Slavery is a complicated theme and some anime cover this theme quite well. In almost all of the cases, this issue is examined from a critical perspective to reflect upon the horror of history.
This brief ranking will show you the best anime about slavery and why you need to watch them.
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8. Shinsekai Yori
Let us now turn to a 25-episode series released in the middle of 2012 and 2013.
Set in a dystopian future, Shinsekai Yori is the story of five young boys and their discovery of a rotten and dark society. In a world where people are born with telekinesis abilities, Saki and his friends will have to come to terms with a harsh reality.
The surprise and disgust that will arise in you when you discover that these individuals with powers are monitored from their birth to end up being exploited will shock you profoundly.
7. Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
A Magi is a magician whose inclination toward magic is so immense that they can be said to shape the world.
Each Magi chooses a worthy candidate to become a king, then helps them conquer strange labyrinths called “Dungeons”.
Above all else, the Magi supervises their elected representative as they build a country that might one day bring the world to its knees.
The main character, Aladdin, is one of these Magi, and he will choose to protect Alibaba, a young and talented boy. Thus begins their adventure.
The story is set in a bygone era, traceable perhaps even to the Ante-Christian era. The figure of slaves and masters is well marked in Magi, as it was the custom in those days.
Morgiana, one of the main characters, was a slave and Alibaba would have been one too if he weren’t saved by Aladdin, leading him into a dungeon.
6. The Ancient Magus Bride
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is a quite popular anime that was recently released and consists of 24 episodes that combine a tender plot with a fantasy setting.
The story follows Chise Hatori, a young girl who tragically loses her family and finds herself being sold at an auction as a slave.
But instead of a life of servitude, she is purchased by a mysterious man with a canine skull for a head. This man takes her under his wing and trains her to become a magician, offering her a chance to escape her tragic fate.
The Ancient Magus’ Bride is renowned for its enchanting atmosphere that melds beautiful fantasy and fairy tale elements with dark and even creepy aspects.
But where this series truly excels is in its incredible emphasis on the psychology of the 2 main characters and their transformation from isolated individuals burdened by their pasts into better people due to their relationship.
We believe that if these themes resonate with your preferences, you’ll adore this series.
5. The Apothecary Diary
The Apothecary Diary is an anime that premiered in the fall of 2023, offering a captivating blend of historical themes, slice of life, mystery, and romance.
This series is likely to captivate your attention due to its fresh plot that deviates from the usual narratives we are used to.
Set in ancient China, a time when women were customarily purchased as slaves to serve as concubines in the emperor’s harem, the story follows the main character, MaoMao.
Distinct from other women like her, she chooses to keep a low profile, immersing herself in her passion for medicine.
But when rumors circulate in the emperor’s court that the ruler’s children have mysteriously fallen ill, MaoMao finds herself unable to stay on the sidelines and instead, she embarks on an investigation to uncover the truth.
4. Rising of the Shield Hero
Originating as a light novel and later adapted into an anime, The Rising of the Shield Hero is a prominent isekai anime.
After being transported to a fantasy world through a book, young college student Naofumi Iwatani will be chosen as one of four heroes entrusted with a legendary weapon.
He will be responsible for protecting the kingdom from cyclical waves of enemies.
Slavery is present in this world’s customs and the isekai setting is a great way of showing such a sensitive theme. Naofumi’s most loyal ally, Raphtalia, is one of them.
It is impossible not to mention what is the Slave Crest, a form of a binding contract between master and slave. It’s used to make the slave more subservient and to boost both parties.
The Rising of the Shield Hero is a good series but quite controversial in some instances. Naofumi treats Raphtalia properly, compared to other ruthless masters.
However, the show per se is not against slavery, even though it’s clear that they don’t promote it either.
3. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Also known just by Gurren Lagann, it is a 27-episode series produced by Gainax in 2007.
The story is set in the distant future where Earth is dominated by the Beast Men, humanoid mutants with animal-like features and powers.
Humans have been forced to live in underground villages, if not end up being a slave to these monsters.
Simon and Kamina are tired of living without ever seeing the sky. One day, while digging underground, they find the head of a robot, which they call Lagann.
Once they activate the mecha they manage to reach the surface and also take possession of the robot’s body.
Gurren Lagann incorporates a lot of homages to various mecha series and has robot-beastman fights on its side that are epic and over-the-top.
This anime is probably the best thing that has happened in the mecha genre since Neon Genesis Evangelion. Whether you like the genre or not, you should not let it pass you by.
2. One Piece
One Piece features several references to slavery throughout the story. This series needs no introduction, as it its the best pirates anime ever made.
A world as vast and boundless as that of One Piece cannot exclude that it also has disturbing elements in it, such as the brutal and vile slavery exercised by the Celestial Dragons.
Other people, known as Slave Owners, can also have slaves and one good example is Tequila Wolf. It’s possible to buy vassals in auctions, as shown during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, where Luffy punches a Celestial Dragon.
One Piece is an adventure in that you will feel as much yours as if you were part of the crew, one that will stay with you for a long portion of time if you are fearless enough to pluck up the courage and start it.
We still recommend the manga over the anime adaptation if you want to be caught up with the latest chapters.
Either way, the adaptation features some spectacular moments and great animations in some cases, such as episode 1015.
1. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is one of the most interesting and followed works in recent years, animated in two seasons by Wit Studio and based on the manga of the same name by Makoto Yukimura.
The plot follows the life of the warrior Thorfinn, in a stunning Viking world inspired by real historical events, where yes, slavery was still a common thing.
Thorfinn is a boy who became a warrior to avenge the death of his father Thors, who was killed by the pirate Askeladd on behalf of King because he had deserted years earlier to retire to a quiet life.
Vinland Saga is one of the best anime released in recent years, and there’s no debate about it.
Its story, centered around revenge and personal growth, is simply perfect, as are the characters in this series, both main and secondary.
