The 46 Most favorite Action Anime Movies of All Time

Top 46 Most favorite Action Anime Movies of All Time
Japanese anime movies cover a wide variety of genres, including action, romance, romantic comedy, science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and so on.
Therefore, “ANIME SAMURAI” surveyed 150 Japanese people on their favorite action anime movies. We will introduce the results and the reasons for their choices in a ranking format.

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.1 “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: October 16, 2020
Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Original Work: “Demon Slayer” by Koyoharu Gotouge
Production Company: ufotable
Theme Song: “Homura(Flame)” by LiSA
Official Website

No.1 was “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train.” This theater version is a sequel to the anime “Demon Slayer,” which caused a social phenomenon in Japan. In the Original Work, Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family was killed by demons, joins the “Demon Slayer Corps,” which aims to eradicate demons to return his sister, who has turned into a demon, to human. It is a dark fantasy in which he acts with his friends toward various demons. In the movie version, Tanjiro and the flame pillar, Kyojuro Rengoku, one of the highest ranking “Pillars” of the Demon Slayer Corps, board the “Mugen Train “ where many people have gone missing and confront the demons lurking on the train. The spectacular action scenes between Tanjiro and his friends with Lower Rank 1 Enmu and Rengoku with Upper Rank 3 Akaza captured the viewers’ hearts. The movie was a huge hit not only in Japan but also worldwide, ranking first in box-office revenue of the year 2020.

Comments and Reviews

I like the story of how Tanjiro overcomes the fierce and terrifying action of the demons created by human desires with his kindness until the end. (Fave is Ringo)

The straight thoughts of Kyojuro Rengoku touched my heart. Without a doubt, this is the best movie of all time (Yanyan)

I was moved to tears by Rengoku and Tanjiro’s kindness. The images are powerful, and the scenes of the enemy attacks are breathtaking! It is a work that will give you courage no matter how many times you watch it. (Ridon)

All characters are fascinating, especially Rengoku’s way of life, and it is the best movie. (Nora)

Each character has a great personality and is very interesting. And the action scenes are well drawn, and the background music is effective and cool, so this is a work that makes you want to watch. (Karamiso)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.2 “Dragon Ball Super: Broly”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: December 14, 2018
Director: Tatsuya Nagamine
Original Work: Akira Toriyama
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “Blizzard” by Daichi Miura
Official Website

No.2 was “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” This movie version is a sequel to the fifth “Dragon Ball Super” series from the anime “Dragon Ball.” The original work is an adventure action drama depicting dreams, actions, and friendship. It depicts Saiyan Son Goku, who collects “Dragon Balls,” a hidden treasure which is said that a divine dragon appears and grants him one wish if he collects all seven balls scattered all over the world. The movie begins when someone steals the six Dragon Balls and Dragon Radar that Bulma had collected while Goku and Vegeta are training after the Tournament of Power, a martial arts tournament that pits the existence of the universe against each other. Fans are captivated by the powerful action scenes between Goku, Vegeta, and Broly, the three Saiyans!

Comments and Reviews

Most of this film shows action scenes, and the intensity of them is amazing! When I think of action anime, I imagine this movie. (Iwashi)

The action scenes were so impressive that it was crazy how much energy the animation staff put into the action scenes. It was also good that there was salvation that was not in the old movie version. (Broccoli)

As a Dragon Ball fan, I was very excited to see Akira Toriyama’s renewal of Broly as a Dragon Ball Super character. Also, the scene where Super Saiyan Blue Goku and Vegeta fuse and transform into Super Gogeta Blue was the most exciting in the movie and is one of the most memorable scenes in the Dragon Ball series. (Kurote)

The action with Broly is very cool, and we can enjoy the action in this movie. (Merci)

The high-quality action scenes were great! I’m glad I saw it in the movie theater. (Rowling)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.3 “ONE PIECE”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: March 4, 2000
Director: Junji Shimizu
Original Work: “ONE PIECE” by Eiichiro Oda
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “We Are!“ by Hiroshi Kitadani
Official Website

No.3 was “ONE PIECE.” It is the first feature movie version of the TV animation based on the popular manga “ONE PIECE”. The story follows the adventures of Luffy, a boy who yearns to become the pirate king, and his friends. They embark on a quest to find “One Piece (the Greatest Treasure of All). One day, Luffy’s crew rescues a boy named Tobio, who is being held captive by pirates. Tobio is in love with the legendary pirate Woonan, who is said to have taken one-third of the world’s gold. Luffy, intrigued by Tobio’s story, sets off for the “Golden Island,” where Woonan buried his treasure. The movie offers great nostalgia as it was made when there were still only four members of the Straw Hat Pirates: Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and Usopp.

