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The Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin

Every episode of Rurouni Kenshin ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin!

Binge this in 1d 15h•Peaking at 9.1/10

The Meiji Era was one of great renewal for Japan, where swords and killing were outlawed. However, many survivors from the time of Revolution still live, lurking in the shadows and waiting for a chance

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 3 - A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot
    9.1/10(267 votes)

    #1 - A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot

    S2:E3

    After stopping a fatal battle with Hajime Saito, a top government official asks Kenshin's help in killing a shadowy assassin who's threatening the future of the regime.

    Director:Kazuhiro Furuhashi
    Writer:Michiru Shimada

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  2. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 16 - Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!
    9.0/10(232 votes)

    #2 - Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!

    S2:E16

    As Kenshin struggles to learn, Sijuro teaches him the most secret of his fighting techniques. And though Kenshin doesn't want to kill, it's inevitable if he is to beat Shishio. Meanwhile, Sanosuke is arrested during his search for Kenshin.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 2 - Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!
    8.8/10(209 votes)

    #3 - Strongest Opponent From the Past: Merciless Fangs Strike!

    S2:E2

    Saito sets a trap for Kenshin by enlisting another assassin in his plan. And once Kenshin repels the accomplice, he's left to take on his old rival.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 33 - The Man Who is Chosen for Victory: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Finale
    8.8/10(197 votes)

    #4 - The Man Who is Chosen for Victory: Shishio Versus Kenshin, Finale

    S2:E33

    Kenshin's final effort to win the ultimate battle ends with Shishio destroying himself. But in the wake of Kenshin's victory, Shishio's closest aide vows revenge.

    Director:Kazuhiro Furuhashi
    Writer:Yoshiyuki Suga

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  5. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 4 - A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs
    8.7/10(205 votes)

    #5 - A Wish Unrequited: Kenshin Departs

    S2:E4

    While preparing to give his decision on helping to kill Shishio, Kenshin learns of the Home Minister's murder.

    Director:Kazuhiro Furuhashi
    Writer:Michiru Shimada

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  6. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 31 - The Age Chooses Shishio? Kenshin's Greatest Crisis
    8.7/10(175 votes)

    #6 - The Age Chooses Shishio? Kenshin's Greatest Crisis

    S2:E31

    In their long awaited battle, Kenshin and Shishio compare ideologies as well as fighting techniques. But once Shishio uses gunpowder to gain the upper hand, it looks like Kenshin is doomed.

    Director:Akira Yoshimura
    Writer:Yoshiyuki Suga

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Rurouni Kenshin

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  7. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 21 - Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life
    8.6/10(181 votes)

    #7 - Reborn to Salvation: The Beginning of Anji’s New Life

    S2:E21

    During his battle with Sanosuke, the fallen monk recalls how his hatred was born during an anti-Buddhist movement.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 28 - The Tragedy of a Stormy Night: Sojiro's Past
    8.5/10(176 votes)

    #8 - The Tragedy of a Stormy Night: Sojiro's Past

    S2:E28

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 1 - Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near
    8.4/10(193 votes)

    #9 - Prelude to the Impending Fight: The Shadow of the Wolf Draws Near

    S2:E1

    A persistent nightmare comes true when Kenshin's old enemy, the former leader of a shadowy anti-Royalist organization, is hired to assassinate him.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 32 - Not Out of Luck! The Revival of a Fighting Spirit
    8.4/10(162 votes)

    #10 - Not Out of Luck! The Revival of a Fighting Spirit

    S2:E32

    As Aoshi tries to stop a takeover of the country, Kenshin poses Shishio with his greatest challenge. In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio.

    Director:Koichi Chigira
    Writer:Yoshiyuki Suga

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  11. Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 11 - Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow
    8.3/10(207 votes)

    #11 - Farewell, the Strongest Men: The Clash of Light and Shadow

    S1:E11

    Kenshin defeats a local mob's most powerful fighter, only to then face a gang leader who's determined to spread powerful new guns across Japan.

    Director:Takashi Kobayashi
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 9 - Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!
    8.3/10(166 votes)

    #12 - Across the Boundary Between Edo and Meiji: Kenshin and Shishio Face to Face!

