16 Historical Anime and Manga You Need to Know

Did you know that in 2023 alone, historical manga like Vinland Saga and Kingdom ranked among the most-read titles outside Japan, according to Oricon? And that interest in anime set in real historical periods has grown by 30% among Western audiences in the past five years?

That’s right - far beyond magical swords and cosmic battles, there's a rich universe of anime and manga that explore world history with impressive detail and captivating narratives. Whether you want to discover Meiji-era Japan or dive into the wars of Ancient Rome, these works bring the past to life like never before.

If you enjoy learning while getting absorbed in great stories, this list gathers must-see titles that delve deep into historical settings.

Get ready to explore eras and characters that made their mark - and still fascinate us today!

91 Days

Anime: 13 episodes

Set in the United States during Prohibition, 91 Days follows Angelo Lagusa, a young man who returns to his hometown to infiltrate the mafia responsible for murdering his family. The anime delivers a dark drama with constant twists and rising tension, exploring themes like revenge, loyalty, and morality in violent times.

The series takes place in the 1920s, a time when the production and sale of alcohol were banned in the U.S., leading to the rise of organized crime. While the characters are fictional, the historical backdrop is accurately portrayed, reflecting the impact of Prohibition and the rise of mobsters like Al Capone.

Golden Kamuy

Manga: 31 volumes

Anime: 4 seasons, 49 episodes total

OADs: 2

After the Russo-Japanese War, veteran Saichi Sugimoto embarks on a quest for hidden treasure that could change his life. Alongside Asirpa, a young Ainu girl, he travels through the vast and icy regions of Hokkaido. Golden Kamuy blends action, comedy, and drama with a strong dose of indigenous culture and military history.

The story is set in the early 20th century, right after the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905), and offers a striking recreation of the era, including uniforms, weapons, and social issues. Ainu culture, often overlooked in Japanese media, is portrayed in rich and respectful detail, thanks to expert consultation.

Rurouni Kenshin

Manga: The original series has 28 tankōbon (collected volumes).

Anime: A new anime adaptation by Liden Films began in 2023. The first season aired from July to December 2023, and the second season, titled "Kyoto Disturbance", aired from October 2024 to March 2025.

Previous adaptation: There is also a classic anime series (1996) with 95 episodes.

Set in the early Meiji Era, former assassin Battousai wanders Japan as a vagabond who has vowed never to kill again. Now going by Himura Kenshin, he protects the innocent and seeks redemption for his past, facing threats that force him to confront old ghosts.

The Meiji Era (1868–1912) marked Japan’s modernization after centuries of feudal rule. Rurouni Kenshin captures this transitional period with changing urban landscapes, tensions between tradition and Western influence, and characters inspired by real figures. The political climate is authentically portrayed, despite some dramatic liberties.

Kingdom

Manga: Ongoing, with over 70 volumes released so far.

Anime: 5 seasons so far, with 77 episodes across the first two seasons.

The story follows Xin (Shin), a young slave who dreams of becoming the greatest general under the heavens. Amid the violent wars leading up to China's unification, he fights countless battles, forges alliances, and faces betrayals - all while crossing paths with the future emperor Ying Zheng.

Kingdom is set during the Warring States period (approximately 475–221 BCE), one of the most chaotic chapters in Chinese history. The series stands out for its use of real historical events and figures, albeit with some narrative adjustments. Military strategies and ancient political structures are portrayed with remarkable depth and detail.

Vagabond

Manga: 37 volumes (on hiatus since 2015).

Inspired by the life of Miyamoto Musashi, one of Japan’s most legendary samurai, Vagabond follows the journey of a young warrior seeking strength and meaning after surviving a brutal battle. The narrative is both visceral and philosophical, beautifully illustrated and rich in introspection about the warrior's path.

Musashi lived between the late 16th and early 17th centuries - a period that marked the end of civil wars and the rise of the Tokugawa shogunate. Based on the novel Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa, the manga is committed to historical realism in its settings, duels, and the moral dilemmas of the era.

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Manga: 8 volumes

Anime: 25 episodes

Set during the height of the European Inquisition, a group of thinkers seeks to understand the movements of celestial bodies amidst Church repression. Orb celebrates scientific curiosity and intellectual courage in the face of intolerance. It mixes human drama with the advancement of thought, highlighting the risks of defying imposed truths.

The series takes place in the 15th century, a time when science began to more directly challenge religious dogma. Based on historical events and inspired by figures such as Galileo and Copernicus, Orb faithfully recreates the climate of persecution faced by scholars and the intellectual breakthroughs that shaped our world.

Nobunaga no Chef

Manga: 37 volumes

Live-action adaptation: 2 seasons, 17 episodes in total

A modern-day chef wakes up mysteriously in 16th-century Japan, during the chaotic Sengoku era. With no memory of how he got there, he uses his culinary skills to win the trust of none other than Oda Nobunaga. Nobunaga no Chef is a curious blend of gastronomy, strategy, and history - where a good recipe can change the course of war.

The story unfolds during Nobunaga’s peak - one of Japan’s "Three Great Unifiers". Although the modern character adds a fictional element, the events and historical figures are based on real records. The manga also portrays the ingredients and customs of the era with notable historical accuracy.

Sengoku Komachi Kuroutan

Light Novel: Ongoing (17 volumes)

Manga: Ongoing (17 volumes)

Sayaka, a modern-day Japanese farmer, is inexplicably transported to the Sengoku period. Using her knowledge of agriculture, metallurgy, and medicine, she quickly becomes indispensable to a local clan. The story balances strategy, politics, and societal development with a touch of sci-fi.

