Anime with a katana theme refers to a genre of animated shows and movies depicting traditional Japanese swords, known as katanas. These anime often revolve around samurai warriors or skilled swordsmen who employ their abilities to fight for justice or protect their loved ones. The stories in these anime can range from historical epics set in feudal Japan to futuristic sci-fi adventures.
Today we are here with 15 of the best anime with katanas. These shows showcase intricate fight scenes featuring swordplay techniques like iaido and kenjutsu. Additionally, they often explore honor, duty, and sacrifice themes through their characters’ struggles and triumphs.
Overall, anime with katana themes offers a fascinating window into Japanese culture and history while delivering thrilling action sequences that appeal to fans worldwide.
#15 Yasuke
Number of episodes: 6
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: MAPPA
Yasuke is an ONA created by one of the best animation studios, MAPPA, that is actually worth watching. This anime series is centered around the historical figure Yasuke, the first African samurai.
The story takes place in a fantastical version of feudal Japan, where magic and mysticism are deeply ingrained in everyday life. After years of fighting as a slave soldier, Yasuke finds himself retired and living quietly among the people he once fought for.
He is sought out by a young girl named Saki, who possesses powerful abilities and is on the run from dark forces seeking to capture her. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through Japan to protect Saki from those who seek to exploit her powers.
Along the way, they encounter allies and enemies but remain steadfast in their mission to keep Saki safe at all costs. The Yasuke anime plot draws inspiration from Japan’s rich history while infusing it with fantasy elements to create a unique and compelling narrative that keeps audiences on edge until the end.
Katana Users in Yasuke:
- Yasuke
- Oda Nobunaga
#14 House of Five Leaves
Number of episodes: 12
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Manglobe
The House of Five Leaves is a captivating anime that tells the story of Masanosuke Akitsu, a skilled samurai who struggles to find his place in society. With no purpose or direction in life, he accepts a job offer from the House of Five Leaves, a group of kidnappers and thieves led by the enigmatic Yaichi.
As Masanosuke becomes increasingly involved with the group’s activities, he begins to see beyond their criminal nature and discovers their true motives for their actions. His growing attachment to Yaichi further complicates matters as he becomes torn between his duty as a samurai and his loyalty to his new friends.
The intricate plot explores themes of morality, honor, and redemption while offering an engaging character study that will keep viewers hooked from beginning to end.
Katana Users in House of Five Leaves:
- Akitsu Masanosuke
- Yagi Heizaemon
- Umezou
#13 Akame ga Kill!
Number of episodes: 24
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: White Fox
Get ready to be traumatized. Akame ga Kill is a dark and twisted anime that tracks the tale of Tatsumi, a nave but fearless young man who dreams of becoming a legendary hero. He sets out on a journey to join the Imperial Army, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when he learns about the corruption and bloodshed that plague the government.
Along with his fellow assassins, Tatsumi must fight against powerful enemies and their deadly weapons to bring justice and freedom to the people of this unforgiving world. The plot is full of unexpected twists and turns, making it an exciting ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But be warned: This anime is not for the faint-hearted, as it features plenty of graphic violence and mature themes that may leave you feeling uneasy.
Katana Users in Akame ga Kill!:
- Akame
- Kurome
- Tatsumi
#12 Blood+
Number of episodes: 50
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Production I.G.
Every story has two sides, one that everyone knows and one that no one knows. If you’re into anime, you’ve probably heard of “Blood+.” It’s a series that follows the journey of Saya Otonashi, a young girl who lost her memories and was raised by a loving family.
However, Saya quickly learns she is not like any other human—she’s part of a secret organization that fights against evil, blood-sucking creatures known as Chiropterans. With the help of her allies, Saya must battle these monsters while uncovering her past and fulfilling her destiny as the last remaining member of her race.
The anime combines intense action scenes with emotional storytelling to create a captivating plot. If you enjoy dark fantasy stories with strong female leads, “Blood+” should definitely be on your watchlist!
