Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan


Rurouni Kenshin

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Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Samurai X, Wandering Kenshin: Romantic Tales from the Meiji Era
Japanese: るろうに剣心 -明治剣客浪漫譚-
English: Rurouni Kenshin
German: Rurouni Kenshin
Spanish: Kenshin, el Guerrero Samurai
French: Kenshin le Vagabond
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 94
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jan 10, 1996 to Sep 8, 1998
Premiered: Winter 1996
Broadcast: Wednesdays at 19:30 (JST)
Studios: Gallop, Studio Deen
Source: Manga
Genres: ActionAction, ComedyComedy, RomanceRomance
Themes: HistoricalHistorical, SamuraiSamurai
Demographic: ShounenShounen
Duration: 25 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.291 (scored by 237550237,550 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #2762
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #450
Members: 495,620
Favorites: 10,234

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Recommendations

Although one anime (Trigun) has a Wild West Cowboy feel, and another (Rurouni Kenshin) has Samurai, they both have a simalar story to tell. Both have a main character who dosen't kill no matter the situation, and both main charaters are skilled badasses. If you enjoyed Trigun then you'll probably enjoy Kenshin just the same, and vicea versa.  
report Recommended by Little-Curty
Himura Kenshin, once feared as the great assassin Hitokiri Battousai, has now become a wandering ronin who seeks to make amends with his past sins in the Meiji Period. Despite the official sword ban implaced by the government, Himura Kenshin still carries a "sakabatou" (reverse blade sword), and plans to achieve his goal by saving as many lives as he can with his sword. He instead stumbles upon the Kamiya Dojo and becomes a boarder there. Both Gintama and Rurouni Kenshin focus on the life of a samurai and how he tries to make his way in the new era after the  read more 
report Recommended by Aikoh
Noragami's anime original end is a blatant copy of what happened between Kenshin and Jinnei in Rurouni Kenshin. Formerly kill-happy (during the samurai period) leads that no longer wish to kill are forced by another character from their pasts to fight with the intent to kill once more. In both series, the already FAR more pacifistic leads became even 'softer' after interacting with useless-outside-of-romance heroines, and the heroines lives are threatened in an attempt to make the leads have the desire to kill once more. I had noticed Noragami is basically Rurouni Kenshin but not a period piece in terms of characterisation earlier, given Yato's goofy  read more 
report Recommended by AironicallyHuman
The Anime are a go to for anybody looking for a place to start with Anime involving Samurai. The main protagonist in either series aren't your average samurai and tend to do their own thing, yet crossing paths with a certain individual ends up causing a change of direction in their lives they never expected to find themselves on. 
report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari
Both about a man that had a bad past and then after a few years they began to change although in Inuyasha the main mostly changed because of the meeting with the girl other then that the story is quite similar both revoled around the guy main character both has romance although not so much in Rurouni Kenshin 
report Recommended by AnimeQT
Both animes treat them of samurais and both characters want to have to be able more to protect the people that them more they love. They struggle for the justice and no matter how strong the enemy is, they never abandon the battlefield and nor they give up the fight, taking a risk their own lives to save the people. 
report Recommended by jackdevils
Both feature shinsengumi, though Rurouni Kenshin's shinsengumi happen to have been that in the past, where as the characters in Hakuouki happen to be members in the now, reflecting their differing time periods. Also, they have varing generas, but the art is detailed. 
report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari
Two samurai shows set approximatively in same time period, with some overlapping characters, and red-head main characters!!! Comedy and action mix perfectly in both, however Kenshin is more interesting and gripping. If you liked Peacemaker you'll LOVE Kenshin 
report Recommended by daya
Both involve Samurai's that have amazing power rising against evil and claiming justice. 
report Recommended by Virgil
Both anime involve a main character who fights with a sword and meets people along the way. Rurouni Kenshin has great fight scenes and includes comedy from time to time. The mc gives you a series but calm and kind vibe. The anime is about the mc being a swordsman who is trying to get away from his past and start a new life as a wonderer. Along the way he has encounters with people who want to fight him and he meets new friends. 
report Recommended by PARODY_QUEEN
Both main characters of the series are skilled assasins (ones of the best in fact) that decide never to kill again and help other to atone for their previous life styles. 
report Recommended by hajil
Kenshin and Yu Yu are both two of the classic action/comedy hybrids, while Yu Yu Hakusho is supernatural, and Rurouni Kenshin is more realistic featuring samurai and swordplay. 
report Recommended by Icy_Auron
Rurouni Kenshin and Kazemakase Tsukikage Ran both are placed in the same time era. Both have good plots spotted by comic relief. The main difference is that Tsukikage Ran is more female-based (the main character is a swordswoman, as opposed to Kenshin, who is male). 
