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- Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
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- Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The Best Action Anime Of All Time
As stylized Japanese animation with its own unique tropes, anime is often seen as a niche on its own. Take a closer look and you'll find that anime encompasses any and all genres, and if you're looking for the most badass anime series, there are plenty of awesome fighting anime shows and otherwise great action animes bound to pull you in. If you need a solid action anime in your life, rest assured you're in the right spot. Here are the best action anime series of all time, ranked by fans everywhere.
While this is already a genre in itself within this animated art form, you'll find plenty of specific subgenres among this list of best action animes to suit your specific preferences. There's really no one type of action anime, with some leaning into comedy, drama, or horror, and all exploring unique themes and topics. From superhero anime, like One-Punch Man and My Hero Academia, to sword fighting anime, like Berserk and Bleach, taking a closer look at the plethora of good fighting anime shows reveals all kinds of unique tales, with immensely cool offerings featuring martial arts, car chases, and visually stunning combat animation. Other good action animes include One Piece, Naruto, and The Seven Deadly Sins. These staples are not only admired for their high-energy stories, but they have also birthed some of the most well-known anime characters of any genre. Many also have their own movies, if you're feeling really crazy and looking to keep the action moving beyond any respective series — or perhaps you just need a break from the often long string of episodes anime shows often embrace.
The previously mentioned titles are considered genre classics, though new top-rated favorites first airing in the last 10 to 15 years, like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Ghoul, Fairy Tail, and Attack on Titan, are similarly popular and steadily joining the ranks as some of the latest quality picks in the action anime genre. The nature of the cartoon world allows for unique sequences you won't find with live action. These amazing shows are a must for any action fan, even those TV lovers eager to see some epic fights unfold on screen who may be new to anime.
What are your favorite fighting animes? Can you think of any good action animes that didn't make it here? Now's your chance. Vote up the top action-packed anime shows to watch, and add your favorites if they're missing from the list. You can also use this list for reference, should you ever need a solid action anime recommendation.
When demons slaughter Tanjiro Kamado's family and leave his sister Nezuko a demon herself, Tanjiro sets out on a quest to become a demon slayer and find a way to turn Nezuko human again. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps under the tutelage of the experienced swordsman Sakonji Urokodaki, facing progressively stronger demons on missions.
Tanjiro is joined by allies Zenitsu Agatsuma, a cowardly yet talented swordsman, and Inosuke Hashibira, a brash fighter raised by boars. Together, they embark on perilous missions to slay powerful demons and uncover the secrets behind demonkind's sudden surge of power.
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High schooler Yuuji Itadori joins the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College to become a sorcerer and consume the cursed spirits possessing his schoolmates Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki. Under master sorcerer Satoru Gojou, Yuuji and his allies exorcise deadly curses while combating the nefarious cursed spirit Ryomen Sukuna within Yuuji. But to truly defeat Sukuna, Yuuji must walk the razor's edge between humanity and monstrosity.
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In a world where magic is everything, Asta was born without any powers. Despite this, he aims to become the Magic Emperor alongside his magical prodigy rival Yuno. After receiving an anti-magic five-leaf grimoire, Asta gains the ability to nullify others' magic. Together with fellow Black Bulls Magic Knights like fire-user Magna Swing, Asta helps protect the Clover Kingdom from evil forces.
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Heroes usually struggle against menacing villains, but Saitama simply defeats all enemies with a single punch. Bored from lack of challenge, he searches for a worthy opponent. Despite his unimpressive appearance, Saitama's power draws the attention of Genos, a cybernetically enhanced teenager who becomes Saitama's disciple. Together, they join the Hero Association so Saitama can gain some recognition. But the mysterious Monster Association poses the biggest threat to Saitama.
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Driven by his father's dying words, young Gon Freecss aspires to become a professional Hunter like his absent father. He soon discovers the Hunter profession is fraught with danger, adventure, and intrigue. Under the tutelage of master assassin Killua Zoldyck and friends Kurapika and Leorio, Gon journeys to find his father and uncover the mysteries of the elite Hunters. From perilous exams to pursuing dangerous outlaws, Gon matures while broadening his worldview. But the insane power of the chimera ant king Meruem most tests Gon's resolve, and he must risk his life in an epic confrontation to protect humanity.
