Top 8 Best Action Anime of All Time [Updated 2024]

Action anime are immensely popular, even non-anime fans are undoubtedly familiar with those two shows. As action-packed as the episodes are, they also include a lot of character development and languid moments, which may not appeal to every anime lover. These moments may be necessary to provide depth to the program’s characters or to explain specific powerups and how they come to be, but they risk losing the viewer’s attention and going on to another show.

As a result, some viewers may choose to rush right to the action and are less concerned with elaborate plotlines. If that’s the case, several shows provide more focused experiences. It’s difficult to escape downtime entirely, but the best action anime of all time gets close, with battle scenes packed with high stakes, fun powerups, amazing surprises, and everything else along those lines.

Now, let’s check out the list of the best action anime, provided in the section below:

1. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul stands as a significant “what-if” in the realm of anime, a fact that is regrettable considering the exceptional quality of its initial season. With the exception of an original conclusion, the show remained remarkably faithful to the manga and skillfully captured the visceral action that fans of the series hold dear.

Regrettably, subsequent seasons proved to be a profound disappointment, as they hurriedly traversed through the manga’s chapters, prioritizing action and even altering the narrative, a grave transgression in the realm of anime. Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the animation continued to shine brightly during these intense battles, particularly in the captivating portrayal of Kaneki’s evolved powers.

2. Kengan Ashura

Kengan Ashura presents itself as a series that shares similarities with Baki, yet it possesses distinct differences that set it apart. Fans of mature anime with realistic fighting techniques will find it worthwhile to explore these divergences.

The central character of the series is Tokita Ohma, who engages in battles within an underground gladiator arena on behalf of a businessman. While the premise may initially appear cliched, Kengan Ashura manages to captivate its audience with its explosive action and impeccable pacing, establishing itself as a remarkable shonen series.

3. Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan is a series that requires no introduction. It revolves around the last remaining humans who seek refuge within walled cities, protected from the terrifying Titans – colossal, human-like monsters. However, the tranquility is shattered when the Colossal and Armored Titans make a dramatic entrance, forever altering Eren’s life.

Amidst the heart-pounding action, there are instances of political intrigue and quieter moments, particularly in seasons 2 and 4. Nevertheless, each episode is predominantly a thrilling experience. No character is exempt from danger, even those who initially appear significant. It is the combination of intense action and the bleakness of the world that truly sets Attack on Titan apart as a remarkable show.

4. Baki Hanma

Netflix’s anime series, Baki and Baki Hanma, offer a captivating display of martial arts and intense combat. These action-packed shows revolve around the protagonist’s journey in an underground fighting arena, where brutal battles push the fighters to their limits and beyond.

Baki, driven by a desire for vengeance against his father, finds this merciless environment perfect for honing his skills. The series showcases impressive animation, making each battle a visual delight. Moreover, the abundance of fights ensures a seamless flow of excitement throughout the anime.

5. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer initially starts off at a slow pace, where Tanjiro, who has little knowledge of swordsmanship, witnesses the tragic demise of his entire family at the hands of Muzan. Furthermore, his sister Nezuko undergoes a transformation into a demon. Although it takes him some time to grasp the fundamentals, Tanjiro swiftly immerses himself in the action by mastering Water Breathing techniques and evolving into a formidable swordsman.

Subsequently, the narrative unfolds with a series of intense confrontations against formidable demons, interspersed with brief moments of respite. There are numerous factors contributing to the immense popularity of Demon Slayer, and the exceptional animation showcased during its breathtaking battle sequences stands out as a primary reason.

6. Hellsing & Hellsing Ultimate

There are two anime adaptations of the manga Hellsing. The initial adaptation deviated significantly from the original story, but it is still recommended for its exceptional music. The newer version, Hellsing Ultimate, stays more faithful to the manga and is generally considered superior. Both anime series are packed with action and are relatively short in length. However, the character development in this violent vampire-themed series is lacking. Hellsing Ultimate is ideal for action enthusiasts seeking exaggerated characters, intense action sequences, and impressive animation.

7. Chainsaw Man

Denji took the world by storm after he merged his dying form with an adorably demonic dog and received bonus chainsaw accessories and a new purpose in life as a result. There are no holds barred depicting how much damage Denji’s hardware can inflict, and amazingly, he’s not even the strongest guy around!

The ladies are a force of nature in their own right and dominate on the battlefield with their hardcore assaults (and refusing to allow the ecchi factor to deprive of the fight scenes’ quality). Funny, ferocious, and surprisingly sentimental, Chainsaw Man ticks all the boxes for most anime fans out there.

8. Kill La Kill

Kill la Kill was the premiere anime for Studio Trigger, and they hit it out of the park. The plot follows Ryuko, a girl who is looking for her father’s killer. The city she travels to operates on a class system which she is also trying to bring down with her iconic scissor blade.