10 Martial Arts Anime That Will Blow Your Mind

If you are a fan of anime and martial arts, you are in for a treat. Martial arts anime are among the most popular and exciting genres of anime, as they combine thrilling action, captivating stories, and diverse characters. Whether you prefer realistic and brutal fights, or fantastical and flashy battles, there is a martial arts anime for you.

In this article, we will rank the 10 best martial arts anime of all time, based on their popularity, quality, and impact. We will also explain what makes each anime unique and appealing, and what kind of martial arts elements they feature.

So, without further ado, let’s get ready to rumble!

10. Sword of the Stranger

Sword of the Stranger is a 2007 anime movie that tells the story of a young boy named Kotaro and his dog Tobimaru, who are pursued by a group of swordsmen from the Ming Dynasty. Along the way, they encounter a nameless samurai, who agrees to protect them in exchange for a mysterious stone.

Sword of the Stranger is a masterpiece of animation, with stunning visuals and fluid choreography. The sword fights are realistic and intense, as the characters clash with different styles and weapons. The movie also explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and friendship, as the samurai and the boy develop a bond.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is both epic and emotional, Sword of the Stranger is a must-watch.

9. Ranma ½

Ranma ½ is a classic anime series that ran from 1989 to 1992, based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi. It follows the hilarious adventures of Ranma Saotome, a teenage martial artist who falls into a cursed spring during a training trip with his father. As a result, he turns into a girl whenever he is splashed with cold water, and back into a boy with hot water.

Ranma ½ is a comedy goldmine, with endless gags, misunderstandings, and love triangles. The anime also showcases a variety of martial arts, such as karate, judo, kendo, and even martial arts cooking, gymnastics, and ice skating. The fights are often humorous and exaggerated, but also creative and fun.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that will make you laugh out loud, Ranma ½ is a perfect choice.

8. Dragon Ball

Dragon Ball is the legendary anime series that started it all. Based on the manga by Akira Toriyama, it chronicles the journey of Goku, a monkey-tailed boy who sets out to find the seven mystical Dragon Balls that can grant any wish. Along the way, he meets many friends and foes, and trains to become a stronger fighter.

Dragon Ball is the epitome of martial arts anime, with iconic characters, memorable scenes, and epic battles. The anime features a mix of kung fu, ki blasts, flying, and tournaments, as well as aliens, robots, and monsters. The fights are fast-paced and explosive, with plenty of twists and surprises.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is adventurous and exhilarating, Dragon Ball is a must-see.

7. Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll is a 1993 anime movie that follows the exploits of Jubei Kibagami, a wandering ninja who is hired to assassinate a mysterious man named Gemma, who is protected by eight deadly warriors with supernatural powers. Along the way, he teams up with a female ninja named Kagero and a spy named Dakuan.

Ninja Scroll is a dark and gritty anime, with a lot of blood, gore, and nudity. The movie also showcases a variety of ninja skills, such as stealth, swordsmanship, and shuriken throwing, as well as fantasy elements, such as magic, demons, and curses. The fights are brutal and thrilling, as the characters face off against formidable foes.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is mature and violent, Ninja Scroll is a great option.

6. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer is a recent anime series that aired in 2019, based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge. It tells the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon slayer after his family is slaughtered and his sister Nezuko is turned into a demon. Together, they embark on a quest to find a way to cure Nezuko and avenge their loved ones.

Demon Slayer is a stunning anime, with beautiful animation and music. The anime also features a lot of sword fighting, as the characters use different breathing techniques to enhance their abilities and create elemental effects. The fights are dynamic and spectacular, as the characters face off against powerful and diverse demons.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is gorgeous and captivating, Demon Slayer is a top choice.

5. Berserk

Berserk is a cult anime series that aired in 1997, based on the manga by Kentaro Miura. It follows the life of Guts, a mercenary who joins a band of warriors called the Band of the Hawk, led by Griffith, a charismatic leader with a mysterious destiny. The anime depicts their struggles, victories, and tragedies, in a medieval world full of war, politics, and evil.

Berserk is a masterpiece of storytelling, with complex characters, gripping plot, and shocking twists. The anime also features a lot of sword fighting, as the characters use various weapons and tactics to survive in a harsh and cruel environment. The fights are realistic and bloody, as the characters suffer from wounds, pain, and death.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is deep and dark, Berserk is a must-watch.

4. Naruto

Naruto is a popular anime series that ran from 2002 to 2017, based on the manga by Masashi Kishimoto. It follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who strives to become the leader of his village and fulfill his dream of becoming a Hokage, the strongest ninja of all. Along the way, he faces many challenges, enemies, and friends, and learns the true meaning of being a ninja.

Naruto is a colorful anime, with a lot of humor, emotion, and action. The anime features a lot of ninja skills, such as hand signs, chakra, jutsu, and clans, as well as various styles of martial arts, such as boxing, Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Aikido, and Kung Fu. The fights are creative and spectacular, as the characters use different strategies, techniques, and transformations.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is fun and inspiring, Naruto is a great choice.

3. Fist of the North Star

Fist of the North Star is a cult anime series that aired in 1984, based on the manga by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara. It follows the life of Kenshiro, a martial artist who wanders in a post-apocalyptic world and uses his deadly technique of Hokuto Shinken to fight against evil. Hokuto Shinken is a secret martial art that allows Kenshiro to strike the pressure points of his opponents, causing them to explode or die in agony.

Fist of the North Star is a classic anime, with a lot of drama, violence, and tragedy. The anime features a lot of martial arts, such as pressure points, exploding heads, and gore, as well as fantasy elements, such as magic, demons, and curses. The fights are brutal and thrilling, as Kenshiro faces off against formidable foes.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is intense and epic, Fist of the North Star is a must-watch.

2. Baki the Grappler

Baki the Grappler is a recent anime series that aired in 2018, based on the manga by Keisuke Itagaki. It tells the story of Baki Hanma, a young fighter who trains to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, the strongest man in the world, and faces many opponents in brutal tournaments. Baki’s goal is to become the ultimate grappler, a fighter who can use any martial art and any weapon to defeat his enemies.

Baki the Grappler is a stunning anime, with realistic animation and sound. The anime features a lot of martial arts, such as mixed martial arts, grappling, striking, and realism, as well as brutality, blood, and pain. The fights are dynamic and realistic, as the characters use various skills, tactics, and styles.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is realistic and brutal, Baki the Grappler is a top choice.

1. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan, also known as Samurai X, is a beloved anime series that aired from 1996 to 1998, based on the manga by Nobuhiro Watsuki. It follows the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin who vows to never kill again and becomes a wandering swordsman who protects the innocent. The anime is set in the Meiji era, a time of transition and turmoil in Japan, where the old ways of the samurai clash with the new ways of the modern world.

Rurouni Kenshin is a masterpiece of anime, with a rich story, complex characters, and beautiful art. The anime features a lot of martial arts, such as sword fighting, historical setting, samurai, romance, and comedy, as well as ki, a vital force that allows the characters to perform amazing feats2. The fights are elegant and exciting, as the characters use different techniques, weapons, and philosophies.

If you are looking for a martial arts anime that is romantic and thrilling, Rurouni Kenshin is a must-see.

Conclusion

Martial arts anime are among the most popular and exciting genres of anime, as they offer a variety of action, stories, and characters. Whether you prefer realistic and brutal fights, or fantastical and flashy battles, there is a martial arts anime for you.

In this article, we ranked the 10 best martial arts anime of all time, based on their popularity, quality, and impact. We hope you enjoyed this article and found some new anime to watch.

If you have any comments or suggestions, feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading.