Anime With Real Historical Inaccuracies

Historical anime often blends factual events with imaginative storytelling to engage modern audiences through unique perspectives. These series frequently incorporate supernatural elements or contemporary subcultures into settings like the Edo period or the world wars. While some shows strive for realism others intentionally subvert history through character redesigns and alternative timelines. This list explores many anime titles that prioritize entertainment over strict historical fidelity.

‘Samurai Champloo’ (2004–2005)

‘Samurai Champloo’ intentionally blends the Edo period with modern hip hop culture and graffiti. The characters wear clothing styles and use slang that did not exist during the reign of the Tokugawa shogunate. Beatboxing and breakdancing appear frequently in various episodes to create a unique aesthetic. This series focuses more on its stylistic choices than on providing a factual representation of nineteenth century Japan.

‘Gintama’ (2006–2018)

‘Gintama’ presents an alternate version of the Bakumatsu period where aliens have invaded Japan. Instead of Western powers forcing the country to open its borders the extraterrestrial Amanto take control of the government. Samurai are forbidden from carrying swords while advanced futuristic technology coexists with traditional architecture. The show uses this historical backdrop to facilitate comedy and social commentary rather than accuracy.

‘The Ambition of Oda Nobuna’ (2012)

‘The Ambition of Oda Nobuna’ features a protagonist who travels back in time to the Sengoku period. He discovers that many of the most famous historical warlords are actually teenage girls. Oda Nobunaga appears as a young woman named Nobuna who seeks to unify Japan with the help of modern knowledge. The series replaces traditional political alliances with lighthearted romantic subplots and gender swapped historical figures.

‘Yasuke’ (2021)

‘Yasuke’ is based on the real African man who served under Oda Nobunaga during the late sixteenth century. While the protagonist is a historical figure the world he inhabits is filled with magic and giant robots. The series incorporates astral projection and advanced mechanical technology into the downfall of the Oda clan. It transforms a grounded historical biography into a high fantasy adventure set in a reimagined Japan.

‘Saga of Tanya the Evil’ (2017)

‘Saga of Tanya the Evil’ takes place in an alternate version of early twentieth century Europe. The setting resembles World War I but includes magic users who fly through the air and fire enchanted bullets. Historical nations are renamed and the technology includes magical computing orbs for spell casting. The protagonist is a reincarnated modern salaryman who uses contemporary military tactics in a fantasy war.

‘Drifters’ (2016)

‘Drifters’ brings together various historical warriors from different eras and locations to fight in a fantasy world. Figures like Shimazu Toyohisa and Oda Nobunaga team up with Butch Cassidy and Joan of Arc. The characters retain their personalities but participate in battles involving elves and dragons. This series focuses on the clash of different military philosophies rather than documenting the actual lives of the participants.

‘Nobunaga Concerto’ (2014)

‘Nobunaga Concerto’ follows a modern high school student who accidentally travels back to the Sengoku era. He meets the real Oda Nobunaga who happens to look exactly like him but suffers from poor health. The student takes Nobunaga’s place and tries to unify Japan using a history textbook as his guide. The plot relies on the premise of a modern teenager navigating complex feudal politics with a contemporary mindset.

‘Bakumatsu Rock’ (2014)

‘Bakumatsu Rock’ depicts the late Tokugawa shogunate using music as a primary weapon of control. The government uses Heaven’s Songs to brainwash the citizens and maintain peace. Rebellious historical figures like Sakamoto Ryoma form a rock band to fight the regime with loud instruments and modern songs. This series uses the Bakumatsu setting as a stage for a musical revolution that never actually occurred.

‘Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru’ (2016–2018)

‘Touken Ranbu: Hanamaru’ features personified versions of famous historical swords tasked with protecting the timeline. These sword warriors travel back to specific historical moments to stop a villainous army from changing the past. While the characters discuss the history of their former owners the show focuses on their supernatural interactions. The premise involves a literal battle over historical accuracy within a fictionalized version of Japanese history.

‘Sengoku Night Blood’ (2017)

‘Sengoku Night Blood’ reimagines the famous generals of the Sengoku period as vampires and werewolves. These supernatural clans fight for control over a land called Shinga while seeking the favor of a mysterious girl. The historical rivalries between clans like the Takeda and Uesugi are translated into a fantasy conflict involving magic blood. This series focuses on supernatural romance and stylized character designs rather than feudal history.

‘Maria the Virgin Witch’ (2015)

‘Maria the Virgin Witch’ is set in France during the Hundred Years’ War and features a young witch who hates conflict. She uses her magical powers to disrupt battles between the English and French armies. While the anime is praised for its accurate depiction of medieval armor and weaponry the inclusion of magic and succubi is entirely fictional. The story examines the clash between pagan magic and the medieval Catholic Church.

‘First Squad: The Moment of Truth’ (2009)

‘First Squad: The Moment of Truth’ takes place during the early stages of World War II on the Eastern Front. It follows a group of Soviet teenagers with psychic abilities who are trained to fight a secret occult war. They must stop a resurrected twelfth century knight and his ghost army from assisting the German forces. This series blends historical military hardware with supernatural espionage and ancient spirits.

‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ (2016)

‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ presents a fictionalized version of World War II where a young witch helps defend a small European country. She uses her magic to enchant anti tank rifles and ride them like broomsticks in aerial combat. The map of Europe is altered and the names of major nations like Germany are changed to Eylstadt or Germania. The anime explores how magic would change the outcome of a twentieth century mechanized war.

‘Record of Ragnarok’ (2021)

‘Record of Ragnarok’ features a tournament where famous historical figures fight against gods from various mythologies. Characters like Adam and Lu Bu use divine weapons to stand a chance against opponents like Thor and Zeus. The backstories of the historical fighters are heavily embellished with supernatural feats and fictional motivations. This series is an action focused battle anime that uses history as a source for its diverse cast.

‘Requiem of the Rose King’ (2022)

‘Requiem of the Rose King’ is loosely based on the Shakespearean plays about the Wars of the Roses in England. It depicts Richard III as an intersex individual struggling with identity and power in a dark fantasy setting. The series incorporates supernatural visions and highly stylized character interactions that differ from the actual historical records. It prioritizes emotional drama and gothic aesthetics over a chronological retelling of the York and Lancaster conflict.

‘Nobunagun’ (2014)

‘Nobunagun’ features modern high school students who possess the souls of famous historical figures to fight alien invaders. The protagonist uses the soul of Oda Nobunaga to transform her arm into a massive machine gun. Other characters channel figures like Jack the Ripper or Isaac Newton to gain specialized combat abilities. The show is a modern sci-fi action series that uses historical personas as the basis for superpowers.

‘Inuyasha’ (2000–2004)

‘Inuyasha’ follows a modern girl who falls into a well and is transported back to the Sengoku period. She finds a world populated by demons and spiritual magic that exists alongside human villages. While the setting is historical the plot revolves around the hunt for the fragments of a magical jewel. The series is a classic fantasy adventure that utilizes the feudal era as a backdrop for its supernatural folklore.

‘Dororo’ (2019)

‘Dororo’ takes place in the Sengoku period and follows a young man who was born without body parts due to his father’s pact with demons. He uses prosthetic limbs with hidden blades to hunt down the demons and reclaim his humanity. The world is filled with supernatural monsters that directly influence the political success of the local lords. This story is a dark fantasy that emphasizes the human cost of war through a supernatural lens.

‘Zipang’ (2004–2005)

‘Zipang’ involves a modern Japanese naval destroyer that is transported back in time to the middle of World War II. The crew must decide whether to remain neutral or intervene in the conflict with their superior technology. Their presence creates a massive butterfly effect that begins to change the known outcome of the war. The series focuses on the moral and tactical dilemmas of having modern military power in a historical setting.

‘Baccano!’ (2007)

‘Baccano!’ is set in the United States during the Prohibition era of the 1930s. It features various intertwining stories involving mobsters and thieves but introduces an overarching plot about an elixir of immortality. The characters include alchemists who have lived for centuries while hiding in plain sight among the criminal underworld. The series uses a non linear narrative to blend historical crime tropes with supernatural mystery.

‘Black Butler’ (2008–2014)

‘Black Butler’ takes place in Victorian London and follows a young earl who serves as the Queen’s Guard Dog. He is accompanied by a demon butler who carries out his orders in exchange for his soul. While the show features historical events like the Jack the Ripper murders it includes reapers and supernatural technology. The aesthetic is a stylized version of the nineteenth century that favors gothic fantasy.

‘The Rose of Versailles’ (1979–1980)

‘The Rose of Versailles’ is set leading up to and during the French Revolution. While it features real figures like Marie Antoinette the main protagonist Oscar Francois de Jarjayes is a fictional woman raised as a man. Oscar serves as the commander of the Royal Guard and becomes a central figure in the political shifts of the time. The series blends historical research with dramatic fiction to explore the social inequalities of France.

‘Le Chevalier D’Eon’ (2006–2007)

‘Le Chevalier D’Eon’ is a historical fantasy set in eighteenth century France during the reign of Louis XV. It follows D’Eon de Beaumont who investigates his sister’s murder and uncovers a conspiracy involving ancient poetry and zombies. The show blends the real life identity of the historical D’Eon with occult elements and supernatural battles. This series turns French pre revolutionary politics into a dark magical mystery.

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ (2016–2023)

‘Bungo Stray Dogs’ features characters named after famous Japanese and international literary figures. While the authors are historical people the characters are modern individuals with supernatural powers based on their books. They work for detective agencies or criminal organizations in a fictionalized version of Yokohama. The show uses literary history as a creative foundation for an urban fantasy action story.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019)

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ takes place during the Taisho era of Japan. While the clothing and architecture reflect the early twentieth century the plot is centered on a secret society of swordsmen who fight demons. The breathing techniques used by the characters create visual elemental effects like fire and water during combat. This series is a pure fantasy story that uses the Taisho period to ground its supernatural world.

‘Mars Red’ (2021)

‘Mars Red’ is set in 1923 and depicts a version of Tokyo where vampires have existed for centuries. The government creates a special unit of vampires to hunt down others of their kind and manage the threat of an artificial blood substitute. The Great Kanto Earthquake and other historical events are integrated into a plot about the survival of these creatures. The series uses a theatrical style to explore the intersection of modern technology and vampire folklore.

‘Moeyo Ken’ (2003)

‘Moeyo Ken’ features the daughters of the original Shinsengumi members in a fictionalized Meiji era. These women use magical weapons and special skills to protect Kyoto from various threats. The series takes a lighthearted approach to the historical legacy of the Shinsengumi by turning their descendants into magical girl archetypes. It prioritizes comedy and action over the somber reality of the period.

‘Basilisk’ (2005)

‘Basilisk’ takes place in 1614 and depicts a deadly competition between two rival ninja clans. Each ninja possesses bizarre and supernatural abilities like poisonous breath or the ability to melt into walls. The conflict is initiated by Tokugawa Ieyasu to determine which of his grandsons will become the next shogun. While the political premise is historical the actual combat and character powers are purely fantastical.

‘The Heroic Legend of Arslan’ (2015–2016)

‘The Heroic Legend of Arslan’ is based on the Persian epic Amir Arsalan and set in a world that resembles ancient Persia. It follows a young prince who tries to reclaim his kingdom after a devastating betrayal. The series features large scale medieval warfare and political intrigue but takes place in a fictional kingdom called Pars. It uses historical cultural aesthetics to build a massive fantasy world.

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ (1996–1998)

‘Rurouni Kenshin’ is set during the early Meiji era and follows a former assassin who vows never to kill again. While many of the political changes and historical figures are real the sword techniques are highly exaggerated. Characters perform superhuman feats like moving faster than the eye can see or creating vacuums with their blades. The series focuses on the emotional journey of the protagonist within a stylized version of Japanese history.

‘Kingdom’ (2012–2024)

‘Kingdom’ is a fictionalized account of the Warring States period in ancient China. It follows a young boy who dreams of becoming the greatest general in the world and helping the King of Qin unify the land. The battles feature massive armies and generals who possess nearly superhuman strength and presence. While based on the Records of the Grand Historian the series adds significant dramatic flair and personal character arcs.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023)

‘Vinland Saga’ follows the journey of a young Viking named Thorfinn during the eleventh century. While the series is praised for its historical research regarding Viking culture and the invasion of England it takes some creative liberties. Certain characters are portrayed with physical abilities that exceed human limits during intense battle scenes. The story blends real historical figures like Canute the Great with a fictionalized revenge narrative.

‘Golden Kamuy’ (2018–2023)

‘Golden Kamuy’ takes place in Hokkaido after the Russo Japanese War and follows a search for hidden Ainu gold. The series is known for its detailed depiction of Ainu culture and military history of the era. However the plot involves a fictional treasure hunt and several characters with eccentric or impossible traits. It uses a grounded historical backdrop to tell a wild and often humorous adventure story.

‘Arte’ (2020)

‘Arte’ is set in sixteenth century Florence during the height of the Renaissance. It follows a young noblewoman who dreams of becoming a professional artist despite the social restrictions of the time. While the setting is based on history the protagonist faces challenges that are interpreted through a more modern lens of self determination. The series focuses on her personal growth and the artistic process within a beautiful historical environment.

‘Hyouge Mono’ (2011–2012)

‘Hyouge Mono’ follows a vassal of Oda Nobunaga who is obsessed with the art of the tea ceremony and aesthetics. The series explores the political landscape of the Sengoku period through the lens of art and material culture. While the characters are real the show uses exaggerated facial expressions and stylized drama to depict their passions. It offers a unique look at history by focusing on cultural trends rather than just warfare.

‘Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion’ (2018)

‘Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion’ depicts the Mongol invasion of Tsushima Island in 1274. It follows a group of exiled samurai who lead the defense against the massive invading force. The series takes creative liberties with the roles of the exiles and the specific tactics used during the conflict. It provides a gritty and action heavy look at a pivotal moment in Japanese military history.

‘D.Gray-man’ (2006–2008)

‘D.Gray-man’ takes place in an alternate late nineteenth century world where exorcists fight against the Millennium Earl. The setting includes Victorian style clothing and architecture but is dominated by supernatural weapons called Innocence. The villains create monsters known as Akuma from the souls of the deceased. This is a dark fantasy series that uses a historical aesthetic to enhance its gothic atmosphere.

‘The Empire of Corpses’ (2015)

‘The Empire of Corpses’ is set in an alternate nineteenth century where the technology to reanimate the dead has been perfected. Zombies are used as a source of cheap labor and soldiers across the globe. The story features historical and literary figures like John Watson and Frederick Burnaby on a global mission. It explores the ethical implications of this fictional technology within a recognizable historical landscape.

‘Brave 10’ (2012)

‘Brave 10’ reimagines the Sanada Ten Braves who were legendary ninjas serving under Sanada Yukimura during the Warring States period. Each of the ten warriors possesses distinct elemental powers or superhuman physical traits. The group comes together to protect a priestess while navigating the political turmoil of the era. The series focuses on high stakes action and the unique abilities of its supernatural cast.

Share which of these historical reinterpretations surprised you the most in the comments.