Highlights

• Action anime is at its best when it combines incredible fight scenes with great characters and a compelling story.
• Bleach, Dragon Ball Z, and Trigun are examples of action anime that excel in delivering intense and well-animated battles.
• One Punch Man, Hellsing Ultimate, and Samurai Champloo offer unique premises and memorable characters, making them must-watch action anime.

From fantasy to superheroes, classic battles to sprawling epics, there are countless action stories told across anime. No matter your preference, there’s something for everyone who wants to get their blood pumping. Action anime provides some of the craziest fights you could hope to see on screen, and those same fights are often created with the best sakuga the anime industry can produce.

What sets a truly great action series apart is when those incredible action scenes are in service of great characters and a compelling story. Cool fights are one thing, but fighting for a reason and caring about who wins improves the experience.

Updated by Stefania Ikeda-Stavridi on December 27th, 2023: We have updated the list to include five new entries, as well as, rearranged the rankings to correspond to the ones in My Anime List. More relevant information and an image gallery have been added to each entry to provide an even better understanding of each series.

15 Bleach

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 7.93

Why Watch Bleach?

• Part of the Big Three Shonen anime with a rich and expansive world
• Intense and well-animated action-packed battles

Bleach stands as one of the greatest action anime, boasting a dedicated fanbase eagerly awaiting its completion. The series excels in delivering exhilarating action and fight scenes that showcase the character’s unique abilities and combat styles. Ichigo Kurosaki’s journey from an ordinary teenager to a formidable soul reaper mirrors the compelling character growth woven into the narrative.

The diverse cast of characters, each with distinct personalities and powers, adds depth to the story. However, some fans note the occasional pacing issues and filler arcs as a drawback. Nevertheless, Bleach’s consistently outstanding action sequences, intricate plot, and the resonance of its characters ensure its enduring status as one of the best action anime in the anime landscape.

14 Dragon Ball Z

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.17

Why Watch Dragon Ball Z?

• Legendary characters and villains
• Nostalgia and cultural impact
• Iconic action anime that greatly influenced the Shōnen genre

It would be almost criminal to discuss action anime without mentioning the show that created the formula for all future battle shonen. What started as a delightful adventure story in Dragon Ball evolved into a fight-focused, power-scaling, worldwide phenomenon.

Some of the plot beats and character moments may seem played out to a first-time viewer, but that’s because many of those tropes originated with Dragon Ball Z. And to this day, few things hit harder than that first Super Saiyan transformation and the fight against Frieza.

13 Trigun

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.22

Why Watch Trigun?

• Memorable characters and antagonists with great character growth
• Epic gunfights

One of the original great gunslinger tales in all of Shonen, Trigun follows Vash The Stampede — a man who has a seemingly supernatural ability to cause destruction wherever he goes. It turns out, however, that Vash is something of a pacifist, but his $$60-billion double-dollar bounty leads to frequent encounters with bounty hunters who care little for the property damage they cause.

With a flashy design and stellar gunfighting skills, Vash is a character with a surprising level of depth that makes following his adventures all the more satisfying. Trigun is an anime definitely worth watching if you are a fan of intense gun fights, memorable antagonists, and an exploration of philosophical themes such as morality or pacifism.

12 Hellsing Ultimate

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.35

Why Watch Hellsing Ultimate?

• Crazy action anime with vampires, werewolves, and Nazi zombies
• Dark atmosphere and aesthetic with an overpowered Anti-Hero

Sometimes you just want to turn your brain off and watch a crazy vampire and his well-endowed thrall shoot a bunch of Nazi priests in the face. Whenever that extremely common and perfectly natural desire hits, Hellsing Ultimate is there for you.

This violent, melodramatic series puts a new spin on the fight against vampires as the powerful vampire Alucard joins forces with the Hellsing Organization to protect England from supernatural threats and a bunch of leftover Nazis using vampirism to revive the Third Reich. Hellsing Ultimate is full of crazy battles, mature themes, a dark and gritty atmosphere, and a protagonist too overpowered to care.

11 One Punch Man

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.50

Why Watch One Punch Man?

