Best Japanese action series

Get ready to binge. We've found a collection of must-watch action shows from Japan, now streaming on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Prime Video, and other top services!

  • Poster for Dan Da Dan

    Dan Da Dan 2024

    In a bet to prove whether ghosts or aliens exist, two high schoolers face terrifying paranormal threats, gain superpowers and maybe even fall in love?!

    MBC
    84
  • Poster for Gachiakuta

    Gachiakuta 2025

    Accused of murder and thrown into the Pit, a young orphan joins a group of monster fighters with special powers to uncover the truth and seek vengeance.

    MBC
    79
  • Poster for SAKAMOTO DAYS

    SAKAMOTO DAYS 2025

    Once the greatest hitman of all, Taro Sakamoto retired in the name of love. But when his past catches up, he must fight to protect his beloved family.

    TSC
    79
  • Poster for Kaiju No. 8

    Kaiju No. 8 2024

    In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno's determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka's promise to join Mina and protect humanity.

    TSC
    82
  • Poster for Sentenced to Be a Hero

    Sentenced to Be a Hero 2026

    In a world where heroism is a punishment, Xylo Forbartz, a condemned goddess killer, battles endless hordes of monstrous abominations as part of Penal Hero Unit 9004. Death is no escape, only a cycle of resurrection and relentless combat. But when Xylo encounters a mysterious new goddess, their unlikely alliance sparks a rebellion that could shatter the chains of eternal punishment.

    Tokyo MX
    78
  • Poster for SPY x FAMILY

    SPY x FAMILY 2022

    A spy, an assassin and a telepath come together to pose as a family, each for their own reasons, while hiding their true identities from each other.

    TSC
    82
  • Poster for Last Samurai Standing

    Last Samurai Standing 2025

    In the early Meiji era, Shujiro, once known as an undefeated samurai, decides to participate in a deadly survival game to save his family and villagers.

    Netflix
    76
  • Poster for Jujutsu Kaisen

    Jujutsu Kaisen 2020

    Yuji Itadori is a boy with tremendous physical strength, though he lives a completely ordinary high school life. One day, to save a classmate who has been attacked by curses, he eats the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, taking the curse into his own soul. From then on, he shares one body with Ryomen Sukuna. Guided by the most powerful of sorcerers, Satoru Gojo, Itadori is admitted to Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses... and thus begins the heroic tale of a boy who became a curse to exorcise a curse, a life from which he could never turn back.

    MBC
    84
  • Poster for Lazarus

    Lazarus 2025

    In 2052, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist develops a drug called Hapna — a cure-all that has the unexpected side-effect of causing death three years later. In response to this threat, a special force of agents—nicknamed "Lazarus"— is assembled to take on the malevolent Skinner.

    TSC
    69
  • Poster for The Beginning After the End

    The Beginning After the End 2025

    After a mysterious death, King Grey is reborn as Arthur Leywin on the magical continent of Dicathen. Although he enters his second life as a baby, his previous wisdom remains. He begins to master magic and forge his own path as the years go by, seeking to correct the mistakes of his past life.

    AT-X
    65
  • Poster for Hell's Paradise

    Hell's Paradise 2023

    For a chance at a pardon, a ninja assassin joins other condemned criminals on a journey to a mysterious island to retrieve an elixir of immortality.

    TSC
    79
  • Poster for Wistoria: Wand and Sword

    Wistoria: Wand and Sword 2024

    In a world where magic reigns, Will Serfort can’t cast a spell. Though hardworking, Will’s classmates think less of him for it. However, he has a secret strength: his sword. Can Will defy expectations with muscle over magic and blade over wand? Find out in this epic sword-and-sorcery adventure!

    MBC
    77
  • Poster for The Water Magician

    The Water Magician 2025

    Reincarnation had Ryo dreaming of peace, but instead he lands into a monster-infested wilderness. With water magic and eternal youth, he survives countless wicked concoctions for 20 years, becoming one of the most powerful magicians ever. Ryo’s fate shifts when he meets Abel, a genius knight, thrusting him into magical society’s spotlight. Thus, the Water Magician’s wild adventure begins!

    TBS
    70
  • Poster for Clevatess

    Clevatess 2025

    One of the Lords of Dark Beasts, Clevatess’s reign shatters when he revives a hero he personally slayed and adopts an orphaned humanoid baby—the last hope to save a dying world. Now bound together, what fate awaits this unlikely trio?

    AT-X
    77
  • Poster for WIND BREAKER

    WIND BREAKER 2024

    Furin High School's delinquents get bad grades, but they excel at protecting their town. Then a victory-obsessed newcomer threatens the balance of power.

