Here’s a list of the best action anime movies of all time that all action anime fans should watch at least once.
Throughout the years, we’ve seen many action anime movies which have completely blown us away. Be it with their exhilarating fights, beautiful world-building, or exciting themes.
So today in this article we are going to list 10 of the most amazing action anime movies ever made that will keep you entertained for their entire duration.
Let’s get started!
10. One Piece Film: Strong World
With its exciting story and loveable characters, the 10th One Piece Film is arguably the best one the franchise has produced. It follows the cherished group of unique main characters, the Straw Hats as they head to the East Blue islands upon hearing that there is a potential disaster taking place there.
While heading to investigate the crisis in the hometown, they run into a mysterious flying ship run by Shiki, the famous pirate who was the first to escape from Impel Down. After Nami gets kidnapped by him and the Straw Hats are trapped in his floating islands, they’re left in a dilemma on how to escape and retrieve their navigator.
With characters we’ve all grown to love, and fun action sequences with adventure, One Piece Film: Strong World makes good use of all the reasons we love One Piece.
9. The Last: Naruto the Movie
If you are a Naruto fan this is one of the action anime movies that you will love.
Following the end of the epic Fourth Ninja War where the world was at stake, Konoha village finally has some time of peace where we see our beloved characters living daily life. However, this period of calmness didn’t last long as a new and very evil antagonist by the name of Toneri Ootsutsuki kidnaps Hinat’s sister Hanabi. With yet another perilous task, our team of shinobis sets off on their adventure to defeat the new foe.
Aside from having the usual exciting battles the Naruto series is known for, the movie also dwells on the subtle romantic development between Naruto and Hinata finally coming to fruition which was largely missing in the anime.
8. Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Following the massive success of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, Mappa manages to continue on their hot streak with the equally excellent Jujutsu Kaisen 0.
As a prequel to the original series, it follows the life of Yuuta Okkotsu, a frail young man who is a victim of bullying. However, one day he suddenly gets an extremely powerful curse from the tragic loss of a friend in his childhood. This curse does whatever it takes to protect Yuuta. Due to the clumsy state of this supreme power, Satoru Gojou convinces Yuuta to attend Jujutsu High. Although worried at first, Yuuta slowly starts to bond with Maki, Toge, and Panda coming out of his introverted self.
In the background, however, a nefarious plot is in the works which Yuuta Okkotsu will be forced to confront as he polishes the use of his cursed power. With its exciting power system, likable characters, and brilliantly animated fights, Jujutsu Kaisen 0 manages to cement its place in the top 10 anime action movies.
7. Akira
As one of the classics in anime movies, Akira is an animated film well ahead of its time.
Set in a dystopian future where modern society is rife with chaos, It follows a biker gang that is constantly clashing with others before one of its members ends up getting psychic powers.
As the government aims to capture him to prevent a disaster similar to one which occurred in the past, we get to witness a high-octane thrilling adventure filled with action.
With animation quality that makes you forget it was made in the 1980s, Akira is one of the few action anime movies that combine nostalgia with its unending excitement to give a wonderful experience to the audience.
6. Princess Mononoke
Made by the kings of anime films, Studio Ghibli, Princess Mononoke is a surprisingly darker and more violent project compared to their usual projects.
The movie revolves around a young prince who is in search of a cure after being cursed by a demonic beast. During his travels, he runs into a fierce conflict between humans who wish to cut down a forest for the sake of progress and the Princess along with the spirits of the forest who oppose them.
As a film that’s relevant even today, it shows us the differing ideals in society as the prince tries to find common ground between the two and create mutual harmony. Princess Mononoke is a stunning film that presents the fantasy we know and love from Studio Ghibli in a more grounded setting.
5. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train
As the highest-grossing anime movie ever, it is safe to say that the Demon Slayer movie was more than well-received by audiences.
It follows our main trio of Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu as they accompany the Flame Hashira, Rengoku into investigating a set of mysterious disappearances. The mystery doesn’t last for long, however, as they run into a sinister plan in the very train they’re traveling on.
With some of the best animation, you will ever see, heartbreaking moments, and gripping action scenes, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
4. Ghost in the Shell
Ghost in the Shell is one of the most influential action anime movies ever made. It follows a dedicated officer, Motoko, who is in search of a hacker known as the “Puppet Master”.
In a technologically advanced world with constant innovations humans have turned into cyborgs, a mysterious and powerful hacker called the Puppet Master leaves behind a trail of victims who have no memories. As our protagonist searches for the malefactor, several mysteries are revealed which make her question herself.
Dealing with several adult themes and a constant air of suspense, Ghost in the Shell is an absolute treat to watch in the Seinen Demographic.
3. Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent
The Berserk franchise is notorious for having unfaithful anime adaptations that don’t do its masterpiece manga justice. However, the 3rd movie of the golden age arc can prove all its naysayers wrong by making anime fans experience the shock and horror of Berserk in its true fashion.
It picks up from where the previous Berserk movie left off as we see the Band of the Hawk crumble to pieces after its leader, Griffith, is caught for treason and tortured.
With nothing left but a broken body and a mysterious trinket called a Behelit, Griffith seems to be working on a mysterious plan. As Guts hears the fate of the Band of the Hawk and attempts to return, one of the most shocking moments in animanga, the Eclipse happens.
With gory fights and horrifying moments that leave fans in disbelief, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III is a much-welcomed surprise and one of the great action anime movies out there for fans of the series.
2. The End of Evangelion
As the movie which solves several mysteries surrounding the ending of the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime, The End of Evangelion is widely considered the best psychological anime film to be made.
The once joyful and innocent protagonist, Shinji, is a shell of his former self as he is under severe depression following the death of his loved ones. At the same time, a battle between two huge organizations that have big plans for humanity takes place which could drastically impact evolution itself.
With Shinji centered in between all of it, we see him struggle to hold on to his sanity while being placed under the burden of being the world’s savior.
With epic mecha battles and many shocking moments, The End of Evangelion is a very appealing movie to fans of great storytelling and one of the finest action anime movies to date.
1. Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song
While there are several routes and forms of media which tell the story of the Fate Series, the third installment of the Heaven’s Feel movies is undoubtedly the best in terms of its action, animation, and story as it provides a fitting conclusion to the franchise.
With Ufotable doing what it does best and breaking the barriers on animation quality, the movie follows after its predecessor as we see the Fifth Holy Grail War continue. However, while the participants battle each other, a hidden enemy from the shadows threatens the entire world.
As their objective changes to defeating the imminent threat to protect those that they love, several secrets are unveiled as we see the protagonist, Shirou, face an internal battle of his ideals.
Conclusion
And with that, we have come to the end of our list of the top action anime movies that you have to watch. Did your favorite action anime movie make it to the list? Which of the anime movies have you watched? let us know in the comments.
If you want to find out some other anime movies check out the list of Best Anime Movies.
Or if you looking for something specific check out these articles, where we talked about the 10 Best Romance Anime Movies of all time and the 10 Best Fantasy Anime Movies That Everyone can enjoy.
See ya!
