Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a hopeless romantic, this list of action romance anime has got you covered! We’re talking epic fight scenes that’ll have you on the edge of your seat, intertwined with romances that’ll make your heart skip a beat. We have something for just about everyone.
20. Basilisk
Imagine ancient Japan, add in some ninja drama, and you’ve got Basilisk. This anime isn’t your usual fun and games; it’s got a serious side, attracting fans who love a good plot and ninja showdowns.
If you’re into ninja stuff with a touch of heartache, give it a shot.
19. Elfen Lied
Elfen Lied means “Elven Song” in German. The title reflects the eerie and mystical tone of the series.
A dark fairy tale for those who dig mystery, psychological drama, and a touch of horror, it follows the journey of Lucy, a Diclonius—a mutant with telekinetic powers. After escaping from a research facility, she leaves a trail of blood and mystery. Somehow, she ends up living with two friends who don’t know her hidden side.
18. Trinity Seven
Trinity Seven gets its name from the seven main female characters who form a group of powerful mages known as the Trinity Seven.
The protagonist, Arata Kasuga, is a regular high school guy, who discovers his magical powers after a mysterious disaster hits his town and joins the Trinity Seven.
This anime is a treat for fans who love a mix of fantasy, action, and a sprinkle of romance. With its lovable characters and magical escapades, it’s become a favorite among those looking for a good time.
17. Mysterious Play
Miaka Yūki, your average high schooler who stumbles upon a mysterious book, transporting her to the ancient Chinese-inspired world of the Four Gods. As the Priestess of Suzaku, she embarks on a quest filled with trials, friendships, and a complicated love story that transcends time and space.
Mysterious Play is a trip down memory lane. The characters, the story, it all feels like being transported to another world. If you’re a sucker for epic adventures and a bit of romantic turmoil, trust me, you’ll be hooked.
16. Fate/stay night
Fate/stay night is part of the larger “Fate” franchise, known for its mix of anime, games, and novels. People clearly can’t get enough of dark magic, deep choices, and epic hero fights and can anyone blame them?
Our likable male MC, Emiya Shirou, is an unwitting participant in the Holy Grail War, a battle royale where mages summon heroic spirits to fight for the ultimate prize: the holy grail.
15. The Vision of Escaflowne
Many consider The Vision of Escaflowne a fantastic isekai with a powerful female main character. However, it’s also an excellent choice for those seeking action-packed romance anime series.
The heroine, Hitomi, is a high schooler, who gets whisked away to the magical world of Gaea. There are mechas, dragons, and a whole lot of destiny drama. Alongside Van Fanel, she discovers her knack for seeing the future, setting the stage for an epic adventure.
14. Urusei Yatsura
Urusei Yatsura not only charmed audiences in the past but also made a recent comeback with its last adaptation in 2022.
For those curious about aliens, Ataru Moroboshi might have some answers. After all, he is an ordinary guy who, thanks to a twist of fate, finds himself engaged to Lum, an alien princess with electric powers.
Known for its humor, romance, and a touch of sci-fi, this series has a special place in the hearts of fans. If you’re into quirky characters and hilarious misadventures, you’re in for a treat.
13. Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is part of the Kerberos Saga, a series of stories created by Mamoru Oshii, known for its dark and dystopian themes. The anime is not for everyone but it will find its fans among those who admire dark and thought-provoking stories.
Set in an alternate history where Japan is under military control, the story follows Kazuki Fuse, a member of the elite paramilitary force. When he hesitates during a mission, he becomes embroiled in a web of political conspiracies and personal dilemmas, navigating a world where trust is a rare commodity.
12. Darling in the FranXX
A joint creation by Studio Trigger and A-1 Pictures, this 2018 series became a sensation. Moreover, the love for its main dyno waifu, Zero Two, remains as strong as ever even today.
In a post-apocalyptic world, humanity’s survival depends on young pilots who control FranXX, powerful mechs. The central focus is on Hiro and Zero Two, a duo with a unique connection that goes beyond piloting.
11. InuYasha
InuYasha is based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, one of the most successful and prolific manga artists in Japan.
A timeless action romance anime classic, the story follows Kagome Higurashi, a modern-day high school student who accidentally falls into a magical well, transporting her to the Sengoku period.
There, she meets InuYasha, a half-demon, and together they embark on a quest to collect the shards of the powerful Shikon Jewel.
