Animeis a medium that sure knows how to dial intensity to the max. While many shows thrive on their immersive animation andhypnotic storytelling, some truly stand out for their over-the-top fight scenes that have audiences clinging to the edge of their seats.
The fluid motion of strikes, the perfect counter-attacks, and the dynamic confrontations between protagonist and antagonist are what gets our blood pumping. Pair all that with a decent camera work and interesting sound design and what you have is an anime that transports you right into the heat of battle. you’re able to almost feel exhaustion and anger with the characters as the battles begin and end. That’s what anime looks like at its peak intensity.
Moreover, a gripping backstory and emotional motivation only raises the stakes and ratchets up the tension. Viewers pick sides and root for a specific person to win or lose. Theclimax of story arcswithin these intense fighting anime, therefore, carries the weight of everything. We have narrowed down a list of 20 such anime series that are definitely ones to get the adrenaline rushing through your veins.
20The Seven Deadly Sins (2014 - 2021)
Set in a world that looks a lot like the European Middle Ages, the anime introduces us to the Holy Kingdom of Liones, which is protected by a group of respected knights. They use their power and prowess to protect Britannia, but a small number of knights were once framed for plotting to overthrow the kingdom and exiled. Ten years have passed, and the men are searching for the true culprits. Now that a young princess named Elizabeth seeks help from Sins, they swear to fight the Holy Knights and protect the people.
What Makes It So Intense
The Seven Deadly Sinsholds an arsenal of incredible battle scenes put to display the superhuman talents and powers of its characters, both the Sins and the Holy Knights. The main leader of the disgraced group, Meliodas, alone can level entire cities with his full strength. Fights often involve intricate details like strategies and combinations, making the overall sinister plot seem tense and consuming.
Available to stream on Netflix
19My Hero Academia (2016 - Present)
My Hero Academiafeatures a world where 80% of the population has some kind of superpower called a “Quirk.” Izuku Midoriya has grown up idolizing the most powerful hero, All Might. However, when he ends up being one of the few people without any superhuman powers, hisdreams of becoming a heroshatter. He still attends a prestigious high school, trains endlessly, and a chance meeting with All Might changes everything. Deku now has the power of “One For All,” which is used against villains.
The series is already popular because of its flashy animation and unique and formidable quirks. Pair that with antagonists that are deliciously devilish and what you get are some of the most captivating battles ever seen in the medium. Seeing how the powered-up rivals hold up against young heroes’ limits as they creatively employ their skills keeps the fights intense and compelling. As the stakes go high, so do the twists and turns.
Available to stream on Hulu
18Eden’s Zero (2021 - 2023)
Blending modern elements with the traditional fantasy genre,Eden’s Zerointroduces us to a young boy Shiki, who has spent his entire life surrounded by machines at Granbell Kingdom, an amusement park that hasn’t had visitors for a hundred years. One day, a mysterious girl named Rebecca crash lands with her cat, Happy, and disrupts Shiki’s quiet life. When they realize that Granbell may be in danger, the three form an interstellar club that travels between planets.
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The heart of the series is in its cosmic adventures. ButEden’s Zerocranks the intensity through the roof by featuring battles set against the backdrop of alien worlds. As Shiki rapidly learns to control his gravity-related powers, he also regularly tests them against opponents that pose a threat. Moreover, Rebecca brings in the innocence by filming videos for her B-Cube channel during each climactic showdown.
17Baki (2018 - 2020)
Baki Hanma is a young fighter who simply wants to continue his father’s legacy asthe strongest martial arts fighterin the world. After living in his shadow, Baki has harbored a ruthless attitude towards winning. When his tournament manager warns him about formidable death row inmates – who have escaped from their respective prisons from around the world for the sole purpose of knowing what defeat looks like – heading to Tokyo in search of Baki, the underground fighter prepares to prove himself.
Bakiis an intense martial arts anime, and the series takes combat to its most hardcore level. With lightning speed, brutal grappling, and raw use of power, every strike in these matches carries an intimidating repercussion. The animation is so visceral and immersive that you will feel like you’re inside the ring, standing right next to the characters and witnessing that battle firsthead. More than anything, however, Baki reveals a never-back-down spirit.
16Hellsing Ultimate (2006 - 2012)
Leveling up after the original series,Hellsing Ultimatebrings to you similar elements but in brand new light. Evil creatures plague the nights and threaten innocent people. The times are modern, and the enigmatic Alucard works as a loner for a secret organization dedicated to controlling the hidden world of supernatural threats. Under Integra’s command, he unleashes his fury on those of his kind.
