Sword fights, whether in feudal Japan or in different contexts, have their incredible appeal.
Through sword clashes, we witness real clashes of resolute personalities who want to prevail over each other with great honor.
This entails action sequences that will inevitably leave you gaping and with bated breath as you wait to find out who will prevail.
So this listicle will show you the best anime with incredible sword fighting, whether you are a novice or already have some knowledge.
Rankings are based on our personal preferences and tastes.
Table of Contents
25. Brave 10
The Battle of Sekigahara, which took place in the flower of the Sengoku period, decreeing its end, is over.
Ninja Saizou Kirigakure one day runs into Isa Nami, a priestess targeted by assassins whose temple was destroyed on the orders of Yukimura Sanada.
The 2 will join forces, and a mystery related to the girl’s mysterious powers will be revealed, along with why she is being hunted down.
Brave 10 has undeniable flaws, such as a shaky cast of characters and a story that creaks at several points, leaving the viewer almost interdicted.
But despite this, it has some solid action scenes. So give it a chance if you want to watch some cool action and sword fights.
24. Sword Art Online Series
Sword Art Online is certainly one of the most talked-about works of recent times, with many series under its belt and the quality of them not exactly consistent.
In fact, if we must admit that Alizitacion, the last season released, is a good product, the same can’t be said for the previous seasons.
The events center on Kirito, nicknamed the black swordsman, in different virtual MMORPG video game worlds, accompanied by as many allies as enemies in different stories and plots.
Sword Art Online may start from interesting premises but ends up being an anime full of clichés, recycled plots, and boring characters.
It gets better after Alizitacion, so if you have to have the patience to sit through all the seasons before, then you can watch it.
We still suggest reading the light novels instead as they are more pleasant in terms of pacing and content.
23. Sengoku Basara
A 2009 anime, based on a videogame, which is why many of you may already be turning up your noses. But hold your breath, because it may turn out to be an unexpected surprise.
As the title suggests, the anime is inspired by true Japanese history, from the historical Sengoku period. The anime depicts the military aspect of the period, against the backdrop of an ancient Japan fragmented into semi-independent provinces.
In this period and setting the warrior Oda Nobunaga, called the Sixth Demon King, emerged, with the intent of conquering a disordered country and reuniting it under one banner.
He won’t be short of worthy opponents in his endeavor. Indeed, Yukimura Sanada and Masamune Date, 2 young generals, decide to form an unlikely alliance to succeed in opposing Oda’s unstoppable armies.
Sengoku Basara is definable as a historical anime to watch if you are interested in discovering ancient and fascinating Japanese history.
Although its animations are nothing much, it’s cool to witness some epic and solemn moments of warfare as we see the exploits of the greatest leader in Japanese history.
22. Peace Maker Kurogane
Peace Maker Kurogane is a 2003 samurai anime that focuses on comedy and lighthearted moments over action and usual solemn moments.
The main character is a 15-year-old boy who is determined to avenge his parents’ murder, despite his small stature making it difficult for him to wield a sword.
But he won’t give up, and undergoes on a rigorous training to overcome this obstacle and achieve his goal.
As we already told you, this anime is full of hilarious and comedic moments that are created to make you laugh.
That’s why we recommend it if you’re looking for a samurai anime that’s not too heavy, but still has a great setting, plot, and some cool sword fights.
21. Hakuoki
Hakuoki is an interesting anime that combines the supernatural with science-fiction, all in Edo Japan.
The story is about Chizuru Yukimura, the daughter of a doctor who mysteriously disappeared during a trip to Kyoto.
Determined to find her father, she begins a quest that will take her into the middle of a battle between the Shinsengumi and one of its members, transformed into an Orc.
Hakuoki is an interesting anime that has a lot of elements from different genres which manage to coexist well without ending up being outlandish.
It also has some good character design and good action scenes that are convincing, and it’s a solid pick if you want to watch something different.
If you like the series, you can play the original visual novel duology to enjoy the original experience.
20. Basilisk
Basilisk is an old-school samurai anime that will delight fans of the sword-fighting genre with its emphasis on lineages, honor, and cool battles. The anime was released in 24 episodes in 2005, based on the manga of the same name.
The story revolves around two rival ninja clans, Iga and Koga, who have been at odds with each other for generations. The only reason a terrible war has not yet broken out is the non-aggression order by the Shogunate.
