The 20 Best Action Anime of All Time

Discerning the top “action” scenes in anime can be quite challenging due to their unpredictable appearances even in stories that seem action-averse, or in movies with a subdued tone. Interestingly, animators often showcase exhilarating action sequences in various genres such as sci-fi, fantasy, mecha, romance, magical girls, and sports. This current season is no exception, featuring fresh titles like “Lazarus” (directed by the creator of “Cowboy Bebop”) and “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX” (from the team behind “Evangelion”). To add some variety to our recommendations, we decided to exclude any repeated franchises or directors. Here are some groundbreaking action anime titles that you shouldn’t miss.

Akira (1988)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=SP6vWDUfgpo

Approximately four decades after its release, the instances where Akira revs up the accelerator continue to be among the most legendary animated sequences ever produced. Katsuhiro Otomo’s cinematic rendition of his own manga series manages to condense a significant amount of narrative into its two-hour duration. While it still makes room for existential musings and introspective insights on rebellious youth, its pulse-pounding excitement offers an equally insightful glimpse into the characters’ inner workings. The action also seems intrinsically connected to the sociopolitical apprehensions of the era, as evidenced by the film’s renowned bike chases and high-speed slides across the urban landscapes of Neo-Tokyo. The cyberpunk chaos escalates into gunfights involving telekinesis and colossal mutant infants, all of which are breathtakingly spectacular and etched deeply in the memories of admiring filmmakers.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore: “Ghost in the Shell” and its subsequent movie for more profound existentialism and futuristic cyberpunk masterpieces. I personally enjoy the brutal allegory presented in the latest “Akudama Drive”.

Birdy the Mighty (1996)

Instead of instantly recognizable works by renowned genre director Yoshiaki Kawajiri like “Ninja Scroll,” we have our own choice: Birdy the Mighty. It’s a blend between the worlds of Ultraman and Ranma 1/2. The story revolves around intergalactic agent Birdy Altera merging with high school boy Tsutomu Senkawa to preserve his life (after an unintended fatal mistake). Senkawa is thrust into a battle to expose a covert invasion of monsters. Despite Birdy’s immense power, the battles are creatively choreographed, and Kawajiri directs them with a mix of charm and his signature grotesque creatures.

Additionally, take a look at: Kawajiri’s captivating and moody animation, “Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust,” as well as the OVA titled “Cyber City Oedo 808” and “Birdy the Mighty.” The latter had a follow-up anime series called “Decode,” one of its fights being the inspiration for Zack Snyder’s clash between Superman and Zod in “Man of Steel.

Bubblegum Crisis (1987–91)

1980s-inspired and reminiscent of a handcrafted time capsule, “Bubblegum Crisis” may exhibit its age with big hair and heavy slap bass, but the entertainment remains contagiously enjoyable. Situated in 2032’s “Mega Tokyo,” a cityscape that echoes “Blade Runner,” this eight-episode OVA series, produced between 1987 and 1991, centers around a band of vigilante mercenaries known as the Knight Sabers. In their mission to combat the megacorporation Genom and its comically named sentient robots, the Boomers, who often masquerade as humans, they rely on transforming motorbikes, personal armor suits, and a generous helping of nostalgia throughout the show. If you didn’t realize it, this series is the reason behind Will Forte’s character in “Scott Pilgrim Takes Off” singing “Konya wa Hurricane.

Additionally, take a look at: The 1991 sequel movie, titled “Bubblegum Crash,” brings the narrative to an end (although there are follow-ups as well).

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?app=desktop&v=5RcqJgNqxhE

This unique fusion of kung fu, westerns, yakuza drama, and sci-fi is both thoughtful and thrilling at turns. From gunfights to fistfights or aerial battles, Bebop masterfully combines character and machine movements with an abundance of style, all set against a fantastic soundtrack by Yoko Kanno and Seatbelts. It’s challenging not to be immediately captivated upon witnessing the laid-back yet constantly hungry Spike leap into action for the first time, his moves, animated by legendary action choreographer Yutaka Nakamura during the series’ initial major fight, resembling the spontaneous improvisation of jazz.

Additionally, don’t forget to check out Director Shinichirō Watanabe’s next project, “Samurai Champloo,” which is a natural choice. It adopts a similar style, blending hip-hop music with samurai themes, much like his previous work, “Cowboy Bebop.” His latest creation, “Lazarus,” also draws inspiration from “Bebop.

