Top 37 Best Battle Anime of All Time!

Battle anime, in which characters fight against their rivals and evils, is one of the genres that both adults and children find exciting and engrossing among the many anime works.

To find out, “ANIME SAMURAI” conducted a survey of 400 Japanese people. Here we are going to introduce the ranking of “Best Battle Anime of All Time” chosen by anime lovers!

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.1: Demon Slayer

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: October 16, 2020
Director: Haruo Tonozaki
Original Work: “Demon Slayer“ by Koyoharu Gotouge
Production Company: ufotable
Theme Song: “Gurenge” by LiSA
Official Website
Twitter

The first place went to “Demon Slayer” whose movie was also very popular. The story is about the main character, Tanjiro Kamado, whose family was murdered by demons and his sister was turned into a demon, desperately goes through hard training and puts himself in fierce battles with his companions in order to turn his sister into a human. The work has gained popularity among all generations for its unique characters, the worldview based on Japanese-style fantasy, and the storyline, which people can find interesting and funny even in the midst of serious situations. Although there are some cruel scenes, many people seem to feel familiar with Tanjiro as they see how he grows up and takes care of his sister while facing difficulties.

Reviews and comments

This is a story of a man, Tanjiro, whose family is killed by demons and his younger sister is turned into a demon, and he joins The Demon Slayer Corps to fight against demons, but I was moved by how he encouraged himself and fought with his companions. This is also a work that I would like to watch over and over again because I was taught an important life lesson by Rengoku-san. (Papi)

I like this work so much that I even bought the manga, and the animation is just so beautiful and amazing. The battle scenes are also powerful which makes me into it, especially when demons show their Blood Demon Arts while The Demon Slayer Corps perform their skills of Breathing as if they are risking their lives. (Neiro)

I thought it was just grotesque at first, but now I want to show it to my children. There are so many beautiful elements in the work, such as courage, effort, sibling love, and kindness that is greater than what people have in modern life. It was the first time for me as an adult to buy a lot of manga. (Hibari)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.2: My Hero Academia

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release date: 2016
Director: Kenji Nagasaki, Masahiro Mukai
Original Work: “My Hero Academia“ by Kohei Horikoshi
Production Company: Bones
Theme Song: “THE DAY” by Porno Graffitti
Official Website
Twitter

No.2 was “My Hero Academia.” It is a world where Heroes with various “Quirk (superpower)” play an important role in cracking down on “Villains (enemy)” who abuse their powers. It is a Japanese manga but is distinctive in that it adopts a design similar to American comics. The main character, Izuku Midoriya, aka Deku, is a “Quirkless” boy who yearns to be a Hero but is unable to demonstrate his superpower abilities. Yet, he cannot give up on becoming a Hero, so he enrolls in the Department Heros of U.A. High School and aims to become a Hero who keeps the peace with his unique classmates. The work is popular for the way Deku grows up, the Hero and Villain characters who are all unique, and the powerful battle scenes.

Reviews and comments

It is interesting to see how Deku grows up, as well as other students because it takes place in a Hero Academy. Besides, the battle between the Villains and Heroes is so powerful that I always feel like time flies. (Nassie)

I was fascinated by the fact that the students all have different special moves in the form of their “Quirks”. I would never get tired of those different special moves, which range from practical ones to the ones that are for battles. It is a wonderful work in which even the enemies have their own beliefs and you can empathize with all sides. (Haru)

It is an inspirational work which encourages me for the way Deku, the main character who is “Quirkless”, works hard with his friends and grows up day by day to be a professional Hero. Everyone has their own personality and is so appealing that I can even empathize with enemies. Battle scenes are powerful as well, which makes the story more interesting. (Rii)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.3: ONE PIECE

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 1999
Director: Kōnosuke Uda and others
Original Work: “ONE PIECE” by Eiichiro Oda
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “We Are!” by Hiroshi Kitadani
Official Website
Twitter

The third place went to “ONE PIECE”, based on the best-selling manga that has been serialized since 1997 and has been certified by Guinness World Records as having sold more than 510 million copies worldwide. The story is about a boy, Monkey D. Luffy, who dreams of becoming the Pirate King in a world where numerous pirates are active. And he aims for “the One Piece (legendary treasure)”, which multiple other pirates from all over the world are after. The story depicts adventures mainly on the sea and friendships and is popular around the world for its epic worldview and storyline that includes battles, comedies, and compelling scenes. The many heartwarming quotes are also noteworthy.

