Mohsin Lag
Sword fighting anime fans – this one’s for you.
There’s nothing quite like the clash of steel, the tension before a duel, and those breathtaking moments when blades decide fate. Whether it’s the disciplined strikes of a samurai or the flashy techniques of a fantasy warrior, these anime deliver heart-pounding action like nothing else.
Here’s what we’re covering:
• Timeless classics – The samurai epics that started it all
• New generation greats – Anime that’s pushing sword fights to new heights
• Hidden treasures – Lesser-known series with incredible duels
• What makes sword fights unforgettable – From choreography to emotional weight
No matter if you’re just discovering swordplay anime or you’ve seen them all, this guide will help you find your next favorite. Grab your (imaginary) sword – let’s get started.
Top 20 Sword Fighting Anime Series You Have to Watch!
So, without further ado, make sure to binge-watch all these espadas animes, and allow yourself to experience an epic journey filled with amazing swordsmanship and unforgettable characters? thank us later!
32. Kurozuka
Starting off our countdown with this 2008 Madhouse adaptation of the acclaimed manga that delivers a unique story that spans centuries—from feudal Japan to a dystopian future. With its striking visuals and genre-defying storytelling, Kurozuka stands out as a bold and unforgettable entry in swordplay anime.
The story follows Kurou, a skilled swordsman, and his loyal servant Benkei as they seek refuge in the home of the beautiful and enigmatic Kuromitsu. Though they’re welcomed with open arms, Kurou soon discovers Kuromitsu’s dark secret: she’s a blood-sucking vampire. Driven by his love for her, Kurou willingly becomes a vampire himself and dedicates himself to her.
But their idyllic life is shattered when the Red Army, a mysterious organization, captures and decapitates Kurou. Miraculously, Kurou awakens hundreds of years into the future and sets out to find Kuromitsu and exact his revenge on the Red Army.
31. Peace Maker Kurogane
Animated by studio Gonzo in 2003, Peace Maker Kurogane is an action anime packed with unlimited sord fights, and comes with a humorous twist. The story of the program centres around Ichimura Tetsunosuke, who saw his parents murdered by one of the Choushuu, leaving him scarred and yearning for vengeance. Tetsunosuke, at the age of 15, decides to join the Shinsengumi in order to develop power and assist him achieve his revenge aim. He quickly discovers, however, that he lacks the needed skills and attitude to carry out the group’s merciless measures to maintain the peace.
Despite lacking the necessary traits, Tetsunosuke receives support from his brother Tatsunosuke and the friends he makes in the Shinsengumi. However, as he becomes more involved with the group, Tetsunosuke experiences bloodshed and pain that he never imagined. This historical group is not for the faint of heart, and Tetsunosuke must decide if he’s truly ready to take on the consequences that come with being part of the Shinsengumi.
30. Utawarerumono
Utawarerumono is an anime that features intense katana fights that aired in 2006 and is known for its exciting animation, drama, and fantasy elements. The story follows the journey of a man who is found injured in the woods by a girl named Eruruu. With no memory of his past or even his own name, he is given the name Hakuoro by Eruruu’s grandmother and younger sister, Aruruu.
In spite of being physically different from the other inhabitants of the village, who have large ears and tails, Hakuoro is welcomed into their community. However, their peaceful existence is threatened when a revolution against the tyrannical emperor of the land breaks out, and Hakuoro finds himself caught up in the conflict.
As Hakuoro fights to protect the people he has come to love, he must also unravel the mysteries of his own past, including the reason behind his mask, which he cannot remove.
29. Nurarihyon no Mago
Nurarihyon no Mago is a 2010 supernatural anime series produced by Studio Deen that revolves around Rikuo Nura, a young boy who is part human and part youkai. He grew up as the young master of the Nura Clan, which is composed of all kinds of youkai. Although Rikuo sees them as his family, he discovers that his classmates view them as terrifying creatures that eat children and enjoy violence.
To blend in with humans and live a normal life, Rikuo decides to act like a typical human. However, he soon realizes that normalcy is challenging to maintain, especially with his youkai attendant Tsurara Oikawa, who attends school with him under a human disguise, and his friend Kiyotsugu, who is obsessed with proving the existence of youkai.
Moreover, Rikuo’s supernatural ancestry comes with a price. To protect those he holds dear from rival youkai and other dangers, Rikuo must acknowledge his roots and transform into a powerful youkai at night. As the grandson of the legendary Nurarihyon, Rikuo must prove himself worthy of being the next leader of the Nura Clan, and to do so, he must embrace his dual nature and fight for his people.
