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 — the fighting genre. So, we have handpicked some of the best fighting anime shows that you should watch right away.
Best Fighting Anime to Watch in 2026
There are numerous fighting anime out there that deserve all your attention. The list here comprises the best ones, and we have included the key details of the first 10 entries in the table below to help you make an informed decision.
Anime Title Details Tekken: Bloodline Release Date: August 18, 2022
Directed By: Yoshikazu Miyao
Studio: Barnstorm Design Labo
Seasons/Episodes: 1/6
MAL Ratings: 6.41Record of Ragnarok Release Date: June 17, 2021 –December 10, 2025
Directed By: Masao Ōkubo
Studio: Graphinica
Seasons/Episodes: 3/42
MAL Ratings: 6.83Kengan Ashura Release Date: July 31, 2019 –August 15, 2024
Directed By: KISHI Seiji
Studio: LARX Entertainment
Seasons/Episodes: 2/48
MAL Ratings: 7.65JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Release Date: October 6, 2012 –December 1, 2022
Directed By: Naokatsu Tsuda, Toshiyuki Katou
Studio: David Production
Seasons/Episodes: 5/190
MAL Ratings: 8.06Baki Release Date: September 30, 2021 –August 24, 2023
Directed By: Toshiki Hirano
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Seasons/Episodes: 2/39
MAL Ratings: 7.63Megalobox Release Date: April 6, 2018 – June 29, 2018
Directed By: Yō Moriyama
Studio: TMS Entertainment
Seasons/Episodes: 2/26
MAL Ratings: 7.87Drifters Release Date: October 7, 2016 – November 30, 2018
Directed By: Hoods Drifters Studio
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Seasons/Episodes: 1/12
MAL Ratings: 7.88Naruto Release Date: October 3, 2002 – February 8, 2007
Directed By: Hayato Date
Studio: Studio Pierrot
Seasons/Episodes: 5/220
MAL Ratings: 8.02Dragon Ball Z Release Date: April 26, 1989 – January 31, 1996
Directed By: Daisuke Nishio, Shigeyasu Yamauchi
Studio: Toei Animation
Seasons/Episodes: 9/291
MAL Ratings: 8.21Hajime No Ippo Release Date: October 4, 2000 – March 27, 2002
Directed By: Satoshi Nishimura
Studio: Madhouse
Seasons/Episodes: 3/127
MAL Ratings: 8.78
Top 15 Fighting Anime You Should Watch in 2026
Now, let’s dig deeper and take a look at the main section where we discussed every anime in detail, so that you can decide which ones to add to your watchlist.
Tekken: Bloodline
- Release Date: August 18, 2022
- Directed By: Yoshikazu Miyao
- Studio: Barnstorm Design Labo
- Seasons/Episodes: 1/6
- MAL Ratings: 6.41
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.
Record of Ragnarok
- Release Date: June 17, 2021 –December 10, 2025
- Directed By: Masao Ōkubo
- Studio: Graphinica
- Seasons/Episodes: 3/42
- MAL Ratings: 6.83
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 the 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 the gods. So, these warriors are responsible for saving humanity by participating in death matches against Gods.
Kengan Ashura
- Release Date: July 31, 2019 –August 15, 2024
- Directed By: KISHI Seiji
- Studio: LARX Entertainment
- Seasons/Episodes: 2/48
- MAL Ratings: 7.65
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.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
- Release Date: October 6, 2012 –December 1, 2022
- Directed By: Naokatsu Tsuda, Toshiyuki Katou
- Studio: David Production
- Seasons/Episodes: 5/190
- MAL Ratings: 8.06
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure features some really cool characters with incredible fashion sense. Despite being in the Shonen genre (check out different Anime genres here), 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 the crap out of everyone, but that isn’t the case with this anime. Also, each season of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure brings a different protagonist into the picture, which makes this show even more intriguing.
Jojo’s Bizarre 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.
Baki
- Release Date: September 30, 2021 –August 24, 2023
- Directed By: Toshiki Hirano
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Seasons/Episodes: 2/39
- MAL Ratings: 7.63
When it comes to the best fighting anime, no fan can sleep on Baki Hanma. A sequel to the original masterpiece Baki The Grappler, 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, the protagonist of Baki the Grappler. 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.
Megalobox
- Release Date: April 6, 2018 – June 29, 2018
- Directed By: Yō Moriyama
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Seasons/Episodes: 2/26
- MAL Ratings: 7.87
Megalobox 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 soundtrack, Megalobox 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.
