10 Best Fighting Anime No Fan Should Skip

Fighting and battles are commonly associated with anime for even the most casual viewers. Its most popular titles feature sophisticated mechanics and strategic thinking through which its heroes can overcome their obstacles. While some of these rank among the best fighting anime, this action subgenre can excel in how it explores combat on multiple levels, including as a plot device.

The best fighting anime isn’t just about great fights; it can often be about the fighters at its core, and what it means to them, be it a sport, for survival, or a means to better oneself. At its core, the best fighting anime bring exemplary, well-choreographed animation, but the true greats mix in how it utterly transforms its stars.

10

Shigurui: Death Frenzy

Animated by Madhouse and Based on the Manga by Takayuki Yamaguchi

Real steel swords replace wooden ones in this dramatic, stylish blend of samurai and fighting anime projected by Shigurui: Death Frenzy.

The series depicts Shizuoka in the later years of Tokugawa Tadanaga’s leadership, 1629, where Fujiki Gennosuke and Irako Seigen vie for the role of successor to the Kogan dojo master. Shigurui: Death Frenzy features visceral and gory depictions of violence compared to typical anime, focusing more on drama and building tension.

This anime, considered among the best samurai anime, shows Madhouse’s signature reputation for quality in its meticulous character designs and unflinching display of even the most unsettling moments. In a mere twelve episodes, viewers may crave more, be lured by the premise of a tournament, and stay for the period drama that follows.

9

Jujutsu Kaisen

Produced by MAPPA and Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami

As ordinary high school student Yuuji Itadori finds himself way out of his depth, facing the imminent danger of a Curse born out of strong negative feelings, he has no choice but to swallow the finger of Sukuna Ryoumen, the King of Curses.

With no way to return to his normal life, Yuuji ends up enrolling in the Tokyo Metropolitan Technical High School of Sorcery, where veteran fighters like Gojou Satoru teach aspiring Jujutsu sorcerers about the difficult yet necessary mission of exorcising Curses and protecting humanity.

Even beyond its refreshingly innovative and entertaining fights, which distinguish themselves thanks to the emphasis placed on teamwork and coordination, there is far more to this title than memorable fights and high production value, with humor and heart aplenty.

8

Dragon Ball

Produced by Toei Animation and Based on the Manga by Akira Toriyama

Dragon Ball is a quintessential fighting and/or shonen battle anime, featuring creator Akira Toriyama’s distinctive quirks and gag manga humor as an adventure loosely inspired by Journey to the West. While this title technically applies first to the 1986 anime adaptation, fans will roll all of Dragon Ball’s other works in, canonical debates aside.

But anybody who has spent a modest amount of time with the series knows how special it is. It’s occasionally even one of the most bizarrely quotable stories out there, from humorous Goku quips to its most badass Vegeta one-liners. But iconic transformations and power systems, Dragon Ball also eventually set the gold standard for anime fans worldwide.

7

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works

Produced by ufotable and Based on the Visual Novel by Type-Moon

The legendary Holy Grail War, whose winner is said to be granted any wish, takes place every 50 years, with the participants being Master-Servant pairs of powerful magi and the ancient fighters they summon to carry out the battles.

Despite knowing that they’re about to join a dangerous battle royale where death is almost a certainty, each participating fighter has their own reasons and motivations, except for Shirou Emiya, who unwillingly becomes a Master after summoning the legendary Saber, thus being forced into a mysterious and perilous world.

Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works is known for its incredibly high production value, which lends itself to gorgeous animations and legendary fighting scenes. Each battle is intense and there is genuine weight and intention behind every single strike. Moreover, featuring a fairly compelling story and well-designed characters, this title stands out as one of the best anime that premiered in 2014.

6

Sword of the Stranger

Produced by Bones and Written by Fumihiko Takayama

While many know Studio Bones for its animations on My Hero Academia and Mob Psycho 100, this movie is their most fluid and possibly best animated work. The sword fights were out of this world, and the final fight between Nanashi and Luo-Lang is undoubtedly a zenith of the anime world.

A drifting samurai called Nanashi, tormented by his brutal history, reluctantly takes on the role of guardian for Kotaro, a young boy being chased by merciless Ming assassins. The boy is targeted for a dark ritual aimed at achieving immortality. While Nanashi grapples with his personal struggles, he encounters Luo-Lang, a foreign warrior in search of the ultimate fight.

5

Baki the Grappler

Produced by Group TAC and Based on the Manga by Keisuke Itagaki

Feared by many as a demon who takes great pleasure in fighting, Yuujirou Hanma is known as the strongest creature in the world, having mastered all kinds of combat styles and proven himself able to take on anyone unarmed.

