Top 25 Best Underrated Action Anime To Watch In 2025

"Banana Fish" delves into a gripping world of Mafia intrigue, murder, and a compelling relationship between its two male leads. This dynamic combination makes it an especially appealing series for a diverse audience.

The story follows Ash Lynx, a young man brought up under the control of a powerful Mafia boss. Despite his upbringing, Ash seeks a path of his own, avoiding the criminal underworld that shaped his early life.

Determined to uncover the mystery behind "Banana Fish," a sinister concept intertwined with historical conflicts like the Iraq War, Ash soon finds himself on a dangerous journey.

Along the way, Ash encounters Eiji, a compassionate and steadfast companion. Together, they face immense challenges that will test their resolve and deepen their bond.

This remarkable duo's story is filled with intense action and heartfelt moments, making "Banana Fish" a series you won't want to miss.

Introducing "Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works 2nd Season" from the renowned Fate series, this installment delivers a thrilling continuation that shouldn't be missed by action anime fans.

The story unfolds amid the intricate and perilous Holy Grail War, where powerful individuals align in fierce competition for the ultimate prize.

Victory grants the winner a wish—any desire fulfilled, no matter how impossible it seems. This battle, however, is notoriously brutal, with fate itself hanging in the balance.

Across previous wars, no true victor has emerged. Now, as new contestants stake everything on their dreams, this legendary conflict escalates, pushing every character to their limits in pursuit of that elusive wish.

"Trigun" stands out for its exceptional animation and expertly crafted action sequences, a testament to Madhouse's prime era. This series delivers not just visual flair but also a compelling story filled with dynamic action and charismatic characters.

The plot centers on Vash the Stampede, a man infamous throughout the land with a staggering 60 billion double-dollar bounty on his head. His reputation for chaos and destruction precedes him, making him a target for hunters everywhere.

Though many believe Vash to be a ruthless outlaw responsible for countless deaths, he insists he’s just an ordinary guy dedicated to peace and firmly against violence. As the story unfolds, viewers are left to wonder: Who is the real Vash, and what secrets lie beneath his notorious legend?

The English title of this anime is "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime." As the name suggests, it tells the story of a man who finds himself reincarnated as a slime in a fantastical new world.

After being fatally stabbed, the main character is reborn in another realm—no longer human, but now a humble slime. However, he soon discovers he possesses extraordinary and unique abilities.

Thanks to his newfound powers, he not only survives but thrives, rising to establish an entire civilization from scratch. Guiding this new world as Rimuru Tempest, he transforms what may seem like a simple existence into an epic adventure full of excitement and intrigue.

While the premise might sound unusual at first, the series' clever storytelling and captivating execution make it a truly memorable anime experience, certain to win over anyone who gives it a chance.

"Akira" is a captivating blend of science fiction and drama, elements that contribute to its enduring uniqueness and appeal.

The story follows Shoutarou, a member of a notorious gang navigating the streets of Neo-Tokyo—a city rebuilt after a catastrophic event plunged it into chaos.

Life in Neo-Tokyo is rough, with various gangs and bikers filling their days with relentless mischief and confrontations.

Shoutarou's closest friend and rival, Tetsuo Shima, mysteriously disappears, setting off a chain of events that draws Shoutarou into a whirlpool of extraordinary happenings.

What follows is an intense, character-driven narrative filled with gripping action and thought-provoking twists, making "Akira" a must-watch for anime fans seeking something truly impactful and underrated.

"Akatsuki no Yona" follows the journey of Yona, once a sheltered princess, whose comfortable life shatters after her father, the king, is murdered by her childhood friend.

Betrayed and forced to flee her home, Yona escapes the palace with her loyal bodyguard, Hak. As she faces harsh realities outside her former royal life, she resolves to seek justice and reclaim her kingdom.

To achieve this, Yona embarks on a quest to find four legendary dragons, whose power may help her challenge the usurper. Despite adversity, her determination never wavers, making her a compelling heroine.

