The anime industry has given us several amazing shows falling under different genres. Whether it’s action or thriller, this entertainment medium never fails to astonish us. However, recently, there’s one genre that is coming out of the shadows to take its own place in the industry — it’s the fighting genre. So, we have handpicked some of the best fighting anime shows that you should watch right away.
10. Tekken: Bloodline
- MAL: 6.4
- IMDb: 6.6
- Episode Count: 6
Tekken: Bloodline is considered one of Netflix’s best video game adaptations. It features several mesmerizing fight sequences, and the animation quality is worth appreciating. Moreover, with good storytelling, Tekken: Bloodline boasts everything that makes it worth watching.
The anime series revolves around Jin Kazama, a young man whose life turns upside down when his mother is killed by the gigantic monster Ogre. Later, he enrolls in the fighting tournament hosted by Heihachi Mishima, his violent grandfather.
9. Record of Ragnarok
- MAL: 6.8
- IMDb: 6.5
- Episode Count: 2 Seasons; 27 Episodes
Record of Ragnarok is an underrated anime with amazing characters. Despite being mediocre in terms of animation quality, the anime can win one’s heart with the mind-blowing backstories of the characters. Furthermore, Record of Ragnarok focuses more on character development, and that’s why the anime might feel slow to some fans. However, if you manage not to lose patience quickly, the anime can surely stay in your mind forever.
When gods decide to eradicate the existence of humans, Brunhilde, a Valkyrie, begs them to give humanity a last chance. She then hires thirteen potent warriors who would be assisted by thirteen Valkyries against Gods. So, these warriors are responsible for saving humanity by participating in death matches against Gods.
8. Kengan Ashura
- MAL: 7.4
- IMDb: 8
- Episode Count: 2 Seasons; 36 Episodes
Kengan Ashura is a fantabulous anime centered around martial arts that teaches us how dangerous underground fights can be. The story takes place in the Edo world, where huge business corporations hire gladiators to grab the biggest deals by winning in the Kengan matches. The anime features several buffed characters that will surely motivate anyone to hit the gym.
When Tokito Ashura Ohma catches the attention of Nogi Group’s employee, Yamashita Kazuo, his life takes an unexpected turn. The organization hires Tokito to get his hands dirty in life-threatening matches. There are some instances when Kengan Ashura seems similar to another fighting anime, Baki Hanma, but when you watch it for an extended period, you’ll feel how unique its storyline is.
7. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- MAL: 7.4
- IMDb: 8.5
- Episode Count: 5 Seasons; 190 Episodes
Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure features some really cool characters with incredible fashion sense. Despite being in the Shonen genre, it has a different vibe that’s hard to get from any other anime of this genre.
For instance, in most shonen anime series, we meet an overpowered main protagonist who is seen beating out the crap of everyone, but that isn’t the case with this anime. Also, each season of Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure brings a different protagonist into the picture, which makes this show even more intriguing.
Jojo’s Bizzare Adventures follows the members of the Joestar family, who fight supernatural foes using the powers that have been passed down to every generation of the family.
6. Baki
- MAL: 7.7
- IMDb: 6.9
- Episode Count: 5 Seasons; 190 Episodes
When it comes to the best fighting anime, no fan can sleep on Baki Hanma. A sequel to the original masterpiece Baki The Grapler, Baki Hanma received a huge amount of praise from fans—thanks to the animation and the battle scenes.
The story of the sequel anime show revolves around Baki Hanma, Baki the Grappler’s protagonist. At a young age, Baki decides to train harder so that he can surpass his own father. However, before he can reach his father, he must face several enemies to judge his progress.
5. Megalo Box
- MAL: 7.9
- IMDb: 7.8
- Episode Count: 2 Seasons; 26 Episodes
Megalo Box is one of 2018’s finest fighting anime shows and keeps you invested from start to end. From the amazing story to the spectacular characters and the wonderful sound score, Megalo Box offers a lot. Like the Arcane TV show, this anime also shows us two sides of society. One is the rich people living luxurious lives, and the other is the poor people residing in slums.
Megalo Box revolves around a man known as Junk Dog, who is a fighter in the slum area’s fixed matches at the fight clubs. However, after coming across a fighter in the Administrative area, he sets out to enroll in the World’s renowned Megaloboxing tournament Megalonia.
4. Drifters
- MAL: 7.9
- IMDb: 7.6
- Episode Count: 4 Seasons; 24 Episodes
Drifters is an underrated masterpiece that definitely deserves your attention. If you are familiar with Hellsing, you should watch Drifters. The anime has an amazing plotline, amazing characters, and, of course, some funny moments.
The prestigious warriors from different time periods come together after death to annihilate the forces that tend to destroy the Earth. Now it’s worth seeing how these exemplary combatants use their second lives to protect humankind from perishing.
3. Naruto
- MAL: 8.0
- IMDb: 8.4
- Episode Count: 9 Seasons; 220 Episodes
Despite its old-school animation style, Naruto has been on the watchlist of enthusiasts of every age. We cannot deny that when it comes to impactful storytelling, Naruto (see Naruto arcs in order) can certainly surpass the coming-of-age anime shows.
Not only the main character, Naruto, but the anime has made us fall for the bad guys—thanks to the character developments and the emotional depth of the storyline. The anime revolves around a boy named Naruto, who has been looked down on by everyone around him all his life. Despite taking it on his ego, he decides to train harder and become Hokage of Konohao to protect the villagers from every threat.
2. Dragon Ball Z
- MAL: 8.1
- IMDb: 8.8
- Episode Count: 9 Seasons; 789 Episodes
People who haven’t watched a single anime in their entire life also know that a Japanese TV series named Dragon Ball exists. That’s how the influence of the Dragon Ball franchise is. Surprisingly, the majority of anime fans were introduced to the fighting anime genre of the industry through Dragon Ball.
The series features several legendary and longest one-on-one matches between overpowered anime characters. Honestly, if you haven’t watched this series, you’re seriously living under a rock.
The direct sequel to Dragon Ball, this anime follows the grown-up Goku, who forms an alliance with Piccolo and, at some point, with Vegeta to protect his loved ones from the evil forces of Frieza. Also, Dragon Ball Z also introduces several new and more powerful villains than those in the prequel.
1. Hajime No Ippo
- MAL: 8.77
- IMDb: 8.8
- Episode Count: 9 Seasons; 789 Episodes
Hajime No Ippo tops the list of the best fighting anime, and that is certainly because it balances the elements that keep fans on the edge of their seats. Be it great training sessions, one-on-one fight sequences, or humourous scenes, Hajime No Ippo has it all.
Like many anime shows out there, Hajime No Ippo features a main protagonist who starts off as a weakling but eventually becomes a professional boxer. Thanks to Mamoru Takamura, a boxer who decides to help him make his career in boxing after realizing Ippo’s capability, Hajime No Ippo becomes a legend after defeating several fearsome warriors.