• A humorous and satirical take on the superhero trope
• One Punch Man has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless memes

One Punch Man is a standout action anime known for its exceptional sequences and unique premise. Saitama, the protagonist, achieves superhuman strength with a minimalist daily routine: 100 pushups, 100 situps, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run daily. Despite becoming the world’s most powerful hero, defeating foes with a single punch leaves him bored.

The initial season captivates with humor, satire, and impressive animation, securing its status as a masterpiece. However, subsequent seasons fail to match the impact, leading to a slightly lower ranking on this list. The series explores themes of boredom and existentialism as Saitama transitions from a supermarket-savvy shut-in to a reluctant hero facing world-threatening challenges.

10 Samurai Champloo

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.51

Why Watch Samurai Champloo?

• Eclectic soundtrack combining hip-hop and contemporary beats
• Same director as Cowboy Bebop

A bit more grounded than most action anime, Samurai Champloo takes place in Edo-period Japan and tells the story of a wandering trio searching for the samurai who smells of sunflowers. The distinct fighting styles of the two lead warriors, Mugen and Jin, add variety to the series’ many duels and larger-scale brawls.

A tight and complete story, Samurai Champloo is a fun romp with a trio of big personalities that takes the viewer on a genuine old-school adventure.

9 My Hero Academia

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 7.87

Why Watch My Hero Academia?

• Visually impressive action sequences
• Engaging characters and intriguing villains

My Hero Academia has cemented its place as an exceptional action anime, captivating audiences with its unique take on the superhero genre. Set in a world where individuals possess superpowers known as Quirks, the series follows young Midoriya as he navigates the challenges of becoming a hero.

My Hero Academia excels in delivering compelling action sequences, featuring creative and strategic use of Quirks in intense battles between heroes and villains. The narrative showcases a diverse cast of characters, each with their own distinctive Quirks and personalities, contributing to the series’ broad appeal. Character development is a key strength, with protagonists evolving as they face moral dilemmas and confront their limitations.

The anime is ranked higher than other entries, thanks to its consistent evolution, with every season bringing something new and exciting to the table, along with exceptional animation, plot, and voice acting.

8 Demon Slayer

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.48

Why Watch Demon Slayer?

• Has some of the best animated fight scenes in all of anime
• Masterful soundtrack accompanied by intriguing characters

Demon Slayer is a prime example of how to create fights with purpose. From the very first chapter, Tanjiro’s motivations are clear. He has to become a Demon Slayer to protect his sister. He has to get stronger to collect the blood of more powerful demons in order to cure Nezuko.

Every demon Tanjiro battles is clearly evil, but that personal motivation adds so much more weight to his victories. Every gorgeous fight scene brings him closer to saving his beloved sister and showcases Studio Ufotable’s brilliance, with each battle surpassing the previous one. Demon Slayer ranks higher than other entries because it always manages to surpass itself each season, delivering more breathtaking animations.

7 Jujutsu Kaisen

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.62

Why Watch Jujutsu Kaisen?

• Visually stunning and dynamically animated fight scenes
• Well-developed characters deliver emotional moments

Jujutsu Kaisen stands out as a stellar action anime, captivating audiences with its exceptional animation, compelling characters, and robust character development. The series excels in delivering breathtaking fight sequences with fluid animation that brings the intense battles to life.

The protagonists are well-developed and possess distinct personalities, making them engaging and relatable to viewers. What sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart is its commitment to character growth, as each protagonist grapples with their fears, insecurities, and evolving abilities. The synergy of well-animated action, a diverse and well-developed cast, and meaningful character progression solidifies Jujutsu Kaisen as a standout in the realm of action anime, captivating both seasoned anime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

6 Vinland Saga

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.75

Why Watch Vinland Saga?

• Realistic portrayal of war with an exploration of philosophical themes such as human nature and the consequences of revenge
• High-quality animation that brings the fight scenes to life

Vinland Saga stands as a remarkable action anime, captivating audiences with its intense and meticulously choreographed battles set against the historical backdrop of the Viking Age. Studio Wit’s animation is nothing short of spectacular, bringing the brutality of medieval warfare and the intricacies of character movements to life.