Dragon Ball Z (1989–96)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=-8vasUsPsCI

Akira Toriyama’s groundbreaking masterpiece, “Dragon Ball Z,” expanded and refined the legendary “Dragon Ball” series, shaping the battle shonen genre. The characters grew older, muscles bulked up, conflicts intensified, and battles became more spectacular. By the end of the first series, Goku had aged noticeably, but in “Z,” he juggles saving the world with raising a family (with the former often taking priority). Despite running past its natural conclusion, at its peak, “Z” is an epic opera told through martial arts moves, blows, and plenty of shouting. Any animator worldwide picking up a pencil likely has this work in the back of their mind – even something as recent as “Castlevania Nocturne,” which features a nod to Trunks slicing Frieza in half at the end.

Additionally, take a look at: The number of Dragon Ball sequels and offshoots is too numerous to mention, but the latest film, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, offers an exceptionally thrilling cinematic fight while also showcasing a surprisingly heartfelt and humane narrative.

Flip Flappers (2016)

It might surprise you that the animated series “Flip Flappers” and the 2024 hit “Look Back,” both directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, share the same creator. His directorial debut, “Flip Flappers,” is a boundless exploration of creativity: one scene could depict a fight reminiscent of “Dragon Ball” in a desert with characters resembling those from “Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior,” while another might delve into a haunted house. The protagonists, Papika and Cocona, are powerful members of the organization Flip Flap, who traverse parallel worlds to collect MacGuffins for their organization while battling their rivals, Asclepius. Despite the plot’s complexity, each fight is spectacularly executed, culminating in a climactic finale that is both explosive and emotionally impactful.

Additionally, you might want to explore: “Kill la Kill”. This animated series bears some resemblance in style to “Flip Flappers”, a work by the same creator, Imaishi. So, it’s worth giving it a look!

Go Princess! Pretty Cure (2015)

Originating in 2004 under the guidance of Daisuke Nishio, who is also known for directing Dragon Ball Z, the initial installment of Pretty Cure (also recognized as PreCure) significantly revamped the conventions of the magical-girl genre. It gained a strong reputation by showcasing grandiose and highly energetic fight scenes. One of its notable successors, directed by Yuta Tanaka, namely Go Princess! Pretty Cure, continued this legacy but with a fresh narrative, new characters, and occasionally even more intricate demonstrations of power – be it a heroine executing a Kamen Rider-style aerial kick or the entire PreCure team mercilessly battling a dragon. As a whole, the Precure franchise demonstrates faith in its younger audience’s emotional maturity and underscores that epic battles often harmonize well with a floral aesthetic.

Be sure to explore: The stylishly unique show HeartCatch PreCure!, which is not as widely accessible outside of Japan, is definitely worth seeking out. The pioneering Pretty Cure series left a significant mark in the world of anime. Had it not been for a few technicalities, Cardcaptor Sakura might have made this list as well.

Golgo 13: The Professional (1983)

Remaining one of the most fashionably stylish animated films ever created, Osamu Dezaki’s dark and violent story about an assassin captivates viewers through visually striking abstraction. This creativity emerges in unusual spots, such as a car chase in San Francisco near the film’s midpoint: Police sirens blend into a blur of red lights, and the city’s neon glimmers off Golgo 13’s sunglasses and the vehicle he drives before a whirlwind of colors takes over the entire scene. The action is smooth yet infused with grit, accentuated by the director’s distinctive “postcard memory” shots – freeze-frames enhanced with artistic details. Innovative camera angles abound throughout the film – for example, a bullet’s perspective traveling through numerous skyscrapers. Notably, it was one of the first animated features to incorporate CG, starting with its opening credits.

Additionally, explore: Most other works by Osamu Dezaki that you can acquire. If you’re in the mood for a sci-fi adventure, consider watching “Space Adventure Cobra.” For sports enthusiasts, I recommend the tennis series titled “Aim for the Ace.

Gunsmith Cats (1995–96)

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on this brief yet exhilarating OVA series, brilliantly crafted by Takeshi Mori (known for his work on “Ranma 1/2” and “You’re Under Arrest”). This animated adventure takes us on a spirited journey through an imaginative Chicago. Drawing inspiration from the comic books of Kenichi Sonoda, who repurposed an aborted anime pilot as source material, Mori and the screenwriter crafted an original tale around Rally Vincent – a dynamic character who is both a gun-shop owner, bounty hunter, and car enthusiast. Alongside her partner Minnie, they unwittingly dive into a complex conspiracy that propels them through a series of thrilling action sequences, each meticulously detailed and set to an unforgettable opening credits sequence. Despite the series feeling like a tantalizing glimpse of what could have been, the end result was nothing short of remarkable.

Additionally, take a look at “Riding Bean,” a TV series by Sonoda that influenced his later work on “Gunsmith Cats.” Currently, “Lycoris Recoil” is widely praised as Hideo Kojima’s favorite show featuring female gun-wielding characters.