    S2:E9

    Leaving Misao behind, Kenshin and Saito make their way inside Shishio's fortress. Following a confrontation with one of his most powerful henchmen, Kenshin is ready to take on Shishio himself.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 10 - Shock! Reverse Blade Sword Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin
    8.3/10(160 votes)

    #13 - Shock! Reverse Blade Sword Broken: Sojiro's Tenken verses Kenshin

    S2:E10

    Following Kenshin's defeat of the giant Senkaku, Shishio pits him against the young, emotionless assassin responsible for the Home Minister's murder.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 13 - A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana
    8.3/10(171 votes)

    #14 - A Killer Without Mercy: Fight to the Death Against the Cho of the Juppongatana

    S2:E13

    After watching an unarmed Kenshin bravely defend himself, Shakkuu Arai's only chance at saving his own son is to deliver his father's final reverse edge sword.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 22 - The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu
    8.3/10(157 votes)

    #15 - The Wolf Destroys the Eye of the Heart: The Fierce Attack of the Zero Stance Gatotsu

    S2:E22

    In his defeat of Usui, Saito exposes the blind warrior's plot to kill Shishio. And while Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao are preparing to defend themselves from an ambush, Kenshin readies for his fight against Aoshi.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 27 - Hiten Versus Shukuchi: Sojiro's Inborn Talent
    8.3/10(153 votes)

    #16 - Hiten Versus Shukuchi: Sojiro's Inborn Talent

    S2:E27

    As Sanosuke looks on, Kenshin goes to battle with Souijuro, the emotionless assassin responsible for breaking his sword. Though Shishio is confident of the young warrior's ability, Kenshin may be able to win without having to resort to killing.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 29 - A Duel With an Extreme Moment: Shuntensatsu Versus Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki
    8.3/10(158 votes)

    #17 - A Duel With an Extreme Moment: Shuntensatsu Versus Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki

    S2:E29

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 24 - Midnight Battle: Sanosuke Verses Kenshin Revisited
    8.2/10(176 votes)

    #18 - Midnight Battle: Sanosuke Verses Kenshin Revisited

    S1:E24

    Following a lavish party at the dojo, Sanosuke can no longer resist joining his old army troop's plot to punish the government. However, in an effort to stop them, Kenshin is forced to take on Sanosuke.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 24 - Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish
    8.2/10(150 votes)

    #19 - Wake Up Now! Ignore Your Wounds and Fight to the Finish

    S2:E24

    Following his defeat by Kenshin, Aoshi vows to renounce Shishio. And while Shishio looks for clues to help in his impending fight with Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and Misao fight to stay alive.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 35 - Kyoto, the Engraved Memory: Begin with a Wish
    8.2/10(155 votes)

    #20 - Kyoto, the Engraved Memory: Begin with a Wish

    S2:E35

    As Kenshin is nursing the wounds sustained in his fight with Shishio, Kaoru prepares the Peace Force for their return home.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Rurouni Kenshin Season 1 Episode 7 - Deathmatch under the Moon! Protect the One You Love
    8.1/10(220 votes)

    #21 - Deathmatch under the Moon! Protect the One You Love

    S1:E7

    After kidnapping Kaoru, the ruthless Jin-nai Udo draws Kenshin into the fight he's been seeking for years. Though Kenshin tries to resist, Jin-nai's powerful spell over Kaoru leaves him no other choice.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 20 - Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!
    8.1/10(155 votes)

    #22 - Crash! The Lethal Punch, Futae no Kiwami: The Fist of Sonosuke Screams!

    S2:E20

    As Shishio prepares for battle, a henchmen suggests a plan to weaken Kenshin and his forces, ridding them of any opposition once and for all. As the moment of truth draws near, Sanosuke is pitted against Anji.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 23 - The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again
    8.1/10(152 votes)

    #23 - The Promised Time Has Come: Aoshi and Kenshin Fight Again

    S2:E23

    Kenshin sets out to honor his promises to both fight Aoshi and bring him back alive to Misao.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 5 - Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice
    8.0/10(159 votes)

    #24 - Change Tears to Courage: Kaoru Kamiya's Choice

    S2:E5

    Following Kenshin's departure from the dojo, everyone, and especially Kaoru, are sad at being left behind. And while Saito tries to dissuade Sanosuke from following him, Megumi sends Kaoru to deliver some medicine that will aid in Kenshin's fight .

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  25. Rurouni Kenshin Season 2 Episode 8 - Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands
    8.0/10(160 votes)

    #25 - Conquered Village: The Grasp of Shishio's Hands

    S2:E8

    When he and Misao come across a village terrorized by forces loyal to Shishio, Kenshin enlists Saito to help liberate it from the evil gang.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Best Episodes Summary

"A Devil of Vengeance: Makoto Shishio's Plot" is the best rated episode of "Rurouni Kenshin". It scored 9.1/10 based on 267 votes. Directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi and written by Michiru Shimada, it aired on 11/13/1996. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Between Life and Death: Master the Ultimate Technique, Amakakeru Ryu no Hikameki!".