But even in this incredibly tense context, love is born between two boys belonging to the two houses. However, matters escalate when the Shogun orders the two clans to select their best warriors for a tournament to settle the dispute once and for all.
Basilisk is an excellent anime that is full of exciting sword fights and unexpected plot twists.
If you’re a fan of the sword fighting genre and want to watch something that’s focused on action in a beautiful setting of feudal Japan, then Basilisk is an excellent choice that you’ll love.
19. One Piece
The most famous pirate history ever with the most sold manga as of today. The adventures of Luffy and his crew are known to any anime fan and there is no doubt that One piece has one of the best settings ever.
The worldbuilding of this series is amazing and rich in details, featuring a variety of islands, continents, and seas.
One Piece is the apotheosis of the concept of adventure, many fans have been following the Straw Hats’ journey for years.
And among the several fights, the legendary shipboard swordsman Zoro will amaze us with his sword prowess.
The majority of sword fights involve him as he’s one of the main characters and the Wano Arc is one of the best examples you can find.
18. Claymore
A 26-episode anime set in a dark medieval fantasy-themed world where the inhabitants are forced to fight the threat of monstrous creatures that feed on humans.
Fighting these creatures, called Yomi, are the Claymores, warriors with enormous power who can counter the terrible monsters with their swords.
The protagonist of the story is Claire, a low-level claymore who will increase her fighting power over time as she discovers the deceptions behind the Yomi and the society in which she lives
The dark fantasy setting of Claymore is charming and gloomy, perfect to represent a sad world infested by Yomi. The anime isn’t really at the same level as the original source, the manga.
That’s because it aired before the manga finished so the last 3 episodes aren’t canon, but this adaptation is still a great introduction anyway.
17. Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou features a much lighter and at times comic storyline, with the main character Tsukishima Jinbe, a skilled swordsman, being recruited to carry out an assignment as a mercenary.
But something will go wrong, and he will find himself entangled in phenomena, even supernatural ones, beyond his reach.
The main weapon used by characters is the sword, even though you won’t see any serious or bloody confrontation because Mushibugyou is mostly comic.
If you want some variety instead of the usual deep anime, this is the perfect pick for many of you.
16. Samurai 7
A 26-episode anime produced by Studio Gonzo and inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s masterpiece of the same name.
The plot is broadly similar to Kurosawa’s movie. 7 samurais are recruited to protect a village from the assaults of bandits who plunder rice, leaving the population in abject poverty.
This is only the incipit of a story that will grow in intensity over time, breaking away from the original work.
The whole thing is repurposed in a steampunk style, where various typical components of feudal Japan are mixed with characteristic elements of the genre.
However, this mix of genres does not detract from the classicism of the clashes present, still typical of samurai battles but with just enough modern additions, creating a pleasant and innovative product.
This version of Samurai 7 is an excellent meeting point between classic samurai-themed products and modern elements.
15. House of Five Leaves
House of Five Leaves is a niche and underrated samurai anime with unique character designs that is worth discovering.
This 12-episode anime was released in 2010, based on the seinen manga of the same name.
The story is set in the Edo era and features Masanosuke Akitsu, a ronin in search of a master, but his bad reputation makes it tough to find work.
However, he’s eventually hired as a bodyguard by Yaichi, the leader of the House of Five Leaves gang, which turns out to be hiding some pretty interesting secrets.
The historical setting in this anime is stunning, and the animation is impressive, considering it’s almost 15 years old now.
The only downside is the weak focus on fights since it’s mostly a psychological anime but… if you love something deeper, this is a great pick.
14. Bleach
Certainly, no great introductions are needed either for Bleach, the most famous work by Tite Kubo that has earned the title of one of the Big Three of shonen mangas.
Indeed, we are unceremoniously talking about one of the most important battle shonen anime ever, especially involving samurai.
The protagonist is Ichigo, a boy like any other with all the classic characteristics of a protagonist in the genre. Generous, physically strong, and kind.
What sets him apart is his ability to be able to see spirits, reasoning that one evening like any other he will see Rukia, a Shinigami, grappling with a Hollow.
A series that is worth watching or reading in addition to its breathtaking fights, and especially for its villain, Aizen, regarded as one of the best villains ever.
13. Ninja Scroll: The Series
A 13-episode anime produced by Madhouse and based on Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s film of the same name.
The story follows the adventures of Kibagami Jubei, a skilled ronin endowed with a great sense of justice and complete disinterest in political affairs.