Comments and Reviews

The story is moving no matter how many times I see it. It shows Luffy, the captain who loves his friends, and his friends Zoro, Nami, and Usopp, which I think is great. (Onocchi)

It’s an interesting movie that the main characters appear one after another as if they were special bonuses (Ebishi)

I like this movie because the story is moving and the actions are very exciting. (taka1401)

It is interesting because action scenes are exciting and thrilling! (Akiko)

Though Luffy is a royal character in terms of anime, it is exciting to see his getting stronger and stronger over time! All members of Straw Hat have strong individuality, and the action scenes are very cool. (Crocodile)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.3 “Dragon Ball Z”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Dater: July 15, 1989
Director: Daisuke Nishio
Original Work: “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama
Production Company: Toei Doga (Toei Animation)
Theme Song: “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” by Hironobu Kageyama
Official Website

Also in third place was “Dragon Ball Z.” This movie version is a sequel to “Dragon Ball Z,” the second series of the “Dragon Ball” anime series, which boasts high popularity and recognition around the world. The original is an adventure drama depicting dreams, actions, and friendship. The centers of the story are the adventures of Saiyan Son Goku, who collects the secret treasure “Dragon Balls,” which is said that a divine dragon appears and grants him one wish if he collects all seven balls scattered around the world. The movie begins five years after Goku’s victory over Piccolo at the Tenkaichi Budokai. Goku and Chi-chi have a son named Gohan, but Gohan is kidnapped by Garlic Jr., and Goku joins hands with Piccolo, who is an old enemy. The action between Goku and Garlic Jr. is a highlight of the movie.

Comments and Reviews

I’ve been watching this anime since I was a little kid, and I’m sure everyone has tried to hit the “Kamehameha” at a young age. That’s how cool and influential the actions are in this anime. (Icchan)

The process of becoming a Super Saiyan, which is changing of Goku’s hair from black to blond is amazing. I think it was the first anime to create a setting where a person’s appearance changes in the process of becoming stronger. (Seisyodainagon)

I chose it because I like action scenes. (Chinchira)

Goku keeps getting stronger and stronger, and the storyline with the stronger opponents keeps coming out as the best. I think Toriyama-sensei is a genius. (Jibunn)

I chose this work because I can enjoy the powerful actions of Goku and his friends. (Mami)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.3 “Jujutsu Kaisen 0 The Movie”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: December 24, 2021
Director: Sunghoo Park
Original Work: “Jujutsu Kaisen 0 Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School” by Gege Akutami
Production Company: MAPPA
Theme Song: “Ichizu” by King Gnu
Official Website

“Jujutsu Kaisen 0 The Movie” is also in third place. It is an anime movie adaptation of the prequel of jujutsu Kaisen, “Jujutsu Kaisen 0: Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School.” Jujutsu Kaisen is a becomes a big hit and has a total circulation of over 70 million copies. The Original work is a dark fantasy action about curses born from negative human emotions and the sorcerers who exorcise them through witchcraft. This movie depicts the story of the one year senior to Yuji Itadori. It begins when Satoru Gojo, a teacher and the most powerful sorcerer at the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School, guides Yuta Okkotsu, a high school student who wishes to be executed himself, to enter the school. The powerful action scenes captured the hearts of those who saw the movie and broke over 13.7 billion yen at the box office. It was a blockbuster hit.

Comments and Reviews

I like that the voice actors’ voices match the characters (Minomushi)

The characters all have their personalities and are very interesting (Hanahana)

I was impressed by the intensity of the action. I love “Jujutsu Kaisen” because of the fine touch of the drawings and the subtlety which the characters’ techniques are depicted, and the intensity of the action. (Coconuts)

The explanation is easier to understand than in the anime, so you can still enjoy this work even if you haven’t seen the TV anime. The scenes of fighting the curse are also powerful and exhilarating. (Haruka)

I chose this work because the pictures are very beautiful and the content is interesting.” (Anonym)

“The action scenes are so powerful that I want to watch them over and over again. (Ringo)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.6 “AKIRA”

Quote: NETFLIX

Release Date: July 16, 1988
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Original Work: “AKIRA” by Katsuhiro Otomo
Production Company: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
Music: Geinoh Yamashirogumi
Official Website

No.6 is “AKIRA,” one of the greatest science fiction anime movies in Japanese animation history. It is the 4K-quality remastered version of the legendary science fiction anime movie “AKIRA,” which is based on the 1982 manga of the same title and costing an 1 billion yen in total production costs. It was directed by the original creator Katsuhiro Otomo himself. The story is set in Neo Tokyo in 2019, recovering from World War III. It follows the main character, Shotaro Kaneda, and other juvenile delinquents caught up in action over the military secret “Akira.” The movie’s highlights are tense action scenes, unpredictable storylines, passionate human elements, and others, and the visuals of the near future, where destruction and reconstruction coexist, continue to capture the hearts of fans even 35 years after its release. The movie continues to attract enthusiastic fans.