Reviews and Comments

The story is magnificent and full of fascinating and unique characters. All of them have backgrounds, even the less well-known characters. The background information is often written in the extra section of the book, which is actually very deep. (Yoyoyoshī)

I got into the manga when I was in elementary school and found myself watching so much of it that my recording screen was filled with ONE PIECE. Although it is a fictional world that has the Great Pirates Era and Devil Fruits, the way the main character overcomes difficulties and setbacks by relying on his friends is a lesson for me in real life. (Kumakichi)

Characters have deep emotions and there are so many heartwarming quotes. The foreshadowings are well set up, and it feels good when they are paid off. (Rua)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.4: BLEACH

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 2004
Director: Noriyuki Abe
Original Work: “BLEACH” by Tito Kubo
Production Company: Studio Pierrot
Theme Song: “ASTERISK” by Orange Range
Official Website
Twitter

The fourth place went to “BLEACH.” This is the story of the main character Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student whose life gets in danger when he tries to protect his family from being attacked by a Hollow. Then he becomes a Soul Reaper and throws himself into the battle to exterminate the Hollows. In addition to anime, musicals and live-action movies have been created for the popularity of its amazing battle scenes against huge enemies, as well as Ichigo’s personal growth and the bond with his friends. In 2021, the series celebrated its 20th anniversary, and a new TV anime series, “Sennen Kessen-hen” (Thousand-Year Blood War), has been broadcast since 2022. It is particularly popular for its intriguing worldview and fascinating characters, as well as the astonishing battles where characters in black kimonos fight with swords.

Reviews and comments

This work is just so cool. The characters’ abilities, backgrounds, and other settings are meticulously created, and each of them is so attractive that they have many fans. I highly recommend this work as it has become even more popular since the start of the “Sennen Kessen-hen” (Thousand-Year Blood War). (Anime-zuki Taro)

This work is cool in a way that it tickles my heart. The drawings are beautiful and the battles are cool. (Tanaka)

Friendship, hard work, and victory. These are the words that come to mind when thinking about this work as one of the legendary battle anime works of the Weekly Shōnen Jump. All the characters are so attractive that you will fall in love with all of them. The worldview is also unique, fascinating, and easy to understand. (Anmitsu)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.5: HUNTER x HUNTER

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 1999
Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi
Original Work: “HUNTER x HUNTER” by Yoshihiro Togashi
Production Company: Nippon Animation
Theme Song: “Ohayou” by Keno
Official Website
Twitter

Fifth place went to “HUNTER x HUNTER.” It is a work by Yoshihiro Togashi, who also gained popularity with “Yu Yu Hakusho.” The main character is Gon Freecss, a boy who aims to become a Hunter, collects various things from all over the world. The story depicts his adventures and battles with his friends who also dream of becoming Hunter. The story is rich in variations of battles including characters’ unique abilities and mind games. Thus, the work has gained huge popularity for its worldview and characters that have been meticulously created. Although the original work had been on hiatus for a long period of time, the series has irregularly resumed since 2022. The author Togashi has also announced that the story is coming to an end, so fans around the world are patiently waiting for it.

Reviews and comments

Although it might be a typical answer, but “Hunter x Hunter” is always the best. The story is extremely interesting. I’m so excited every time I read it that I wonder how he came up with such a great idea. I was successfully drawn into the story from the Hunter Exam arc. (Gumi)

The story is full of settings that have never been seen before. There are scenes that make me cry, so I keep rewatching it over and over again. (Reonarudo)

It is interesting that various techniques are assigned to the characters according to their personalities. I like the overall worldview. (Aoi)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.5: Attack on Titan

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 2013
Director: Tetsuro Araki, Masashi Koizuka, Yuichiro Hayashi
Original Work: “Attack on Titan” by Hajime Isayama
Production Company: WIT STUDIO, MAPPA
Theme Song: “Guren no Yumiya” by Linked Horizon
Official Website
Twitter

Another fifth place went to “Attack on Titan.” Set in a city surrounded by high walls, it is a story of humans fighting against unknown Titans that attack and eat them. This work is highly popular, especially among adults for its unprecedented worldview and cruel storyline. The impact of the terrifying appearance of the Titans, the medieval European-like worldview, and the inexhaustible and powerful battle scenes using 3D Maneuver Gear made this work a hot topic immediately after the anime was broadcast. In addition to the fascinating characters and battle scenes, the manga is also well-known as a dark fantasy that unravels the mystery of the Titans, and when the manga was serialized, there was a lot of speculation about the storyline. The music and distinctive theme song that enlivens the story are also popular.

