5 Anime Like Blade Of The Immortal 2019: Brutal Samurai
Anime Similar to Blade Of The Immortal 2019
Finding an anime like Blade Of The Immortal 2019 is easier with fan votes—our best starting pick is Dororo.
Who knew that being unkillable would be such a massive pain in the neck?
Blade of the Immortal hits hard because it treats immortality as a curse rather than a cheat code. If you’re hunting for gritty historical settings and complex revenge arcs, this guide delivers the most atmospheric alternatives. You can upvote or downvote these matches below, but please only vote if you’ve watched both series.
A young man with prosthetic limbs hunts demons to reclaim his body while traveling with a child thief.
Why it's similar: Both series follow a duo consisting of a hardened, physically altered warrior and a younger companion on a journey through a war-torn, historical Japan. They share a bleak, grounded atmosphere where survival is a daily struggle and the line between man and monster is thin.
Power comparison: While Manji relies on bloodworms for regeneration, Hyakkimaru uses hidden prosthetic blades to fight supernatural threats.
Why watch after Blade Of The Immortal 2019: If you loved the master-disciple dynamic between Manji and Rin, this is the most logical next step.
A brutal, uncompromising look at a samurai tournament where two maimed rivals face off.
Why it's similar: This is one of the few shows that matches the raw, graphic violence and historical weight found in Blade of the Immortal. It trades supernatural immortality for extreme realism and the hyper-violent reality of samurai philosophy.
Power comparison: Both shows focus on unique sword styles and physical disabilities that redefine how characters approach a lethal duel.
Why watch after Blade Of The Immortal 2019: Watch this if you enjoyed the 2019 adaptation's darker art style and the weight of every sword swing.
Should I watch Blade of the Immortal 2008 or 2019 first?
Watch the 2019 version. The 2008 anime only covers a small portion of the story and has a non-canon ending. The 2019 series adapts the entire manga from start to finish across 24 episodes.
How faithful is the 2019 anime to the Blade of the Immortal manga?
It is highly faithful in terms of plot and tone, but the pacing is very fast. It condenses 30 volumes into 24 episodes, meaning some minor character beats and side encounters were trimmed to fit the runtime.
Is there a Blade of the Immortal Season 2 coming?
No, a second season is unlikely. The 2019 anime covers the complete story of the manga, concluding with the final chapters. Unless they adapt the 'Bakumatsu Arc' sequel, the story is finished.
Does Blade of the Immortal 2019 have romance?
There are romantic undertones and deep emotional bonds, particularly between Manji and Rin, but it isn't a traditional romance. The focus remains on their master-disciple relationship and their shared goal of revenge.
A group of death-row convicts and their executioners are sent to a mysterious island to find the Elixir of Life.
Why it's similar: It mirrors the search for immortality and the internal conflict of a protagonist who is essentially a killing machine. Like Manji, Gabimaru is weary of his own legendary reputation but forced into violence to protect a bond.
Power comparison: This series leans more into supernatural abilities (Tao) compared to Manji’s purely physical but regenerative combat.
Why watch after Blade Of The Immortal 2019: Choose this if the supernatural elements and the variety of weird weapons in Blade of the Immortal were your favorite parts.
A nameless ronin protects a young boy and his dog from a massive Ming Dynasty army and local warriors.
Why it's similar: It features the same 'unlikely protector' trope where a skilled but haunted swordsman finds purpose in guarding a child. The choreography is top-tier, capturing the same visceral fluidity seen in Manji's best fights.
Power comparison: Both protagonists are high-tier martial artists, though this film is entirely grounded with no supernatural healing.
Why watch after Blade Of The Immortal 2019: It’s a perfect one-shot movie for fans who want elite animation and a classic samurai revenge feel.
A lone mercenary is forced into a group of soldiers where he finds camaraderie before a dark betrayal.
Why it's similar: While the setting is Western medieval rather than Japanese, Guts and Manji share the 'Struggler' DNA. They are both grizzled warriors wielding massive, unusual weapons while dealing with deep psychological trauma and physical loss.
Power comparison: Both leads utilize heavy weaponry and sheer willpower to survive situations that should be fatal to any human.
Why watch after Blade Of The Immortal 2019: If you want another series that doesn't pull punches and explores the heaviest parts of the human soul, this is it.