The 45 Best Action Anime of All Time, Ranked

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In essence, the entertainment industry encompasses numerous styles, but it’s widely agreed that the action genre reigns supreme in terms of popularity and influence. Over time, action-themed anime has garnered a significant following across all age groups, not just adolescent males. Shows such as “Bleach” and “My Hero Academia” have become household names, enjoying widespread acclaim. Regardless of your age or interests, you’ll find an action anime that resonates with you.

Outstanding action-packed anime aren’t limited to stunning fight sequences and innovative combat mechanics alone. Great action series captivate audiences with profound humanistic ideas, compelling character development, distinctive storylines/concepts, and unexpected plot turns that engage viewers throughout the narrative journey. Whether an action anime provides social commentary within its genre, like in One Punch Man, or establishes new trends for the genre, as seen in Dragon Ball, there’s something appealing for everyone.

Revised on May 15th, 2025 by Sage Ashford: The realm of action-packed anime continues to flourish, offering an abundance of fantastic series for every genre enthusiast. To cater to the demands of action enthusiasts, this list has been expanded to incorporate five additional anime series. Some of these are modern masterpieces, while others are still in the process of creating their legacy within the anime community.

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Haruka Sakura has been an outsider ever since his childhood due to his distinctive hairstyle and unusual behavior. To compensate for this, he honed his skills to become a formidable fighter, aiming to silence any doubts about him. However, when Sakura enrolls at the risky Furin High School with the goal of being its top fighter, he discovers that the delinquents are unlike what he had imagined.

In my perspective, this captivating anime titled “Demon Slayer” is all about underscoring the profound impact of camaraderie, but it’s more than just a heartwarming tale; it’s an exhilarating action series! The masterminds at CloverWorks breathe life into each scene with breathtaking fight choreography that ensures every skirmish feels distinct and thrilling. Moreover, the show consistently prioritizes its characters, ensuring that every confrontation resonates just as deeply with character development as the quieter, introspective moments do.

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In the story “Mashle: Magic and Muscles”, it’s a capital offense at birth not to possess magic, yet one child born without it miraculously lives—Mash Burnedead. Despite this revelation of his lack of magic, Mash has become an extraordinary physical specimen. To ensure a tranquil life, his only hope lies in enrolling at Easton Magic Academy and ascending to the position of Divine Visionary, a post that carries enough authority to compel others to acknowledge him.

As a die-hard fan, let me tell you that my journey with “Mashle: Magic and Muscles” is far from ordinary! At first glance, it might seem like a playful spoof of shonen genre, but believe me, it’s brimming with pulse-pounding action!

You see, the protagonist, Mash, isn’t your typical magic user. His lack of magical prowess often pits him against formidable mages. Yet, his extraordinary physical strength ensures he never backs down in combat. In fact, more often than not, he emerges victorious with an effortless grace that leaves his adversaries stunned!

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The storyline of “Dragon Quest: The Adventures of Dai” revolves around a young man named Dai, who was raised amidst monsters on an island. His dream is to embody the role of a hero, yet with the last formidable demon vanquished by the previous hero, it appears his aspirations might remain unfulfilled. However, when Dai discovers that the defeated demon could have been resurrected, he embarks on a quest that potentially paves his path to heroism.

Experiencing the fresh take on the beloved Weekly Shonen Jump manga, Dragon Quest: Adventures of Dai, is like stepping back into the familiar world of an old Saturday morning cartoon. But let me warn you, this series isn’t just about cozy vibes – it packs a punch with exhilarating, intense battle sequences that would give any classic shonen a run for its money. It’s reminiscent of the good old days when creative and thunderous attack names held the power to turn the tides in battles.

Title character Shiki Granbell, a human child raised among robots on a unique planet, embarks on an interstellar journey after encountering B-Cuber Rebecca Bluegarden. His objective: finding Mother, the universe’s creator, in partnership with Rebecca; yet, he also strives to set his own goal—making friends along the way as abundantly as possible.

At a quick glance, Hiro Mashima’s Edens Zero may appear strikingly similar to Fairy Tail. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that this is an entirely different series beneath the surface. Not only does it offer enjoyable science fiction elements in an animated format, but it also doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper, darker themes and settings. Despite this, Mashima’s signature humor and self-deprecating wit remain ever present. Additionally, the action sequences are intense, expertly brought to life by A-1 Pictures’ animation skills.

A modern adaptation of the ’90s anime classic, Yaiba, chronicles the journey of Yaiba Kurogane, a child who’s been rigorously trained as a samurai in the jungle by his father, Kenjurou. Through a series of intricate and amusing circumstances, both Yaiba and Kenjurou are transported back to Japan. Once there, Yaiba uncovers his fate upon encountering his deadliest adversary yet.

