Top 15 Best Sword Fighting Anime
For fans of thrilling battles and epic swordsmanship, here are the top 15 sword fighting anime that feature captivating stories and intense action sequences.
1. **Samurai Champloo**
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| Samurai Champloo |
Year of Release: 2004
Number of Episodes: 26
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical
This anime follows Mugen, Jin, and Fuu on a journey across Edo-era Japan in search of the "samurai who smells of sunflowers." It combines historical settings with modern hip-hop elements and showcases exceptional sword fighting and character development.
2. **Rurouni Kenshin**
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| Rurouni Kenshin |
Year of Release: 1996
Number of Episodes: 95
Genre: Action, Historical, Romance
Set in the Meiji era, this anime follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin seeking redemption by protecting the innocent with his reverse-blade sword. His journey involves battles against former enemies and the struggle to reconcile his past.
3. **Sword Art Online**
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| Sword Art Online |
Year of Release: 2012
Number of Episodes: 97 (as of 2023)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
In a virtual reality MMORPG, players are trapped and must clear the game to escape. Kirito, a skilled swordsman, navigates various challenges and battles while forming deep connections with other players in a fight for survival.
4. **Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works**
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| Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works |
Year of Release: 2014
Number of Episodes: 26
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
This adaptation of the Fate/Stay Night visual novel follows Shirou Emiya as he becomes a Master in the Holy Grail War, summoning powerful servants and engaging in intense sword battles against other Masters for the ultimate prize.
5. **Akame ga Kill!**
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| Akame ga Kill! |
Year of Release: 2014
Number of Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
When Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of assassins fighting against a corrupt empire, he encounters Akame, a skilled swordswoman. Together, they engage in fierce battles, facing overwhelming odds and ethical dilemmas.
6. **Berserk**
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| Berserk |
Year of Release: 1997
Number of Episodes: 25
Genre: Action, Dark Fantasy, Horror
Following the story of Guts, a lone mercenary with a tragic past, this anime showcases his brutal journey of revenge against his former friend Griffith, featuring intense sword fights and deep themes of ambition and sacrifice.
7. **Guilty Crown**
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| Guilty Crown |
Year of Release: 2011
Number of Episodes: 22
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
In a post-apocalyptic world, Shu Ouma gains the power to extract weapons from others, leading him to battle against a totalitarian government while uncovering the secrets of his own past.
8. **Vinland Saga**
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Vinland Saga |
Year of Release: 2019
Number of Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical
This historical epic follows Thorfinn, a young Viking warrior seeking revenge against Askeladd, who killed his father. The story explores themes of war, honor, and the quest for a meaningful life amidst the brutality of the Viking age.
9. **Noragami**
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| Noragami |
Year of Release: 2014
Number of Episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy
Yato, a minor god, hopes to gain followers by performing odd jobs. Along with his weapon partner Yukine, they engage in battles against supernatural beings, blending humor, action, and character growth.
10. **Dororo**
Year of Release: 2019
Number of Episodes: 24
Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical
This reimagining of the classic tale follows Hyakkimaru, a young man seeking to reclaim his stolen body parts from demons. Accompanied by the young thief Dororo, they engage in sword fights and confront their pasts.
11. **ShSword Art Online: Alicization**
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| Sword Art Online: Alicization |
Year of Release: 2018
Number of Episodes: 47 (as of 2023)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
In the Underworld, Kirito must navigate complex virtual politics and sword battles as he seeks to escape and protect those he has come to care about, further exploring the boundaries between reality and virtual life.
12. **Tokyo Ghoul**
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| Tokyo Ghoul |
Year of Release: 2014
Number of Episodes: 48
Genre: Action, Horror, Supernatural
Kaneki, a college student turned half-ghoul, struggles to adapt to his new life while battling both human and ghoul adversaries. The series features intense fight scenes and explores the themes of identity and humanity.
13. **Fate/Zero**
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| Fate/Zero |
Year of Release: 2011
Number of Episodes: 13
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
This prequel to Fate/Stay Night explores the Fourth Holy Grail War, showcasing the intense battles between powerful mages and their legendary heroes, delving into themes of morality and the pursuit of power.
14. **Bleach**
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| Bleach |
Year of Release: 2004
Number of Episodes: 366
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy
Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student with the ability to see ghosts, becomes a Soul Reaper. He battles malevolent spirits known as Hollows, showcasing intense sword fights and the journey of a young hero.
15. **Sword Gai: The Animation**
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| Sword Gai: The Animation |
Year of Release: 2018
Number of Episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural
This story follows Gai, who wields a cursed sword that grants him extraordinary power but also endangers his humanity. The series combines action with a deep exploration of his struggles with the weapon’s dark influence.
These sword fighting anime series feature dynamic battles and engaging narratives, showcasing the art of swordsmanship in various contexts. Whether you enjoy historical settings or supernatural battles, this list has something for every sword fight enthusiast!