15 Anime Like Vinland Saga to Watch Next

Anime is a remarkably diverse and innovative form of storytelling, tackling complex ideas while still appealing to a broad audience. A prime example of this is Vinland Saga, which is now considered a modern masterpiece.

Vinland Saga quickly gained a following by offering two very different but compelling seasons: an action-packed first season with stunning visuals, and a deeply emotional second season focused on a character’s journey of self-discovery. With fans eagerly awaiting the third season, we’ve put together a list of anime recommendations for those missing the show or looking for something to watch in the meantime.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Attack on Titan is a hugely popular anime series from the last ten years, known for its epic story about war and its consequences. The story revolves around the sudden appearance of gigantic, human-eating creatures called Titans, which nearly wiped out humanity. The few remaining people live within massive walls, hoping to stay safe.

Like Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan offers a raw and honest depiction of war. It’s arguably the best place to find a truly insightful look at the ethics of conflict. Over its four seasons, the anime skillfully shows the viewpoints of all sides, making each one relatable and human. It powerfully draws you in, forcing you to consider the fears and motivations of everyone involved.

‘Dororo’ (2019)

I’m completely captivated by Dororo! It’s based on a truly groundbreaking manga by Osamu Tezuka. The story starts with such a heartbreaking beginning – Hyakkimaru is born, but his father makes a terrible deal, offering up his son’s body parts to demons for power. Abandoned and left for dead, Hyakkimaru is thankfully found and fitted with prosthetics. He then dedicates himself to rigorous training, both physically and mentally. Eventually, he sets out on a quest to defeat these demons and reclaim what was stolen from him, and he’s joined by a kind-hearted orphan named Dororo. It’s a really powerful and moving story!

Watching Dororo can be emotionally difficult, similar to Vinland Saga, because it’s filled with heartbreaking scenes of characters struggling with their powerlessness. Hyakkimaru’s physical limitations are a key part of this, as even though his artificial limbs make him a strong fighter, he still faces many challenges. The show also tells stories of characters making painful sacrifices.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (1996-1998)

As a huge anime fan, I always recommend Rurouni Kenshin to anyone getting into samurai stories. It’s a really compelling series about a former assassin, once known as Battosai, who’s trying to make amends for all the lives he took. He basically vows to never kill again and instead dedicates himself to helping people with his incredible swordsmanship. It’s a fantastic journey of redemption!

Rurouni Kenshin’s older animation style, powerful voice acting, and moving music all contribute to a serious and thoughtful atmosphere that fits the story well. The show doesn’t just have exciting action; every fight is connected to the main character’s inner struggles and growth. This creates a unique kind of suspense, similar to the high stakes and emotional weight of the character Thorfinn in Vinland Saga.

‘Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor’ (2007–2008)

You might not expect this recommendation, but viewers of anime like Vinland Saga will likely be surprised by how much Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor has in common with it. The show centers around Kaiji, a struggling man who is compelled to participate in extremely risky and dangerous gambling games.

Both Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor and Vinland Saga powerfully depict the extreme desperation people face when fighting for survival. Kaiji is especially compelling because it doesn’t portray winning as glorious or noble; instead, it shows the difficult consequences of Kaji’s choices as he grapples with his own identity.

‘Berserk’ (1997-1998)

When it comes to dark and unsettling anime, Berserk is probably the most well-known. Most fans agree that the original manga is the best way to experience the story. While there have been a few animated versions, the first one is generally considered the strongest. Berserk centers around Guts, a warrior driven by revenge against his former friend and commander, Griffith, after a horrific event wipes out their entire mercenary group.

This anime is truly unforgettable, thanks to its striking, often violent animation and a storyline filled with disturbing moments. The 1997 series focuses on the ‘Golden Age’ arc of Berserk, clearly explaining the events that drive Guts’s journey for revenge. Fans of Vinland Saga will appreciate Berserk’s powerful emotional impact, brutal action, and historical medieval setting.

Castlevania (2017-2021)

Castlevania is a fantasy action series inspired by the popular video game franchise from Konami. It centers around Trevor Belmont, a skilled vampire hunter, and his allies as they battle against the powerful vampire lords and navigate a world of medieval conflict.

Beyond its exciting animation and action, this show truly shines because of its compelling characters – similar to what makes Vinland Saga so good. While each season features intense violence and warfare, these conflicts are actually fueled by deep human emotions like revenge or the fear of dying. The show is at its best when it explores these motivations.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Many viewers find Devilman Crybaby deeply unsettling, and the word “nihilistic” is often used to describe its powerful effect. The show stands out with its unusual visuals, blending old-school anime with dreamlike sequences, and tells the story of humanity battling demons.

Beyond its incredibly surprising ending, Devilman Crybaby deeply affects viewers through a series of powerful, often heartbreaking moments throughout its 10 episodes. Like Vinland Saga, it features sudden bursts of tragedy, but also consistently shows the casual cruelty people inflict on each other when driven by fear and suspicion. It’s a dark and thought-provoking series that lingers in your mind long after you finish watching.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014-2018)

Tokyo Ghoul is a well-known anime that started as a typical action series, but gained popularity due to its interesting and unique power system. As the story progressed, it became much darker, subjecting the main character, Ken Kaneki, to a series of deeply traumatic experiences that drastically changed who he was. The series is set in a world where ghouls live hidden among humans, and must hunt humans to survive.

I first started watching Tokyo Ghoul thinking it would be your typical dark fantasy, but it surprised me! It quickly became a really intense story about Ken Kaneki and his struggle with who he is. He’s thrown into this incredibly harsh world where just surviving means making terrible choices, and I found myself really invested in his fight to stay human as he changes. It’s a lot more about him than just the action, honestly.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018-Present)

Golden Kamuy is a unique adventure anime that doesn’t fit neatly into typical categories. It focuses on the connections between characters and the details of its historical setting, rather than just action. The story follows Saichi Sugimoto, a veteran of the Russia-Japan War, as he searches for a hidden treasure based on a tale he heard from an elderly man.

Golden Kamuy stands out as one of the few anime that deeply explores the historical setting and impact of war, alongside shows like Vinland Saga. Despite its generally uplifting tone, the series offers a glimpse into life in post-war Japan and provides a unique look at the Ainu culture.

‘Code Geass’ (2006-2008)

Often considered one of the greatest anime heroes ever, Lelouch comes from Code Geass, a series that uses giant robots as a backdrop for a complex and intelligent war story. The story takes place in a world ruled by several powerful nations and centers on Lelouch, a prince in exile, who carefully plans a rebellion against his homeland, Britannia. Fueled by a need for revenge against his father – who did nothing to stop his mother’s murder – Lelouch finds himself in a brutal conflict where every choice has significant and long-lasting effects.

Like Vinland Saga, Code Geass is a story where Lelouch’s choices have significant and lasting repercussions. He’s flawed – driven by a thirst for revenge and an overestimation of his own talents. As he carries out increasingly complex schemes, he ultimately ends up opposing those he loves, isolated by his own bitterness.

2026-04-14 19:25