What makes an action anime shine is its ability to keep up its fast-paced momentum using well-timed action scenes. Most of the time, anime series get bogged down by the amount of filler episodes that get lumped in between arcs. Although this isn't as common anymore with action anime nowadays, it makes the anime suffer, especially when it's anime-only content and not from a preexisting manga source material.

Action anime with tightknit storytelling, which also have episodes that directly project the main plot forward, are more memorable and impactful, since the main objective of the characters doesn't get forgotten or lost in subplots. When every episode counts in an anime, viewers can expect it to be in for a ride through an amazing experience. A strong plot, interesting characters and jaw-dropping fight scenes will make any action anime a show to remember.

Attack on Titan wastes no time getting into the gritty aspects of the series and sets the tone for just how brutal the plot will be. This action anime is the perfect example of an anime that uses every single episode it has to contribute to the greater theme and plot progression. Every battle that the Scout Regime encounters brings something new to the table, which makes every action sequence in the anime refreshing and jaw-dropping.

This anime has four seasons for viewers to dive right into and two movies to complete the whole series. This anime doesn't drag itself on for longer than it needs to and, since every episode counts, viewers won't want to tear their eyes away from any scene for a second. Attack on Titan has an amazing amount of details that viewers will most likely miss during their first watch through, which makes this one of the best rewatchable shonen anime as well.

Jujutsu Kaisen is a newer addition to the shonen and action anime universe, and it's often praised for its incredible fight sequences and animation direction that truly elevates its storytelling. Jujutsu Kaisen displays an impressive number of action-packed moments with some of the smoothest animations befitting its overpowered characters. Plenty of moments in the first half of Jujutsu Kaisen season two often get praise for the incredible amount of detail it has.

There is a clearcut goal that Jujutsu Kaisen aims for, and every episode heads toward that goal, though trying to ensure that Sukuna doesn't get revived proves to be much harder than any of the sorcerers could've anticipated. The clear objective in this action-packed anime makes it a solid watch and makes the action scenes even more intense, since every battle either means an incredible win or loss for the sorcerers.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has an in-depth exploration of its combat system, which solely revolves around the usage of alchemy. Viewers are exposed to their magic system with Alphonse and Edward, who show viewers the dangers of messing with an incredible power without proper knowledge of it.

Although most combat scenes are based on one sole magic system, which is alchemy, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood uses alchemy in some of the most creative ways that show how flexible and diverse the magic system can be. From objects infused with alchemic abilities to those who are naturally gifted in the art of it, viewers will be swept up by Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's impressive worldbuilding and universe that every episode is dedicated to expressing.

86: Eighty-Six is an incredible mecha anime that shows the consequences of death and how it can tragically alter and shape those who are still alive. Where no character is safe, viewers can expect every scene and episode counts in 86: Eighty-Six as it highlights the cruelties of war and the dangerous potential of AI in a world where it goes out of control. While the use of CGI is a hit or miss, this anime uses it in the best way possible and makes it appear seamlessly integrated with its art style.

86 Eighty-Six also has one of the best endings to any anime, as it answers almost every question in presents but also leaves room for a potential second season if it happens. On top of having every episode be meaningful to the characters and the main premise of the anime, having an anime wrap up as perfectly as 86 Eighty-Six is a rare occurrence to have. Those looking for an action-packed anime filled with emotional moments and incredible character development won't be disappointed with this mecha anime.

Although the Tokyo Ghoul anime franchise has its difficulties, it's safe to say that the first season of Tokyo Ghoul remains one of the best in its franchise and iconic to those who are big fans of action anime. Tokyo Ghoul explores the sinister world of ghouls living among humans, who are hard to tell apart because of their ability to effectively hide their murderous intent and their strange abilities. Since the anime has 12 episodes, each episode contributes to the development of Kaneki Ken as he adjusts to his new life as a half-ghoul.

Ghouls are merciless in Tokyo Ghoul and every fight that Kaneki and his allies encounter always feels unpredictable because of their erratic behavior and bloodlust. Often fascinated with Kaneki's half-ghoul origin, Kaneki doesn't truly have a place he belongs, which plays a critical role in his development. For better or worse, he's forced to adapt to change in order to survive, and every ghoul he encounters along the way drastically shapes the person he becomes.

Chainsaw Man brings in gore in full force with its action-heavy premise. Every episode offers something new about the world of Chainsaw Man, the fate of the characters and the horrific life of a devil hunter in a world ruled by fear. The action scenes in Chainsaw Man showcase the incredible skill discrepancy between those who are devils and those who aren't. This forces humans to push themselves past their limits to match even a the little power that devils have.

The fights in Chainsaw Man are never the same and are used to highlight the hopelessness of fighting against a devil. Sometimes, fights rage on for days on end with no rest, while other fights last for less than five minutes. The unpredictable abilities of the devils is what truly shines in this anime. Devils are directly correlated with human emotions, which makes this anime stand out from simply being a "human vs. non-human" anime.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows the progress of Tanjiro, whose goal is to return Nezuko back to a human, no matter the cost. Tanjiro is not an extremely overpowered demon slayer compared to the others who've had years and years of experience, but his determination and sheer will to improve his breathing techniques is a great example of how hard work pays off.

Every episode is dedicated to Tanjiro's improvement as a demon slayer and viewers always get to see how he's such an incredibly positive influence on his peers around him as well. Empathy is a rare attribute to keep as a demon slayer, but he brings back humanity within the other demon slayers through the goodness of his heart. Each fight that appears in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is accompanied by stunning animation stemming from their breathing techniques, as well as the grotesque abilities of the demons they slay.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners encapsulates the fleetingness of life and highlights the discrepancy between the rich and poor. This sci-fi dystopian anime, which takes place in the same world as the game Cyberpunk 2077, has 10 episodes packed with intense action and amazing animation that'll leave viewers eager for more. It's no surprise that the animation is stellar, especially since Studio Trigger was the animation studio that delivered this amazing anime.

Viewers dive into the messed-up world right away and watch David's descent into the madness and chaos that Cyberpunk: Edgerunners takes place in. The anime also highlights just how valuable friendship and trust are, and they become major points during fights, where one misplaced trust can cost someone their life. It's a perfect anime to dive into if viewers are looking for something fast-paced and explosive.

Kill la Kill is another action-heavy anime produced by Studio Trigger and features stunning animation and fluid fight scenes that'll make it hard for viewers to peel their eyes away from. Kill la Kill has an overly dramatic way of portraying itself, which ends up being a strength. Not only that, the premise of Kill la Kill is quite unique in itself too. Powers come in the form of outfits, and those who wield the outfit transform and utilize powerful armor and weapons.

This action-packed anime also seamlessly blends its action and comedy together in a way that moves the plot forward without it bogging down. Every episode contributes to Ryuko's goal to avenge her murdered father. She meets a number of unique characters along her journey, both friends and enemies, that will keep viewers invested to see if she can achieve her goals.

Vinland Saga season one is filled to the brim with amazing hand-to-hand and sword combat that leaves viewers in awe. Every episode contributes as build-up to season two and, more importantly, Thorfinn's development as a person. He goes through more trials than anyone can fathom and changes so much throughout the entire series that viewers will be left in awe about just how thought out his character build-up is throughout season one going into season two.

For those who are fans of the history behind Vikings, Vinland Saga is the perfect anime to get into as it portrays some of the best character development, fighting scenes and complex cast to date. Although it might not seem like it at first, since the plot build-up to the main point takes time to develop, every episode actively tackles topics of morals and humanity. Thorfinn is forced to face these two concepts throughout his journey with Askeladd.