15 Best Action Anime of All Time: Your Ultimate Watchlist

Are you a fan of action anime? Do you love watching thrilling fights, epic battles, and awesome heroes? If you answered yes, then you are in for a treat. In this article, we will introduce you to 15 of the best action anime of all time.

These are the anime that will keep you on the edge of your seat, make your heart race, and leave you wanting more. Whether you are new to the genre or a seasoned veteran, you will find something to suit your taste in this list.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

15. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul is a dark and gritty anime that follows the life of Ken Kaneki, a college student who becomes a half-ghoul after a near-fatal encounter with a flesh-eating monster. Ghouls are creatures that can only survive by eating human flesh, and they are hunted down by the authorities. Kaneki has to hide his identity and cope with his new hunger, while also getting involved in the conflicts between different factions of ghouls. Tokyo Ghoul is a thrilling anime that explores the themes of identity, morality, and survival in a cruel world.

14. Vinland Saga

Vinland Saga is a historical anime that depicts the Viking Age in Europe. The story revolves around Thorfinn, a young warrior who seeks revenge against Askeladd, the man who killed his father. Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band of mercenaries and follows him into various wars and battles, hoping to find an opportunity to challenge him to a duel. Along the way, he learns about the harsh realities of war, the meaning of honor, and the dream of finding a peaceful land called Vinland. Vinland Saga is a captivating anime that combines realistic action, complex characters, and stunning animation.

13. One Punch Man

One Punch Man is a comedy anime that parodies the superhero genre. The protagonist is Saitama, a bald and bored hero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch. He is constantly looking for a worthy opponent who can give him a challenge, but he always ends up disappointed. He joins the Hero Association, a group of professional heroes who protect the city from various threats, and meets other quirky characters, such as his cyborg disciple Genos, the egotistical Speed-o’-Sound Sonic, and the powerful psychic Tatsumaki. One Punch Man is a hilarious anime that delivers amazing action scenes, hilarious jokes, and lovable characters.

12. Parasyte

Parasyte is a sci-fi anime that deals with the invasion of alien parasites that take over human bodies and minds. The protagonist is Shinichi Izumi, a high school student who manages to prevent a parasite from taking over his brain, but ends up with his right hand infected. He names the parasite Migi, and they form an uneasy alliance to survive and fight against other hostile parasites. Parasyte is a gripping anime that explores the themes of human nature, coexistence, and evolution, while also providing thrilling action and horror.

11. Dororo

Dororo is a historical anime that follows the journey of Hyakkimaru, a young man who was born without limbs, skin, eyes, ears, or nose, due to a pact his father made with demons. He travels across feudal Japan, killing the demons and reclaiming his body parts, with the help of a young thief named Dororo. Dororo is a touching anime that showcases the bond between the two protagonists, as well as the struggles and hardships they face in a war-torn and cruel world.

10. My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is a superhero anime that takes place in a world where 80% of the population has superpowers, or quirks. The protagonist is Izuku Midoriya, a quirkless boy who dreams of becoming a hero like his idol, All Might. He inherits All Might’s quirk, One For All, and enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes. He joins Class 1-A, a group of talented and diverse students, and faces various challenges, such as villain attacks, school festivals, and internships. My Hero Academia is a fun and inspiring anime that celebrates the spirit of heroism, friendship, and teamwork.

9. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a unique anime that spans multiple generations and genres. The story follows the Joestar family, a lineage of heroes who possess supernatural abilities and fight against evil forces. Each part of the anime focuses on a different descendant of the Joestar family, and their adventures in different settings and time periods. The anime features over-the-top action, colorful characters, and creative powers, such as Stands, Hamon, and Vampires. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is an anime that will surprise you with its originality, humor, and style.

8. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a fantasy anime that follows the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, who are alchemists, or people who can manipulate matter with science and magic. They lose their bodies in a failed attempt to resurrect their mother, and embark on a quest to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary artifact that can restore them. They join the military and get involved in a conspiracy that threatens the fate of the world. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece of anime that combines action, drama, comedy, and mystery, with a compelling story and memorable characters.

7. Bleach

Bleach is a supernatural anime that follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who can see ghosts. He becomes a Soul Reaper, a guardian of the souls of the dead, after he inherits the powers of Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who was injured by a Hollow, a corrupted soul that devours other souls. He joins forces with other Soul Reapers and his friends to protect the world from various threats, such as the Arrancars, the Espadas, and the Quincy. Bleach is an exciting anime that offers epic battles, cool powers, and a vast world of spirits.

