10 Best Samurai TV Shows of All Time

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For centuries, samurai warriors have been depicted in various forms of Japanese art and entertainment, including traditional theater like kabuki and noh, as well as modern media such as films, anime, manga, and video games. Originally, samurai were warriors who served Japan’s lords before the Meiji era, a time when the country transformed from a feudal society into a modern industrial nation. The introduction of guns in the late 1800s made the samurai’s traditional weapons outdated, leading to the eventual decline of their warrior culture.

Samurai movies, both classic Japanese films (known as chanbara) and Hollywood productions, consistently draw a large audience. Films like Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, Goyokin, Hitokiri, and Three Outlaw Samurai are considered timeless masterpieces. Interestingly, many excellent samurai TV shows have been created recently, unlike the classic films which are mostly from earlier years. Currently, Last Samurai Standing on Netflix is generating a lot of excitement and has received overwhelmingly positive reviews. The question now is: does it stand out as the very best in the genre?

Here are the 10 best samurai TV shows ever made.

10
‘Samurai Girl’ (2006)


ABC

Heaven Kogo, a creative and down-to-earth girl growing up in Los Angeles during the 2000s, uses her imagination to deal with a difficult home life and some troublesome teens in her neighborhood. Despite being teased, she doesn’t resort to insults or dramatic comebacks. Her life takes a dramatic turn when assassins attack her home, revealing she’s the last living member of a powerful, ancient samurai family. She quickly begins training with a mysterious warrior named Sei, and the story follows her journey to become a skilled samurai in Samurai Girl.

Inspired by many manga stories, Samurai Girl is a particularly touching samurai series and offers a unique viewing experience. Jamie Chung (known from Dexter: New Blood) delivers a strong performance as a young woman who transforms from kind to fierce, but it’s Brendan Fehr’s exceptional portrayal of her mentor that truly resonates. While the show is geared towards teens, adults can also appreciate its valuable life lessons, particularly the importance of looking into things before jumping to conclusions.

9
‘Samurai Gourmet’ (2017)


Netflix

In Samurai Gourmet, retired office worker Takeshi Kasumi (Naoto Takenaka) finds newfound energy and excitement through enjoying food and drink. This also unlocks a surprising side of him – he begins to feel like a masterful samurai from Japan’s warring past. While usually a gentle person, Takeshi occasionally gets lost in his fantasies, becoming erratic and even dangerous to those around him.

Despite being a funny show, Samurai Gourmet also realistically portrays the hardships of a samurai’s life. Its fluid camera work and storytelling style help overcome any confusing parts, resulting in a captivating and surprisingly rewarding experience. But it’s more than just a show about samurai; it’s a celebration of delicious food. It also thoughtfully explores the differences between introverts and extroverts, and which lifestyle leads to greater happiness.

8
‘The Mute Samurai’ (1973 – 1974)


Lutton Television

Eighteen years before the events of The Mute Samurai, Kiichi Hōgan’s (Tomisaburo Wakayama) father, a magistrate, was killed for protesting illegal smuggling. During the attack, a Spanish swordsman also slashed Kiichi’s throat, leaving him unable to speak. Kiichi was just a boy at the time, but now he’s a skilled man who finds satisfaction in hunting down and killing criminals – any lawbreaker will do.

Considered a masterpiece of Japanese historical dramas, The Mute Samurai is a thrilling and insightful show that remains relevant today. Its innovative use of camera angles, dramatic lighting, and shaky sets heavily influenced both American martial arts television and the visual style of anime. Fans of the original manga, Oshizamurai Kiichihōgan by Kanda Takeshi, will appreciate how closely the series follows the story.

7
‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023)


Netflix

Blue Eye Samurai is set in Edo-period Japan and follows Mizu (Maya Erskine), a skilled female warrior of mixed heritage – half-white and half-Japanese. Driven by a thirst for revenge, she hunts down the four white men responsible for the destruction of her family, including her own father, who broke the law by remaining in Japan after the country closed its borders. While determined to succeed, Mizu’s quest puts her in considerable danger.

With five Annie Awards and three Emmys to its name – including a win for Outstanding Animated Program – Blue Eye Samurai is a visually striking and intense animated series that’s truly captivating. Beyond its action, the show features incredibly well-developed characters and offers glimpses into historical settings. This story of a mixed-race girl seeking revenge is likely to influence many future shows in the genre.

6
‘Afro Samurai’ (2007)


Amazon

Inspired by Takashi Okazaki’s manga, Afro Samurai follows Afro, a highly skilled swordsman voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, on a revenge mission in feudal Japan. As a child, Afro witnessed the murder of his father, who wore the legendary Number One headband, at the hands of the villainous Justice (voiced by Ron Perlman). Now, Afro is determined to defeat Justice and claim the headband, but his journey won’t be simple.

