It’s hard to imagine that it’s already been seven years since the first episode of Vinland Saga premiered on July 8, 2019. Feels like it was just the other week! Yet the years have flown by; the sheer influence the series has had on the medium, and continues to have on new viewers, is truly awe-inspiring. Rarely do we come across such a gem, not just in anime, but in fiction as a whole.
That said, some people may still have a negative perception of the anime’s setting and certain themes. They might even wonder whether it’s worth watching after so many years, instead of watching all the newer anime. So, to commemorate the Vinland Saga anime’s seventh anniversary, here we’ve highlighted some of the key reasons why it’s still a perfect watch for beginners and veterans alike.
| ANIME | Vinland Saga |
| ORIGINAL CREATOR | Makoto Yukimura |
| RELEASE DATE | Season 1: July 8, 2019 Season 2: January 10, 2023 |
| MAL SCORE (as of July 9, 2026) | Season 1: 8.78/10 Season 2: 8.83/10 |
| WHERE TO WATCH | Crunchyroll |
Vinland Saga Feels Nothing Like Typical Anime
Most seasonal anime these days, and even many from the past decades, somehow feel like “anime.” Well, that isn’t inherently a bad thing. But the majority of these anime have many stereotypical tropes that restrict the overall appeal of anime to a bigger audience. As for Vinland Saga? If anything, you cannot say it feels anything like an anime. It feels like something greater than that.
The character designs, the historical setting, and the narrative themes all make the anime a truly unique experience that you can’t get anywhere else. It masterfully combines a Western historical plot with anime’s character-driven storytelling. Thus, if you aren’t very familiar with anime in general but want to experience something truly epic, then Vinland Saga is a must-watch even in 2026.
The Narrative Carries Lessons That Are Most Relevant Today
Whenever an anime becomes more than just a source of entertainment and truly makes you reflect on your life and ideologies through its sheer narrative, you know it’s something special. And Vinland Saga is undoubtedly one such anime.
Some of the quotes from the anime, especially the “I have no enemies“ one from Season 2, are more relevant now than ever. At a time when world peace is our only salvation, Vinland Saga‘s protagonist, Thorfinn, shows how it can truly be achieved on a global scale. In fact, you will feel like a different person after finishing the show.
Vinland Saga Remains Unmatched Among Seinen Anime
Though there are Vinland Saga competitors in the manga landscape, when we talk about anime, there’s hardly any other show that can match its thematic supremacy. Much of the credit must go to both animation studios, WIT for Season 1 and MAPPA for Season 2, who gave the source material a deserving adaptation.
Therefore, even after seven years, the Vinland Saga anime doesn’t really have many competitors in the genre or themes it tackles. One that we can think of on top of our heads would be Orb. Still, Vinland Saga’s overall appeal remains unmatched to this day among Seinen. So that’s another reason you must watch it now.
Vinland Saga‘s Historical Setting Stays Fresh in 2026
Last but not least, the historical setting helps the anime stay relevant even after all these years. And it will remain the same in the coming years. How exactly? Well, certain genres like sci-fi or isekai may be good, but they have been done so much that there’s almost nothing new to explore. On the other hand, historical anime can never be boring. And you can do so much with it.
Being able to compare real-world history with an anime is extremely fun, as showcased in Vinland Saga. Furthermore, the series’s Viking plot and themes of violence in Season 1 may not appeal to some viewers, but this is also what has kept the anime’s popularity alive, which increases manifold in Season 2 by completely changing the anime’s direction. So, that goes for another reason.
Well then, could we convince you to watch Vinland Saga, if you haven’t already?
Vinland Saga is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
