Although historical fiction is a notable genre in anime, such shows are more often than not set in Japan, particularly since titles involving samurai have always tended to be popular. Alternatively, many shows wanting a slightly more ‘exotic’ historical touch have settings that are heavily inspired by real-world locations, but which are still fictionalized versions of them with different names, such as in Princess Principal or The Story of Saiunkoku.
In contrast, the number of anime titles set in named real-world historical locations outside of Japan, and in an explicitly stated time period, are few and far between. However, those shows that do name actual places and dates stand out for this very reason, even when the stories still involve some element of fantasy or the paranormal along with their historical elements.
Here are seven historical fiction anime titles that are set outside of Japan and deliver specific real-world places and timelines for viewers to immerse themselves in.
Le Chevalier D’Eon (1740s-50s Paris)
The much under-appreciated Le Chevalier D’Eon is an anime-original set in pre-Revolutionary France under the reign of Louis XV. King Louis himself, as well as many other real-world historical figures, appear in the show, including Queen Marie, the young Louis XVI, Marquise de Pompadour, the Duke of Orleans, and Maximilien Robespierre, among many others. In fact, D’Eon himself is loosely based on the historical figure of the same name; in the anime, he is possessed by the spirit of his dead sister, explaining his character often dressing as a woman, but in real life, he was a French diplomat, spy and soldier who successfully infiltrated the court of Empress Elizabeth of Russia by presenting as a woman, and who began living publicly as a woman from 1777 onward.
Rose of Versailles (1780s-90s France)
The hugely iconic Rose of Versailles is set in France in the years both preceding and during the French Revolution. Although the manga at first focuses on the character of Marie Antoinette, it later more closely follows the fictional Oscar François de Jarjayes, who is also the anime’s primary focus. The show, while very much a product of its time with its disproportionate number of sparkles, and reveling in its lush Rococo aesthetics, is historical drama at its most compelling and remains an incredibly influential work today.
Black Butler (Victorian-era London)
Although Black Butler’s anime does not take place in a single set year, it was established in the manga that main protagonist Ciel was born in 1875, placing the series sometime in the latter half of Victorian-era England — especially since we know that the Jack the Ripper cases, which Ciel personally investigates, took place in London in 1888. Queen Victoria herself also makes an appearance, albeit in a villainous role. The show makes use of its setting to show off some beautifully detailed (albeit historically inaccurate) clothing choices, as well as the (very historically accurate) obsession that some of its characters have with the occult. As a result, Black Butler is often delightfully dark and certainly never lacking in tension.
Emma: A Victorian Romance (Victorian-Era London)
While far less well-known than the likes of Black Butler, Emma: A Victorian Romance presents a setting that is no less captivating, albeit in a far quieter and more subtle way. A historical romance, Emma takes place in London at the end of the 19th century and follows a housemaid who falls in love with William Jones, a man whose middle-class merchant family is attempting to rise into the gentry and who therefore disapproves of the relationship. Although no specific year is given, the very down-to-earth and understated setting lends a strong sense of realism to the show which, unlike most other historical fiction anime, features no elements of fantasy or the paranormal.
Chrono Crusade (1920s New York)
Set in New York during the Roaring Twenties, Chrono Crusade is an oldie but a goodie. On the surface, all may appear well — the jazz scene is blossoming, bootleg liquor is plentiful, and many people are living lives of great wealth and prosperity. Beneath the surface though, demons lurk and are hunted down by our main characters, who as members of the Magdalene Order travel across the country to help eliminate these demonic threats. Viewers who are especially fond of an immersive experience may enjoy the ADV English dub, as the script incorporates a lot of authentic and well-researched period slang, which adds a lot of fun and energy to the series.
Baccano! (1930s New York)
Historically speaking, Baccano! is a very interesting title because it tells three different stories set in three different timelines, jumping back and forth between them seemingly as the mood takes it. However, the most notable of these stories take place in the Prohibition era in the U.S. — more specifically, these events occur from 1930-1935 in both Chicago and New York. Filled with rival gangsters, information brokers, freelance assassins, and practicing alchemists, Baccano! presents a slick, jazz-filled romp with very few, if any, dull moments.
91 Days (1930s Illinois)
Although set in the fictional town of Lawless, most of the events of 91 Days nonetheless take place in a specified year — 1932 — during America’s Prohibition era. However, it takes a markedly different tone than Baccano!, with its main protagonist, Angelo Lagusa, hellbent on revenge for the murder of his family by the Sicilian mafia. Interestingly enough, Angelo’s apartment in Episode 1 is said to be located in the real-life town of Normal, Illinois, while the town of Lawless itself is likely named for the American movie of the same name. An anime-original, 91 Days is an extremely violent and angst-filled title — although it also features one of the most quietly compelling conclusions to such bloodthirsty proceedings ever seen in anime.