The Ultimate Ranking: Top 10 Action Anime That Will Blow Your Mind

Summary

Action anime like Dragon Ball Z and Naruto are popular and have introduced many fans to the medium.

Dynamic fights and captivating storylines are the key elements of the best action anime. The advancements in animation technology have elevated the genre to new heights, as demonstrated by popular shows such as One-Punch Man and Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works. These series enchant fans with their visually stunning animation and thrilling battles.

Action anime takes the lead in the ever-growing global popularity of anime. This genre has introduced countless fans to the medium, with iconic series such as Dragon Ball Z and Naruto enhancing its visibility. As animation technology continues to advance, action anime is set to thrive alongside the medium as a whole, taking anime to new heights.

Although well-known series like Naruto, One Piece, and Attack On Titan feature incredible battles, their emphasis on plot and drama prevents them from being categorized solely as action anime. The finest action anime are those that propel their narratives through intense fights, unveiling the depths of a character and driving the story forward in explosive confrontations.

10. Bungo Stray Dogs

With its action-packed storyline and standout side characters, Bungo Stray Dogs stands out as one of the most thrilling series in anime history. Spanning typically 12 episodes per season, the show leaves little room for extended story arcs or intricate plotlines. Instead, it prioritizes delivering adrenaline-pumping fights that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Set in Yokohama, Japan, Bungo Stray Dogs follows the exploits of the Armed Detective Agency, a group tasked with solving problems beyond the reach of the military and police. Known as Gifteds, each member possesses unique and extraordinary superhuman powers, which they use to battle against rogue Gifteds, ranging from terrorists to the mafia. If you're craving heart-pounding action and epic battles, Bungo Stray Dogs is the perfect choice.

9. Hunter X Hunter (2011)

Hunter X Hunter is universally regarded as an exceptional and immensely popular anime. It follows the enthralling journey of Gon and Killua as they extensively explore various locations in their relentless pursuit to find Gon's estranged father. Along the way, they forge deep bonds with remarkable individuals like Kurapika and Leorio, creating cherished memories. Nevertheless, the narrative takes a dramatic turn, plunging into darkness and melancholy, particularly during the Yorknew and Chimera Ant story arcs. Despite its profound emphasis on plot progression, the series effortlessly stands out as one of the finest action-packed anime experiences ever created.

8. One-Punch Man

One-Punch Man, as the name implies, is a comedic and brutal anime centered around Saitama, a superhero who effortlessly defeats his adversaries with just one blow. Despite his immense power, the protagonist finds himself incredibly bored and yearns for a worthy challenger. Each episode showcases Saitama facing off against a new foe, and with its stunning animation quality, the battles are elevated to a mesmerizing spectacle that captivates any viewer. When he takes on Genos, a cyborg, as his protégé, the series becomes even more offbeat and thrilling, solidifying its status as a beloved anime among fans. With its unique premise and gripping action sequences, One-Punch Man undoubtedly earns its reputation as one of the greatest action anime series ever created.

7. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War

The latest arc of Bleach takes the action to a whole new level. With the help of advanced technology and animation tools that were not available during the original series, Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War beautifully brings to life the manga's most thrilling story arc. The Soul Society finds itself in the midst of a full-scale war, as Yhwach and his Quincy warriors launch an attack. With two more parts of Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War yet to come, and additional anime-only scenes that enhance the source material, this conclusion to a beloved classic is a must-watch for fans.

6. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works

Among the numerous spin-offs in the Fate series, the Unlimited Blade Works version stands out as the favorite among fans. The credit goes to Ufotable, the studio renowned for their work on Demon Slayer. Unlimited Blade Works follows the story of Shirou Emiya, a young man reluctantly thrust into The Holy Grail War, an intense battle where chosen individuals summon legendary heroes to fight on their behalf. The ultimate victor of this war is granted a wish of their choosing. With its captivating animation quality and an unforgettable battle theme, Fate/Stay Night truly epitomizes the essence of action. Fans are highly recommended to explore the movies as well.