Check out “Riding Bean,” a series by Sonoda that laid the foundation for his work on “Gunsmith Cats.” Right now, “Lycoris Recoil” is garnering acclaim as Hideo Kojima’s preferred choice for shows about women with guns.

Hajime no Ippo (2000–2)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=qNTmT177Edo

In a nod to the memorable face-off between Sendo and Ippo at the heart of “Hajime no Ippo” (known as “Fighting Spirit” in English, but locally titled “The First Step”), professional wrestlers draw inspiration. It’s a blend of intense and calculated moves, with elements that delightfully hark back to the early 2000s, such as its music that seamlessly switches between rock and breakbeat. The series portrays Ippo’s relentless training journey, his refinement of both intellect and fighting skills, all culminating in a heart-pounding final match.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore: Hajime no Ippo, which has several follow-up series – New Challenger and Rising. Similarly, Osamu Dezaki’s Ashita no Joe is a must-watch boxing anime, and its stylish sci-fi reimagining can be found in the newer series titled Megalobox.

Haikyu!! (2014–20)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Lv59h1zDl-U

Absolutely, the action in sports like Haikyu!! matters significantly. What makes this anime stand out, based on the popular manga by Haruichi Furudate, is its consistent focus on strategy beyond just the team dynamics. Unlike other sports anime that slow down play sequences for strategic decision-making, Haikyu!! skillfully blends character psychology and physical volleyball matches to create tension in each game. This blend of mental and physical elements makes every match thrilling. Moreover, it’s not just Shoyo Hinata’s prodigious skills that the show focuses on; it also deeply cares about its supporting characters and their relationships. Moments like when the wing spiker finds the courage to make a crucial shot are some of the most triumphant in the series.

Additionally, don’t forget to watch:

* “The Dumpster Battle” (2024 film) continues the series and will have a movie finale for its feature film series.
* “Attack No.1” is an old classic focusing on women’s volleyball.
* “The First Slam Dunk” is a recent adaptation of Takehiko Inoue’s legendary manga, having some resemblance to “Haikyu!!”.

Macross Plus (1995)

There are several Macross entities you could replace in this context, however I personally prefer the optimistic romantic narrative of “Do You Remember Love?”. In terms of action, Plus seems to be a significant advancement from director, mechanical designer, and franchise creator Shoji Kawamori’s previous works (it is also easier to find and more approachable for new viewers). Coupled with its still relevant sci-fi storyline about an AI pop star turning rogue, these are some of the most intricate and exhilarating aerial combat scenes – and that’s before the planes transform into robots. Essentially, it’s like Top Gun, but with pilot rivalries fueled by synthpop tunes. (This is also true for Mobile Suit Gundam: Stardust Memory, another work credited to Kawamori.)

Additionally, don’t forget to check out: “Super Dimension Fortress Macross” and its movie remake titled “Do You Remember Love?” These stories precede “Plus,” and are highly recommended viewings. Furthermore, the impact of Kawamori extends beyond these works; for tales of robot knights and love triangles, be sure to watch his creation, “The Vision of Escaflowne,” as well.

Mob Psycho 100 (2016–22)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=nJlmcQA_dVQ

In contrast to numerous shonen anime that follow their characters as they ascend the metaphorical power mountain, Mob Psycho 100 begins at the summit and explores the descent. Created by manga artist ONE, it revolves around Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, a teenage boy who possesses extraordinary power. Rather than seeking increased power, Mob strives for a balanced social life, having been isolated due to his tendency to suppress emotions, fearing uncontrolled releases of his abilities. These releases, animated by Studio Bones, are some of the most thrilling in recent anime history — such as an initial encounter with a terrorist, where Mob lifts a bully by the face and hurls him skyward before crashing back to earth like a meteor. The show’s best battles highlight its expanding cast, including Mob’s friend Teruki, who often finds himself at a disadvantage against the series’ antagonists, like the formidable Shimazaki.

