whatanimeshouldiwatchnext · Romance

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

31 anime that are both romance and martial arts, ranked by MyAnimeList, with none of the sequels, side stories or recap editions you cannot start cold. Top of the list: Katanagatari, Ranma ½ (2024), Douluo Dalu.

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The list

1. 1 Katanagatari TV · 2010 · 12 episodes · White Fox · #337 on MyAnimeList 90% would recommend
2. 2 Ranma ½ (2024) TV · 2024 · 12 episodes · MAPPA · #824 on MyAnimeList 91% would recommend
3. 3 Douluo Dalu Soul Land ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Sparkly Key Animation Studio · #848 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
4. 4 Ranma ½ TV · 1989 · 161 episodes · Studio Deen · #1232 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
5. 5 Da Zhuzai: Nian Fan The Great Ruler ONA · 2023 · 52 episodes · Motion Magic · #1272 on MyAnimeList 87% would recommend
6. 6 Doupo Cangqiong: Yuanqi Fights Break Sphere Special 4: Origin ONA · 2022 · 3 episodes · Motion Magic · #1564 on MyAnimeList 85% would recommend
7. 7 Juubee Ninpuuchou Ninja Scroll Film · 1993 · animate Film · #1741 on MyAnimeList 82% would recommend
8. 8 Fushigi Yuugi Mysterious Play TV · 1995 · 52 episodes · Studio Pierrot · #1774 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
9. 9 Cike Wu Liuqi Fanwai Scissor Seven: Extra Episodes ONA · 2018 · 4 episodes · Sharefun Studio · #2009 on MyAnimeList 84% would recommend
10. 10 Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou Basilisk TV · 2005 · 24 episodes · Gonzo · #2054 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
11. 11 Xingchen Bian Stellar Transformation ONA · 2018 · 12 episodes · Foch Film · #2169 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
12. 12 Bai She: Yuanqi White Snake Film · 2019 · Light Chaser Animation Studios · #2176 on MyAnimeList 81% would recommend
13. 13 Xue Ying Ling Zhu Legendary Overlord ONA · 2018 · 26 episodes · Mili Pictures · #2792 on MyAnimeList 76% would recommend
14. 14 Wan Jie Fa Shen God of Ten Thousand Realms ONA · 2020 · 54 episodes · Ruo Hong Culture · #2906 on MyAnimeList 78% would recommend
15. 15 Yao Shen Ji Tales of Demon and God ONA · 2017 · 40 episodes · Ruo Hong Culture · #3121 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
16. 16 Wan Jie Xian Zong Wonderland ONA · 2018 · 40 episodes · Ruo Hong Culture · #3238 on MyAnimeList 77% would recommend
17. 17 Doupo Cangqiong Fights Break Sphere ONA · 2017 · 12 episodes · Foch Film · #3559 on MyAnimeList 72% would recommend
18. 18 Ling Jian Zun Spirit Sword Sovereign ONA · 2019 · 30 episodes · Suoyi Technology · #5262 on MyAnimeList 63% would recommend
19. 19 Sumomomo Momomo: Chijou Saikyou no Yome Sumomomo Momomo: The World's Strongest Bride TV · 2006 · 22 episodes · Studio Hibari · #5763 on MyAnimeList 61% would recommend
20. 20 Xie Wang Zhui Qi Be My Wife ONA · 2019 · 13 episodes · Big Firebird Culture · #6027 on MyAnimeList 59% would recommend
21. 21 Sasuga no Sarutobi Amazing Sarutobi TV · 1982 · 69 episodes · Tsuchida Productions · #6141 on MyAnimeList 60% would recommend
22. 22 Asu no Yoichi! Samurai Harem TV · 2009 · 12 episodes · AIC · #6845 on MyAnimeList 57% would recommend
23. 23 Maji de Watashi ni Koi Shinasai! Majikoi: Oh! Samurai Girls TV · 2011 · 12 episodes · Lerche · #7006 on MyAnimeList 57% would recommend
24. 24 Da Zhuzai The Grand Lord ONA · 2019 · 12 episodes · Foch Film · #7767 on MyAnimeList 52% would recommend
25. 25 The King of Fighters: Destiny ONA · 2017 · 24 episodes · iDRAGONS Creative Studio · #7816 on MyAnimeList 53% 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.