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Traveling across the solar system, space cowboy Spike Spiegel and his motley crew aboard the Bebop chase bounties and get into trouble. Ace pilot Spike partners with the brawler Jet Black, genius Welsh Corgi hacker Ein, fugitive femme fatale Faye Valentine, and eccentric child prodigy Ed. This ragtag team engages in action-packed misadventures filled with peculiar characters. Though usually chasing the next paycheck, each member hides a turbulent past that comes back to haunt them, leading to eventful showdowns.
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With the Akatsuki organization looming, Naruto Uzumaki returns to Konoha after rigorous training, possessing powerful new skills. Soon Naruto and Sakura join forces with allies to stop the Akatsuki and its members like Pain from using the Tailed Beasts to execute their plans. Naruto confronts his rival Sasuke while uncovering truths about his past family. The fate of their friends, hidden conspiracies, and the shinobi world hang in the balance.
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In a world where most humans possess superpowers or "Quirks," Izuku Midoriya is one of the few born without them. Despite this, he dreams of becoming a hero like his idol All Might. After a fateful meeting with All Might, Izuku gains his own Quirk "One for All" and enrolls in U.A. High School to start his journey toward becoming a superhero.
Izuku makes loyal friends and powerful rivals like Katsuki Bakugo and Shoto Todoroki while mastering his Quirk. Together, they protect civilians from villains trying to disrupt the peace, uncovering sinister plots threatening society. Izuku proves that with determination and a heroic spirit, anyone can become a hero.
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Inside the walled city, people live in fear of Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans seemingly without reason. After the Titans breach the outer wall, young Eren Jaeger joins the military along with Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, fueled by vengeance and the desire to explore the world beyond the walls.
Under the leadership of Commander Erwin Smith, Eren and the Scouts Regiment embark on perilous missions outside the walls to understand the Titans while fighting them off. But a darker secret underlying the Titans' existence waits to be uncovered, threatening to change everything.
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High schooler Ichigo Kurosaki can see spirits, which changes when he meets Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki. When Rukia is injured saving Ichigo, she transfers her powers so he can take over her Soul Reaper duties. Ichigo then assists Rukia and Soul Society in protecting the living world from monstrous lost souls called Hollows.
Ichigo battles increasingly powerful opponents with help from his spirit-sword Zangetsu and allies like schoolmates Orihime Inoue and Yasutora "Chad" Sado. But the Hollows grow stronger, culminating in confrontations with the evil Arrancar and the rogue Soul Reaper Sōsuke Aizen.
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College student Ken Kaneki finds his life changed forever when he survives an organ transplant after a ghoul attack. Transformed partially into a ghoul himself, Kaneki strives to maintain his humanity and live peacefully alongside humans while satisfying his newfound hunger. After joining the ghoul-run Anteiku café, Kaneki learns to accept his new form with help from the mysterious Touka Kirishima and manager Yoshimura.
However, Kaneki’s dual existence soon attracts dangerous enemies like the Gourmet Ghoul and the ghoul-hunting CCG organization, threatening the precarious balance between humans and ghouls.
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Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric once again take center stage in the story of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. After a failed transmutation that claimed their bodies, the brothers seek the Philosopher's Stone to undo the damage. They join the military, encountering new friends and foes while uncovering deeper secrets about alchemy.
New allies like the Xingese princess May Chang aid them as new villains the homunculi are introduced. While following the manga's story closer than the original, Brotherhood expands on characters' backstories and the alchemy world's mythology. Through hardships and revelations, the Elrics move closer to their goal while learning valuable lessons.
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Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki faces his greatest challenge yet when a mysterious group of Quincies called the Wandenreich declare war on the Soul Society. After Ichigo loses his Soul Reaper powers, he and his allies must find a way to regain his strength and defeat the powerful Wandenreich leader Yhwach before he can destroy the world and reshape it as he desires. With the fate of all realms at stake, Ichigo must embrace his full potential to save everything he holds dear.
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Sent to assassinate former Empire general Najenda, Night Raid member Tatsumi joins her rebel forces to overthrow the corrupt leadership exploiting the people. Alongside fellow assassins like Akame and Mine, Tatsumi confronts the Empire’s dangerous Teigu weapon users, engaging in bloody battles. While experiencing tragic losses, Night Raid remains determined to win the revolution and build a new kingdom of justice.
