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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MUJ chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Nothing beats a good action anime, and right now you can save a hell lot of time searching for good shows. Whether it’s spine-chilling battles, power-packed rivalries, or just jaw-dropping visuals that make you scream “let’s gooo!”, these anime bring pure adrenaline. And boy, if action isn’t really your thing, you should check out my other article: Anime to Watch When You’re Feeling Down — it’s full of Iyashikei and slice-of-life gems for those calmer vibes.
But for now, gear up; here are some thrilling action anime to watch when you’re bored.
A Quick Note Before We Start
If you’re new to the world of anime, you’ll often come across terms like Shounen, Mecha, and Isekai. These genres define the kind of story, world, and action you can expect:
- Shounen → This genre is aimed primarily at younger male audiences, but is honestly loved by everyone. It’s packed with powerful friendships, epic battles, rivalries, and strong character growth. Think Naruto, Demon Slayer, or My Hero Academia, all about chasing dreams and never giving up.
- Mecha → Giant robots. Enough said. These shows feature massive mechanical suits, futuristic wars, and complex moral themes about technology and humanity. If you’ve ever wanted to see humans piloting huge battle robots to save the world, Code Geass or Gundam is your go-to.
- Isekai → Literally means “another world.” These anime start when the main character gets transported or reincarnated into a completely new universe, often with fantasy or RPG-like elements. Expect magic, monsters, and overpowered heroes like in Solo Leveling or The Rising of the Shield Hero.
And if you’re wondering where to watch these action-packed gems, here are some free anime streaming platforms:
(Pro tip: If a series you love is officially available on Crunchyroll or Netflix, watch it there to support the creators!)
1. Chainsaw Man
Genre: Action, Horror, Dark Fantasy
Description: Meet Denji, a broke teenager drowning in debt, with his pet devil-dog Pochita, who literally turns into a chainsaw. After a brutal betrayal, Denji fuses with Pochita and becomes Chainsaw Man, a devil hunter with chainsaws ripping out of his body. This anime is chaotic, gory, and weirdly emotional at times. Every fight feels like a blood-soaked fever dream mixed with heartbreak and humour. If you like unpredictable plots and main characters who go through way too much trauma, this one’s your kind of madness.
2. Attack on Titan
Genre: Action, Drama, Dark Fantasy, Mystery
Description: Humanity’s trapped behind giant walls to survive monstrous humanoid Titans and that’s just the beginning. Attack on Titan starts as a simple revenge story but quickly transforms into one of the most complex, morally grey sagas ever written. Expect jaw-dropping plot twists, insane action sequences, and deep questions about freedom, war, and humanity itself. The animation is breathtaking, especially in the later seasons. It’s not just an anime, it’s a full-blown experience that’ll leave you speechless (and probably emotionally wrecked).
3. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure
Description: After years, Bleach came back stronger than ever with this visually stunning final arc. Ichigo Kurosaki and his Shinigami (Soul Reaper) friends face their biggest threat yet, the Quincy army led by Yhwach. The animation is top-tier, and every fight feels like a cinematic masterpiece. You’ll finally see the full power of fan-favourite characters, along with darker themes and high-stakes battles. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves long-running, legacy action anime done right.
4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural
Description: When Tanjiro’s family is slaughtered by demons and his sister Nezuko turns into one, his life changes forever. He sets out on a journey to slay demons and find a cure for her, and honestly, every second of it looks gorgeous. The animation by Ufotable is literally movie-level, and the fight scenes are a visual treat. Beneath all the flashy sword fights, it’s a touching story about family, resilience, and love. It’s the kind of anime that makes your heart ache while you cheer through every battle.
5. Clevatess
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Action, Fantasy
Description: After slaughtering a kingdom’s heroes in revenge, one of the Beast Lords Clevatess, unexpectedly takes in a baby and resurrects one of the fallen warriors, Alicia, to help care for that child. He then ventures into human lands, trying to understand humanity as he wields massive, fearsome power. The show shifts between brutal fights, magical worldbuilding, internal conflict, and the odd softness of caring for a child. The contrast between monstrous strength and reluctant caregiving gives it a unique edge. Expect visuals with dark hues, epic action, moral tension, and a fantasy world that never feels tame
6. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological, Tragedy
Description: Set in the chaotic world of Night City, this anime follows David, a street kid trying to survive in a world ruled by technology and greed. After losing everything, he becomes an edgerunner, a cybernetic mercenary. It’s fast-paced, stylish, and brutally emotional with colours that hit your eyes like neon explosions. The soundtrack is iconic (shoutout to “I Really Want to Stay at Your House”). It’s short, impactful, and will leave you shattered in the best possible way.
