whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action · Drama

The best drama action anime you can start from the beginning

219 anime that are both action and drama, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Vinland Saga, Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen.

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The list

1. 1 Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood TV · 2009 · 64 episodes · Bones · #2 on MyAnimeList 95% would recommend
2. 2 Vinland Saga TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Wit Studio · #45 on MyAnimeList 97% would recommend
3. 3 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Shingeki no Kyojin Attack on Titan TV · 2013 · 25 episodes · Wit Studio · #126 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Banana Fish TV · 2018 · 24 episodes · MAPPA · #192 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
7. 7 Mo Dao Zu Shi The Master of Diabolism ONA · 2018 · 15 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #197 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
8. 8 Tian Guan Cifu Heaven Official's Blessing ONA · 2020 · 11 episodes · Haoliners Animation · #229 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
9. 9 Houseki no Kuni Land of the Lustrous TV · 2017 · 12 episodes · Orange · #243 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
10. 10 Initial D First Stage TV · 1998 · 26 episodes · Gallop · #262 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
11. 11 Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199 Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2199 OVA · 2012 · 26 episodes · Xebec · #316 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE: Tokyo Revelations OVA · 2007 · 3 episodes · Production I.G · #384 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
13. 13 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
14. 14 Fullmetal Alchemist TV · 2003 · 51 episodes · Bones · #565 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
15. 15 Yuanshen: Jinzhong Ge Genshin Impact: The Song Burning in the Embers ONA · 2024 · 1 episode · #605 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
16. 16 Fujimoto Tatsuki 17-26 Tatsuki Fujimoto 17-26 ONA · 2025 · 8 episodes · P.A. Works · #702 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
17. 17 Ginga Nagareboshi Gin Silver Fang TV · 1986 · 21 episodes · Toei Animation · #703 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
18. 18 Kurenai no Buta Porco Rosso Film · 1992 · Studio Ghibli · #807 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
19. 19 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen - Memorial Edition Berserk: The Golden Age Arc - Memorial Edition TV · 2022 · 13 episodes · Studio 4°C · #876 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
20. 20 Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom TV · 2009 · 26 episodes · Bee Train · #915 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
21. 21 Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari The Rising of the Shield Hero TV · 2019 · 25 episodes · Kinema Citrus · #943 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
22. 22 Zetsuen no Tempest Blast of Tempest TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · Bones · #995 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
23. 23 Terra e... (TV) Toward the Terra (TV) TV · 2007 · 24 episodes · Tokyo Kids · #1018 on MyAnimeList 83% would recommend
24. 24 91 Days TV · 2016 · 12 episodes · Shuka · #1109 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
25. 25 Gungrave TV · 2003 · 26 episodes · Madhouse · #1122 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend

Why this is not a MyAnimeList search. Every entry here is one you can start from the beginning. Anything with a prequel or a parent story is left out, as are recaps and compilation editions — about half of what MyAnimeList ranks. Ordered by MyAnimeList position. The percentage is the share of MyAnimeList scorers who rated a title 7 or higher.