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Monkey D. Luffy sails the perilous Grand Line in pursuit of his dream to become King of the Pirates and find the mythical treasure One Piece. Alongside his swashbuckling Straw Hat Pirates crew, which includes swordsman Zoro, navigator Nami, cook Sanji, and others, Luffy explores fantastical islands while battling rival pirates and government forces. With his Gum-Gum Devil Fruit powers and loyal friends, Luffy pushes beyond his limits on an epic quest for the ultimate treasure.
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After Devil hybrid Denji's chainsaw pet Pochita merges into his heart, he joins the mafia-run Public Safety Division to hunt down devils. Alongside comrades like the fierce swordswoman Makima and shy but volatile Aki, Denji uses his new chainsaw devil powers to exterminate monstrous devils while unraveling the mysteries behind his strange circumstances. But sinister forces have plans to exploit Denji's identity for their own violent ends.
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Ostracized as a child due to the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed in him, Naruto Uzumaki yearns to become Hokage and gain his village's respect. He sets out on adventures with fellow Team 7 members Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno under their sensei Kakashi Hatake's guidance. Seeking acknowledgment, Naruto trains to master ninja techniques while pursuing his rival Sasuke when he defects from the village seeking power. Naruto soon finds himself central to the shinobi world's fate as he battles the terrorist group Akatsuki who seek the Tailed Beasts for their plans. Only Naruto can stop them.
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Seeking to regain his former glory as a god, minor deity Yato dreams of having millions of worshippers. But with no shrine, no fame, and no fortune, he has resorted to doing odd jobs for only 5 yen. Things change when he saves middle schooler Hiyori Iki's life, resulting in her soul frequently leaving her body. Feeling responsible, Yato promises to fix Hiyori. With new Regalia weapon Yukine at his side, Yato slowly gains renown while protecting Hiyori and fighting phantoms attracted to her condition. But Yato's bloody past as a war god threatens the new connections he has made.
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Martial artist Goku learns of his alien Saiyan heritage and unlocks immense power while defending Earth from otherworldly threats like Vegeta, Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu. Through intense training and battles, Goku reaches new heights to take on mightier opponents across the universe. With support from loyal friends like Bulma, Krillin, Piccolo, and son Gohan, Goku pushes past limits to achieve new transformations such as Super Saiyan to protect his adopted homeworld and beyond.
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In the whimsical kingdom of Fiore, magic is bought and sold daily. Natsu Dragneel, a dragon slayer wizard, searches for Igneel, the dragon who raised him. He joins the rowdy Fairy Tail guild where he forms a team with Erza Scarlet, Gray Fullbuster, Lucy Heartfilia, and Happy the cat.
Together, they embark on dangerous missions, take on corrupt guilds, and prevent evil forces like the shadowy Zeref from wreaking havoc. Their bonds of friendship help them overcome obstacles as they learn the true meaning of family.
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Framed for murdering the Great Holy Knight, the legendary warriors the Seven Deadly Sins are driven into hiding. Ten years later, Princess Elizabeth searches for these knights to recruit their aid and free the kingdom from the Holy Knights' oppression. Meliodas, Ban, Diane, King, and more reunite, utilizing their respective sins' powers in fighting for justice while unraveling mysteries from the past.
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When a mysterious tentacled creature blasts a hole in the moon and threatens to do the same to Earth in one year, he makes a deal to teach ill-fated Class 3-E at Kunugigaoka Junior High. The students' task: assassinate the super-powered teacher known as Koro-sensei before graduation. Under the tutelage of Koro-sensei and dedicated teacher Ms. Jelavić, Class 3-E gains skills and self-confidence while devising creative ways to eliminate their nigh-invincible teacher.
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Kicked out of his orphanage, teen detective Atsushi Nakajima joins the "Armed Detective Agency" of unusual members with powerful abilities based on famous authors and stories. Along with Agency leader Osamu Dazai, member Akiko Yosano, and others, Atsushi investigates mysterious incidents around Yokohama while combating the Port Mafia and the secretive Guild. But darker truths and more dangerous foes connected to Atsushi's past emerge.
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Seeking to avenge his father's murder, hot-headed warrior Thorfinn joins the Danish invasion of England but is sold into slavery. After escaping captivity, Thorfinn pledges to never kill again and journeys to the tranquil Vinland. However, fate leads him into the service of Canute, king of England, as he tries to reconcile his bloody past with his new principles. Thorfinn yearns for inner peace but must confront his archenemy Askeladd one last time.
