Staffel
Episode
Player-Server
Kingdom

Kingdom

20128
AnimationDramaAction & Adventure
Veröffentlicht
04. Juni 2012
Land
Japan
Produktionen
PierrotSt.SignpostNHK Enterprisesavex picturesShueisha
Im alten China leben die Kriegswaisen Shin und Hyou, angetrieben von dem Wunsch, einmal auf dem Schlachtfeld zu kämpfen. Dies scheint in Erfüllung zu gehen, als Hyou eine Einladung in den Palast bekommt. Doch das ganze entwickelt sich zur Katastrophe: bei seiner Flucht nach Hause kommt Hyou ums Leben. Shin, am Boden zerstört, trifft wenig später auf einen Jungen, der Hyou bis aufs Haar gleicht. Sein Name ist Ei Sei, Prinz von Qin und zukünftiger Kaiser von Shi Huangdi.

About

Quick guide

An anime about a young orphan’s rise to become a general in the Qin kingdom during China’s Warring States period.

Set in ancient China’s turbulent Warring States era, the series follows Xin, an orphan who dreams of becoming a general. After a chance meeting with the young King Zheng of Qin, he vows to help the king unify the fragmented states. Through a mix of battlefield strategy, personal growth, and loyalty, Xin’s journey mirrors the larger unification effort, offering a blend of historical drama and intense military action. The show balances the harsh realities of war with moments of camaraderie and ambition, keeping viewers engaged without heavy exposition.

What to know

  • Each episode runs about 23 minutes (except season 5’s shorter episodes).
  • Season 1 has 38 episodes; Season 2 has 39; Season 3 has 26; Season 4 has 26; Season 5 has 12.
  • The anime is licensed by Funimation for simulcast and streaming.
  • The series stays true to the manga’s historical setting but condenses some arcs.
  • War scenes are intense but the show avoids gratuitous fan service.
  • The main focus is on strategy, leadership, and the path to becoming a general.
  • Characters include Xin, King Zheng, and several other generals from rival states.
  • The anime’s tone is serious and sometimes dark, reflecting the hardships of the era.

Watch if

If you enjoy detailed battle tactics, character-driven military stories, and a serious historical backdrop without excessive fan‑service or explicit content, Kingdom will keep you hooked. Its blend of strategy, leadership growth, and the emotional journey of a young orphan make it an engaging watch.

Skip if

If you prefer lighthearted adventures, romantic comedies, or anime that focuses on everyday life rather than large-scale battles, Kingdom’s intense war scenes and mature themes may feel heavy.

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Historical Backdrop
The series is set in China’s Warring States period, a time of constant conflict among rival states. By centering the story on the Qin kingdom, the anime highlights the political ambition of unifying China under a single ruler. The backdrop provides a realistic depiction of ancient warfare, strategy, and the social dynamics of the era.
Main Character Journey
Xin begins as a nameless orphan with a strong will. His encounter with King Zheng sparks a promise to aid in the quest for unification. Throughout the series, Xin transforms from a lowly servant into a capable general, driven by ambition and a sense of loyalty.
War Themes & Tactics
The anime emphasizes large-scale battles and strategic decision‑making. Viewers follow the planning of sieges, troop movements, and the clash of armies. The show’s pacing reflects the intensity of warfare while maintaining character development.
Political Intrigue
Behind the battlefield, political maneuvering shapes the path to power. Alliances shift, betrayals surface, and the king’s court navigates complex loyalties. These elements underscore the political stakes of unification.
Visual & Sound Design
The art style blends realism with dramatic flair, capturing the gravity of ancient battlefields. Soundtracks and voice performances amplify tension during critical moments, contributing to an immersive experience.
Mature Themes
The show does not shy away from the harsh realities of war: loss, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity. These themes provide depth, appealing to viewers who appreciate nuanced storytelling.