Comments and Reviews

I like it because it is an anime that asks us what we should fight against and how. (Hide G)

The world of AKIRA seemed to be in another dimension when it was first released, but looking back on it now, I like the depiction of prophecy and other aspects. The action scenes are also tense and interesting. (BOX)

Even though it is an old movie, the images are beautiful and realistic, so it is still my favorite movie. (Polaris)

I like the possible near future and the action scenes that are unique to that era. The mystery element and the characteristic music are also part of its charm. (abeille)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.7 “ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Year: December 12, 2009
Director: Munehisa Sakai
Original Work: Eiichiro Oda
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “fanfare” by Mr.Children
Official Website

In seventh place is “ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD.” It is the 10th theatrical version of the TV animation series based on the hugely popular manga “ONE PIECE.” This film is also popular with “ONE PIECE,” ranked in third place. The story follows the adventures of Luffy, a boy who yearns to become the Pirate King, and his friends as they embark on a quest to find “One Piece” (the Greatest Treasure of All). The movie begins with Luffy and his friends continuing their voyage when they receive shocking news that several islands have been attacked in their homeland, the Eastern Sea. Eventually, the legendary pirate Shiki the Golden Lion, kidnaps his friend Nami, and Luffy and his friends fight Shiki to get Nami back, which is the movie’s highlight. This is the work in which their bond moves our hearts.

Comments and Reviews

I love this movie because Nami, my favorite character in ONE PIECE, is the main character and it’s cool to see the Straw Hat Pirates fight for their friends. The scene where the Straw Hat Pirates appear in matching outfits to rescue Nami is just too cool! (Manatee)

I think this movie is interesting no matter how many times I see it. We can see the bond between the members of the Straw Hat Pirates, which is a key element of ONE PIECE. The costumes during the final action scene are so cool. (Niko)

I was moved by the scene where the members care about other members, and the action scenes are cool. (Kuro117)

Ranking of the most favorite action anime movies: No.7 “Gintama The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya”

Quote: Hulu

Release Date: July 6, 2013
Director: Yoichi Fujita
Original Work: “Gintama” by Hideaki Sorachi
Production Company: Sunrise
Theme Song: “Genjyou Destraction” by SPYAIR
Official Website

Also in seventh place was “Gintama The Movie: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya.“ It is the second theatrical version of the anime “Gintama” based on the popular manga by Hideaki Sorachi, which has sold more than 55 million copies. The Original Work is set in the late Edo period, in a world where the Edo shogunate was attacked by Amanto (aliens) and accepted the invasion and opened its doors to the world. Samurai have lost their swords and pride, and the Amanto parade through the streets of Edo as if Edo were their place. The story is a gag comedy about Gintoki Sakata, who has a lax character but still has the same “samurai spirit,” and is forced to cooperate with his clients as the general store owner. In “Gintama the Movie: The Final Chapter Be Forever Yorozuya,“ the episodes from Gintoki Sakata’s past are depicted, drawing viewers into the funny, tearful, and heartwarming lives of Gin-san and his friends.

Comments and Reviews

The sound effects and changes in facial expressions really draw you in, and even though it doesn’t use computer graphics, there is a charm to it that you can’t take your eyes off of it. (sachi06_12)

Gintoki is strong and kind in the action scenes, which is a very cool gap from the usual gag scenes. There are so many unique characters that I never get tired of them. (Nekomi)

The action scenes are powerful, but the movie is also enjoyable, from the gag parts to the serious scenes, which is Gintama’s specialty. I was also impressed by the characters’ dialogue at key points. (Tsu-yan)

I like it because the gags are funny and the actions are cool. (Rabbit’s Gomataro)

Ranking of the Most favorite action anime movies: No.7 “Attack on Titan: Chronicle”

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: July 17, 2020
Supervision: Shintaro Kawakubo, Yuto Kikuchi
Original Work: Hajime Isayama
Production Company: WIT STUDIO
Music: Hiroyuki Sawano
Official Website

No.7 is “Attack on Titan: Chronicle.” This is a re-edited version of the first three seasons of the anime series of ”Attack on Titan” which is Hajime Isayama’s famous comic. It drew attention for its high-impact worldview of Titans preying on humans. The original work is a dark fantasy depicting a boy, Eren, whose mother was preyed upon by Titans in front of him. He fights with his friends to exterminate the Titans, 100 years after humans began living in a city surrounded by high walls to prevent the sudden apperance of Titans. The movie depicts Eren’s action and growth as he vows to exterminate all Titans, and the powerful action scenes between the Titans and humans leave a strong impression. This movie should be enjoyed in conjunction with the anime series.

