5 Best Sword Fighting Anime You Need To Watch

Sword fighting in anime isn’t just about swinging blades, it’s about precision, timing, and style. Some characters wield massive weapons with brute force, while others rely on perfect technique or speed. From a historical setting, a fantasy world, or to something in between, these anime deliver incredible one-on-one fights, sharp animation, and unforgettable swordsmen. 

If you enjoy intense showdowns, masterful techniques, and well-written rivalries, here are five of the best sword fighting anime ranked by popularity that are definitely worth checking out.

5. Dororo

Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a ronin born without limbs, eyes, ears, or skin, traded away by his father, Lord Daigo Kagemitsu, in exchange for power. As Hyakkimaru slays the demons that took his body parts, he slowly regains what was lost. 

Armed with blades embedded in his prosthetic arms, he fights through war-torn lands with the young thief Dororo by his side. Every battle is brutal and personal, especially as he learns to feel pain, sound, and emotion again. The swordplay here is fast, gritty, and emotionally charged, with a mix of samurai grit and supernatural horror.

4. Claymore

In a dark world haunted by Yoma, monsters that eat humans, warriors called Claymores exist to hunt them down. These women are part-human, part-Yoma, wielding giant swords and enhanced strength. The story follows Clare, one of the lowest-ranked Claymores, who defies expectations with her cold determination and precise sword strikes. 

As she faces stronger enemies like Awakened Beings, the fights become more dangerous and brutal. The anime blends sword technique with monstrous transformations, and Clare’s battles stand out for their strategic buildup, especially as she learns new ways to fight opponents far stronger than her.

3. Rurouni Kenshin

Rurouni Kenshin follows Himura Kenshin, a former assassin known as Hitokiri Battosai, who’s vowed never to kill again. He carries a reverse-blade sword and wanders Meiji-era Japan protecting the innocent. Kenshin’s fighting style, Hiten Mitsurugi-Ryu, is all about high-speed movement, precise strikes, and counterattacks. 

His duels often carry a strong emotional weight, especially when facing enemies from his violent past like Shishio Makoto. The swordplay is smooth and tactical, with real-world-inspired technique mixed with anime flash. It’s perfect for fans who enjoy skillful, choreographed sword fights with personal stakes.

2. Bleach

Bleach throws viewers into the world of Soul Reapers, where characters wield Zanpakuto, each with unique powers. Ichigo Kurosaki, an ordinary high schooler, becomes a substitute Soul Reaper after an encounter with Rukia Kuchiki. 

His blade, Zangetsu, evolves with him from its raw Shikai form to its lightning-fast Bankai. Battles happen in both the real world and Soul Society, with techniques like Getsuga Tensho lighting up the screen. Each sword fight has its own style and ability mechanics, giving fans a wide range of flashy, high-stakes duels and creative sword-based combat.

1. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Demon Slayer centers on Tanjiro Kamado, who joins the Demon Slayer Corps after demons slaughter his family and turn his sister Nezuko into one. Each slayer wields a Nichirin Blade and uses special Breathing Styles. Tanjiro learns Water Breathing, while others like Zenitsu and Inosuke bring Thunder and Beast styles into the mix. 

Sword fights here are fast, colorful, and beautifully animated, especially during battles against powerful demons like Rui, Akaza, and Daki. Every slash feels dynamic, with techniques like Hinokami Kagura combining power and elegance in visually stunning ways.