This collection of action-packed anime offers a thrilling blend of martial arts, strategic combat, and heartwarming character growth. Titles like The God of High School, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, and Jujutsu Kaisen deliver adrenaline-fueled battles with incredible animation and choreography, while World Trigger stands out with its tactical, teamwork-driven approach to combat. Meanwhile, series like One Punch Man and Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works balance stunning visuals with humor or deep lore, captivating fans of both supernatural and strategic narratives.
For martial arts enthusiasts, Baki the Grappler, Fighting Spirit, and Megalo Box offer intense, gritty action, while Fist of the North Star provides a retro look at a classic hero fighting for justice. Whether you prefer boxing, taekwondo, or supernatural powers, these shows have something for every fan of high-stakes, beautifully animated fights.
1 The God of High School (2020)
Produced by MAPPA
Based on the Manhwa by Yong-Je Park
Watch on Crunchyroll
Imagine a world where high school students are invited to battle it out in an anything-goes tournament—no restrictions on fighting style, weapons, or abilities. Enter “Mo-Ri Jin”, a Taekwondo prodigy, eager to prove his strength in “The God of High School” tournament. Along the way, he befriends fellow competitors and discovers secrets that will change his entire outlook on life.
This anime, based on the popular manhwa, excels in delivering high-energy combat sequences. While the story and character depth may not always hit the mark for some viewers, the incredible animation and martial arts choreography more than make up for it. It’s a straightforward, adrenaline-pumping experience that will appeal to fans of action-packed anime.
The God of High School” might not be perfect, but it’s an impressive adaptation of a manhwa, standing out for its jaw-dropping fights and stunning visual quality. If you’re looking for a martial arts spectacle, you’ll find it here.
2 Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (2006)
Produced by TMS Entertainment
Based on the Manga by Shun Matsuena*
Watch on Crunchyroll
Meet “Kenichi Shirahama“, a timid high school student who lacks the confidence to stand up for himself, despite joining the karate club. On the brink of being expelled after a duel, fate introduces him to “Mio Furinji”, whose grandfather’s dojo houses masters of extreme martial arts. Kenichi soon finds himself on a grueling journey to become stronger.
This anime blends action and comedy perfectly, giving us an underdog story that is as heartwarming as it is intense. Kenichi’s growth isn’t due to innate talent but rather his sheer hard work and perseverance, making his transformation into a martial arts prodigy all the more satisfying to watch.
For fans of classic shōnen, “Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple” offers a refreshing take on martial arts, showing that even the weakest can rise to greatness with enough effort.
3 World Trigger (2014)
Produced by Toei Animation
Based on the Manga by Daisuke Ashihara*
Watch on Crunchyroll
When a mysterious gate opens in “Mikado City“, dangerous alien creatures known as “Neighbors” flood through, threatening humanity. To combat them, the “Border Defense Agency” creates specialized weapons called “Triggers”. As trainee agent “Osamu Mikumo” meets “Yuuma Kuga”, a humanoid Neighbor, his world changes forever.
“World Trigger” is more than just a typical action anime. It’s a tactical, strategic series where teamwork and adaptability are the keys to victory. The show emphasizes clever battle strategies over brute strength, which sets it apart from many fighting anime.
4 Jujutsu Kaisen (2020)
Produced by MAPPA
Based on the Manga by Gege Akutami
Watch on Crunchyroll
When high schooler “Yuuji Itadori” swallows a cursed object—a finger belonging to the fearsome “Sukuna Ryoumen”—his life changes forever. Unable to return to normal, Yuuji enrolls in “Tokyo Metropolitan Technical High School of Sorcery” to battle dangerous curses under the guidance of the enigmatic “Gojou Satoru”.
“Jujutsu Kaisen” has quickly become a modern classic. Its high-stakes, team-oriented battles and rich world-building captivate audiences. The choreography is breathtaking, but beyond that, the emotional weight of each fight makes the stakes feel real.
5 Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (2014)
Produced by ufotable
Based on the Visual Novel by Type-Moon
Watch on Crunchyroll
The “Holy Grail War” is a deadly contest between “Master-Servant” pairs, where ancient warriors are summoned to fight on behalf of their masters. “Shirou Emiya”, an unwilling participant, finds himself thrust into this brutal world after summoning the legendary “Saber”.
“Unlimited Blade Works” is known for its jaw-dropping animation and intense, beautifully crafted battles. The combat isn’t just visually stunning—it’s meaningful, with every strike carrying weight. The story explores deeper themes of ambition, legacy, and the consequences of violence.
6 One Punch Man (2015)
Produced by Madhouse
Based on the Manga by ONE & Yuusuke Murata
Watch on Crunchyroll
What happens when you become too powerful? For “Saitama“, a hero who can defeat anyone with a single punch, the thrill of battle is gone. Despite his unmatched strength, he longs for a worthy challenge, but no one seems to match up—except for maybe the cyborg hero “Genos”.
“One Punch Man” may seem like a parody of superhero tropes, but it manages to balance humor with some of the most dynamic and visually stunning battles ever seen in anime. Despite the predictable outcome of most fights, the show keeps viewers hooked through sheer style and the engaging characters around Saitama.
7 Baki the Grappler (2001)
Produced by Group TAC
Based on the Manga by Keisuke Itagaki
Fighting runs in the blood of “Baki Hanma“, a martial artist determined to surpass his father, “Yuujirou Hanma”, the strongest creature on Earth. Baki trains relentlessly, mastering countless combat styles in his quest for strength and revenge.
“Baki the Grappler” is an unfiltered, brutal action series where the plot takes a backseat to the outrageous, raw intensity of its fights. The battles are violent, sometimes absurd, but always entertaining. For fans of pure martial arts, this series is a guilty pleasure worth indulging While the original series may show its age, the newer sequels continue the bone-crushing legacy.
8 Megalo Box (2018)
Original Series Produced
TMS Entertainment
Watch on Crunchyroll
In a world where boxers use exoskeletons known as “Gear” to gain an advantage in the ring, “Junk Dog” fights for survival in rigged matches. However, when he faces the reigning champion “Yuuri”, he’s determined to reach the top without relying on Gear, entering the “Megalo Box” tournament as a “gearless” fighter.
“Megalo Box” is more than just a futuristic boxing anime. It’s a gritty, heartfelt underdog story about fighting for your dreams, no matter the odds. The raw emotion and beautifully animated fights make this series a standout, even for non-sports fans.
9 Fist of the North Star (1984)
Produced by Toei Animation
Based on the Manga by Yoshiyuki Okamura & Tetsuo Hara
Watch on Crunchyroll
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, “Kenshirou” embarks on a journey to rescue his fiancée, wielding the deadly martial art “Hokuto Shinken” to punish evildoers. Along the way, he becomes a protector for the weak, drawing the attention of dangerous enemies.
An iconic series from the ‘80s, “Fist of the North Star” embodies the classic “manly” hero who fights for justice. Its brutal fights, combined with a gripping narrative, have cemented it as one of the greatest retro fighting anime.