Top 35 Best Sword Fighting Anime Ranked (2023)

Sword-fighting has been one of the primary combats in the history of Japan. There have been many renowned swordsmen throughout history whose abilities were impressive. Similarly, this has led to the development of some brilliant sword fighting anime, which brings us that terrific experience of the past.

The majority of sword-fighting anime features samurai, who are beasts wielding a sword. It involves some pretty intense rallies where the two people engaged in combat try to outsmart each other and land the fatal blow. We will be ranking the 35 best sword-fighting anime in this article according to their ratings on MyAnimeList.

Top 35 Best Sword Fighting Anime Ranked

35. Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood

This is a recently released historical anime that was set in the Meiji period of Japan. It depicts the thrilling story of Sawa Yukimura, a woman whose entire family and tribe were killed by a mysterious man.

However, this man is not an ordinary guy; he is the leader of Kuchinawa, an evil organization that rebels against the government. She used her innate ability to transform through blue blood and become an invincible swordswoman to take down this evil group.

34. Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll is filled with plenty of thrilling sword fighting sequences, which make it so popular among fans. The series revolves around a ninja guy who is assigned to protect the Dragon Stone and its bearer from two evil clans.

Both evil clans are made up of several powerful ninja warriors with exceptional swordsmanship skills. So it is very interesting to watch the incredible clashes between two evil clans and our protagonist.

33. Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion

You have already heard about the Mongols and their ferocious crimes and are willing to know more about them. So you must watch this incredible series about the Mongol invasion of Japan and the devastation it causes.

In order to protect Japan, several soldiers were assigned alongside a group of prisoners to withstand the Mongolian armies. The fight in the series is extremely realistic, with some amazing sword-fighting sequences.

32. Le Chevalier D’Eon

It is a fantastic historical series centered on a historical figure from France, Chevalier d’Eon. In this series, a young man sets out to find a serial killer who murdered her sister and many other innocent women in heinous ways.

While he was searching, her sister’s soul unfortunately entered his body and led him to find the killer. Aside from the thrilling mysteries, this series also features plenty of classical sword fights that you will definitely appreciate.

31. Sword Art Online

This anime is about a VR game called Sword Art Online set in the year 2022, virtual reality is at a whole other level, and players can experience it using a device called Nerve Gear. Kirigaya Kazuto is one such player who gets trapped in the game of Sword Art Online.

It gets more complicated when they learn that they will die in real life if they die in the game too. Now Kirito has to figure out a way to clear all the levels of this deadly game with his sword skills.

30. Sengoku Basara

As the title suggests, this story takes place during the Sengoku period of Japan, where warlords fought to unite the whole country under a single government.

Among these warlords, the most powerful one is Nobunaga Oda, who is widely known as a tyrant. The job falls on Canada and Date to put aside their differences and combine their powers to stop Nobunaga.

29. Afro Samurai

A young boy named Afro had his life turned upside down when he witnessed his father being cut down in a duel by a man named Justice. The main intention of Justice was to wear the Number One headband and claim its insane powers.

As a result, Afro sets out on a journey to take the Number Two headband, which will grant him the right to challenge justice and take revenge for his father. This series is not only one of the best anime sword-fighting anime but also the one of the greatest fighting anime. 

28. Hakuouki 

If you are a great fan of sword fighting and looking for a female lead, then Hakuouki is a great pick for you. In this series, a young woman is caught in the crossfire between monsters and the Shinsengumi, a group of skilled swordsmen.

However, she herself is completely unaware of her own real identity and how incredibly powerful she is. Throughout the series, you will get to experience plenty of the deadliest fights between exceptional swordsmen and formidable monsters.

27. Shigurui 

Everything seemed peaceful during the beginning of the Edo Era in Japan when suddenly Lord Tokugawa held a fighting tournament. A change in the rules was imposed, and participants had to use real swords to fight.

As Fujiki Gennosuke with one arm and Irako Seigen with no eyes are fated to clash, it sets up the stage for a thrilling fight since both are aspiring to prove themselves as the worthy successor of Iwamoto Kogan.

26. Karas

Karas is the best sword-fighting anime that provides thrilling action sequences in just six episodes. This series is set in a modern world where some people are assigned as Karas to take down mysterious species.

Yousuke Otoha is one of the Karas who has the ability to transform into cars and planes, as well as exceptional swordsmanship skills. Each of his fights is well choreographed and provides us with amazing and thrilling experiences.

25. Blade of the Immortal

The title of the series should have given you a hint about this incredible sword fighting anime. This series depicts the deadliest journey of a samurai who is almost immortal.

He can’t be killed by any lethal attacks except a special poison. It provides you with everything that you expect from a samurai anime, which makes it so popular among fans.

24. Samurai 7

Samurai 7 has a very unique and interesting storyline that you will definitely like. In this series, an evil bandit that consists of several skilled samurai begins terrorizing villages through their incredible strength.

