The 10 Best Action Anime of the 2020s, Ranked

Anime only gets increasingly mainstream yearly thanks to its creative stories and diverse genres. However, as with most media, the action genre is the most popular, and with increasing demand and animation quality, these shows keep improving. While this decade is far from over, plenty of action-packed anime has kept fans entertained. There are so many that deciding which ones are the best can be difficult.

Luckily, this list will highlight the best action anime shows of this decade so far based on the animation, choreography, hype, excitement, moments, story, and, most importantly, how good the action is. So, while some shows might have a higher quality, the better the action, the higher on the list. Also, only anime that has begun airing in the 2020s will be included; shows like Demon Slayer won't be featured because the first season was released in 2019.

10 PHOTOS

1. 'Hell's Paradise' (2023)
Studio: MAPPA

Set in ancient Japan, Hell's Paradise follows a group of death row convicts and their samurai supervisors as they explore a mystical island searching for the elixir of youth. With a full pardon awaiting the successful convict, the island is a stage for a battle royale between them as they kill each other to be the last to find the elixir. However, they have bigger threats than just themselves, as ancient beasts and gods want them off the island.

Animated by the biggest current anime studio, MAPPA, fans know Hell's Paradise has the staple action it is known for. With a unique world, fun characters, and intriguing plot, Hell's Paradise can captivate viewers on all fronts, but it excels at action. Essentially one big battle royale, the show breathes life into these characters through bloody fights in every episode, establishing itself as a perfect anime recommendation for any fan.

2. 'Kaiju No. 8' (2024)
Studio: Production I.G.

Ever since the original Godzilla, kaiju has become a staple in Japanese media. While there have been some kaiju anime, Kaiju No. 8 focuses on the creatures the most. When kaiju appearances became common, the formation of the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force helped protect its civilians. Pushing his mid-30s, Kafka Hibino has one last chance to make the force, but things get complicated when he suddenly gains the ability to transform into a kaiju.

After the first season's success, Kaiju No. 8 was renewed for another season. The plot may be basic, but it makes the show extremely enjoyable. It provides fans with a classic underdog story focusing on an older protagonist with one last chance to realize his dreams. With relatable and fun characters, the action feels even fresher, delivering giant gory fights with exploding kaiju and intense destructive battles.

3. '86' (2021)
Studio: A-1 Pictures

In this fictional world, the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad have been at war for nine years, with mecha robots used to fight. 86 follows a privileged commander looking to do right by her soldiers. 86's are the expendable human pilots who go to war, with the handlers giving them instructions, but Milize wants to change that by helping them to the best of her abilities and ultimately winning the war.

Mecha is an iconic piece of anime, from Mobile Suit Gundam to Neon Genesis Evangelion. 86 offers a modern story about discrimination and prejudice wrapped up in an intense political action anime. The epic robot fighting action is widely entertaining and is made even better by strategic exploits to enhance the experience. However, the emotion and character arcs are the best part, delivering a profound story among the action and making 86 one of the best anime in recent years.

4. 'Chainsaw Man' (2022)
Studio: MAPPA

When talking about the most popular anime this decade, Chainsaw Man has to be near the top of the list after it blew up at the end of 2022, with fans eagerly awaiting the sequel movie. Exploited all his life, Denji can finally begin living as a devil hunter who teams up to create an eccentric trio. Despite crossing off dreams like it's a grocery list, he still faces a brutal and gruesome road of murdering devils as a half-devil, half-human.

Many fans might be shocked to see this show ranked so low, considering Chainsaw Man is one of the best anime of the decade. While that is true, other shows feature action more, while Chainsaw Man delivers a quirky story along with its spectacular animation. It has some of the most unique characters in anime, and its dark yet outlandish plot can easily hook fans, preparing them for some of the best action in anime.

5. 'Wind Breaker' (2024)
Studio: CloverWorks

The delinquent genre has mostly gone out of fashion in anime, but Wind Breaker, the most recent show on this list, brought it back in a big way. While Tokyo Revengers offers a modern delinquent show, Wind Breaker makes up for its shortcomings. When Haruka Sakura moves to a new school, he expects them to berate him as an outcast. Alas, things are different, but he has trouble accepting their kindness but has no problem joining in on any fights.

