Although these are my recommendation for the 14 best action anime from the few animes I have watched. But these will surely entertain you. I am not going to name demon slayer, jujutsu kaisen etc. as these action anime are obviously great.
Note: The numbering shown here doesn’t represent the popularity or ranking of the anime.
Here we go-
1.noragami
This anime explores the concept of gods living on Earth with their followers, battling evil spirits. The main protagonist, Yato, is a god who takes on odd jobs. One day, he meets Hiyori, a human girl whose soul occasionally leaves her body due to an accident. The story follows Yato’s promise to help her fix this issue. I enjoyed this anime and hope you will too.
2.Tokyo ghoul
I enjoyed the plot of this anime, where humans and ghouls coexist with coffee ☕ being the one thing they can both enjoy. Ghouls are beings who must eat human flesh to survive. The main protagonist, Kaneki Ken, becomes half-human and half-ghoul after an accident. The anime beautifully depicts his struggle with his humanity and existence.
The animation and action scenes are impressive, especially paired with a great intro song. I loved the first and second seasons, but lost interest in the third when new characters were introduced. Still, I’m sure you’ll love it.
3.Bungou stray dogs
I loved the animation, character development, humor, and action sequences in this anime. The story revolves around mafia-like groups and agencies. It’s hard to say who the main character is – maybe Atsushi or Dazai, a mysterious figure who joins an agency to protect people and their homes.
These characters possess unique supernatural abilities and distinct fighting skills. What I appreciated most was how the story gave equal focus to all characters. It’s a must-watch and easily one of the best action anime.
4.The god of highschool
This anime delivers exactly what you’re looking for that is action, action, and more action. Every episode is packed with fight scenes. The fast-paced story, adapted from a manhwa, revolves around a tournament called “The God of High School,” where participants can use any combat style. And the winner is granted with one wish. While the animation and action scenes are great, I felt the storyline was weak, and the repetitive action moves made it less engaging. But still, it’s worth giving a try.
5.Darling in the franxx
This mecha action anime blends romance and harem themes seamlessly. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it as a top action anime. The plot is set in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has become barren and inhabitable, with humanity living in artificial colonies.
Giant creatures called Klaxosaurs pose a constant threat, and each year teams of high school-aged children, raised in controlled conditions, are selected to pilot robots and fight these monsters. What’s unique is that these robots require two pilots – a boy and a girl.
The story kicks off when our protagonist meets the captivating Zero Two. Whether you watch the Japanese or dubbed version, both are excellent and worth a try.
6.One punch man
It is not possible that you have never heard of this anime before. One of the most popular action + comedy anime. If you haven’t watched it, then what are you doing go and watch it. The anime revolves around Saitama, a seemingly ordinary man who becomes a superhero for fun.
With the power to defeat any opponent with a single punch, he quickly grows bored with his overwhelming strength. The series progresses with Saitama’s encounter with variety of monsters and individuals looking for a fight, and hence saving the world. I am damn sure this action anime will make you laugh and entertain you with its action.
7.Scissor seven
This anime has a unique animation style. The main character’s journey is what drew me in. Seven, the protagonist, was once an assassin who was betrayed by a comrade and left for dead. He was swept away to Chicken Island, where he was rescued and, after losing his memory, now lives as a barber.
However, his past catches up with him, proving that the world is too small to hide. While I liked the theme, I found the storyline a bit dull at times.
8.Mob psycho 100
Absolutely fantastic in terms of action, especially in the second season. The storyline is great, with a good mix of comedy. The story follows Mob, an average-looking middle school boy who seems quiet and normal but possesses immense psychic powers. To control his overwhelming abilities, he tries to live a normal life. But sometimes he looses his control when he becomes angry (100% angry mode). I enjoyed it and hope you will too.
9.Akame ga kill
Definitely not for the faint-hearted, this anime is packed with intense action, including graphic death and killing scenes (18+). It also blends comedy and romance, making it engaging. The story follows Tatsumi, a young villager who travels to the Capital to earn money for his home. Only to uncover deep corruption, he soon crosses paths with Night Raid, an assassin group that recruits him to help in their fight against the corrupt Empire.