Now, in order to save the village, people began searching for good-hearted samurai to fight against this bandit. Due to having low numbers against bandits, samurai began training villagers to provide support in their fights.

23. Akame ga Kill

Akame ga Kill is one of the best fantasy anime on Crunchyroll, filled with thrilling battles. Just after witnessing Akame’s exceptional swordsmanship skills, she will definitely become one of your favorite characters.

Each of her fights is so thrilling and engaging that we would not want to miss even a single moment. Furthermore, the animation and world-building of the series are too good to greatly enhance the fighting sequences.

22. Rage of Bahamut: Genesis

It is a great historical fantasy anime that is set in a magical world where several species, including humans, gods, and demons, coexist. They sealed together an incredibly powerful demon named Bahamut, who possesses terrifying power and abilities.

After several centuries, a woman unfortunately became the key factor for the clash of two major groups. One group tries to release Bahamut, while other groups try to stop them from doing that.

21. The Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash

Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash is another great fantasy anime on Funimation that features a group of people who unexpectedly find themselves in a fantasy world and have no memory of life before their arrival.

The rest of the story now centers on their hardships in surviving and building a future for themselves as volunteer warriors. Throughout their struggles, you can witness numerous sword and knife fights that you will undoubtedly enjoy.

20. The Heroic Legend of Arslan

The Heroic Legend of Arslan is a well-known fantasy anime that is set in ancient Persian history and follows the exploits of Arslan, a prince of Persia. The plot revolves around the tough journey of Arslan to become king and make his kingdom prosperous.

This anime is filled with sword fighting and sorcery because our protagonist battles many strong fighters as well as a creature to become king.

19. Claymore

Claymore is set in an alternate reality in which an organization creates a human Yoma that is capable of killing Yomas. Yomas are basically the humanoid shape-shifters that prey on people.

Human Yoma embarks on a journey to kill all Yomas with his powerful sword and exceptional swordsmanship skills in order to save people. Furthermore, the animation and action sequences are so good that fans of sword fighting anime should watch the series.

18. Inuyasha

Inuyasha is a great classical anime with wonderful art styles and a unique storyline. It follows the journey of Inuyasha and his friends, along with Kagome Higurashi, to search for and recover the Jewel’s fragments.

Furthermore, Inuyasha’s sword plays a crucial part in the series and has lots of mysteries behind it. On the other hand, we can see some lethal sword-fighting action sequences in this anime that are distinct from the rest of the sword anime.

17. Drifters

Drifters is yet another fantastic world-building anime in which our protagonist is transported to a fantasy world with various historical figures. In this fantasy world, they all become warriors and fight a variety of heinous creatures in order to prevent world destruction.

In this anime, you can see some of the finest sword fighting sequences that will definitely make your heart beat fast.

16. Bleach 

Ichigo Kurosaki, a normal high school student, has his life turned upside down when his family is attacked by a vengeful spirit. In order to save his family, he takes the power of Rukia Kuchiki and becomes a soul reaper himself.

However, Rukia fails to regain her powers, and Ichigo has to take over her job of hunting down spirits through using his strongest Bankai. He was later joined in these daunting tasks by his classmates, who came to know that there was an even bigger threat to the human world.

15. Kingdom

Kingdom is a well-built Chinese historical anime set in the Warring States period. The story follows two orphans, Xin and Piao, who work as servants but have a dream to become great generals.

Their incredible journey and deadliest experience greatly aided them in becoming powerful generals. As being set in Chinese history, the sword fighting sequences of the series are incredibly engaging and amazing, which we are all eager to witness.

14. The Twelve Kingdoms

The protagonist of this series is transported to another world along with his two friends after battling with a strange man. After being transported, they see the Twelve Kingdoms, which are spread across various islands.

After being transported to this world, the series becomes more exciting and thrilling, as we witness a great world building with fascinating sword fighting action sequences.

Even though the animation of the series is quite old, it beautifully depicts several of the deadliest battles alongside a highly engaging storyline.

13. Kill la Kill 

Ryuuko Matoi wanders on her journey and gets revenge from a man. Her only clue takes her to Honnouji Academy, where she stumbles upon Satsuki Kiryuuin and her four underlings.

She returns to her home after being defeated by one of her underlings dressed in Goku uniform, where she obtains a rare Kamui cloth. This grants her immense power as she goes back to the academy and finds the man once and for all.

12. Revolutionary Girl Utena

Revolutionary Girl Utena is also a quite popular magical girl anime that features medieval sword fighting. Our protagonist is a girl who aspires to be a prince, which explains why her gestures and clothing are similar to those of a boy.

If you want to watch a royalty-themed anime series with medieval sword-fighting action sequences, this is solely for you. Furthermore, it features a wide range of hot female characters who look attractive and powerful at the same time.

11. Fate/ Stay Night

Fate/ Stay Night is a top notch animated magical animefranchise that is filled with countless eye-catching sword-fighting action sequences. The protagonist of the series is a teenage girl who participates in a tournament in order to grant her wish by winning the tournament.

