Kingdom is one of the best historical anime shows in terms of the story, characters, and action sequences.
However, what truly makes the series engaging is how accurately it represents Chinese folklore and its various nuances.
If you enjoyed the show and want to binge on more such content, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a list of the top 10 historical anime shows you must watch. Let’s dive in.
10Samurai Kings
Samurai Kings is set during the Sengoku Period of Japan when various generals fought to take over the country. The show follows the arcs of Masamune and Yukimura, who overcome their struggles to rise to power.
This historical fiction doesn’t take itself as seriously as the others. The action sequences are beyond ridiculous, and that’s the best part about the series. While season 1 focuses on the protagonists, season 2 takes a completely different turn as new characters rise to prominence.
While this might break your flow, you’ll quickly get used to it. It’s almost like a parody of the historical drama genre. So watch it with that in mind, and you’ll enjoy it.
9Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Moribito is about a wandering warrior, Balsa, who vows to atone for her sins and the death of 8 people. Her paths cross with Prince Chagum, where she saves him and becomes his bodyguard.
Everything that happens after this is the complete story. Moribito is one of those stories which started in the most breezy way and slowly became more intense. The show involves action, drama, and even politics.
8Hero Tales
Hero Tales is the story of Taitou, a rebel who vows to go against the Chinese Empire and free the country. Gifted with celestial superpowers, he, along with his sister, masters the powers and embarks on his quest.
This story is by Hiromu Arakawa, who also gave us Fullmetal Alchemist. The way various characters interact and the story progresses is similar to the author’s previous work and is thoroughly enjoyable.
7The Heroic Legend of Arslan
The story follows Prince Arslan, who sets out to prove how he is worthy of the throne in a war with Lusitania. However, after his father is betrayed and the war is lost, Arslan has to go on the run. How he reclaims the kingdom, and the throne is the entire story.
From the basic premise to the way the narrative flows, everything follows the classic tropes of a fantasy show about ancient folklore.
But despite this, the show will keep you hooked and entertained throughout. If you’ve just got into anime shows that are about kings and wars, this is perfect for you.
6Legend of Basara
Legend of Basara tells the tale of Tatara and Sasara, twins born in a small village in Japan. The story follows how Sasara goes on a quest for vengeance against the Red King after he kills her twin brother, Tatara.
This show is a good blend of fantasy, drama, and action. While it is enjoyable and engaging throughout its runtime, it leaves you wanting more.
Compared to manga, the story has been cut short and, in many ways, seems abrupt. So, once you finish the show, you can move to manga if you haven’t had enough of the tale.
5Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is set in a post-apocalyptic world where all of the civilization lives within three walls, beyond which there are human-eating creatures called the Titans. Eren Yeager vows to eradicate these Titans after he loses everything to them.
This anime is being called one of the best shows to come out in modern times. The fact that even non-anime fans have been bingeing this show says a lot about how good its content is.
Although the story isn’t around Chinese or Japanese folklore, I’ve added this to my list for two simple reasons. Many of its tropes seem to be borrowed from the history genre, and the action is on par with some of the best war anime.
4Legend of Qin
Legend of Qin follows the rise and fall of the Qin dynasty. After Emperor Ying Zheng unified China by conquering the 6 nations, pockets of groups resisted the dynasty’s rule. Amidst all this comes a boy called Tianming, who changes history forever.
As you see, this show is set around the same folklore as Kingdom, but the writer has given a unique spin to it. The animation style is innovative and sets it apart from numerous other anime shows, and the voice acting is compelling.
Overall, the show immerses you in its world, and you wouldn’t want it to end.
3Beyond the Heavens
Beyond the Heavens is set during the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history and follows the story of Cao Cao, the last Chancellor of the Eastern Han dynasty.
The show is unique because it portrays the main character Cao Cao in a positive light. This sets the show apart from numerous other shows that depict Cao Cao as an antagonist.
In the show, he strives to break China’s people away from its old traditions to bring about a mindset rooted in pragmatism. While some might not consider it a great series, I like its take on the numerous traditions and how blatantly hypocritical they were.
2Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga tells the story of two princes who fight over who should succeed their father, Sweyn after he passes. Set in 1013 AD in England, it is inspired by historical periods such as Saga of the Greenlanders and Saga of the Erik the Red.
Unlike many other anime shows, the show is known for its unparalleled character development and a screenplay rooted in realism. These two qualities make the series even more intense, and you can feel how high the stakes are.
1Berserk
Berserk is the best historical/war anime show to watch if you like Kingdom. It is a dark fantasy show that follows a ruthless mercenary, Guts, who joins a group called, The Band of the Hawk, led by Griffith.
Set in the medieval ages, the group fights several battles and ultimately storms into the Royal Court.
The complete journey of the two characters is the main story, and it is nothing short of a masterpiece. Right from the tonality to the character work and plotline, everything comes together so seamlessly and hooks you almost instantly.
With this, we come to the end of the list. Well, what are you waiting for? Choose a series you like and get started!
About Kingdom
Kingdom is a Japanese seinen manga series written and illustrated by Yasuhisa Hara.
The manga provides a fictionalised account of the Warring States period primarily through the experiences of the war orphan Xin and his comrades.
In the story, Xin fights to become the most significant general under the heavens, and in doing so, unifying China for the first time in history.
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