15 Mature Anime To Watch If You Loved Shigurui: Death Frenzy

Shigurui: Death Frenzy is an exceptional samurai anime, characterized by its dark and brooding nature that fearlessly portrays violent and intense scenes.

These elements make it a truly perfect anime for fans of the genre, as you may have already realized.

And that’s why we understand that if you’ve watched it, you’re likely eager to find another series that possesses the same qualities.

But don’t worry, because we have compiled the ultimate list of the best anime like Shigurui that you should definitely add to your watchlist without delay.

15. The Hakkenden

We start with The Hakkenden, a 1990 OVA series consisting of 13 episodes that bear striking similarities to Shigurui.

During the tumultuous wars of feudal Japan, the Satomi clan faced the threat of extermination. In a desperate move, Yoshizane, the clan leader, asks their family dog, Yatsufusa, to retrieve the head of their rival clan in exchange for his daughter Fuse‘s hand in marriage. True to its promise, the dog manages to obtain the enemy’s head.

However, due to a treacherous plot, both Yoshizane and Yatsufusa meet their demise. Yet, miraculously, Fuse becomes pregnant with Yatsufusa’s eight children.

These eight souls disperse across Japan, giving rise to the Hakkenshi, the 8 legendary dog warriors.

As you may have discerned from the plot, The Hakkenden is a unique anime that delves into folklore, offering action-packed scenes and unflinching portrayals of brutality and intensity, qualities it shares with Shigurui.

The only reason it is ranked this low is its age, as the animation may not hold up as well by today’s standards.

14. Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai

Musashi: The Dream of the Last Samurai is an anime movie helmed by the renowned Mamoru Oshii, who imbues it with his unmistakable style.

The film chronicles the life of Musashi Miyamoto, a legendary samurai who remains one of the most renowned figures in Japanese history, celebrated to this day for his unparalleled strength and intellect.

It’s needless to say why this movie is a perfect choice to watch after Shigurui, isn’t it?

It delivers an unapologetically badass samurai narrative, unflinchingly portraying the harsh realities of the era with its violent and raw scenes.

13. Sengoku Basara

For those seeking a samurai anime that delves into the rich tapestry of Japanese history, Sengoku Basara is the perfect recommendation.

Drawing inspiration from the actual Sengoku period, the anime captures the military conflicts of ancient Japan, characterized by fragmented provinces and fierce battles.

At its core is Oda Nobunaga, known as the Sixth Demon King, whose ambition is to conquer and reunite the chaotic country under his rule. However, he faces formidable opponents in the form of Yukimura Sanada and Masamune Date, two young generals who form an unlikely alliance to resist Oda’s unstoppable armies.

Sengoku Basara not only offers a window into one of the most significant eras in Japanese history but also maintains the serious and gritty atmosphere reminiscent of Shigurui.

It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a captivating blend of historical storytelling and intense action.

12. Shura no Toki

Shura no Toki is another remarkable and underrated samurai anime that shares certain aspects with Shigurui.

The series revolves around the Mutsu Enmei-Ryu, a deadly technique passed down to a select few individuals, enabling them to disarm and defeat armed opponents using only their bare hands.

The narrative follows the journeys of three boys who possess and employ this formidable technique.

Shura no Toki is a solid samurai anime that presents a true story and fearlessly portrays violent scenes, much like Shigurui.

However, it differentiates itself by leaning more towards action and maintaining a lighter tone. But if you’re seeking an anime with thrilling combat and a more lighthearted approach, Shura no Toki is a perfect choice.

11. Ninja Scroll: The Series

Ninja Scroll is a 13-episode anime series produced by Madhouse and based on Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s movie of the same name. And when it comes to dark samurai anime with intense and graphic scenes, it stands out as one of the best in our opinion.

The story follows the adventures of Kibagami Jubei, a skilled ronin known for his strong sense of justice and disinterest in political affairs.

He finds himself tasked with protecting the Dragon Jewel, a stone with mysterious powers, and its priestess, Shigure, from the Hiruko ninja clan, a group of ninjas determined to overthrow the Japanese government.

Similar to Shigurui, Ninja Scroll features a compelling plot filled with twists and turns, accompanied by breathtaking fights characterized by gore and grotesque scenes, as both anime excel in creating a samurai-themed setting.

10. Hyouge Mono

Hyouge Mono can be considered a complementary anime to Sengoku Basara, so both share similar reasons why they are worth watching.

The story is set in ancient Japan during the time when the great warrior Oda Nobunaga is gradually leading his troops toward the unification of Japan.

However, the focus of the story is not on Nobunaga himself but on his vassal, Sasuke Furata, a peculiar and eccentric man with a deep obsession with the tea ceremony and other Zen-related customs.

Hyouge Mono offers a unique perspective by presenting a different narrative and point of view compared to Sengoku Basara and other anime centered around Oda Nobunaga.

The only difference is that the events in Hyouge Mono are portrayed in a lighter manner, reflecting the eccentric nature of Sasuke Furata.

9. Texhnolyze

Texhnolyze is an original series that aired in 2003 and is often considered one of the best cyberpunk anime ever made. With character design by Yoshitoshi Abe, it offers a captivating and dark storyline, like Shigurui.

The series is set in the deteriorating underground city of Lux, where substance abuse has become prevalent.

The focus of the story is on Ichise, an orphan turned bounty hunter who has prosthetic limbs, as well as his companions Yoshi, Onishi, and Ran. Together, they witness significant events that will shape the destiny of the city.

While Texhnolyze has a different timeline and plot from Shigurui, it shares similar characteristics.

Both anime are dark and violent, catering to a mature audience, and feature a distinctive art style, thanks to their shared director.