Comments and Reviews

There was so much detailed foreshadowing that I didn’t notice, and I was excited to see the movie until the end. There were many action scenes which were very exciting. (Sachiko, the fourth)

The actions between humans and Titans are powerful and fun to watch. (Yotan)

I enjoyed the powerful actions with the Titans. (Matayan)

Ranking of the Most Favorite Action Anime Movies No.10 and below!

No.10: BLEACH: MEMORIES OF NOBODY
No.10: Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song
No.10: HUNTER x HUNTER: The Last Mission
No.10: ONE PIECE STAMPEDE
No.10: Kinnikuman
No.10: Sword Art Online The Movie: Ordinal Scale
No.10: Dragon Ball Z
No.10: Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might
No.10: Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero
No.10: Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro
No.10: Mobile Suit Gundam: Char’s Counterattack
No.10: Fist of the North Star
No.10: My Hero Academia: Two Heroes
No.10: Yu Yu Hakusho
No.23: BLEACH: The DiamondDust Rebellion
No.23: BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE
No.23: Fate/Grand Order: Final Singularity- Grand Temple of Time: Solomon
No.23: Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel II. Lost Butterfly
No.23: Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel I.presage flower
No.23: GHOST IN THE SHELL
No.23: HUNTER×HUNTER: Phantom Rouge
No.23: NARUTO the Movie
No.23: ONE PIECE FILM: Z
No.23: ONE PIECE: Episode of Chopper: Bloom in the Winter, Miracle Sakura
No.23: The Relative Worlds
No.23: Inazuma Eleven
No.23: Incredibles 2
No.23: Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth
No.23: Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
No.23: Kinnikuman: Great Riot! Seigi Choujin
No.23: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
No.23: Summer Wars
No.23: Sqord of the Stranger
No.23: Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound
No.23: Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods
No.23: Paprika
No.23: Princess Principal: Crown Handler Chapter 1
No.23: Brave Story
No.23: Pokémon the Movie
No.23: Macross frontier The Movie: The Wings of Goodbye
No.23: Pokémon: Mewtwo Strikes Back -Evolution
No.23: Princess Mononoke
No.23: Mob Psycho 100
No.23: EVANGELION:2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE.
No.23: Assassination Classroom: 365 Days
No.23: Patlabor: The Movie
No.23: Mobile Suit Gundamu II: Soldiers of Sorrow
No.23: Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
No.23: Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova
No.23: Yuki Yuna is a Hero -Sumi Washio’s Chapter – Chapter 3 “Promise”
No.23: Samurai Giants
No.23: Blue Exorcist: The Movie
No.23: GURREN LAGANN THE MOVIE -Childhood’s end
No.23: Space Runaway Ideon
No.23: Bungo Stray Dogs: DEAD APPLE
No.23: My Hero Academia: World Heroes’ Mission
No.23: Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie
No.23: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha The MOVIE 1st
No.23: Detective Conan: The Ravan Chaser
No.23: Yu Yu Hakusho: The Movie -Poltergeist Report
(Total 46 works)

Action anime movies Q&A

Q1 What is the best action anime movie?

According to a survey of 150 people, “Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train” is the best action anime movie.
For more information, click here.

Q2 What action anime movies should I watch?

Here is the list of what you should watch based on a survey of 150 Japanese people. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train / Dragon Ball Super: Broly / ONE PIECE / Dragon Ball Z / Jujutsu Kaisen 0 The Movie / AKIRA / ONE PIECE FILM: STRONG WORLD. For more information, click here.

Q3 What are the top5 the most loved action anime movies?

Here is the list of the most loved action anime movies, based on a survey of 150 people. Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, Dragon Ball Super: Broly, ONE PIECE, Dragon Ball Z and  Jujutsu Kaisen 0 The Movie. For more information, click here.

Summary

This article introduced the “Top 46 most favorite action anime movies of all time”. The result is a list of movies with powerful action scenes. Please check out the movies you are interested in on the video streaming service!

※ This information is for 01/31/2023. Please check the latest delivery status on each site.