In anime, martial arts can be brutal and entertaining at the same time. We’ve seen countless incredible shows, from Baki to Kengan Ashura.
So, which are the best martial arts anime? If you’re looking for an anime with martial arts, there are some fantastic suggestions here.
Best Martial Arts Anime List!
15. Virtua Fighter
Akira Yuki spent years honing his Bajiquan skills in order to see the constellation of the eight stars of heaven. He embarks on a mission to face various foes because only people with true strength are qualified to view them.
This is a traditional martial arts story, and the anime is very similar to classic shows. The premise explains everything, but what you really need to see are the breathtaking action scenes and character development that this anime has to offer.
14. Crying Freeman
By force, Freeman became an assassin and began working for the Chinese mafia known as the 108 dragons. He’s a skilled hunter who cries whenever he sees his prey, but who knew falling in love with a girl would change everything?
Crying Freeman is a sad morality tale with plenty of action and romance. Despite the lack of plot twists and realism, you’ll enjoy the anime because it has something special planned for each episode.
13. Hitori no Shita: The Outcast
Chou Soran is attacked by zombies while visiting his grandfather’s grave, and he is saved by a mysterious girl. However, he soon meets her at university, as well as others with special abilities. With mysteries slamming into his daily life, it appears that his life will never be the same.
Hitori no Shita: The Outcast is not a zombie anime in the traditional sense, and many people misinterpret it by getting their hopes up. Whatever everyone else thinks, it’s an anime that only you can judge after watching, but it has everything you need, from martial arts to mystery.
12. Legend of the Condor Hero
Youka was forced to learn the martial arts of Zenshinkyou Temple, but he found them boring and switched to the ancient martial art style of Gyokujo Shinkei under the guidance of Shouryuujo, the beautiful female master.
He promised to put an end to her sister Ribakushuu’s evil deeds, and the time has finally come. Youka now has two tasks: find Shouryuuji and defeat Ribakushuu at all costs.
Legend of the Condor Hero is one of the most visually stunning martial arts animes we’ve seen in a long time. Everything from martial arts demonstrations to romance is utterly delightful. While the action is the most important aspect, the perfect pace should not be overlooked.
11. Against the Gods
The protagonist has been through a lot: his clan abandoned him, the world mocked him as a useless person, and on his wedding day, someone murdered him. However, he is reborn in this world to reach the pinnacle of power thanks to the Mirror of Samsara.
Against the Gods is a story about pain, sacrifice, vengeance, and constant peril, but it is also a work of art. This fantasy martial arts anime will make you addicted to Chinese novels, not only because of the action, but also because of the storyline’s quality.
10. The God of High School
Jin Mori, claiming to be the strongest, competes in “The God of High School,” a tournament in which the winner receives a wish. Hundreds of fighters enter the tournament for various reasons; who will win?
If you haven’t read the manhwa beforehand, The God of High School is a bizarre anime. The animation is excellent, and the fights between the fighters are thrilling. Watch it if you’re looking for a supernatural martial arts anime.
9. Hinomaru Sumo
Hinomaru joins the sumo club at Oodachi High School despite the fact that he is not a Sumo. However, his presence altered the fate of the school, and it appears that attaining the highest rank is no longer a pipe dream.
Hinomaru Sumo is everything you could want in an anime. The characters’ hardcore training and tactics while fighting using various martial arts add to the intensity. This is a must-see if you’re looking for a martial arts anime with a unique concept.
8. Tales of Demons and Gods
After being killed by the Sage Emperor, Nie Li returned to his 13-year-old self, his future memories intact. Can he protect his loved ones from the impending disaster now that he has hit the reset button?
Cultivation and Martial Arts are two common elements in Chinese anime. If you haven’t read the manhua or novel, Tales of Demons and Gods is a fantastic anime series to watch. The action scenes are intriguing, and the animation, while strange, is stunning.
7. Dragon Ball
Son Goku meets Bulma on his quest to find Dragon Balls, which, when combined, grant the user a wish. They do, however, encounter a number of evil opponents along the way who are out to destroy the world using Dragon Balls.
Although Goku uses Super Saiyan forms and Kamehameha to destroy his opponents, he first trained in martial arts. There are numerous martial art encounters with various entities, ranging from normal encounters to Budokai Tenkaichi. If you enjoy long martial arts anime series with op MC, Dragon Ball is a must-see.
6. Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
The Emperor of Yogo decided to kill his own innocent son because he harboured a dark secret. However, he is helped by a female warrior named Balsa, who swore to protect eight lives to atone for the people she has killed in the past. Will she be able to keep the prince safe?
Although this anime appears to be another historical action anime, the martial arts theme cannot be overlooked. It excels at animation by creating stunning, but also fantastic action scenes. Try this one if you want a historical Japanese martial arts anime.
5. Fist of the North Star
Ken is betrayed by a close friend in a world devastated by nuclear war, and he ends up almost dead. He survived, proving not only that he’s not an easy man to get rid of – but also that he won’t stop until he gets his revenge.
What words can we say about Fist of the North Star that haven’t already been said to a global audience? The anime is so iconic that it is redefining the Shounen genre, and with insane action scenes and martial arts as the main theme, it excels in every way.
4. Baki
Baki Hanma has always fought and evolved through body and mind with one goal in mind: to surpass his father, who is known as the “Ogre,” the world’s strongest creature.
However, his mother’s techniques are no longer sufficient, so he sets out to become stronger in his own way.
Baki, despite appearing to be a fighting show, is a metaphor for struggle and sacrifice. Everyone claims that the characters make it what it is, and they are unforgettable.
However, the best aspect is the action scenes during Tournaments. If you haven’t seen a good martial arts anime in a while, start now.
3. Hajime no Ippo
Ippo Makunouchi was a loser who was constantly bullied. However, after an up-and-coming boxer saved him from a beating, he decided to pursue a career in boxing. With his new passion, his dedication is put to the test, and he encounters terrifying rivals along the way.
Hajime no Ippo will knock your socks off with its exquisite narrative, which is full of twists and turns. Although it falls more into the sports anime category, there is no denying that boxing is a type of martial arts.
In short, you don’t see anime of this calibre every day.
2. Kengan Ashura
Every business transaction in Kengan is settled through fighting. Tokita Ohma, with the best martial arts, Niko Style, enters the tournament, which attracts monstrous fighters from all over the world. Will he be able to overcome them?
Although the premise focuses on Ohma, the other characters are equally important. Every fight in this intriguing story of blood sport gives you an adrenaline rush.
Every fighter has their own secret techniques and martial arts. Despite the unusual CGI, mere words cannot describe how epic this anime is.
1. History’s Strongest Disciple Kenichi
Kenichi, also known as “Weak Legs,” was a victim of bullying until he discovered Miu’s dojo. He grows stronger by the day thanks to life-threatening training. However, a deadly gang known as Ragnarok is after him. Can he withstand the gang’s threats?
Well, it’s your typical schoolboy power struggle in which MC is singled out. Regardless of how mundane the premise appears, it takes you on an inspirational journey filled with constant knuckle cracking action sequences. Are you ready to suit up and watch one of the best martial arts animes?
Final Thoughts!
So there you have it—the best martial arts anime list. If you haven’t seen many of these anime shows, you’ll probably be able to enjoy these titles for a long time.
We’re pretty sure we left out a few titles that should have made the cut. Would you mind making some recommendations to our visitors while you’re here?
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