There are few things more satisfying than seeing two swords clashing against each other in an anime. The sparks that fly when two iconic swordsmen collide are nothing less than a stunning spectacle. A great sword battle needs not only good animation but also a rhythmic choreography that can pull the audience in. Shows like Bleach, Rurouni Kenshin, and Demon Slayer are undoubtedly the pioneers of sword clashing in anime.
- Also Read: 5 Best Action Anime Series Of All Time
Featuring not only extraordinary battles but also an engaging storyline, these shows have made it to the top of our list.
The Best Sword Fighting Anime With Engaging Plotlines
Sword Art Online
| Author | Reki Kawahara |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Netflix |
If you are new to anime, then Sword Art Online is a great place to start your sword fighting journey. The story follows Kazuto, who gets trapped inside a game known as Sword Art Online. Forced to fight powerful enemies, Kazuto is joined by a girl named Asuna who joins his quest to beat the game and make it back to the real world. The combined strength of the two main characters results in some stunning fights that get better as they hone their skills to fight formidable monsters in the game.
Noragami
| Author | Adachitoka |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Admittedly, not everyone in Noragami uses a blade to fight. However, the central character Yato, a God without a shrine, is a very skilled sword fighter. His journey to become a big-shot deity and help a girl named Hiyori gain back her humanity features a great many obstacles. Yato’s blade wielding skills leave little room for improvement, making the battle scenes extremely engaging.
Akame Ga Kill!
| Author | Takahiro, Tetsuya Tashiro |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Hulu, Disney Plus |
The protagonist of Akame Ga Kill!, Tatsumi, faces many unfortunate events before becoming a part of the elite assassin group called the Night Raid. Afterward, he improves his skills as an assassin alongside characters such as Akame and Esdeath. The three of them are undoubtedly some of the best swordsmen in anime, making the show intense and enjoyable.
Blade of the Immortal
| Author | Hiroaki Samura |
| Where To Watch | Netflix |
As the name suggests, the protagonist of Blade of the Immortal is a man named Manji who cannot die no matter how many wounds he suffers from. However, he sets out on a journey to kill 1000 evil men to lift his curse and gain back his mortality. Although the original anime series came out in 2008, it features some spectacular sword fights that will take your breath away.
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Rurouni Kenshin
| Author | Nobuhiro Watsuki |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll |
Set in Meiji-era Japan, Rurouni Kenshin focuses on a former assassin named Himura Kenshin, who wants to repent for his sins by helping those in need. The original show, which came out in 1996, features some of the most well-choreographed sword-fighting scenes. It is really satisfying to see Kenshin’s blade cut into the bodies of his notorious enemies.
Demon Slayer
| Author | Koyoharu Gotouge |
| Where To Watch | Crunchyroll, Netflix, Amazon Prime |
It comes as no surprise that Demon Slayer has made it to the list with how big the series has gotten in the last few years. Tanjiro, the protagonist of the show, becomes a demon slayer to eradicate all demons from the face of the earth after they slaughter his family. The other demon slayers, especially the Hashira all have unique Katanas and Breathing Styles that they use to battle powerful demons. Even though the story is quite straightforward, the animation and choreography of the show have made it one of the best shonen titles of this decade.
Bleach
| Author | Tite Kubo |
| Where To Watch | Netflix, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime |
Bleach is a series where almost every Soul Reaper wields a powerful blade called Zenpakuto whose final form is known as Bankai. The main character Ichigo, along with all his allies, have unique swords and Bankai forms that are absolutely breathtaking to watch on screen. Although the series does not feature many traditional sword fights, the animation and storyline make it one of the greatest anime of all time.
If you want to watch some awesome anime shows, then these 5 best anime series of all time can help you create your watchlist.
