The fascinating world of anime is filled with fearsome warriors on their path to finding glory or vengeance against the forces of evil. Here, every swordsman and woman, regardless of their origin story, contributes significantly to the vibrancy and excitement of the genre. Their presence in action-adventure anime is indispensable, as they add a unique dimension that would be sorely missed if they were absent. In anime, swords, one of the oldest and most basic forms of attack weapons, have evolved from long, straight hunks of metal to a beautiful weapon of choice that takes the wielder's martial arts skill and prowess to the absolute highest level.
The history and lore attached to the sword as a revered and almost mystic weapon wielded by Gods in different cultures and times make modern and even animated swordsmen such impressive figures. Another reason we cannot get enough of our favorite anime swordsmen is their incredible superpowers! Yes, the perfect balance of superpowers, martial arts skills, and impeccable swordsmanship has helped make some anime swordsmen legendary in the industry. So, without further ado, let us reveal some of our favorite anime swordsmen who have etched their names in the action anime genre with their irreplaceable character development and skills.
15. Kentō Nanami
Kentō Nanami, the Grade 1 Sorcerer at Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical College, is the first swordsman on this illustrious list of our favorite sword masters. A sorcerer from the magical world of Jujutsu Kaisen, he is one of the most beloved supporting characters in the entire series. Wielding his special-grade cursed sword, Abara, Nanami delivers such powerful strikes to his targets that he can even cut through objects with the sword’s cover still on.
Nanami’s signature Ratio Technique works perfectly with his sword, optimizing his attacks and making them potent and efficient. As a master swordsman, Kentō Nanami is an invaluable asset in team battles due to his precision and strategic prowess. And this is why he is included in our top anime swordsmen list.
14. Yato
Yato, the protagonist and a minor god from the Noragami anime series, is another master swordsman with impressive fencing skills. On his path to regain his former glory, he uses combat and swordsmanship quite spectacularly against the malevolent spirits. In the series, Yato's sword is introduced as a rusty old katana for the first time. This sword is a Regalia, or spirit, named Yukine, which Yato wields as his weapon.
However, with time, Yato and Yukine face several trials and tribulations, forming a solid bond that eventually leads Yukine to evolve into a deadly spirit fighting dual blades. Using superpower sword techniques like Rend, Sunder, Cloudburst, and Crimson Bloom, Yato wields his sword to establish his supremacy as a true God.
13. Hero Killer: Stain
If there is one villain that truly deserves his name to be added to any list acknowledging skilled swordsmen, it is Hero Killer: Stain from My Hero Academia. Disillusioned with the heroes of his time, Stain is on a bloody path to rid the world of any Pro heroes he deems unworthy.
Using his long katana and unique Quirk, “the bloodcurdle," which enables him to paralyze any opponent whose blood he licks, Satin has gotten rid of several heroes. He possesses keen sword skills that complement his exceptional combat style and strategic thinking, landing him in a position on this esteemed list.
12. Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjiro Kamado, the young hero of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, has earned his place on this prestigious list not just for his swordsmanship prowess but also for his unbreakable determination to keep fighting even when faced with the most vicious and powerful demons. As a skilled water-breathing sword fighter, Tanjiro Kamado won over many fans. Still,his humility despite his skills and powers makes him even more lovable, making Tanjiro Kamado one of the most loved shonen genre protagonists.
His sword skills using his innate water-breathing are remarkable. He defeated demons like Kyogai, the Drum Demon, Rui, the Spider Demon, and Gyutaro and Daki, the Upper Ranks in the Entertainment District arc, but when he tapped into his sun-breathing facing Akaza, the Upper Moon Three demon, his sword fight display became utterly legendary. The only reason he is ranked a little lower on our list is because, in our humble opinion, he is still a long way from reaching his true potential, and once he does, we promise him a top 3 rank!
11. Levi Ackerman
Captain Levi, the renowned soldier of the Survey Corps from the anime series Attack on Titan, has become an icon in both the fictional and real worlds. His unmatched close-quarter sword fight skills, combined effectively with Vertical Maneuvering Equipment (VME), exceptional combat prowess and leadership abilities earned him the titleof Humanity's Strongest Soldier.
In a world filled to the brim with ginormous titans intent on eating every human alive, this title holds even more weight. Despite his diminutive stature than the Titans and his comrades, his tactical thinking and unmatched sword skills make him a worthy opponent.
10. Akame
The calm and composed female assassin Akame from the popular anime series Akame Ga Kill epitomizes the girl boss trope we all fall so hard for each time. Is it the looks? Is it the deadly stealth and fighting skills? Is it the stoic personality? Or the stellar swordplay she displays with such grace that it borders on being a dance?
It is a perfect combination of it all that makes Akame an unstoppable sword-wielding assassin, hitting all her targets with deadly precision amid a barrage of firearms. With her blade Murasame in hand, she possesses the incredible ability to curse her adversaries to oblivion. She is a swordswoman whose opponents rarely live to tell the tale.
9. Erza Scarlet
In the anime world, some supporting characters stand out and garner a fervent following among fans, often overshadowing the actual leads. Ezra Scarlet is “The Knight,” and “Titania” of the Fairy Tail guild is the bearer of powerful Requip magic. Her ability to seamlessly switch between various armors and weapons during battles is equally awe-inspiring as the arsenals she conjures.
Her expert use of each of the pieces of her “Armory” is just the cherry on top. Using her immense physical strength, exceptional swordsmanship skills, and strategic combat instincts, she secures a special place in our hearts and on this list.