Katana Users in Blood+:
- Otonashi Saya
- Haji
#11 Rurouni Kenshin
Number of episodes: 94
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Studio Deen
Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese anime series that follows the journey of a samurai named Kenshin Himura, who wants to repent for his past as an assassin during the Meiji period. The show is set in Japan during the 19th century and features a mixture of historical events and fictional storylines.
Kenshin travels throughout Japan, offering his swordsmanship skills to anyone in need while trying to create a peaceful future. Along the way, he meets a diverse group of characters who become his loyal allies or opponents.
The story explores themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and self-discovery through its intense battles and emotional moments. With its intriguing narrative and well-developed characters, Rurouni Kenshin has captured the hearts of anime fans worldwide.
Katana Users in Rurouni Kenshin:
- Himura Kenshin
- Sagara Sanosuke
- Shinomori Aoshi
#10 Samurai 7
Number of episodes: 26
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Gonzo
Robots and Samurai coexisting in the same world sounds interesting, right?
Samurai 7 is an animated series that portrays a futuristic world where humans coexist with robots known as “Nobuseri.” These machines are under bandits’ command, terrorizing the people for their rice harvest.
In such times, villages decided to recruit samurai, or traditional warriors, to protect themselves. One city, in particular, seeks out exceptional fighters and hires seven unique samurai with different backgrounds and abilities.
They accept the task with honor, forming an alliance against the bandits to destroy them at any cost. The anime explores heroism, sacrifice, and loyalty as each character faces personal battles while coming together to fight for justice.
With stunning action sequences, diverse personalities, and thoughtful storytelling that goes beyond genre conventions, Samurai 7 offers a captivating adventure that will leave viewers inspired and entertained.
Katana Users in Samurai 7:
- Kyuzo
- Shimada, Kambei
- Okamoto, Katsushiro
#9 Afro Samurai
Number of episodes: 5
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Gonzo
The Afro Samurai anime plot is a wild ride. It pursues the saga of a man named Afro who, as a child, witnessed his father’s murder at the hands of a gunslinger named Justice. This event left him traumatized, and from then on, He is seeking revenge.
Afro becomes the number one warrior in a world where people with headbands represent their rank and skill level. Along the way, he faces off against other skilled fighters, also seeking to become the strongest, and confronts Justice for his father’s death.
However, Afro begins to unravel and question his own morals and motives as he takes on more fights and battles for supremacy. The animation style is visually stunning, with intricate fight scenes that showcase each character’s unique fighting style.
In short, it’s an action-packed journey filled with complex characters and themes that will leave you on edge until the very end.
Katana Users in Afro Samurai:
- Afro
- Justice
#8 Sword of the Stranger
Type: Movie
Runtime: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Studio: Bones
Believe me; you don’t want to miss out on this movie. Sword of the Stranger is an anime film about a nameless swordsman who befriends a young boy named Kotaro while on the run from Ming Dynasty soldiers.
The swordsman, who is haunted by his past and has lost faith in humanity, agrees to protect Kotaro for a price. Along their journey, they encounter many enemies and allies, including a group of bandits and a skilled Chinese swordsman named Luo-Lang.
The plot thickens into an exciting tale of treachery, honor, and self-discovery as the three violent factions search for Kotaro. Sword of the Stranger showcases dazzling fight scenes combined with stunning animation that leaves viewers breathless. Ultimately, this beautifully crafted anime film is one not to be missed by fans of action-adventure stories.
Katana Users in the Sword of the Stranger:
- Nanashi
- Luo Lang
- Feng Fu
#7 Gintama
Number of episodes: 367
Number of seasons: 10
Studio: Sunrise
Ah, Gintama. With its unique blend of comedy and action, the anime isn’t afraid to break the fourth wall. Set in an alternate version of feudal Japan where aliens have invaded and taken over, we follow the story of Sakata Gintoki, a samurai who operates his own business called Odd Jobs.
Alongside his eccentric comrades Shimura Shinpachi, Kagura, and various other characters they encounter along the way, Gintoki takes on odd jobs to pay rent and get by in this alien-occupied world.
