Anime has long captivated audiences with its breathtaking sword fights, which combine artistry, emotion, and raw intensity. Japan has a rich history of sword fighting, and this history is also reflected in the world of anime. With this in mind, we've rounded up the best sword fights in anime !
The best sword fights in anime – Top 10
10. Zaraki Kenpachi vs. Retsu Unohana
- Anime : Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War
- Grade BAD: 8.99
- Year: 2022
- Studio: Pierrot
- Episodes: 13
Zaraki's brutal confrontation with Unohana in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War is a thrilling masterpiece. Two of Soul Society's fiercest swordsmen clash in a battle that could destroy Soul Society. Zaraki's unbridled savagery meets Unohana's refined and lethal bladework in a struggle to awaken Kenpachi and Bankai's true potential.
This was one of the most anticipated fights in the Bleach , as we finally got to see Unohana's bankai, Minazuki, animated. The animation was visceral, with bloody blows and visuals that captured her ferocity. While it initially seemed like an even match, Zaraki quickly overcame Unohana when it was revealed that he had been unknowingly suppressing his strength since their first fight as a child, earning the title of Kenpachi, the strongest.
09. Sung Jinwoo vs. Igris
- Anime : Solo Leveling (Season 1)
- Grade BAD: 8.25
- Year: 2024
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
Sung Jin-Woo's fight against Igris in Solo Leveling is a defining moment in his rise as a hunter and his first step toward becoming an S-Rank hunter. Previously, he struggled to fight the constantly spawning knight soldiers. And once Igris entered the scene, the fight took a dramatic turn.
Hunter Sung was easily overwhelmed, but he didn't give up and continued searching for Igris's weaknesses and blind spots. Eventually, Jin-Woo managed to use his dagger to exploit a weakness in Igris's armor, leaving him vulnerable to attack. With relentless dagger strikes, Jin-Woo finally defeated Igris.
08. Akame vs. Esdeath
- Anime : Akame Ga Kill
- Grade BAD: 7.48
- Year: 2014
- Studio: White Fox
- Episodes: 24
The highly anticipated climactic battle between Akame and Esdeath in Akame Ga Kill is a breathtaking clash of lethal swordplay. Akame's Murasame is a deadly single-slash blade that counters Esdeath's overwhelming ice abilities. The animation is captivating, the visuals are sharp, and the swordplay is absolutely masterful, with its most stunning moments and distinctive swords highly coveted by fans.
The choreography is intense, with Akame deftly dodging Esdeath's icy blows and sword attacks. Akame's determination to end Esdeath's tyranny adds depth to the fight, as both warriors embody opposing ideals. And while the encounter has been criticized for deviating from the manga, it's still a worthy climax to two arcs, showcasing Akame's growth and Esdeath's unwavering dominance.
07. Kirito vs. General Eugene
- Anime : Sword Art Online (Season 2)
- Grade BAD: 6.71
- Year: 2014
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 24 (Season 2)
Kirito's duel with General Eugene in Sword Art Online Season 2, , is one of the most underrated. His dual-wielding style clashes with Eugene's massive longsword, creating a fast-paced, airborne swordfight. But what makes this thrilling virtual showdown in Alfheim Online special is the unexpected tactics employed by both parties.
The fight begins with Eugene using his sword to shine sunlight into Kirito's eyes, catching him off guard for a moment and creating the perfect opening to launch his attack. Because Eugene's Gram sword can pierce through any weapon that attempts to block it, he manages to hit Kirito, despite their roughly equal skill. In a rare moment of sudden defeat, Kirito deploys a smokescreen.
06. Tengen Uzui vs. Gyutaro
- Anime : Demon Slayer (Season 2)
- Grade BAD: 8.72
- Year: 2022
- Studio: ufotable
- Episodes: 11 (Season 2)
Demon Slayer focuses on specially crafted swords, but there's one sword fight that stands out above the rest. That's Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui's battle against Gyutaro of the Upper Moon 6 in Demon Slayer The entire fight is a dazzling display of extravagant swordsmanship at its finest.
One of the best-animated fights in the series, the intensity of this visual masterpiece is amplified by Tengen's teamwork with Tanjiro and others, demonstrating his leadership under pressure. Tengen's iconic dual Nichirin Blades, imbued with his Sound Breath, clash with Gyutaro's blood scythes in a frantic and high-stakes duel. Even after losing his left hand, Tengen still manages to fight on equal footing against Gyutaro, winning with the help of Tanjiro and Nezuko.
The best sword fights in anime – Top 5
05. Sieg vs. Shirou
- Anime : Fate/Apocrypha
- Grade BAD: 7.20
- Year: 2017
- Studio: A-1 Pictures
- Episodes: 25
The sword fight between Sieg and Shirou in Fate/Apocrypha is a thrilling clash of ideals and blades. Sieg uses Balmung to confront Shirou's divine authority in a battle that combines mythical grandeur with intense emotion. Furthermore, the animation is on par with all other epilogues in the Fate series , with Balmung's radiant energy clashing with Shirou's sacred spear creating a visual feast of a fast-paced fight that feels very real.
