If you’re an anime fan, chances are you love a good action series. The anime world is filled with incredible shows that feature heart-pounding battles, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable characters. But with so many great action anime out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve scoured the anime landscape to bring you the 28 best action anime of all time. These are the shows that define the genre, the ones that set the standard for what great action anime should be.
Whether you’re a die-hard shounen fan or just getting into anime, these series are sure to get your adrenaline pumping. So sit back, grab some popcorn, and get ready for an action-packed ride through the world of anime!
Attack on Titan
Let’s kick things off with a modern classic. Attack on Titan burst onto the scene in 2013 and quickly became a global phenomenon. The story takes place in a world where humanity lives in cities surrounded by enormous walls, hiding from the monstrous titans that roam outside.
When the walls are breached and his hometown is destroyed, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction. With stunning animation, intense action sequences, and a gripping story, Attack on Titan is a must-watch for any action anime fan.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2013-2023
- Episodes: 98
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 9.1/10
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Widely considered one of the greatest anime series of all time, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a thrilling action-adventure with heart and depth. The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy to try to resurrect their deceased mother. The attempt goes horribly wrong, leaving Ed with two mechanical limbs and Al’s soul trapped in a suit of armor.
To restore their bodies, the brothers seek out the legendary Philosopher’s Stone. Their journey is filled with incredible action, memorable characters, and emotional storytelling that will leave you breathless. If you haven’t seen Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood yet, drop everything and watch it now.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2009-2010
- Episodes: 68
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 9.1/10
One Punch Man
Have you ever wondered what would happen if a superhero could defeat any enemy with a single punch? That’s the premise of One Punch Man, a hilarious and action-packed parody of the superhero genre.
The story follows Saitama, a hero who can defeat any foe with just one punch but is bored by the lack of challenge. Along with his cyborg disciple Genos, Saitama seeks out stronger opponents as he struggles to find meaning in his seemingly pointless existence.
With jaw-dropping fight scenes and plenty of laughs, One Punch Man is a refreshing take on the action genre that will leave you wanting more.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2015-present
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 8.7/10
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has taken the anime world by storm since its debut in 2019. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy who returns home one day to find his family slaughtered by demons. His sister Nezuko has been turned into a demon, but still shows signs of human emotion and thought.
Tanjiro sets out on a quest to become a demon slayer and find a way to turn his sister back into a human. With gorgeous animation, intense sword fights, and a cast of lovable characters, Demon Slayer is an action anime that will tug at your heartstrings.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2019-present
- Episodes: 69
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.6/10
My Hero Academia
In a world where superpowers are the norm, Izuku Midoriya is a rare exception—a completely ordinary boy with no powers to speak of. Despite this, he still dreams of becoming a hero and attending the prestigious UA High School for heroes-in-training.
My Hero Academia follows Izuku’s journey as he navigates the challenges of hero school, makes new friends and rivals, and learns what it truly means to be a hero. With a colorful cast of characters, exciting superhero action, and themes of friendship and determination, My Hero Academia is a must-watch for fans of superhero stories.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2016-present
- Episodes: 121
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Naruto
One of the “Big Three” of shounen anime alongside One Piece and Bleach, Naruto is a classic action series that has captured the hearts of millions. The story follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous ninja-in-training with a powerful secret: sealed within him is the spirit of a destructive nine-tailed fox.
As Naruto grows and learns the ways of the ninja, he forms powerful bonds with his teachers and fellow students, all while pursuing his dream of becoming the Hokage, the strongest ninja in his village. With a vast world, memorable characters, and plenty of ninja action, Naruto is an anime epic that spans hundreds of episodes.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2002-2017
- Episodes: 720
- Rating: TV-PG
- IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Don’t let the cute character designs fool you—Hunter x Hunter is a dark and thrilling action anime with surprising depth. The story follows Gon Freecss, a young boy who sets out to become a Hunter, an elite member of humanity with access to tremendous power and resources.
Along the way, he makes friends with a group of fellow Hunter hopefuls: the revenge-driven Kurapika, the doctor-to-be Leorio, and the mischievous Killua. Together, they face dangerous challenges and powerful enemies as they strive to achieve their goals. With strategic battles, complex power systems, and themes of friendship and personal growth, Hunter x Hunter is an action anime that will keep you hooked.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2011-2014
- Episodes: 148
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 9.0/10
One Piece
With over 1000 episodes and counting, One Piece is a true anime epic. The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young man with the power to stretch like rubber, as he sets out on a grand adventure to become the Pirate King.