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After a man-made virus wipes out most humans, vampires enslave the remaining population. Young Yūichirō Hyakuya joins the Japanese Imperial Demon Army to avenge his family and kill the vampires, acquiring the power of the Seraph of the End. Together with fellow soldier Mikaela Hyakuya and their squad, Yūichirō wields the legendary Cursed Gear weapons against vampires like Ferid Bathory to reclaim their future from the bloodsuckers.
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Powerful teenage esper Mob desires to live a normal life and impress his crush. But intense emotions cause Mob's psychic powers to erupt with dangerous force, requiring guidance from con man mentor Reigen Arataka. Together, Mob and Reigen use psychic abilities like telekinesis to exorcise evil spirits for paying clients while investigating an insidious group known as Claw. Will Mob learn how to fully control his powers before they consume him?
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When worm-like aliens called Parasytes invade Earth and take over human brains, unassuming high schooler Shinichi Izumi becomes partially infected but maintains his humanity. Together with Migi, the Parasyte attached to his hand, Shinichi hunts down the Parasytes killing and consuming humans while struggling to prevent his merger with Migi from eroding his personality. But the increasing Parasyte threat makes Shinichi question what it truly means to be human.
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After obtaining the power of geass from the mysterious C.C., exiled prince Lelouch Lamperouge uses his newfound abilities to form the "Order of the Black Knights" and stage a revolt against his father's oppressive empire of Britannia under the alias Zero.
Teaming up with fiery rebel Kallen Kozuki and master strategist C.C., Lelouch maneuvers through dangerous political waters as he undermines Britannia through cunning and charisma. But the road to justice leads to unexpected tragedy and sacrifice. Lelouch must decide how far he will go for the greater good.
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The God of High School
2020Recruited into a martial arts tournament between the realms, Jin Mori and fellow high school fighters like Han Dae-Wi and Yoo Mira battle powerful opponents with impressive combat techniques, attempting to earn their wish from the tournament’s hosts. But sinister magical forces conspire behind the scenes, and an interdimensional threat emerges that only Jin's true inherited power as the Monkey King's grandson can vanquish.
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With new foes like God of Destruction Beerus threatening Earth, Goku trains to achieve the divine Super Saiyan God transformation. With his powers renewed under Whis’ tutelage, Goku and his allies protect their universe from powerful warriors of the evil Emperor Frieza’s empire. Goku pushes ever further beyond his limits to attain Ultra Instinct and stand against multiversal menaces like Zamasu. His greatest battle yet will decide the fate of all realities.
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When VRMMORPG Sword Art Online launches, 10,000 players like Kirito soon discover they can’t leave the game, and dying in-game means death in real life. Together with friend Asuna Yuuki, Kirito battles to escape this deadly trap by clearing all 100 levels.
After finally achieving freedom, Kirito continues journeying through immersive gaming worlds like Alfheim Online and Gun Gale Online while protecting the digital realms from dangerous foes. With unbreakable willpower and skills, Kirito and his allies overcome all obstacles to secure a future free from gaming tyranny.
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When the popular virtual reality game Yggdrasil shuts down, guild master Momonga decides to stay logged in until the very end. But to his shock, Momonga finds his avatar transformed into his character in the real world and all of his fellow guild members gone. With his overwhelming power, Momonga sets out to investigate this new world with his NPC servants.
Determined to find any other former Yggdrasil players, Momonga adopts the name Ainz Ooal Gown while slowly extending his unknown dominance and influence over the land. But dangerous entities and former guildmates threaten the Great Tomb of Nazarick.
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Reincarnated into a world of magic and monsters, Cid leads a double life pretending to be the "Shadow" behind an evil secret society while training to be the strongest fighter. Despite having no real powers or allies, Cid's cunning schemes and larger-than-life shadow persona start altering world events. Soon Cid attracts powerful followers like Rose Oriana and Alexia Midgar who aid him against threats like the cult group Tenma. Through bluffing and quick thinking, Cid “stands at the apex that no one can reach.”
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Apprentice adventurer Bell Cranel desires to become the greatest dungeon explorer. He develops rapid growth and enhanced abilities with support from goddess Hestia. While surviving the monster-filled dungeon alongside allies like master swordswoman Ais Wallenstein, Bell challenges deadly foes and arises as a hero while also charming ladies. But darker forces conspire to use Bell’s power for evil ends.
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Tower of God
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Black Bullet
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Tokyo Ravens
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