Watch Rurouni Kenshin

TV-14
1996
3 Seasons
8.4 (18,976)

Rurouni Kenshin is a Japanese animated television series that aired on Cartoon Network from 1996-1999. The show follows the story of a wandering swordsman named Kenshin Himura, who has vowed to never take another life but still finds himself caught up in the violent world of feudal Japan.

The series is set in the 1860s, a time of great social and political change in Japan. Kenshin, who was once a feared warrior known as the Battosai, now wanders the countryside as a rurouni (a wandering swordsman without a master) in search of redemption for the countless lives he took during the tumultuous time known as the Bakumatsu.

Kenshin's travels take him to Tokyo, where he becomes embroiled in the struggles between law enforcement and bandits. He eventually meets Kaoru Kamiya, the owner of a dojo and a skilled martial artist in her own right. Kenshin begrudgingly stays at her dojo as a way to repay her kindness, and he quickly befriends her and her students, including the young orphan Yahiko, who becomes his apprentice.

As the series progresses, Kenshin faces a number of powerful enemies from his past, including the ruthless assassin Jin-e Udo and the shadowy organization known as the Juppongatana. He also grapples with his own violent tendencies and comes to understand the true meaning of atonement.

One of the standout features of Rurouni Kenshin is its unique blend of action, humor, and drama. Despite its historical setting and serious themes, the show frequently injects moments of lighthearted comedy, often courtesy of the eccentric inventor and self-styled ladies' man, Shougo Amakusa.

The characters in Rurouni Kenshin are also notable for their complexity and nuance. Kenshin himself is a multi-faceted hero, grappling with the weight of his past while striving to protect those around him with a strict moral code. Kaoru is likewise a strong and independent female character, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Kenshin in battle and serving as a surrogate mother figure to Yahiko.

Perhaps most notably, Rurouni Kenshin is known for its elaborate swordfights, which are rendered in beautiful detail and choreographed with precision. The show's fight scenes are both dramatic and breathtaking, and feature a wide variety of styles and techniques.

Overall, Rurouni Kenshin is a must-watch anime for fans of action, history, and drama. Its blend of vivid characters, intricate plots, and beautiful animation make it a standout entry in the anime canon, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.

Rurouni Kenshin is a series that ran for 3 seasons (155 episodes) between January 10, 1996 and on Cartoon Network

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Seasons

3 2 1

88. The Two Guides - Yahiko and Yutaro's Eternal Vow

June 9, 1998

As he faces off against the Black Knight's leader, Kenshin must rely on his brains and not his sword to win the battle.

87. Schneider's Bet - The Collapse of the Black Knights!

June 2, 1998

After their search leads them to the hidden cure, the leader of the Black Knights makes it clear that he has no intention of honoring his promise to cede control of Japan to the Sanada Ninjas.

84. The Sanada Ninja Squad and the Elixir - Misanagi's Driving Quest

May 5, 1998

When a letter from Dr. Hans reveals the story of the miraculous medicine, Yutaro joins the Peace Force in an effort to find it.

83. Yutaro Returns - The Conspiracy of the Shadow Swordsmen

April 21, 1998

With his arm nearly healed, Yutaro and his doctor arrive for a visit at the dojo.

81. Conspiracy of the Beni-Aoi - The Living Ghost of the Revolution Targets Kaishu!

March 10, 1998

Despite Kaishu's determination to free his daughter on his own, Kenshin joins the Peace Force and Daigoro for a rescue.

78. The Artist's Crush - A Romantic Spree at the Hakone Hot Spring

February 17, 1998

When Kenshin accidentally loses all their money, the Peace Force must go to work at an inn in order to pay their bill.

77. There's a Himura Dojo in Shimonoseki?! Another Battousai Appears!

February 10, 1998

When the Peace Force comes across a man posing as Kenshin, everyone else wants the impostor exposed. But Kenshin notes that he's been using his profits to care for a group of orphans.

76. Bon Voyage - Hope Overcomes the Melancholy Waves

February 3, 1998

Following Shogo's surrender, Kenshin asks the government not to execute him. As a result, he and his followers are sent into exile in Holland.