Along the way, Luffy gathers a crew of colorful characters, each with their own unique abilities and dreams. Together, they explore a vast and wondrous world filled with danger, excitement, and plenty of laughs. With its mix of action, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, One Piece is a true anime classic that shows no signs of slowing down.
Key Info:
- Aired: 1999-present
- Episodes: 1125
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 9.0/10
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is a dark and stylish action anime that has quickly become a fan favorite. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed talisman and becomes possessed by a powerful demon.
To control his newfound powers, Yuji enrolls in a secret school for jujutsu sorcerers, where he trains alongside other gifted students to battle cursed spirits. With stunning animation, intense battles, and a cast of complex characters, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch for fans of supernatural action.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2020-present
- Episodes: 48
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Cowboy Bebop
A true anime classic, Cowboy Bebop is a stylish and atmospheric sci-fi western that follows the adventures of a ragtag group of bounty hunters. The series is set in a future where humanity has colonized the solar system, and crime runs rampant.
The main characters are Spike Spiegel, a former mobster with a mysterious past; Jet Black, an ex-cop with a robotic arm; Faye Valentine, an amnesiac con artist; and Edward, a eccentric hacker prodigy. Together, they travel the solar system in their spaceship, the Bebop, taking on dangerous bounties and confronting their own pasts.
With its iconic jazz soundtrack, stunning visuals, and unforgettable characters, Cowboy Bebop is a true work of art that transcends the action genre.
Key Info:
- Aired: 1998-1999
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.9/10
Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is a high-octane mecha anime that’s equal parts action and inspiration. The story takes place in a future where humanity lives underground, oppressed by the ruling Beastmen. Simon, a meek young digger, and Kamina, a hotheaded rebel, stumble upon a giant robot head buried in the earth.
Using their new mecha, the Gurren Lagann, Simon and Kamina lead a revolution to take back the surface world and free humanity from oppression. With over-the-top action, inspiring themes of brotherhood and determination, and a healthy dose of humor, Gurren Lagann is a must-watch for fans of mecha anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2007
- Episodes: 27
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.7/10
Mob Psycho 100
From the creator of One Punch Man comes Mob Psycho 100, a supernatural action-comedy about a powerful esper named Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama. Despite his immense psychic abilities, Mob just wants to live a normal life and impress his crush at school.
He works part-time for a con-man spirit medium named Reigen, who uses Mob’s powers to exorcise evil spirits. But as Mob’s powers continue to grow, he attracts the attention of other espers who seek to use him for their own gain. With stunning animation, hilarious characters, and a surprising amount of heart, Mob Psycho 100 is a unique and entertaining action anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2016-present
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.6/10
Fate/Zero
Set in the same universe as the popular Fate/stay night visual novel and anime series, Fate/Zero is a dark and gritty prequel that explores the origins of the Holy Grail War. Seven mages summon legendary heroes from throughout history to fight on their behalf for the ultimate prize: the Holy Grail, which can grant any wish.
Among the summoned heroes are King Arthur, Alexander the Great, and Gilgamesh, each with their own powerful abilities and noble phantasms. As the war rages on, the mages and their servants clash in brutal battles while uncovering the dark secrets behind the Holy Grail’s true nature.
With stunning animation by studio ufotable, complex characters, and a gripping story, Fate/Zero is a must-watch for fans of action and fantasy anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2011-2012
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Kill la Kill
From the creators of Gurren Lagann comes Kill la Kill, a wild and over-the-top action anime that’s equal parts fanservice and social commentary. The story takes place at Honnouji Academy, a high school ruled by the tyrannical student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin and her powerful underlings, the Elite Four.
Transfer student Ryuuko Matoi arrives at the school seeking revenge for her father’s murder, armed with a giant scissor blade and a sentient sailor uniform that grants her immense power. What follows is a series of increasingly ridiculous battles as Ryuuko takes on Satsuki and her minions to uncover the truth behind her father’s death and the school’s secrets.
With its fast-paced action, outrageous humor, and themes of rebellion and self-acceptance, Kill la Kill is a must-watch for fans of unconventional action anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2013-2014
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Samurai Champloo
From the director of Cowboy Bebop comes Samurai Champloo, a hip-hop-infused samurai action series that blends historical fiction with anachronistic style. The story follows Mugen, a wild and unpredictable swordsman; Jin, a ronin samurai; and Fuu, a young woman who hires them as her bodyguards.
Together, the unlikely trio embarks on a journey across Japan in search of a mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers. Along the way, they get into all sorts of trouble, from run-ins with local yakuza to battles with rival samurai.
