Hey Anime Fans, it’s time for some sword fighting anime series and movies to take place among our recommendations. So here is a compiled list of anime full of various sword-fighting styles, battle clashes, and epic sword sounds that ignite the flames of bravery and heroism!
In this list, you will absolutely come across both classic 90s anime series like Rurouni Kenshin and modern ones such as Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Through the use of clever dialogue, unpredictable plotlines, and thought-provoking characters, these anime are sure to keep your attention! And don’t forget the creators sprinkled an epic battle here and there. So be sure not to skip over anything on this fantastic list of anime recommendations for some truly unforgettable entertainment.
1. Claymore
If you like monsters, then Claymore is tight up against your alley. It is an anime series about the story of a half-human/half youma, made to end the lives of monsters called, you guessed it, youma.
So the story goes: After Raki’s family is killed, Claymore saves his life. However, he is subsequently banished from his home as the villagers fear he is also young. With nowhere else to go, he finds himself following the Claymore, Clare, on her journeys.
As the pair travel from town to town, defeating youma along the way, more about Clare’s organization and her fellow warriors comes to light. With every town cleansed and everyfallen angel destroyed, they come closer to the youma on which Clare has sought vengeance ever since she chose to become a Claymore.
This anime is packed with epic fight scenes and a lot of anime sword fights.
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2. Brave 10
Brave 10, a samurai ninja anime series set in the Warring States period.
The story follows Saizo and Isanami as they travel the war-ridden lands to find brave warriors to serve under Yukimura’s banner. They’ll have an exciting journey filled with epic fight scenes of them trying to fend off people chasing them down.
3. Samurai 7
This amazing samurai and sword-based anime are set in a futuristic world after the conclusion of some kind of massive war.
The Nobuseri bandits are a vile group of man-machine hybrids who terrorize the villages during this time. They were once samurai, but they became more machine than anything else after integrating their living cells with machines to become dangerous weapons in the war.
Kirara, the village’s priestess, was worried about her small community. The bandits had been wreaking havoc for months, and she thought it might be time to take matters into their own hands – but who would do that? Kirara knew there were many skilled samurai in this world, so they could hire one or two of them to help protect their town from these ruthless criminals.
These samurai have sword fighting skills and bravery, but not without their quirks. But they must come together to defend the helpless village from danger!
4. Blade of the Immortal
One of the most amazing sword fighting and samurai series out there is “Blade of the Immortal.”
In this anime adaptation of the manga with the same name, the story is set in medieval Japan. A witch curses one of the most famous and powerful swordsmen. After many years he grows tired of his immortality, so he makes a bargain with the witch that he would atone for all his sins by taking the life of 1 thousand evil men – then she can make him mortal again!
He meets A girl seeking revenge who helps him out on his journey to take the life of 1000 more evil people before taking the life of or turning immortal once more.
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5. Hakuouki (Demon of the Fleeting Blossom)
The following series is a Romantic samurai Anime that chronicles the story of Chizuru Yukimura, who disguises herself as a man to find her missing father.
But then a turn of events throws Chizuru’s life upside down, as she witnesses a horrifying scene where a ronin is brutally took the life of by crazed white-haired men.
A group of men arrive at the scene and tie her up; they take her back to their headquarters. At this point, she’s not sure if she will survive or if these guys will silence her permanently.
Once the Shinsengumi learns her father’s name, they decide to keep her safe; their search for him has been ongoing. Unfortunately, her father’s connection to the Shinsengumi was more than they let on, and soon Chizuru found herself caught in a conflict between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as political tension for control over Kyoto.
6. Sengoku Basara
Another amazing samurai and sword-based anime on this shortlist of anime: Sengoku Basara is set in Japan’s Sengoku period. Several powerful warlords fought for the dominance and unification of the country.
Nobunaga, the most powerful of these rulers, got the power and military resources needed to conquer Japan. Nobuna continues to exert his forces in Sengoku Basara by doubling down on his influence across feudal Japan.
Sanada and Date find themselves with a problem: put their differences aside or be crushed under Nobunaga’s tyrannical rule for good!
