Top 10 Must-Watch Action Anime Series

Anime, especially the action genre, is adored by millions worldwide for its thrilling narratives, endearing characters, and captivating animation. This genre has birthed some of the most renowned and influential anime series to date, making it ideal for those seeking anime with exhilarating combat sequences, epic quests, and larger-than-life protagonists.

The action anime genre encompasses a broad range of subgenres and storylines. Some action anime center around martial arts, close-quarter combat, and extraordinary abilities. Others incorporate elements of science fiction and fantasy, featuring futuristic technology, magical prowess, and supernatural entities. Many popular action anime adhere to a shonen style, presenting tales of young heroes embarking on coming-of-age journeys.

Please note that this list of action anime is not ranked in any particular order and the opinions expressed here are subjective. Regardless of your individual preferences, action anime presents a diverse range of stories and characters to cater to your specific interests.

Ultimate guide: The 10 most thrilling action anime you can't miss

1. One Punch Man

One Punch Man, produced by Madhouse, showcases a captivating story where the protagonist effortlessly vanquishes every foe he encounters with just a solitary punch. This satirical take on superheroes sets the stage for an absurdist adventure in the series One Punch Man.

Main character Saitama's intense training has made him unbeatable, defeating any opponent with just one punch. This unique twist on the action genre brings humor and introduces charismatic characters like Genos to the show. One Punch Man offers a fresh and comical take on typical action anime, delivering hilarious fight scenes that highlight Saitama's astonishing strength despite his ordinary appearance. This clever subversion of expectations provides insightful commentary on the genre while keeping the viewer entertained with exciting battles.

2. Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball (Image via Toei Animation)

The Dragon Ball franchise reigns supreme when it comes to overpowering characters and epic battles that can obliterate entire planets. With a whopping 500 anime episodes, multiple movies, and ongoing series like the currently popular Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball takes us on a thrilling journey alongside Son Goku and his comrades as they safeguard the Earth through martial arts, energy attacks, and the mystical Dragon Balls.

Dragon Ball revolutionized the Shonen battle genre by bringing forth intense showdowns between extraordinary warriors, accompanied by intense training montages that push the boundaries of their abilities.

Even though the story may be straightforward, the series continues to captivate new viewers with its thrilling and action-packed battles that are the essence of the Dragon Ball universe. With each new story arc, the series escalates the power levels and fight choreography to astonishing heights, resulting in epic clashes between warriors capable of obliterating planets. This groundbreaking approach sets the standard for creating mind-blowing action that is indispensable to the Shonen genre.

3. Naruto

Studio Pierrot's Naruto is an indispensable part of any conversation on action anime. The series revolves around Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja harboring a formidable tailed beast within him. His arduous journey focuses on ascending to the position of Hokage in the bustling Konohagakure village. Naruto's battles are adorned with precise ninjutsu techniques, highlighting his strategical brilliance. Spanning a remarkable 720 episodes across Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, this epic saga constructs an immersive world abundant with captivating characters and intricately woven lore.

Naruto, a pioneering franchise in the world of Shonen anime, skillfully encompasses various tropes through its compelling characters and exhilarating ninja fights. Whether you love it or hate it, one cannot deny the lasting impact Naruto has had on action anime for generations to come. The battles between ninjas are imaginative and employ clever techniques such as substitution, clones, and elemental jutsu.

As the series progresses, it introduces even more thrilling fights, featuring colossal monsters and epic scales that build upon the strategic one-on-one battles of the original Naruto. Combined with its enthralling coming-of-age story centered around the protagonist, Naruto, and the intricate lore and combat of the ninja world, this anime serves as the perfect entry point for newcomers.

4. Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Jujutsu Kaisen, an emerging favorite among action anime enthusiasts, has garnered praise from both viewers and critics, who consider it a worthy contender to succeed beloved classics like Naruto and Bleach. This captivating storyline revolves around Yuji Itadori, a high school student who embarks on a journey with a clandestine group of Jujutsu sorcerers to eliminate formidable Curses and save his companions.

By seamlessly blending ancient occult practices with contemporary anime conventions, Jujutsu Kaisen constructs a mesmerizing urban fantasy realm teeming with malevolent Curses, skilled exorcists, and boundless supernatural abilities.

The battles that Yuji engages in with these supernatural Curses are brought to life with remarkable imagination and skill, making each fight scene a truly impressive display. Jujutsu Kaisen earns its popularity among new anime enthusiasts through its captivating power system, dynamic action sequences, and the endearing presence of Yuji as an underdog protagonist.

Throughout the series, the confrontations with curses continue to evolve and become more grandiose, while still maintaining the cleverly choreographed martial arts action. The gradual growth of Yuji into a skilled jujutsu fighter is flawlessly portrayed across the anime's episodes.

5. Fate/Zero

Fate/Zero (Image via Ufotable)

For thrilling supernatural entertainment, you need look no further than Fate/Zero. Taking place a decade before the events of Fate/stay night, this series follows seven mages as they summon heroic spirits to compete in a deadly battle to obtain the Holy Grail. With an intricate magic system and the inclusion of legendary figures such as King Arthur and Alexander the Great, the premise of Fate/Zero delivers dynamic fantasy action. The clash of ideologies is showcased through expertly choreographed sword fights and magical duels. Exploring themes of kingship, honor, and utilitarianism, Fate/Zero is an intellectually stimulating anime that features both memorable heroes and villains. By providing the perfect stage for mythological heroes to engage in meticulously crafted conflicts, the Holy Grail War sets the scene for a captivating viewing experience.

Meanwhile, the clashing ideologies of the cast members regarding heroism provide a profound philosophical element. Fate/Zero stands out by flawlessly incorporating thought-provoking themes into its thrilling fantasy action.

6. Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop (Image via Sunrise)

This acclaimed anime series from 1998 is widely regarded as the pinnacle of its genre. Taking place in a future where interstellar travel is commonplace, Cowboy Bebop chronicles the thrilling escapades of a mismatched group of bounty hunters as they navigate the cosmos aboard their ship, the Bebop. The series' stunningly fluid animation, neo-noir ambiance, stylish characters, and captivating jazz-infused soundtrack combine to create the unmistakable essence of Cowboy Bebop.

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Although episodic in nature, Cowboy Bebop crafts a compelling universe and mythology, delving into the haunting and captivating backgrounds of each member of the crew. From intense dogfights in space to gripping Western-style shootouts, this series showcases some of the most exhilarating action sequences, skillfully brought to life through exceptional direction.

The seamless and almost lyrical choreography of the action scenes adds a distinctive and stylish touch, transforming ordinary fights into mesmerizing spectacles. With its charismatic characters and effortlessly cool vibe, Cowboy Bebop established a standard for action anime that remains unmatched.

7. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones)

In a world where 80% of the population possesses extraordinary abilities called Quirks, Izuku Midoriya, a young individual without any powers, aspires to become a superhero. Determined to gain control over his newfound Quirk, he enrolls at the prestigious U.A. High School. As he embarks on his journey, Izuku joins forces with mighty heroes to safeguard the world from evil, facing exhilarating battles along the way. My Hero Academia, with its high-quality animation, captivating characters boasting unique Quirks, and intense action sequences, portrays a heartwarming coming-of-age narrative that highlights the dominance of contemporary Shonen anime in mainstream popularity.

The series offers a unique take on the superhero genre, delving into the depths of character development to explore the true essence of being a hero. At the same time, the engaging Quirk-fueled battles showcase an abundance of creativity, as characters ingeniously combine their distinct superpowers.

8. Demon Slayer

One of the most groundbreaking series in the realm of anime is Demon Slayer, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Taking place in Japan's Taisho era, the story revolves around the kind-hearted protagonist Tanjiro, who, after witnessing the brutal murder of his family and the transformation of his sister Nezuko into a demon, embarks on a journey to become a demon slayer. Joining forces with the formidable Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro strives to find a remedy for Nezuko's affliction while engaging in intense battles against formidable demonic adversaries.

Demon Slayer weaves together Japanese folklore and compelling writing to create a captivating storytelling experience. The animation during Tanjiro and Nezuko's fight scenes is truly awe-inspiring, showcasing a level of fluidity that is hard to match. This martial arts adventure is not only entertaining but also leaves a lasting impact, with its themes of courage, compassion, and exceptional sword combat sequences. The fight choreography captures the essence of traditional samurai films, as Tanjiro's Hinokami Kagura Breathing style clashes with the different forms of demonic combat. With its endearing characters and thought-provoking drama, Demon Slayer has undoubtedly earned its place as a must-watch modern anime classic.

9. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is an action fantasy series set in a world where alchemy is practiced. It follows the journey of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two brothers in search of the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed attempt at human transmutation. Known for its exhilarating fight scenes, deep philosophical themes, and unforgettable characters, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is widely regarded as a beloved anime. Spanning 64 episodes, the series delves into topics like conspiracy, redemption, sacrifice, and the essence of humanity, making it a must-watch for anime enthusiasts. Its unique blend of magic and hand-to-hand combat results in diverse and imaginative fight sequences, while the alchemy-based world provides a platform for exploring the contrast between science and faith.

Even a decade after its release, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains a complete package representing the best of action anime storytelling.

10. Attack on Titan

Known for its intense and heart-pounding action, Attack on Titan is an anime that stands out from the rest. The story takes place in a post-apocalyptic world infested with colossal, flesh-devouring monsters known as Titans. It revolves around the brave soldiers of the Survey Corps, who are on a mission to protect humanity from the brink of annihilation.

Every encounter with a Titan in Attack on Titan is a thrilling display of dynamic action choreography. As the mysteries surrounding these gigantic creatures unravel, the story expands into a captivating lore encompassing military conspiracies, social commentary, and intricate character development.

With its stunning cinematic animation, gripping storytelling, and relentless action, Attack on Titan serves as the ideal introduction to the world of action anime. It seamlessly blends elements of post-apocalyptic horror and martial arts combat, while also exploring the compelling drama between its diverse group of primary characters. From heart-pounding chase sequences to the awe-inspiring vertical maneuvering made possible by the show's Omni-Directional Mobility gear, Attack on Titan continues to deliver an exhilarating action-packed experience, even after multiple seasons.

Conclusion

In summary, action anime remains a significant influence on global pop culture. The showcased examples demonstrate the extensive narrative potential of this genre, encompassing dynamic martial arts sequences, intellectually stimulating science fiction themes, and comical parodies that induce laughter.

From exhilarating combat sequences to endearing characters, the following ten series epitomize the finest aspects of action anime.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I grew up watching action anime and it has always been one of my favorite genres. I love the adrenaline rush and excitement that comes with watching characters battle it out with incredible powers and abilities. Some of my favorite action anime series include One Punch Man, Dragon Ball, and Naruto.

One Punch Man is a satirical take on the superhero genre that follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch. I love the humor and the way the show pokes fun at the conventions of the genre. Dragon Ball is a classic action anime series that has been around for decades. I love the over-the-top battles and the way the characters constantly push themselves to new limits. Naruto is another classic action anime series that follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. I love the intricate fight scenes and the way the characters develop over the course of the series.