5 Greatest Swordfighters in Anime, Ranked

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Swords exude an undeniable charm, and those who wield them – be they knights or ladies – are equally captivating. After all, mastering such a formidable weapon requires a worthy practitioner. These skilled swordsmen possess extraordinary talents that enable their combat prowess, have undergone rigorous training, or simply ooze charisma when brandishing a blade. There’s no one who can rival the expertise of these valiant warriors.

Embracing my passion for the art of the blade, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary nature of these weapons, be it a traditional katana, a mechanical prosthetic, or even sentient blades! But what truly sets them apart are their wielders – the Ronin, mercenaries, assassins, and shinigami. These masters of swords aren’t just skilled; they’re extraordinary. Their backstories are as intricate and captivating as the battles they’ve fought, with tales of demonic powers, unique weapons, and skills that match the sharpness of their blades. And let’s not forget their indomitable will, a strength forged far beyond their steel, making them nearly invincible opponents on the battlefield.

5) Akame from Akame ga Kill!

In her past, Akame was compelled to become an assassin alongside her sister under the Empire’s tutelage. However, she later joined the rebellious group known as Night Raid with the aim of overthrowing the corrupt ruling body. Teigu are extraordinary artifacts that can manifest as various tools, weapons, or even living beings, and only the strongest warriors can control them. Akame’s weapon, Murasame, is an example of a Teigu. This long katana-like sword functions as a cursed blade capable of killing instantly through a poisonous curse that seeps into the victim’s body and quickly stops their heart upon contact.

Akame obtained Murasame, a sword previously owned by her mentor and father figure within the Empire, Gozuki, whom she defeated. Despite being an expert swordsman, Akame needs to exercise caution when using this blade due to its potentially hazardous nature. Even cleaning the sword is risky. Given that only Akame seems capable of activating Murasame’s special move, it appears as though the sword considers Akame as its true master.

Akame ga Kill! can be streamed on HIDIVE or Hulu where available.

4) Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach

In the anime, Ichigo’s Zanpakuto, named Zangetsu, is a distinctive weapon with unique qualities. It embodies both Ichigo’s inner Hollow and Quincy powers, as well as its own manifested spirit. Throughout the series, Ichigo undergoes rigorous training and faces numerous challenges to master his Zanpakuto, not just wielding the blade effectively but also controlling his internal abilities.

Bleach can be streamed on Disney+ or Hulu where available.

3) Afro from Afro Samurai

From a tender age, a man named Afro was forced to master the art of swordsmanship and learn how to take lives, following the gruesome sight of his father, Rokutaro – once the highest-ranked swordsman identified by a headband – being beheaded before him. The perpetrator was the former Number 2, now the new Number 1 known as Justice. As Afro progressed and honed his skills, he encountered all challengers using various strategies, from sneak attacks to unconventional weapons like firearms and rocket-propelled grenades. Possessing the uncanny ability to deflect bullets and driven by revenge and his ambition to claim the Number 1 spot, Afro is a swordsman not to be underestimated.

Afro Samurai can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

2) Hyakkimaru from Dororo

In a self-sacrificing act for his father, Hyakkimaru was born bereft of eyes, nose, ears, limbs, and skin. Miraculously, a man named Jukai found him and raised him, equipping him with artificial arms fitted with swords, teaching him martial arts. Remarkably, despite the many things taken from him, Hyakkimaru developed extraordinary senses. As he embarks on his quest to vanquish the 12 demons and recover his lost body parts, not only is Hyakkimaru proficient in sword fighting, but he does so without real limbs and utilizing heightened senses.

Dororo can be streamed on Prime Video, Hulu, and HIDIVE.

1) Guts from Berserk

In various anime series, enormous swords abound, yet none are as instantly recognizable and memorable as Guts’s colossal sword, the Dragon Slayer, within the broader anime fanbase. It has become a popular subject for memes, with many attempting to exaggerate its size in comparison to Guts in sketches and edits. Not only can Guts wield this massive weapon, but he can also swing it with seemingly unstoppable force. As a swordsman, Guts stands out due to his determination, strategic development, and battle acumen, which are evident even when compared to skilled characters like Serpico who excel in swordsmanship. Furthermore, Guts has demonstrated impressive feats against fellow Berserk characters such as Griffith and otherworldly foes like Grunbeld. His extraordinary agility and acrobatics become amplified when he puts on the Berserker Armor.

In the ever-changing battlefield, Guts encounters countless foes ranging from brutal human militias to terrifying demonic entities. To conquer such a nightmarish landscape, one would need not only immense physical strength but an indomitable spirit stronger than the steel that forges his sword. Indeed, Guts demonstrates this fearlessness by being willing to sacrifice even his own arm to protect those dear to him.

However, it’s worth noting that in the story of Berserk, Guts’ prowess with a sword is already evident early on. His mastery over the weapon often takes a backseat to the captivating display of his unrelenting fighting style.

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2025-09-14 01:40