While Alucard’s own battles are unparalleled inbringing darkness, gore, and violence to the screen, this time, he is also accompanied by his new vampire servant, Seras Victoria. The intricate details, the compelling depths that exist in Alucard’s power, and its relation to the tragic history of good and evil is what fascinates the audience. Plus, the action sequences are as creative as they are lethal.
15The God of High School (2020)
Three South Korean teens prepare to enter an underground fighting tournament called “God of High School.” Jin Mo-Ri is a taekwondo expert, Han Dae-Wi is particularly trained in karate, and Yu Mi-Ra is a brilliant swordswoman. They know that the fights are going to be brutal. That they’re allowed to use any weapon, skill, or method of fighting in order to win. What they do not know is Park Mu-Jin, a political candidate, is watching their every move.
Packed with quick action sequences and jaw-dropping fights,The God of High Schoolnot only cranks up the intensity but also the suspense in the most creative ways. Characters are tested relentlessly against equally intimidating opponents, leading to fights of epic proportions. The high concept premise keeps viewers invested because they want todiscover cool power-upsand gifted warriors.
Available to stream on Crunchyroll
14Dragon Ball Z (1989 - 1996)
Long, long ago, a teenage boy named Goku was left on Earth. Now grown into an extremely powerful fighter, he desires to become the greatest in the world while protecting his friends and family.Dragon Ball Zsees Goku fight literally anyone – from bumbling enemies to universe-threatening tyrants, always pushing his limits higher. Along with the other Z warriors, Goku proves that he never backs down.
Honestly,Dragon Ball Zis a show that needs no introduction. It has endured for so long because of its over-the-top clashes between the good guys and the bad, as well as astounding super-powered combat scenes. Even the mundane punches and pops feel heavy because of the techniques and impacts. Fortunately for the anime, its production is quite luxurious. Most of all, the series ignites that bittersweet nostalgia.
Available to stream on Funimation
13Demon Slayer (2019 - Present)
Demon Slayertells the story of Tanjirou Kamado, a young boy plagued by the grief of losing his family at the hands of flesh-eating demons. What’s more devastating is that his sister, Nezuko, has been turned into a bloodthirsty demon as well. Consumed by rage, Tanjirou vows to avenge his family and overcome adversaries like demonic sisters and powerful demons.
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One of the most fan-favorite anime series that came out recently,Demon Slayerredefines the term fighting by infusing it with a lot of emotion. The animation is undoubtedly flawless, the high flying battles make you understand just how panicked and agitated the main character is. From the enduring bonds to the moral complexity, the anime leaves no stone unturned when it comes to tugging at your heartstrings. Not to mention the brutal climax that had the audience’s jaws on the floor.
12Naruto (2002 - 2007)
An anime that made the medium more accessible to the Western audience,Narutochronicles the journey of an orphan boy living in Konohagakure’s shadow. His sole aspiration is to become the village’s leader, the Hokage. But wanting something and attaining something are two different things. And the latter would require Naruto to train into a ninja, join teams with other fighters, and take on quests to protect their land.
Many ofthe ’90s kids who now proudlycall themselves otakus have grown up watchingNaruto. Whether it is problem solving against worthy foes or tense drama that could possibly lead to death, the anime harnesses action on a massive skill. The missions that Naruto and his team take on are of great importance, and the series’ balance of humor in adventure and nail biting action and camaraderie makes you cheer for them all along.
11Tokyo Ghoul
Some anime series are fluffy and feel-good, others are dark and gruesome.Tokyo Ghoul, clearly falls into the second category. Centered around Ken Kaneki, who has only recently survived a deadly date, the series takes us to a strange Tokyo, where human-eating creatures known as “Ghouls” live secretly among the populace. Now that Kaneki has developed a brutal craving for flesh too, he befriends other mild-mannered Ghouls abandoned by society.
The main idea of the anime is to watch the protagonist master his new abilities and channel them to protect those he loves. But in order to do that, he must unleash savage chaos and carnage upon those who try to hurt him. The kind of combat you see inTokyo Ghoulisn’t just intense. Instead, it is infused with the kind of psychological tension that provokes your thoughts and makes room for humanity to shine through even maximum bloodshed. Overall, the series by itself more than most with its unflinching portrayal of moral decay.