Get ready to be captivated by this brilliant and exciting series! Afro Samurai is still considered one of the greatest animated shows from the 2000s, largely due to its incredible voice acting. Ron Perlman delivers a particularly memorable performance as the villain, and Samuel L. Jackson is fantastic as a clever and skilled warrior. The show also features strong performances from other well-known actors in challenging roles. Afro Samurai was recognized with two Emmy nominations, winning for Outstanding Animated Program.

5
‘Lone Wolf and Cub’ (2002)


Amazon

As a huge fan of samurai films, I recently checked out Lone Wolf and Cub, and it’s something special. It’s based on a really popular manga, and it follows Ogami Itto, a super-skilled but troubled assassin. He’s basically been exiled from his clan, and now he’s wandering around feudal Japan with his baby son, Daigoro, who rides along in a little cart. It’s a tough world out there, and you really start to wonder how these two are going to survive. It’s a classic for a reason!

As the title suggests, Lone Wolf and Cub is a standout action series featuring a solitary hero. A particular fight scene, where Itto defends himself while carrying his son, is reminiscent of similar moments in films like John Woo’s Hard Boiled or even The Fate of the Furious. The show’s strength lies in its close adaptation of the original manga, and Tsubasa Kobayashi delivers a compelling performance as the main character. The authentic Edo-period settings and costumes add to the immersive experience. It’s unfortunate that the series only ran for one season.

4
‘The Samurai’ (1962)


TBS

In The Samurai, Shintarō Akikusa (played by Koichi Ose) is a skilled swordsman and secret half-brother of a Shogun, traveling the land to safeguard his sibling. During his journey, he discovers dangerous plots and stops opposing feudal lords from carrying them out. He’s aided by his trusted ninja companion, Tombei “The Mist” (Fuyukichi Maki), whose stealth skills are a major asset.

This gripping story is filled with subtle moments, powerful emotions, and bursts of intense action. The music is particularly noteworthy, using recurring themes to enhance the narrative, with specific storylines often having their own unique musical cues. The Samurai was incredibly well-received, becoming a cult hit in America even though there was historical tension between the two countries. By 1965, it had become the most-watched show on Australian cable, even beating out The Mickey Mouse Club, and ignited a craze for ninja culture beyond Japan.

3
‘Last Samurai Standing’ (2025)


Netflix

In Kyoto, during the Meiji era, nearly 300 fighters assembled at Tenryū-ji Temple after dark, all vying for a ¥100,000 prize. The challenge: snatch each other’s wooden tags and make the journey to Tokyo intact. What follows is a brutal competition filled with hidden stories. Will the complicated and strange connections between these fighters be revealed in Last Samurai Standing?

Okay, so I just finished watching Last Samurai Standing, and honestly, the acting is phenomenal. Junichi Okada really carries the show – he plays a guy constantly in impossible situations, but he conveys so much just with his expressions, especially this really haunting look he has. And Kaya Kiyohara? She’s incredible as this strong, but totally torn, woman. The directors – Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, and Toru Yamamoto – really nailed the atmosphere of Japan, making it feel so beautiful and authentic. It’s a really subtle, but powerful action show that sticks with you long after you’ve finished watching. Seriously, you should definitely check it out!

2
‘Samurai Jack’ (2001 – 2017)


Cartoon Network

Samurai Jack centers around a skilled samurai warrior (voiced by Phil LaMarr) from feudal Japan. He wields a magical sword that can cut through almost anything. His goal is to stop the evil demon Aku (voiced by Mako and Greg Baldwin) from conquering his kingdom. But Aku throws a wrench in his plans by sending Jack to a dark, futuristic world already under Aku’s control. Now, Jack must find a way to return to the past and change the future.

In the early 2000s, the animated series Samurai Jack cleverly and hilariously satirized historical power struggles, appealing to viewers of all ages. Remarkably, the show still feels fresh and modern thanks to its strong stories and high-quality animation. Its iconic opening sequence, complete with narration and theme song, remains unforgettable. Created by Genndy Tartakovsky after his work on Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack achieved significant critical acclaim, winning eight Emmy Awards – including Outstanding Animated Program – and six Annie Awards, truly defining success in the animation world.

1
‘Shōgun’ (2024 – Present)


FX

Set in 17th-century Japan, the series Shōgun begins with political unrest as the Tokugawa Shogunate gains power. When English navigator John Blackthorne (Cosmo Jarvis) is shipwrecked, he’s thrown into a dangerous battle for control. With the help of translator Lady Mariko (Anna Sawai), he must navigate a complex world, fighting to maintain his principles while trying to survive and succeed.

Cosmo Jarvis gives a fantastic performance as a sailor who must change his beliefs to stay alive. Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada, playing Lord Yoshii Toranaga, are also excellent. After just one season, Shōgun, adapted from James Clavell’s 1975 novel, is being praised for its accurate depiction of feudal Japan. Notably, it’s the first series filmed primarily in Japanese to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series, but that’s only part of its success – the show won a total of 18 Emmys.

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2025-11-19 03:38