8. Afro
Afro Samurai, starring Samuel L. Jackson, is a cult favorite among anime fans. Many viewers initially tuned in to hear Mr. Jackson's voice in the Afro Samurai series. However, they were utterly captivated by the thrilling action sequences and mesmerizing sword fights that unfolded throughout the series, elevating Afro Samurai beyond its notable voice actors.
Featuring the fearsome samurai wielding his sword to avenge his dead father is a hero’s tale everyone would get behind, but the beautiful sword maneuvers and the signature Afro flare our protagonist displays in each of his fights are just breathtaking. He can destroy even bullets using his blade and does not need superpowers to showcase his exceptional sword skills.
7. Artoria Pendragon / Saber
Artoria Pendragon, also known as the legendary “King Arthur” and “Saber” of the Fate/Stay Night series, is arguably one of the best fencers in the Japanese anime universe. Owner of the mighty sword Excalibur, she was not just trained to be the best of the best in her realm but also to become worthy of the Holy Grail War. She is the noble warrior who leads her allies to victory against the fearsome enemy Vortigern and uses her unmatched sword skills to serve her people.
6. Mugen
Mugen, the brash and impulsive protagonist of Samurai Champloo, became quite a phenomenon in the anime space with his highly un-swordman-like demeanor and tendency to cause unnecessary trouble. As a fighter and swordsman, there is no denying his far superior skills; however, his insane antics and unorthodox sword techniques are unlike any other swordsmen we have commonly seen in many anime. This enigmatic yet deadly swordsman has amassed quite a cult following.
Thanks to his slick moves on the battlefield and the dance floor, he is undoubtedly one of the most formidable samurai. His dangerousness is further accentuated by his underhanded tactics and roguish demeanor, making him a worthy name on our list.
5. Hyakkimaru
The broody, stoic, yet extremely determined protagonist of the anime series Dororo, Hyakkimaru, is the epitome of personality traits that are usually the signature of many anime sword masters. What sets him apart from almost all of them are his ‘weapons and blades’...which are the prosthetics used in place of his limbs that were sacrificed to demons by his father.
Now equipped with superhuman senses, strength, and the ability to detect demons, he uses his powers to find and retrieve all the demons with his body parts. Fighting with otherworldly strength, he leaves a trail of human and demon blood in his path to find his missing body parts and humanity.
4. Ichigo Kurosaki
Now that we are entering the top four positions for the most impressive swordsman in the anime universe, the skillset and powers are no match for ordinary human swordsmen. We are now entering the realm of the cosmic and metaphysical. This is precisely how Ichigo Kurosaki, the protagonist of Bleach, awakened his innate soul-reaper powers.
Initially introduced as a seemingly ordinary teenager, Ichigo Kurosaki undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the Bleach series. By the end of the anime, he had become one of the most skilled swordsmen and soul-reapers in the entire Bleach universe.
Welding his powerful Bankai katanas, he fought to save his world and the Soul Society from the evil forces intent to disrupt the sacred balance and initiate the Thousand-Year Blood War.
3. Guts
Only a few swordsmen in the anime universe possess the sheer power, impressive skills, and unbridled strength even to pose a threat to the Gods of their respective worlds. One such character is Guts, the protagonist of the anime series Berserk. Then again, if there is ever any character who is a true embodiment of the innate strength he possesses in the physical characteristics of every element of his body, look no further than Guts.
Wielding the most iconic massive sword called the “Dragon Slayer,” Guts is a symbol of power that knows no bounds. Also, with a temperament to match that is ever ready to draw his sword against the fly that dared to pass him by, Guts deserves his spot in the top three most fearsome and expert swordsmen.
We love Guts as an expert swordsman. He has successfully channeled all his anger over living in the challenging medieval world into fighting evil and avenging his friends and family. His impressive physique and deadly armor and sword sometimes overshadow his angsty past. Still, Gut’s tough journey of redemption and vengeance and his human struggle to overcome his past turmoils make him one of our favorite swordsmen.
2. Himura Kenshin
Himura Kenshin, the protagonist of the anime series Rurouni Kenshin, is next on our top three expert swordsmen list. Long before anime fans came to love him for his gentle and humble demeanor, Himura Kenshin, wielding a deadly katana, was known as the Hitokiri Battosai, or Battosai the Manslayer.
He served the Ishin Shishi sect as a tool of death and destruction. As he saw the consequences of his actions and recognized the error in his ways, he became a Rurouni to atone for his past sins. He swapped his deadly katana for a sakabato, the reverse-blade sword, and traveled through Japan to help those in need, seeking refuge from his past.
Despite enjoying a period of peace, he retained the lethal samurai prowess that had propelled him to the highest ranks among his warrior peers. Cutting through human limbs as well as pure steel was one of his many specialties, and he was the best Battojutsu practitioner of his time. All in all, Himura Kenshin is a worthy name for this top spot on our deadly list.
Dracule Mihawk
It is no wonder Dracule Mihawk is widely hailed as the greatest swordsman in anime. Although we may have different opinions on whether One Piece is the best anime there is, we all agree that Dracule Mihawk, the best swordsman from the One Piece universe, is THE BEST swordsman in the anime universe there is! He has the right stature, the perfect skills, the dashing style, the absolute best flare, and the most impressive sword anime fans could even dream about.
So he reigns over our whole list of expert swordsmen with authority. What makes him even more impressive is that he does not rely on his signature mammoth sword, Yoru, to be a deadly opponent; just a simple knife is enough for him to face a brigade of trained soldiers. Anime fans cannot get enough of his action sequences, and we gladly give him the TOP SPOT on our list and our hearts.
