Anime has some of the best action to offer to its viewers. We have made a list of 10 must-watch action anime in no particular order for you to enjoy.
We are not including well-established anime like Naruto, One Piece, Bleach and Dragonball series. With that, let’s dive into the list.
1. Berserk
Based on the manga written and illustrated by Kentaro Miura, Beserk has had many anime adaptations since 1997.
The manga was adapted into a twenty-five-episode anime television series covering the series’ Golden Age arc by Oriental Light and Magic, which aired from October 1997 to March 1998.
A trilogy of films, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc, was released beginning in 2012. A second anime television adaptation was broadcast in 2016 and 2017. The story follows Guts in a medieval magical world exploring human nature and morality.
The action sequences in Berserk are brutal and will keep you glued to the screen. The 2016-2017 adaptation utilizes CGI and gave its characters a 3-dimensional feel.
2. Boku No Hero Academia
Boku no Hero Academia or My Hero Academia is a superhero action anime based on the manga by the same name.
My Hero Academia is set in a world where currently most of the human population has gained the ability to develop superpowers called “Quirks”.
The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who deeply desires to be a superhero. Incidentally, a well-known superhero “All Might” scouts out and chooses Midoriya as his successor.
Following that, Midoriya enrolls himself in a prestigious Hero Academia. The show explores some interesting themes on the nature of good and evil.
The animation is fun and enjoyable. Every fight sequence is engaging and directly furthers the plot. My Hero Academia is a well-told story with awesome fight sequences and a must-watch action anime.
3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Released in 2009, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the alternate version of Fullmetal Alchemist. It is often considered a superior adaption as it is faithful to the manga by Hiromu Arakawa.
The Story follows two brothers Edward and Alphonso Elric in their search for the Philosopher’s stone. They want to restore Edward’s limbs and Alphonso’s body through its power.
However, they get entangled in power struggles between the military and some very powerful people.
The use of Alchemy in the show is very unique and interesting. Additionally, the show explores some very deep questions about life, death, religion, and God.
4. Gurren Lagann
Gurren Lagann is set in the fictional future where humans have been forced to live underground. However, two Orphans named Simone and Kamina resolve to find a way to the surface and become the face of resistance.
First of all, it is a very aesthetically pleasing anime. The color palette is beautiful and creates a very immersive world. The over the top fights are very engaging and will keep you entertained through and through.
Gurren Lagann is chaotic, magical, and inspiring in the best of ways and is a must-watch for every anime lover.
5. Hunter X Hunter
The anime Hunter X Hunter is based on the manga by the same name written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. Hunters are licensed elite people who track down rare treasures, beasts of other people.
The story follows Gon, a young boy who sets out to become a Hunter in the search of his father. His best friend Killua is a young assassin from a family of assassins who wishes to escape this legacy.
Hunter X Hunter is established as one of the best action animes. The animation is fresh and vibrant giving us some of the best action sequences.
The characters are very unique and showcase some very interesting powers. All in all, Hunter x Hunter is a very fun anime to watch and one of the best action animes out there.
6. Jujutsu Kaisen
Since its debut in 2020, the anime has shaken the world of shonen and action anime. Jujutsu Kaisen is set in contemporary Japan where Curses exist amongst humans.
The story follows Itadori Yuji who joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers to kill a powerful Curse named Ryomen Sukuna who happens to inhabit Yuji’s body.
The animation of Jujutsu Kaisen is fresh engaging and very detailed. Every action scene is a masterpiece in itself. You’ll find yourself replaying the action scenes over and over again.
Additionally, the show manages a perfect balance of darkness and absurd comedy. The characters are very unique and likable, a lot of them have already gained immense popularity amongst anime watchers.
7. Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kimetsu no Yaiba or Demon Slayer is one of those anime which upon its release took everyone by surprise.
The story follows a brother-sister duo of Tanjiro and Nezuko. In an unfortunate accident, Nezuko got turned into a demon. Now, the two are on a journey seeking a cure.
The animation in Kimetsu no Yaiba is breathtakingly beautiful. Every single shot is animated with such attention to detail and aesthetics, it is a visual experience in itself.
The music, the sound design, the characters, the storyline, all work together to create a beautiful lasting experience. The action scenes are animated to perfection. In conclusion, you should go watch Demon Slayer now if you haven’t already.
8. Mob Psycho 10
Mob Psycho 100 follows Mob, a psychic middle-schooler trying to balance his life and his powers. He is helped and used by a fake psychic, Arataka Reigen who also acts as his mentor.
Through its over-the-top action sequences and funny interactions between the characters, Mob Psycho 100 manages to tell a beautiful story.
The animation is heart-warming and aesthetically pleasing making it one of the uniquely best action animes.
Additionally, there are so many touching moments throughout the show that you would be wise to sit with a tissue box.
9. Shingeki No Kyojin
Shingeki No Kyojin or Attack on Titan has to be one of the most hyped-up animes of this decade. It is based on the manga of the same name, written and illustrated by Hajime Isayama.
It is set in a fictional past where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by three enormous walls that protect them from the gigantic man-eating humanoids referred to as Titans.
The story follows Eren Yeager, who vows to exterminate the Titans after they bring about the destruction of his hometown and the death of his mother.
The show explores complex existential questions on survival, freedom, and war.
The animation is strikingly beautiful and creates a sense of realism. Watching Shingeki No Kyojin is an immersive experience, visually and emotionally.
It is simply a show too good to be missed.
10. Vinland Saga
Vinal Saga is a historical action anime that came out in 2019.
The story combines a dramatization of King Canute the Great’s historical rise to power with a revenge plot centered on the historical explorer Thorfinn, the son of a murdered ex-warrior who serves under a group of mercenaries responsible for the deed.
It is essentially a coming-of-age story in the backdrop of a bloody and thrilling war. The animation of Vinland Saga is excellent from the opening shot itself.
It is one of the most engaging action anime. It hooks you in an immersive, thrilling, and brutal world of Vikings and ancient wars.
That concludes our list of must-watch action anime.
