whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Drama

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

26 anime that are both drama and martial arts, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Wushen Zhuzai, Cike Wu Liuqi Fanwai, Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou.

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The list

1. 1 Wushen Zhuzai The God of War Dominates ONA · 2020 · 720 episodes · Ruo Hong Culture · #1836 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
2. 2 Cike Wu Liuqi Fanwai Scissor Seven: Extra Episodes ONA · 2018 · 4 episodes · Sharefun Studio · #2009 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
3. 3 Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou Basilisk TV · 2005 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #2054 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
4. 4 Bai She: Yuanqi White Snake Film · 2019 · Light Chaser Animation Studios · #2176 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
5. 5 Mugen no Juunin: Immortal Blade of the Immortal ONA · 2019 · 24 episodes · LIDENFILMS · #2409 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
6. 6 Salaryman Kintarou TV · 2001 · 20 episodes · JCF · #2608 on MyAnimeList 75% would recommend
7. 7 Shigurui Shigurui: Death Frenzy TV · 2007 · 12 episodes · Madhouse · #2840 on MyAnimeList 74% would recommend
8. 8 Nabari no Ou TV · 2008 · 26 episodes · J.C.Staff · #3522 on MyAnimeList 71% would recommend
9. 9 Hokuto no Ken Movie Fist of the North Star: The Movie Film · 1986 · Toei Animation · #3624 on MyAnimeList 73% would recommend
10. 10 Tokyo Majin Gakuen Kenpuuchou: Tou Tokyo Majin TV · 2007 · 14 episodes · AIC Spirits · #4744 on MyAnimeList 68% would recommend
11. 11 Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae Sabu & Ichi's Arrest Warrant TV · 1968 · 52 episodes · Toei Animation · #4934 on MyAnimeList 65% would recommend
12. 12 Tenjou Tenge Tenjho Tenge TV · 2004 · 24 episodes · Madhouse · #5663 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
13. 13 Mugen no Juunin Blade of the Immortal TV · 2008 · 13 episodes · Bee Train · #5746 on MyAnimeList 62% would recommend
14. 14 Hokuto no Ken: Fist of the North Star TV · 2026 · 14 episodes · TMS Entertainment · #5991 on MyAnimeList 58% would recommend
15. 15 Xie Wang Zhui Qi Be My Wife ONA · 2019 · 13 episodes · Big Firebird Culture · #6027 on MyAnimeList 59% would recommend
16. 16 Dadao Duxing: Die Long Bian Walking the Way All Alone ONA · 2026 · 16 episodes · Wonder Cat Animation · #6502 on MyAnimeList 65% would recommend
17. 17 Hua Jianghu: Ling Zhu ONA · 2015 · 41 episodes · Rocen · #6856 on MyAnimeList 59% would recommend
18. 18 Shadow Skill (1996) Shadow Skill: The Movie OVA · 1996 · 3 episodes · Zero-G Room · #7420 on MyAnimeList 56% would recommend
19. 19 Sanshiliu Qi Thirty-six Cavalry ONA · 2023 · 13 episodes · CG Year · #7555 on MyAnimeList 56% would recommend
20. 20 Shadow Skill OVA · 1995 · 1 episode · Zero-G Room · #7737 on MyAnimeList 55% would recommend
21. 21 The King of Fighters: Destiny ONA · 2017 · 24 episodes · iDRAGONS Creative Studio · #7816 on MyAnimeList 53% would recommend
22. 22 Street Fighter Zero The Animation Street Fighter Alpha: The Movie Film · 1999 · Plum · #7949 on MyAnimeList 54% would recommend
23. 23 Diwang Gonglue The Emperor's Strategy ONA · 2018 · 20 episodes · Seven Stone Entertainment · #8029 on MyAnimeList 50% would recommend
24. 24 Hua Jianghu: Bu Liang Ren The Degenerate-Drawing Jianghu ONA · 2014 · 54 episodes · Rocen · #8249 on MyAnimeList 51% would recommend
25. 25 Hua Jianghu: Huan Shi Men Sheng Double life-Drawing Jiang Hu ONA · 2017 · 20 episodes · Rocen · #8251 on MyAnimeList 52% 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.