75. The Last Crusade - Two Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki Crash!

January 27, 1998

As Misao and the Dutch consul ask the Army delay to their attack, the sightless Kenshin pressures Shogo to prevent the martyrdom of his followers.

74. Sanosuke's Tears - An Eternal Farewell Befalls the Two

January 20, 1998

As Kenshin tries to stop the slaughter of the Christians as they march towards martyrdom, Sanosuke is unable to avert the death of Shogo's terminally ill sister.

73. The Sneering Demon -Shouzo and Karyu Scattered in the Explosive Flames

January 13, 1998

Sir Kaioh unveils his plan to use Shogo Amarusa's loyal followers to overthrow the government and control Japan himself.

71. The Conspiracy of Kaiou - Shougo Caught in a Trap

December 16, 1997

Though blinded by his duel with Shogo Amakusa, Kenshin seeks another battle in hopes it will restore his sight.

64. The Birth of Prince Yahiko? - An Elegant Debut into Society

October 28, 1997

After stepping in to stop what appears to be a robbery, Kenshin and Kaoru meet a young prince who looks exactly like Yahiko.

42. Elegy of Water and Wind

September 8, 1998

With Kenshin's help, the Wind family derails their rival's plan to redirect the flow of the Ki and ends their effort to dominate Japan

41. Just Pieces of the Puzzle

August 18, 1998

With help from the Wind family's leader, Kenshin saves Kaoru's life. But the Water family's quest to redirect the Ki and gain control of Japan moves ahead as planned.

40. War of Ki

August 4, 1998

The Water family's efforts to gain control of the Ki have left Kaoru seriously wounded.

39. Scary Inheritance

July 21, 1998

As Kenshin learns of a battle between the Wind and Water families for control of the Ki, efforts to build a railroad are exposed as a Water clan plot to control Japan

38. Feng Shui

June 23, 1998

Following a series of accidents in town, a master of feng shui blames an imbalance in the Ki, a force which keeps all of nature's other forces in balance

37. Message from Kyoto

June 16, 1998

As Aoshi arrives to bring her home, Misao joins Kaoru and some friends for a final shopping spree. However, Sanosuke and Yahiko's efforts to keep an eye on the women lead to them to be mistaken for a pair of thieves

36. Yahiko and Yutaro's Eternal Promise

June 9, 1998

As he faces off against the Black Knight's leader, Kenshin must rely on his brains and not his sword to win the battle.

35. Defeat of the Black Knight

June 2, 1998

After their search leads them to the hidden cure, the leader of the Black Knights makes it clear that he has no intention of honoring his promise to cede control of Japan to the Sanada Ninjas.

34. the Red Heat That Fly from Deep Under the Ground

May 26, 1998

After surviving a fall into a volcano, the Peace Force comes across an injured Sanada Ninja who offers to help battle his former allies.

33. End of Wanderings

September 15, 1998

It's peaceful times and everyone is carrying about their life, Kaoru and Kenshin leave to visit a graveyard, Yahiko is helping at the Akabeko and Sanosuke is helping Megumi so she can make something for him to eat. Kenshin and Kaoru visit the graveyard and do what they have to do, suddenly it started to rain so they went to a hotel to spend the night. Meanwhile Sanosuke took a long bath and Megumi washed his clothes and he was forced to wear something else, soon everyone went to sleep. Kaoru had dreams of Kenshin wandering off again, she awoke and it was morning, Kenshin wasn't there, she found him at the beach and they talked for awhile. They got on to the boat and set sail to return back home. The boat arrived back in Tokyo and everyone was waiting for Kenshin and Kaoru to get back.

32. The Elegy of Wind and Water

September 8, 1998

Kenshin, Sanosuke and Jinpu went to Senjo Gahara and found the water clan, Jinpu went and attacked Reisui, and Reisui used his formation and proved to be more powerful than Jinpu. Meanwhile the author arrived and told the police and Sanosuke's friend to put the dragon statue in the center it will stop the Ryu Myaku. The Ryu Myaku had arrived and it was destroying the place, it hit the dragon statue but it was only weakened, Jinpu was able to stop it and the water clan was defeated as well as the Ryu Myaku. The police department slowly rebuilt their stations and Kenshin saw Jinpu off.

