Competitive gaming has never been more popular than in recent years and fighting games have recieved some of the most exposure and love. Fighting games are tense and engender fierce competition and many gamers have made esports their career. From the humble beginnings of Street Fighter to the casual competition of Smash Bros. fighting games are some of the most enticing experiences on the market and there are some anime out there that capture the spirit of fighting games. These 10 anime have taken the best aspects of fighting games and make unique experiences that only anime could achieve. From mastering that extremely long combo, to seeing rivalries form and develop, these anime will show what it means to be the best. So grab fighting gi and lets talk some anime that make your blood pump.
10 Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
If you ask anyone who loves fighting games, part of the enjoyment is the training. The catharsis of learning the combos and the special techniques is unique to fighting games and Kenichi: The Strongest Disciple delivers on the power of training. Kenichi is a battle shonen that focuses on a young boy who wants to train his body in the way of martial arts so he can stop being a coward and protect his friends. Throughout the series we get to see Kenichi grow from a weakling to a martial arts master and that perfectly resembles the growth of player learning how to master a fighting game. Learn what it means to be the strongest disciple and give this show a watch.
9 Fate/Zero
Getting to use and experiment with flashy super moves is a staple of fighting genre. Arc Systems Work is known for their flashy presentation which produces plenty of gorgeous special moves and Fate/Zero fits the bill. Fate/Zero is a battle royale anime where the contestants fight for the Holy Grail, which will grant them any wish that they desire. Each participant has the ability to summon a heroic spirit who have unique abilities and powers that fight for them. Their abilities range from an invisible sword to a never miss bow and give the show a sense of urgency. If you like creative abilities and superb animation then this show is for you.
8 JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Fighting games are really dumb and fans of the genre are aware of this fact. Through all of the cyborg ninjas, evil doppelgangers, and evil sorcerers, we love to indulge in the absurdity and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure embraces the absurd. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure is an action shonen that follows the Joestar family as they do battle with evil vampires and save the world from evil. The show is tinged with ridiculous poses and creative abilities that are indicative of fighting games. All the characters are likeable and are distinct from each other and have unique powers. If you love the absurdity of fighting games, then gather your hamon and watch
7 Naruto
It goes without saying, that Naruto is synonymous with fighting games and the culture that surrounds it. Not only is Naruto one of the most popular anime in the west, but it has a plethora of fighting games that accompany the anime. Starting from the Gamecube all the way to the Switch, you couldn't go a few years without an installment of the Naruto universe. Thanks to its creative battle system and its large cast of compelling characters, the world of Naruto was designed for the appeal that fighting games have had for decades. Come gather your chakra and join the craze that leave you a ninja fan for life.
6 Megalo Box
There is only one word that properly describes Megalo Box, Hype! Megalo Box is a Sci-fi, sports, drama about a pro boxing league that uses robot exoskeletons to enhance a fighters ability. We follow Junk Dog as he proves to the world and his rival, Yuuri, that he is the best megalo boxer in the world. The share has breathtaking fight scenes and a competitive edge that appeals to hardcore fighting game fans. Each fight is meticulously animated and proves that boxing, no matter what form it takes, is the king of the ring. So grab your best exo-skeleton and lets cheer on Junk Dog.
5 One Piece
One piece is currently the longest running battle shonen and has a large cast of wacky and fun characters that are perfect for fighting game fans. If your a fan of fighting games like Blazing Blue and Dragon Ball Fighterz, then One piece will make you feel right at home. One Piece has so many iconic fight scenes and epic set pieces that would make even the most dower of people crack a smile. The show has plenty of interesting abilities and the long form nature of the show makes for compelling fighting game storytelling. If you like colorful battle anime with a large cast of characters, then One Piece will not disappoint.
4 Kill LA Kill
A sub-genre in the fighting game community is the spectacle fighter, which focuses on the bombastic nature of fighting games with an emphasis on smooth animation and combos. Kill La Kill is an super power, comedy anime created and animated by Trigger. The anime follows Ryuuko Matoi as she seeks revenge for her father at Honnouji Academy with the power of her scissor blade and fan service. If you enjoy cheescake action in your fighting games, then Kill la Kill has you covered in that area. The anime has really great production value and the action scenes alone justify its existence. If you enjoy the spectacle of spectacle fighters then Kill la Kill might be your jam.
3 My Hero Academia
Super Heroes are a natural fit for fighting games and Kohei Horikoshi's super hero, battle shonen is a shining example of super heroes done well. My Hero Academia is about a world where a majority of the population of Earth are given quirks, super human abilities which can be used to become super heroes. Deku is a young hero who was born with no quirk and inherits the abilities of the greatest hero of their time, All Might. The series has a large cast of interesting characters, who have their own unique fighting styles. Currently, My Hero Academia is going strong with three fighting games under its belt. Super Powers, epic fights, and more can be found if you gave this show a watch.
2 Yuu Yuu Hakasho
There is nothing quite like the classic appeal of a 90's battle shonen, and Yuu Yuu Hakasho is a great title in the genre. Following the spunky delinquent, Yuusuke Urameshi as he becomes the spirit detective and must save the world from the forces of evil. The series motif of demons and monster makes for a perfect aesthetic that many fighting game fans would love. In particular, the Dark Tournament is one of the most tense and action packed tournaments in all of anime. Not to mention that the powers and abilities in the anime could come straight from an anime fighting game.
1 Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z has had a huge impact not only on western media, but has changed the way fighting games are made and perceived. Dragon Ball Z follows Son Goku as he protects the Earth from the forces of evil and wants to become the best fighter in the universe. The Dragon Ball franchise has over 50 video games originating from the NES and lasting all the way to the current day with Dragon Ball Kakorat. Dragon Ball Z is built in a way that perfectly complements fighting games and is the best anime to watch if you can't get enough of the fighting game genre.
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