He must protect the Dragon Jewel, a stone with mysterious powers, and its priestess Shigure from the Hiruko ninja clan, a group of ninjas who want to overthrow the Japanese government.
This anime is dark because of its setting and its characters. Even Kibagami Jubei, despite being the hero, has a moral compass that the viewer may not agree with.
While the plot flows nicely, the fights will be truly noteworthy, both for their technical realization and for the emotions they can convey.
And guess what? Swords are the main weapons and fit perfectly into the setting of this anime.
12. Noragami
An action and fantasy anime with supernal with 2 seasons of 12 episodes each.
The story follows the bizarre duo of Yato, a minor god, and Hiyori Iki, an average schoolgirl. One day, Hiyori saves Yato from a car accident, taking the hit instead of him.
The girl’s soul is not stable anymore and she can’t return to her body and that’s exactly when Yato will start to make everything he can to save her. In fact, the minor god had a weapon partner, who abandoned him before the accident.
Yato’s Regalia is indeed called Yukine and is a katana with a major role in the plot.
If you want some romance and great action, this is the anime for you, even though the setting is nothing special or new.
11. Demon Slayer
Tanjiro is the eldest son of a large family orphaned by his father, who leaves his home in the mountains every day to travel to the city to sell coal.
Upon returning home one evening, he discovers that his entire family has been mauled by a group of wild demons and that his beloved little sister Nezuko has herself become a demon.
Determined to find a cure that can return his sister to normal, Tanjiro will undergo grueling training to become a demon hunter, hoping to shed light on this horrible mystery.
This journey is accompanied by breathtaking animations and one of the most interesting soundtracks out there. Demon Slayer doesn’t miss when it comes to sword fights and crazy scenes.
10. Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is a 5-episode anime produced by Gonzo studio and based on Takashi Okazaki’s manga of the same name.
This series doesn’t make discounts in terms of violence and that’s why the original manga is a seinen.
Afro Samurai is a story of raw revenge, in which the protagonist Afro tries hard to kill his father’s killer, a warrior named Justice.
Justice killed Afro’s father to gain possession of the number 1 sash, which is extremely important since in the world of opera there are sashes that stand for the power of a warrior.
There will be no shortage of crude and borderline sword confrontations, where blood will flow like wildfire.
But the real reason Afro Samurai must be watched is its breathtaking soundtrack, which even won an Emmy. Its music rap and soul music combined with breathtaking action scenes make this anime a real experience.
9. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
Fate is one of the largest and most famous anime-themed franchises, which has countless TV series, movies, spin-offs, and videogames.
The plot features magical summoners, called Masters, who through the summoning of spirits inspired by famous characters from history fight to conquer the Holy Grail.
The protagonist of Unlimited Blade Works, one of the routes, is Emiya Shirou, a boy which will find himself dragged into this war.
Unlimited Blade Works has the distinction of having incredible action scenes, accompanied by breathtaking animations and soundtrack.
Some of the best anime swords are featured in Fate since there is a lot of variety and a blade for every taste.
8. Berserk
A masterpiece of the dark fantasy and sword and sorcery genres by the notorious mangaka Kentaro Miura, which changed the media forever. Its 1997 anime adaptation is famous for its vintage style and fitting setting.
Few other works can match this one due to the complexity of its characters and for starring two incredible personalities: Gatsu and Griffith.
The story doesn’t start in the happiest of ways, but it gets even worse as the protagonist Gatsu has a fateful encounter with Griffith, the leader of the Falcons.
Berserk is a milestone in Japanese art and the progressive suffering of Gatsu is what makes it more realistic and relatable.
The anime relies mainly on its incredible world-building and its deep psychological side, but the action, when present, will also play its part.
7. Blade of the Immortal
Blade of the Immortal is a famous historical anime with a lot of splatter for gore fans.
Its most recent remake features a modern vibe and is the best version in case you are just starting out.
The violent death of the parents of the protagonist Rin, the sole heir to the dojo of the Muten Ichiryu school at the hands of Anotsu Kagehisa, an exponent of the rival Itto-Ryu school, leaves her with a great thirst for revenge.
She seeks help from Manji, a ronin known for killing his lord and a hundred other samurais, to achieve her goal.
The ronin is an immortal samurai thanks to the Kessen-chu worm, a being inside his body that can heal any wound.
Sword fights are realistic and raw, without discounting visual violence.