31. The Enemy Awaits in Senjogahara

August 18, 1998

Kaoru was given the water and she started to recover, Kenshin and Jinpu left to Nikko to beat the Ryu Myaku before it was too late. Sanosuke and his friend went looking around for clues, finally they got possession of a book that gave many useful clues. It was hard to understand so Sanosuke and his friend went to find the author and he explained everything. Kenshin and Jinpu got to Nikko and the crest was gone, clues and hints were being pieced together and the water clan's plans started to become clearer. Sanosuke found Kenshin and Jinpu and explained everything, the Ryu Myaku would change direction so they went to Senjo Gahara.

30. Tokyo Under Martial Law

August 4, 1998

Kaoru was injured and the only way to cure her is to go into the mountains and find the dragon fountain and get the water only then she will be cured. Jinpu creates a plan, he and Kenshin will go and get the water, Sanosuke and his friend will find some sort of statue and will destroy it and Yahiko will stay behind to protect Kaoru. So far everything has been successful Sanosuke is doing fine, and Kenshin and Jinpu are on their way. Meanwhile the water clan is slowly destroying the Eigou formation, Kenshin and Jinpu finally make it into the mountain and Kenshin grabs the water, the caves started to cave in and Kenshin and Jinpu got out. The Ryu Myaku started to move east of Musashino and the battle was not over yet.

29. The Magic of Feng Shui

July 21, 1998

The Fusui Master Jinpu had just saved Kenshin, they return back to the dojo and he explains everything. He shows Kenshin the map and tells him that his clan had an Eigou formation that would protect the town, the water clan also wanted a formation but the both would conflict, so they tried to destroy the Eigou formation. Now the water clan has come back and is creating their formation. It has already start and the water clan has attacked the dojo now the dojo and the restaurant is no longer needed and the formation has already begun.

28. Feng Shui Surprise Attack!

June 23, 1998

Two competing clans of Feng Shui users create a powerful magic around the land that Tokyo sits in circa 1604. After 275 years, this magic begins to reactivate and cause disasters in Tokyo. After each of these incidents, a man claiming to be a Feng Shui master appears to provide advice to the victims. However, as soon as the man leaves a mysterious entrepreneur turns up to offer his services, such as warding stones inscribed with the power of Feng Shui. When the Akobeko catches fire from one of its stoves, Tae and Tsubame go to live at the Kamiya dojo, where they are attacked by Feng Shui fledglings following a visit from the entrepreneur, whose services Tae refused.

27. To My Angel Misao

June 16, 1998

A day in the dojo where Yahiko is training, Yahiko is training with Misao and she's deciding it's about time she leaves. Omasu, Ochika and Aoshi arrive and are ready to take Misao back to Kyoto. Misao changes her mind and decides she doesn't want to go back, and then the females decide to go shopping. The females leave and Sanosuke and Yahiko are up to something, they believe that they are going to go and eat something without them so they tag along. The girls go shopping and bump into a pick pocket, they beat him up and get back their money. The pick pocket went and got all his men but they were defeated, meanwhile Kenshin and Aoshi talk and drink tea, they decide to take a walk and they see the girls.

26. The Two Guides

June 9, 1998

Kenshin faces off against Melder in a ferocious battle to claim the elixir, igniting a conflagration that threatens to take everyone down in flames.

25. Schneider's Bet

June 2, 1998

Kenshin and Sanosuke continue to fight Zan and Ren while Baku is unnoticed. Sanosuke is having a bit of trouble but with the help of Kaoru, Sanosuke is able to defeat Zan. Kenshin's senses are being distorted and is having trouble with Ren, Kaita told Kenshin to attack the bats, after that everything was more clear, Ren and Baku were defeated shortly. A bat slowly flew away and tried to report back, Kenshin and the others followed it and found the divine medicine. Lieutenant Melder had betrayed Misanagi and Schneider would not put up with it so he fought Melder but got injured. Kenshin arrived and was going to fight Lieutenant Melder.