report Recommended by Sumiregawa-kun
They are both in the Samurai category. Samurai deeper is packed with action. If you loved Rurouni Kenshin, then you can't help but love Samurai deeper! 
report Recommended by mysticdreamer
When I instantly laid eyes on Balsa, she gave me a feeling of a striking resemblance to Kenshin. As I learned more of her past, it only reinforced in my mind how similar these two lead protagonists are and the way they handle themselves throughout their story. Both warriors have made vows of never to kill after trying pasts. They both then commence on a journey to repent for those they have killed by simply saving the life that's right in front of them. Both Rurouni Kenshin and Seirei no Moribito are touching stories of two warriors and how they deal  read more 
report Recommended by VK11
i think those two anime are alike because they both have a deep meaningful plot. overall art, story , and the imagination-world are all necessary to define a well value anime. this recommendation isn't based on just a fanboy expressions but a well belief of knowing what is great. 
report Recommended by SlaughterDagger
Both involves the Tokugama shogunate (Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohahoheto is set on the final years of the Tokugawa Era while Rurouni Kenshin is set during the beginning stages of the Meiji Era). Both have wandering samurais as protagonists who later settle down with some companion. Both of them have female love interests who are also skilled in swordsmanship. And both animes have real life historical figures (Hajime Saito for RK, Hijikata Toshizo and Okita Souji for BKI who are all part of the Shinsengumi) which the protagonists are acquainted to.  
report Recommended by xxxholic_wing
Yoichi is basically Kenshin in modern Japan with all its current-anime-industry-absurdness. I know there are some strange people out there who enjoyed the situations in Rurouni Kenshin that pertained to - well, filler, which is basically what harem animes are - and thus will enjoy Asu no Yoichi regardless of all faults. However, I would like to direct this recommendation towards a broader audience, who have not seen Rurouni Kenshin and all its magnificent filler and would like to see where Yoichi's character came from but in a more interesting setting (with actual plot!). Simply put, these animes are like eachother in terms of the  read more 
report Recommended by Grmo
Kenshin and Inuyasha belong to an ancient japan. Both use swords, and both have two girls!! One of the past, and one of the present. Both have also a similar quantity of main characters. 
report Recommended by hanyuhi16
Both are epic action shows with a lot of depth, great characters, and deep philosophy. 
report Recommended by philipmarie
Both involves sealed sword and passionate samurais. 
report Recommended by sweetburntlips
similar genres. both have fighting styles that are "super powerful" and the story is similar 
report Recommended by Sqwar
where one is samuri and the other is ninjia, both have a similar feel to it. Basilisk is more mature but same touching story of warriors fighting for what they believe for in the end. Rurouni Kenshin is longer and older then basilisk but same intense action and unpredictable story plot that will keep you on edge. Each foe is different and each again his their own special combat ability which are a blast to watch. Not much fanasty involved i.e energy balls or summoned creatures and will suit a mature audience... have a go 
report Recommended by lonestar6969
Both series have a battle-scarred male protagonist who pretends to be mellow and weak in front of others.  
report Recommended by NoIceCreamForYou
Both series were created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, and it shows. Busou Renkin and Rurouni Kenshin show a splendid mix of humor and drama, with some truly over the top and impressive fight scenes. 
report Recommended by matching_pants
They had the same director and they both provide good action and mix of shounen comedy. 
report Recommended by indienerdisme
Rurouni Kenshin is another shounen title that packs a good story. Kenshin is another warrior that has a lot of skills in battle which provide us, as fans, with the kind of fights that we loved in Naruto as well. 
report Recommended by Rikudo14
samurai stories are the best, and these two are some of the best samurai stories 
report Recommended by Classicola
Charismatic main character, a lot of battles and deep lore. 
report Recommended by GuybrushSimpson
Even though the story isn´t a bit alike, the main characters are very similar. Both have sad backgrounds and upbringins (their masters/teachers are a bit devilish and drunk) and both have an impressive kindness and strengh of heart, and both have the will to keep walking and protecting their loved ones.  
report Recommended by Patty_chan
Tomoe is like Kenshin. They were like wild beasts in the past but has become tamed and soft in the present time. Not to mention, they're both ikemens! 
report Recommended by silyangpilak
Both Kenshin and Abel have had troubled and bloody pasts. They also prefer to put on a facade of innocence and weakness even thought they are neither. 
report Recommended by Shurtugal
Both involve samurai and have a lot of action, romance, and the presence of guns.  