Although the protagonist brings modern knowledge, the historical backdrop is solid, rooted in the military and political tensions of 16th-century Japan. The series highlights how technical knowledge can revolutionize a feudal society and offers detailed portrayals of community life and logistical challenges of the era.

Ad Astra: Scipio to Hannibal

Manga: 13 volumes

Two of history’s greatest military minds clash in Ad Astra, a dense and strategic narrative portraying the Second Punic War between Rome and Carthage. Scipio, the Roman strategist, and Hannibal, the brilliant Carthaginian general, become rivals in a game of war and honor that will shape the fate of the Mediterranean.

Set in the 3rd century BCE, the story unfolds during one of the most significant conflicts of classical antiquity. Battles, political alliances, and the city-states’ dynamics are explored in depth, with a strong commitment to historical accuracy. Hannibal’s famous crossing of the Alps and the siege of cities are recreated with impressive detail.

Historie

Manga: 12 volumes.

Historie tells the story of Eumenes, a secretary and strategist who served Philip II of Macedon and later Alexander the Great. The narrative follows his youth and rise, revealing how he stood out amid the intrigues and wars of the Macedonian court. With a philosophical and detailed approach, the manga explores the behind-the-scenes of Alexander’s era of conquest.

Set in the 4th century BC, the manga presents real events and historical figures from the Hellenistic period. The series, created by Hitoshi Iwaaki (author of Parasyte), is committed to historical realism and offers an almost documentary-like portrayal of daily life and politics in ancient Greece. It’s a fascinating window into the complexities of power in the ancient world.

The Ravages of Time

Manga: Over 78 volumes (ongoing).

An ambitious reinterpretation of the Three Kingdoms era, The Ravages of Time dives into the political conspiracies, epic battles, and social transformations that defined one of the most famous periods in Chinese history. The work stands out for its focus on strategic intelligence, philosophy, and manipulation, with complex characters and a rich, layered narrative.

Cesare

Manga: 13 volumes.

Set in Renaissance Italy, Cesare follows the formative years of Cesare Borgia, one of the most controversial figures in European history. The work explores the political intrigues, alliances, and manipulations that shaped his youth at the University of Pisa, offering a deep and humanized portrait of a man often depicted solely as a villain.

Cesare Borgia was the son of Pope Alexander VI and a member of one of the most influential (and infamous) families of the Renaissance. The manga is notable for its meticulous historical research and its care in recreating 15th-century Italian life - from clothing to the tensions between Church and State. It’s a dense and captivating read for fans of European politics and history.

Wolfsmund

Manga: 8 volumes.

Set during one of Europe’s bloodiest eras, Wolfsmund tells with brutality and precision the Swiss struggle for independence against the Habsburgs. The story centers around the checkpoint known as Wolfsmund, where a tyrannical official blocks travelers - until the resistance begins to rise.

The work takes place during the Swiss Wars of Independence, around the 14th century. Although the author chose to fictionalize some characters, the political atmosphere and events are portrayed with historical accuracy. The series is known for its graphic violence but also for its respect toward historical records. It’s an intense and informative read.

Vinland Saga

Manga: 27 volumes

Anime: 2 seasons (48 episodes in total)

Inspired by Norse sagas, Vinland Saga tells the story of Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior driven by revenge, who finds himself trapped in a cycle of violence and self-discovery. Over time, the story evolves, offering reflections on power, redemption, and what it means to live during times of war.

The series is set at the end of the 11th century, during the Viking expansion across Europe. Many characters are based on real historical figures, such as Leif Erikson and King Canute. Author Makoto Yukimura put a great deal of effort into researching the period to faithfully depict the customs, ships, weapons, and beliefs of the time. The manga transitions from a typical battle shounen to a more mature and philosophical narrative.

Gunka no Baltzar

Manga: 15 volumes.

Baltzar is a major from the militarized empire of Weißen, sent to a small neighboring country to modernize its army. There, he faces political resistance, ethical dilemmas, and a society on the brink of transformation. Gunka no Baltzar balances military drama and political intrigue with sharp commentary on how technological advances changed warfare.

Although the country depicted is fictional, the work is clearly inspired by 19th-century Europe - especially the pre-World War I period. The series shows how the transition from cavalry warfare to firearms, railroads, and heavy artillery impacted politics and society. Its attention to tactical and historical detail makes Gunka no Baltzar as educational as it is entertaining.

Red River

Manga: 28 volumes.

Yuri, a modern Japanese teenager, is mysteriously transported to the ancient Hittite Empire, where she becomes entangled in palace intrigue, imperial wars, and power struggles. Despite the time travel element, Red River is a rich historical saga full of epic court drama.

The manga takes place during the Bronze Age, within the Hittite Empire - a rival to both Egypt and Mesopotamia. Characters like Nefertiti and Ramses I appear in the story, and the male lead, Kail, is inspired by Prince Mursili II, a real Hittite ruler. The author conducted extensive research into the culture, religion, and conflicts of the time, creating a narrative that, while taking some creative liberties, remains respectful of historical contours.

These works showcase the impressive diversity of eras, settings, and approaches that manga can take when dealing with history. From Nordic battlefields to Renaissance intrigues, Middle Eastern kingdoms to European technological revolutions, each title offers a deep dive into a real - or heavily inspired - past.

Whether you're into complex political plots, bloody wars, or the allure of ancient civilizations, this selection of historical manga is a true treasure for anyone who loves learning while being entertained.

Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!