FAQ

41 Q&A
Who plays the main characters in Kingdom?
Joo Ji-hoon plays Crown Prince Lee Chang, and Bae Doona plays the physician Seo-bi.
What is the historical setting of Kingdom?
Kingdom is set in Korea's Joseon Dynasty during the early 15th century.
Does Kingdom have a happy ending?
The ending of Kingdom offers a sense of hope for the future but leaves room for future stories.
Is Kingdom a zombie show?
Yes, Kingdom is a historical zombie horror series.
What are the main plot points of Kingdom?
The story follows a crown prince as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns people into zombies while also dealing with political conspiracies.
How does Kingdom end?
The finale of Kingdom sees the protagonist working to control the spread of the plague and address the corruption within the government.
Who are the main characters in Kingdom?
The main characters include Crown Prince Lee Chang, the physician Seo-bi, and the warrior Mu-yeong.
What is the political intrigue in Kingdom?
There is significant political intrigue as the Crown Prince battles against a corrupt clan seeking to usurp the throne.
Where can I watch Kingdom?
Kingdom is available for streaming on Netflix.
Who is the protagonist of Kingdom?
The protagonist of Kingdom is Crown Prince Lee Chang.
What is the significance of the "plague" in Kingdom?
The plague is the central driving force of the story, causing the zombie outbreak and exposing the deep-seated corruption in the kingdom.
Who is the antagonist in Kingdom?
The primary antagonists are the members of the Haewon Cho clan, led by Chief State Councilor Cho Hak-ju, who seek to seize power.
Is Kingdom based on a true story?
While set in a historical period, Kingdom is a fictional story and not based on a true event.
What is Kingdom about?
Kingdom is about a Korean crown prince who investigates a mysterious plague spreading through his kingdom, which turns the dead into monsters.
What is the overarching story of Kingdom?
The overarching story involves the fight against a deadly plague and the struggle for the throne amidst political corruption.
What are the fight scenes like in Kingdom?
The fight scenes are intense and thrilling, featuring both sword fighting against humans and desperate struggles against hordes of zombies.
What is the genre of Kingdom?
Kingdom is a blend of historical drama, political thriller, and zombie horror.
What happens in the first season of Kingdom?
In the first season, Crown Prince Lee Chang investigates a mysterious illness and uncovers a plot that leads to a zombie outbreak.
What are the different factions in Kingdom?
The main factions are the Royal family, the Haewon Cho clan who are the primary antagonists, and the common people fighting for survival.
What is the finale of Kingdom about?
The finale deals with the aftermath of the plague, the efforts to contain it, and the fight against those who caused it.
What happens in the third season of Kingdom?
There is no third season of Kingdom. The story continues in the spin-off "Kingdom: Ashin of the North".
What are the actors' names in Kingdom?
Key actors include Joo Ji-hoon, Bae Doona, Ryu Seung-ryong, Kim Sung-kyu, and Jeon Seok-ho.
What happens in the second season of Kingdom?
The second season continues the fight against the zombies and the political conspiracy, with the Crown Prince trying to save his people.
Are the main characters in Kingdom based on real people?
The main characters in Kingdom are fictional and not based on real historical figures.
What are the character arcs in Kingdom?
Characters like Crown Prince Lee Chang evolve from a hesitant prince to a decisive leader, while others face trials that test their loyalty and survival.
How was the production of Kingdom?
Kingdom's production was noted for its high quality, blending historical drama with zombie horror elements seamlessly.
What are some common fan theories about Kingdom?
Fan theories often revolve around the origins of the plague, the motivations of certain characters, and the potential for future storylines beyond the main narrative.
What is the meaning behind the ending of Kingdom?
The ending of Kingdom suggests a new beginning for the kingdom, with the main characters working to rebuild and prevent future outbreaks, while also hinting at lingering threats.
Are there any spin-offs or sequels planned for Kingdom?
While there have been no official announcements of spin-offs or direct sequels, the creators have expressed interest in expanding the world of Kingdom.
What was the filming process for Kingdom?
Filming for Kingdom involved extensive use of historical sets and locations in South Korea to authentically recreate the Joseon era, alongside complex choreography for the zombie scenes.
What is the tone of Kingdom?
Kingdom has a tone that expertly blends suspenseful horror with political intrigue and historical drama, creating a unique and thrilling viewing experience.
What inspired the creators of Kingdom?
The creators were inspired by a combination of historical texts detailing a plague during the Joseon Dynasty and the popular zombie genre.
Are there any plot holes in Kingdom?
While the series is generally well-regarded for its plot, some viewers have pointed out minor inconsistencies or questions that remain unresolved.
What happens to the main characters after the finale?
After the finale, the main characters focus on healing the land and establishing a new order, working to control the spread of the plague and rebuild society.
Were there any challenges during the filming of Kingdom?
Challenges during filming included managing large-scale action sequences with hundreds of extras, extensive night shoots, and replicating the historical atmosphere of the Joseon era.
What kind of research went into Kingdom?
Extensive research into Joseon Dynasty history, medicine, social structures, and cultural practices was conducted to ensure historical authenticity.
How is the pacing of Kingdom?
Kingdom is known for its brisk pacing, balancing moments of intense action and horror with slower, character-driven development and political maneuvering.
What are the key themes explored in Kingdom?
Key themes include survival, power, corruption, social inequality, and the fight against both supernatural and human threats.
What do critics say about Kingdom?
Critics have largely praised Kingdom for its originality, compelling storyline, strong performances, and innovative fusion of genres.
How accurate is Kingdom's depiction of the Joseon era?
Kingdom strives for historical accuracy in its portrayal of Joseon era clothing, architecture, and social customs, while incorporating fictional elements for the zombie narrative.
What do audiences think of Kingdom?
Audiences have responded very positively to Kingdom, appreciating its unique premise, thrilling plot, and high production values.

Schauspieler

Masakazu Morita
Masakazu Morita
Li Xin (voice)
Jun Fukuyama
Jun Fukuyama
Ei Sei (voice)
Rie Kugimiya
Rie Kugimiya
Karyou Ten (voice)
Yoko Hikasa
Yoko Hikasa
Kyoukai (voice)
Yoshimasa Hosoya
Yoshimasa Hosoya
Wang Ben (voice)
Hirofumi Nojima
Hirofumi Nojima
Meng Tian (voice)
Kenyu Horiuchi
Kenyu Horiuchi
Wang Jian (voice)
Mie Sonozaki
Mie Sonozaki
Yang Duanhe (voice)
Kentaro Ito
Kentaro Ito
Huan Yi (voice)
Toshiyuki Morikawa
Toshiyuki Morikawa
Li Mu (voice)
Koji Ishii
Koji Ishii
Ji Hui (voice)