“Yona of the Dawn” stands out as an underrated action anime thanks to its strong female lead, engaging storyline, and emotional depth.

FLCL is an absolutely wild and unpredictable anime, delivering a level of energy and chaos that few shows can even come close to matching.

At its core, the series centers on a young boy whose older brother has moved overseas. Left behind, he’s unexpectedly drawn into the life of his brother's girlfriend—only to find things get even stranger from there.

Amidst this awkward budding romance, a mysterious girl riding a flying Vespa suddenly appears and inserts herself into the boy's world, making everything even more surreal.

If that’s not enough, the protagonist discovers he can inexplicably summon a giant robot from his forehead, leading to chaos and a series of bizarre headaches.

And believe it or not, all of this eccentric storytelling unfolds across just six episodes.

FLCL is not for those seeking conventional anime. If you crave imaginative and mind-bending series, this show will surprise and electrify you with its sheer originality.

"Overlord" is set in the final hours of a beloved online game, as players prepare to bid farewell before the servers permanently shut down.

One dedicated player, refusing to log off until the very end, suddenly finds himself transported into the world of the game just as it's supposed to end.

Instead of being disconnected, he becomes a part of the game itself—now living within its virtual realm as his powerful avatar, Momonga.

Momonga is the master of Ainz Ooal Gown, a guild that once dominated the game with its formidable presence and dark reputation.

Unlike most anime protagonists, "Overlord" takes a unique twist by placing its main character in the role of an anti-hero, or even a villain, making his journey all the more intriguing to watch.

InuYasha is a classic action anime that once captured the hearts of many fans. While it enjoyed immense popularity during its original run, it has faded somewhat from the spotlight in recent years.

Now is the perfect time to revisit this underrated series and appreciate its unique charm. The story follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day girl who is suddenly transported to Japan's tumultuous Sengoku era.

There, she comes into possession of a mystical jewel capable of granting any wish. During a fierce battle, the jewel shatters, scattering its shards across the land.

Determined to recover them before they fall into the wrong hands, Kagome teams up with InuYasha, a half-demon with his own reasons for pursuing the shards.

Together, they embark on a perilous quest, knowing that if the shards are misused, chaos could soon follow.

"Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri" is a must-watch isekai anime that stands out among its peers for its unique premise and engaging storyline.

The narrative follows Youji Itami, an otaku and selfless officer, who witnesses a mysterious phenomenon during a convention—a set of gates suddenly open, connecting their world to another.

Driven by his sense of duty, Itami steps in to protect the public amidst the chaos. While the immediate crisis is brought under control, the mystery of the gates remains unsolved.

Itami, alongside his allies, is tasked with investigating the reason behind the gates' appearance and assessing any potential threats from the other side.

As their journey unfolds, the world beyond the gates proves to be both dangerous and captivating, pushing our heroes into thrilling and unpredictable adventures.

Inspired by the popular Korean webtoon, "Tower of God" stands out as an anime that has captured the hearts of many fans worldwide.

The story centers on a young man named Bam, who faces formidable challenges as he ascends a mysterious tower. Each level brings him closer to his greatest wishes.

Bam is selected to climb the tower, granting him the chance to have any of his desires fulfilled at the summit.

Along his journey, Bam encounters a diverse cast of friends and rivals, each adding depth and excitement to his adventure.

This unique journey of ambition, mystery, and self-discovery creates an unforgettable experience for both viewers and Bam alike.

If you're searching for a fresh and captivating action anime, "Tower of God" is definitely worth your time.

Owari no Seraph immerses viewers in a dark world where humans and vampires are at odds after a deadly virus decimates the adult population.

In this harsh new reality, only children survive, but they are quickly captured by vampires and used as a source of blood.

Determined to reclaim his freedom, the main character plots a bold escape from vampire captivity, longing to return to the world he once knew.

Tragedy strikes during his attempt, resulting in the heartbreaking loss of his family.

Fueled by vengeance, Yuu swears to defeat the vampires responsible. Fortunately, he soon discovers that the remaining humans share his mission and resolve.

