It’s renowned that the best genres of anime are usually those with a certain degree of action. Although there is a lot of truth in this, it’s not entirely correct because there are many more factors to an anime than just the amount of fighting scenes it shows.
Action anime are recognizable for the incredible stories and aspects such as rivalry, the consequences of betrayal, determination to protect the ones dear to you, and reaching your own goals. And let’s not forget the infamous “power of friendship” that so many anime fans make fun of for being one of the most abused cliches in animation history!
The first titles that come to your mind are probably Dragon Ball or Naruto, but there are plenty of other worthy anime that deserve mentioning as well. If you’re wondering, “What anime should I watch next?” here’s our top list with the most recommended anime for fans addicted to good plots, intense fight animation, and lots of explosions!
#1 Naruto: Shippuden
2007 | 500 episodes
Naruto: Shippuden is the sequel to the original Naruto anime, corresponding to Part II of the manga. It debuted on Japanese TV in 2007 and concluded in 2017 - a solid ten-year run! Naruto is back from his training with the legendary ninja Jiraiya, and we meet him two and a half years later. His story is full of plot twists, ultimate battles, betrayal, and reforms - an entertaining series full of action and redemption. However, if you want to watch Naruto: Shippuden in all its gory glory, search for the original Japanese version with English subtitles, as the American broadcast was heavily edited in parts referencing alcohol, Japanese culture, sexual innuendo, and the appearance of blood and death.
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#2 One Punch Man
2015 | 24 episodes + 12 special episodes
In a nutshell, One Punch Man tells the story of Saitama, a superhero who can defeat anyone with just one punch. But, of course, he soon gets bored by the lack of challenges and sets out to find a worthy opponent. You know, just to add a little spice to the dull life of a superhero. The first season enjoyed massive success and was praised for its unorthodox hero, fantastic animation, and kooky sense of humor.
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56points
#3 Attack On Titan
2013 | Ongoing (80+ episodes) + 8 special episodes
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Attack on Titan tells the struggles of humanity living inside cities surrounded by enormous walls, a defense against Titans that eat humans seemingly without reason. Everything about Attack On Titan got its fair share of praise - starting with characters and ending with the dark themes. No wonder it is beloved among critics and fans alike!
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55points
#4 Hunter X Hunter
2011 | 148 episodes
We’ve added Madhouse’s 2011 Hunter X Hunter anime series to our list, leaving the original adaptation, released in 1999, out. Why? Well, simply because this second edition tried its best to stick to the events from the manga by Yoshihiro Togashi. And we do love ourselves an accurate adaptation! Hunter X Hunter follows Gon Freecss - a young boy about to take the Hunter examination to become licensed to track secret treasures, rare beasts, and other individuals. And that’s basically enough to know that the plot will be soaked in action and adventures.
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54points
#5 My Hero Academia
2016 | Ongoing (100+ episodes) + 5 special episodes
In a world where most humans develop superpowers at a very young age, a boy named Izuku Midoriya is one of the few who never developed any powers. But that’s not enough to stop him from enrolling in a prestigious hero academy. Now, the promising freshman is making his debut at the world-renowned UA Academy. My Hero Academia won’t disappoint you, as it earned its fame as one of the best action anime of the last decade!
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53points
#6 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
2009 | 64 episodes + 4 special episodes
The steampunk series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is indeed one of a kind. It follows the story of two brothers - Edward and Alphonse Elric - who are both aspiring alchemists, traveling the world and learning the secrets of their craft. But it’s not so simple and rosey, of course, as the brothers’ failed attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life ends up horribly, and that’s exactly the point where all of their dark adventures begin. The heroes have zero time to relax with deep government conspiracies and unbelievable quests. If you’re not sure which action anime to watch, you can’t go wrong with this one!
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51points
#7 Tokyo Ghoul
2014 | 48 episodes + 2 special episodes
Tokyo Ghoul takes place in an alternate universe where ghouls, creatures that can only survive by eating human flesh, live among the human population in secrecy, hiding their true nature to evade pursuit from the authorities. Ken Kaneki, a college student, barely survives a deadly encounter with a date who reveals herself as a ghoul. After recovering, Kaneki discovers that he underwent surgery that transformed him into a half-ghoul, and now, like normal ghouls, he must consume human flesh to survive.
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51points
#8 Naruto
2002 | 220 episodes
Adapted from a comic by Masashi Kishimoto, this animated hit follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent boy who is determined to become a Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of them all. The episodes are based on the first twenty-seven volumes in Part I of the manga, while some feature original, self-contained storylines.
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#9 Bleach
2004 | 366 episodes + 2 special episodes
Ichigo Kurosaki is not just some simple dude, but a man who obtained the powers of a Soul Reaper. Now, Ichigo takes the duty of defending humans from evil spirits and safely guiding newly departed souls into the afterlife. Although this adventure anime series strays a bit from the original manga, the gist is still the same. All in all, Bleach has all the ingredients that made it into a very successful adaptation - there’s the supernatural, comedy, action, and even a bit of romance. Catch up with this hit series as soon as possible because a new season is set to premiere next October!
