It's no secret that 2021 has been a great year for anime. There have been some amazing standout hits this year that have won over the anime community week-to-week. Just about every type of fan has had something to look forward to, but fans of action anime have been especially impressed this year.
It isn't just because of the fight scenes, but also because of the expertly crafted storytelling elements creating some truly unique and standout pieces of art. There have been some incredible action anime this year, with even more action shows to come later this year. But one thing is for sure: all of them are worth celebrating.
10 Kemono Jihen Was The Darkhorse Of Anime This Year
Kemono Jihen was the sleeper hit of the Winter anime season, quickly gaining a small reputation and cult following. It was not one that many people have talked about, which is a shame because the anime contained a perfect mix of mystery and action. But it should not be overlooked just because it had a small, yet dedicated viewer base. There are some truly interesting elements at play in this anime, and it is surprisingly consistent with its adaptation. Make no mistake. Kimono Jihen might be small in terms of popularity, but it is a hidden gem worth checking out.
9 A Hilarious Tale Of Villains In Combatants Will Be Dispatched
From the same author as the legendary Konosuba series, Combatants is about an evil organization that is trying to take over the world. There are some solid action sequences in this anime, as the main duo is able to teleport weapons of Earth out of thin air, oftentimes turning the tides of battle in an instant. The dialogue is punchy, and the cast chemistry is oftentimes gold. Fans of Konosuba should feel right at home here, as there are plenty of similarities between the two series. There are great moments of action and hilarious gags that will keep audiences engaged until the credits roll.
8 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Season 2 Keeps Expanding To New Heights
The first season of this anime back in 2018 was not one that many were originally anticipating, as the premise of a man killed and reincarnated as a slime in a fantasy world is something that had been done in similar degrees before. But before long, this show won over plenty of fans with its use of charming characters and clever worldbuilding. The anime captivated audiences by highlighting the details of establishing a new nation, from politics and economics to the friends and enemies made along the way.
Season two of Slime has continued to expand on these elements, and as Rimuru Tempest has grown in power, so have his adversaries. The action moments in this anime don't just exist for the thrills, but often to highlight the diplomatic relationships between nations and their consequences.
7 Eighty-Six Is A Tragic Military Drama With Great Action
This anime doesn't exactly have the most descriptive or memorable name of the year, but it shouldn't be overlooked. It tells a tale of a heartwrenching tale of an ongoing war and the sacrifices that encompass such a battle. It's also a story about the struggle of human survival, and what it means to fight for that right to live. But at its core, the story of 86 is surprisingly human, interspersing some real emotion in-between the intense action. Every bit of this story is as thoughtful as it is tragic, and one that will keep viewers coming back.
6 Sk8 The Infinity Is One Of The Most Unique Anime Of The Year
Before this show was created, there had never been a skateboard anime. And considering how well the skateboarding works in animated form, it's a bit surprising to hear that fact. Studio Bones has created a very unique and visually impressive premise about an underground skateboard racing organization. And if that premise isn't already interesting enough, learning about real skateboarding moves and tricks makes for some of the most exciting action sequences that have come out this year. Everything about this show oozes style and passion, and fans of action or sports anime simply cannot afford to pass this one up.
5 So I'm a Spider, So What? Has Charmed Isekai Fans
Fans of isekai anime should already be aware of this spider-focused anime RPG, as it stormed onto the scene earlier this year. The struggle for survival in an unknown environment (and as an entirely different species) was not only endearing but also enthralling.
This is a show that is mechanically similar to the aforementioned Slime anime but with a completely different story and execution. It knows exactly what it wants to do, and accomplishes those elements in strides. Being won over by an energetic spider is not exactly something that the anime community expected to happen this year, but it's surprisingly lovable anyway.
4 Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Is Fantasy Anime Like Never Before
It's not an understatement to say that there has been a lot of fantasy anime recently. It's an extremely popular genre in both Japan and in the west, so it makes sense to keep adapting fantasy manga and light novels. The risk, however, is adapting something that will be generic or forgettable, and completely forgotten a season later. Jobless Reincarnation is far from forgettable, thanks to some excellent production and planning that have elevated the series to a polished and beautiful level.
The fights are so fluidly animated that it can be hard to remember that the show is an anime. The set pieces and magic systems are also downright artful, and any given frame with these elements will always be guaranteed to be a treat for viewers.
3 Tokyo Revengers Is One Of The Most Gripping Anime Of The Year
Out of all the recent anime to come out this year, this one was by far one of the most surprising. Not because it's done anything groundbreaking or revolutionary, but because it executes so well on its premise. Week-by-week, the main character Takemichi travels back and forth between the past and the present in order to stop gang violence that will inevitably cause his past lover to be caught in the crossfire. Every week is filled with twists and turns that keep viewers on the edge of their seats, and the show does an excellent job at keeping fans guessing. It's equal parts gritty, dark, and riveting, and is easily one of the best action/drama shows to come out this year.
2 Nomad: Megalobox 2 Has Some Of The Best Writing In Recent Memory
The announcement for the second season of a show that already had a complete ending was completely unexpected, let alone an original series that finished in 2018. What more could be said or explored? And it turns out that TMS Entertainment had a lot more in mind for Gearless Joe. The second season of Megalobox explored a darker, and thematically more mature side of Joe, as he wrestled with addiction, loss, and finding purpose in life. At the core of this anime, Nomad is one of the most earnestly written shows not just of this past year, but also in recent memory. Every minute of this show, from the action to the heartfelt drama, feels like a complete and satisfying journey.
1 Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song- Has Swept The Anime Community By Storm
The thing about anime-originals is that people never know what to expect from them. With no source material to follow, there's always a chance that it will lead to a wildly uneven experience. But when Vivy exploded onto the scene back in April, it absolutely floored viewers with gorgeous animation, incredible music, and a thought-provoking story about an AI uprising. Vivy masterfully navigates these elements and more, all while weaving in with some of the best action scenes in anime this year. On top of being an incredibly entertaining and riveting passion project, this anime is one that will surely be remembered for years to come.