Reviews and comments

The drawings of the battle scenes are very beautiful, and the battle scenes with the Titans are very exciting. The more the story gets deeper, the more interesting it becomes because it’s not even the conflict between Titans and humans, it’s the conflict among human beings. (Bulldog Sensei)

It’s just cruel. It is an anime that you can get absorbed in watching, even though it is often heartbreaking because of its ruthlessly realistic worldview in which the characters you like can easily die. Another good thing is that the music is spectacular and captivating. (Kana)

The drawings are as good as those in movies, and they are very powerful. It is interesting to see how the characters change their positions as they grow older, starting from their childhood. It’s thrilling and exciting. (Piano Chan)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.7: Dragon Ball

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 1986
Director: Minoru Okazaki, Daisuke Nishio
Original Work: “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “Maka Fushigi Adventure!” by Hiroki Takahashi
Official Website
Twitter

The seventh place went to “Dragon Ball,” based on the manga by Akira Toriyama that was serialized in “Weekly Shōnen Jump” from 1984, and the first anime season of “Dragon Ball” depicts the main character Son Goku from his boyhood to his adolescence. This work is filled with so many exciting elements, based on the storyline which consists of the adventures of collecting Dragon Balls, which makes any dream come true, hidden in some places of the world, the training with rivals, and the battles with the Red Ribbon Army, an evil force that is also after the Dragon Balls. It has been loved across generations as an anime that the audience can enjoy seeing unique characters and Goku and his friends’ growth, as well as the author’s original ideas.

Reviews and comments

This is the most powerful of all the battle anime, and it’s interesting because it has both comedic and serious scenes. (Manju)

It’s a classic anime, but I’ve been watching it for a long time, and it’s very interesting to see how the characters grow up. (HOSHINO)

If you look at it as a story about the growth of the main character Son Goku, you can enjoy it for a long time as he grows from childhood to adulthood, gets married, and has children, and so on. I felt that he not only wanted to defeat evil but also genuinely wanted to fight with the strong, which is the way of life that any man would aspire to. (Mark)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.8: Jujutsu Kaisen

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release date: 2020
Director: Sunghoo Park
Original Work: “Jujutsu Kaisen” by Gege Akutami
Production Company: MAPPA
Theme Song: “Kaikai Kitan” by Eve
Official Website
Twitter

Eighth place went to “Jujutsu Kaisen.” It is a modern dark fantasy with the theme of “curse.” The story begins when the main character, Yuji Itadori, who was an ordinary high school student except for his superhuman physical abilities, accidentally takes a curse into himself. In a world where “Jujutsu Sorcerers” are active in defeating monsters called “Cursed Spirits” by making full use of Curses, the main feature of this anime is that it can be enjoyed both as a school anime about growth at Tokyo Jujutsu High for aspiring Jujutsu Sorcerers and as a powerful battle anime against powerful Cursed Spirits. There are several reasons for the popularity of the series, such as the surprising development in which the main character is suddenly sentenced to death, the characters and their abilities that are full of individuality, and the gap between the astonishing battle scenes and the comedy parts.

Reviews and comments

The battle scenes are powerful and well-described. There are many different kinds of Jujutsu and it’s a little difficult to explain, which actually makes me like it even more. It’s cool to see the girls fighting as hard as the boys. (Riton)

It is a great anime where you can see different sides of the main character, Yuji Itadori, including not only his kindness, but his struggles, challenges, and growth. I personally like Jujutsu Stroll (Juju Sanpo), and I’m happy to know characters’ preferences, such as “Rice or Bread?”. (Matsuki)

Needless to say, the abilities and battle scenes are amazing, but I think it’s awesome that all the characters are cool. Specifically, Nobara and Maki-san’s voices are really cool. (Unagiinu)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.9: Chainsaw Man

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release date: 2022
Director: Ryu Nakayama
Original Work: “Chainsaw Man” by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Production Company: MAPPA
Theme Song: “KICK BACK” by Kenshi Yonezu
Official Website
Twitter

Ninth place went to “Chainsaw Man.” This dark fantasy depicts the activities of Devil Hunters who fight against Devils in a world infested with Devils. The main character, Denji, who was living as a stray Devil Hunter mired in a large debt, becomes able to transform himself into a Chainsaw Devil after fusing with the “Chainsaw Devil” Pochita. Denji then became an official Devil Hunter belonging to the Public Safety and threw himself into the battle to defeat various Devils with his companions. The brutal scenes of blood spattering tend to attract attention, but the unpredictable storyline and intriguing plot development have kept people hooked on the game. The ending, which is different each time, has also become a hot topic.