If you enjoyed the dark and brooding atmosphere of Shigurui but you’re looking for a change of setting, Texhnolyze is definitely worth considering.

8. Samurai 7

Samurai 7 is a 26-episode anime produced by Studio Gonzo and is based on Akira Kurosawa’s renowned film of the same name. It stands out as one of the most unique samurai anime ever created, and that alone is reason enough to recommend it.

The story revolves around a village plagued by bandits who steal their rice, leaving the inhabitants in dire poverty.

To defend the village, seven skilled samurai are recruited, and their mission unfolds with increasing intensity, filled with action and unraveling mysteries.

Samurai 7 masterfully combines elements of classic samurai tales with steampunk influences, resulting in a truly unique anime experience.

It’s a must-watch not only for fans of Shigurui but for anyone who appreciates the samurai genre as a whole.

7. Basilisk – Kouga Ninpou Chou

Basilisk is an old-school samurai anime that will captivate fans of Shigurui with its focus on lineages, honor, thrilling battles, and copious amounts of bloodshed.

The story centers around two rival ninja clans, Iga and Koga, who have been locked in a long-standing conflict. The fragile peace is maintained only by a non-aggression order issued by the Shogunate.

However, tensions escalate when forbidden love blossoms between two individuals from opposing clans. Matters come to a head when the Shogun commands the clans to select their finest warriors for a tournament to determine the victor and end the dispute.

Basilisk is a top-notch choice if you seek a samurai anime that delivers intense action, honorable plot twists, and, above all, visceral displays of violence.

6. Berserk

If we’re discussing dark series, Berserk is widely recognized as the absolute best without a doubt. That’s why it’s practically obligatory to include it in a list like this, even without any samurai theme or setting.

As many already know, Berserk delves into the story of Guts, the black warrior, as he struggles with his relentless quest for revenge against Griffith, his former best friend turned nemesis.

Although the plot, setting, and themes are entirely different, we are still fully convinced that Berserk is a must-watch recommendation for fans of Shigurui.

Indeed if we were compiling a list of the best dark anime, Berserk would undoubtedly claim the top spot

5. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo explores the samurai theme but offers a different atmosphere compared to Shigurui, as it is not as dark and violent.

However, considering it one of the great classics of the samurai genre, it would have been a mistake not to include it in this list.

Throughout its 26 episodes, you will embark on the adventures of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, three eccentric and well-developed characters, set in the captivating Edo period.

Samurai Champloo is a must-watch series for fans of the samurai genre.

If you haven’t watched it yet, we highly recommend doing so as soon as possible.

4. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin, like the other series mentioned from the 5th spot onward, is another classic when it comes to samurai-themed anime. It consists of a 95-episode anime adaptation based on the manga of the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki.

Within this drama for proud Japanese warriors, captivating stories of love and conflict unfold, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The series centers around Kenshin Himura, a legendary warrior who, after aiding in the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, dedicates his life to protecting people from injustice to atone for his violent past.

However, it is important to note that while Rurouni Kenshin excels in its exploration of the samurai theme and delves into the intricacies of samurai life, it differs from Shigurui in its lighter and less violent approach.

This is of course due to its origins as a shonen manga.

3. Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai, although having a different plot compared to Shigurui, shares many similarities with the latter.

Starting with its atmospheric portrayal of feudal Japan in dark settings, to the inevitable samurai clashes characterized by intense violence and gore.

In the world of Afro Samurai, warriors are ranked based on a hierarchy, and a distinctive sash identifies the first-ranked warrior. Only the second-ranked warrior can challenge the first to claim their position.

As a child, Afro witnessed the tragic death of his father, the former No. 1, at the hands of Justice the Gunslinger, leaving him with a burning desire for revenge. Now grown up, Afro embarks on a journey to climb the ranks and avenge his father.

In our opinion, Afro Samurai, alongside Shigurui, stands as one of the best samurai anime with its dark and violent tones.

It’s an absolute must-watch, not only for its gripping story but also for its remarkable soundtrack, which is widely regarded as one of the best in anime history.

2. Dororo

Dororo is indeed an exceptional samurai anime set in a dark fantasy world, and it can be considered one of the best of all time in that genre.

The story revolves around Hyakkimaru, a boy cursed with a body made of prosthetics, who embarks on a quest to fight demons.

As a child, his father sacrificed him to demons in exchange for prosperity, resulting in his body parts and senses being possessed by these creatures.

Hyakkimaru must confront and defeat the demons to reclaim his lost body parts throughout his journey.

Accompanying him on this path is Dororo, a child who becomes his companion and aids him in navigating the challenges they encounter, helping him gradually open up to the world.

Dororo offers a captivating blend of violence, intense moments, and action set within a dark feudal backdrop.

However, it is worth noting that its heavy reliance on dark fantasy themes and scenes distinguishes it from Shigurui, which focuses more on realism.

1. Blade of the Immortal

But when it comes to samurai anime with dark tones, intense gore, and a fantastic feudal Japan setting infused with dark elements, Blade of the Immortal unquestionably claims the top spot in our opinion.

The brutal demise of Rin’s parents, the sole inheritors of the Muten Ichiryu school, at the hands of Anotsu Kagehisa, a prominent member of the rival Itto-Ryu school, ignites her burning desire for revenge.

In her quest, she enlists the aid of Manji, a ronin renowned for slaying his lord and countless other samurai.

What sets Manji apart is his immortality as an immortal samurai, bestowed upon him by the Kessen-chu worm residing within his body, granting him the ability to heal any wound.

Blade of the Immortal incorporates subtle supernatural elements and a slightly divergent storyline compared to Shigurui. However, if you relished the latter, we are confident that Blade of the Immortal will hit the mark for you.