whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action

The best martial arts action anime you can start from the beginning

263 anime that are both action and martial arts, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Xian Ni, Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho, Guangyin Zhi Wai.

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The list

1. 1 Xian Ni Renegade Immortal ONA · 2023 · 180 episodes · BUILD DREAM · #172 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
2. 2 Yuu☆Yuu☆Hakusho Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files TV · 1992 · 112 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #191 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Guangyin Zhi Wai Beyond Time's Gaze ONA · 2025 · 26 episodes · Yien Animation Studio · #232 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
4. 4 Mushen Ji Tales of Herding Gods ONA · 2024 · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #331 on MyAnimeList
5. 5 Katanagatari TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #337 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
6. 6 Cang Yuan Tu The Demon Hunter ONA · 2023 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #528 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
7. 7 Tunshi Xingkong Swallowed Star ONA · 2020 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #654 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
8. 8 Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi KenIchi: The Mightiest Disciple TV · 2006 · 50 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #718 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
9. 9 Naruto TV · 2002 · 220 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #730 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
10. 10 Dragon Ball TV · 1986 · 153 episodes · Toei Animation · #780 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
11. 11 Yi Nian Yong Heng A Will Eternal ONA · 2020 · 52 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #789 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
12. 12 Ranma ½ (2024) TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · MAPPA · #824 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
13. 13 Douluo Dalu Soul Land ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #848 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
14. 14 Ze Tian Ji (2026) Way of Choices ONA · 2026 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #994 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
15. 15 Jian Lai The Swords ONA · 2024 · 26 episodes · Cloud Art · #1003 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
16. 16 Wanmei Shijie Perfect World ONA · 2021 · 338 episodes · Foch Film · #1057 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
17. 17 Wu Shan Wu Xing (2020) Fog Hill of Five Elements ONA · 2020 · 3 episodes · Samsara Animation Studio · #1059 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
18. 18 Shanhe Jian Xin Thousand Autumns ONA · 2021 · 16 episodes · Motion Magic · #1135 on MyAnimeList
19. 19 Nitian Xie Shen Against the Gods ONA · 2023 · 30 episodes · Foch Film · #1152 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
20. 20 Ranma ½ TV · 1989 · 161 episodes · Studio Deen · #1232 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Da Zhuzai: Nian Fan The Great Ruler ONA · 2023 · 52 episodes · Motion Magic · #1272 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
22. 22 Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan A Record Of Mortal's Journey To Immortality ONA · 2020 · 17 episodes · Original Force · #1273 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
23. 23 Zhe Tian Shrouding the Heavens ONA · 2023 · 208 episodes · Original Force · #1355 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
24. 24 Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan: Chongzhi Ban ONA · 2023 · 21 episodes · Original Force · #1388 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
25. 25 Doupo Cangqiong: Yuanqi Fights Break Sphere Special 4: Origin ONA · 2022 · 3 episodes · Motion Magic · #1564 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.