    MBC
    75
  • Poster for Ranma1/2

    Ranma1/2 2024

    Akane Tendo meets her new fiancé, Ranma Saotome, a martial arts prodigy with a twist: he magically transforms into a girl upon touching cold water.

    YBC
    81
  • Poster for From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman

    From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman 2025

    Beryl Gardenant, a middle-aged swordsman running a dojo in the backwaters, lives a quiet life, until Allucia, former student and Commander of the Royal Order of Knights, appears! Beryl’s life is about to change dramatically! City life. Old students. New friends and formidable foes. It’s all too much. But after years of training, he has mad skills, and he’s been dubbed “the backwater swordmaster.”

    Ryu-Q Asahi Broadcasting
    68
  • Poster for Alice in Borderland

    Alice in Borderland 2020

    With his two friends, a video-game-obsessed young man finds himself in a strange version of Tokyo where they must compete in dangerous games to win.

    Netflix
    78
  • Poster for Star Wars: Visions

    Star Wars: Visions 2021

    This anthology of animated shorts from around the world celebrates the mythos of Star Wars through unique cultural lenses.

    Disney+
    69
  • Poster for Record of Ragnarok

    Record of Ragnarok 2021

    Before eradicating humankind from the world, the gods give them one last chance to prove themselves worthy of survival. Let the Ragnarok battles begin.

    Netflix
    70
  • Poster for To Your Eternity

    To Your Eternity 2021

    An immortal being takes on the form of a human boy, wandering the earth and experiencing the pains and joys of life throughout his story without end.

    NHK Educational TV
    80
  • Poster for Fire Force

    Fire Force 2019

    Year 198 of the Solar Era in Tokyo, special fire brigades are fighting against a phenomenon called spontaneous human combustion where humans beings are turned into living infernos called "Infernals". While the Infernals are first generation cases of spontaneous human combustion, later generations possess the ability to manipulate flames while retaining human form. Shinra Kusakabe, a youth who gained the nickname Devil's Footprints for his ability to ignite his feet at will, joins the Special Fire Force Company 8 which composes of other flames users as they work to extinguish any Infernals they encounter. As a faction that is creating Infernals appears, Shira begins to uncover the truth behind a mysterious fire that caused the death of his family twelve years ago.

    MBC
    75
  • Poster for That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

    That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime 2018

    Corporate worker Mikami Satoru is stabbed by a random killer, and is reborn to an alternate world. But he turns out to be reborn a slime! Thrown into this new world with the name Rimuru, he begins his quest to create a world that’s welcoming to all races.

    KRY
    81
  • Poster for TRIGUN STAMPEDE

    TRIGUN STAMPEDE 2023

    Vash the Stampede's a joyful gunslinging pacifist, so why does he have a $$6 million bounty on his head? That's what's puzzling rookie reporter Meryl Stryfe and her jaded veteran partner when looking into the vigilante only to find someone who hates blood.

    TSC
    73
  • Poster for My Hero Academia

    My Hero Academia 2016

    After he saves a bully from a Villain, a normal student is granted a superpower that allows him to attend a high school training academy for Heroes.

    KRY
    80
  • Poster for The Rising of the Shield Hero

    The Rising of the Shield Hero 2019

    Iwatani Naofumi, a run-of-the-mill otaku, finds a book in the library that summons him to another world. He is tasked with joining the sword, spear, and bow as one of the Four Cardinal Heroes and fighting the Waves of Catastrophe as the Shield Hero. Excited by the prospect of a grand adventure, Naofumi sets off with his party. However, merely a few days later, he is betrayed and loses all his money, dignity, and respect. Unable to trust anyone anymore, he employs a slave named Raphtalia and takes on the Waves and the world. But will he really find a way to overturn this desperate situation?

    AT-X
    75
  • Poster for Dorohedoro

    Dorohedoro 2020

    Amnesiac Caiman seeks to undo his lizard head curse by killing the sorcerer responsible, with his friend Nikaido's help. In the Hole, that's a threat.

    Anime Times
    79
  • Poster for Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-

    Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- 2016

    Natsuki Subaru, an ordinary high school student, is on his way home from the convenience store when he finds himself transported to another world. As he's lost and confused in a new world where he doesn't even know left from right, the only person to reach out to him was a beautiful girl with silver hair. Determined to repay her somehow for saving him from his own despair, Subaru agrees to help the girl find something she's looking for.

    AT-X
    80
  • Poster for One-Punch Man

    One-Punch Man 2015

    Saitama is a hero who only became a hero for fun. After three years of “special” training, though, he’s become so strong that he’s practically invincible. In fact, he’s too strong—even his mightiest opponents are taken out with a single punch, and it turns out that being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. With his passion for being a hero lost along with his hair, yet still faced with new enemies every day, how much longer can he keep it going?

