After saving a young female ninja from an attack, wandering sword-for-hire Jubei Kibagami is embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Eight Devils of Kimon and a man from Jubei’s past who died long ago. Written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who later had a stint on the Wachowski Siblings’ The Animatrix, Ninja Scroll is a visceral thriller with intricate and lush animation from famed Japanese studio Madhouse. Despite the supernatural elements, the story has some basis in reality as Kawajiri based his protagonist on famous folk legend Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi though the story itself pays homage to Futaro Yamada’s novel Makai Tensho. If you’re looking for hyperviolent ninja-on-ninja action, then look no further than this early 90’s gem from the director who brought you Demon City Shinjuku and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.