Although there are plenty of filler episodes focused purely on humor, it’s when the main plot kicks in that Gintama really shines. With impactful arcs such as “Benizakura” and “Farewell Shinsengumi,” which delve into more serious themes such as corruption, loyalty, and friendship, it’s easy to see why this anime has gained such a dedicated fanbase over the years.
It may be too long for you, but if you enjoy this type of anime, Give it a try!
Katana Users in Gintama:
- Sakata Gintoki
- Imai Nobume
- Hijikata Toshirou
- Utsuro
#6 Dororo
Number of episodes: 24
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Tezuka Productions
Dororo is an anime that will definitely make you question a lot of things. It follows the story of a young samurai named Hyakkimaru, born without several body parts in feudal Japan.
The tale is set during the Sengoku period when demons roam freely and prey upon humans. In a deal with 12 demons, his father sacrificed Hyakkimaru’s limbs, eyesight, hearing, and organs to gain power and wealth.
Abandoned by his parents at birth, he spends his life fighting the demons to regain each of his lost functions with the help of Dororo, a child thief who joins him on this journey.
Throughout their adventure, they meet various characters that reveal their pasts and shape their future. Through its captivating narrative and intense fight scenes, Dororo explores mature themes such as self-discovery, betrayal, redemption, and sacrifice in a way that will leave you on the edge of your seats until its final conclusion.
Katana Users in Dororo:
- Hyakkimaru
- Tahoumaru
#5 Bleach
Number of episodes: 366
Number of seasons: 16
Studio: Pierrot
Here is one of the Big three anime. Bleach pursues the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenage boy who becomes a soul reaper after accidentally obtaining the powers from Rukia Kuchiki, another soul reaper.
As a result, he gains the ability to see and fight evil spirits known as “Hollows” that prey on human souls. As Ichigo adjusts to his new role, he learns about other intricacies of soul society and battles against powerful enemies.
Along with his friends Orihime, Chad, Ishida, and others, they aim to protect their world from various threats while discovering secrets about themselves and their families. The plot twists and turns throughout the series as Ichigo confronts more formidable opponents and goes through personal growth in his mission to become stronger.
While there are some dark tones in the series, it is also filled with humor and lighthearted moments, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of action-based shonen anime.
Katana Users in Bleach:
- Sosuke Aizen
- Rukia Kuchiki
- Gin Ichimaru
- Izuru Kira
#4 Samurai Champloo
Number of episodes: 26
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: Manglobe
Samurai Champloo tracks the unlikely trio of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu as they embark on a journey to find a mysterious samurai who smells like sunflowers. Set in an alternate version of Japan’s Edo period, the anime fuses hip-hop and samurai elements seamlessly.
Along the way, they encounter various characters, including rival samurai, ninjas, corrupt politicians, and ruthless assassins. The series focuses on character development as well as action-packed sword fights with breathtaking animation.
Furthermore, it explores class struggle, tradition versus modernization, and cultural differences in an exciting manner. The show’s music is also noteworthy for featuring hip-hop tracks from renowned artists such as Nujabes and Fat Jon which significantly enhance the viewing experience.
With its engaging storytelling and unique blend of genres, Samurai Champloo stands out as one of the most iconic anime shows to date.
Katana Users in Samurai Champloo:
- Mugen
- Jin
- Kariya Kagetoki
#3 One Piece
Number of episodes: 1030+
Number of seasons: 20+
Studio: Toei Animation
With its elaborate and thrilling plot, One Piece is the most talked about show for a long time now! The adventure follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy with a big dream: to find the legendary treasure known as “One Piece” and become the Pirate King.
Along with his eccentric crew, consisting of various unique individuals with their own backstories and abilities, Luffy sets off on an epic journey full of battles, friendships, betrayals, and emotional moments.
Throughout their expedition across multiple seas and encountering powerful foes and allies alike, they uncover the mysteries behind ancient powers like Devil Fruits and discover shocking truths about the world they live in.