There is no doubt that this tournament always gives you goosebumps and chills you to the bone. If you have not watched this incredible series yet, then watch it once because its animation is at the highest level.

10. Dororo

Dorror is one of the best action anime and it starts when Lord Daigo denounces Buddha and makes a pact with demons. Although 12 demons granted him the power he had been seeking for so long, it came at the price of his first-born son, who had no eye, ears, or skin.

He was left out by his father and was saved by a medicine man. After getting prosthetic eyes and ears, he sets out on a journey to defeat the 12 demons and claim his real body parts, along with an orphan boy named Dororo.

9. Sword of the Stranger 

Kotarou was a young orphan who used to live in the Sengoku period of Japan, stealing from other villagers in order to get by. Things turn unfavorable for him when a group of assassins belonging to China’s Ming Dynasty try to hunt him down for unknown reasons.

He gets saved by a ronin named Nanashi. Along with him and his dog, Kotarou sets out on a difficult journey as the Ming Dynasty try to capture him using a dangerous swordsman and fulfill their prophecy.

8. Rurouni Kenshin 

This series is about Hitokiri Battousai, who was a legendary assassin prevalent at the end of the Bakumatsu Era. He was feared everywhere as a merciless assassin and suddenly disappeared one day at the peak of the Japanese Revolution.

We later came to know that he left his bloodstained lifestyle and dedicated his life to serving others in a dojo. Watch as he struggles to live by his ideals when enemies strike him from both his past and present.

7. Katanagatari 

Shichika Yasuri is a swordsman of the Edo era who practices a unique sword technique known as Kyotouryuu. It involves using one’s body as a sword and is the hardest technique out there.

His life changes after a girl named Togame comes into his life and requests that he aid her in a mission to collect the 12 Deviant Blades. They set out on this perilous journey to recover the swords from their lethal wielders together.

6. Samurai Champloo 

This unique and funny story takes place in an alternate Edo period of Japan where Fuu Kasumi works as a waitress. One day she accidentally spills a drink over a group of samurai, who begin to harass her. Mugen saves her by engaging in traditional sword fighting with Jin.

However, they end up crushing the local magistrate’s son and are sentenced to death. They get rescued by Fuu, who recruits them as her bodyguards to set out on a journey to find a mysterious samurai.

5. Demon Slayer 

Demon Slayer, a hugely popular anime, whose movie has recently overtaken Spirited Away as the highest-grossing movie, is about Tanjiro Kamado. One day after coming back to his house, he found that all of his family had been destroyed by demons.

In addition to this, his sister Nezuko has been turned into a horrific demon. Swearing to take revenge on behalf of his family, Tanjirou joins the Demon Slayer Corps, vowing to protect his little sister and annihilate all the demons.

4. Berserk 

This dark manga‘s story starts with Guts being born in the womb of his dead mother. With no one to depend on, Guts moves on from day to day, causing severe bloodshed.

After the Band of the Hawk notices his impressive skills, he is hired as a mercenary. He becomes one of their most powerful members as he easily captures Midland and rises through the ranks.

3. Mushishi 

Mushishi is quite a unique sword fighting anime set in the timeline between the Edo and Meiji periods. In this series, our protagonist decides to live his life as a protector of humans against Mushi.

On the other hand, Mushi is actually a mysterious creature who possesses different kinds of supernatural abilities. The series is filled with many thrilling sword-fighting scenes that you definitely enjoyed to the utmost.

2. Vinland Saga 

As the title “Vinland Saga” suggests, this story is set in a place of legend known as Vinland. Thorfinn travels to this land, which is vastly different from his cold hometown.

War rages on this legendary land, and Thorfinn becomes entangled in it, forcing him to rely on his mercenary experience to survive. However, we soon come to know that his main aim is to defeat Askeladd, one of the strongest character in Vinland saga and the man who murdered his father.

1. Gintama 

When the alien race Amanto invades the earth and takes over the land of Japan, one man makes it his life’s mission to make this race extinct. His name is Gintoki Sakata, one of the strongest anime guys with swords.

Shinpachi Shimura, Kagura, and Sadaharu join him in this adventure where they have tons of fun and gather valuable experience. This series brought us some of the most incredible sword battles and also has plenty of hilarious scenes that make it one of the best funny anime.

Conclusion:

This brings us to the conclusion of our fascinating list. While most of these anime have their settings based on the Edo period and the Sengoku period, the likes of Sword Art Online have taken things to the next level with the addition of virtual reality to sword fighting. We hope this list will be useful for you in building up your recommendation list. We will be back with more exciting recommendations. Till then, stay tuned with us.

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Abhi

Engineering edified me dreams’ propelling. And being an Otaku, a superlative dream of mine engulfs experiencing anime to its deepest quintessence and inditing my perspective towards it. Ultimately, anime blogging carved a path towards my desire and made me stand up to you.