7. Hellsing Ultimate
Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
Description: What’s better than a vampire hunting other vampires? A vampire working for humans to hunt them down. Hellsing Ultimate follows Alucard, the ultimate bloodsucking antihero who serves the Hellsing Organisation to eliminate supernatural threats. It’s violent, stylish, and ridiculously cool; every episode feels like a gothic symphony of bullets and blood. If you like dark aesthetics, chilling villains, and unapologetic brutality, this anime is pure perfection.
8. Code Geass
Genre: Action, Mecha, Psychological, Thriller
Description: Lelouch Lamperouge, a genius student, gains the power of Geass, which lets him command anyone to obey his orders. With that, he declares war on an empire to create a better world for his sister. The story is a wild mix of mind games, rebellion, and emotional chaos. It’s one of the smartest-written anime ever, with political depth, insane twists, and a jaw-dropping ending that’s still talked about today. Think Death Note, but with giant robots and revolution.
9. Parasyte: The Maxim
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi, Psychological
Description: Aliens invade Earth, taking over human bodies, but one parasite, Migi, fails to control his host completely. Now, high-schooler Shinichi has to coexist with this talking alien hand while fighting other deadly parasites. The show explores what it means to be human in the face of survival and evolution. The body horror is intense, but the emotional weight is even heavier. It’s gross, gripping, and philosophical all at once like Attack on Titan meets Venom.
10. My Hero Academia
Genre: Action, Superhero, Shounen
Description: In a world where almost everyone has superpowers (called Quirks), Izuku Midoriya dreams of becoming a hero, even though he was born powerless. His journey from zero to one of the greatest heroes in training is inspiring, funny, and action-packed. Each character has unique powers, flashy fights, and heartwarming backstories. It’s the perfect mix of school life and superhero drama. If you love Marvel vibes but anime-style, this one’s for you.
11. Jujutsu Kaisen
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Dark Fantasy
Description: Talking about action anime and forgetting JJK? Not possible. Yuji Itadori eats a cursed finger (yes, literally) and becomes the host of a powerful curse, Sukuna. Now he’s thrown into a world of sorcerers fighting curses born from human negativity. With breathtaking animation, insane fights, and lovable characters like Gojo-sensei, this anime is pure hype from start to finish. It balances humour, horror, and heartbreak perfectly. Every episode feels like a cinematic masterpiece; no wonder it’s one of the hottest shounen right now.
12. The Rising of the Shield Hero
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Isekai, Adventure
Description: Naofumi is summoned to another world as one of four legendary heroes, but he’s stuck with the worst weapon: a shield. Betrayed and outcast, he slowly rises from the bottom to become the strongest hero. The anime mixes world-building, revenge arcs, and emotional growth beautifully. It’s about resilience, trust, and finding strength when everyone’s against you. If you love underdog stories with fantasy twists, you’ll be hooked instantly.
13. Naruto
Genre: Action, Adventure, Shounen, Fantasy
Description: This one’s a classic — a loud, determined ninja named Naruto dreams of becoming the strongest leader of his village, the Hokage. It’s a long journey filled with unforgettable friendships, rivalries, and emotional storytelling. The fight scenes are legendary, especially with the iconic chakra powers and heartfelt backstories. Beyond the action, it’s about perseverance and believing in yourself no matter what. It’s nostalgic, motivational, and still one of the best anime ever created.
14. One Piece
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Description: Set sail with Monkey D. Luffy and his crew of misfits in search of the legendary treasure known as the “One Piece.” This anime is a perfect mix of humour, emotional storytelling, and jaw-dropping battles on the high seas. Every arc builds a massive world filled with unforgettable characters and powerful moments. You’ll laugh, cry, and scream “Let’s go, Straw Hats!” at least once every episode. It’s not just an anime, it’s a whole journey of dreams, friendship, and freedom.
15. Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy, Adventure
Description: When delinquent teenager Yusuke Urameshi saves a child from a car accident, he dies, but is offered a second chance as a “Spirit Detective.” Now he handles supernatural threats, demons, ghosts, and mysteries in both the spirit world and the human realm. The series mixes intense battles with witty banter, team dynamics, and emotional arcs as Yusuke, Kuwabara, Hiei, and Kurama fight together. Over time, the stakes rise, the villains deepen, and the characters grow in power and heart. It’s classic 90s anime energy, balanced with spirit lore and existential questions.
16. Solo Leveling
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure
Description: Imagine being the weakest hunter in a world full of monsters… and then suddenly getting a system that lets you level up endlessly. That’s Sung Jin-Woo’s story: a regular guy turned into the world’s most overpowered fighter. Every episode feels like a boss battle straight out of a game. The animation and soundtrack will give you chills, and the character glow-up? Absolute chef’s kiss. It’s easily one of the most satisfying power-fantasy anime ever made.
17. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Adventure
Description: If you want something extra, fabulous, and completely unpredictable, this is it. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure follows generations of the Joestar family as they battle supernatural forces using wild powers called Stands. It’s colorful, dramatic, and iconic in every way possible. Expect weird poses, witty one-liners, and unforgettable soundtracks. The show’s stylish chaos is pure art, truly bizarre but addictive.
18. Psycho-Pass
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Psychological, Cyberpunk
Description: In a futuristic world where technology can measure your mental state, Psycho-Pass asks one chilling question: how do you define justice when a computer decides who’s good or evil? Following Inspector Akane and her team, the story dives deep into crime, morality, and free will. It’s dark, thought-provoking, and filled with intense gunfights and suspense. The atmosphere is gritty, the writing smart, and the execution flawless. If you love dystopian thrillers, this one hits hard.
19. Legend of the Galactic Heroes
Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Drama
Description: This is not your typical action anime; it’s an epic space opera with deep politics, massive space battles, and philosophical debates. The story follows two brilliant commanders, Reinhard and Yang, as they clash over ideals, loyalty, and leadership across galaxies. It’s heavy on dialogue but incredibly rewarding once you get into it. The scale is massive, the storytelling mature, and the soundtrack breathtaking. Think Game of Thrones, but in outer space.
20. Black Clover
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Adventure, Shounen
Description: Born without magic in a world where everyone has it, Asta dreams of becoming the Wizard King. With his unmatched determination (and loud personality), he proves that hard work can rival even the most powerful spells. The fights are high-energy, the characters lovable, and the rivalries intense. It’s pure shounen goodness, friendship, perseverance, and screaming your way to victory. If you loved Naruto, this one will feel like home.
21. Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Mythology, Adventure
Description: This 80s classic follows Seiya and his fellow warriors, known as Saints, who wear mystical armours powered by constellations. Together, they protect the reincarnation of the goddess Athena from evil forces. It’s dramatic, nostalgic, and full of cosmic battles that feel straight out of Greek legend. The golden armors, epic music, and heroic energy are timeless. It’s basically ancient mythology meets pure anime energy.
22. Kingdom
Genre: Action, Historical, Military, Drama
Description: Set in China’s Warring States period, Kingdom tells the story of Xin, a war orphan who dreams of becoming the greatest general under heaven. It’s brutal, strategic, and filled with large-scale wars and political twists. The characters are gritty and inspiring, and the story builds a rich world of ambition and sacrifice. If you love strategy and history mixed with sword-swinging glory, Kingdom will absolutely pull you in.
23. Wind Breaker
Genre: Action, School, Drama, Slice of Life
Description: Forget ordinary delinquents, these guys fight to protect, not destroy. Wind Breaker follows Haruka Sakura, a tough loner who joins a group of students defending their town from bullies. It’s full of clean, well-animated brawls and surprisingly wholesome character growth. The friendships and loyalty hit just as hard as the punches. It’s like Tokyo Revengers but without the heartbreak and time travel, just pure, stylish street fights and vibes.
24. Sword of the Stranger
Genre: Action, Historical, Samurai, Adventure
Description: A hidden gem of a movie, Sword of the Stranger delivers some of the best sword-fight animation ever created. It follows a wandering swordsman who reluctantly protects a young boy being hunted by assassins. The story is simple yet emotional, and the choreography is breathtakingly smooth. Every clash feels raw and weighty, no flashy powers, just pure skill. It’s short, beautiful, and a must-watch for fans of classic samurai tales.
25. Redo of Healer
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Psychological, Mature
Description: This one’s controversial; not for the faint-hearted. It follows a healer who’s abused, betrayed, and left broken by his party, only to gain the ability to rewind time and rewrite his fate. The anime explores revenge, trauma, and power in a brutal, often uncomfortable way. While it’s dark and explicit, it’s undeniably impactful for how it flips the “weak hero” trope. Watch it only if you can handle extreme darkness, because this one really goes there.
And there you go, my second recommendation in this series of anime articles!
Whether you’re into wild battles, dark politics, or heart-thumping superpower fights, I’ve got you covered. For more lists and recommendations like this, stay tuned, because trust me, my next anime list is going to make you thank yourself for following me.
Also, don’t forget to check out my profile on Her Campus MUJ, where I write about everything from life, love, Gen Z thoughts, and fun suggestions, basically all the chaos and comfort you’d ever want to read. Go explore, and I’ll see you soon with something even more exciting!
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