5. Chainsaw Man

The Chainsaw Man manga was already highly regarded by fans, but the anime took it to a whole new level. Known for its intense gore, Chainsaw Man proved to be one of the standout anime series of 2022, despite its compact 12-episode run. Mappa truly excelled in bringing this series to life, with stunning animation, immersive sound design, and captivating music. It's no doubt that the series will be receiving another season in the near future. The story follows Denji, a young man who is revived by his Chainsaw Devil friend. Blessed with the power to summon chainsaws from his own body, Denji joins Public Safety, an agency dedicated to fighting devils. With the anticipation of the anime's renewal on the horizon, now is the perfect opportunity to dive into this thrilling series.

4. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer captured global attention upon its release in 2019, primarily due to its mesmerizing animation. With a theatrical film and three seasons in its repertoire, Demon Slayer follows the compassionate Tanjiro, whose family is ruthlessly slaughtered by a demon, leaving only his sister transformed into one. Determined to restore her humanity and seek justice for his family's tragic fate, Tanjiro embarks on a treacherous journey alongside his gentle sister. As a dedicated demon slayer, Tanjiro traverses vast lands and confronts formidable foes. The series swiftly delves into exhilarating action, complemented by stunning visuals, making Demon Slayer a remarkable anime suitable for all.

3. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia has gained immense popularity in North America and many other parts of the world. Produced by Bones, the same studio known for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and Soul Eater, the anime series has been remarkably well-crafted. In fact, Bones even established a specialized division solely dedicated to animating this show. As the series approaches its conclusion, My Hero Academia has undeniably made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. The story revolves around Midoriya, a young man without any special abilities in a world where 80% of the population possesses unique powers called quirks. Driven by his determination to become a hero, Midoriya impresses the top hero with his selflessness and receives his quirk, subsequently joining the prestigious hero training school to fulfill his dream of becoming a great hero.

2. Mob Psycho 100

Ranked among the best anime series of all time, Mob Psycho combines various genres such as romance and comedy with its thrilling action-packed narrative. However, what truly sets it apart is its ability to impart valuable lessons to the audience, emphasizing the significance of family and assisting those less capable. While initially attracting viewers with its intense battles, the series captivates them further through its protagonist, Mob – a reserved, introverted, yet exceptionally powerful esper. Utilizing his strength for positive purposes, Mob works under the guidance of the cunning Reigen, banishing spirits as his occupation. What distinguishes Mob Psycho as an anime for the ages is its skillful ability to evoke a multitude of emotions, often simultaneously. Having said that, the essence of the show still lies in its gripping action sequences.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen is undoubtedly the finest example of new-generation anime. Drawing from beloved series like Bleach and Hunter X Hunter, it manages to carve out its own unique identity. What sets it apart is its compelling characters and intricate power system. While the plot is undeniably the driving force, the show thrives on its action-packed sequences, which are crucial to its immense popularity and quality. The story revolves around Yuji Itadori, who becomes the vessel for the formidable curse known as Sukuna. His mission is to recover Sukuna's cursed artifacts, consume them to fully resurrect the curse, and ultimately bring an end to both their lives. Along his journey, he forges deep friendships and confronts malevolent curses hell-bent on annihilating humanity.

Jujutsu Kaisen's current arc has fans eagerly anticipating its release, solidifying its position as one of the top anime series. It surpasses the usual action genre, offering captivating characters that will surely capture the hearts of viewers, albeit some may find it unfortunate due to its significant number of deceased characters. Beyond the excitement of action, the series also incorporates humor and hints of romance. Without a doubt, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-watch for any fan of action-packed anime.

Following emotional romances and intricate storylines, fans often seek anime solely focused on thrilling action. The finest action anime serves as a refreshing break, providing intense fights and exceptional quality. While titles like Fire Force or Jojo's Bizarre Adventure are worthy contenders, these series have cemented their place as the ultimate action anime of all time.