24. A Heatwave from Beneath the Earth

May 26, 1998

Kenshin and the rest fell underground and had no idea of what to do. Meanwhile Misanagi and the Black Knights enter the path way and begin to move toward the divine medicine. Later on, gas was leaking in and in less than half an hour Kenshin and the others would be goners. Sanosuke punched the wall and water came rushing out, because of that they were able to escape. Outside Yutaro found someone, it was a ninja named Kaita. He was injured and was going to die if not treated. Yutaro worked hard and treated Kaita's wounds, he woke up and helped them by using a shortcut so they could get caught up. Finally getting inside there were three guards, Zan, Ren and Baku, they attacked everyone and Ren was able to cancel out one of Kenshin's attack.

23. A Straying Journey

May 19, 1998

Kenshin and the rest continue to use their hints and search for the divine medicine, suddenly Yahiko is unable to walk anymore, he had a fever. A hunter appeared and brought Yahiko in and treated him, he gave Kenshin some more clues as to where the divine medicine was, Yahiko got better and they left. After using all the hints Kenshin and the others were able to get into a cave and was on track, finally near the end, the path way was open. Soon the black knights arrive and including the leader of Sanada Ninja's, Misanagi. One thing that Yutaro was unable to read was the last paragraph and the floor collapsed and they fell into the ground.

22. The Sanada Ninja Squad

May 5, 1998

As Kenshin tries to stop the slaughter of the Christians as they march towards martyrdom, Sanosuke is unable to avert the death of Shogo's terminally ill sister.

21. Yutaro Returns

April 21, 1998

The group celebrates the return of Yutaro with Professor Hans, unaware that the Black Knights are on their heels, in search of a divine elixir.

20. Kaishu-Katsu's Determination

April 14, 1998

Daigoro was just stabbed and Kenshin stepped forward to fight the leader while the others took care of the rest. The leader was defeated and shortly the police arrived and arrested the Beni Aoi. Back at Katsu's home, Tetsuma was caught, Katsu knew it was him looking for the map to the hidden money. Tetsuma try to reason why Katsu but it wasn't enough then he tried to fight him but Kenshin stepped in. Kenshin defeated Tetsuma and he then knew what he did was wrong and turned himself in.

19. Conspiracy of the Beniaoi

March 10, 1998

Itsuko was kidnapped and Katsu had received a letter about it, Kenshin paid a visit to him and found out that Katsu was hiding someone's money and the Beni Aoi wanted it. Katsu was suppose to arrive at 2:00am at a temple, and if he cooperates his daughter would not be harmed. Kenshin was told not to come but he still went as well as everyone else including Daigoro. They arrived at the temple first and Daigoro say Itsuko, she tried to run for it but tripped, Daigoro charged forward and was stabbed.

18. The Unending Revolution

March 3, 1998

A bunch of men are ready to attack Kenshin but Kenshin has no idea who these people are, they tell Kenshin that they are the Beni Aoi, Kenshin still doesn't know who they are, the leader figures out Kenshin wasn't hired as a bodyguard and left. Daigoro continues to train and has a match with Yahiko. Daigoro attacks but pulls his back and is unable to move. Itsuko is cooking and Kaoru shows up, she teachers her to cook but forgot to buy something so she left. Outside the Beni Aoi was waiting for her and kidnapped her. Kaoru screamed and didn't know what to do, the kitchen was on fire, Kenshin sensed something was wrong and asked where Itsuko was, he went out side and found her hair pin on the ground.

