Top 10 Martial Arts Anime Of All TIME.

by Hassan Askari | published on January 8,2022 | 8:01PM

       10. Naruto

I did just say that Basilisk is Naruto for adults, but that doesn’t mean the latter is bad — far from it. As one of the “big three” shonen anime alongside One Piece and Bleach, Naruto has done it all. The main story is over(after what felt like endless filler arcs) but that doesn’t erase its achievements. Naruto remains as a gateway to not only anime, but also martial arts anime. Rock Lee represents taekwondo while Neji has a fighting method reminiscent of Chinese martial arts called Pakwachang. Of course, much like Dragon Ball, Naruto has loads of boxing and kickboxing too. So there’s something here for everyone.

9. Kurozuka

I won’t blame you if you thought this was Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress due to the MC’s appearance and its combination of blades and guns. But Kurozuka came out eight years earlier, and has vampires instead of undead hordes. Also unlike most of the entries here, Kurozuka isn’t adapted from a manga. It’s an adaptation of a Baku Yumemakura novel. So it goes from around the Heian period to a dystopian future of Japan. Martial arts isn’t that prominent here, but it pops into frame for all the main action scenes.

                8. Hunter x Hunter

I don’t actually mind whether you watch the original 1999 adaptation or Madhouse Studio’s 148-episode epic 2011 adaptation.

What matters is that you understand why so many fans like me are willing to wait literal months for a new manga chapter. Granted, Hunter x Hunter is filled with shounen moments. But it’s definitely a martial arts anime. For example, Killua and Gon do the Flowing Dance, a martial art exercise. It’s a sparring technique that comes from kumite, a main aspect of karate. Also Isaac Netero taught the kung fu style Shingen-ryu. It’s a long watch, but trust me It’s worth it. There’s a good reason why it’s one of the highest-rated series on MAL.

7. Ranma ½

In sheer contrast to the death and blood in Afro Samurai is the comedy classic Ranma ½.This aired way back in 1989, but there hasn’t been a comedy romance like it ever since. Think of it as Martial Arts: Slice of Life. Ranma ½ revolves around the lives of Ranma Saotome and Akane, and they’re engaged. It’s a delightful watch — and it has 161 episodes for you to marathon.

Along the way they meet people like Ryouga and Shampoo, the latter of whom is from China and is part of the Joketsuzoku who are trained in body manipulation and pressure point strikes.

 

6. Dragon Ball

If you thought Ranma ½ was old, get a load of Dragon Ball from 1986.

Arguably one of the all-time most popular anime alongside Pokemon, the series is the granddaddy of shounen and super-powered MCs. From Dragon Ball to Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball Kai, you get a saga featuring insane fights. The series eventually becomes more about explosions and energy attacks. But you can still see bits of martial arts along the way. The franchise has seven schools of martial arts and there’s also the World Martial Arts Tournament. As for Goku, he’s excellent in boxing and kickboxing — with his kicking style reminiscent of taekwondo.

5. Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer)

Nobody expected just how popular Kimetsu no Yaiba would become. As 2019’s undisputed top anime, it inspired memes and led to a surge of Zenitsu, Tanjiro, and (most especially) Nezuko merch sales. But apart from its emotionally engaging story and lovable bunch of characters, Kimetsu no Yaiba proved why Ufotable is still a top-tier studio: It knows how to craft top-notch action sequences. Set in Japan’s Taisho era, the acclaimed series pits the protagonists against a whole slew of demons, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Just like Afro Samurai, this show relishes in sword fights. But it also adds in a whole set of sword-fighting styles called breath styles — and it is an absolute visual delight.

4. Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi (Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple)

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is my top comedy entry, way higher than Ranma ½.

I like the latter more as an anime, but Kenichi offers more in terms of actual martial arts. For 50 episodes you can witness the rise of Kenichi from a weakling to a formidable teen fighter. You get to follow him in his rigorous dojo sessions, learning everything from Muay Thai to Chinese martial arts. Is it the best-looking martial arts anime? No. Can it appeal to younger audiences and motivate them to try out martial arts? More so than most entries on my list.

3. Katanagatari

This is kinda embarrassing, but I thought Katanagatari was part of Shaft’s Monogatari franchise. For one, it’s from White Fox. Second, it lacks all the head tilts. Instead Katanagatari is pretty much Sword Fights: The Anime. But here’s why I love it so much: The guy literally utilizes a fighting style where he has to use his own body as if it was a sword. That’s right. Shichika Yasuri is both the weapon and the weapon wielder, like a dog holding its own leash. Plus it’s got a unique visual look — like a hybrid of Western and Japanese styles.

 

2. Sword of the Stranger

The best martial arts anime movie is Sword of the Stranger for a variety of reasons. This award-winning film doesn’t compromise its story to create some stunning set pieces and clever cinematography. I can’t fault this movie. It’s well-paced and gets rid of all the fat — presenting a clear-cut story with a smorgasbord of sword fights. And yet, our samurai MC has an oath not to use his sword. Intriguing, right? Yes, it’s violent. But it’s not over-the-top kind of violent. There’s a lot of heart in Sword of the Stranger and it shares this sense of guilt and redemption with my No. 1 pick.

1. Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan (Samurai X)

Was there any doubt that Samurai X would be my top choice? It’s a classic work of art in my book — anime or not. In fact, the live-action movie adaptations turned out much better than expected. Whether it’s the prequel OVA (Trust and Betrayal), the concluding OVA (Reflection), or the sprawling 94-episode series, you’re guaranteed to witness some of the best anime moments of all time. Kenshin can beat up enemies with a reverse blade katana. His love interest Kaoru has kenjutsu sword training. Aoshi and Hajime have mastered the kodachi and katana swords, respectively. And then you have guys like Sanosuke and Anji who can duke it out with bare hands.

Edo-period Japan? Check.

God-tier soundtrack? Check.

Legendary protagonist? Check.

Iconic villains like Shishio Makoto and Seta Sojiro? Check.

One of the best redemption stories ever? Absolutely.