Historical-themed anime are special in the sense that they provide both entertainment and information. Anime that fall into this genre have picked up popularity in recent years. Shows such asVinland Saga, Golden Kamuy, etc. have even managed to compete with anime from other popular categories.
When it comes to the 19th century, many famous artists have based their works on this particular era. The influence is also visible in the manga industry. Many mangaka have used the 19th century as the setting for their stories, or they have incorporated one or more elements from the period into their works. Some of the mangaka have done a much better job than the rest. With that in mind, here are the best anime that are set in the 19th century.
7Black Butler
Black Butleris a popular anime series based on the manga written by Yana Toboso. The manga received its first anime adaptation in 2008, which was followed by a second season, and two movies.Black Butler’sdark sense of humor and quality fan service have made it very popular among viewers.
The anime delves into the life of Ciel Phantomhive, who is an earl with the absolute worst luck.
RELATED:Anime Characters With The Power Of Reincarnation
During an attack on his estate, Ciel loses both of his parents and his dog. His misery doesn’t end there, as he is taken away by the perpetrators and sold to a cult. Ciel is abused continuously by the cultists until he is saved by a demon. Subsequently, the two of them form a team, and Ciel takes his father’s place as Queen Victoria’s guardian.
6Moriarty the Patriot
Whenit comes to literary works concerned with mysteries, not many series can boast of being better than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’sSherlock Holmes. Ryōsuke Takeuchi was so inspired by the series that he decided to write a manga based on the story. This led to the creation ofMoriarty the Patriot. The anime was picked up by Production I.G, and it has a total of 24 episodes.
Moriarty the Patriotis set in the late 19th century, when the British Empire is at the peak of its power. The aristocrats and other rich people enjoy all sorts of privileges, while the lower classes have to suffer in silence. The corrupted structure of British society bothers William James Moriarty so much that he decides to take matters into his own hands and rid it of its evils.
5Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshinis among the few anime that are based in 19th-century Japan. It is considered to be one of the greatest anime series of all time. The series has gained a great deal of popularity, which has resulted in the series receiving multiple movie and video game titles.
Rurouni Kenshincovers the story of Himura Kenshin,an assassin turned wanderer who travelsacross Japan to help people. On his adventures, Kenshin meets new friends and some old foes. The main premise of the story is atonement, but there are many other ideas that are also explored.
4JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Hirohiko Araki’sJoJo’s Bizarre Adventureis among the most popular series of all time. The series is divided into multiple parts, and each of them is set in a different time.Phantom Bloodis the first part of the series, and it is set in the 1880s. The story is based in England, and it has perfectly recreated the architecture and some of the characters from the era, like Jack the Ripper.
RELATED:The Best Stoic Characters In Anime, Ranked
It follows Jonathan Joestar, the son of a wealthy businessman, whose life changes after his father takes in another young man, named Dio Brando. Jonathan tries to get along with Dio, but the latter is transfixed on stealing the wealth of their father, George Joestar. The difference in their personalities leads to the beginning of an epic rivalry that lasts for generations.
3Les Misérables: Shōjo Cosette
Les Misérables: Shōjo Cosetteis an anime series that adapts Victor Hugo’s famous novel and applies a twist of its own. This particular adaptation was produced by Nippon Animation, and it yielded 50 episodes.
The anime explores nineteenth-century France, and brings many of the problems of that time to light. At the crux of the story is a three-year-old girl named Cosette who is separated from her mother. She is left in the care of an evil family, and they eventually turn her into a servant. With no other choice, Cosette obediently serves the family. She continues to live in misery until she is rescued by a random stranger.
2Earl and Fairy
Earl and Fairyisa light novel series writtenby Mizue Tani. It didn’t take long for the series to gain popularity, which led to the novels receiving an anime adaptation by Artland.Earl and Fairyhas also inspired a manga and a video game.
RELATED:Anime Characters With The Best Character Development
The story follows Lydia Carton, a fairy doctor from Scotland. Lydia is a special human who is able to see fairies, but most people brush it off as gobbledygook. As fate would have it, Lydia meets Edgar, a man in search of a person who is extremely knowledgeable about fairies.
1Hakuouki
Hakuoukiis another 19th-century anime that is set in Japan. It isbased on a video gamethat was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2008. Studio Deen worked on an anime adaptation that premiered in 2010, and it was fairly successful.
Hakuoukifocuses on Chizuru Yukimura, who is in search of her father. After receiving no response from her father in months, Chizuru decides to put on a man’s disguise and heads to Kyoto, completely unaware of the mess that she is about to step into.
