21 Best Ninja Anime Series Of All Time

Aside from Naruto, there are some other ninja anime series that you’ll enjoy. They’re typically filled with action and adventure, mingled with a touch of romance, and sometimes with a bit of comedy – making them the shinobi tv shows for an entertaining japanese martial art experience.

With so many popular animes to choose from, it’s tricky to know where to start. Fear not! We’ve compiled a recommended list of the best ninja anime shows out there, ranked on popularity and entertainment value.

And also, we will share with you some awesome ninja-themed anime series as of 2024 that you might not be aware of them to even exist.

Let’s Go:

21. Shinobi no Ittoki

Kicking off the list of the best ninja anime series with this 2022 release called Shinobi No Ittoki, which follows the story of the main character Ittoki Sakuraba, an ordinary kid revealed to be one of the 19th heirs to the Iga Clan.

Everything started after surviving a vicious attack from the Kouga Clan. Therefore, Ittoki starts training to become a powerful Iga ninja and prepare for war against the rival Kouga clan.

20. Kunoichi Tsubaki no Mune no Uchi

One of the top anime with ninja themes out there is In the Heart of Kunoichi Tsubaki, which follows the story of a young girl who is the descendant of an all-female ninja clan hidden deep in the forest.

All kunoichi are taught from a young age that they’re not allowed to interact with men because they’re far too scary and dangerous.

Being the leader of Team “Dog,” Tsubaki has to put a lot of effort into everything that she does. Despite being a skilled ninja trainee – however, she becomes overly weird when it comes to men’s topics.

In spite of her best efforts to push such feelings aside, Tsubaki gradually finds herself becoming increasingly curious about what’s going on with her heart and mind after noticing a few strange events happening out of the blue.

19. King of Nabari

“Nabari no Ou” is an anime show that decided to do something different with the ninjutsu theme. The series follows Miharu, who is told that he possesses the unique power of the Shinrabanshou, a technique wanted by the whole ninja world named “Nabari.”

A classmate named Kouichi and his English teacher Kumohira both revealed themselves as members of the Banten clan ninja, using their skills to protect Miharu from people who try to hurt him.

Miharu always rejects their offer of joining their ninja clan. However, after being attacked numerous times by foes, Miharu reluctantly joins them in order to survive. Slowly he begins to feel that he needs one day to become the ruler of Nabari himself.

18. Samurai Deeper Kyo

Samurai Deeper Kyo is a Japanese samurai anime and manga series, created by Akimine Kamijyo. Set during the Edo period of Japan’s history, while illustrating the life of some samurai and ninja characters.

Overall, the show features an epic story about The Demon Eyes Kyo, an infamous samurai seeking to reclaim his body after it is sealed inside his rival, Mibu Kyoshiro.

16. Ninja Slayer From Animation

Ninja Slayer is a good anime with a ninja protagonist that features an epic story taking place in Neo-Saitama, a fantastical version of Japan where mafia and revolutionary ninjas exist.

The protagonist’s family is murdered, which prompts him to seek revenge. The show follows his pursuit of the killers and some of the basic acts.

The thing that really stands out about this ninja anime is the “revenge-like” steps being taken by the protagonist. You can sense his determination as he follows the path of vengeance.

15. Brave 10

Brave 10 is an action anime with ninjas, samurai, and many other powerful characters that you will really enjoy watching.

This is a story set in the Warring States period. Saizou and Isanami search for brave fighters that can serve under Yukimura’s banner. These warriors possess skills that will help them on their journey.

They will need to travel to distant lands, while they have to watch out for others who will want the dark power she possesses. They may be able to make it their own if they successfully grab it from her.

14. Harukanaru Toki no Naka

Next up, here is a cool romance ninja anime that follows the story of Akane Motomiya and her friends Tenma and Shimon, who are transported by a demon into another world, where Akane becomes the Priestess of the Dragon God.

The people of this world tell her that she is the only one who can stop the demons from taking over. Meanwhile, the demons want to use her power for their own needs. Luckily, Akane has the Hachiyou, eight men with powers of their own who are sworn to protect the Dragon Priestess.