Yaiba, much like other nostalgic ’90s titles, remains engaging and entertaining even after three decades. The main character is a comical, mischievous creature who craves tough battles. Remarkably, Wit Studio continues to excel, ensuring each battle is thrilling while preserving the series’ humorous atmosphere.

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In a world filled with fantasy, there’s no other series quite as action-packed as “Goblin Slayer“. This story unfolds in a grim setting where the unyielding protagonist, Goblin Slayer, takes on tasks that other adventurers shy away from. Despite the poor payment and lack of recognition from his peers, he tirelessly pursues every goblin he encounters, with the hope of eventually eradicating them completely and bringing an end to their wickedness forever.

As I watched the first episode of “Goblin Slayer”, it was undeniably intense for many viewers, but past that initial impact, it unveils an engaging, albeit gritty, fantasy world. Each storyline unfolds like a thrilling “Dungeons & Dragons” quest, as the Goblin Slayer strategically gathers a team of diverse characters who are willing to stand by his side in the most perilous situations. Despite the Slayer’s exceptional skill in eradicating goblins, his adaptability and combat techniques make him capable of engaging any adversary if needed.

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The latest anime series based on Weekly Shonen Jump, titled Sakamoto Days, centers around Taro Sakamoto, an accomplished yet taciturn assassin who once held great renown in his field. However, after experiencing the joys of love, he abandoned his hitman lifestyle to marry, start a family, and run a convenience store instead. Yet, leaving behind such a shadowy past proves to be more challenging than expected.

Despite having a premise that suggests a more everyday, slice-of-life story, Sakamoto Days is surprisingly intense, veering into hardcore action territory. Previously a hitman, Sakamoto has renounced his past but remains an exceptionally skilled fighter with an uncanny ability to innovate in combat as he fends off those who persistently pursue him due to his departure from the profession. The battles are not only filled with action but also humor, with Sakamoto and his partner Shin employing unusual weapons to take down legions of deadly assassins.

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Rarely does anime present a series like Ishura, one that focuses its narrative on the world itself as the main character. In this story, society is recovering from a catastrophic war against an overpowering Demon King. Despite the True Demon King’s defeat, remnants of destructive beings known as “Shura” with extraordinary abilities still wreak havoc. To identify the most formidable Shura and the true “Hero,” Aureatia, the strongest human kingdom, has organized a tournament.

Each installment of the series Ishura centers around the introduction of fresh characters, each possessing distinct abilities and objectives that seamlessly integrate with the evolving storyline. The initial two seasons culminate towards a tournament, yet they remain packed with thrilling action as these formidable “Shura” engage in fierce confrontations. The diversity of characters and powers is astounding, making it impossible for an action enthusiast to resist its allure from the opening scene.

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The reimagining of “Ranma 1/2” has been one of the most successful remakes following “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.” This story revolves around two adolescents, Ranma Saotome and Akane Tendo, who were destined to marry according to their parents. However, with Akane detesting men and Ranma initially finding Akane displeasing, they are a long way from achieving a blissful union. To complicate matters further, Ranma is afflicted with a curse that causes him to transform into a woman whenever he encounters cold water.

Initially, Ranma 1/2 may appear to be a simple, adorable romantic comedy featuring two martial artists. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the series involves numerous powerful suitors vying for Akane’s hand in marriage as early as the second episode, with Ranma having to defend himself. As each new tale unfolds, an eccentric new character is introduced, possessing unique abilities, challenging Ranma to apply his versatile martial arts skills to the limit.

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As the creator of “Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon,” here’s my take on another captivating series – Wistoria: Wand and Sword! Unlike its predecessor, this one swaps fanservice for high-octane action. I’m thrilled to introduce you to Will Serfort, a brilliant student at the Regarden Magic Academy who aspires to become a grand magician. Despite lacking magical prowess, his exceptional physical abilities let him hold his own among the mages.

Wand and Sword’ main selling points are its thrilling battle sequences” could be: “The compelling aspect of Wistoria: Wand and Sword lies in its exciting fight scenes.”

This revised sentence maintains the original’s emphasis on the series’ fight scenes as a key attraction, while using more common, everyday language to make it easier for readers to understand. The phrase “compelling aspect” is used instead of “main selling points,” and “thrilling” is substituted for “breathtaking.” Additionally, the sentence structure has been simplified slightly by removing the semicolon and rephrasing the second clause to begin with “lies in” rather than “sells the viewer on.”

The revised sentence also emphasizes the tension between long-range and short-range battles, highlighting how Will’s opponents attempt to keep him at a distance while he dodges their spells. The phrase “it’s always satisfying watching the underdog come out on top” is rephrased as “it’s a rewarding experience seeing the underdog triumph,” which maintains the original sentiment but uses more natural, conversational language.

Overall, this revised sentence aims to convey the same information in a way that is easier for readers to understand and engage with, while still capturing the essence of the original text.

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2025-05-18 03:14