Hellsing is a gripping action anime that delves into themes of murder and intense combat, making it a standout series deserving of greater recognition.

The story centers on the Hellsing Organization, a secretive group dedicated to protecting humanity by eradicating supernatural threats.

Focused primarily on eliminating vampires, the organization deploys its most potent weapon when a particularly dangerous vampire begins turning villagers into ghouls.

To stop this terror, the enigmatic Alucard, a powerful vampire himself, is sent to confront the menace.

Despite being a vampire, Alucard is committed to destroying his own kind for reasons revealed throughout the series, adding depth and intrigue to his character.

"Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen" is a fascinating arc within the Blue Exorcist series that often goes unnoticed, making it truly deserving of greater attention from anime fans.

In this season, the secret of Rin Okumura's lineage as the son of Satan is exposed to his peers at True Cross Academy, forever changing his relationships and the group dynamic.

The story quickly intensifies when the eye of a powerful demon is discovered to be missing, plunging the characters into a complex case of theft and intrigue.

As more incidents unfold, Rin and the ExWire members must work together to identify and confront the victims linked to these sinister events, testing their loyalty and teamwork.

With mounting challenges and growing distance from his friends, Rin is forced to face formidable demons on his own, all while struggling to reconnect with his group.

"K Project" may have a simple title, but its story is anything but ordinary. In this anime, the concept of "Kings" forms the core of the narrative.

Kings are individuals who possess extraordinary, supernatural abilities—not just typical strength or speed. Their powers are both dangerous and fascinating, setting the stage for intense action and intrigue.

The series explores the complexities and challenges of wielding such immense power. It delves into the responsibilities and conflicts faced by the Kings as they strive to protect those connected to their world.

As the story unfolds, alliances are tested and rivalries emerge. The struggle among the Kings escalates into gripping battles for survival, making "K Project" a must-watch for action anime fans seeking something unique and underrated.

From the acclaimed Toaru Series comes "Toaru Majutsu no Index," known in English as "A Certain Magical Index." This action-packed anime introduces viewers to a rich world where the lines between magic and science are intriguingly blurred.

Set in a futuristic Japan, the story unfolds in a society where scientific advancement allows select individuals, called Espers, to develop extraordinary abilities. These gifted students hone their powers in specialized institutions, forming the core of the series' unique setting.

The narrative centers on Touma Kamijou, a young Esper who ranks among the lowest due to his unfortunate luck. Yet, his mysterious power sets him apart in ways others could never imagine.

Touma's journey becomes especially compelling when he is driven to use his special ability to rescue a key companion—a feat no one else can accomplish. This gripping premise makes "Toaru Majutsu no Index" a must-watch for any fan of dynamic, underrated action anime.

Often compared to "Attack on Titan," Koutetsujou no Kabaneri stands out by forging its own unique identity and narrative.

The story centers around Ikoma, a protagonist haunted by fear of the Kabane—a terrifying undead species responsible for horrific atrocities.

Although humanity seeks safety behind fortified walls, Ikoma's dread persists as Kabane infiltrate the very railway that connects people to the outside world.

Driven by desperation and courage, Ikoma chooses to fight back, aiming to eradicate the Kabane threat and reclaim his future.

Beneath the surface, however, the story offers far more depth and intrigue than it initially reveals. For anyone curious about captivating action and emotional storytelling, this anime is a must-watch.

In a distant winter, humanity’s dominance was shattered as nearly immortal vampires overtook the world.

The last of the humans barricaded themselves in a fortified city, embroiled in an endless battle for survival against their relentless vampire foes.

During a fierce attack, a young soldier named Momo witnesses Fiine, the vampire queen, courageously step in to rescue Momo's best friend from a vicious vampire.

Moved by Fiine’s compassion, Momo seeks her out, and the two form an unlikely bond over music, united by their longing to escape the violence that surrounds them.

