Best Sword Fighting Anime (Japanese Samurai & Sword Action Anime)

Best Sword Fighting Anime (Japanese Samurai & Sword Action Anime)

Can you imagine what comes to your mind when we talk about simple characters with sharp features, minimalistic cuteness, and a plethora of profound emotions and tales swirling around the wild imagination of action, adventure, comedy, and morality?

Well, Anime it is..!! Welcome to the world of anime. Anime has gained a lot of popularity since its inception owing to its exceptional cartoon characters and in-depth storyline. Amongst them, the amine portraying sword fighting skills, martial arts techniques, and the samurai philosophy captivates the heart of the majority of the amine lovers. 

When we talk about an adventure, the clash of swords, fighting skills, and a story depicting human sentiments such as pride, duty, revenge, and honor, Japanese anime holds strong roots in the anime field and tops the list of anime enthusiasts. 

The more we talk about the “Best Sword Fighting Anime,” the more we find ourselves dwelling in the rich Japanese culture of legendary stories, finest combats, mystical realms in and across the mortal world, and stories enthralling on the beats of might, courage, tragedy, and adventure casting various characters in its mystic forms.

Can’t wait to see what this epic series restores as we walk down the lane of “Best sword fighting anime” illustrating its heroic characters.

1. Demon Slayer

Demon Slayer

What would you do if your family was attacked by the demons and you were the only one left behind to live the dreadful life? Will you give up and live with unbearable pain, or will you stand up to avenge the massive loss?

Well, an innocent boy named Tanjiro Kamado is on the same journey of revenge, turned to a demon slayer to avenge his family’s fate and to cure his sister. 

Demon Slayer, popularly known as Kimetsu no Yaiba, turns out to be a fascinating epic of Japanese culture, Strong Emotions, and dramatic battles with the satanic world.

2. BLEACH

BLEACH

Have you ever encountered a ghost? Definitely once in a lifetime in your Dreams. The memory is so frightful and vivid that we dare to revive it. But can you imagine what happens if a teenager like you can see ghosts in daylight and not in dreams? 

Bleach is the series to look for. Bleach revolves around the life of a teenager named Ichigo Kurosaki, who is capable of seeing ghosts.

Suddenly, his life takes a drastic turn when he acquires the power of Soul Reaper from another Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki and is bestowed with the responsibility of saving the mortal world from the blows of devils widely termed as Hollows in the Series.

Owing to its dramatic plots, never-ending combats, and meticulously crafted characters, Bleach dwells in the hearts of Anime lovers.

3. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent

Berserk_ The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent

Watch out, fellas – it’s Berserk we are talking about! It is one of the most Brutal and dark series in the Anime World, famous for its intricate plots and brutally realistic battles set in the medieval fantasy world. 

It is one of the most dreadful anime filled with violence, bloody battles, and ruthless killings with some epic heroes, some allured by the demonic powers and villains turning each page of the dark world calls for the Final Chapter of the epic Berserk: the Golden age arc trilogy named Advent. 

The series portrays fantasy characters named Guts, a lone mercenary, and his leader Griffith, who turned his head against his comrades to acquire demonic powers to rule the realm.

The story revolves around the Guts avenging Griffith, who betrays his members to become powerful, and Guts heading on a path to save himself and the world from demonic powers.

4. Gintama

Gintama

The anime world has seen a lot of Demons, and now it’s time for Aliens to pitch in! If you are looking for something fresh and humorous yet filled with artistic sword fights, Gintama is at your fingertip. 

The story is set in the Edo period, when aliens invade the world, and a former samurai named Gintoki Sakata sets out with his friends to save the world. 

5. Sword Art Online

Sword Art Online

Aesthetic Sword fights, in-depth plots, challenging battles, and demanding escapes attract the gaming world. Inspired by the Anime Fantasy, Sword Art Online empowers players to portray their Samurai skills in the MMORPG virtual world. 

Nothing gets more fascinating and indulging than living your favorite anime characters in the virtual world with a story blending into a saga of love, friendship, and anime fantasy. Sword art online is one such gaming medium wherein the player has a demanding job to make a compulsive escape to explore further virtual worlds.

6. Dororo

Dororo

Demons, a young thief, and a swordsman make up Dororo’s story. Similar yet compelling as compared to other anime, the story is about a swordsman named Hyakkimaru. He lost his body parts to demons since his birth and is set in the vengeance demonic world.

Hyakkimaru teams up with a young thief named Dororo fighting battles and combating the demons.

7. Noragami

Noragami

The quest to restore identity and respect takes a lifelong journey to live, fighting for yourself and with yourself against all the odds.

Noragami is one such epic telling a saga of friendship, recognition, and seeking identity wherein a minor god named Yato, along with a human girl, embarks on a journey of gaining a name amongst gods, fighting evils, and acquiring at least one shrine to be revered.

8. Samurai Champloo

Samurai Champloo

If you like sword-fighting animation, then you will definitely love the Samurai Champloo series. Based on a Japanese alternate series, this series is based on the journey of Mugen, Jin, and Fuu. They travel the countryside in search of Samurai who smell of sunflowers.

