whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Action

The best psychological action anime you can start from the beginning

35 anime that are both action and psychological, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Kenpuu Denki Berserk, Banana Fish, Pluto.

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The list

1. 1 Kenpuu Denki Berserk Berserk TV · 1997 · 25 episodes · OLM · #110 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
2. 2 Banana Fish TV · 2018 · 24 episodes · MAPPA · #192 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
3. 3 Pluto ONA · 2023 · 8 episodes · Studio M2 · #206 on MyAnimeList 94% would recommend
4. 4 Jiyi Guanli Ju (2026) False Memory (2026) ONA · 2026 · 7 episodes · Flint Sugar · #263 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
5. 5 Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu Parasyte: The Maxim TV · 2014 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #308 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
6. 6 Psycho-Pass TV · 2012 · 22 episodes · Production I.G · #313 on MyAnimeList 92% would recommend
7. 7 Zhan Shen: Fanchen Shenyu Slay The Gods ONA · 2024 · 15 episodes · Shenman Culture · #606 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
8. 8 Koukaku Kidoutai (TV) The Ghost in the Shell TV · 2026 · 10 episodes · Science SARU · #854 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
9. 9 Tekkon Kinkreet Tekkonkinkreet Film · 2006 · Studio 4°C · #859 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 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
11. 11 Zetsuen no Tempest Blast of Tempest TV · 2012 · 24 episodes · Bones · #995 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
12. 12 Tokyo Ghoul TV · 2014 · 12 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1206 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
13. 13 Jin-Rou Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade Film · 2000 · Production I.G · #1218 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
14. 14 Berserk: Ougon Jidai-hen I - Haou no Tamago Berserk: The Golden Age Arc I - The Egg of the King Film · 2012 · Studio 4°C · #1413 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
15. 15 Inuyashiki Inuyashiki: Last Hero TV · 2017 · 11 episodes · MAPPA · #1709 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
16. 16 Casshern Sins TV · 2008 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #2138 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
17. 17 Jiyi Guanli Ju False Memory ONA · 2020 · 1 episode · Flint Sugar · #2318 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
18. 18 Elfen Lied TV · 2004 · 13 episodes · Arms · #2394 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
19. 19 Gantz:O Film · 2016 · Digital Frontier · #2582 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
20. 20 Gunslinger Girl TV · 2003 · 13 episodes · Madhouse · #2684 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
21. 21 Mardock Scramble: The First Compression Film · 2010 · GoHands · #2689 on MyAnimeList 79% would recommend
22. 22 Mirai Nikki (TV) The Future Diary TV · 2011 · 26 episodes · asread. · #2731 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
23. 23 Shigurui Shigurui: Death Frenzy TV · 2007 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #2840 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
24. 24 Speed Grapher TV · 2005 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #3172 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
25. 25 Btooom! BTOOOM! TV · 2012 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #3361 on MyAnimeList 74% 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.