freedom lies in claiming the lives of a thousand more men. Despite choosing an amoral existence, he seeks to reclaim his lost morality.

When Manji crosses paths with a young girl, he vows to deliver retribution for her parents’ ruthless murder by executing the culprits. One event cascades into another, pulling Manji into a bloody battle. Much like Vinland Saga, ‘Blade of the Immortal’ is a historical drama featuring a protagonist thirsting for revenge amidst widespread violent conflict.

Hey, anime lover, missing your Viking fix after Vinland Saga? Set your sights on ‘Berserk,’ the anime that throws a curveball at medieval Europe. Dark fantasy anime like Vinland Saga is bursting with adrenaline and fatalistic dread.

Swords, sorcery, demons, and a character whose relentless ambition makes Thorfinn look like he’s chasing butterflies – meet Guts. Be prepared, though: this anime doesn’t believe in sunshine and roses, so keep those tissues handy!

‘Attack on Titan’ expertly weaves riveting fantasy narratives with heart-pounding action sequences, earning its place alongside the fantastic anime, Vinland Saga. The story centers on humanity’s desperate struggle for survival against the Titans, huge beings nearly responsible for the human race’s extermination. The remnants of humankind seek shelter behind a triple-layered fortification.

When the Titans successfully break through this defense, a survivor named Eren rises to the occasion. He joins the elite warriors’ ranks to push back the monstrous invaders. Just like ‘Attack on Titan,’ ‘Vinland Saga’ underscores the critical necessity of survival and the omnipresent fear of extermination. Similarly, both protagonists, Thorfinn and Eren, bear heavy responsibilities.

The Rising of the Shield Hero, a darker isekai anime series, features the gruff antihero Naofumi Iwatani, navigating a perilous fantasy realm. Similar to Vinland Saga, the Shield Hero anime portrays a rudimentary world marked by discord, ubiquitous wars, and rampant slavery.

Naofumi Iwatani, the protagonist, stands wrongly accused of a crime he never committed, forcing him to battle and survive in a hostile environment. Much like Thorfinn Karlsefni, Naofumi relies on nothing but his wits and resilience, though he gradually forms new alliances and ultimately confronts a corrupt king.

Anime fans who appreciated the revenge-driven narrative of Vinland Saga will also find Oshi no Ko engaging, despite its entirely different context. Aqua Hoshino, the protagonist, commits to avenging his idol mother’s death in his new life, regardless of the costs.

He, however, fails to recognize the gravity of his mistake. His female companions, Kana and Akane, may also be powerless to prevent his downfall.

Chainsaw Man is an anime that’s drawn attention due to its intense action, compelling characters, and unique plot that is both violent and unexpectedly heartfelt. The story revolves around Denji, a young man with a chainsaw devil dog named Pochita, who turns into the titular “Chainsaw Man” under dire circumstances.

Like “Vinland Saga,” “Chainsaw Man” explores its characters deeply, often unveiling their layers through their struggles, actions, and motivations. Both shows depict brutal worlds where violence is a constant and survival a necessity, and they are also unflinching in their portrayals of the impacts of trauma and loss.