Action has always been one of the most thrilling and purely entertaining genres, no matter the medium. Japanese action anime films, with their masterful production, unique storytelling, and distinctive art styles, are no exception.
Since the 1980s, Japanese directors and studios have continually refined the action anime genre. In many cases, it’s hard to believe that such visually advanced and dynamic scenes were created decades ago. What makes these films so remarkable is that animators brought them to life based on just a few pages of manga—testament to the brilliance of the original manga artists and the unparalleled talent of Japanese animators.
Some of the titles on this list are universally known, while others are underrated gems you might not have heard of. Our goal here is simple: to celebrate the classics and bring attention to those hidden treasures.
10. Princess Mononoke
Studio Ghibli didn’t initially focus much on action anime, but when they did, they created masterpieces like Princess Mononoke. With its epic scale and deep environmental themes, this film is widely considered one of the greatest anime movies ever made.
The story follows Ashitaka, a warrior caught in the clash between industrialized humans and forest spirits. Leading the spirits is San—the enigmatic Princess Mononoke. The film blends intense action with rich themes and imaginative creatures like nature-powered spirits and biomechanical warriors.
Ghibli’s trademark artistry elevates every scene. Even among their catalog, this film stands out for its sheer ambition and visual spectacle.
9. Promare
From the creators of Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, Promare exploded onto the scene with its flashy visuals and over-the-top action. Released during the pandemic, this film is a stylized whirlwind that never lets up.
The plot pits firefighter Galo Thymos against pyrokinetic mutants known as Burnish, led by Lio Fotia. As the two clash and eventually join forces, the movie delivers a fiery critique of corruption—both literal and metaphorical.
Its bombastic style, combined with dazzling mecha battles and precise use of CGI, makes it one of the most visually impactful anime films in recent years.
8. Vampire Hunter D (1985)
A gothic blend of cyberpunk and horror, Vampire Hunter D is a cult classic that’s as stylish as it is brutal. Set in a distant future where monsters roam free, humans rely on futuristic weapons and robot horses just to survive.
D, a mysterious vampire hunter, dispatches enemies with swift elegance. The animation, especially for the time, is remarkably fluid and bloody, showcasing intense fights with terrifying vampires.
This film still holds up as one of the most compelling action-horror anime ever made.
7. Redline
Time to shift gears—literally. Redline is an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride about illegal intergalactic racing, where “no rules” means anything goes—including eliminating your opponents.
The story follows JP, a speed junkie determined to win the galaxy’s most dangerous race. With its stunning hand-drawn animation (years in the making), Redline blends vehicular combat with full-on brawling and explosions.
If you want a movie that makes your heart race, this is it.
6. Ninja Scroll
One of the most iconic adult action anime films, Ninja Scroll follows Jubei, a wandering swordsman caught in a deadly conspiracy. Set in feudal Japan, the movie is packed with sword fights, supernatural foes, and mature themes.
The animation is fast, brutal, and perfectly choreographed. Combined with a compelling soundtrack and atmospheric tone, Ninja Scroll helped define a generation of anime action cinema.
5. The Garden of Sinners (Kara no Kyōkai)
Technically a film series rather than a single movie, The Garden of Sinners is made up of seven interconnected films produced by the acclaimed studio ufotable—best known for Demon Slayer and Fate/stay night.
The story centers on Shiki Ryougi, a young woman who gains the “Mystic Eyes of Death Perception,” a power that allows her to see and cut through the mortality of anything. Each film blends supernatural mysteries with slick, intense action scenes, creating an eerie and philosophical viewing experience.
If you’re craving a blend of action, psychological intrigue, and jaw-dropping animation, this series is a must-watch.
4. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Jin-Roh is a gritty, slow-burn political thriller wrapped in a dystopian anime shell. Set in an alternate-history postwar Japan, it follows Kazuki Fuse, a soldier haunted by his inability to stop a young girl from committing suicide during a mission.
As he navigates conspiracies and growing unrest, the movie unfolds with philosophical weight and haunting beauty. Though the pace is more meditative than frantic, its action scenes are clean, sharp, and brutal—delivered with a maturity rarely seen in animation.
With a screenplay by Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), Jin-Roh is a powerful reflection on war, identity, and humanity.
3. Sword of the Stranger
An absolute gem from the late 2000s, Sword of the Stranger is a historical action masterpiece that blends samurai lore with breathtaking animation.
The story follows a nameless ronin who becomes entangled with a young orphan, Kotarou, and his dog. When foreign assassins hunt the boy for a dark ritual, the swordsman is forced to confront his past and protect the child at all costs.
The final duel in Sword of the Stranger is often cited as one of the best animated sword fights ever—and for good reason. It’s a dazzling, emotionally charged climax that defines what action anime is all about.
2. Ghost in the Shell (1995)
No list of action anime would be complete without Ghost in the Shell. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, it’s a cyberpunk classic that has influenced everything from The Matrix to modern sci-fi philosophy.
Set in a future where people connect their brains directly to the internet, the story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg tasked with stopping a mysterious hacker called the Puppet Master. As she delves deeper, she begins questioning the nature of consciousness, identity, and existence itself.
The action is sleek and weighty, with masterful direction and haunting visuals that make it one of the most enduring sci-fi anime of all time.
1. Akira
At the very top sits Akira—a movie that changed anime forever.
Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the film follows Kaneda and Tetsuo, two childhood friends caught in a whirlwind of government experiments, psychic powers, and civil unrest. Tetsuo’s newfound abilities spiral out of control, threatening to destroy the city and everyone in it.
Akira is more than just a film. It’s a cultural milestone. The animation is jaw-dropping even by today’s standards, and its themes of power, rebellion, and identity are still relevant decades later. If you watch only one anime movie from this list, make it Akira.
