15 Best Fighting Anime of All Time

Whether grounded or fantastical, the best fighting anime are always some of the medium’s most compelling and engaging titles, drawing fans into heart-pumping spectacles where rivals can showcase their individual strengths and talents, as well as the ingenious strategies they may come up with in order to outsmart their opponents and emerge victorious in battle.

Even in the world of stories wherein fights play a central role, creators have a lot of freedom when it comes to the setting and features of the series. Some are more realistic, highlighting authentic fights that take place in boxing rings or martial arts dojos, while others opt for more creative settings, involving elements of magic and supernatural powers that allow the fights to be that much more dynamic and grandiose, taking the choregrography to the next level.

15 Record of Ragnarok (2021)

Produced by Graphinica & Yumeta Company and Based on the Manga by Shinya Umemura & Takumi Fukui

Record of Ragnarok is often not much more than a simple tournament fighting anime, based on the absolutely gorgeous Monthly Comic Zenon series featuring an ultra-high-stakes tournament pitting gods against mortals. Faced with humanity’s imminent doom, Brunhilde challenges the mightiest of the gods at Valhalla to a best-of-thirteen tournament, where her Valkyries can empower mankind’s mightiest selected warriors across the ages. In epic depictions of mortal combat, this results in battles between the biblical Adam and Zeus, or Apollo against Leonidas.

Record of Ragnarok begins refining its fighting anime chops by the third round, with season 2 boasting more improvements as the battles become more heated. The series boasts fanservice for mythology buffs and death battle enthusiasts wishing to see wild interpretations of mythological and historical figures like Nikola Tesla with a distinct anime flair. While Record of Ragnarok may not have the most immensely deep plot around, it is the perfect encapsulation of what makes fighting anime fun and, often, a little ridiculous in the best of ways.

14 The God of High School (2020)

Produced by MAPPA and Based on the Manhwa by Yong-Je Park

The God of High School tournament is a free-for-all competition that any Korean high school student can join, regardless of preferred fighting style or weapon mastery. Seeking to prove himself as the strongest fighter, Renewal Taekwondo expert Mo-Ri Jin enters the tournament, encountering and befriending different like-minded people in the process. Yet, beyond the exciting duels that he so eagerly anticipates, Mo-Ri has no idea that the secrets he is about to learn are going to change his entire perspective on life.

The God of High School is a simple yet entertaining fighting anime that features a variety of excellently animated martial arts styles. It is certainly far from perfect overall, with the story and characters in particular not always living up to fans’ expectations, but it delivers an incredible experience for anyone who appreciates engaging fighting scenes, as the animation and choreography are impressive enough to compensate for any potential shortcomings. Overall, this series certainly represents one of the best examples of anime adaptations of manhwa.

13 Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)

Produced by TMS Entertainment and Based on the Manga by Shun Matsuena

Despite having joined the karate club, the timid Kenichi Shirahama lacks the motivation and confidence to truly stand up for himself and commit to becoming stronger, leading to him facing the unpleasant situation of having to fight a duel that might result in his termination from the club. Just then, he comes across his one chance to win – Mio Furinji, a strong girl who quickly befriends him. Her grandfather’s dojo happens to be the residence of several masters of extreme martial arts, and Kenichi is promised that he is bound to become stronger by training there, provided he survives.

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple effortlessly blends action with comedy, delivering a worthwhile experience for any fan of fighting anime. Although the titular Kenichi is shown not to have any particular innate talent for fighting, much unlike other typical shōnen protagonists, it is his outstanding work ethic and commitment to becoming stronger that allows him to learn various martial arts styles and become a genuinely remarkable warrior, especially when the safety of his loved ones is at risk.

12 Viral Hit (2024)

Produced by Okuruto Noboru and Based on the Webtoon by Taejun Pak

With manhwa continuously garnering enormous worldwide popularity, thanks to the potent marketing of apps like LINE and Naver Webtoon, Viral Hit is an excellent integration of one of their most beloved series. The anime follows an interesting twist on the fighting genre, with Hobin Yu becoming the next NewTube content creator cashing in on the lucrative world of viral online fame. Viral Hit begins its premise when Hobin, frustrated and surrounded by individuals making unusually large sums of money for mundane content, finds his niche when he accidentally streams a brawl with one of his bullies.

When the video immediately gets over ten million hits, Hobin’s world is changed, and he realizes he has an innate taste for fighting. The series soon shows Hobin finding his hook as a content creator, calling bullies out in real-time, a common thread found in many manhwas and even present in other recent adaptations like Lookism. The series is fun, surprisingly funny, and loaded with strong animation.

11 World Trigger (2014)

Produced by Toei Animation and Based on the Manga by Daisuke Ashihara

As a mysterious gate connecting Earth to a different world suddenly appears, Mikado City faces the threat of “Neighbors“, incredibly powerful aliens who are seemingly invincible to any form of weaponry developed by humankind. To counter this terrible threat, a unique organization known as the Border Defense Agency is established, developing special weapons named “Triggers” and training their wielders to fight the aliens seeking humanity’s demise. As Osamu Mikumo, a Border agent-in-training, encounters a peculiar humanoid Neighbor who goes by Yuuma Kuga, everything he thought he knew is challenged.