    TSC
    83
  • Poster for Golden Kamuy

    Golden Kamuy 2018

    A Russo-Japanese War veteran partners with an Ainu girl to find a treasure stolen from her people, but they’re not the only ones pursuing the gold.

    Tokyo MX
    77
  • Poster for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

    JoJo's Bizarre Adventure 2012

    Follow the intergenerational feud between the Joestar Family and various forces of evil, the most prominent of which is Dio Brando and his followers.

    BS11
    82
  • Poster for Black Butler

    Black Butler 2008

    In Victorian London, 12-year-old business magnate Ciel Phantomhive thwarts dangers to the queen as he's watched over by his demon butler, Sebastian.

    Tochigi TV
    73
  • Poster for One Piece

    One Piece 1999

    Years ago, the fearsome Pirate King, Gol D. Roger was executed leaving a huge pile of treasure and the famous "One Piece" behind. Whoever claims the "One Piece" will be named the new King of the Pirates. Monkey D. Luffy, a boy who consumed a "Devil Fruit," decides to follow in the footsteps of his idol, the pirate Shanks, and find the One Piece. It helps, of course, that his body has the properties of rubber and that he's surrounded by a bevy of skilled fighters and thieves to help him along the way. Luffy will do anything to get the One Piece and become King of the Pirates!

    Tokai Television Broadcasting
    87
  • Poster for Attack on Titan

    Attack on Titan 2013

    100 years ago, the last remnants of humanity were forced to retreat behind the towering walls of a fortified city to escape the massive, man-eating Titans that roamed the land outside their fortress. Only the members of the Scouting Legion dared to stray beyond the safety of the walls – but even those brave warriors seldom returned alive. Those within the city clung to the illusion of a peaceful existence until the day that dream was shattered, and their slim chance at survival was reduced to one horrifying choice: kill – or be devoured!

    NHK G
    87
  • Poster for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood 2009

    Disregard for alchemy’s laws ripped half of Edward Elric’s limbs from his body and left his brother Alphonse’s soul clinging to a suit of armor. To restore what was lost, the brothers seek the Philosopher’s Stone. Enemies and allies – the corrupt military, the Homunculi, and foreign alchemists – will alter the Elric brothers course, but their purpose will remain unchanged and their bond unbreakable.

    MBC South Japan Broadcasting
    89
  • Poster for Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

    Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba 2019

    After a demon attack leaves his family slain and his sister cursed, Tanjiro embarks upon a perilous journey to find a cure and avenge those he's lost.

    KKT
    85
  • Poster for Cowboy Bebop

    Cowboy Bebop 1998

    In 2071, roughly fifty years after an accident with a hyperspace gateway made the Earth almost uninhabitable, humanity has colonized most of the rocky planets and moons of the Solar System. Amid a rising crime rate, the Inter Solar System Police (ISSP) set up a legalized contract system, in which registered bounty hunters, also referred to as "Cowboys", chase criminals and bring them in alive in return for a reward.

    WOWOW Prime
    87
  • Poster for Naruto

    Naruto 2002

    Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village's leader and strongest ninja.

    TV Tokyo
    82
  • Poster for Naruto Shippūden

    Naruto Shippūden 2007

    After 2 and a half years Naruto finally returns to his village of Konoha, and sets about putting his ambitions to work. It will not be easy though as he has amassed a few more dangerous enemies, in the likes of the shinobi organization; Akatsuki.

    TV Tokyo
    85
  • Poster for Dragon Ball Z

    Dragon Ball Z 1989

    Now happily married and with a son, martial arts champion Goku must defend Earth from a series of extraterrestrial invaders bent on destruction.

    Fuji TV
    85
  • Poster for Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

    Cyberpunk: Edgerunners 2022

    In a dystopia riddled with corruption and cybernetic implants, a talented but reckless street kid strives to become a mercenary outlaw — an edgerunner.

    Netflix
    83
  • Poster for Hunter x Hunter

    Hunter x Hunter 2011

    To fulfill his dreams of becoming a legendary Hunter like his dad, a young boy must pass a rigorous examination and find his missing father.

    NTV
    88
  • Poster for Neon Genesis Evangelion

    Neon Genesis Evangelion 1995

    At the turn of the century, the Angels returned to Earth, seeking to wipe out humanity in an apocalyptic fury. Devastated, mankind's last remnants moved underground to wait for the day when the Angels would come back to finish the job. Fifteen years later, that day has come... but this time, humanity is ready to fight back with terrifying bio-mechanical weapons known as the Evangelions. Watch as Shinji, Rei, Asuka and the rest of the mysterious shadow agency Nerv battle to save earth from total annihilation.

