Anime is not just a genre about drama or romance. Action anime is amazing, too! Anime action movies are often epic and the animation quality and care are second to none.
These are not just dumb action movies either, but movies with great characters and sometimes profound examinations of aspects of life.
Many anime action movies are considered classics of the art form. Here are ten of the best Japanese action anime movies:
1. Ninja Scroll (1993) Jubei Ninpucho
This fast-paced action anime is set in feudal Japan, where a wandering mercenary fights against eight super-powered ninja intent on overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate. It is well-known and highly praised for its action scenes.
The action in Ninja Scroll, as well as its intrigue and art, make it one of the most influential anime movies of all time. This movie helped partly inspire the action sequences in the western movie The Matrix.
The focus is primarily action, though there is enough plot and drama to keep the plot strong. Ninja Scroll is a must-see for any fan of action. Anime, or animation.
2. Sword of the Stranger (2007) Mukou Hadan
Beautiful, intriguing, and violent, this film tells the story of a young boy and his dog who are pursued across Japan in feudal times by a group of warriors for a dark purpose. Along the way, they gin the aid of a traumatized samurai with a dark past.
The story is intriguing and thrilling, while the animation is gorgeous. It’s not a long movie at 102 minutes. If you are a huge fan of animated action films, Sword of the Stranger is a must-watch for you!
It is very violent and bloody, so don’t think this a movie for sensitive viewers. This is an excellent, focused piece of art that is well worth a watch.
3. One Piece: Strong World (2009)
Featuring the colorful cast of beloved hit anime series One Piece, this movie tell tells the story of the Straw Hats working to save one of their own and defend East Blue from attack. This is the tenth One Piece movie.
The One Piece creator was personally involved in this movie, which has been widely praised for its design and animation.
With the same crazy humor and energy as the One Piece anime and manga, this series was hit with long-time fans and general action anime fans alike.
4. Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door (2001)
An extension of the hit anime series, this movie features the crew of the spaceship Bebop looking to stop a terrorist from attacking Mars. It had a much higher budget than the series, leading to some very high-quality animation.
The movie has a very Moroccan aesthetic both visually and musically. The film garnered acclaim from both critics in the general audience as well as anime fans.
It’s a spectacular movie that set the bar for action anime movies for years to come.
5. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex- Solid State Society (2006)
One of the famous Ghost in the Shell films, like the series, this movie focuses on the cyberpunk life of Major Motoko Kusanagi, a security force commander dedicating to fighting the strange and dangerous cybercrimes of this futuristic imagining of Japan.
This movie has the feel of a thriller. It is beautifully animated, making it well worth seeing for action aficionados, though keep in mind that it is fairly dialogue-heavy.
6. Akira (1988)
Akira is a highly influential movie, not just for anime, but for numerous genres. It has left a mark on audiences around the world.
Set in an advanced yet dystopian future, the movie tells the story of a biker gang whose one member acquires telekinetic superpowers that change the order of this entire society.
The film’s high budget shows in its animation quality. The cyberpunk genre has many of its roots in Akira. Any fan of sci-fi, action, or anime should check out this amazing film.
7. The Last Naruto the Movie (2014)
Based on the hit action series, this film is one that fans were waiting for a long time because it focuses on a key romance and finally develops it the way many fans were wanting.
The action and animation are amazing, as well, strikingly beautiful and fluid.
This movie is a closing chapter for Naruto and his friends, bringing an end to many long-running storylines and giving them the chance to start a new generation of heroes.
8. Fist of the North Star (1986) Hepburn: Hokuto no Ken
This post-apocalyptic action movie is based on a manga of the same name. Like the manga, it is very violent, though it rearranges many key parts of the manga, making the film its own unique experience.
It captures a very unique feel and the subtitled version is much more highly recommended than the dubbed version.
This gory, very cheesy action anime movie is a sure hit with those who love violence and old-school hokey action movies.
9. Street Fighter II: The Animated Movie (1994)
Based on the hit video game, this movie brought beloved Street Fighter characters to life. It was an extraordinarily successful movie both in Japan and abroad.
Many designs and elements of this movie continued to find their way into Street Fighter video games.
The film marked the beginning of the Street Fighter animated series and more, though none were related to the movie. Animation fans, action fans, and video game fans should check this one out!
10. Berserk Golden Age Arc I: Egg of the Supreme Ruler (2012)
The first of a trio of movies, this film tells the story of mercenaries in a war-torn, medieval world.
Violent and grim, this tale of fate is a disturbing but well-animated action movie that questions how much damage one man will do to fulfill his ambitions.
This movie is based on a manga, Berserk, specifically one of its major arcs. If you’re in the mood for a dark action movie, this is for you.