In this journey, they encounter a variety of opponents, including Ninja, other swordsmen, and an eccentric group of beatboxing monks. One of the unique features of Samurai Champloo is that it is a blend of modern and historical elements.

It is a mixture of traditional drama with modern hip-hop, which eventually results in a fresh and exciting take on this generation. The key features are character designs, music, and the overall tone of the series, which makes a unique style. 

9. Sword Of The Stranger 

Sword Of The Stranger

The film is a standalone work that was produced by Bones and released in 2007. The story features a young boy called Kataro and his dog Tobimaru. Both are traveling to Japan for the treatment of the mysterious illness of Tobimaru. On the way, they encounter many swordsmen who promise to protect both from the emperor of China. 

The movie has great animation technology and detailed research in every aspect of the movie. The film features the best sword fight scenes and big-scale battles between enemies. The designs and background are beautifully created. The overall movie, including all the aspects, is beyond expectations. 

10. Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll

As an audience, we can definitely recommend watching the classic series called Ninja Scroll. The film, which was a standalone work, was released in 1993 and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. 

A character called Jubei is a skilled Swordsman who is confused between rival factions of Ninjas. He must use his skills to uncover the conspiracy, which includes powerful and mysterious stones. 

Ninja Scroll has a unique dark tone. The story is about a political betrayal in which Ninjas got trapped in a mysterious, powerful stone. The main character, Jubei, is a powerful Swordsman who is controlled by other Ninjas and powerful spirits. 

11. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin

This series has 94 episodes and was produced by Studio Gallop. It was telecasted from 1996 to 1998. Samurai X is the popular name of this series. The story evolved around Kenshin Himura. He was an ex-assassin who promised never to kill anyone in life. He wants to hire the best swordsman.

Along with his soldiers, Kenshin wanted to protect the innocent and wanted peace in Japan during the Tumultuous Meiji era. The unique thing apart from sword fighting is the historical settings and characters.

At a time of great political change, Kenshin wants to forget about his past impression as a killer. Kenshin is a master swordsman who abides by powerful spirits and Samurai.

12. Afro Samurai 

Afro samurai

As an audience, we can definitely recommend watching a classic series called Afro Samurai. It has 5 episodes and was first telecasted in 2007. It was produced by Gonzo. The story is based on the Manga series of the same name by Takashi Okazaki and Afro Samurai. Afro samurai is a skilled Swordsman who is in search of a man who killed his father and took the kingdom.

This animation has its own setting and a unique design. The series is based on a search for revenge where warriors fight for supremacy. The Afro Samurai is a master swordsman who wears black outfits. It has unique sword-fighting scenes and large-scale battles between different armies of warriors.

13. Drifters

Drifters

“Drifters” delves into the theme of a story about a group of warriors who have different personalities who existed in history. These warriors are teleported into a fantasy world where elves, dwarves, and Sauron reside.

Shimazu Toyohisa, the male protagonist of this series, comes from a samurai clan. He died in the historical battle of Skigahara. This was the battle that established the Tokugawa Shogunate. This was also the battle where Oda Nobunaga (who was once killed) was also found.

360 years later, Nasu and Yoichi joined them. These warrior groups were famous with the name “Drifters”. The Drifters were teleported from the afterlife to fight against the “Ends,” another iconic group from historical times who harbored a grudge against the human race and planned a war against humans.

This is one of the best anime if you like to watch sword fighters in action.

14. Katanagatari

Katanagatari

A great strategist and general manager of the Shogunate army ‘Katanagatari’ and a girl were obsessed with 12 legendary swords. They both joined hands to find all 12 legendary swords.

It was the girl who asked Shichika to go on a joint search for swords together. But on this adventure, to find and take the legendary swords, they have to find the sword owners and eliminate them for collecting the legendary swords.

On their journey to find swords, they meet 12 leaders of the Maniwa Ninja Corps, who have their own fascination for the Deviant Blades.

Viewers who want to enjoy sword fights will really enjoy this anime. After all, who wouldn’t love to watch a story where the main leads fall in love in the midst of great sword action? More and more things get revealed as the story moves ahead.

15. Blade of the Immortal

Blade of the Immortal

A sword fighter who cannot be killed, that’s Manji’s advantage, who fought and killed over 100 samurai and got himself cursed. To remove this curse, Manji has to kill a thousand bad guys to remain immortal (because in exchange for his death, another’s death is needed).

A girl named Rin, who lost all her family members at the hands of some bad guys, vows to go on a solo revenge to kill them all. But she alone cannot achieve this goal, so she turns to Manji.

They both go on a joint mission, which involves a loveable adventure along with some brutal fights where murders happen.

If you see severed limbs, don’t get scared. This anime is a complete package of sword fights with a brutal storyline and character enhancement.

Conclusion

If you would like to take your sword-fight viewing experience to the next level, our list will greatly help you find the best sword-fighting anime.

Unlike most sword anime, which are based on the setting of the Edo period and Sengoku period, the anime in our list will elevate your experience of watching sword fights to an advanced level.

With these anime, you can expect similar enjoyment to the “Sword Art” anime. For more recommendations, stay tuned with us. Until then, enjoy watching!

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