    TV Tokyo
    83
  • Poster for Dragon Ball

    Dragon Ball 1986

    Young Goku sets off on a quest with his teenage friend Bulma to find the seven Dragon Balls, which grant whoever possesses them a single wish.

    Fuji TV
    83
  • Poster for Sword Art Online

    Sword Art Online 2012

    In the near future, a Virtual Reality Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (VRMMORPG) called Sword Art Online has been released where players control their avatars with their bodies using a piece of technology called Nerve Gear. One day, players discover they cannot log out, as the game creator is holding them captive unless they reach the 100th floor of the game's tower and defeat the final boss. However, if they die in the game, they die in real life. Their struggle for survival starts now...

    Tochigi TV
    75
  • Poster for Solo Leveling

    Solo Leveling 2024

    They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.

    Tochigi TV
    86
  • Poster for Fullmetal Alchemist

    Fullmetal Alchemist 2003

    Two young brothers are raised as alchemists, but when they are severely injured trying to perform a forbidden act, they begin searching for the one thing that can save them; the fabled philosopher's stone.

    TBS
    82
  • Poster for Bleach

    Bleach 2004

    For as long as he can remember, Ichigo Kurosaki has been able to see ghosts. But when he meets Rukia, a Soul Reaper who battles evil spirits known as Hollows, he finds his life is changed forever. Now, with a newfound wealth of spiritual energy, Ichigo discovers his true calling: to protect the living and the dead from evil.

    TV Setouchi
    82
  • Poster for Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

    Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion 2006

    Japan has been invaded and conquered by the Britannian Empire. Japan is now known as Area 11 and its citizens known as Elevens. The Britannian Empire takes away Japan's autonomous power and imposes its rule through the use of Knightmares. The Empire's rule has never faltered, but cracks have begun to show...

    MBS
    86
  • Poster for Chainsaw Man

    Chainsaw Man 2022

    Denji has a simple dream—to live a happy and peaceful life, spending time with a girl he likes. This is a far cry from reality, however, as Denji is forced by the yakuza into killing devils in order to pay off his crushing debts. Using his pet devil Pochita as a weapon, he is ready to do anything for a bit of cash.

    TV Setouchi
    81
  • Poster for Mob Psycho 100

    Mob Psycho 100 2016

    Shigeo Kageyama, a.k.a. "Mob," is a boy who has trouble expressing himself, but who happens to be a powerful esper. Mob is determined to live a normal life and keeps his ESP suppressed, but when his emotions surge to a level of 100%, something terrible happens to him! As he's surrounded by false espers, evil spirits, and mysterious organizations, what will Mob think? What choices will he make?

    Tokyo MX
    85
  • Poster for Dragon Ball Super

    Dragon Ball Super 2015

    With Majin Buu defeated half-a-year prior, peace returns to Earth, where Son Goku (now a radish farmer) and his friends now live peaceful lives. However, a new threat appears in the form of Beerus, the God of Destruction. Considered the most terrifying being in the entire universe, Beerus is eager to fight the legendary warrior seen in a prophecy foretold decades ago known as the Super Saiyan God. The series retells the events from the two Dragon Ball Z films, Battle of Gods and Resurrection 'F' before proceeding to an original story about the exploration of alternate universes.

    Fuji TV
    80
  • Poster for Parasyte -the maxim-

    Parasyte -the maxim- 2014

    A species of parasitic aliens descends on Earth and quickly infiltrates humanity by entering the brains of vulnerable targets; insatiable beings that gain total control of their host and are capable of transforming themselves to feed on unsuspecting prey. High school student Shinichi Izumi falls victim to one of these parasites, but the creature fails to take over his brain and ends up in his right hand.

    NTV
    80
  • Poster for Vinland Saga

    Vinland Saga 2019

    For a thousand years, the Vikings have made quite a name and reputation for themselves as the strongest families with a thirst for violence. Thorfinn, the son of one of the Vikings' greatest warriors, spends his boyhood in a battlefield enhancing his skills in his adventure to redeem his most-desired revenge after his father was murdered.

    Tokyo MX
    85
  • Poster for The Seven Deadly Sins

    The Seven Deadly Sins 2014

    The “Seven Deadly Sins”—a group of evil knights who conspired to overthrow the kingdom of Britannia—were said to have been eradicated by the Holy Knights, although some claim that they still live. Ten years later, the Holy Knights have staged a Coup d'état and assassinated the king, becoming the new, tyrannical rulers of the kingdom. Elizabeth, the king's only daughter, sets out on a journey to find the “Seven Deadly Sins,” and to enlist their help in taking back the kingdom.