Magical, militant, political powers fly forth as these warriors clash among themselves while also fighting against armies from Nobunaga himself; they know if he conquers them, then there will never again be peace.
7. Sword Art Online
This popular shonen anime depicts a massive online role-playing game called Sword Art Online (SAO). However, in a cruel turn of events, the players soon realize they cannot log out; however, this doesn’t stop them from living their lives to their fullest!
To escape, Kirito will now have to interact and cooperate with his fellow players.
In Sword Art Online, if you lose one’s life in Aincrad, you lose one’s life in real life, which means that living a safe life is not an option for the people trapped inside it.
Sword art online follows Kirito, who must adapt to his new reality, fight for survival and hopefully break free from SAO.
The epic battles, exceptional sword fighting scenes, and battle royale-style anime sword fights put this in any list of anime sword fights.
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8. Basilisk
In this historical Japanese anime series, we follow the Iga and Koga ninja clans who have engaged in a long war. Hopefully, their powerful boss will order a ceasefire so both sides can let down our guards for just one moment.
Gennosuke Kouga, the heir of his clan, falls in love with Oboro Iga. Both heirs aim to bring peace between their clans through marriage, but then they’re dragged into another war. Torn by duty and their love for each other, Gennosuke and Oboro must eventually decide what is best for everyone involved
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9. Noragami
Noragami tells the story of Yato, a minor deity who spends his days dreaming about having millions of worshipers.
His fortune changes when Hiyori Iki supposedly saves him from a car accident. Remarkably she survives, but the event causes her soul to become loose and able to leave her body. When Yato learns that he needs a new partner for his luck does not turn around, he has no choice other than to ask for help from an unwilling Hiyori who demands back what was taken – returning herself back into normalcy. With all of its benefits intact!
Although this Japanese anime is not focused on sword fighting, it is littered with an epic battle and anime action here and there that would earn it a spot in this shortlist of anime.
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10. Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works
In this anime action series, Shirou is rescued from an inferno that took the life of his family. He meets and learns the ways of magic with Kiritsugu Emiya.
One night, years after Kiritsugu’s , Shirou finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly encounter between two superhumans known as Servants. In desperation, he summons Saber to save him. He becomes embroiled with this no longer livingly game for glory or that is reality.
11. Gintama
In the world of Gintama, It’s a situation where Amanto has prohibited swords use in favor of guns. As a result, the samurai of Japan are treated with disregard, but they’re still strong and resilient.
The stories through this series can be both humorous and comedic while being dramatic at times as well.
The world of Gintama mixes humor, drama, comedy–sometimes all three simultaneously!
Gintoki Sakata is a samurai who runs his own business, but he’s also really into sweets. He’s the perfect yokozuna – one might not expect it because of this fact alone! His crew includes Shinpachi Shimura, Kagura and Sadaharu, their pet dog. Oh yeah – they’re all excellent swordsmen, too (despite how good these guys are with weapons, we know that trouble can find them easily). They frequently have run-ins with police officers and ragtag rebels, which usually leads to hilarious results for Gintoki!
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12. Shigurui
In this fantastic anime series, Fujiki Gennosuke and blind Irako Seigen will fight for the honor of their master in one of the best anime fights.
Both are disciples of Iwamoto Kogan, who is known as Japan’s greatest swordsman.
The samurai anime highlights the story of intertwining fates, conflict, and strange destinies. In this show, each character wants to prove themselves and their impressive sword styles as the worthy successor of Iwamoto’s school; however, there can only be one champion.
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13. Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou is an anime full of an anime sword fight. It follows Jinbee Tsukishima, a young samurai with exceptional sword fighting skills aiming to be a master swordsman like his father.
To atone for a horrific incident that he may have caused, Jinbee takes his father’s place as a member of the Insect Magistrate Office.
On his journey there, he meets the lovely Haru, who helps in her family’s tea house. He is forced to put his sword to good use in saving this young woman from a horrible fate. This act earned him a spot in the insect magistrate office.
This rookie exterminator is in for a tough job, but with his wit and ingenuity, he might be able to save the land.
