Image: Madhouse
What’s more exciting than seeing two forces of nature trading haymakers or utilising their mind to gain an advantage over their opponents?
Action-packed shows always hold a special place for anime watchers, particularly to those who enjoy the Shounen genre. These series are known for their intense combat scenes, high stakes, and adrenaline-fueled moments, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Here are some of our picks for the most blood-pumping action anime that deliver non-stop thrills.
Dragon Ball Z
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 291+6 Specials/OVAs
Let’s start with the most popular action anime we know: Dragon Ball Z.
Dragon Ball Z has been a cornerstone of action anime, setting the standard for epic battles, powerful characters, and cool power-ups. What more could you ask for?
The story follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend Earth from increasingly powerful foes, and the series is known for its intense combat scenes, iconic transformations, and memorable moments.
Each saga is packed with high-octane fights and dramatic stakes, from the battle against the Saiyans to the final confrontation with Majin Buu. The unforgettable Super Saiyan transformations and signature Ki-blast waves make Dragon Ball Z a timeless action anime classic.
But if you don’t have the time to sit down and watch 297 episodes, you can opt to watch Dragon Ball Kai instead to get a compact and remastered version of Dragon Ball Z.
Demon Slayer
Number of seasons: 4
Number of episodes: 63
Demon Slayer burst onto the scene with breathtaking animation thanks to studio Ufotable, and a gripping story thanks to series creator Kyoharu Gotouge. The tale of Tanjiro Kamado’s quest to avenge his family and cure his demon-turned sister, Nezuko, is packed with intense fights and stunning visual artistry.
Ufotable's animation brings the act of demon-slaying to life with vibrant colours and fluid motion, especially during Tanjiro’s iconic water breathing techniques or the fiery Hi-no-Kami Kagura. The series balances emotional depth with relentless action, making it a standout in recent years.
Hajime no Ippo
Number of seasons: 3
Number of episodes: 127
Hajime no Ippo offers a unique take on action by focusing on the sport of boxing. The detailed portrayal of boxing matches, combined with Ippo and his friends' relentless training and determination, creates a thrilling and inspiring narrative.
Each bout is meticulously animated, capturing the intensity and strategy of the sport. Hajime no Ippo is a testament to the power of perseverance and the spirit of fighting. New Challengers and Rising, in particular, showed that well-paced boxing fights in anime can keep your blood pumping for days.
Ultimately, what’s more thrilling than seeing two larger-than-life figures trading bone-crunching blows across the ring?
Hunter x Hunter
Number of seasons: 1
Number of episodes: 148
Hunter x Hunter offers a blend of strategic battles, unique abilities, and emotional depth that sets it apart from the Shounen titles on this list. The series is known for its intricate Nen system, where characters use life energy to perform extraordinary feats.
The Chimera Ant arc, in particular, showcases some of the most intense and morally complex battles in anime, solidifying Hunter x Hunter as the pinnacle of action storytelling. It is recommended to watch the 2011 version as it was more accurate to the original manga.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Number of seasons: 2
Number of episodes: 47
Jujutsu Kaisen has quickly become a modern favourite in the action anime genre. The series stands out for its fluid animation, courtesy of studio MAPPA, and its inventive fight choreography. Each battle displays supernatural abilities and strategic combat, pushing the limits of its characters.
The fast-paced action, dark themes, and well-developed characters ensure an exhilarating viewing experience. A standout character from the series is Gojo Satoru, whose fights were a spectacle to behold thanks in part to just how broken his abilities are.
These action-packed anime series offer more than just spectacular fights. They provide rich storytelling, complex characters, and moments that leave a lasting impact. These shows deliver the perfect blend of adrenaline and narrative depth, ensuring that the thrill of the fight is always coupled with emotional and intellectual engagement.