    MBC South Japan Broadcasting
    75
  • Poster for Samurai Champloo

    Samurai Champloo 2004

    Break-dancing but fierce warrior Mugen has to deal with the cold-blooded and conceited Jin, a samurai who believes he is above all. These sworn enemies are brought together by Fuu for a special task.

    Fuji TV
    84
  • Poster for Elfen Lied

    Elfen Lied 2004

    The Diclonius, a mutated homo sapien that is said to be selected by God and will eventually become the destruction of mankind, possesses two horns in their heads, and has a "sixth sense" which gives it telekinetic abilities. Due to this dangerous power, they have been captured and isolated in laboratories by the government. Lucy, a young and psychotic Diclonius, manages to break free of her confines and brutally murder most of the guards in the laboratory, only to get shot in the head as she makes her escape. She survives and manages to drift along to a beach, where two teenagers named Kouta and Yuka discovers her. Having lost her memories, she was named after the only thing that she can now say, "Nyuu," and the two allow her to stay at Kouta's home. However, it appears that the evil "Lucy" is not dead just yet...

    AT-X
    76
  • Poster for Pokémon

    Pokémon 1997

    Join Ash accompanied by his partner Pikachu, as he travels through many regions, meets new friends and faces new challenges on his quest to become a Pokémon Master.

    TV Setouchi
    75
  • Poster for Assassination Classroom

    Assassination Classroom 2015

    The students of Class 3-E have a mission: kill their teacher before graduation. He has already destroyed the moon, and has promised to destroy the Earth if he can not be killed within a year. But how can this class of misfits kill a tentacled monster, capable of reaching Mach 20 speed, who may be the best teacher any of them have ever had?

    Iwate Menkoi Television
    80
  • Poster for No Game No Life

    No Game No Life 2014

    Bored with life and considering the real world to be just a “crappy game,” savvy sibling shut-ins Sora and Shiro have withdrawn into their own fantasy world filled with video games. However, one day they find themselves summoned to another world by a boy who calls himself “God,” their abilities are about to be put to the ultimate test! Now not only their fates — but the fate of all of humanity — will be decided by a series of games that may just be the hardest these super-geniuses have ever faced!

    KBS Kyoto
    77
  • Poster for Fairy Tail

    Fairy Tail 2009

    Lucy is a 17-year-old girl, who wants to be a full-fledged mage. One day when visiting Harujion Town, she meets Natsu, a young man who gets sick easily by any type of transportation. But Natsu isn't just any ordinary kid, he's a member of one of the world's most infamous mage guilds: Fairy Tail.

    TV Setouchi
    79
  • Poster for Akame ga Kill!

    Akame ga Kill! 2014

    Young Tatsumi travels to the capital of the Empire in order to earn money for his starving people and encounters a world of unimaginable depravity, dominated by the ruthless Prime Minister who controls the child Emperor. Tatsumi is recruited by Night Raid, a group of assassins dedicated to eliminating corruption by mercilessly killing officials and privileged nobles.

    Tokyo MX
    75
  • Poster for Gurren Lagann

    Gurren Lagann 2007

    When a young laborer escapes to the world aboveground, he discovers a violent land in which humans battle robots controlled by a power-hungry noble.

    TV Setouchi
    83
  • Poster for Devilman Crybaby

    Devilman Crybaby 2018

    Akira Fudo learns from his best friend Ryo Asuka that demons will revive and reclaim the world from humans. With humans hopeless against this threat, Ryo suggests combining with a demon. With this, Akira becomes Devilman, a being with the power of demon but with a human heart.

    Netflix
    74
  • Poster for Berserk

    Berserk 1997

    A wandering, sword-wielding mercenary joins a charismatic leader in his ruthless pursuit of glory and recognition in this epic medieval tale.

    NTV
    85
  • Poster for Kill la Kill

    Kill la Kill 2013

    Honnouji Academy is forcefully ruled by the iron-fisted control of its student council and its president, Satsuki Kiryuin. Transfer student, Ryuko Matoi, arrives on campus carrying a giant sword, that is actually half of a scissor. She is looking for the woman who holds the other half of her sword who killed her father. It is said that Satsuki Kiryuin knows the identity of the killer but when Ryuko confronts her she is beaten by the student council and their powerful "Goku Uniforms" whom she cannot match in strength. However, once Ryuko receives her own "Kamui" by the name of Senketsu, the odds are lifted in her favor.

    MBS
    78