Motivated by mixed feelings towards his father, initially seeking to earn his love and later embarking on a quest of revenge, Baki Hanma has been relentlessly training from a young age, hoping to reach a point where, equipped with knowledge of various martial arts and a body made for fighting, he could surpass and defeat his father.

Baki distinguishes itself from other action-oriented titles through its refreshingly original and straightforward nature; rather than telling a tale of friendship or peerless ambition, Baki‘s emphasis lies on brutal and occasionally ridiculous fights. The original series may not have aged particularly well in terms of animation, but the overall franchise remains entertaining nonetheless.

4

Ashita No Joe

Produced by Mushi Production and Based on the Manga By Asao Takamori and Tetsuya Chiba

One of the most influential anime and manga ever, Ashita No Joe‘s anime stands the test of time as having some of the best and most fluid fights.

The series also effectively illustrates the physical impact of boxing, with solid sound effects and stark imagery highlighting each hit. Merged with its socio-economic undertones and touching narrative, the conflicts in Ashita no Joe go beyond the boxing ring.

The story follows Joe Yabuki, a troubled youth with a rebellious spirit, who discovers his talent for boxing under the guidance of ex-boxer Danpei Tange. Rising from the slums, Joe fights to prove himself in the ring and faces formidable rivals, but his journey is bumpy as he goes through many setbacks such as going to prison.

Inspiring a generation of youth, Ashita No Joe is one of the most inspiring tales of perseverance and hope.

3

Megalo Box

Original Series Produced by TMS Entertainment

Megalo Box is an evolved form of boxing where fighters make use of exoskeletons known as Gear, which grant them increased speed and power, thus making each fight that much more exciting and dynamic.

In the ring, most seek fame and glory, but there are those, like Junk Dog, who are forced to throw matches due to various circumstances. As he finds himself before a great champion named Yuuri, Junk Dog’s determination is renewed, and he sets his eyes on Megalonia, a world tournament whose winner is recognized as the top boxer.

As a modern reinterpretation of a classic story that holds a special place in many fans’ hearts, Megalo Box tells a tale of determination and the importance of fighting for one’s dreams and beliefs.

For the sake of authenticity, the protagonist decides to fight “gearless” in a world where most fighters rely on the benefits of Gear, proving that fights should never be superficial, as it is one’s genuine skills that prevail in the end. Even beyond the protagonist, every character is exceptionally well-written and their motivations resonate in the intense battles they fight.

2

Fist of the North Star

Produced by Toei Animation and Based on the Manga by Yoshiyuki Okamura & Tetsuo Hara

Setting out to save his kidnapped fiancée from his evil rival Shin, Kenshirou embarks on what is sure to prove a difficult journey across a deserted, post-apocalyptic landscape. Although he is driven by his mission, the stoic and heroic Kenshirou can’t simply ignore the woes of the weak.

As the sole successor of an ancient martial art known as Hokuto Shinken, the Divine Fist of the North Star, he uses his abilities to punish evildoers, naturally attracting the attention of more dangerous and malevolent foes in the process.

Fist of the North Star is an old-school fighting title that perfectly captures the essence of the anime landscape at the time of its release. Emphasizing the classic “manliness” associated with courage and boundless heroism, this series has its protagonist engage in all kinds of entertaining battles for the sake of protecting those who can’t defend themselves.

Matching its captivating action scenes with a genuinely compelling story and intriguing characters, it is no wonder why many recognize this influential title as one of the best retro anime.

1

Fighting Spirit (Hajime no Ippo)

Produced by Madhouse and Based on the Manga by George Morikawa

Without his father around, Ippo Makunouchi spends most of his free time helping his mother out with the family business, a habit which, combined with his timid nature, causes him to be perceived as an easy bullying target. A boxer named Mamoru Takamura saves him from another bullying incident, only to then take him back to the Kamogawa boxing gym.

Though Ippo feels drawn to the world of boxing, he naturally lacks confidence due to his inexperience. However, sensing his potential, the others convince him to train, leading to Ippo’s realization that this is where he belongs.

Living up to its name, Fighting Spirit is the quintessential fighting anime, especially for fans who value an emphasis on realistic matches. Despite its age, the series remains every bit as enjoyable as it was over two decades ago, with the surprisingly fluid animation allowing each fight to be as dynamic as it is exciting.

Even when disregarding the matches that define the series, its captivating story and charming characters are enough to entertain any viewer, even those with no interest in boxing. This quality is what allows Fighting Spirit to stand out even among the best fighting anime.