While its emphasis may not necessarily lie on combat, World Trigger is an underrated sci-fi title that features a variety of intriguing battle strategies. Unlike other fighting anime, which prominently display hand-to-hand duels that are decided by pure strength and willpower alone, the outcomes of the fights that take place here are decided by tactics, teamwork, and one’s ability to adapt to new environments and unexpected developments. Moreover, it also features one of the best power systems in anime, which only further contributes to how engaging and compelling the fights are.

10 Kengan Ashura (2019)

Animated by Larx Entertainment and Based on the Manga by Yabako Sandrovich & Daromeon

Combat sports anime don’t nearly always take a realistic approach with their concepts or action, and in the case of Kengan Ashura, it’s made all the more thrilling. Kengan Ashura is a fighting anime geared toward answering whether a martial arts manga can be too brutal to be adapted to anime. The fights are mixed martial arts affairs, with protagonist Ohma Tokita deploying his wits just as much as his mighty strikes to overcome near-superhuman individuals with unique and eclectic talents for combat.

Behind Ohma stands Kazuo Yamashita, a Nogi Group salaryman who acts as Ohma’s caretaker and builds a connection with him. The series features fictional Japanese corporations and businessmen using these tournament bouts to settle their differences, similar to modern gladiators. The true highlights of the animation are certainly when fighters enter the ring, as blood is quickly and easily shed amidst a fusion of martial arts disciplines in this exciting fighting anime.

9 Shigurui: Death Frenzy (2007)

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.

Shigurui: Death Frenzy also only adapts the earlier chapters of the manga by Takayuki Yamaguchi, teasing plenty more developments throughout the series’ 15-volume run. 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.

8 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)

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 exorcizing Curses and protecting humanity.

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the best modern battle shōnen, having quickly made a name for itself thanks to its exceptional choreography and dynamic fights that are enhanced by the presence of genuinely high stakes. Even beyond its refreshingly innovative and entertaining fights, which distinguish themselves thanks to the emphasis placed on teamwork and coordination, its second season has also recently been crowned as Crunchyroll’s “Anime of the Year“, which proves that there is far more to this title than memorable fights and high production value.

7 Dragon Ball (1986)

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 Toriyama’s distinctive quirks and gag manga humor as an adventure loosely inspired by Journey to the West. Son Goku is the main character of what would soon become one of history’s most beloved and recognizable franchises, in his earliest adventures featuring a much more relatively grounded action premise, aside from energy attacks, demon kings, and wish-granting dragons. Fans would laugh and cheer in the series’ numerous World Martial Arts Tournaments, where powerhouses and oddballs would create lasting memories and legendary Dragon Ball quotable moments.

Goku is a simple-minded child, engaging in cartoonish antics on various misadventures with Bulma and a core group who would become most of Goku’s supporting characters in subsequent Dragon Ball series. Dragon Ball wasn’t created with the intent of being an action manga or fighting anime. Still, its execution, alongside Toriyama’s excellent paneling and character designs, was an easy hit with fans. It’s gotten to the point that the most popular and contentious discussions include power-scaling and the best, most action-packed arcs, indicating that the series has transitioned perfectly into the fighting genre.

6 Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)

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 between 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. However, the fights are more than pretty yet otherwise empty action 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 from its peers in every aspect, which is why it’s recognized as one of the best anime that premiered in 2014.

5 One-Punch Man (2015)

Produced by Madhouse and Based on the Manga by ONE & Yuusuke Murata

Seeking to fulfill his childhood dream, Saitama trains relentlessly for three years, strengthening his body and heart to fight powerful enemies. However, as a result of his training, he ends up facing a completely unexpected problem; he’s become so strong that he can defeat just about anyone with one punch only. Now, despite his heroic deeds and commitment to saving everyone, he goes largely unrecognized due to his unassuming appearance and lack of flashy fights. That is, at least, until Genos the cyborg notices him and convinces him to join the Hero Association.

ONE, who is credited for the story of
One Punch Man
, has also authored
Mob Psycho 100
, another brilliant series with stunning fights.

While viewers might expect that Saitama’s ability to take anyone down in a single blow would prevent the series from featuring any engaging duels, One Punch Man‘s fights remain some of the medium’s most dynamic and memorable. There is hardly ever any suspense as to who might emerge victorious, given that no one is strong enough to pose a challenge to the titular protagonist, but the other characters get plenty of opportunities to showcase their unique fighting styles. Moreover, the first season in particular is known for its incredible animation, which truly elevates this action-comedy series.

4 Baki the Grappler (2001)

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.

Although the original series, released in 2001, is unavailable on streaming, the 2018 sequel is available on Netflix, and it makes for a great starting point for new fans.

Baki the Grappler is a simple yet enjoyable classic title that revolves purely around fighting, without a particularly profound story to keep viewers in suspense. It 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.

3 Megalo Box (2018)

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.

Released during the 50th anniversary of the much beloved
Tomorrow’s Joe
,
Megalo Box
pays homage to a classic while appealing to modern sensibilities.

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 (1984)

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 (2000)

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 it to stand out even among the best fighting anime.