With its unique blend of samurai action, hip-hop music, and irreverent humor, Samurai Champloo is a one-of-a-kind anime experience that’s not to be missed.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2004-2005
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.5/10
Hellsing Ultimate
Hellsing Ultimate is a dark and violent action anime that’s not for the faint of heart. The series follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret British agency tasked with defending the country from supernatural threats.
The organization’s ultimate weapon is Alucard, an ancient and powerful vampire who serves as Hellsing’s trump card. Along with his fledgling vampire servant Seras Victoria and the Hellsing soldiers, Alucard battles against a variety of monsters, ghouls, and rival vampires.
With its graphic violence, gothic atmosphere, and over-the-top action, Hellsing Ultimate is a must-watch for fans of horror and action anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2006-2012
- Episodes: 10
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Black Lagoon
Black Lagoon is a gritty and action-packed anime that follows the adventures of the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries who operate in the seedy underworld of Southeast Asia. The series begins when Rokuro Okajima, a Japanese salaryman, is kidnapped by the Lagoon Company during a botched smuggling operation.
Instead of returning to his old life, Rokuro joins the crew and takes on the name “Rock,” becoming embroiled in a series of dangerous and violent missions. With its realistic depiction of crime and violence, morally ambiguous characters, and intense action sequences, Black Lagoon is a must-watch for fans of mature action anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2006
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.0/10
Baccano!
Set in 1930s America, Baccano! is a unique and stylish action anime that tells a non-linear story of interconnected characters and events. The series follows a large cast of characters, including mafia members, thieves, alchemists, and immortals, as they cross paths and clash in a series of violent and unpredictable encounters.
With its jazzy soundtrack, art deco aesthetic, and complex narrative structure, Baccano! is a one-of-a-kind anime experience that rewards multiple viewings.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2007
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.4/10
Trigun
Trigun is a classic action anime that blends Western and sci-fi elements to create a unique and memorable world. The series follows Vash the Stampede, a legendary gunslinger with a $$60 billion bounty on his head. Despite his fearsome reputation, Vash is actually a pacifist who seeks to resolve conflicts without violence.
As he travels across the desert planet of Gunsmoke, Vash encounters a variety of colorful characters, including the ruthless assassin Wolfwood and the insurance agents Meryl and Milly, who are tasked with minimizing the damage caused by Vash’s adventures. With its memorable characters, philosophical themes, and exciting gunfights, Trigun is a must-watch for fans of classic action anime.
Key Info:
- Aired: 1998
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Akame ga Kill!
In a world where corruption runs rampant, a group of assassins known as Night Raid fights to overthrow the tyrannical government. Tatsumi, a young warrior from a remote village, joins Night Raid after his friends are killed by a corrupt official.
Armed with Imperial Arms, powerful weapons with unique abilities, Tatsumi and his fellow assassins battle against the Empire’s strongest warriors and uncover a sinister conspiracy that threatens the entire nation. With its dark themes, intense action, and high stakes, Akame ga Kill! is a thrilling and emotionally charged anime that’s not for the faint of heart.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2014
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 7.9/10
Sword Art Online
In the near future, a virtual reality MMORPG called Sword Art Online is released, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in a fantasy world. However, the game’s creator traps 10,000 players inside the game, forcing them to fight for their lives in a deadly struggle to escape.
Kirito, a skilled solo player, joins forces with a girl named Asuna to survive the game’s challenges and uncover the mystery behind their imprisonment. With its blend of action, romance, and science fiction, Sword Art Online is a popular and influential anime that has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2012
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 7.6/10
Noragami
Yato is a minor deity who dreams of having millions of worshippers. Without a single shrine dedicated to his name, he spends his days doing odd jobs for five yen apiece, until his weapon partner becomes fed up with her useless master and deserts him.
Just as things seem to be looking grim for the god, his fortune changes when a middle school girl, Hiyori Iki, saves Yato from a car accident, taking the hit for him. Remarkably, she survives, but the event has caused her soul to become loose and hence able to leave her body. Hiyori demands that Yato return her to normal, but upon learning that he needs a new partner to do so, reluctantly agrees to help him find one. And with Hiyori’s help, Yato’s luck may finally be turning around.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2014-2015
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-14
- IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Parasyte -the maxim-
All of a sudden, they arrived: parasitic aliens that descended upon Earth and quickly infiltrated humanity by burrowing into the brains of vulnerable targets. These insatiable beings acquire full control of their host and are able to morph into a variety of forms in order to feed on unsuspecting prey.