14. Ninja Scroll
In this 90s anime, we follow Kibagami Jubei. After putting an end to the immortal Himuro Genma and preventing the shogun from continuing his evil plans, now masterless swordsman Kibagami Jubei continues to journey all over Japan.
Jubei’s journey of self-discovery is put to a screeching halt when he meets Shigure, the priestess. She has never set foot outside her village. Everything was fine until demons demolished their home and took the life of everyone in it, so Jubei must now be extra careful after placing his hand on the Dragon Jewel.
Meanwhile, twofallen angel clans are now chasing down Shigure and her companions. As a result, they find themselves obligated to seek protection from Jubei to keep the Priestess of Light sound and safe
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15. Afro Samurai
When he was a young boy, Afro witnessed his father be cut down in a duel at the hands of Justice. After taking the life of Afro’s father, Justice cast aside his Number Two headband and took the Number One to claim it as his own.
Afro has one goal in life – to find and take the life of the man that took the life of his father. But it won’t be easy because he’s not just going up against the taker of lives himself! For Afro to challenge this bad guy, he’ll have to go through various enemies who are also trying their hardest to become Number One.
This would be a mature anime with all the blood and body parts flying around in one of the best anime fights from just the first episode.
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16. Sword Of The Stranger
In this anime movie, we start with Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru stealing from unsuspecting villagers to make ends meet. However, Kotarou is forced to remain on the run when he finds himself being hunted down by assassins sent by China’s Ming Dynasty for mysterious reasons not involving his offenses of stealing food or money.
The duo runs into a ronin, Nanashi, who has taken refuge in a temple when Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru poisoned. Although the samurai saves them from their pursuers, he feels there’s no need to help further. Still, after being offered a gem as payment to be their bodyguard, he reluctantly accepts—just until Tobimaru heals up and reaches their destination together.
Beautifully done anime fights with swords, whips, and even a pot of rice.
17. Samurai Champloo
Samurai Champloo is a wacky Japanese anime that has sword, rap, and comedy. The story behind this crazy masterpiece follows Mugen – an intense warrior with a bizarre fighting style. On the other hand, Jin has a more traditional style, and these two warriors are far from friends.
So, as Mugen is wandering aimlessly through the city, he stumbles upon a teahouse where he meets Jin and Fuu. Unfortunately, the entire shop is destroyed and burned in their wake.
To find this mysterious samurai that smells like sunflowers, Fuu seeks out both of these skilled swordsmen to help. But first, she has to save them from losing their lives.
18. Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)
A famous 90s anime that you will never see twice in your lifetime! This historical samurai anime follows Himura Kenshin, a vagabond with a dark past and sunny disposition.
Kenshin was an assassin of utmost skill in the Meiji restoration who walked away from his life as a samurai. In Tokyo, Kenshin befriends a female Kendo master, former thief, and doctor, all with their own secrets. At the same time, he fights off enemies surfacing from his dark past that he cannot escape.
19. Kimetsu No Yaiba (Demon Slayer)
It has a great storyline, and it’s funny at times as well. One of the best anime fights is when Zenitso faints. This show showcases all the different characters, each with their own quirks that help make them unique in one way or another.
The story follows Tanjiro, a kind boy who will find out that his family was took the life of by a fallen angel. To make matters worse, the sole survivor of this massacre is Nezuko, and she has been transformed into one herself! Overcome with grief at first, Tanjiro resolves to become an unlikely hero to turn his sister back into human form and take the life of the monster responsible for taking the life of their loved ones.
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20. Bleach
Bleach is a fantastic anime of sword fighting and the supernatural. The story follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who never wanted to be a shinigami.
Ichigo was born with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow unexpectedly, Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper and dedicates his life to protecting souls so they can find peace in .
This series is packed with anime fights and a lot of lovable anime characters.
Remember, there’s a lot of sword fighting in anime. So how can you pick out the best? Well, let us know which one has your favorite sword fight scenes, be it an anime movie or a more mature anime, and we might just add it to our next list! We’re always looking for new recommendations, so don’t hesitate to leave a comment and share your thoughts. Happy watching!