report Recommended by SedriuM
Legendary influential anime that gave way to the beginning of many anime fans 
report Recommended by zNarew
Maria and Kenshin have similar values. Both naively wish they could stop fighting and bring peace to a hypocritical and complex world. Both have to avoid their own temptations if they are to uphold their values while accomplishing their goals. Rurouni Kenshin is more discreet with sexual themes, but both tease romance and are in a historical setting. The plot progresses differently in the two series, but the spirit is the same.  
report Recommended by Awesomecake
Listen to me guys, this is what being a true man is about! Protecting the girl you love. I really admire Kenshin and Hijikata. Epic anime!!! 
report Recommended by offa
Main Chars are similar in someway as they experience a tragic past only to haunt them. Both form friends whose resolve is to forge more bonds and in other words: friendship. The bad guys are alike though not exact. The stories in each show contain mature content that proves darker than other shonen series.  
report Recommended by SlaughterDagger
Both of these shows have protagonists who are vigilantes/wanderers who do not believe in killing their enemies.  
report Recommended by WingZeroRequiem
both are top tier animes. They both have great story-lines. Similar themes. 
report Recommended by Ennis1001
Badass classic anime with Badass and strong af protagonists 
report Recommended by Ginsoka
The duels have the same aura there is a tactical thinking before engaging, it is not about raw power. With the weapons involved any misstep is lethal. Characters rely on applying the right technique and/or tactics rather than their power level. 
report Recommended by andrewgon
Both protagonists have a past they don't want catching up with them. Also, both are about finding their own place in the world, despite of that past. 
report Recommended by Calabre006
The peaceful path of a former bloodthirsty warrior. Fight his inner demons that torment him throughout his life. 
report Recommended by Alexei77
they both have a samurai that is strong but is constantly underrated, but "the samurai" fixes all the problems that "rurouni" carries 
report Recommended by Virus0987
Both are historical epics with Great protagonists who after a life of killing live to redeem themselves.Vinland Saga is like Kenshin in Europe,of course with the necessary changes.Vinland is in Medieval Europe and Kenshin in Feudal Japan.Both respectively focus on the European Vikings and Japanese Samurai culture.Both have real life historical characters in them and what makes Kenshin and Thorfinn stand out among other redemption characters are the unique way in which they go about earning their redemptions. 
report Recommended by Grey_Heart08
i mean... really? you don't know what they both share???? its is the sweet sweet scent of kold revenge, they dont share the same setting or "powers" to solve their problems. but still! entertaining nonetheless. hope ya have 𝓕𝓤𝓝 anyways! 
report Recommended by AC23
Main character whit a great power but they didnt use it because they dont wanna kill except if his love is in trouble. 
report Recommended by HonoTetzuka
all right this anime is amazing .. i watch every season of basara,, and this movie is very gud,, first from the story im very like that the war of all teritory of japan,,, next the fight and power is very great like super power and the epic batle was made very gud ,, the plot is interesting, i even cant imagine the ending,, this the best samurai movie i ever watch,,  
report Recommended by x2kill4
Both stories take place in the Meiji era of Japan, so if you liked Sasuke and his ninja life and you would love to watch this era from another perspective, specifically a samurai, Rurouni Kenshin will be perfect. You can expect comedy combined with history and deeper scenes as well in Rurouni Kenshin. The protagonists have tragic backstories which are motivational for them. Other characters are comparable, like Sanosuke and Jumbo, both are comedic relieves and have big weapons, and are companions of the main characters 
report Recommended by DutchPotatoChip
Do you like historical/battle action shows with AWESOME sword fights? The main difference between the shows is that the world in Token Ranbu definitely has a touch of fantasy whereas Rurouni Kenshin has a realistic setting but if you like well choreographed fights and shows set in historical japan than give these series a try. 
report Recommended by Blood-Typemaster
This reminded me a lot to RK, its about a boy living in the Meiji era and that sees the horrors of the war 
report Recommended by C9StarFOX
Both take place during a time as guns were replacing swords, and Samurai are no longer needed. Neither Kenshin, nor Rushyuna want to kill their opponents and disable the enemies with their superiour skill. 
report Recommended by Lapan
The interaction and chemistry between Kaoru and Kenshin is almost exactly the same as Yukino's and Arima's. Similar art style and slapstick comedy with a dash of romance and a very dark childhood past haunting the male lead. If you enjoyed RK's somber yet funny atmosphere, Kare Kano is a recommended watch. Make sure you read the manga to follow up on the story. 
report Recommended by arimakenshin
They`re both series about samurai and also the main character is on a quest to help another  
report Recommended by Sveznajko
12 Kingdoms takes place in an historical fantasy world full of demons and mythical creatures while Kenshin's world is a lot more realistic in the Meiji era of Japan. But both stories rely heavily on the history of their world. I was reminded of Rurouni Kenshin while watching 12 kingdoms. If you like one, you might like the other.  