The visuals enhance the overall immersion, making each action sequence a breathtaking spectacle. However, some fans express frustration with the protagonist, Thorfinn’s, slower character development, finding it less engaging compared to other characters like the charismatic Askeladd. While Thorfinn’s journey is central to the narrative, the desire for more immediate growth has led some to express a preference for Askeladd in the lead role.

5 Cowboy Bebop

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.75

Why Watch Cowboy Bebop?

• Timeless soundtrack combining jazz, blues, and rock
• Memorable characters

One of the all-time great original anime, Cowboy Bebop, brings together every aspect that makes a great action series. The show offers deep characters, crazy action scenes, cool sci-fi weapons and gadgets, and stakes that matter to the heroes and the viewer.

But what pushes Cowboy Bebop above so many other great series is the music. From its all-time classic opening to the multitude of great tracks in its score, Bebop’s jazz-inspired soundtrack is unlike anything else in anime and gives the entire series a unique, fun feel.

4 Gintama

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.94

Why Watch Gintama?

• Best parody anime with a cult following
• Unpredictable plot with memorable characters

Gintama, hailed as a great action anime, stands out for its unique blend of action, humor, and unpredictability. The series seamlessly integrates intense action sequences with its greatest strength—the unparalleled comedic elements. However, this very reliance on humor can be seen as both a strength and a weakness.

While Gintama’s parody and comedic elements contribute to its charm, they occasionally sidetrack the plot. Some fans appreciate this spontaneity and enjoy the unexpected humor, while others find the lack of a consistent plot structure a drawback. Nonetheless, Gintama’s ability to seamlessly transition between action and comedy makes it a standout and multifaceted anime experience.

3 Attack On Titan

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 8.54

Why Watch Attack On Titan?

• An epic tale full of foreshadowing, betrayals, and plot twists
• A cultural phenomenon with an impactful soundtrack and intense, brutal action scenes

According to available histories, the people behind the three walls are the last remnants of human civilization. Everyone else has been wiped out by terrifying, hulking monstrosities known as Titans. While their ultimate destruction seems inevitable, the tide begins to turn when young soldier Eren Yaeger discovers he can transform into a more powerful monster.

Attack on Titan is a show elevated from its source material by animation. The series’ fights are truly breathtaking in motion thanks to the characters’ high-speed movement juxtaposed against the sudden violence of the Titans.

Attack on Titan has a higher ranking than other entries, thanks to its unparalleled plot filled with meticulous foreshadowing and unexpected twists. The final season, culminating in a breathtaking conclusion, had fans on the edge of their seats. The exceptional animation and voice acting solidified its brilliance, showcasing that the series, in its completion, undeniably lives up to the immense hype it garnered.

2 Hunter X Hunter

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 9.04

Why Watch Hunter X Hunter?

• Unique power system with strategic and intense battles
• A consistent world-building with well-executed pacing and a memorable cast

With one of the most creative magic systems in all of the battle shonen and a colorful cast of heroes and villains, Hunter X Hunter is one of the all-time greats. The only knock against the series is that the health of its creator, Yoshiro Togashi, has significantly slowed the progress of the story.

However, what Togashi has created endures as a heartwarming story of friendship full of complex villains and inventive fights. Hunter X Hunter is a masterclass in how to deliver a cool fight scene that also develops every character involved.

My Anime List (MAL) Score – 9.09

Why Watch Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood?

• Intriguing and likable set of characters with great development
• Stellar voice acting and a breathtaking soundtrack

Fullmetal Alchemist is a beautiful and tragic story about two brothers coming to terms with the loss of their mother and finding their place in the world. It’s also a sprawling fantasy tale full of magic, political intrigue, and cataclysmic villains. The series’ magic system makes for some truly inventive fights that stay consistent within the rules for alchemy laid out at the very start.

From start to finish, FMA tells a complete, compelling story punctuated by emotionally impactful fights. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood does an amazing job at surpassing the original anime, delivering stellar voice acting, beautifully animated action scenes, and delving deeper into character development, not only for the brothers but for the rest of the cast as well.

Compared to other action anime, Brotherhood does not waste time with filler episodes; rather, the story progresses smoothly until it reaches the final climax.