6. Katanagatari
Katanagatari is a masterful work by Nisio Issin about samurai and swords, telling the story of a swordsman and a strategian to retrieve the most powerful 12 swords in Japan during the Edo period.
The protagonist Shichika Yasuri is the 7th head of the Kyotōryū family, renowned for its combat style which consists of being able to counter and fight against swords with bare hands.
However, Yasuri had to undergo a dark and painful past in order to learn this particular technique.
Katanagatari boasts crazy fights and an innovative premise thanks to the protagonist being a sword himself. Blades aren’t necessarily what you think, as they take many forms.
While sword fights aren’t conventional, this anime is an original and great addition to this list, thanks to an excellent cast and unexpected plot twists, with even a good romance with no harem additions.
5. Sword of the Stranger
Sword of the Stranger is a movie released in 2007 as an original story and a running time of 103 minutes.
We are in the Sengoku period. Ronin Nagashi, the main character, rescues at an abandoned temple a child named Kotaro and his dog Tobimaru.
Kotaro has no family, and for unknown reasons, the Chinese Emperor of the Ming Dynasty is hunting him down. But Nagashi won’t allow this and decides to stand up for the boy.
Impossible then not to mention feudal Japan, and the ever-present breathtaking samurai clashes realized in an extremely realistic way.
Sword of the Stranger is ideal if you just want to watch confrontations and blades, that’s it.
4. Gintama
Gintama is one of the most popular and unique anime in recent years, consisting of 357 episodes and based on Hideaki Sorachi’s manga of the same name.
The series follows the adventures of Gintoki, Shimpachi, and Kagura, 3 boys who make up the Yorozuya handyman agency.
The whole story is set in a world where an alternative ancient feudal Japan has been conquered by aliens and is now confronted with a major technological advancement imposed by the invaders.
Gintama makes demented comedy its strong point, basing entire sagas on utterly silly pretexts and never failing to throw in the laughs. But every now and then, to break the seriousness, we will also have serious, action-packed story arcs.
And trust us when we tell you that although it is 90% comic, when Gintama gets serious, it does it perfectly, with some of the best sword fighting scenes you’ll ever see.
3. Samurai Champloo
A masterpiece by master filmmaker Shinichiro Watanabe, former author of cult hit Cowboy Bepop, Samurai Champloo is a 26-episode show produced by Manglobe.
The anime stars Mugen and Jin, 2 samurai warriors with opposing characters, and Kasumi, a girl who hired them to search for the samurai who smells like sunflowers.
The story revolves around their adventures, often self-contained, meaning that only a few of them will keep some coherence to the overall plot.
Watanabe’s direction is one of the main reasons why Samurai Champloo is so up on this list but sword fights have their role too.
And what’s better than confrontations directed by a genius? You can’t skip this anime, it’s a must.
2. Rurouni Kenshin
A great classic when it comes to samurai-themed anime is Rurouni Kenshin, a 95-episode anime based on the manga of the same name by Nobuhiro Watsuki.
In this drama for proud Japanese warriors, stories of love and conflict evolve that are rare nowadays and make us say this is one of the best historical romance anime.
The protagonist of the series is Kenshin Himura, a legendary warrior who, after helping to depose the Tokugawa shogunate, lives his life protecting people from injustice, and searching for atonement.
In fact, Kenshin is extremely remorseful about his dark past, where he brought extreme violence and bloodshed.
You will feel like you are watching a real samurai fight of the time, clean and honorable and with a lot of cool action scenes.
This anime can be regarded as one of the fathers of all samurai-themed battle shonen and we have no doubts it must make it to the top 4 of this list.
1. Dororo
The plot revolves around Hyakkimaru, a boy with a body made of prosthetics, who fights demons. When he was a child his impoverished father sacrificed the child to demons to seek prosperity.
These demons now possess his body parts and senses, so Hyakkimaru will have to seek them out and defeat them to regain his lost body.
He will do this together with Dororo, a child that is keeping him company during the journey.
A solid plot accompanied by excellent animation and a soundtrack that will make the fighting even better are just the surface of this anime.
The fleshed-out and diverse cast that populates one of the best dark fantasy feudal Japanese anime are the real stars of this immortal work.
Passionate about Japanese culture for years, serial devourer of manga, anime, and videogames that have now become part of my routine.
My favorite series? Goodnight Punpun and One Piece.