28. Hakuouki
Hakuouki is a romance samurai anime series with breath-taking sword fights that follows Chizuru Yukimura, a young woman searching for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor, and due to his work, he is usually far from home. Later, Chizuru didn’t hear anything from him in months, so she decides to disguise herself as a man and goes to Kyoto to look for her father. But a turn of events will turn Chizuru’s life upside down, as soon as witnessed a horrifying scene of the ronin being brutally murdered by crazed white-haired men.
A group of men arrives at the scene of the crime and tie her up and take her back to their headquarters, now she is unsure whether she will survive or they will silence her permanently. However, once the Shinsengumi knows the name of her father, they decide to keep her safe, as they too have been searching for him. Hence, her father is more connected to the Shinsengumi than they let on, and soon Chizuru finds herself embroiled in a conflict between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as political tension in Kyoto.
27. Brave 10
Moving on we have Brave 10, a sword fight anime series that is set in the Warring States period. The story focuses on Saizou and Isanami’s journey throughout the war-laden lands in search of brave warriors to serve under Yukimura’s banner, each possessing powerful skills of their own.
They’ll have to travel far and wide, all while trying to fend off those who would chase after the dark power that she possesses to make it their own.
26. Samurai 7
Samurai 7 is a must-watch sword fighting anime tv show if you are into futuristic world settings. Following the conclusion of a massive war, during this time, many villages are terrorized by Nobuseri bandits, former samurai who integrated their living cells with machines during the war to become dangerous weapons that now appear to be more machine than man.
A group of villagers, including young priestess Kirara, hires samurai to protect the village from the bandits. The samurai, men of skill and valor, are unique and not without their quirks, but they must come together to defend the helpless village.
25. House Of Five Leaves
In the peaceful Edo period of Japan, a wandering ronin named Masanosuke “Masa” Akitsu struggles to find his place in society. Despite being a skilled swordsman, his timid demeanor has earned him the reputation of being “unreliable,” causing him to be dismissed by his employers.
At his lowest point, Masa is unexpectedly hired as a bodyguard by Yaichi, a carefree man who leads a group known as the Five Leaves. But Masa soon discovers that Yaichi’s job offer is not as innocent as it seems, and he becomes entangled in the group’s illegal activities. As he delves deeper into the world of the Five Leaves, Masa begins to question his own principles and beliefs.
With his curiosity piqued, Masa sets out to uncover the mysteries surrounding this band of outlaws, even if it means challenging his own morals and risking his life as a samurai. As he navigates the dangerous world of the Five Leaves, Masa must ultimately decide where his loyalties lie and what he is willing to sacrifice for the truth.
24. Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou is one of those anime that delivers wild sword fights with a twist. It follows Jinbee Tsukishima, a young samurai full of heart, trying to live up to his father’s legacy. After a serious mistake he can’t forgive himself for, Jinbee decides to make things right by joining the Insect Magistrate Office—a group tasked with taking down massive, terrifying bugs that have overrun the land.
With nothing but his sword and stubborn determination, he jumps into the fight headfirst. The battles are fast, loud, and intense, and Jinbee’s got a long way to go if he wants to protect the people and prove he’s more than just a rookie with a big dream. Will he have what it takes to stand against the swarm? That’s what makes watching his journey so fun.
23. Sengoku Basara
Sengoku Basara is a historical samurai anime story set During Japan’s Sengoku period, where several powerful warlords fought in politics and in arms with hopes of unifying the country under a central government. But, Nobunaga Oda is the most powerful of these rulers who got the power and military resource needed to conquer all of Japan.
Hence, Nobunaga continues to exert his forces in Sengoku Basara by doubling down on his influence across the country. Sanada and Date find themselves having to put their differences aside in order to quell the rise of Nobunaga and save feudal Japan from its tyrannical reign. Magical, militant, and political powers fly forth as these warriors and leaders clash among themselves and the armies of Nobunaga.
22. Sword Art Online
Sword Art Online is an anime that has gained a lot of popularity, and it tells a story about a massive online role-playing game called Sword Art Online (SAO). However, things take a cruel turn when the players realize they cannot log out of the game. The game’s creator has trapped them in his new world, and the only way they can escape is by completing all one hundred levels of the game.
The main character, Kirito, must now interact and work with other players to try and make it out alive. But that’s not all, there’s a catch: if they die in the game, they die in real life. Kirito must adapt to his new reality, fight for his survival, and hopefully break free from his virtual hell.