If fans don't like any plot in their anime, then Wind Breaker is the show for them. While that sounds like an insult, this anime produces nonstop action in every episode with tight choreography and fluid animation. However, it also excels at bringing characters to life, showcasing unique dynamics and intriguing development. Each character has strengths, creating a diverse lineup of pure hand-to-hand combat goodness. Wind Breaker will return for a second season, and fans couldn't be more excited.

6. 'Lycoris Recoil' (2022)
Studio: A-1 Pictures

One of the more popular genres in anime is CGDCT, or cute girls doing cute things. For many, it is a way to view wholesome and fun content. However, Lycoris Recoil takes the idea and creates an epic gun-fu action anime. A syndicate called Direct Attack keeps terrorism at bay, but when Takina is reassigned due to insubordination, her new colleague teaches her that there is more to life than just killing.

With a straightforward plot that can get out of hand at times, Lycoris Recoil draws fans in because of its wild gun fights and character exploration. Many fans have called this show the John Wick of anime, except with cute girls and dialing the absurdity up to eleven with them dodging bullets and seemingly having an aimbot. This only makes the show more entertaining; with fluid animation and phenomenal choreography, Lycoris Recoil is one of the most underrated anime of the 2020s.

7. 'Solo Leveling' (2024)
Studio: A-1 Pictures

Fans might notice that Solo Leveling is the third anime on this list by A-1 Pictures, which consistently produces quality and quantity specifically for entertaining action shows. In a world where dungeon portals open up to unleash fantastical monstrosities, people are given a rank corresponding to their power. The story follows Sung Jin-Woo, the lowest rank, who gains the ability to rank up and work his way through this dangerous world.

With a straightforward power system reminiscent of a video game, Solo Leveling engrossed viewers in a power fantasy anime. The underdog story makes it easy to root for the protagonist while fans get sucked into him leveling up, wondering who will underestimate him next. The action is also top-tier, with fluid animation, creativity, and epic monster battles. Solo Leveling is also an easy binge, which fans should watch before Season 2 airs in January 2025.

8. 'Cyberpunk: Edgerunners' (2022)
Studio: Trigger

Based on Mike Pondsmith's tabletop role-playing game and CDProjekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners takes place in the same inventive world. When caught up in the middle of a gang fight, David Martinez's mother dies when the government refuses to save her, pushing him to join a gang with his highly advanced spine improvement and fight the injustices of the world. However, this only leads to more heartbreak and tragedy.

Video game adaptations continue to improve, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners might be at the top of the list even if it makes up its story. This anime easily has the best story out of all the other options on this list, ripe with tragic character development that sees the world destroy every character. However, a distinct flair, unique art style, and in-your-face animation elevate the gory, heart-pumping action, making Cyberpunk: Edgerunners a perfect anime.

9. 'Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song' (2021)
Studio: WIT Studio

While WIT Studio has faced financial trouble, fans know they are in store for a good anime when watching one of their shows, from Attack on Titan to Spy x Family. In a future where AIs have eradicated humans in a hundred-year war, Vivy: Fluorite Eye's Song follows the first android brought from the past to help stop the war from escalating. What awaits is a time-traveling journey of nonstop human vs robot war.

Whether fans take the show at face value for its art, animation, and action or look deeper into its story and themes, everyone is sure to be pleased with this hidden gem. With clear inspiration from The Terminator, Vivy exceeds expectations on all fronts, from its tragic story to its riveting fight scenes. Becoming one of the best action anime, Vivy is a must-watch show that fans can quickly binge in one day.

10. 'Jujutsu Kaisen' (2020)
Studio: MAPPA

Jujutsu Kaisen might be the most popular anime at the moment, with fans still dealing with the excitement from season two and the recent conclusion of the manga. The story follows Yuji Itadori, who is brought into the supernatural world after swallowing an ancient demon's finger. To stop the heinous schemes of others, he must swallow each finger while fighting curses and other enemies in a wild, action-packed adventure.

While the manga's ending might not have been the greatest, the anime is still one of the most entertaining pieces of fiction. Jujutsu Kaisen is probably the greatest anime in terms of pure action, as it constantly delivers some of the best anime fights fans have ever seen. Every bit of action is perfect, from the hype, jaw-dropping moments, massive scale, stunning animation, stellar choreography, and unique characters. It is one of the most popular shōnen shows for a reason, and it is easily a must-watch for beginner and veteran fans.