13. Flame Of Recca

Flame of Recca is a classic and a pretty good shinobi anime, where the protagonist Recca, is depicted as a respected ninja who follows a very formulaic approach to find his strength in the story. He goes through many ordeals before believing in himself and being able to win over his enemies.

The fights in this series have a similar feel to the original Naruto series. It focuses on tactics and strategy, which makes for an intense action anime you don’t want to miss. While many other action animes focus on superpowers or brute force, this one takes a more authentic approach to ninjas and the techniques they use.

12. Sengoku Basara

Set during Japan’s Sengoku period, Sengoku Basara is a good historical ninja anime that follows the story of several powerful warlords who fought in politics and in arms with hopes of unifying the country under a central government.

But, Nobunaga Oda is the most powerful of these rulers who got the power and military resource needed to conquer all of Japan. Hence, Nobunaga continues to exert his forces in Sengoku Basara by doubling down on his influence across the country.

Sanada and Date find themselves having to put their differences aside in order to quell the rise of Nobunaga and save feudal Japan from his tyrannical reign. Magical, militant, and political powers fly forth as these warriors and leaders clash among themselves and the armies of Nobunaga.

11. Senran Kagura

The first thing that comes to our mind when talking about ninjas is that they serve the powerful, hired for intelligence missions, destruction, or assassination. While times have changed, the need for ninjas has not vanished.

Senran Kagura is a good anime to watch that tells the story of five girls In a particular school, who secretly trains to become powerful ninja girls. These females each have a secret technique scroll that they protect at all times. This features their tumultuous school life as they pursue the path of the ninja!

10. Jubei-Chan

Jiyu Nanohana from Jubei Chan anime tv show, is an ordinary school girl until she runs across a scatterbrained 300-year-old samurai who tells her that she is the reincarnation of Yagyu Jubei.

With the help of the “Lovely Eyepatch”, she transforms into the legendary swordsman whenever she needs to use his awesome fighting ability, which she needs to do quite often as a rival clan is dead set on conquering Yagyu to satisfy an old family grudge.

9. Donten ni Warau

Donten Ni Warau is among the best samurai ninja anime to watch, which is a historical story about a time when the mighty samurai inhabitants starts to decrease, due to the newly established law that bans using swords.

However, they’re still some people who are starts rebelling against this law, causing violent disturbances all over the countryside.

To fight against rising criminal activities, an unbreakable lake prison was constructed. Therefore, three young men, were in charge of delivering criminals to their place of confinement—but could there be more to their task than meets the eye?

8. Ambition of Oda Nobuna

The Ambition of Oda Nobuna follows the adventures of Sagara, who wakes up and finds himself in the middle of a raging Sengoku period battle filled with samurai and ninja warriors!

So, after being saved, the protagonist Yoshiharu Sagara must take the place of the recently deceased Kinoshita Tokichiro. Oh and also, to his surprise,  Nobunaga, and all the other great samurai, as well as cute ninja girls.

To set things right and find a way back home, Yoshiharu agrees to become one of Nobuna’s retainers and assist her in the conquest of Japan.

Therefore, the history that he learned from playing the video game “Nobunaga’s Ambition” allows him to predict future events and turn the tide of war. Hence, by using this invaluable gift to aid the Oda clan beautiful generals, Yoshiharu hopes to help his new lord fulfill her dream and win the hearts of women everywhere.

7. Under Ninja

Under Ninja is a 2023 anime that explores the resurgence of ninjas in Japan after the Pacific War. These ninjas, once thought to be extinct, are now back in action, with rumors suggesting there are as many as two hundred thousand of them.

They’re involved in secret missions, infiltrating various public and private institutions across the country. One of these ninjas is Kurou Kumogakure, who leads a seemingly uneventful life in a shabby apartment.

Aside from appearing lazy and aimless, Kurou’s true nature is far from ordinary. When he’s given a mission to infiltrate a local high school, his hidden potential is put to the test. But as Kurou delves deeper into the assignment, he discovers there’s more to it than meets the eye.

6. Basilisk

Basilisk is a romance, action, samurai, and ninja anime show that follows the Iga and Kouga ninja clans who have engaged in a long war. Hopefully, the powerful warlord will order a ceasefire and both clans must put down their arms. Later, Gennosuke Kouga, heir of the Kouga clan will fall in love with the heir of the Iga Clan, Oboro Iga.

