The Rising of the Shield Hero (2019)
Kernel Score: 88% · 1,523 ratings
Genres: Animation, Action & Adventure, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama
First aired: 2019-01-09
Seasons: 5 · 62 episodes
Where to watch The Rising of the Shield Hero
- Stream: Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll
- Buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play
US availability, updated 2026-10-22.
Overview
Iwatani Naofumi, a run-of-the-mill otaku, finds a book in the library that summons him to another world. He is tasked with joining the sword, spear, and bow as one of the Four Cardinal Heroes and fighting the Waves of Catastrophe as the Shield Hero. Excited by the prospect of a grand adventure, Naofumi sets off with his party. However, merely a few days later, he is betrayed and loses all his money, dignity, and respect. Unable to trust anyone anymore, he employs a slave named Raphtalia and takes on the Waves and the world. But will he really find a way to overturn this desperate situation?
The Rising of the Shield Hero parents' guide: ages 14+
Parents need to know that The Rising of the Shield Hero is a TV-14 dark fantasy isekai anime involving betrayal, slavery, and a false rape accusation against the hero.
- Violence & scariness: Moderate — Dark fantasy battles against monstrous 'Waves' and betrayal-driven conflict are central to the plot.
- Sex, romance & nudity: Some — A review notes a plot point involving a false rape accusation against the protagonist, and the story involves a slavery dynamic.
Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official TV-14 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.
Shows like The Rising of the Shield Hero
If you liked The Rising of the Shield Hero, these are the shows we'd watch next.
- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2019) — 91%
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Cast
- Kaito Ishikawa as Naofumi Iwatani (voice)
- Asami Seto as Raphtalia (voice)
- Rina Hidaka as Filo (voice)
The Rising of the Shield Hero FAQ
Is The Rising of the Shield Hero good?
The Rising of the Shield Hero has an 88% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 1,523 audience ratings.
Where can I watch The Rising of the Shield Hero?
In the US you can stream The Rising of the Shield Hero on Netflix, Hulu and Crunchyroll and buy it from Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Is The Rising of the Shield Hero OK for kids?
The Rising of the Shield Hero is rated TV-14. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 14+. Parents need to know that The Rising of the Shield Hero is a TV-14 dark fantasy isekai anime involving betrayal, slavery, and a false rape accusation against the hero.
What shows are like The Rising of the Shield Hero?
If you liked The Rising of the Shield Hero, try Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, I Got a Cheat Skill in Another World and Became Unrivaled in the Real World, Too, Blue Exorcist and Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles.