What Are the Best Action Anime Movies?

Craving adrenaline-pumping action and heart-stopping thrills? Look no further! Anime has a rich history of delivering explosive and visually stunning action sequences. From epic battles to high-speed chases, the best action anime movies offer a cinematic experience like no other. Join us as we explore the top contenders for the title of best action anime movies, featuring iconic characters, breathtaking animation, and unforgettable moments.

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1/ Lupin III: The First

TMS Entertainment’s Lupin III: The First represents yet another installment in the esteemed Lupin the Third franchise, featuring a narrative centered around Lupin and his companions as they embark on a significant heist. This time, their target is a legendary treasure that eluded Lupin’s illustrious grandfather. True to the series’ hallmark style, the situation rapidly spirals out of control, culminating in a confrontation with Nazis intent on resurrecting the Third Reich, potentially threatening global stability.

Lupin III: The First is one of the best action anime movies to watch, the storyline adeptly balances the whimsical and occasionally poignant elements characteristic of Lupin the Third. Furthermore, the 3D art and animation are on par with the quality seen in Disney and Pixar productions, effectively capturing the cartoonish essence of the narrative through consistently smooth animation, exceptional camerawork, and skilled direction.

2/ Ghost In The Shell

Production I.G’s Ghost in the Shell is set in a future where a significant portion of humanity has opted to enhance themselves with cybernetic modifications. The narrative follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a member of the Public Security Section 9, who is engaged in the pursuit of a formidable and enigmatic hacker known as the Puppet Master. As the investigation escalates, Motoko increasingly grapples with profound questions regarding the essence of her humanity and the extent to which her cybernetic enhancements may have diminished it.

Although it is primarily categorized as a popular action anime movie, Ghost in the Shell is also renowned for its thrilling action sequences, featuring animation and choreography that remain impressive nearly three decades later. The film presents a compelling exploration of what it means to be human, making it appealing even to those who may not typically engage with anime. Ghost in the Shell is frequently celebrated as one of the best action anime movies, with its dynamic action sequences contributing significantly to its acclaim.

3/ The Garden Of Sinners

Studio Ufotable’s exemplary Halloween anime, The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral, represents the fifth chapter in the Garden of Sinners film series. In this installment, Shiki Ryougi encounters Tomoe Enjo, a troubled young man who asserts that he has murdered his parents. As Shiki and her companions delve into the truth of his claims, they become entangled in the ultimate scheme orchestrated by the true antagonists behind the events depicted throughout the series. The Garden of Sinners: Paradox Spiral serves as a fitting culmination of the overarching narrative of The Garden of Sinners. It accomplishes this not only through its outstanding animation and musical score, which are among the finest in the franchise, but also through a storyline that elevates the mysteries and emotional elements of the series to their zenith. As the inaugural story from Type-Moon, Paradox Spiral clearly illustrates the factors contributing to the company’s remarkable success.

4/ Jujutsu Kaisen

Studio MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen 0 serves as a prequel to the acclaimed series Jujutsu Kaisen, drawing inspiration from the manga of the same title. The narrative centers around Yuta Okkotsu, a young man plagued by the spirit of his deceased friend. In an effort to gain mastery over this spirit and improve his life, Yuta enrolls at Jujutsu High to train as a sorcerer, inadvertently becoming embroiled in a significant conflict as a result. Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as one of the premier action anime in recent years, and the release of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was equally thrilling. While the first season of Jujutsu Kaisen was exceptional, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 elevated the anime’s artistry and animation to unprecedented heights, showcasing remarkable fluidity and dynamic execution. Coupled with a compelling storyline, this enhancement further contributed to its acclaim. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 has undoubtedly justified its success, which has significantly contributed to the growth of Jujutsu Kaisen as a prominent franchise over the past few years.

5/ One Piece Film: Red

Toei Animation’s One Piece Film: Red represents the most recent installment in the One Piece franchise, commemorating its 25th anniversary. The narrative follows the Straw Hat Pirates as they attend a concert hosted by Uta, a globally renowned diva who is also the daughter of Shanks and a childhood companion of Luffy. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Uta’s demeanor is not as innocent as it seems, prompting Luffy to undertake extraordinary efforts to reconnect with his oldest friend before the consequences impact the entire world.

Given the extensive history of the series, One Piece boasts a substantial collection of action films, with One Piece Film: Red standing out as the finest among them. In line with the anniversary theme, the film showcases stunning and imaginative action sequences throughout, along with some of the most exceptional character development found within the One Piece franchise. It effectively captures the essence of what makes One Piece remarkable in both storytelling and action, illustrating why it has achieved significant acclaim.

6/ Akira

In TMS Entertainment’s Akira, the young leader of a biker gang, Kaneda, witnesses the abduction of his close friend Tetsuo by the corrupt authorities of Neo-Tokyo, who subject him to experiments aimed at granting him formidable psychic powers. Kaneda must devise a plan to rescue Tetsuo before he unleashes chaos upon Neo-Tokyo and the world, all while both friends seek to uncover the enigmatic connection of Akira to their plight.

Akira stands as one of the best action anime movies to watch, and its acclaim is well-deserved. The film’s stunning artistry and animation deliver a captivating blend of beautiful and grotesque cyberpunk action from beginning to end. Even after more than three decades, it remarkably maintains its relevance by contemporary standards. Coupled with exceptional writing and direction from Katsuhiro Otomo, it is clear why Akira continues to be a significant pillar in the legacy of anime.