17. Kaishu-Katsu and Kenshin

February 24, 1998

A man is talking about people being able to go to the moon, but the others laugh at him, he left with his teacher and forgot his books. Yahiko went to return the books but the man (Daigoro) and his teacher was going to be attacked. Yahiko and everyone helped out and were able to protect them, then Tetsuma appeared and scared them away. Daigoro's teacher than kicked him out of his dojo since he wasn't very good with a sword. Kaoru decided to accept him as a student and tried to teach him to be strong. A girl named Itsuko came and tried to bring him back but Daigoro refused and Itsuko stayed behind. Kenshin left and went to tell Daigoro's teacher (Katsu) that his daughter was staying at the dojo, as Kenshin leaves the men earlier is trying to attack Kenshin.

16. Crush!

February 17, 1998

When Kenshin loses Kaoru's money, the group must work at a restaurant to pay off their bill. An artist seeking inspiration falls in love with Kaoru.

15. Himura Dojo in Shimonoseki?

February 10, 1998

Kenshin and the rest are in the restaurant eating, suddenly a group called Tengu creates a disturbance, Yahiko and Misao take them outside and fight them. Then a man claiming to be the legendary Battousai arrives and scares them away. Kenshin and the rest are looking for a place to stay but they were all full, they make their way up to the fake Battousai's place and sees he's running a dojo. Kenshin and the others help out and have a place to stay. The Tengu group is getting restless and wants to kill the Battousai, a man named Anzai arrives and says he will kill the Battousai. He arrives at the dojo and wants to fight the Battousai, Kenshin came right on time and defeated him. Kenshin allowed him to keep the name and he and the rest set sail to go back home.

14. Bon Voyage

February 3, 1998

The war was over and Shougo surrendered. Kenshin visited Elsten to find out what will happen to the believers and so on. Elsten is waiting for the government's decision and it should arrive shortly. An official arrives and tells them that the believers can no longer stay in Japan, Elsten is thankful for the decision and decides that the believers can come to his country, Holland. Meanwhile Sanosuke gives Kaoru a letter and she makes a visit to Shougo. Kaoru gives the letter to Shougo and leaves. Shougo makes a last visit to his sister's grave and left to go to Holland.

13. The Last Crusade

January 27, 1998

Misao was caught by two men and was brought to the leader of the army, she kept on telling them that Kenshin is negotiating with Shougo. Finally Elsten arrived and tried to stop the attack, he was only able to stop it for an hour, after the hour they would attack. Misao went off to tell Kenshin he has an hour and if he was successful she would throw a signal out to let him know. Kenshin had already started to fight Shougo, finally both used the succession technique and Shougo was defeated. Kenshin had gained his sight again and Misao just arrived.

12. Sanosuke's Tears

January 20, 1998

The army started to prepare themselves to fight Shougo and kill everyone else. Sanosuke continued to try and bring Magdaria to Elsten. After achieving many obstacles Sanosuke finds some luck and sees Elsten. Elsten was interfering too much so Santo tried to kill him but Magdaria jumped in and was shot. Sanosuke beat up Santo and returned Magdaria's medallion back to her, shortly after she died. Elsten left and tried to hurry and get to the holy hill to stop the fight. Meanwhile Kenshin finally arrived and tried to stop the fight, he had found Shougo and would fight him if he would force the children to sacrifice themselves.

11. The Sneering Demon

January 13, 1998

Kenshin is caught by someone and he takes him out quickily. Meanwhile the rocks had fallen and Shouzo was trapped, Sanosuke and Magdaria managed to get out fine. Sanosuke and Magdaria worked together and got him out. Shouzo got away and went to report this to Shougo. Meanwhile someone showed up to take Sanosuke out, it was no problem and he was defeated, but he would not give up, he attacked once more time but Misao and Yahiko helped. Together they got out of the cave but Magdaria was very sick and Sanosuke ran as fast as he could to bring her to Elsten. Later on, Shouzo had overheard Kaiou's plans and tried to fight him but was defeated, as a last resort he threw some pipe bombs that Sanosuke gave him and killed Kaiou.