Reviews and comments

The backgrounds and depictions of light are very beautiful and of high quality. The story doesn’t follow the usual formula and it’s hard to expect what’s going to happen next. It is an anime that I look forward to watching it every week and I am always curious about the sequel. (Shimashima na Neko)

It is a remarkable work. Although some people may not like the depictions of extreme bloodshed, it’s easy to watch due to the smooth storyline and powerful battle scenes. (Namekku)

I was skeptical at first because of its ordinary worldview, but the content is so heart-wrenching that it makes you want to cheer for the main character. (Haru)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.10: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

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Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 2012
Director: Naokatsu Tsuda
Original Work: “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” by Hirohiko Araki
Production Company: david production
Theme Song: “JoJo ~Sono Chi no Sadame~” by Hiroaki Tommy Tominaga
Official Website
Twitter

The tenth place went to “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” based on the manga series by Hirohiko Araki, which has been serialized since 1986. It is a manga that both children and adults can enjoy due not only to the development, such as friendships, faint love, and intense battle, but also horrific depictions and “JoJo-like” unique expressions. The first anime series depicts the encounter, growth, adolescence, and conflict between Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando, who would have a long-lasting fated relationship with each other. It can be said that the first series became the foundation for building “JoJo’s” worldview, where it all began. There are many famous scenes and lines that even people who have never seen the anime know.

Reviews and comments

Each character and their stand abilities have their own personality, and you can’t predict how they will use their abilities, which makes it more complex and interesting. (Dai)

I was overwhelmed by Araki sensei’s unique JoJo worldview. The battle scenes and the mind games with the enemies are all interesting from beginning to end. (Yuma)

It’s interesting to see how battles get heated as characters use different abilities. The quotes of the characters are fascinating and kind of addictive. (Oshimo)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.10: Dragon Ball Z

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 1989
Director: Daisuke Nishio
Original Work: “Dragon Ball” by Akira Toriyama
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “CHA-LA HEAD-CHA-LA” by Hironobu Kageyama
Official Website
Twitter

Tied for 10th place was “Dragon Ball Z”. This is a sequel of the previous work “Dragon Ball.” It is a series that established itself as an authentic battle anime that depicts the hero Son Goku, now a young man, and his friends confronting Saiyans and Androids that endanger the earth. In the first episode, Goku’s son Gohan appears. How will Gohan, a timid boy who hates training and is the complete opposite of Goku in his boyhood, grow up and how will he confront his powerful enemy? The reason why this work has been popular over generations is probably because of the powerful enemies that constantly appear one after another as well as the strong motivation that heroes have to defeat those enemies. It is one of the most well-known anime in the world, having been broadcast in more than 40 countries.

Reviews and comments

This is the most interesting work I’ve ever seen no matter what people say. It is Toriyama sensei’s best anime. (Mocchan)

Although it could never happen in real life, this anime somehow makes me feel like I could possibly do the Kamehameha. It’s fun to watch because justice will always prevail. (Michu)

It’s fun because there are many exciting scenes, such as powerful battles where characters get awake. (CAMUS)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.12: Sword Art Online

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release Date: 2012
Director: Tomohiko Itō
Original Work: “Sword Art Online” by Reki Kawahara
Production Company: A-1 Pictures
Theme Song: “Crossing Field” by Lisa
Official Website
Twitter

No.12 was “Sword Art Online.” The story takes place in the game world of “Sword Art Online (SOA),” a VR MMORPG that can be played on a global scale. 10,000 users are enjoying the game world, but it turns out that they cannot log out of the game and that death in the game leads to the death of players in the real world. In order to live in the real world, the only way is to survive the battles in the game. The main character, a boy named Kirito, sets out to meet the conditions to escape SAO. Considering the fact that the story depicts the battles in fantasy games, those flashy, exhilarating, and intense battle scenes are highly evaluated.

