5.6 / 10 (based on 43 reviews)
Set in modern-day Tokyo where dreams and desires are afloat, a group of ninjas called “Toukeshuu” is set to stop the spread of “darkness” that prevails in the world using ancient techniques passed down through generations
Genre: Animation, Fantasy, Horror
Main Cast:
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes, 5-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Ninja Collection (2020)
Appare-Ranman! (2020)
6.8 / 10 (based on 411 reviews)
In the late 19th century, two Japanese, an inventor and a samurai guard, get stranded in America. They enter a cross-country race from Los Angeles to New York to earn money to get home.
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Main Cast: Lin Gothoni, Suzie Yeung, Ivan Jasso, Emi Lo
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 13 episodes
Heion Sedai no Idaten-tachi (2021)
7.2 / 10 (based on 506 reviews)
Gods defeated demons centuries ago. The demons have returned, but can the new generation of gods stop them?
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast:
Creators: Amahara
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
Peach Boy Riverside (2021)
6.2 / 10 (based on 445 reviews)
A hoard of vicious demons known as “Oni” come knocking on her doorstep, threatening the lives of everyone in the Kingdom, they are saved by a lone traveler named Kibitsu Mikoto who slays these monsters with a mysterious “Peach Eye.”
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
Main Cast: Nao Tôyama, Haruka Shiraishi, Yuko Suzuhana, Megumi Toda
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Gibiate (2020)
4.1 / 10 (based on 189 reviews)
A disease called “Gibia” has infected the world, turning people into various types of monsters, and a ninja and samurai from Japan’s Edo Period have traveled through time to stop it.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Main Cast: Yukiyo Fujii, Hozumi Gôda, Michio Hazama, Shûichi Ikeda
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Deatte 5 Byou de Battle (2021)
6.8 / 10 (based on 645 reviews)
It was just a usual morning. Akira Shiroyanagi, a high schooler who loves games and Konpeito (Japanese sweets), has suddenly been dragged into a battlefield by a mysterious girl who calls herself Mion. The participants are told that they are “erased from the family register, involved in an experiment, and gained certain powers”. Akira is determined to win the game with his newfound powers and destroy the organization. Armed with a power no one expects and his “brain” skills, the new period of intelligence battle begins.
Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy, Mystery
Main Cast: Ayumu Murase, Aimi, Kazuya Nakai, Yûichi Nakamura
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 12 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Junji Itô: Korekushon (2018)
6.6 / 10 (based on 1333 reviews)
A collection of animated horror stories based on the works of Japanese artist Junji Ito.
Genre: Animation, Drama, Horror, Mystery
Main Cast: Monica Rial, Austin Tindle, Stephen Fu, Tia Lynn Ballard
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 14 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Dokutaa Sutoon (2019)
8.1 / 10 (based on 22036 reviews)
Awakened into a world where humanity has been petrified, scientific genius Senku and his brawny friend Taiju use their skills to rebuild civilization.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Yûsuke Kobayashi, Manami Numakura, Gen Satô, Ayumu Murase
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 35 episodes, 23.0-minute runtime
Kiseijû: Sei no kakuritsu (2014)
8.3 / 10 (based on 41043 reviews)
17-year-old Shinichi Izumi is partially infected by a Parasyte, monsters that butcher and consume humans. He must learn to co-exist with the creature if he is to survive both the life of a Parasyte and a human as part monster, part person.
Genre: Animation, Action, Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Brittney Karbowski, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Adam Gibbs, Aya Hirano
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 24 episodes, 22.0-minute runtime
No Guns Life (2019)
6.7 / 10 (based on 665 reviews)
With no memory of his previous life-or who replaced his head with a giant gun-Juzo Inui now scratches out a living in the dark streets of the city as a Resolver.
Genre: Animation, Action, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Jun’ichi Suwabe, Manami Numakura, Daiki Yamashita, Kimmie Britt
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
2 seasons, 24 episodes
My Hero Academia (2016)
8.3 / 10 (based on 67481 reviews)
A superhero-loving boy without any powers is determined to enroll in a prestigious hero academy and learn what it really means to be a hero.
