10 Anime to Watch if You Love Vinland Saga

Anime series like Vinland Saga inscribed out a unique space in the medium by ousting utopian idealism from historical warfare. Thorfinn’s brutal journey through Viking power struggles reveals how violence consumes everything in its wake. Historical precision meets psychological complexity in stories that demand passionate investment from their watchers.

These recommendations share Vinland Saga's adherence to authentic character development, where protagonists generate new individualism from the ashes of their former selves.

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1. Golden Kamuy

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.5

IMDb Rating - 8.0

Golden Kamuy follows Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi "The Immortal" Sugimoto as he combs for hidden Ainu gold in early 20th-century Hokkaido. Like Vinland Saga, this one excellently entangles historical occasions with personal quests for survival and reprieve.

Much like how Vinland Saga scans Viking encounters with different cultures, it also does the same. Both anime feature protagonists assembled by war who must navigate a harsh wilderness.

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2. Berserk (1997)

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.9

IMDb Rating - 8.7

If you're a Vinland Saga fan seeking more brutal and grim storytelling, Berserk is essential viewing. Guts’ unyielding quest for vengeance against Griffith closely parallels Thorfinn’s drive to kill Askeladd, both fueled by betrayal and personal loss.

Its resolute description of medieval brutality and political conspiracy makes an aura even more savage than Viking raids. While Vinland Saga grounds itself in historical exactness, Berserk adds paranormal horror to its medieval European setting.

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3. Dororo

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.2

IMDb Rating - 8.0

Positioned in Japan's chaotic Sengoku period, Dororo depicts Hyakkimaru's pursuit to reclaim his stolen body parts from demons who made a pact with his father. This one share Vinland Saga's exploration of how parental treachery shapes a young warrior's fate.

The relationship between Hyakkimaru and the young thief Dororo mirrors the complex bonds formed between warriors in Vinland Saga. The series studies how war produces orphans and castaways, propelling them to form new families from far-fetched companions.

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4. Heroic Legend of Arslan

MyAnimeList Rating - 7.6

IMDb Rating - 7.2

Prince Arslan's expedition from isolated royalty to seasoned warrior-leader echoes themes major to Vinland Saga's character development. When his father's kingdom collapses to invasion, Arslan must assemble loyal companions and learn the stern realities of war and politics.

Like Thorfinn, Arslan begins innocent about violence but must adapt to survive in a brutal world. Both series excel at describing large-scale medieval battles with tactical complexity and emotive weight.

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5. Kingdom

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.6

IMDb Rating - 8.1

Developed during China's rugged Warring States period, Kingdom shows war orphan Xin's dream of evolving into a great general. Its massive clashes and layered political schemes rival Vinland Saga’s intense depiction of Norse invasions and feudal strife.

The series doesn't shy away from showing the war's devastating results on both soldiers and common people. Like Vinland Saga, Kingdom asks whether glory acquired through violence is worth the human cost.

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6. Vagabond

(Rating Not Applicable)

Had to include this, even though Vagabond doesn’t have an anime adaptation. It is based on the life of legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi and gives a fictionalized version of Japan's most famous sword master's voyage toward enlightenment. Like Thorfinn's evolution, Musashi changes from a bloodthirsty fighter into a philosophic warrior who comprehends the true way of the sword.

Vagabond's exquisite artwork and deep character evolution match Vinland Saga's adherence to showing the psychological journey of warriors seeking redemption.

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7. Rurouni Kenshin (1996)

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.3

IMDb Rating - 8.5

Himura Kenshin's shift from deadly assassin to peaceful wanderer quite parallels Thorfinn's character arc. Kenshin's vow never to kill again echoes Thorfinn's eventual refusal of violence as a solution to war.

The ideas of redemption and inner change in Rurouni Kenshin closely mirror Vinland Saga’s emphasis on ending cycles of revenge. Both series prove that even the most congealed killers can find new meaning in protecting rather than killing.

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8. Drifters

MyAnimeList Rating - 7.9

IMDb Rating - 7.8

Drifters ferries history's greatest warriors to a fantasy realm where they must fight for survival and meaning. Its premise shows historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Shimazu Toyohisa to showcase their tactical cleverness in new contexts.

Much like Vinland Saga’s explorers facing the unknown, these wandering fighters adapt their battle-hardened skills to unfamiliar territory. Drifters' mix of historical authenticity with fantasy stuff creates the same sense of adventure and discovery that makes Vinland Saga compelling.

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9. Jormungand

MyAnimeList Rating - 7.9

IMDb Rating - 7.4

Jormungand follows Koko Hekmatyar, an arms dealer, and her mercenaries as they explore the grim ethical gray zones of modern war. While set in current times rather than historical periods, the anime stakes Vinland Saga's unflinching examination of how violence eternalizes itself across ages.

The relationship between Koko and child soldier Jonah reproduces the mentor dynamics found throughout Vinland Saga, mainly between experienced warriors and younger fighters, to survive. Both series question whether peace can ever be attained through warfare.

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10. To Your Eternity

MyAnimeList Rating - 8.4

IMDb Rating - 8.3

This impressive series follows an immortal being who learns about humankind via endless reincarnations and encounters with mortal companions. Like Vinland Saga's inquiry of what makes life noteworthy, To Your Eternity examines how personal relations and occasions shape self-identity.

To Your Eternity's introspection on mortality and purpose provides a philosophic counterpoint to Vinland Saga's historical violence. Both series attribute protagonists who must frequently adapt and grow while developing deep bonds with companions they may eventually lose.

These anime don’t just echo Vinland Saga’s intensity—they build upon its spirit, blending historical realism with raw emotional depth in unforgettable ways. While Thorfinn bumbled with his demons, these protagonists face challenges that make Viking raids look like children's games.