The choreography is impressive, and the camera angles masterfully follow the fighters, keeping the tension high. Better still, this duel is more than just physical—it's a philosophical struggle between Sieg's quest for freedom and Shirou's authoritarian vision. Sieg's growth as a hero, fueled by his bond with Jeanne, counters Shirou's unwavering determination, making this memorable anime swordfight stand out for both its depth and its visuals.
04. Zoro vs. King
- Anime : One Piece
- Grade BAD: 8.73
- Year: 1999-present
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Episodes: +1000
Zoro's confrontation with King in One Piece's , Episode 1062, is a stunning display of two extremely powerful swordmasters in action. Wielding his three-sword style, Zoro faces King's fiery, pteranodon-enhanced blade in a battle that tests his limits. As one of One Piece's , the animation is stunning, with vibrant flames and precise sword clashes illuminating the rooftop of Onigashima.
Thus, Zoro's struggle to unlock Conqueror's Haki adds emotional depth as he overcomes physical and mental barriers to overcome King's nearly invincible defense. The fight choreography is relentless, a blend of brute force and strategic combat, with Zoro's Enma clashing against King's katana. And the stakes are high, with Zoro's victory crucial to the Straw Hats' rebellion and its visual spectacle. All of this is a testament to Zoro's growth as a swordsman, making this duel the pinnacle of One Piece's .
The best sword fights in anime – Top 3
03. Ichigo vs. Byakuya
- Anime : Bleach
- Grade BAD: 7.97
- Year: 2004-2012
- Studio: Pierrot
- Episodes: 366
On the other hand, Ichigo's confrontation with Byakuya in Bleach's (episodes 58-59) is a defining moment in the series, securing its place among anime's greatest sword fights. With a series so focused on distinctive weaponry, it's no surprise that fans want to recreate these iconic moments and more with convincing props. In short, Byakuya's reluctance to prevent his own sister's execution clashes with Ichigo's mission to save Rukia at any cost, adding an emotional charge to the encounter. The confrontation reached its climax when both Shinigami activated their Bankai. While powerful in its own right, Ichigo's raw and brute Bankai struggled against the full force of Byakuya's elegant Senbonzakura, with its petal-shaped blades.
The sixth division captain even managed to paralyze Ichigo with a Hado and would have won if not for Ichigo's Hollowfication. But the fight marked a moment of growth for Ichigo, as he managed to break his Hollowfication mask and regain control of his body, establishing that if he wanted to win the fight and save Rukia, it would be with his own strength. Which he finally managed to do with one final attack, forcing Byakuya to admit defeat and earning his respect.
02. Sasuke vs. Killer Bee
- Anime : Naruto Shippuden
- Grade BAD: 8.28
- Year: 2007-2017
- Studio: Pierrot
- Episodes: 500
In episode 143 of Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke was ordered by Tobi to bring in the Eight-Tails' jinchuriki, Killer Bee. In fact, with his newly awakened Mangekyou Sharingan, most fans believed the last Uchiha would win the fight effortlessly. But that wasn't the case, leading to one of the best sword fights in anime history.
Against Bee's eccentric yet acrobatic multi-sword style of wielding seven swords, Sasuke's Chidori-infused katana struggled to keep up. Bee was not only incredibly unpredictable, but also extremely fast, pushing Sasuke's Sharingan to its limits. Thus, the animation captured each confrontation with dynamic camera angles, highlighting the fluidity of Bee's seven-sword dance and Sasuke's calculated counterattacks.
01. Asta vs. Conrad
- Anime : Black Clover: Sword of the Wizard King (Movie)
- Grade BAD: 7.99
- Year: 2023
- Studio: Pierrot
- Duration: 1h 53min
Finally, in the film Black Clover: Sword of the Magician King , Asta's confrontation with Conrad is a spectacle of raw determination against overwhelming power. Asta, wielding his anti-magic swords, faces Conrad's key magic in a high-stakes battle to save the Clover Kingdom. To make matters even more challenging, Conrad's magic was highly compatible with the legendary Imperial Sword: Elsdocia.
The fight choreography is electrifying. At first, Asta tries to approach Conrad and strike him with his anti-magic swords to dispel his key magic, but Conrad doesn't dodge either. He dodges all of Asta's attacks and then uses Elsdocia to become even stronger and overpower Asta to the point where he manages to stab him, seemingly winning the battle. But with sheer willpower, a refusal to give up, and love for his comrades, Asta unleashes even more of his anti-magic and delivers a final blow that pierces Conrad, ending the fight in Asta's favor.
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