10. Chivalry of a Failed Knight
Chivalry of a Failed Knight hits all the right notes with its underdog story, winning you over with a perfect mix of intense battles and heartwarming romance.
Our underdog, Ikki Kurogane, is a magic-wielding nobody who trains to become a knight alongside a super-powerful princess named Stella. They clash, but also team up, to overcome challenges and maybe even develop some feelings along the way.
9. Date A Live
Did you know that you can avert destructive “spacequakes” by kissing supernatural beings? It might sound ridiculous but that’s the premise of Date A Live, a popular harem anime with plenty of waifus to choose from.
The series is a mix of action, comedy, and romance as Shido interacts with the various Spirits and tries to save humanity. It has been adapted into multiple anime seasons, manga series, and video games.
8. The Irregular at Magic High School
The Irregular at Magic High School is a Japanese science fiction series that began as a web novel written by Tsutomu Satō. It takes place in a world where magic exists and is incorporated into society through technology.
The story follows Tatsuya Shiba, a seemingly ordinary student who enrolls in First High Magic High School with his younger sister Miyuki, a prodigious magical talent. Tatsuya is nicknamed the “Weed” due to his unconventional magic and his enrollment despite seemingly low test scores.
7. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne is about a high school girl named Maron who secretly transforms into a phantom thief to collect magical artifacts. But she’s not stealing for personal gain: she’s trying to keep them from demons who want to use their power for evil.
The anime has a darker side compared to typical magical girl shows. Now, it’s still a magical story with transformations and battles but it tackles some heavier themes that make it a bit darker than usual. While Maron fights for good, she deals with her own inner demons. The anime (more so than the manga) explores themes of loneliness, loss, and self-doubt.
6. Sword Art Online
Many of us gamers would love to be trapped in our favorite game. But what if the consequence of losing your life in this game were losing your life in reality too? Maybe we would think twice…
This exact thing happens to Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya, a young gamer who gets trapped in a virtual reality massively multiplayer online role-playing game called Sword Art Online along with thousands of other players. Luckily for him, he is an insanely skilled gamer who attracts the most beautiful girls too.
5. Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team is a different kind of Gundam story. Instead of giant robot battles saving the Earth, it’s a more grounded look at war in the jungles of Southeast Asia with Gundams. Think Vietnam War with giant robots!
It has action, drama, and even a bit of romance between a Gundam pilot and a Zeon soldier on opposite sides.
4. Yona of the Dawn
It would be impossible to make a good list of action romance anime without mentioning Yona of the Dawn.
The anime follows Yona, a pampered princess who lives a carefree life. However, her world crumbles when her beloved cousin Soo-Won betrays her, killing her father and seizing the throne.
Forced to flee for her life with her loyal bodyguard Hak, Yona embarks on a quest to find the legendary Four Dragons. According to a prophecy, these dragons will aid a person with crimson hair in taking back the kingdom.
3. Eureka Seven
Those who enjoy a slow-burn romance with obstacles to overcome will find romance in Eureka Seven compelling.
Eureka Seven follows the adventures of Renton, a 14-year-old boy who dreams of joining a group of renegade mechanics and pilots called Gekkostate. They zip around on flying machines called Trapars and battle using giant robots known as LFOs.
One day, a mysterious blue mecha piloted by the enigmatic Eureka crashes into Renton’s life, and he gets swept up in Gekkostate’s exciting but dangerous world.
2. Millennium Actress
Millennium Actress follows a retired actress, Chiyoko Fujiwara, who has become a recluse. A documentary crew seeks to create a film about her life, but Chiyoko’s memories are a tangled mess. As she tells her story, the lines between her past experiences and the movies she acted in begin to blur.
This movie isn’t for everyone, as its pacing can be slow and the story requires some effort to follow. However, for those seeking a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores memory and the power of movies, it remains a beloved classic.
1. Sword Story
Sword Story is a less popular but highly-rated action romance anime that deserves a spot on your watchlist. Not only does this anime provide a refreshing take on sword battles but it also features an offbeat romantic story.
Shichika Yasuri is a swordsman who fights with his bare hands, and Togame is a strategic genius on a mission for the shogunate. Their task? Track down and collect twelve Deviant Blades, legendary weapons crafted by a master swordsmith.
