Let’s be real—when we hear “historical anime,” our minds often race to dramatic wars, tragic romances, or heart-wrenching deaths. But guess what? There’s a shining corner in the world of historical anime where stories end on a high note, wrapping up beautifully with warmth, peace, or at least, hope.
If you’re tired of bawling your eyes out after every emotional climax, you’re in for a treat. We’re diving into 10 historical anime that don’t just tell incredible stories—they leave you smiling at the end. From samurais finding peace to post-war friendships blooming, this list has it all. So, grab some popcorn (or maybe a rice ball), and let’s time travel through the past—with a happy twist.
Quick Links
1. Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal
Let’s start with a classic.
“Rurouni Kenshin: Trust and Betrayal” tells the tragic past of the legendary assassin Himura Kenshin. Sounds heavy, right? And it is. But hold on—this OVA leads directly into the main series, where Kenshin seeks redemption and peace.
What makes this story special is how it transforms pain into purpose. You watch Kenshin’s internal struggle and see him embrace a vow to protect instead of kill. The main series shows him slowly building a new life and finding love, laughter, and family again.
A bloody past with a redemptive future? That’s what we call a happy ending done right.
2. Samurai Champloo
What do you get when you throw together a rogue samurai, a breakdancing vagabond, and a girl with a mission? Pure magic.
Samurai Champloo blends Edo-period Japan with hip-hop swagger—and it totally works. What really makes this anime shine is its final episode. After everything they go through, each character walks away stronger, wiser, and with a sense of closure.
They part ways, sure. But they do so on their own terms, ready for the next chapter of their lives. That emotional maturity? Chef’s kiss.
3. Golden Kamuy
Who knew an anime about a race for hidden treasure in post-Russo-Japanese War Japan would have so much heart?
Golden Kamuy is packed with wild action, historical facts, indigenous Ainu culture, and yeah, poop jokes (don’t ask). But the real magic? The bond between the ex-soldier Sugimoto and the Ainu girl Asirpa. Despite facing danger after danger, they form a surrogate family.
And while the road is rough, the ending (especially in the manga) is touching. It’s about healing, understanding, and mutual respect. You’re left feeling warm and hopeful—which is saying something for a show filled with gunfire and gold!
4. Vinland Saga (Season 2)
Season 1 of Vinland Saga is a revenge-fueled bloodbath. But Season 2? It’s a completely different beast.
Thorfinn goes from being a rage-filled warrior to a pacifist with a dream of building a peaceful land. The character growth is staggering, and the payoff? Pure gold. He rejects violence and embraces a vision for a better future.
Season 2 ends with hope, healing, and the idea that the future doesn’t have to mirror the past. Powerful stuff, right?
5. Spice and Wolf
This one’s for all the romantics.
Spice and Wolf follows the journey of a traveling merchant and a wolf goddess in a medieval, trade-driven world. It’s not just about economics (though you might accidentally learn a lot)—it’s about connection, trust, and love.
What starts as a business partnership slowly blossoms into something more. And yes, after all the ups and downs, they get a beautifully satisfying ending that wraps up their journey just the way fans hoped.
Warm, witty, and totally unique.
6. The Twelve Kingdoms
Okay, this one flies under the radar—but it deserves way more love.
The Twelve Kingdoms mixes Chinese mythology with political intrigue and character development. The main protagonist, Youko, starts off as a timid schoolgirl and transforms into a confident ruler.
What makes the ending so uplifting is the emphasis on inner growth, responsibility, and destiny. It’s not about happily-ever-after in the fairy tale sense. It’s about earning your peace and choosing to do good with your power.
That’s the kind of ending that sticks.
7. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Strong female lead? Check. Gorgeous world-building? Double check. Emotional payoff? Oh, absolutely.
Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit follows Balsa, a bodyguard protecting a prince whose life is in danger. Along the way, bonds are formed, secrets revealed, and destinies changed.
And the ending? It’s like exhaling after holding your breath for hours. It’s calm, emotionally rich, and offers resolution without sacrificing depth.
8. Dororo (2019)
When you open with a baby being born without limbs or senses thanks to a demonic pact, you don’t exactly expect sunshine and rainbows.
Yet, Dororo delivers an unexpectedly hopeful conclusion. Hyakkimaru’s journey is brutal, but along the way, he regains his humanity—both literally and emotionally.
By the end, he chooses compassion over vengeance, and Dororo herself is left with the promise of a better future. It’s not a perfect ending—but it’s a powerful one, filled with hope.
9. Kids on the Slope
Set in the 1960s, this anime is less swords and more soul.
Kids on the Slope is about jazz, friendship, and growing up in a small town. The friendship between Kaoru and Sentarou is messy, beautiful, and real.
After years apart, the final scene (not spoiling it!) is a masterclass in subtle storytelling. It’s about reconciliation, music, and enduring bonds. Bittersweet? A bit. But 100% uplifting.
If you love coming-of-age tales, this one hits all the right notes—literally.
10. Hyouge Mono
Now for something totally different.
Hyouge Mono is a quirky, offbeat anime about tea, aesthetics, and ambition during the Sengoku period. Yup—tea. But don’t scroll past just yet!
The main character, Furuta Sasuke, is obsessed with beauty and power in equal measure. And somehow, this show makes that a hilarious, touching journey.
The ending? It’s weird, wonderful, and actually kind of joyful. If you want something historical and completely different, this one’s a gem.
Conclusion
Historical anime often tug at our emotions with war, loss, and heavy themes. But as this list shows, not every journey through the past has to end in sorrow. Whether it’s a tale of redemption, growth, love, or simple peace, these anime prove that even the most dramatic stories can have a hopeful ending.
So next time you’re in the mood for some time-travel storytelling—but don’t want to cry yourself to sleep—give one of these titles a shot.
History doesn’t always repeat itself… sometimes it rewrites itself with a smile.