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Main Cast: Daiki Yamashita, Nobuhiko Okamoto, Ayane Sakura, Justin Briner
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
5 seasons, 117 episodes, 24.0-minute runtime
Ninja Collection is one of those shows that sneaks up on you, much like the stealthy protagonists it portrays. Released in 2020, it’s a series that blends the traditional with the modern, offering a fresh take on the age-old lore of ninjas. This show is not about grandiose battles or over-the-top action sequences. Instead, it delves into the shadows, where the real work of ninjas takes place. It’s here, in the quiet and the dark, that Ninja Collection finds its strength.
The Premise
At its core, Ninja Collection is about a group of modern-day ninjas in Tokyo, tasked with protecting the city from supernatural threats. These aren’t your typical superheroes. They operate in the shadows, unseen and unheard, which is a refreshing change from the usual spotlight-hogging heroes we see in most series. The show draws heavily on traditional ninja folklore, updating it for a contemporary audience without losing the essence of what makes these stories compelling.
Characters
The series focuses on a small but diverse group of ninjas, each with their unique skills and background. What makes these characters stand out is their depth. They’re not just skilled fighters; they have motivations, fears, and personal stories that are gradually revealed throughout the series. This character development adds a layer of complexity to the show, making the audience care about the characters not just for their abilities but for who they are as people.
Style and Animation
Ninja Collection takes a minimalist approach to animation. This isn’t a flaw but a deliberate choice that complements the show’s tone. The simple yet effective animation style mirrors the ninjas’ ethos of efficiency and subtlety. It’s about achieving the maximum impact with the least amount of flashiness, a principle that’s at the heart of the ninja way.
Storytelling
One of the most compelling aspects of Ninja Collection is its storytelling. The series opts for a more episodic structure, with each episode focusing on a different mission or threat. This format allows for a variety of stories, from horror-inspired tales to more psychological dramas. It’s this diversity in storytelling that keeps the series fresh and engaging.
Real-World Influences
The show doesn’t shy away from incorporating real-world issues and folklore into its narrative. Many of the supernatural threats the ninjas face are based on traditional Japanese myths and legends, updated to reflect contemporary fears and anxieties. This blending of the old with the new adds a layer of depth to the series, making it both a thrilling and thought-provoking watch.
The Appeal
So, what makes Ninja Collection stand out in a sea of animated shows? For starters, it’s the series’ commitment to its core concept. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not. There’s no unnecessary drama or forced comedy. Instead, it focuses on delivering solid, engaging stories about ninjas doing what they do best.
Subtlety and Nuance
In a genre that often relies on over-the-top action, Ninja Collection’s subtlety is its greatest strength. The series proves that you don’t need flashy battles to create tension or excitement. Sometimes, the most thrilling moments come from the quiet, strategic moves in the shadows.
Cultural Significance
For fans of Japanese culture and folklore, Ninja Collection is a treasure trove of references and nods to traditional myths and legends. It’s a series that respects its roots while also making them accessible to a modern audience. This cultural depth adds an extra layer of enjoyment for those familiar with the stories it draws from.
Criticisms
No show is without its flaws, and Ninja Collection is no exception. Some viewers have criticized the series for its slow pace and minimalistic animation style. These are valid criticisms, but they also miss the point of what the show is trying to achieve. Ninja Collection is not about high-octane action; it’s about the quiet, unseen battles that take place in the shadows. It’s a series that rewards patience and attention to detail.
Conclusion
Ninja Collection is a unique entry in the world of animated shows. It offers a fresh take on the ninja genre, focusing on the subtleties and complexities of the ninja way rather than just the action. With its deep characters, diverse storytelling, and cultural richness, it’s a series that offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Japanese folklore, enjoy character-driven stories, or are simply looking for something different, Ninja Collection is worth checking out. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most powerful stories are the ones that unfold quietly, away from the spotlight.