whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action

The best historical action anime you can start from the beginning

256 anime that are both action and historical, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken, Gintama, Vinland Saga.

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The list

1. 1 Steel Ball Run: JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Steel Ball Run: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure ONA · 2026 · David Production · #5 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
2. 2 Gintama TV · 2006 · 201 episodes · Sunrise · #21 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
3. 3 Vinland Saga TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Wit Studio · #45 on MyAnimeList 97% would recommend
4. 4 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan - Tsuioku-hen Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal OVA · 1999 · 4 episodes · Studio Deen · #72 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
5. 5 Samurai Champloo TV · 2004 · 26 episodes · Manglobe · #152 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
6. 6 Xian Ni Renegade Immortal ONA · 2023 · 180 episodes · BUILD DREAM · #172 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 Guangyin Zhi Wai Beyond Time's Gaze ONA · 2025 · 26 episodes · Yien Animation Studio · #232 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
10. 10 Kimetsu no Yaiba Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba TV · 2019 · 26 episodes · ufotable · #244 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
11. 11 Baccano! TV · 2007 · 13 episodes · Brain's Base · #290 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Mushen Ji Tales of Herding Gods ONA · 2024 · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #331 on MyAnimeList
13. 13 Katanagatari TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #337 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
14. 14 Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Kenkaku Romantan Rurouni Kenshin TV · 1996 · 94 episodes · Gallop · #365 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
15. 15 Dororo TV · 2019 · 24 episodes · Tezuka Productions · #370 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
16. 16 Sennen Joyuu Millennium Actress Film · 2002 · Madhouse · #394 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
17. 17 Stranger: Mukou Hadan Sword of the Stranger Film · 2007 · Bones · #411 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
18. 18 Cang Yuan Tu The Demon Hunter ONA · 2023 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #528 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
19. 19 Jigokuraku Hell's Paradise TV · 2023 · 13 episodes · MAPPA · #628 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
20. 20 Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas - Meiou Shinwa Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas OVA · 2009 · 13 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #762 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
21. 21 Yi Nian Yong Heng A Will Eternal ONA · 2020 · 52 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #789 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
22. 22 Kurenai no Buta Porco Rosso Film · 1992 · Studio Ghibli · #807 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
23. 23 Douluo Dalu Soul Land ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #848 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
24. 24 Vanitas no Karte The Case Study of Vanitas TV · 2021 · 12 episodes · Bones · #945 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
25. 25 Golden Kamuy TV · 2018 · 12 episodes · Geno Studio · #951 on MyAnimeList 91% 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.