21. Basilisk
The historical samurai Basilisk is a standout anime featuring sword battles that pleases the eyes. It follows the Iga and Kouga ninja clans engaged in a long war. hopefully, the powerful warlord will order a ceasefire and both clans must put down their arms.
Later, Gennosuke Kouga, heir of the Kouga clan will fall in love with the heir of the Iga Clan Oboro Iga. Through marriage, both heirs aim to bring peace to the clans. But their hopes are lost when their clans are dragged into another war.
Therefore, Torn between their love for each other and their duty to their clans, Gennosuke and Oboro must ultimately decide the fate of their clans.
20. Drifters
Premiered in 2016, Drifters is a good action fantasy anime that features powerful swordsmen. The story follows Toyohisa Shimazu, who, after being critically wounded at the Battle of Sekigahara, finds himself in a strange new world filled with fantastical creatures and warriors from different eras.
Toyohisa teams up with the infamous warlord Nobunaga Oda and the ancient archer Yoichi Suketaka Nasu to fight against the Ends, who are trying to annihilate the Drifters. As the Ends grow more powerful, the Empire’s persecution of elves and other demihumans increases, and Toyohisa and his group must battle to help the Empire’s subjects and protect the land. If you are looking for well animated sword fighting scenes in anime than Drifters is a show that offers a thrilling swordplay ride with unconventional heroes fighting a brand-new world war.
19. Claymore
Claymore is a sword fighting masterpiece of anime that highlights the story of a “Claymore,” a being manufactured of half-human and half-youma, for the purpose of exterminating monsters. After Raki’s family is killed, A Claymore saves his life, but he is subsequently banished from his home. With nowhere else to go, Raki finds Claymore, known as Clare, and decides to follow her on her journey.
As the pair travel from town to town, defeating youma along the way, more about Clare’s organization and her fellow warriors comes to light. With every town cleansed and every demon destroyed, they come closer to the youma on which Clare has sought vengeance ever since she chose to become a Claymore.
18. Bleach
Bleach is an amazing superpower anime series that blends fantasy and sword fighting moments that will wows everyone. The show boasts so many skilled swordsmen who uses their zanpakuto (superpowered swords) in their fights.
The main story revolves around Ichigo Kurosaki, a regular high school student who never asked to become a shinigami (a kind of spirit reaper).
One day, Ichigo’s family is attacked by a Hollow, an evil spirit, and he suddenly gains the powers of a Soul Reaper. With his newfound abilities, Ichigo dedicates himself to protecting the innocent and helping the tormented spirits find peace.
With his strong sense of justice and determination, Ichigo fights against evil forces and faces tough challenges as he navigates through the dangerous spirit world.
17. Noragami
Noragami definitely earns its place among the most memorable anime with epic sword battles. It depicts the story of Yato, a minor deity and a self-proclaimed “Delivery God,” who dreams of having millions of worshipers. He spends his days doing odd jobs for five yen apiece until his weapon partner becomes fed up with her useless master and deserts him.
His fortune changes when Hiyori Iki, supposedly saves him from a car accident, taking the hit for him. Remarkably, she survives, but the event has caused her soul to become loose and hence able to leave her body.
Hiyori demands that Yato return her to normal, but upon learning that he needs a new partner to do so, reluctantly agrees to help him find one. And with Hiyori’s help, Yato’s luck may finally be turning around.
16. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
After a mysterious inferno kills his family, Shirou is saved and adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya, who teaches him the ways of magic and justice. One night, years after Kiritsugu’s death, Shirou finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly encounter between two superhumans known as Servants. In desperation, Shirou summons a Servant of his own, a knight named Saber who will save him.
With a top-notch animation style, Fate/stay night is a pretty good fantasy anime series that features intense sword fights scenes while following Shirou’s journey as he struggles to find the fine line between a hero and a killer. Then, his ideals clash with the harsh reality around him. So, will the boy become a hero like his foster father, or die trying?
15. Shigurui
Shigurui is a fantastic anime that not only boasts amazing sword fighting scenes but also features stunning art, a beautiful soundtrack, and an epic story that centers around Fujiki Gennosuke and the blind Irako Seigen, who are about to engage in a fierce and brutal match. These two fighters are both disciples of Iwamoto Kogan, who is widely regarded as Japan’s greatest swordsman, and their intense rivalry is the backbone of the series. Hence, each one of them wants to prove himself the worthy successor of Iwamoto’s school. However, there can only be one champion.