report Recommended by mangos
Ukon and Kenchin look very much alike. This is due to the fact that the two manga artists supposidly worked together early on. This being said, while they are different genera, the styles of the artists are very simular. 
report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari
Another battle-focused anime with strategic and phylosophy.  
report Recommended by GuybrushSimpson
Besides the enviroment and context, both anime feature gentle, serious and devote samurai as main characters. Much like Kenshin, Masanosuke is often underestimated and hides great skill as a swordsman behind his soft appearance. 
report Recommended by Maat
Eiichiro Oda the maker of One piece was assistent to Nobuhiro Watsuki the writer of the manga Rurouni Kenshin. So that's why you can se the strong spirit in both of the series. 
report Recommended by Tessie
Chrno doesnt like to use his power to fight and neither does Kenshin .. i actualy only read the manga for Rurouni Kenshin ........so i cheated.... Well if you liked Chrno Crusade then you will like Rurouni Kenshin becouse they are both fantastic animes 
report Recommended by GummyShoes
If you like action and comedy, then you'll like this show. Outlaw Star is sci-fi, while Kenshin is more of a historical samurai deal, but you'll definitely notice a similar feel between the two. 
report Recommended by robfoster
The main character is training to be the best, so are the secondary characters in kenshin. What I loved about kenichi was the mixture of excitement and laughter, and I get the same from kenshin. (up to the end of the shishio fight.) Kenshin has some pretty epic back story, semi realistic feel to the fight styles, and is (in my opinon) one of the best anime someone could watch (again till the end of the one arc) the movies are (kinda) great, the ova of kenshins back story is great and if it's your cup of tea, there's 3 live action movies recently done.  read more 
report Recommended by wilsonatr
Both main male protagonists try to change their life styles from dark merceless killers to caring and positive heroes, also the main female characters is very similar, both of them is very short tempered. 
report Recommended by HokageMaster3
Not everyone knows Shigurui, but both animes are about Samurai at feudal eras, have historical background, fast and violent battle scenes and characters with unique sword skills. But be aware that Shigurui is infinetely more violent and bloody, it's definetely not something for children. NOTE: The anime ends at the chapter 32~33 of the manga, which is still ongoing. I also highly recommend the manga. 
report Recommended by keterelyon
Both are great historical anime based around approximately the same time period of Japan's history, Meiji/Bakumatsu. Both series feature shinsengumi; in Hakuouki most of the main cast are shinsengumi members and in Rurouni Kenshin shinsengumi are one of Kenshin's enemies of the past. 
report Recommended by KaamosWolf
both of them have romance.DN Angel for me is my favorite romance anime and Rurouni kenshin although i have not yet finish it it seems that the romance is pretty good. 
report Recommended by 755nbo
Senjou no Valkyria is similar to Rurouni Kenshin because they both feature strong main characters with interesting abilities and skills. While Rurouni Kenshin is historically based, Senjou no Valkyria takes a twist on history. It is different from the Rurouni Kenshin anime because the romance is very satisfying in the end. 
report Recommended by ffdotnetdreams
Katanagatari and Rurouni Kenshin are both examples of historical fiction set in Japan with a badass swordsman as the protagonist. Both stories combined romantic comedy with sword fights that had way too much dialogue in them, but were enjoyable regardless. 
report Recommended by AceJade
Well, Kenshin is a lot more violent and it's more realistic (in battling scenes and all) than Ranma. Ranma doesn't have that much of a serious atmosphere as Kenshin has, it has more cheerful scenes. They both have interesting long battles, cute lover quarrels and stubborn girl characters. I'm definitely sure you'll love Ranma as well! (^_^) 
report Recommended by pennylame
Even though the plot is completely different... both Shido and Kenshin have sword fighting skills and the same voice. :P 
report Recommended by Astuart510
This was one of the first "historical" (history-based) animations ever done, and it goes all back to 1931, and there's a first version from the end of the 1910's decade, I just can not find it anywhere to watch... If you ever wondered how the anime industry got to be this way, and actually have the oportuinity to watch Rurouni Kenshin, please go to YouTube and watch Urashima Tarou, it's only 2 minutes long. 
report Recommended by andredrezefilth
I am making this recommendation from the perspective that these are both more mature love stories with adult characters. **Be aware of spoilers, there is nothing here that you would not know if you did not watch Trust and Betrayal or the first 3 episodes of Maison Ikkoku** Similarities: -Main characters both have a spouse that has passed away -A serious look on love, and a look into the struggles that relate to loss -Mature relationships and relationship problems -Both are older series that stand out in their genre 
report Recommended by WorstWaifu