10 Samurai TV Shows Currently Streaming (#1 Is A Masterpiece)

As a film buff, I’m really noticing a huge surge in samurai shows right now – it feels like a golden age! There are three big live-action series out currently, spread across different streaming services, and I’ve even heard another one is being developed. Samurai stories have always been visually exciting, but honestly, television seems to be the perfect medium to really showcase this incredible Japanese martial art.

Samurai dramas have become incredibly popular in recent years, and the last decade has seen some truly outstanding martial arts shows focused on these warriors. Since 2024, we’ve seen a surge in high-quality, big-budget live-action samurai series on streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and HBO – shows that rival the classic samurai films of the past.

Popular samurai anime have been around for quite a while, and now many of the greatest shows – from both Japan and the United States – are easily available on major streaming services.

Samurai action has never looked better on TV. With so many streaming services available, it’s easy for anyone to find a great samurai series to enjoy. Here’s a list of 10 currently available on popular platforms.

10. Yasuke

Originally a web series, Yasuke is now a Netflix exclusive and stands out as one of the best anime shows, regardless of genre, to feature a Black lead character. Inspired by the true story of a 16th-century African samurai, the show creatively mixes historical elements with science fiction and fantasy, brought to life with vibrant animation.

Despite being a short series of only six episodes, Yasuke quickly draws you into its imaginative world of samurai and feudal lords. The main character is particularly captivating within the samurai genre, and LaKeith Stanfield’s voice acting in the English dub adds a surprising level of emotional nuance to the typically action-focused anime.

9. Into The Badlands

The action-packed series Into the Badlands is set five hundred years in the future, after a devastating war has reshaped the world. What remains is a society resembling medieval Japan, established in the American Great Plains and protected by highly skilled warriors called Clippers.

Many skilled fighters in this series are like samurai, wielding long blades to win battles. Though it’s not a traditional martial arts show, this captivating dystopian drama draws heavily from the style and themes of samurai films.

8. Afro Samurai

You can now watch Afro Samurai on Prime Video through a deal between Amazon and Crunchyroll. Many consider this action-filled animated miniseries, featuring the voice of Samuel L. Jackson and a soundtrack by RZA, to be his best work in animation. It’s a unique blend of samurai action and hip-hop culture, telling the story of the most skilled warrior in a futuristic world.

This series beautifully captures the unique animated style of Takashi Okazaki, bringing it to life with incredible energy. Though only five episodes long, it’s quickly become a standout modern example of its kind.

7. Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

It’s significant that Matthew Booi, the creator of Age of Samurai, relied heavily on the 1980 Shōgun series while making this Netflix documentary. Combining dramatic fight scenes with narration, graphics, and interviews with experts, the show is likely the most comprehensive television exploration of samurai history.

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan vividly portrays the Sengoku period, a turbulent time in 16th-century Japan marked by intense civil war between rival samurai clans. The series is both exciting and informative, largely due to its beautifully staged recreations of real battles fought by these legendary warriors.

6. Samurai Champloo

As a huge fan of anime and manga, I recently checked out Samurai Champloo, and it’s seriously cool. It’s set way back in the Edo period of Japan – basically, when shoguns were in charge – and it’s got this awesome blend of traditional samurai stuff with a really modern hip-hop vibe. But honestly, what really grabbed me were the fight scenes. They’re some of the best I’ve ever seen, and you can totally see how breakdancing influenced the way they move and flow. It’s a unique combination that just works!

The show really shines because of its three main characters – Mugen, Jin, and Fuu – who are all unique and have very different personalities. We might see a live-action version of Samurai Champloo from the studio behind One Piece join this list in the future, but the anime definitely deserves to be here right now.

5. Song of the Samurai

HBO’s Song of the Samurai is a live-action series quickly gaining popularity. It captures the excitement and stunning visuals of the original anime, but feels more realistic and raises the tension even further. The show’s fast-paced, intense style truly pulls viewers into the world of samurai warriors.

Wow, “Song of the Samurai” is really solidifying something here – samurai dramas are the thing on TV right now! It’s not just riding the wave of shows like “Shōgun” and Netflix’s “Last Samurai Standing”; it’s a real contender. Judging by how strong HBO’s first episodes were, I’m betting we’ll be seeing a lot more of this series in the seasons to come.

4. Last Samurai Standing

Compared to FX’s recent Shōgun remake, Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing could be the streaming service’s best martial arts series yet. It’s particularly appealing to fans of the genre, using the historical Meiji era simply as the backdrop for the main character, Shujiro Saga, and his journey to Kyoto’s famous Tenryū-ji Temple.

Based on the continuing manga series by Shogo Imamura, Last Samurai Standing successfully creates its own unique feel in live-action. Because Netflix has already ordered a second season, the show has the potential to grow and become even more compelling with expanded stories.

3. Blue Eye Samurai

If you’re looking for a great samurai show on Netflix, Blue Eye Samurai is a must-watch. The entire series is short enough to binge in one go, but a second season coming later this year will add even more to enjoy. This animated show is incredibly stylish and historically accurate, feeling more genuine than many live-action samurai films and series.

The show also boasts a fantastic samurai heroine. Maya Erskine’s character, Mizu, carries the weight of lifelong discrimination, which powerfully influences her fighting style. Her story sheds light on a rarely seen aspect of historical Japan, and we can expect to see this explored further in the next season.

2. Samurai Jack

Often compared to shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender as one of the best animated series of the 21st century, Samurai Jack was created by renowned animator Genndy Tartakovsky. It’s an exciting adventure that blends mythology and futuristic science fiction, following a young warrior’s journey to defeat a demon who can change shape.

With its unique animation, minimal use of dialogue and sound effects, and clear inspiration from classic Japanese cinema, this show is widely considered the greatest samurai animation ever made for television. It’s only surpassed by truly exceptional live-action films.

1. Shōgun

Production on season two of Shōgun is underway, and fans are eagerly anticipating its release. The series, set around 1600, depicts a fascinating clash between Japan’s feudal society and the arrival of the bold English explorer John Blackthorne.

The new Shōgun miniseries is even better than the acclaimed 1980 version. It features incredible acting, beautiful sets and costumes, and exciting action, all supported by a fantastic script that sets a new standard for samurai stories. If you have Hulu, you absolutely shouldn’t miss it.

2026-05-16 20:22