10.Gintama
This anime is mainly a mix of comedy and action, set in a world that blends traditional and futuristic elements. The story follows Gintoki, a samurai who once fought against alien invaders but now takes on odd jobs after humans surrendered. The anime introduces new characters every few episodes (around 4-5 chapters), and the plot progresses at a slow pace. It’s one of those shows where you can just sit back and enjoy without overthinking.
11.Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?
I personally love this anime, mainly because of the main protagonist, who kept me watching through all four seasons. The story follows Bell Cranel, who arrives in the city and meets Hestia, a goddess, before beginning his adventure in the dungeon.
In this world, gods and goddesses choose to live alongside their followers with limited powers, while a dungeon in the city presents various monsters across different levels. The anime offers a perfect blend of elements, making it an entertaining action-adventure experience.
12.Black lagoon
The action, particularly the gunfights and combat, was the main reason I watched it to the end. Despite its older animation style, it’s much better than many other anime. The story can feel awkward and nonsensical at times, but it’s still enjoyable if you can stick with it.
Rock, a Japanese businessman, is kidnapped by a group of modern-day pirates called the Lagoon Company, who are involved in various illegal activities. Frustrated with his old life, Rock decides to join them and embarks on a life of adventure. This fast-paced action anime featuring Rock and the fiery Revy will keep you hooked until the end.
13.Seraph of the End
This dark fantasy anime is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a mysterious virus wipes out most of humanity, sparing only children under 13. Vampires emerge, seizing control and offering protection in exchange for blood. The story follows Yuichiro Hyakuya, a young survivor who escapes the vampires and vows to exterminate them after they massacre his adopted family.
The intense action, emotional depth, and stunning animation explore themes of survival, revenge, friendship, and the epic battle between humans, vampires, and demons. If you’re into supernatural themes and powerful character dynamics, then this thrilling action anime is a must-watch.
14.Hell's Paradise
Trust me if you are weak hearted and avoids disturbing scenes, wait and survive for the first five episodes, you will get acquainted with it, and enjoy the action anime. It is a standout action anime that blends brutal combat with deep psychological themes. Set during Japan’s Edo period, the story follows Gabimaru, a highly skilled ninja who’s been sentenced to death but is given a chance at redemption.
He’s sent on a mission to find the Elixir of Life on a mysterious island, which is rumored to be a paradise but quickly reveals itself to be a hellish landscape filled with deadly creatures and other condemned criminals.What makes “Hell’s Paradise” unique is its combination of intense, visceral action with moments of reflection on the characters’ pasts and motivations.
The animation is top-notch, bringing the chaotic and eerie world to life with fluid fight scenes and detailed environments. The story is gripping, with a constant sense of danger and unpredictability, making it a must-watch for fans of dark, action-packed anime.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. What defines a top-tier action anime?
A top-tier action anime usually features thrilling combat scenes, high-quality animation, and an engaging storyline. Memorable characters and significant stakes often elevate the overall experience, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. What are some must-watch action anime?
Highly recommended action anime include Attack on Titan, Demon Slayer, Naruto, One Punch Man, My Hero Academia, and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. These shows are known for their intense action and captivating narratives.
3. Are action anime suitable for all age groups?
Not all action anime are appropriate for every audience. Some, like Naruto or Dragon Ball Z, are more suitable for younger viewers, while others, such as Attack on Titan and Tokyo Ghoul, contain mature content, including violence and darker themes. Checking the rating is always a good idea.
4. What’s the difference between shounen and seinen action anime?
Shounen action anime are targeted at younger males (typically teens), with themes like personal growth, friendships, and high-energy battles. Seinen action anime cater to older audiences and often feature more complex plots, mature themes, and darker storylines.
5. Is it better to watch action anime dubbed or with subtitles?
This depends on personal preference. Some viewers enjoy watching anime with English dubs, while others prefer the original Japanese audio with subtitles. It’s worth trying both to see which you prefer for different shows.
6. Where can I stream action anime?
Popular platforms for streaming action anime include Crunchyroll, Funimation, Netflix, and Hulu. Each platform offers a wide selection of action anime to explore, with Crunchyroll being a top choice for its extensive anime catalog.
7. What are some underrated action anime worth checking out?
If you’re looking for hidden gems, consider watching Vinland Saga, Mob Psycho 100, or Bungo Stray Dogs. These shows may not be as mainstream, but they offer excellent action and storytelling.