Also, don’t forget to explore: The series director, Yuzuru Tachikawa, was later involved in the creation of the innovative sci-fi action show, Deca-Dence, which offers an unexpectedly revolutionary twist in its storyline.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (1996–99)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=q4kEuNfbTWc

Despite the fact that Yoshiyuki Tomino’s Mobile Suit Gundam is a captivating politically charged space opera that I adore, some of its most memorable scenes come with certain prerequisites – Char’s Counterattack is an unmissable masterpiece, but it demands watching two (or even three) full series beforehand. That’s what makes the concise 08th MS Team such a fantastic starting point for newcomers. The show encapsulates its real-robot charm in an episode named “Gundams in the Jungle,” where these machines are bound by gravity and forced to interact closely with humans. The series emphasizes the hefty weight of these colossal weapons during action scenes, as demonstrated by a remarkable fight within the entire franchise – a brutal brawl against the menacing Gouf Custom in its final episodes.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore: “Char’s Counterattack” is a well-known masterpiece with far-reaching influence, but it requires some study beforehand, just like the latest series, “Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX”. If you’re new to this world, “The Witch From Mercury” might be more accessible for you. “Stardust Memory” has elements reminiscent of “Top Gun”; draw your own conclusions.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit (2007)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=Ao7oy0DrRWE

The TV series titled “Moribito,” directed by Kenji Kamiyama (known for “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” and “The Ninth Jedi” from “Star Wars Visions”), is based on a novel series about Balsa, a female warrior tasked with guarding a young prince. In contrast to what one might anticipate, this show leans more towards character-driven drama, but when it comes to the action scenes – such as the third episode’s confrontation against assassins along a road in a rice field, or a spear battle in the 13th – they are some of the most thrilling from the past few decades.

“Moribito” meticulously explores how various weapons and tools, as well as their maintenance, influence the results of battles. Additionally, Kenji Kawai’s score, which was previously used in “Ghost in the Shell,” enhances the overall experience.

Additionally, don’t forget to explore: Kamiyama’s most renowned piece might be “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex”, which shares elements of deep, introspective storytelling and visually appealing action.

Naruto and Naruto Shippuden (2002–17)

Despite facing the typical power escalation issue that often plagues battle shonen anime, Naruto’s intricate depiction of fights remains unparalleled in the genre. The intense brawl between Sasuke and Naruto in the Final Valley (and its continuation in Shippuden) is one of the most heartfelt fistfights ever depicted. Not to mention, who could forget Rock Lee’s dramatic use of leg weights? Though the series may appear straightforward when it comes to its multi-generational conflict, the raw emotion and technical skill needed to portray its pivotal moments are undeniable.

Also take a look at: Fans often playfully refer to the protagonist of My Hero Academia as “Green Naruto.” Similar to his popular blonde ninja cousin, there are instances where he falls short, but overall, he’s skillfully designed.

Promare (2019)

Hiroyuki Imaishi, one of the founders at Studio Trigger, never creates tranquil anime; instead, his shows are characterized by an intense volume and energy that adds to their appeal. The movie Promare showcases this boldness, weaving in signature elements from his work (like overt machismo and men with large blue hair) to construct a thrilling narrative about firefighters facing off against individuals who spontaneously catch fire. The technical jargon might be nonsensical, but the film’s “burning soul” imbues it with a raw sincerity that transforms its strange sci-fi elements into a tale about standing up against oppression.

Additionally, you might want to take a look at: Gurren Lagann, another masterpiece by Imaishi. Here, volcanoes erupt as backdrops for robot victories, and the liberation of mankind unfolds through the strength of brotherhood.

Redline (2009)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=77nyAlwWLpE

Spanning a duration of seven years, the exhilarating chaos in director Takashi Koike’s movie Redline – featuring its eccentric character and vehicle designs, as well as its absurdly imaginative universe – is akin to an injection of raw adrenaline, hand-drawn. A scene depicting a man activating the nitrous oxide in his muscle car seems to distort, suggesting his entire body is forced through a syringe. The film’s continuous play with form and structure sets Redline apart as one of the most exhilarating cinematic adventures you can find.

Be sure to explore: Takashi Koike’s collection of Lupin III movies, as there is a fresh installment released in Japan this year.

Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–95)

As a die-hard film enthusiast, my life took an unexpected turn when I met my demise following a fateful encounter with a bus. Once a loner, shunned by society due to my delinquent past, I was granted a miraculous second chance after heroically saving a child from imminent doom. This act of kindness caught the attention of Koenma, a deity, who bestowed upon me extraordinary powers, transforming me into a “spirit detective” in the captivating world of Yu Yu Hakusho.

This anime, based on the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi, surpasses its initial premise and stands tall as one of the ultimate benchmarks for battle shonen anime. The ensemble cast, particularly Kuwabara, adds depth to the series’ spectacular scenes. And let’s not forget the nail-biting tournament arc that reaches its pinnacle when I triumph over Younger Toguro, a moment that will forever be etched in my anime memories.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d highly recommend giving both iterations of “Hunter X Hunter” a spin. They’re both impressive adaptations from Togashi’s renowned manga, and you can see his artistic touch in the recent sensation, “Jujutsu Kaisen.” Although it has its flaws, it’s still a series that’s definitely worth your time.

2025-04-25 21:58