6. Gintama

Gintama is a comedy anime that parodies various genres and tropes. The setting is an alternate version of Edo Japan, where aliens have invaded and taken over. The protagonist is Gintoki Sakata, a former samurai who runs a freelance business called Yorozuya, along with his friends Shinpachi Shimura, a glasses-wearing teenager, and Kagura, a super-strong alien girl. They take on odd jobs and get into hilarious situations, while also dealing with the shenanigans of other characters, such as the Shinsengumi, the police force of the city, the Joi rebels, who oppose the alien rule, and the Harusame, a space pirate organization. Gintama is an anime that will make you laugh, cry, and laugh some more, with its witty humor, heartfelt moments, and awesome action.

5. Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z is a classic anime that follows the adventures of Goku, a Saiyan warrior who protects the Earth from various enemies, such as the evil Frieza, the androids, the bio-android Cell, and the ancient wizard Majin Buu. He is aided by his friends and family, such as his son Gohan, his rival Vegeta, his mentor Piccolo, and his best friend Krillin. He also collects the Dragon Balls, seven mystical orbs that can grant any wish when gathered. Dragon Ball Z is an anime that defined the shonen genre, with its iconic characters, epic fights, and powerful transformations.

4. One Piece

One Piece is a pirate anime that follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man who dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates. He sets sail on the Grand Line, a vast and dangerous ocean where the legendary treasure One Piece is hidden. He forms a crew of loyal and eccentric friends, such as Zoro, a swordsman who wants to be the best in the world, Nami, a navigator and thief who loves money, Usopp, a sniper and liar who dreams of being a brave warrior, and Sanji, a chef and ladies’ man who fights with his feet. Along the way, he encounters various enemies and allies, such as the Marines, the World Government, the Shichibukai, the Yonko, and the Revolutionary Army. One Piece is an anime that will take you on an epic adventure, with its amazing world-building, hilarious comedy, and emotional moments.

3. Naruto

Naruto is a ninja anime that follows the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young boy who wants to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. He is shunned by his peers and villagers, because he has the Nine-Tailed Fox, a powerful and destructive beast, sealed inside him. He joins Team 7, a squad of rookie ninjas, along with Sasuke Uchiha, a prodigy who seeks revenge against his brother, and Sakura Haruno, a girl who has a crush on Sasuke. He also meets other characters, such as Kakashi Hatake, his mentor and teacher, Jiraiya, his godfather and master, and Gaara, his rival and friend. He faces various challenges and enemies, such as the Akatsuki, a group of rogue ninjas who want to capture the tailed beasts, Orochimaru, a sinister and twisted ninja who experiments on humans, and Madara Uchiha, a legendary and evil ninja who plans to end the world. Naruto is an anime that will inspire you with its themes of friendship, perseverance, and destiny.

2. Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter is a fantasy anime that follows the adventures of Gon Freecss, a young boy who wants to become a Hunter, a person who can explore the unknown and seek out treasures, secrets, and dangers. He also wants to find his father, Ging Freecss, who is a famous and elusive Hunter. He takes the Hunter Exam, a rigorous and deadly test that only a few can pass, and meets other aspiring Hunters, such as Killua Zoldyck, a former assassin and his best friend, Kurapika, a survivor of a massacred clan who seeks vengeance, and Leorio, a medical student who wants to be rich. He also encounters various foes and friends, such as Hisoka, a sadistic and mysterious magician, the Phantom Troupe, a band of notorious thieves, and the Chimera Ants, a race of hybrid creatures that threaten humanity. Hunter x Hunter is an anime that will mesmerize you with its complex and diverse characters, its thrilling and unpredictable plot, and its brilliant and strategic battles.

1. Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a dystopian anime that depicts a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, due to the appearance of the Titans, gigantic and mindless humanoids that devour humans. The survivors live inside three concentric walls, and are protected by the Survey Corps, a military branch that fights against the Titans. The protagonist is Eren Yeager, a boy who vows to kill all the Titans, after he witnesses his mother being eaten by one. He joins the Survey Corps, along with his childhood friends Mikasa Ackerman, a skilled and protective fighter, and Armin Arlert, a smart and timid strategist. He also discovers that he has the ability to transform into a Titan, and that there are other humans who can do the same, and have their own agendas. Attack on Titan is an anime that will shock you with its dark and grim atmosphere, its intense and gruesome action, and its twisted and shocking revelations.

Conclusion

Action anime is a genre that appeals to many fans, because of its exciting and exhilarating scenes, its captivating and compelling stories, and its awesome and admirable heroes.

In this article, we have introduced you to 15 of the best action anime of all time, that you should definitely watch if you are looking for some thrill and fun. Whether you prefer historical, sci-fi, fantasy, or comedy, you will find something that suits your taste in this list.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy these amazing action anime!