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#10 The Seven Deadly Sins
2006 | 100 episodes + 3 special episodes
Every episode of the Seven Deadly Sins anime is like a small, self-contained adventure. The main protagonists are a group of knights representing the seven deadly sins. Although The Seven Deadly Sins falls under the shonen (youth-oriented) category, the series’ graphic violence and fan service prove it to be anything but a kiddie show.
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46points
#12 Cowboy Bebop
1998 | 26 episodes
Set in 2071, Cowboy Bebop is a neo-noir science fiction anime that follows a bounty-hunting crew and their adventures of capturing wanted criminals. But it’s not all just fun and games, as the most prominent topics in Cowboy Bebop are those of existential indifference, loneliness, and the inability to escape your own past. Since its release, Cowboy Bebop has been consistently named one of the best animated series ever because of the animation style, characters, story, voice acting, and soundtrack, making it a huge commercial success.
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42points
#13 Akame Ga Kill!
2014 | 24 episodes
Akame Ga Kill centers around Tatsumi, a young country boy who moves to the Capital to raise money for his home. Upon arriving, he discovers that the system is rotten and corrupt beyond repair. Out of exasperation, Tatsumi becomes a recruit for an assassin group called Night Raid battling against the Empire. Plenty of chilling moments, near-death experiences, and thrilling adventures! But, besides that, this anime series is also a brutal commentary on corruption and various social issues.
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42points
#14 Fairy Tail
2009 | 328 episodes + 9 special episodes
If you are looking for a fantasy world with characters that are out of this world, then you have come to the right place! Lucy, an aspiring Celestial Wizard, becomes a friend and ally to powerful wizards Natsu, Gray, and Erza, who are part of the infamous wizard guild, Fairy Tail. The author Hiro Mashima revealed he based Natsu Dragoneel’s feisty personality on himself when he was a teenager.
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40points
#15 Assassination Classroom
2015 | 49 episodes
The story here is quite an unusual one. It follows the daily life of a powerful octopus-like alien working as a junior high teacher. The creature’s students are tasked to assassinate him, as asked by their government, thus trying to prevent the planet’s obliteration. And who’s gonna teach them how to use weapons and strategy to kill him? The professor himself! This popular anime series can sound like it oversteps the “weirdness line”, but trust me here: there’s no way to stop binge-watching Assassination Classroom.
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40points
#16 Dragon Ball Z
1989 | 291 episodes + 9 special episodes
Dragon Ball Z is the sequel series to the 1986 original adaptation. It picks up five years after the Dragon Ball series, with Goku now an adult and a father to Gohan! With the help of other powerful fighters, Goku defends the Earth from extraterrestrial enemies. Get ready for a long journey through the plotlines and events that made Dragon Ball Z so iconic!
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39points
#17 One Piece
1999 | Ongoing (1000+ episodes)
Based on the manga by Eiichiro Oda, One Piece is one long watch as, since its release in 1999, it has aired over 1000 episodes. Now that’s impressive! The series follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a boy whose body gains rubber-like qualities after he unintentionally eats a Devil Fruit. His main quest is to find the ultimate pirate treasure, known as One Piece, to become the next pirate king. Of course, Luffy isn’t alone on his adventures and is followed by the Straw Hat Pirates. And although One Piece has been running for 22 years as of today, the series still holds its position as one of the most-watched animes worldwide. Longevity to be envious of!
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39points
#18 Black Clover
2017 | 170 episodes
Asta is a boy who lives in a world where seemingly everyone has a magic power but him. One day, Asta gains a powerful grimoire and sets out to become the next Wizard King despite having no magic in him. In January 2021, Crunchyroll revealed that Black Clover was its most-watched series of 2020, and if that’s not a quantifier for an excellent watch, we don’t know what is!
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39points
#19 Mob Psycho 100
2016 | 25 episodes + 2 special episodes
A series worth watching! Mob Psycho 100 follows the story of Shigeyo Kageyama - a pretty average schoolboy with a lack of presence. Although he looks like a meek person, he’s actually a powerful esper with vast psychic abilities. A train of miseries follows Shigeyo and his suppressed emotions threaten to unleash his hidden powers, but he meets other espers right at the tipping point. The series got praised for its unusual visual style, character story, and the concepts of heroism and society. And you know what the best part is? A third season is coming soon!
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35points
#20 Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion
2006 | 50 episodes + 9 special episodes
Code Geass: Lelouch Of The Rebellion is one of those pretty rare anime series that is not based on a manga but is actually an original concept of its own. The action is set in an alternate timeline, and the story centers around an exiled prince, Lelouch VI Britannia. Upon meeting a mysterious woman, C.C., he obtains a supernatural power known as Geass. Right then and there, he starts a rebellion against the rule of the Holy Britannian Empire, battling it with a series of mecha attacks. Since its release, Code Geass has garnered plenty of favorable critics’ reviews and gained a myriad of devoted fans.
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