Sixteen-year-old high school student Shinichi Izumi falls victim to one of these parasites, but it fails to take over his brain, ending up in his right hand instead. Unable to relocate, the parasite, now named Migi, has no choice but to rely on Shinichi in order to stay alive. Thus, the pair is forced into an uneasy coexistence and must defend themselves from hostile parasites that hope to eradicate this new threat to their species.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2014-2015
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.3/10
Claymore
When a shapeshifting demon with a thirst for human flesh, known as “youma,” arrives in Raki’s village, a lone woman with silver eyes walks into town with only a sword upon her back. She is a “Claymore,” a being manufactured as half-human and half-youma, for the express purpose of exterminating these monsters. After Raki’s family is killed, the Claymore saves his life, but he is subsequently banished from his home. With nowhere else to go, Raki finds the Claymore, known as Clare, and decides to follow her on her journeys.
As the pair travel from town to town, defeating youma along the way, more about Clare’s organization and her fellow warriors comes to light. With every town cleansed and every demon destroyed, they come closer to the youma on which Clare has sought vengeance ever since she chose to become a Claymore.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2007
- Episodes: 26
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 7.8/10
Vinland Saga
Young Thorfinn grew up listening to the stories of old sailors that had traveled the ocean and reached the place of legend, Vinland. It’s said to be warm and fertile, a place where there would be no need for fighting—not at all like the frozen village in Iceland where he was born, and certainly not like his current life as a mercenary. War is his home now. Though his father once told him, “You have no enemies, nobody does. There is nobody who it’s okay to hurt,” as he grew, Thorfinn knew that nothing was further from the truth.
The war between England and the Danes grows worse with each passing year. Death has become commonplace, and the viking mercenaries are loving every moment of it. Allying with either side will cause a massive swing in the balance of power, and the vikings are happy to make names for themselves and take any spoils they earn along the way. Among the chaos, Thorfinn must take his revenge and kill Askeladd, the man who murdered his father. The only paradise for the vikings, it seems, is the era of war and death that rages on.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2019-present
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.8/10
Dororo
The greedy samurai lord Daigo Kagemitsu’s land is dying, and he would do anything for power, even renounce Buddha and make a pact with demons. His prayers are answered by 12 demons who grant him the power he desires by aiding his prefecture’s growth, but at a price. When Kagemitsu’s first son is born, the boy has no limbs, no nose, no eyes, no ears, nor even skin—yet still, he lives.
This child is disposed of in a river and forgotten. But as luck would have it, he is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons, allowing for him to survive and fend for himself. The boy lives and grows, and although he cannot see, hear, or feel anything, he must defeat the demons that took him as sacrifice. With the death of each one, he regains a part of himself that is rightfully his. For many years he wanders alone, until one day an orphan boy, Dororo, befriends him. The unlikely pair of castaways now fight for their survival and humanity in an unforgiving, demon-infested world.
Key Info:
- Aired: 2019
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.2/10
Berserk
Born from the corpse of his mother, a young mercenary known only as Guts, embraces the battlefield as his only means of survival. Day in and day out, putting his life on the line just to make enough to get by, he moves from one bloodshed to the next.
After a run-in with the Band of the Hawk, a formidable troop of mercenaries, Guts is recruited by their charismatic leader Griffith, nicknamed the “White Hawk.” As he quickly climbed the ranks in order to become the head of the offensive faction, Guts proves to be a mighty addition to Griffith’s force, taking Midland by storm. However, while the band’s quest for recognition continues, Guts slowly realizes that the world is not as black-and-white as he once assumed.
Set in the medieval era, Berserk is a dark, gritty tale that follows one man’s struggle to find his own path, while supporting another’s lust for power, and the unimaginable tragedy that begins to turn the wheels of fate.
Key Info:
- Aired: 1997-1998
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: TV-MA
- IMDb Score: 8.7/10
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks—the 28 best action anime of all time! We’ve covered a wide range of series, from classic favorites to modern masterpieces, each with its own unique style and story.
Whether you’re a fan of samurai, ninjas, superheroes, or just good old-fashioned brawls, there’s an action anime out there for you. These series showcase the incredible creativity and talent of the anime industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in animated storytelling.
So what are you waiting for? Pick a series from this list and start watching! With so much great action anime out there, you’re sure to find a new favorite. And who knows—maybe you’ll be inspired to pick up a sword (or a giant robot) and start your own adventure.
Thanks for reading, and happy watching!
