Afro Samurai
アフロサムライ
Genres
- Action
- Adventure
Tags
all 21- DramaRevenge100
- ActionSwordplay95
- TraitsSamurai87
- OtherGore87
- Main CastMale Protagonist86
- Main CastAnti-Hero81
- OtherTravel79
- OrganisationsAssassins78
- TimeAnachronism77
- DramaTragedy76
- Main CastPrimarily Adult Cast74
- OtherPhilosophy73
- ActionBattle Royale71
- TimeAchronological Order60
- Main CastPrimarily Male Cast60
- TraitsOrphan60
- OrganisationsCult55
- TraitsNudity53
- ActionGuns48
- UniverseAlternate Universe24
- ActionMartial Arts10
Genres: Action, Adventure. Tags: Revenge, Swordplay, Samurai, Gore, Male Protagonist, Anti-Hero, Travel, Assassins, Anachronism, Tragedy, Primarily Adult Cast, Philosophy.
#2654
Ranked
#658
Popularity
2.1K
Favorites
79.3K
Members
#2
This Season
Popular TV
#8
This Season
Rated TV
Episode Progress
Complete5 / 5 episodes aired
All 5 episodes available on Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
- Premiered
- Spring 2007
- Aired
- May 3, 2007 – May 4, 2007
- Broadcast
- Duration
- 26 min
- Time to Complete
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
- Studio
- Gonzo
Alternative Titles
jaアフロサムライ
Synopsis
When he was a young boy, Afro witnessed his father be cut down in a duel at the hands of a man known only as Justice. After taking the life of Afro's father, Justice cast aside his Number Two headband and took the Number One to claim its godly powers as his own. Years later, having obtained the Number Two headband which grants him the right to challenge the Number One, Afro moves forward in his hunt for revenge on the man who murdered his father. There is just one thing that stands in his way—everyone else in the world! Though the Number One can only be challenged by the Number Two, the Number Two can be challenged by anyone. As his enemies gather to try and take the title of Number Two, Afro must fight through a myriad of foes and obstacles if he hopes to reach the Number One and claim vengeance once and for all. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Synopsis
The Afro Samurai anime was a creative collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson, Takashi Okazaki, and Gonzo, with the music scored by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the success of the anime series, it was adapted into an animated film, a video game, and received a live action tribute short film titled "Afro Samurai: Flesh and Bone." The anime aired first on Spike TV in the US from Jan 4, 2007 to Feb
The Afro Samurai anime was a creative collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson, Takashi Okazaki, and Gonzo, with the music scored by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the success of the anime series, it was adapted into an animated film, a video game, and received a live action tribute short film titled "Afro Samurai: Flesh and Bone." The anime aired first on Spike TV in the US from Jan 4, 2007 to Feb 1, 2007. Three months later, it aired on Japanese television over two consecutive night blocks with Japanese subtitles.
Read moreRead less
The Afro Samurai anime was a creative collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson, Takashi Okazaki, and Gonzo, with the music scored by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the success of the anime series, it was adapted into an animated film, a video game, and received a live action tribute short film titled "Afro Samurai: Flesh and Bone." The anime aired first on Spike TV in the US from Jan 4, 2007 to Feb
The Afro Samurai anime was a creative collaboration between Samuel L. Jackson, Takashi Okazaki, and Gonzo, with the music scored by RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan. After the success of the anime series, it was adapted into an animated film, a video game, and received a live action tribute short film titled "Afro Samurai: Flesh and Bone." The anime aired first on Spike TV in the US from Jan 4, 2007 to Feb 1, 2007. Three months later, it aired on Japanese television over two consecutive night blocks with Japanese subtitles.
Where to Watch
Trailer

Franchise Timeline
Afro Samurai is entry 1 of 3 in the Afro Samurai watch order — the first entry in this franchise's main story.
Franchise Timeline
Afro Samurai
Essential·Core entries only — skip filler and side content
- Afro SamuraiSeason 12007
- Afro Samurai the MovieMain Story #2 (MOVIE)2007
- Afro Samurai: ResurrectionMain Story #3 (MOVIE)2009
Complete·Everything including OVAs, specials & side stories
- Afro Samurai2007
Platform Scores
MAL
7.38
AniList
70 / 100
Kitsu
72 / 100
AniList Trend
87
Episode Guide
Aired so far: 5 / 5
Main Story
5 / 5
100%
Latest Aired
Episode 5
Remaining
Fully available
Aired so far
Theme Songs
Public users tracking this
1
Mean Score
8.0
Status Breakdown
Tags
Shows how closely each tag relates to this animeShow spoiler tags2
Relations
Recommendations
10 recommendationsSamurai Champloo
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Ninja Kamui
Ninja Scroll
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Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation
Dororo
Megalobox 2: Nomad
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in Afro Samurai?
Afro Samurai consists of 5 episodes in total. Each episode has a runtime of approximately 26 minutes.
Is Afro Samurai an ongoing series or finished?
Afro Samurai is a finished series that originally aired in the spring of 2007. It covers the story of the protagonist's quest for vengeance across its limited episode run.
What is the correct watch order for the Afro Samurai franchise?
Afro Samurai is the first entry in a 3-part franchise. Following this series, you should watch the sequel, Afro Samurai: Resurrection, while the Afro Samurai Pilot serves as an alternative version.
Who is the creative team behind Afro Samurai?
The series was produced by the studio Gonzo and directed by Kizaki, Fuminori. It also features notable contributions from Okazaki, Takashi, Iijima, Hiroya, and a musical score by RZA.
What kind of shows should I watch if I enjoyed Afro Samurai?
If you enjoyed the action and samurai themes in this series, fans often recommend Samurai Champloo, Yasuke, Cowboy Bebop, Rurouni Kenshin, and Ninja Kamui.
How mature is Afro Samurai and what is its age rating?
Afro Samurai is rated R - 17+ due to its intense violence, gore, and profanity. It is intended for a mature audience given its dark themes of revenge and combat.
What is the story of Afro Samurai about?
The story follows Afro Samurai, who seeks revenge against a man named Justice for murdering his father. To face his enemy, he must secure the Number Two headband, which allows him to challenge the current Number One.
Who performed the theme songs for Afro Samurai?
The music for the series was composed by RZA, who also provided the opening theme, "Afro Theme," and the ending theme, "Afro Outro."
Information
- Type
- TV
- Status
- Finished
- Country
- Japan
- Premiered
- Spring 2007
- Aired
- May 3, 2007 – May 4, 2007
- Broadcast
- Episodes
- 5 / 5
- Duration
- 26 min
- Time to Complete
- 2h 15m
- Rating
- R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
- Studio
- Gonzo
Alternative Titles
jaアフロサムライ
Discussion
Discussion