Action anime has become a worldwide phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages with its imaginative storylines and visually stunning animation. If you’re a fan of fast-paced action sequences, incredible battles, and memorable characters, this post is for you. Here, we’ve gathered the best action anime of the last decade that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready to take a journey through some of the most epic and unforgettable anime of the past ten years!
10. Jujutsu Kaisen
Starting with new-gen anime that keeps its popularity at high levels, we have Jujutsu Kaisen as number 10. The story follows high school student Yuji Itadori who gains the powers of a cursed spirit after eating a cursed finger. As high-ranking officers come after him, he now has to fight against cursed spirits to stay alive. The anime has a mix of action, supernatural elements, and a touch of comedy.
Moreover, the series is full of charismatic characters and has exciting villains. Since it is a new-gen anime whose studio is MAPPA, you should be ready for stunning visuals. As of October 2023, the series has two seasons and one film. Jujutsu Kaisen is undoubtedly a must-watch action anime for anime enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned anime fan or just a new anime fan, Jujutsu Kaisen promises an exhilarating experience. Read more about the series.
9. Mob Psycho 100
Next on the list comes an anime with its unusual visuals and an exceptional plot, Mob Psycho 100. The story is roughly about the life of Shigeo Kageyama, a high school student who has powerful psychic abilities. Although the series features themes of personal growth, self-acceptance, and societal pressures more than action, it still gives you action scenes that you cannot find anywhere else. It has a unique blend of comedy, action, and psychological drama.
The author of this story, One, has great plot ideas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The anime aired in 2016 and has three seasons with a total of 37 episodes. The studio behind the animation has done an excellent job of delivering a high-quality animation.
In short, Mob Psycho 100 is a true gem in the anime world, offering a refreshing mix of personal growth and jaw-dropping action sequences. With its distinctive visual style and the masterful storytelling of its creator, One, it’s an action anime that leaves a lasting impression. Read more about the series.
8. My Hero Academia
Moving on, we have an anime with lots of “quirky” people, My Hero Academia. The story follows the journey of a young boy, Izuku Midoriya, who dreams of becoming a hero. After being deemed the successor of the world’s greatest hero, Izuku begins his training at U.A. High School
The series is full of action and battles. As a typical Shounen anime, it has everything you can expect. A rival, a mentor, a villainous organization, and much more. The series has several seasons with all having great visuals. Having characters with various kinds of abilities, My Hero Academia is an action anime with distinct fights and battles. Read more about the series.
7. Bleach: Thousand Years Blood War
Forward on the list, we have one of the “Big Three”, Bleach. The story is about a high school student who accidentally gained powers, and now he has to save humanity. Kind of the same story, isn’t it? Well, this is because “Big Three” had a great impact on the anime/manga industry.
The Thousand Year Blood War arc has been the long-awaited part of Bleach. New enemies, new allies, new powers, and many other new things. The best part about this arc is the quality of animation and pacing. Since the manga is finished, there is no fear of catching up to the manga. With modern animation quality and visuals, the fights and incredible battles should not be missed. Read more about it.
6. Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is a Japanese anime and manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The story follows the adventures of Denji, a young man who gains the power to turn into a chainsaw demon hybrid after a freak accident. The series takes place in a world where demons and devils exist and threaten humanity, and it focuses on Denji as he joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, a government organization dedicated to protecting humans from these supernatural threats. The Anime first aired in 2022 and was produced by MAPPA Studios. And for a comedic take on the action genre, don’t miss out on the absurdly powerful hero, Saitama, in the hit series One Punch Man.
5. One Punch Man
One Punch Man is a Japanese manga and anime series created by ONE and illustrated by Yusuke Murata. The series follows the story of Saitama, a superhero who is so strong that he can defeat any opponent with a single punch. Despite his immense power, Saitama is an average guy who is simply looking for a worthy opponent to challenge him. The series is known for its blend of comedy, action, and parody, and its thought-provoking commentary on the typical superhero genre. And if you’re in the mood for a high-stakes battle against demons, look no further than the popular and action-packed series, Demon Slayer.
4. Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is a popular anime series that follows the journey of a young boy named Tanjirou. He sets out on a quest to avenge his family after they were brutally murdered by demons. He trains with the Demon Slayer Corps in order to become a powerful demon slayer and protect his loved ones. With its intense action, breathtaking animation, and engaging storyline, Demon Slayer has become one of the most beloved anime series of recent times. The anime has two seasons with a total of 44 episodes and a third season airing in Spring 2023.
3. Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan is a Japanese manga and anime series set in a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by huge walls due to the Titans. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they join the military to fight against the Titans and uncover the mystery behind their existence. The series is known for its intense action scenes, deep themes of morality, and unpredictable twists. Attack on Titan is a must-watch for fans of dark and mature anime with complex storytelling. And if you want to dive into a historical adventure set in the Viking age, then don’t miss Vinland Saga.
2. Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga is a historical fiction manga series written and illustrated by Makoto Yukimura. Anime takes place in the 11th century. The story follows a young Viking warrior named Thorfinn who embarks on a journey of revenge. Along the way, he encounters a wide range of characters, including warring kingdoms, pirates, and mercenary groups. As he faces the brutal reality of the Vikings’ world, forcing him to re-evaluate the path he has chosen. The series is noted for its intricate world-building, deep character development, and thrilling action sequences. Be sure to check it out if you are a fan of historical fiction and action-adventure anime.
1. Hunter x Hunter 2011
For a journey filled with thrilling battles, mysterious powers, and captivating characters, look no further than the widely popular series “Hunter x Hunter.” Hunter x Hunter is a popular Japanese manga and anime series written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi. It follows the journey of a young boy named Gon Freecss, who sets out on a quest to find his father, who is a legendary Hunter. Along the way, Gon befriends a diverse cast of characters and trains to become a Hunter himself. He unlocks his potential to explore strange, new worlds and confront dangerous enemies along the way. The story is known for its intense actions and well-developed characters, making it a must-watch for Shonen fans.
My Favorite is One Piece though