Hence, through marriage, both heirs aim to bring peace to the clans. But their hopes are lost when their clans are dragged into another war. Therefore, torn between their love for each other and duty to their clans, Gennosuke and Oboro must ultimately decide the fate of their clans.

5. Ninja Scroll: The Series

After putting an end to the immortal Himuro Genma and preventing the shogun from continuing his evil plans. now the powerful swordsman Kibagami Jubei continues to journey all over Japan.

During his journey, he meets Shigure, a priestess who has never set foot outside of her village. Everything was fine until when a group of demons demolished the village and kills everyone, Jubei is now a target after setting his hand on the Dragon Jewel.

Meanwhile, Shigure—along with the monk Dakuan and a young thief named Tsubute—travels to the village of Yagyu. Since the two demon clans now chasing down Shigure and Dakuan, they find themselves obligated to seek the protection of Jubei to keep the Priestess of Light sound and safe.

4. Ninja Kamui

Ninja Kamui is the newest ninja anime of 2024 that’s creating a buzz. The show starts off strong with an engaging plot and top-notch animation, drawing viewers in right from the start. As the story unfolds, it promises to deliver action, drama, character development, and mysteries that will keep you hooked.

The main character, Joe Higan, is a Nukenin, a former ninja who fled his clan and now lives quietly in rural America with his family. However, his peaceful life is shattered when assassins from his past catch up to him, seeking revenge for his betrayal.

Thought to be dead, Joe resurfaces as Ninja Kamui to seek justice for his loved ones. Armed with ancient ninja skills in a modern world, he faces off against high-tech enemies and rival ninjas to take down the very clan that once trained him.

3. Katanagatari

Katanagatari is a ninja anime other than naruto that you will absoultely like. It takes place during the Edo-era when Japan was lush with a variety of ninja techniques and sword-fighting styles, but! Shichika Yasuri practices the most unique one. The seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school, Shichika lives quietly in exile with his sister Nanami. However, one day the wildly ambitious strategist Togame barges into their lives.

Certainly, Togame brazenly requests that Shichika help in her mission to collect twelve unique swords, known as the “Deviant Blades,” for the shogunate. Shichika accepts, interested in the girl herself rather than petty politics, and thus sets out on a journey.

2. Boruto: Naruto Next Generation

Boruto: Naruto Next Generation is a spinoff anime from the Naruto franchise which is the beginning of a whole new ninja adventure of Boruto, along with his new and old friends. Konoha has been in a state of prosperity ever since the world war ended. The Allied Shinobi Forces were largely responsible for the village’s success and left their mark on Konohagakure.

Konoha has changed a lot since it was first founded, but it’s never been more modern than now. With Naruto and his old friends around, Konoha has a new generation of talented shinobi to look up to. Boruto Uzumaki is the son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki and has followed in his father’s footsteps to become a shinobi at a young age.

He displays many of Naruto’s qualities, such as his stubbornness and loquaciousness, but he is also a prodigy whose potential manifests along with his other friends. However, Boruto’s attitude has been worsening and he’s becoming a lot more bragging. This is partly due to the fact that he wants to surpass his father, who is too busy for him, but also there is an unknown force looming over the village that is threatening his life.

1. Naruto & Naruto Shippuden

Moments prior to Naruto Uzumaki’s birth, a huge demon known as the Kyuubi, the Nine-Tailed Fox, attacked Konohagakure, the Hidden Leaf Village, and wreaked havoc heavily. So, in order to put an end to Kyuubi’s rampage. The leader of the village, the Fourth Hokage, sacrifices his life and sealed the monstrous beast inside the newborn Naruto.

Now, Naruto is a hyperactive and knuckle-headed ninja still living in Konohagakure. Shunned because of the Kyuubi inside him. Naruto struggles to find his place in the village, while his burning desire to become the Hokage of Konohagakure. This leads him not only to make some great new friends but also to stand against deadly foes.

This is one of the most popular anime of all time that depicts the life of Naruto who looks like a naive kid who follows his own ninja way and later became the most respected and greatest hero of all time.

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