Action anime has long been the most popular genre in anime, dominating all other genres for a very long time. Every anime, from Dragon Ball Z, the father of shonen, to Solo Leveling, the most recent Manhwa adaptation, tells the story of the how action genre has evolved over the years. So, let’s take a look at the top action anime that you should watch without fail.
10. Solo Leveling
The anime adaptation of Solo Leveling is based on the best-selling and highly acclaimed manhwa of the same name. Check out this anime if you enjoy the underdog-to-strongest character narrative. Its debut season has been widely praised by critics and audiences alike and it features plenty of flawless action scenes. You can read our Solo Leveling Season 1 review right here.
The anime series has already been green-lit for Season 2. Get ready for a crazy and exciting journey through the dungeons by completing the action-packed first season. Jin-woo’s ascension to the top is about to get even more intense with incredible action scenes, and you do not want to miss out on that.
9. Cyberpunk Edgerunners
With its incredible narrative and stellar animation, the Cyberpunk Edgerunners anime is credited with revitalizing the Cyberpunk 2077 video game franchise. Netflix produced this anime set in the world of Cyberpunk 2077. If you are a fan of the game like me, this world will feel familiar to you.
This anime became quite the sensation when it came out, thanks to its excellent action sequences brilliantly weaved with a very emotional story. It took home the 2023 Anime of the Year award at Crunchyroll Anime Awards. This is an anime original and isn’t based on any manga. With just 10 episodes, this anime has cemented its place as one of the greatest action anime stories ever.
8. Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is another masterpiece from the creator of One Punch Man. This anime tells the life story of Mob, a psychically gifted person. However, what adds to the intrigue is his desire to live a regular life despite the power he has in his hands. So, he aims to become aware of and in control of his abilities.
Mob Psycho 100 is a masterful blend of humor and action, just like One Punch Man, which features one of the best bald anime characters. This anime is chockful of amazing battle sequences and is a visual feast to behold. Studio Bones has undoubtedly elevated the source material to the greatest heights. Therefore, if you enjoy OPM, we recommend watching Mob Psycho 100.
7. One Punch Man
One Punch Man revolves around the life of Saitama who decides to become a superhero. But what’s more special is that he can destroy every foe with a single punch. If you are unacquainted with OPM, you must be wondering how could the battles here be entertaining if he just defeats his enemies with one punch, right?
However, Tomohiro aka ONE, the author of One Punch Man, took this incredible challenge and won it flawlessly, just like Saitama, with an incredible story and characters to look out for. Moreover, you can check out other best comedy anime in our dedicated list.
So, give this action anime a shot, and I’m sure you will fall in love with it. This anime is packed with powerful characters, including the main character. The battle scenes will astound you and make you cackle equally. If you want an action anime with an overpowered main character, One Punch Man is a must-watch action anime.
6. My Hero Academia
Ever since I watched My Hero Academia, I can not stop thinking about this story as an American superhero story with a Japanese setting. It is an excellent superhero anime on all fronts, with an abundance of outstanding action-packed moments in the history of Shonen.
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia became a superhero sensation with its incredible characters and unique power system. Again, Studio Bones has brought the best out of this source material. So, MHA should be your first choice if you are a die-hard lover of superhero franchises, such as Marvel and DC. The My Hero Academia manga is over, and you can read the ending explainer right here.
5. Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Next up, we have an anime that features strategic warfare mingled together with fast-paced mecha battles. We are talking about none other than Code Geass, which narrates Lelouch’s life as he gains a secret power that allows him to easily manipulate others.
With his newfound powers, Prince Lelouch aims to rule the entire world by becoming the masked leader of a rebellion and overthrow an all-powerful empire. This anime is not your usual Shonen anime, where the main characters spar in entertaining ways. Instead, because the main character is one of the highly intelligent protagonists, the story evolves into a battle of minds.
Therefore, Code Geass should be your first choice if you are searching for a distinctive action anime with one of the best stories ever told.
4. Demon Slayer
Without a doubt, Demon Slayer is the anime that has become a phenomenon in the modern era due to its otherworldly animation quality, especially during action scenes. It also features well-written backstories and a beautiful soundtrack in a story where Tanjiro aspires to become a demon slayer to avenge his family and turn her sister back into a human. Moreover, this anime deserves a watch just for its unreal battle sequences.
Demon Slayer has turned out to be an extremely successful franchise, even though it had certain flaws. A trilogy of Demon Slayer movies is planned to wrap up the series soon. Thus, if you are an action lover, you must see this next-generation anime series for its amazing quality.
3. Jujutsu Kaisen
Never in my wildest thoughts did I think that another anime would rival Demon Slayer in terms of animation quality and popularity back then. Jujutsu Kaisen made it a reality, and it is currently the most popular Shonen anime in the industry. According to Guinness World Records, JJK surpassed legendary anime like One Piece, AOT, and others to become the most-watched anime globally at the moment.
This will be the most exciting sorcerer adventure of your life with Itadori Yuji, Megumi, and others leading the front. As you expect, it features some of the best shonen battles you will ever encounter. Huge thanks to MAPPA Studios for bringing the craziest battles to life with this anime from Gege Akutami’s mind, who can be seen as the next Hajime Isayama.
2. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan will always be counted as one of the all-time greats in the anime industry. The story begins with humanity being sheltered inside massive walls to protect themselves from man-eating Titans. But as the season goes on, it develops into an intricate tale with a philosophical undertone that will keep you captivated.
AOT is also an action-packed anime with fantastic characters, catchy music, and outstanding animation on every level. This anime is highly recommended, not just for its amazing action scenes but also for its whole mind-blowing experience.
1. Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
In My Anime List’s top anime rankings, FMAB used to be at the first spot, but it still ranks second behind Frieren and is widely regarded as one of the best anime ever made. It tells the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who set out to find the philosopher’s stone to change back into their original selves after trying to revive their mother from the dead using Alchemy.
It is a shonen anime that is packed with well-written characters and an amazing plot with several twists and turns. Moreover, as you wish, it also features excellent alchemist battles that will leave you satisfied.
Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood has always been one of the serious contenders when it comes to all-time great anime debates. Unquestionably, it is a must-watch anime for everyone. That said, what is your top favorite action anime? Let us know in the comments below.