14. Blade of the Immortal
For fans of sword-fighting anime, Blade of the Immortal is a must-watch samurai anime tv show that centers around a skilled swordsman named Manji. The story takes place in medieval Japan, where a witch puts a curse on him, granting him immortality. However, after years of endless killing, Manji grows weary of his never-ending life.
To break the curse, he strikes a deal with the witch: she’ll make him mortal again if he kills a thousand evil men to atone for his sins. On his journey, Manji meets a young girl seeking revenge, and together, they embark on a quest to fulfill his task.
13. Ninja Scroll
In Ninja Scroll, after putting an end to the immortal Himuro Genma and preventing the shogun from continuing his evil plans. now The masterless swordsman Kibagami Jubei continues to journey all over Japan.
Hence, During his journey, he meets Shigure, a priestess who has never set foot outside of her village. Everything was fine until when a group of demons demolished the village and kills everyone, Jubei is now a target after setting his hand on the Dragon Jewel.
Meanwhile, The two demon clans now chasing down Shigure and her companions. As a result, they find themselves obligated to seek the protection of Jubei to keep the Priestess of Light sound and safe.
12. Afro Samurai
Next up is Afro Samurai, a stylized and unforgettable entry in the world of anime featuring swordplay. This is a revenge tale that follows Afro, a stoic warrior on a relentless mission to avenge his father’s murder. The man responsible now holds the coveted Number One headband—a symbol of ultimate power. But in order to challenge him, Afro must first claim the Number Two spot, a rank that instantly makes him a target for every ambitious swordsman, assassin, and lunatic hungry for the throne.
As challengers come at him from every direction, Afro cuts his way through a blood-soaked path of betrayal, chaos, and inner conflict. The series blends sleek katana duels with a unique hip-hop aesthetic, making every battle feel like a clash of style and raw fury. More than just a story of vengeance, Afro Samurai is a wild and visually explosive ride through a brutal world where only the strongest survive—and only one can stand at the top.
11. Sword Of The Stranger
Our list of the best sword fighting anime wouldn’t be complete without Sword of the Stranger, a visually stunning samurai film that blends emotional storytelling with some of the most intense blade duels ever animated. At the heart of the story is a wandering ronin—nameless and burdened by a violent past—who finds himself protecting a young boy and his loyal dog from relentless assassins.
What starts as a simple act of defense becomes a dangerous journey across war-torn lands, where every encounter brings bloodshed, inner conflict, and questions of honor. As the trio faces increasingly lethal enemies, the swordsman must confront his own demons while staying true to the vow he’s made. Sword of the Stranger is more than just another samurai anime—it’s an epic tale of redemption, loyalty, and the raw power behind every swing of the blade.
10. Kingdom
Set during China’s turbulent Warring States era, Kingdom brings the chaos and ambition of ancient warfare to life. The story centers on Xin, a war orphan and former slave, who dreams of rising through the ranks to become one of the greatest military leaders in the land. Alongside his close friend Piao, he spends his days training for a future far removed from their harsh beginnings.
That future takes a dark turn when Piao is suddenly summoned to serve within the royal court. After a violent power struggle erupts, Piao returns to Xin on the verge of death, delivering a final mission that changes everything. This moment leads Xin to meet Ying Zheng, the young ruler of Qin—who not only shares Piao’s face but also carries the weight of unifying a fractured nation.
As massive armies clash and alliances shift, Xin fights his way across brutal campaigns, determined to carve his name into history. Kingdom is a great saga of military ambition, loyalty, and the unrelenting pursuit of greatness in one of the most volatile periods of Chinese history.
9. Dororo
Released in 2019, Dororo throws viewers into a grim world shaped by war, spirits, and ruthless ambition. Set in a distorted version of feudal Japan, the story begins when a warlord named Daigo Kagemitsu sacrifices his own newborn son to a group of demons in exchange for power and prosperity. The child is born without limbs, eyes, ears, or skin, and cast aside like an offering. But fate intervenes—a wandering healer rescues him and fits him with prosthetics and deadly concealed blades.
As the boy grows, so does his skill in combat. Driven by a quiet fury, he travels across a devastated countryside, hunting down the demons who stole pieces of his body. Each victory restores a part of him. Along the way, he meets Dororo, a sharp-witted orphan who joins him in this harsh journey. What unfolds is more than just a trail of battles; it’s a haunting reflection on what it means to be human.
With breath-taking sword fights, emotional storytelling, and hardcore themes like revenge and survival, Dororo delivers a rare blend of atmosphere and edge. For fans of dark samurai tales and demon-slaying journeys, this series cuts deep—both in action and meaning.
8. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
For fans of fierce swordplay and rich stories, Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku stands out as one of the best sword fighting anime of 2023. The series follows Gabimaru, a legendary ninja trapped on a cursed island, where every battle is a desperate struggle for survival.
The sword fights in Hell’s Paradise are brutal and beautifully animated, blending realistic techniques with supernatural elements. Gabimaru’s ruthless efficiency contrasts with the refined skills of samurai executioners, creating dynamic and unpredictable duels. Each clash carries weight, driven by the characters’ personal stakes—especially Gabimaru’s unwavering love for his wife, which fuels his will to fight.
Beyond the action, the series explores dark themes of redemption and sacrifice, set against a haunting feudal Japan-inspired world. The animation, handled by MAPPA, elevates every sword strike with cinematic impact, making it a must-watch for fans of Demon Slayer or Blade of the Immortal.
7. Katanagatari
Produced by White Fox, Katanagatari is a thrilling anime with lots of swords fights set in Edo-era Japan where a variety of fighting styles exist. Shichika Yasuri is the seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school, which uses the wielder’s body as a blade. He and his sister Nanami live in exile until the ambitious strategist Togame requests Shichika’s help in collecting twelve unique swords called the “Deviant Blades” for the shogunate.
Shichika accepts the mission, intrigued by Togame herself, and together they embark on a dangerous journey. Their path is filled with obstacles, including fierce wielders of legendary weapons and other power-hungry entities who want to stop them. In order to succeed, the duo must work together and become an unbreakable team.
6. Kimetsu No Yaiba
One of the biggest anime hits of 2019, Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer), is a great sword-fighting series set in Japan’s Taisho Period. The story follows Tanjiro Kamado, a kind-hearted boy whose life is shattered when his family is brutally murdered by demons. To make matters worse, his younger sister, Nezuko, is transformed into a demon herself.
Refusing to give up on Nezuko, Tanjiro embarks on a perilous journey to become a skilled demon slayer. Armed with a Nichirin blade and fueled by unwavering determination, he vows to avenge his family and find a way to restore Nezuko’s humanity. Along the way, Tanjiro faces terrifying demons, forms bonds with fellow slayers, and hones his swordsmanship under the guidance of seasoned warriors.
What sets Kimetsu no Yaiba apart is its top notch animation, emotional moments, and jaw-dropping sword fights. Tanjiro’s Water Breathing techniques are a visual spectacle, blending fluid, dance-like movements with devastating precision. The series also explores themes of family, resilience, and the struggle between humanity and monstrosity, making it more than just an action-packed thrill ride.
5. Ninja Kamui
If you’re hungry for a revenge anime story where every sword strike crackles with rage, Ninja Kamui is your fix. Produced by E&H Production (God of High School), this 2024 adrenaline rush reimagines ninja lore with a sci-fi edge. Meet Joe Logan: a retired assassin who swapped his bloodstained past for a quiet family life—until his former clan obliterates his new world in a massacre. Left for dead, Joe claws back to life, trading dad vibes for a pair of retractable plasma katanas and a vendetta hotter than a forge.
Teaming with detectives Emma and Mike, Joe slashes through cyber-augmented hitmen and corporate conspiracies, his blade work a hypnotic mix of ancient discipline and futuristic brutality. The show doesn’t shy from gore—think severed limbs and arterial sprays—but it’s the adult-driven grit that grips you. Imagine Ninja Scroll colliding with Blade Runner: smoky neon backdrops, shadow clones flickering like glitches, and duels where every parry feels like it could be your last.
E&H’s animation—fluid, frenetic, and unapologetically stylish. Joe’s Nano-Edge Katana isn’t just a weapon; it’s a character. One moment it’s a sleek hilt, the next a humming plasma arc that carves through steel (and skulls) like butter. For swordplay fans, this is art—a reminder that even in a tech-saturated world, the blade still reigns supreme.
You should really watch it, because you’ve never seen a ninja story this feral. Joe’s journey isn’t just about revenge; it’s about reclaiming humanity in a world that sold its soul to silicon. And hey, when the katana sparks fly, you’ll forget to breathe.
4. Samurai Champloo
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix epic katana duels, hip-hop beats, and a dash of absurd humor, Samurai Champloo is your answer. Directed by Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), this cult classic follows two polar-opposite swordsmen: Mugen, a brash, breakdancing brawler with a wild, unpredictable fighting style, and Jin, a stoic ronin whose blade work is as precise as a surgeon’s scalpel. Together, they’re an unlikely duo bound by circumstance—and a fiery-haired waitress named Fuu.
Fuu hires the pair to help her find a mysterious samurai who “smells of sunflowers,” sending them on a road trip across Edo-era Japan. Along the way, they clash with yakuza, assassins, and even a baseball-loving monk, all while Mugen and Jin’s rivalry keeps things hilariously tense. The show’s sword fights are a masterclass in creativity—Mugen’s chaotic, improvised moves clash beautifully with Jin’s elegant, traditional techniques.
But what truly sets Samurai Champloo apart is its hip-hop-infused vibe. The soundtrack, produced by Nujabes and Fat Jon, blends lo-fi beats with traditional Japanese instruments, creating a soundscape that’s as unique as the story itself. It’s a show where rap battles and katana clashes coexist, and somehow, it works perfectly.
Well, the jaw-dropping swordplay, the unforgettable chemistry between Mugen, Jin, and Fuu, and a story that balances heart-pounding action with laugh-out-loud moments. Whether it’s Mugen’s reckless antics or Jin’s quiet badassery, Samurai Champloo is a legendary piece of art that proves swords and beats are a match made in anime heaven.
3. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is an iconic series that follows Himura Kenshin, a wandering swordsman with a haunted past. Once known as “Battousai the Manslayer,” Kenshin was a feared assassin during the turbulent Meiji Restoration. But after years of bloodshed, he vows to never kill again, trading his lethal blade for a reverse-edged sakabato—a sword designed to protect rather than destroy.
Kenshin’s journey brings him to Tokyo, where he crosses paths with a colorful cast of allies: Kaoru, a spirited kendo instructor; Yahiko, a street-smart orphan; Sanosuke, a brash fighter with a grudge against the system; and Megumi, a doctor with her own troubled history. Together, they form an unlikely family, but Kenshin’s past as a killer looms large, drawing old enemies and new threats into their lives.
What makes Rurouni Kenshin stand out is its perfect balance of action and emotion. Kenshin’s Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu sword style is a marvel to behold—lightning-fast strikes and acrobatic maneuvers that showcase his mastery. Yet, it’s his gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to peace that make him a truly unforgettable hero.
Why this anime is worth watching? For its rich storytelling, complex characters, and epic sword fights that still hold up decades later. Whether it’s Kenshin’s battles against vengeful foes or his quiet moments of reflection, Rurouni Kenshin is a tale of redemption and hope that resonates deeply.
2. Gintama
Teaming up with Shinpachi, a glasses-wearing swordsman-in-training who’s mostly there for moral support, and Kagura, a ridiculously strong alien girl who eats more than she breathes, Gintoki runs a “jack-of-all-trades” business. Their jobs range from the mundane (finding lost pets) to the ridiculous (battling giant robots or saving the world from mayonnaise-themed villains). Oh, and let’s not forget Sadaharu, their giant pet dog who’s basically a walking disaster zone.
But don’t let the goofy antics fool you—Gintama knows how to throw down. When the jokes take a backseat, the series delivers jaw-dropping sword fights that’ll leave you breathless. Gintoki’s bokuto might be made of wood, but in his hands, it’s as deadly as any katana. And while the show loves to parody everything from Dragon Ball to Naruto, it also packs emotional punches that hit harder than Kagura’s fists.
1. Berserk
On our sword fighting anime list, Berserk reigns as the undisputed king. This isn’t your typical “hero’s journey”—it’s a dark, unflinching tale of betrayal, survival, and the cost of ambition. At its heart is Guts, a brooding mercenary with a massive dragon-slaying sword and a chip on his shoulder the size of his blade. He’s a lone wolf, drifting from battle to battle, until he crosses paths with Griffith, the charismatic leader of the Band of the Falcon.
Griffith’s magnetic presence and grand ambitions draw Guts into his orbit, and for a time, the two become an unstoppable duo. Guts rises through the ranks, his raw strength and unmatched swordsmanship making him a key player in Griffith’s quest for power. But beneath the camaraderie and battlefield glory lies a sinister undercurrent. Griffith’s ambition knows no bounds, and the choices he makes will shatter Guts’ world in ways you can’t imagine.
The 1997 anime by OLM is a masterpiece of serious animation and emotional storytelling, capturing the Golden Age Arc with a raw intensity that still resonates today. The 2016 adaptation, while divisive due to its CGI animation, continues Guts’ harrowing journey, highlighting much more dark fantasy themes that define the series—demons, cosmic horror, and an endless struggle against fate.
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