Megalobox 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.
Drifters
- Release Date: October 7, 2016 – November 30, 2018
- Directed By: Hoods Drifters Studio
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Seasons/Episodes: 1/12
- MAL Ratings: 7.88
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.
Naruto
- Release Date: October 3, 2002 – February 8, 2007
- Directed By: Hayato Date
- Studio: Studio Pierrot
- Seasons/Episodes: 5/220
- MAL Ratings: 8.02
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 development 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 the Hokage of Konohao to protect the villagers from every threat.
Dragon Ball Z
- Release Date: April 26, 1989 – January 31, 1996
- Directed By: Daisuke Nishio, Shigeyasu Yamauchi
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Seasons/Episodes: 9/291
- MAL Ratings: 8.21
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.
Hajime No Ippo
- Release Date: October 4, 2000 – March 27, 2002
- Directed By: Satoshi Nishimura
- Studio: Madhouse
- Seasons/Episodes: 3/127
- MAL Ratings: 8.78
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 humorous 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.
Ring Ni Kakero
- Release Date: October 6, 2004 – June 12, 2011
- Directed By: Toshiaki Komura (season 1), Yukio Kaizawa (season 2), Hiroshi Ikehata (season 3–4)
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Seasons/Episodes: 4/36
- MAL Ratings: 8.36
Ring Ni Kakero is an ultra-exciting shonen fighting series that starts as a normal boxing-centred anime, focusing on training and amateur fights. However, it eventually expands its horizon and transforms into a full-fledged supernatural fighting anime series. Initially, it sees our protagonist Ryuuji Takane, training with his tactically strong sister Kiku to fight ground-level opponents. As the story progresses, the young boy encounters several outworldly rivals, making the anime an over-the-top shonen spectacle.
Tomorrow’s Joe
- Release Date: April 1, 1970 – September 29, 1981
- Directed By: Osamu Dezaki
- Studio: Mushi Production (S1), TMS Entertainment (S2)
- Seasons/Episodes: 2/126
- MAL Ratings: 8.36
Now, this is an anime that is considered one of the greatest boxing anime of all time. Instead of focusing too much on flashy abilities, Tomorrow’s Joe takes a realistic approach and shows how boxing affects one’s body and mind. It showcases the struggle a boxer has to go through in and out of the ring. The story revolves around Joe Yabuki, an orphan drifter who is trained by Danpei Tange, a former boxer, to make a name for himself in the world. The weight of becoming a legendary boxer helps Joe leave his traumatic past behind and embrace what life throws at him after his encounter with Danpei.
Shigurui
- Release Date: July 19, 2007 – October 12, 2007
- Directed By: Hiroshi Hamasaki
- Studio: Madhouse
- Seasons/Episodes: 1/12
- MAL Ratings: 7.35
Shigurui features one of the most realistic sword fights ever. Unlike many similar anime, it doesn’t feature fast-paced action; it simply shows the physical and psychological suffering that follows. Those who prefer realism in what they are watching, Shigurui is the one for you. It gets darker with time, though, but it never fails to impress you once you decide to stick with it until the end.
The anime takes place in feudal Japan and follows two samurai: Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen. The former is one-armed, and the latter is blind. Both of them have deep hatred for each other, and the opening of the anime hints at it. The anime provides the full backstory, revealing how the two reached this point in their lives.
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
- Release Date: October 8, 2006 – September 29, 2007
- Directed By: Hajime Kamegaki
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
- Seasons/Episodes: 2/50
- MAL Ratings: 8.03
Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple brings some real martial arts techniques in the form of anime to the viewers. The series also skillfully blends exceptional martial arts action and great character development. We meet an underdog who reaches a peak through painful, extreme training that not everyone has the courage to do.
The story revolves around a weakling named Kenichi Shirahama, who has no friends at school and is often bullied. He loses all of his confidence until a girl enters his life and introduces him to the world of martial arts.
Gurren Lagann
- Release Date: April 1, 2007 – September 30, 2007
- Directed By: Hiroyuki Imaishi
- Studio: Gainax
- Seasons/Episodes: 1/27
- MAL Ratings: 8.64
Gurren Lagann is one such anime that takes the stage to the sky level with its energetic action sequences. It starts with a ground-level story, but then escalates into a massive thing. The fight gets intense, and the story becomes even more powerful.
The story is set in the future, where humankind suffers under the Spiral King, who restricts their contact with the surface world. However, things get brutal when two teenagers, Simon and Kamina, decide to fight him and free Earth from his grip.
