There is nothing that gets people moving like shonen anime with that historical and political touche. Also add in the elements of battle, war, and gore and you have a perfect recipe. This list is entirely for those new to the world of Anime, and looking for shonen series. We present to you our list of the top 8 Shonen Anime like Vinland Saga.
- “Vinland Saga” is a Japanese manga and anime series that has garnered a lot of attention for its compelling story, complex characters, and action-packed battles.
- The series takes place in the 11th century during the age of Vikings and follows the journey of a young warrior named Thorfinn who sets out to avenge his father’s death.
If the Viking history coupled with its political scenarios and Thorfinn’s character development caught you, we have certain recommendations to make.
If you’re a fan of Vinrado Saga and are looking for more anime like it, here are the top 8 recommendations.
Please heed that the following list does not move in descending order of relatability. Meaning, the lowest number 1 is not closer to Vinland Saga.
How do we rank the anime?
- Also, note that this list bases itself on certain themes and elements shown in Vinland Saga. This is not a historic anime like Vinland Saga list, but instead a top 8 Shonen Anime like Vinland Saga list.
- As such our primary contention for identification is the common shonen tropes.
- This list is also for someone who’s only beginning his journey in the world of Anime. If you are a seasoned veteran, you may find yourself having seen all of the Anime here. But it never bites to take a look.
- We have only briefly mentioned the barest minimum of the plot line in the following descriptions. The rest you can find out yourself.
8. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is set in a world where humanity lives in fear of giant humanoid creatures known as Titans. The series features intense action and explores themes of survival, political intrigue, and moral dilemmas.
The similarity with Vinland Saga has to be accredited to its heavy portrayal of what should resemble a real-life history. Simply put, Attack on Titan goes deep into philosophies of genocide, holocaust, and is very resemblant to World War II. In the same way Vinland Saga is resemblant to Viking History.
7. Berserk
Berserk is a dark fantasy anime that follows the journey of a mercenary named Guts as he battles against supernatural forces and political manipulation.
Berserk is often considered one of the finest written dark fantasies (not the chocolate). The character’s journey through darkness and suffering is something two caliber higher than what Thorfinn goes through. But nonetheless, a similarity can be glimpsed upon in both of these.
6. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is set in a world where alchemy is a common practice, and it follows the journey of two brothers as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.
If the story is about the tragic overcoming of one’s parents’ death, seeking revenge/ways to solve what wrong was done. Then FMAB is definitely deserving to be one of the top shonen anime like Vinland Saga list.
5. Naruto
Naruto is a classic anime series that follows the journey of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki as he trains to become the Hokage, the leader of his village.
Before you go bazooka, hear us out. Naruto actually presents quite complex problems of politics, clanhood, and theories of nation-state. Although Naruto is not an accurate representation of any historic time period, it still is based on themes that have a tinge of historicity to them.
4. One Piece
One Piece is a long-running anime series that follows the journey of a pirate named Monkey D. Luffy as he sets out to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece.
Again, with additional Devil Fruits and magical powers involved. A giant whoop Anime on the Golden Era of Pirates. (Well it’s more, obviously, but you get the point.)
3. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is a historical fiction anime set in the Meiji Era of Japan and follows the journey of a former assassin named Himura Kenshin as he tries to make up for his past crimes.
2. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is set in a virtual reality MMORPG game where players are trapped and must fight their way out. The series features thrilling action and explores themes of friendship and survival.
1. The Seven Deadly Sins
The Seven Deadly Sins is a fantasy anime series that follows the journey of a young girl named Elizabeth as she sets out to find the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of knights who were framed for betraying the kingdom.
These are just a few of the anime series that are similar to “Vinland Saga.” Whether you’re looking for intense action, political intrigue, or historical fiction, these anime have something to offer for everyone.