Reviews and comments

It is a game, but not for fun, and the setting of the intense battles is interesting because characters in the real world would actually die if they had no point left in the game world. (Shiruku3)

It is pretty much common that the main protagonist is the most handsome and the strongest, and yet interesting because the worldview is well developed and organized. The battle scenes are flashy, beautiful, and exhilarating and thus fun to watch. (Shiro)

Speaking of battle anime, this is the best. The scene where the main character, Kirito, uses his dual blades skills and blows up his enemy is a masterpiece. It’s also interesting that Kirito is so cool that every girl he meets falls in love with him. (Tarao)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.13: World Trigger

Quote: Amazon Prime Video

Release date: 2014
Director: Mitsuru Hongo, Kouji Ogawa, Morio Hatano
Original Work: “World Trigger” by Daisuke Ashihara
Production Company: Toei Animation
Theme Song: “GIRIGIRI” by Sonar Pocket
Official Website
Twitter

The 13th place went to “World Trigger.” The story begins with the sudden appearance of monsters called “Neighbors” through a “gate” that leads to a different world, and it turns out that human weapons are useless against Neighbors. Set in a city where Border, the National Defense Agency repels the Neighbors, the story depicts battles and encounters with the Neighbors, as well as tests and training for the protagonists to join the Border. This work is popular due to the unique worldview, setting, and mind games that are as important as physical strength, such as the “Trigger”, a weapon used to fight against Neighbors, and the Trion that appears when the Tigger is activated. In addition to battles with enemies, there are also mock battles for rank within the Borders, and the interesting development of the storyline has attracted many people.

Reviews and comments

Under the special condition of fighting with Trion Body, where no one dies, the rank battles using teamwork and brains are exciting and never boring to watch. (Kana)

The main character is the weakest and has no talent or pedigree. But through hard work, ingenuity in fighting styles, and standing in support of his allies. he defeats stronger opponents. The mind games are hard to take your eyes off. (Mame)

The storyline, character settings, battle methods, and many other aspects of the story are well-developed and enjoyable. There are many surprising developments as well, so I never get tired of watching it. (Iroasu)

Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time No.13 and below

No.14: NARUTO
No.14: Yu Yu Hakusho
No.16: Fairy Tail
No.16: A Certain Magical Index
No.16: Pokémon
No.19: CODE GEASS Lelouch of the Rebellion
No.19: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part3 Stardust Crusaders
No.19: One Punch Man
No.19: Zatch Bell!
No.19: Battle in 5 Seconds After Meeting
No.19: The Irregular at Magic High School
No.25: Black Lagoon
No.25: Fate/stay night
No.25: Kingdom
No.25: Kinnikuman
No.25: Mob Psycho 100
No.25: Reborn!
No.25: Gintama
No.25: Fullmetal Alchemist
No.25: Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma
No.25: Saint Seiya: Knights of the Zodiac
No.25: Symphogear
No.25: Fist of the North Star
No.37: Fate/Zero
No.37: Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
No.37: Tiger & Bunny
No.37: The Law of Ueki
No.37: Overlord
No.37: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
No.37: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind
No.37: Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
No.37: Black Clover
No.37: Lycoris Recoil
No.37: Rurouni Kenshin
No.37: Highschool of the Dead
No.37: Mobile Suit Gundam SEED
No.37: Yuki Yuna is a Hero
No.37: Seraph of the End
No.37: The Rising of the Shield Hero
No.37: Sailor Moon
No.37: Bungo Stray Dogs
No.37: Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Battle Anime Q&A

Q1 What is the best battle anime?

According to a survey conducted on 400 Japanese people, Demon Slayer is selected as the best battle anime. For more information, click here.

Q2 What battle anime I should watch?

Here is a list of battle anime that you cannot miss. Demon Slayer, HUNTER x HUNTER, Attack on Titan, Dragon Ball and BLEACH. For more information, click here.

Q3 What are the top 3 the best battle anime? 

Here is the ranking of the best battle anime. 1.Demon Slayer, 2.My Hero Academia, 3.ONE PIECE. For more information, click here.

Summary

This article presented the “Ranking of the Best Battle Anime of All Time”, based on a survey of 400 people. All of the works are enjoyable anime with eccentric characters, unique worldviews, and powerful battles.

If there is an anime you are interested in or have not seen yet, be sure to watch it on video streaming services!

※ This information is for 03/16/2023. Please check the latest delivery status on each site.