Action anime movies are pretty rare to find, apart from the sequels or prequels to the existing anime series. So, you might have been looking for a few good standalone anime action movies.
So, what are the best action anime movies? In this list, we neither have Demon Slayer: Mugen Train nor Dragon Ball Super: Brolly. Nonetheless, you’ll find the best recommendations ever.
Best Action Anime Movies List!
13. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate
Hottest witch Bayonetta wakes up in a coffin after 20 years without memories of her past. Aided by a weapon smith and a mysterious bartender, she begins her journey to recover the past, in which she encounters various mysterious which eventually lead to a bigger picture.
Bayonetta: Bloody Fate is visually one of the most beautiful and stunning films ever made. As for the action, it is endless and leaves you with satisfied feelings. Although it lacks a bit of a storyline, you can thoroughly enjoy this amazing action anime film to your heart’s content.
12. Asura
Set in the mid-15th century, Kyoto became the target of continuous floods and drought; eventually leaving Asura, a young kid, to fend for himself in the wilderness. He struggled to survive for years until he came across a village girl who brought empathy out of him. But it didn’t last, as the famine appeared once again in the village.
Asura is not your usual action anime movie because it entails a gut-wrenching storyline with some decent action scenes. The character development is gradual, and the animation is pretty cool. So, if you’re looking for a sad action anime movie, feel free to jump into it.
11. Black Fox
Rikka is a ninja who lost her father and grandfather to an evil organization who aimed for the drones created by her father. After escaping, she works as a private detective and wears her grandpa’s mask to eliminate her family’s killers one by one.
Black Fox is a unique ninja anime movie set in a futuristic world. Although there’s nothing that stands out to make you go “Awe!” the action gets delivered in the right way. Combined with good animation and a solid storyline, Black Fox will make one good recommendation on the list.
10. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Constable Fuse is an elite special forces soldier whose mission is to maintain the safety of the public society. After failing to prevent a terror from happening, he’s sent back to the military academy for re-evaluation. Can Fuse ever regain his heroic spirit and continue forward to deal with government’s conspiracies?
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is done exceptionally well in every way. It wraps up loose ends nicely, giving you a feeling of completeness and unless you’re looking for a spineless action movie, this one is sure to entertain you to limits.
9. Steamboy
Ray Steam is a young kid who receives a package with a Steam Ball in it. Apparently, it is a powerful engine filled with pressurized steam which can cause a disaster if fallen into wrong hands. Can Ray keep the creation of his father and grandfather safe?
Steamboy gives an impossible mission vibe, and it is indeed such a fantastic concept. Its animation is quite peculiar, but everything else feels as if you’re watching a modern anime. If you’re interested in watching an action anime movie with Ghibli like theme, watch it.
8. Redline
Set in the futuristic world where hover cars rule the world, everyone’s aim is to win the best race of the universe: Red Line. Having lost in the Yellowline race, JP gets a spot as a substitute to participate in the Red Line. Can he win the race by surpassing all the driving maniacs?
Redline is one of the most beautiful anime we’ve watched, and it is not an exaggeration in any manner. While it doesn’t boast a great storyline, it makes the best of the small plot. The action is over the top and the spark of romance is undeniably one of the best aspects in making it one of the best action anime movies.
7. Akira
When ESP experiments go sideways with children during the year 1988, the Japanese government drops an atomic bomb to wipe them off. After 31 years, a gang leader named Kaneda fights against the government to save his friend Tetsuo while revealing all the mysteries.
Akira is undeniably one of the greatest classic stories ever to exist. Despite being released in 1988, it delivers you a quality animation and some really flashy action sequences. The depiction of future might be a bit of an exaggeration, but it makes sense considering the world building.
6. Ninja Scroll
Jubei is a normal wandering samurai who only cares himself entangles in the middle of fight between Devils of Kimon. Now only him and his companions who joined the battle can save the Japan from catastrophe caused by an enemy is who is literally Immortal.
For anyone who is looking for a die hard killer movie with samurai setting, Ninja Scroll is perfect. It has the right amount of action (which is over the top) and the pace is interestingly good.
5. Afro Samurai: The Movie
In the western culture-filled futuristic Japan, there are only two rules: while the Number 1 rules the world, only Number 2 has the obligation to challenge him. Afro lost his father who used to be Number 1 to an evil gunman and decided to avenge him and take the place back at any cost.
Afro Samurai: The Movie is the combined version of Afro Samurai anime. Regardless, you can watch the movie instead of the anime with 5 episodes. The action scenes are sick and with everything feels western, it takes a unique approach to the samurai world.
4. Ne Zha
Nezha is born from heavenly pearl by the Lord of Heaven. With his unique powers and a prophecy to bring the destruction to the world, he became an outcast by everyone. Now he must choose between good and evil paths to change his fate and become a hero who the world needs.
Ne Zha is a Chinese-animated movie with impeccable visuals and mind-boggling action sequences. It is your typical myths and gods concept with a determined main character. So, you have plenty of space for action and character development. If you’re interested in watching one of the best Chinese action anime movies, give it a shot.
3. Promare
When a massive firestorm wreaked havoc through the planet, half of the cities in the world have been destroyed and mutants with fire-abilities began emerging. At the same time, a mutant terrorist group named “Mad Burnish” led by a girl named Lio, decided to destroy the earth. However, Burning Rescue Fire Department stands in their way as Galo as their leader. In this battlefield between terrorists, mutants, and saviors, who will emerge as the victors?
Made by the same animation studio of Gurren Lagann and Kill la Kill, you can expect a peculiar way of art and visuals. Nonetheless, Promare anime movie offers you unexpected action with constant combat situations. Watch it to witness another bizarre masterpiece by Studio Trigger.
2. The Boy and the Beast
An orphan named Kyuuta meets a ferocious beastman, Kumatetsu, and becomes his apprentice. Soon, the world falls into chaos by an unknown entity, which puts the duo’s relationship to test. Can they co-operate well for the final showdown and show their bond as father and son?
We weren’t expecting much from this movie before giving it a watch, but it blew away way beyond our expectations. Although it doesn’t have a great story, the characters deliver you everything you need and the action is pretty good too.
1. Sword of the Stranger
A young orphan named Kotarou is on the run from mysterious pursuers. After almost giving up hope on survival, he comes across a wandering samurai Nanashi, who sealed his blade due to a tragic past. Can they survive the onslaught from the enemies and uncover the mystery behind everything?
Sword of the Stranger need not any introduction on why it is the best action anime movie ever. If we have an option to rate the movie above 10, we’ll gladly do so. The animation, action, choreography, and the pace is terrific.
While it introduces a unique integration of Chinese and Japanese swordsmen, it also captures the beauty of presenting the honor of them. If you’re into samurai action anime movies, look no further.
Final Thoughts!
Well, these are the 13 best action anime movies we think are among the top picks because it is usually pretty hard to find a good action movie. However, we’ve given it all in picking the best for you.
So, what do you think about the list? If you have any other action anime movies on your mind that deserves a spot on the list, feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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