With complex character development, clever foreshadowing, and non-stop action packed into each episode, it’s no wonder that One Piece has become one of anime’s defining series that keeps audiences hooked for hundreds of episodes.
Warning: It sucks out all your time like you’ve got nothing else to do!
Katana Users in One Piece:
- Roronoa Zoro
- Ashura Doji
- Denjiro
- Kozuki Oden
- Shimotsuki Ryuma
#2 Katanagatari
Number of episodes: 12
Number of seasons: 1
Studio: White Fox
If you want to watch something unique, this anime is definitely what you want. Katanagatari is an anime series that revolves around the travels of a swordsman, Yasuri Shichika, who seeks out twelve legendary swords called the “Deviant Blades.”
He is accompanied by a strategist named Togame, who wants to collect the swords on behalf of her deceased father. Shichika and Togame journey together across Japan, facing various challenges and battles as they acquire each blade from its owner.
Along the way, they uncover secrets about the Deviant Blades and their origins, as well as encounter multiple factions vying for control over them. The story delves into complex themes such as power struggles, morality, love, and loss, with intriguing plot twists that keep viewers engaged until the end.
While visually stunning, with unique character designs and fight scenes showcasing Japanese martial arts, Katanagatari’s elaborate storytelling sets it apart from all others.
Katana Users in Katanagatari:
- Yasuri Shichika
- Souda Emonzaemon
- Sabi Hakuhei
#1 Demon Slayer
Number of episodes: 37
Number of seasons: 2
Studio: Ufotable
You may have heard about this masterpiece; everything related to it is straight-up perfection, and most people love this series. Demon Slayer is a captivating show that follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado as he tries to save his sister Nezuko, who got turned into a demon.
In this world, demons are known to exist and prey on humans, and it is up to the Demon Slayer Corps to eliminate them. Along with his comrades, Tanjiro trains hard and faces numerous challenges as he fights his way through the ranks to become a top-notch demon slayer, Hashira.
Each episode has its fair share of action, drama, emotions, and intense fight scenes that keep you hooked throughout the series. Not only that, but it also explores family bonds and sacrifice while introducing a fantastic cast of characters.
Overall, Demon Slayer is a must-watch for anyone who loves great storytelling combined with beautifully choreographed action sequences.
Katana Users in Demon Slayer:
- Kamado Tanjirou
- Agatsuma Zenitsu
- Hashibira Inosuke
- Rengoku Kyoujirou
- Kochou Shinobu
- Tomioka Giyuu
You might think this is the end of our countdown, but you’re mistaken. Averagebeing always has something special for you. Below we have created a list of more anime with katana, so if you’ve watched the ones on the list, you can have more options to choose from.
We classified the table into different sections and will also tell you how good the anime mentioned is in the Averagebeing Picks column.
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All Katana Anime Recommendations
| Anime | Episodes | Seasons | Averagebeing Picks |
| Katana Maidens | 24 | 1 | Average |
| Ga-Rei-Zero | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Ange Vierge | 12 | 1 | Below Average |
| Release the Spyce | 12 | 1 | Average |
| One Piece | 1030+ | 20+ | Above Average |
| Gintama | 367 | 16 | Above Average |
| Demon Slayer | 37 | 2 | Above Average |
| Katanagatari | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Afro Samurai | 5 | 1 | Below Average |
| Akame Ga Kill | 24 | 1 | Above Average |
| Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Schoolgirl Strikers | 13 | 1 | Below Average |
| Yasuke | 6 | 1 | Below Average |
| House of Five Leaves | 12 | 1 | Average |
| Blood+ | 50 | 1 | Above Average |
| Samurai Champloo | 26 | 1 | Average |
| Dororo | 24 | 1 | Above Average |
| Samurai 7 | 26 | 1 | Above Average |
| Ruroumi Kenshin | 94 | 1 | Average |
Well, These are our best picks for anime with katanas. Which one will you binge on next?
Also, Make sure to visit averagebeing.com more often for amazing anime-related content.
