Drifters (2016)
A dark fantasy anime that hurls history's greatest warriors into a magical world and sets them against each other in relentless, brutal combat.
Drifters - Series Information
- Original Title: ドリフターズ
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2016
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Action, Adventure, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (24 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 12
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: October 7, 2016 (United States - TV-MA), October 7, 2016 (Germany - 16), October 7, 2016 (Australia - R 18+)
- Networks: Tokyo MX
- Alternative Titles: Drifters (AW), ドリフターズ (JP), Drifters (DE), Drifters (FR)
- Production Companies: Hoods Entertainment, NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan
- Production Countries: Japan
Drifters - Plot
Shimazu Toyohisa is a real-life samurai who fought in the pivotal Battle of Sekigahara. In his dying moments, Shimazu is transported to a world of magic with other famous warriors throughout history. These warriors are forced to fight each other in an endless battle.
Drifters - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the clash of history's greatest warriors unfold:
Where to Watch Drifters
Looking for where to watch Drifters?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Drifters - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Yutaka Aoyama
- Mitsuki Saiga
- Yuichi Nakamura
- Naoya Uchida
- Junko Minagawa
- Shiho Kokido
- Tatsuhisa Suzuki
- Mitsuru Miyamoto
Writers
- Hideyuki Kurata
- Yosuke Kuroda
Executive Producers
- Rikichirou Toda
Drifters - FAQs
Is Drifters based on a manga?
Drifters is adapted from the manga series of the same name by Kouta Hirano, the creator of Hellsing. Serialized in Young King Ours since 2009, the manga blends historical figures with dark fantasy and action, and the anime adaptation closely follows its distinctive art style and tone.
What historical figures appear in Drifters?
Drifters features a remarkable cast of real historical warriors, including Japanese samurai Toyohisa Shimazu and warlord Nobunaga Oda, Carthaginian general Hannibal Barca, medieval archer Yoichi Nasu no Suketaka, and French heroine Jeanne d'Arc — all reimagined as combatants in a magical parallel world.
Is Drifters worth watching for anime fans?
Drifters is a thrilling ride for fans of dark fantasy and action anime. Its unique premise of pitting real historical legends against each other in a magical world, combined with Kouta Hirano's kinetic art style and sharp black comedy, makes it a standout isekai experience with serious edge.
Where can you stream Drifters?
Drifters is available to buy on the Apple TV Store. For a full overview of viewing options in your region, including any newly added platforms, checking JustWatch is the quickest way to find current availability.
What is the content rating for Drifters?
Drifters carries a TV-MA rating in the United States, reflecting its mature content including graphic battle violence, strong language, and dark thematic elements. It is intended for adult audiences and is rated 16 in Germany and R 18+ in Australia.
Will Drifters get a second season?
As of now, no second season of Drifters has been officially announced. The anime concluded after one season in 2016, and while the source manga by Kouta Hirano continues its slow publication schedule, a follow-up anime adaptation remains unconfirmed despite strong fan demand.
Who are the voice actors in Drifters?
The Japanese voice cast includes Yuichi Nakamura as protagonist Toyohisa Shimazu, Naoya Uchida as the cunning Nobunaga Oda, Yutaka Aoyama as Hannibal Barca, Mitsuki Saiga as Yoichi, Junko Minagawa as Jeanne d'Arc, and Tatsuhisa Suzuki as Naoshi Kanno.
What anime series are similar to Drifters?
If Drifters hooked you, consider Yasuke for another take on historical warriors in fantastical settings, Berserk for dark medieval action, Blade of the Immortal for brutal samurai storytelling, or The Heroic Legend of Arslan for epic fantasy warfare with rich political intrigue.
More About Drifters
Explore further details about Drifters on these authoritative resources: