Mohsin Lag
It’s time to show you some must-watch action anime that are packed with epic sword-fighting scenes that will leave you begging for more!
We’ve put together a list of the top 20 samurai and sword fighting anime series that feature different swords techniques, intense battles, and amazing katana sounds that will leave you feeling heroic and ready for anything.
From classic series like Rurouni Kenshin to newer ones like Kimetsu no Yaiba, we have something for everyone on this.
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!
31. Kurozuka
If you’re looking for a recommended sword fighting anime with a unique blend of action, drama, horror, romance, and sci-fi, then Kurozuka should be on your list. Produced by Madhouse and based on a manga, Kurozuka is a 2008 compelling tale that takes you on a journey through time, from 12th-century Japan to a post-apocalyptic future.
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.
30. 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.
29. 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.
28. 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.
27. 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.
26. 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.
25. 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.
24. 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.
23. Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou is a another cool anime that features blazing sword-fighting scenes. It follows Jinbee Tsukishima, a young samurai aiming to be a master swordsman like his father.
To atone for a horrific incident that occurred at his fault, Jinbee joins the insect magistrate office which is an organization created to fight against giant insects who have invaded the earth. So, Will this rookie exterminator be able to rid the land of the horde of insects swarming in?
22. 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.
21. 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.
20. 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.
19. 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.
18. 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.
17. 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.
16. Noragami
One of the best sword fighting anime series is Noragami for sure. 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.
15. 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?
14. 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.
13. 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.
12. 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.
11. Afro Samurai
Coming up, we have Afro Samurai, a cool anime series with lots of action that follows Afro, on his mission for revenge against the man who killed his father and took the Number One spot. However, he must first become Number Two, a title that makes him a target for anyone who wishes to challenge him.
As his enemies gather to try and take his title, Afro fights through countless obstacles and foes on his way to confronting the man who destroyed his life. If he hopes to claim vengeance once and for all, he must first defeat all those who stand in his way and reach the top of the mountain.
10. Sword Of The Stranger
Our list of the best sword fighting anime series just got even more epic with the addition of Sword of the Stranger. This masterpiece depicts the story of a skilled swordsman who becomes embroiled in a conflict between morality, righteousness, and devotion.
As the story unfolds, we follow this powerful samurai as he comes to the rescue of a helpless boy and his dog, who are being pursued by dangerous enemies. The three of them set out on a perilous journey, where they encounter numerous obstacles and challenges that test their strength and courage.
9. Kingdom
Kingdom is an action historical anime set in China’s Warring States period, where seven powerful states emerged after years of warfare. The story follows Xin, a war-orphaned slave, who trains to become a Great General of the Heavens alongside his best friend, Piao.
However, their dreams are cut short when Piao is recruited to work in the royal palace. After a fierce coup d’état, Piao returns to Xin half-dead with a mission that leads him to meet China’s young King, Ying Zheng, who bears a striking resemblance to Piao. The anime highlights Xin’s journey to becoming a Great General of the Seven Warring States.
8. Dororo
Premiered in 2019, Dororo is a supernatural action-adventure anime set in a world of demons and samurai. The story follows the greedy samurai lord, Daigo Kagemitsu, who makes a pact with demons to save his dying land. When his first son is born with no limbs, nose, eyes, ears, or skin, he is abandoned in a river but is saved by a medicine man who provides him with prosthetics and weapons.
The boy grows up and sets out to defeat the demons that took him as a sacrifice. He is joined by an orphan boy named Dororo, and the two fight for their survival and humanity in a demon-infested world. The anime is one of the darkest shows you will ever see, as it incorporates themes of revenge, gore, and self-discovery.
7. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku
One of the newest sword fighting anime of 2023 is Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku, which delves into themes of gore and history, set in a fantastical world. The story revolves around Gabimaru, a highly skilled ninja who finds himself on death row after being betrayed by his own kind. Despite his desire to die, Gabimaru’s strong will to see his wife again keeps him alive, making it impossible for any execution method to work on him.
Asaemon, an executioner, offers him a chance at freedom by inviting him to join an expedition to a mysterious island south of Japan, said to be Paradise, in search of the elixir of life. However, the island is full of danger and secrets, and the team of explorers, each with their own death sentence, may not be fully prepared to face them.
6. 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.
5. Kimetsu No Yaba
One of the biggest anime hits of 2019 is Kimetsu no Yaiba, a thrilling sword fighting series set in Japan’s Taisho Period. The story follows Tanjiro, a kind-hearted boy who learns that his family has been brutally murdered by demons. Adding to his grief, he discovers that his younger sister, Nezuko, has been transformed into a demon herself.
Determined to bring Nezuko back to her human form and avenge his family’s death, Tanjiro sets out on a journey to become a skilled demon slayer and hunt down the demon responsible for his family’s massacre.
4. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a really cool swordplay anime that combines epic katana fight scenes, rap music, and comedy. The story follows Mugen, a fierce and wild warrior with a unique fighting style, and Jin, who has a more traditional approach to swordplay. The two samurai don’t exactly see eye to eye, and they’re not exactly the best of friends.
One day, Mugen ends up in a teahouse where he meets Fuu. She’s looking for a mysterious samurai who smells like sunflowers, and she enlists Mugen and Jin’s help to find him. From there, the three of them set off on an adventure full of danger, excitement, and maybe even a few laughs along the way.
3. Rurouni Kenshin
Rurouni Kenshin is a good recommendation for a classic anime that you wouldn’t want to miss! The story follows Himura Kenshin, a wanderer who carries the burden of his dark past, but maintains a positive attitude. Although he was a skilled assassin during the Meiji Restoration period, he abandoned his role and became a rurouni (a wandering samurai without a master).
As he journeys through Japan, he ends up in Tokyo during the 11th year of the Meiji era. There, he makes friends with a female Kendo master, a former thief, a brawler, and a doctor – each with their own secrets. Together, they confront enemies from Kenshin’s past, which he cannot escape.
2. Gintama
Gear up for epic swords fights, hilarious moments, and unstoppable parodies in the world of Gintama! In this anime series, the Amanto have prohibited the use of swords, leading to the samurai of Japan being treated with disregard.
But don’t let Gintoki Sakata’s love for sweets fool you – he’s actually a great swordsman and still possesses the heart of a samurai. Alongside him in his jack-of-all-trades line of work are Shinpachi Shimura, Kagura, and Sadaharu, their oversized pet dog.
However, their odd jobs are not always simple, as they frequently run into trouble with the police, ragtag rebels, and assassins, which can lead to humorous but unfortunate consequences.
1. Berserk
Berserk is an epic anime about Guts, a skilled mercenary with a giant sword who travels around in search of jobs that pay well. He’s a lone wolf, never staying in one place for too long. That is until he meets the Band of the Falcon. After being ambushed and bested by their leader, Griffith, Guts is taken in and joins the group. He quickly rises through the ranks, becoming one of the commanders and fighting alongside Griffith to dominate their enemies. However, lurking in the shadows is a dark force that threatens to change Guts’ life forever.
This is a 1997 anime by studio OLM, that offers tremendous sword fighting scenes, as well as drama and gore. It delves into military strategy and leadership, as well as the consequences of one’s actions.
Gintama may be good but it’s no where near the best sword fighting anime.
Which is ? Don’t just end it there without saying what the anime is.