whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Adventure

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

155 anime that are both adventure 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, Guangyin Zhi Wai, Mushen Ji.

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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 Guangyin Zhi Wai Beyond Time's Gaze ONA · 2025 · 26 episodes · Yien Animation Studio · #232 on MyAnimeList 93% would recommend
3. 3 Mushen Ji Tales of Herding Gods ONA · 2024 · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #331 on MyAnimeList
4. 4 Katanagatari TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #337 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
5. 5 Cang Yuan Tu The Demon Hunter ONA · 2023 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #528 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
6. 6 Tunshi Xingkong Swallowed Star ONA · 2020 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #654 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
7. 7 Naruto TV · 2002 · 220 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #730 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
8. 8 Dragon Ball TV · 1986 · 153 episodes · Toei Animation · #780 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
9. 9 Yi Nian Yong Heng A Will Eternal ONA · 2020 · 52 episodes · B.CMAY PICTURES · #789 on MyAnimeList 86% would recommend
10. 10 Douluo Dalu Soul Land ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #848 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
11. 11 Ze Tian Ji (2026) Way of Choices ONA · 2026 · 26 episodes · Shenman Culture · #994 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
12. 12 Jian Lai The Swords ONA · 2024 · 26 episodes · Cloud Art · #1003 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
13. 13 Wanmei Shijie Perfect World ONA · 2021 · 338 episodes · Foch Film · #1057 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
14. 14 Nitian Xie Shen Against the Gods ONA · 2023 · 30 episodes · Foch Film · #1152 on MyAnimeList 88% would recommend
15. 15 Da Zhuzai: Nian Fan The Great Ruler ONA · 2023 · 52 episodes · Motion Magic · #1272 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
16. 16 Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan A Record Of Mortal's Journey To Immortality ONA · 2020 · 17 episodes · Original Force · #1273 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
17. 17 Zhe Tian Shrouding the Heavens ONA · 2023 · 208 episodes · Original Force · #1355 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
18. 18 Fanren Xiu Xian Zhuan: Chongzhi Ban ONA · 2023 · 21 episodes · Original Force · #1388 on MyAnimeList 89% would recommend
19. 19 Doupo Cangqiong: Yuanqi Fights Break Sphere Special 4: Origin ONA · 2022 · 3 episodes · Motion Magic · #1564 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
20. 20 Dadao Chaotian One Way or Another ONA · 2024 · 16 episodes · CG Year · #1666 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
21. 21 Juubee Ninpuuchou Ninja Scroll Film · 1993 · animate Film · #1741 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
22. 22 Shixiong A Shixiong Big Brother ONA · 2023 · 13 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #1761 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
23. 23 Fushigi Yuugi Mysterious Play TV · 1995 · 52 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1774 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
24. 24 Zhu Xian Jade Dynasty ONA · 2022 · 26 episodes · Cloud Art · #2049 on MyAnimeList 80% would recommend
25. 25 Xingchen Bian Stellar Transformation ONA · 2018 · 12 episodes · Foch Film · #2169 on MyAnimeList 81% 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.