Anime exploded in popularity during the 2020s, and action shows played a huge role in attracting a global audience. Action has long been a fan favorite within anime, thanks to its exciting plots, diverse range of stories, and stunning visuals.
Action anime is currently experiencing a golden age. Shows are consistently raising the bar with improved animation, creative direction, and innovative stories. Even early in the 2020s, it’s becoming clear that many of these series will be remembered as some of the greatest action anime ever made.
Chainsaw Man Is a Boundary-Pushing Dark Shonen Story With Addictive Chaotic Energy
I’m completely hooked on Chainsaw Man – it’s easily one of the most exciting dark shonen anime out there right now! It throws you into this unbelievably gritty world, a really messed-up urban fantasy where everything you fear becomes a terrifying, flesh-hungry Devil. The main character, Denji, is this broke teenager just trying to survive and pay off his dad’s debts by hunting Devils, and things take a wild turn for him…
The story truly kicks off when Denji is reborn as Chainsaw Man – a unique being who’s part human and part Devil. Public Safety Devil Hunters enlist him to fight other Devils like himself. Chainsaw Man is known for its incredibly intense and graphic violence, brought to life by the stunning animation of Studio MAPPA. The fights are savage, visceral, and feel primal, which perfectly matches the story’s chaotic and unpredictable nature.
Unlike many battle shonen series that focus on clever tactics and consistent power systems, Chainsaw Man embraces a chaotic and unrestrained style of action that feels surprisingly invigorating. Beyond its fast-paced fights and darkly comedic tone, the series also features surprisingly deep and well-developed characters, and it doesn’t adhere to typical shonen tropes.
As the story unfolds, the series increasingly focuses on realistic and emotional themes, frequently using tragic events to reveal what drives its characters, their inner struggles, and their mental states. The sole reason Chainsaw Man might not be considered one of the best action anime of the last decade is simply that the adaptation hasn’t gotten to the most compelling parts of the story yet.
To Be Hero X Showcased the Previously Unexplored Potential of Action Animation
Chinese animation, known as donghua, has been gaining a lot of attention from anime fans lately. One standout series from the 2020s is To Be Hero X, a uniquely imaginative and exciting action show created by Li Haolin, the creator of Link Click. It’s a superhero story unlike anything else in the animation world.
I’ve been watching To Be Hero X, and it’s a really interesting take on superheroes. In this world, being a hero isn’t just about doing good – it’s a whole industry! Heroes actually get their powers from something called ‘Trust,’ meaning the more people believe in them, the stronger they become. If enough people think someone can fly or is super strong, that ability becomes real for them. The show itself jumps between different heroes each season, focusing on one at a time.
These individual storylines are captivating on their own, but as the plot develops, the heroes’ journeys begin to connect, creating a remarkably complex and grand narrative. While the clever storytelling is impressive, what truly sets To Be Hero X apart – and makes it one of the greatest action series ever – is its stunning animation.
To Be Hero X stands out visually by blending 3D computer graphics with classic animation techniques in a unique way, and this really enhances the show’s action sequences. The fights featuring the character are especially impressive; his ability to manipulate reality lets him and his surroundings instantly change between 2D and 3D, even altering the show’s animation style on the fly.
Jujutsu Kaisen Is One of the Best-Looking Action Anime Shows of Today
Without a doubt one of the biggest new action series around, Jujutsu Kaisen has earned its popularity. The story is set in a hidden world where powerful magic users called sorcerers fight against dangerous cursed spirits to protect people – a battle that often ends tragically. When regular high school student Yuji Itadori unexpectedly becomes host to the incredibly powerful King of Curses, Sukuna, he’s thrown right into the middle of this dangerous conflict.
From the very beginning, Jujutsu Kaisen grabbed audiences with its intense story, dark setting, and stunning animation. The series has continued to be incredibly engaging with each new season. Similar to Chainsaw Man, it’s made by studio MAPPA – a name that almost always means top-notch production values.
Though it’s not groundbreaking in terms of plot or writing, JJK truly stands out with its incredible action sequences. The show features a diverse range of powerful abilities that create exciting fights, and manages to be both strategic and incredibly energetic.
Battles in Jujutsu Kaisen are incredibly diverse, ranging from beautifully planned one-on-one fights to massive clashes of overwhelming power. No matter the scale, every fight feels important and has real consequences. The most recent season also introduced exciting new animation techniques and directorial choices, making the action even more visually stunning.
86 Combines Gritty Tactical Action & Profound, Mature Storytelling
Mecha anime, once incredibly popular in the 20th century, isn’t as mainstream today. But the genre still delivers fantastic shows, like the 2021 series 86, which is considered one of the best ever. 86 is set in a world where the Republic of San Magnolia and the Empire of Giad have been fighting a war for almost ten years.
Many people think this war is fought by robots, without any human casualties. But the Republic’s massive mechs, called Juggernauts, are actually piloted by soldiers – all of whom come from the neglected and mistreated 86th sector. Like classic stories about giant robots, 86 isn’t just exciting action; it’s a powerful and moving story about the true cost of war.
The anime 86 explores difficult topics like systemic prejudice, the devastating impact of war, and the fight to maintain one’s humanity when facing overwhelming hardship and the constant threat of death. Despite its action-packed exterior, 86 is a deeply emotional story focused on its characters, set against a bleak and brutal war-torn landscape.
Despite its serious themes, 86 delivers thrilling action sequences. The mecha battles are beautifully animated by A-1 Pictures and are both visually stunning and strategically complex. Each fight isn’t just exciting to watch; it effectively shows the scope of the conflict, develops the characters, and highlights the harsh realities they face.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Is a Brilliant Miniseries That Left a Lasting Impact
Founded in the early 2010s, Studio Trigger quickly became known for its innovative and groundbreaking animation work, consistently delivering surprising and creative projects. One recent standout was Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, a fresh and unconventional take on the universe of CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners tells the story of David Martinez, a struggling student at Arasaka Academy who becomes a cybernetically enhanced outlaw after experiencing a personal loss. True to Studio Trigger’s style, the show is fast-paced and skillfully combines intense action with dark humor, explosive science fiction, and deeply emotional stories about its characters.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a thrilling ride for action lovers. The anime brilliantly brings the gritty and captivating world of Night City to life, highlighting its dangerous and lawless feel. Each fight scene is fast-paced, wild, and intensely violent, with over-the-top gore and incredible visuals that blend futuristic technology with brutal impact. It’s a shockingly beautiful spectacle that’s impossible to look away from.
Despite featuring intense action, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a deeply moving story about the human cost of survival in a brutal, futuristic world. The series excels at portraying vulnerable, emotional moments, and is particularly known for its heartbreaking and powerful conclusion, considered one of the most devastating in recent anime.
2026-07-29 01:38