10. The Days of Remorse

January 6, 1998

Misao tells Kenshin what she knows, Shougo and Magdaria(Sayo) are hiding a secret, in the past Shougo was able to help cure people's illness because he had study under the field of medicine, but he can't cure his sister and she's dying. Soon after Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and Kenshin leave and gets caught by someone. Later on, Magdaria is informed that Kaiou has her medallion so she went into his room and went looking for it. She found some more interesting things and found out that Kaiou is going to betray her and her brother. Sanosuke and Shouzo show up and were trying to stop Kaiou but got locked into the cage with Magdaria, to make matters worse an explosion occurred and rocks were falling down on them.

9. Kaoru's Conspiracy

December 16, 1997

Sano is unconscious and lying on the floor of a cave. When he wakes up, he finds himself looking into the face of Magdaria. She notices he is hurt and takes him back to her home in the hill. While she patches him up, they have an argument and she locks him in the room. Meanwhile, Kaioh, Santo, and Amakusa Shougo are plotting the demise of the Meiji government through the instigation of a civil war, but they are disagreeing over price and methodology. Carrying a gun, Magdaria returns to the room where she locked Sano, but he has disappeared.

8. Shock of the Rai Ryu Sen

December 9, 1997

The round man has Kenshin down and surrounded by the dogs, but then he loses the whistle with which he controls them. Kenshin ends up saving himself and the round man from the dogs. The round man is confused, since Kaioh-sama told him that Kenshin is a demon and has to be killed, but Kenshin saved the round man's life. The round man chains Kenshin to a tree and goes for Magdaria to see what he should do with Kenshin.

7. To the Battlefield of Shimabara

December 2, 1997

In Shimabara, Yahiko almost gets run down by a carriage carrying the Ambassador of Holland, Elsten-dono. Kenshin and Elsten recognize each other, since Kenshin saved Elsten's life 10 years ago at the end of the Edo dynasty. The Kenshin-gumi go to the ambassador's residence for tea and crumpets. Magdaria and Shougo are traveling by carriage, then boat to Shimabara.

6. The Medallion of Destiny

November 25, 1997

Amakusa Shougo appears at the place Cho is protecting. He defeats Cho and then kills the man he came to kill. Cho tells Kenshin that Amakusa is better than Kenshin. Okina finds out that the three men Amakusa has killed were responsible for persecuting Christians during the Edo dynasty.

5. The Gleaming Blade of Legends

November 18, 1997

The Kenshin-gumi receives a letter from Misao. She reports on a murder mystery in Kyoto and a dead body with strange carvings on the flesh. Aoshi is approached by a man seeking protection from a written death threat. Aoshi refuses, but Misao sees the letter and takes it to Okina. Okina says the writing is either Portuguese or Dutch, and the symbol on the bottom of the letter was the same symbol carved into the body of the murdered man.

4. Kaoru, Ecstatic

November 11, 1997

In the face of Kenshin's probing questions, Souijuro's concentration is broken. In defeat, the young assassin returns his prized sword to Shishio, warning him of the danger that lays ahead.

3. Find the Lost Treasure!

November 4, 1997

In an effort to explain Souijuro's emotionless posture, Kenshin recalls how the young assassin was rescued from a life of slavery and then taught to fight by Shishio.

2. The Birth of Prince Yahiko

October 28, 1997

A foreign prince is attacked by bandits. As Kenshin and Kaoru are returning from a play, they see this and Kenshin intervenes. During the attack the prince was injured, so Kenshin and Kaoru take them back to the dojo. As it turns out, Prince Shin looks exactly like Yahiko, and so Yahiko is put in his place to attend a banquet. At the banquet the bandits attack yet again, but our favorite samurai is there to protect Yahiko, along with Sanosuke.

1. The Legend of the Fireflies

October 14, 1997

Kenshin goes off fishing to bring some food on the table. At the river he meets an old man who tells him the legend of the fireflies. At the end it is revealed the old man was telling Kenshin the tragic story of his dead lover, who died waiting for him to return from his long quest to master the sword. He gives Kenshin the message that once in his life, every man meets a woman he will never forget. After hearing his story, Kenshin brings back an iris flower, which he does not give to Kaoru.

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Where to Watch Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin is available for streaming on the Cartoon Network website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Rurouni Kenshin on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Hulu and Microsoft Movies & TV.