Together, they set out on a dangerous journey in search of a mythical sanctuary where humans and vampires live in harmony, all the while hunted by enemies from both sides.

While High School DxD is often celebrated as a legendary ecchi anime, it doesn't always get the recognition it deserves for its thrilling action sequences.

The story centers around Issei Hyoudou, a high school student who is tragically killed on his very first date.

However, instead of staying dead, Issei is reborn as a devil and welcomed into the Gremory household, led by the powerful and charismatic Rias Gremory.

Now part of her team, Issei must serve his master while also chasing his outrageous dream of becoming a harem king.

Beneath the fan-service and comedy, the series poses intriguing mysteries, such as the true reason behind Issei's fatal first date—a secret that unfolds through the anime's action-packed narrative.

Much like Tower of God, The God of High School is adapted from a popular Korean webcomic, but places a much stronger emphasis on fast-paced action and dynamic battles.

The story centers on Jin Mori, a high schooler with an insatiable love for fighting. To satisfy his passion, he enters the prestigious tournament known as The God of High School.

In this competition, the winner's wish—no matter how extraordinary—is granted, attracting some of the fiercest and most skilled fighters from around the globe.

The anime essentially delivers a thrilling 13-episode tournament arc. As any action anime fan knows, tournament arcs are often the highlight of a series—and here, you get an entire season devoted to nonstop, adrenaline-fueled combat. It's pure action entertainment from start to finish!

This anime is set in the other world. And to a certain degree, it can be classified as an Isekai.

However, the show is much different than the typical ones.

It talks about a mage whose skills are quite terrible and who is known for being one of the worst among her peers.

One day, the mage is assigned the task of selecting a person from the otherworld to assist her in her actions.

And so, the show takes the turn of a young man from Japan, being part of this loser girl's team.

Now, they both are together and all they can do is try their best and not ridicule themselves in front of others.

However, this duo may have some chances to grow as well.

The show is all about mass destruction but in a light-hearted way.

However, this is going to be rather interesting to see.

Trinity Seven focuses on Arata Kasuga who noticed his hometown shatter into dust right in front of his own eyes.

The scene was devastating and happened to take away everything that Arata had.

Moreover, using a book given to him by his old friend, Arata manages to recreate his world again.

But that world gets taken down by another being who asks Arata to hand over the book.

But he chooses some other alternative. He decides to become part of an academy that has certain students waiting for him.

And with the help of those students, he will be saving his town for good.

In the year 2045, a space station catastrophe leaves a group of children abandoned.

With the prevalence of the internet and artificial intelligence in outer space, these children find themselves utilizing narrowband communication, low-intelligence AI, and smartphone-controlled drones to conquer various crises and hurdles that come their way. 

The show was released back in 2022 and it went under the radar for a lot of people.

However, those who watched it enjoyed the hell out of it. 

And that's why it's an underrated series that you need to focus on if you wish to enjoy some high-octane action anime this weekend. 

This franchise needs no introduction. However, the fandom overlooks the action that this series specifically offers.

And so, it deserves a spot on this list. The show focuses on our boy Kaneki Ken who has given up on his humanity and has become a lethal ghoul altogether.

He becomes engaged with the Commission of Counter Ghouls and the power of this organization is crossing all the limits it could.

Soon enough, this organization is going to face a lot more challenges and so, our team is also going to be against a lot of other ghouls.

This is what Tokyo Ghoul Re is all about. The show gets quite messy with its action quite a lot of times.

And that's entertaining in its way.

Boruto doesn't deserve as much hate as it gets man.

It is time to shed some light on this show.

The anime is the sequel to the incredibly popular Naruto series.

However, since the Naruto franchise has a lot of nostalgic value added to it, the expectations for the series seem to skyrocket for all the fans.

And this has happened to the point that the Boruto anime isn't able to match it.

However, in the recent episodes of the anime, the show seems to make quite a lot of improvements.

And in terms of raw action, it is going quite strong and captivating.

This is why, if you are ignoring Boruto up until now, this might be a good time for you to pick it up.