The 20 Strongest Swordsmen in Anime, Ranked
In the world of anime, there are countless swordsmen. There are traditional swordsmen with basically human capabilities (albeit boosted by anime-reality specific abilities like being faster than bullets), as well as sword fighters with supernatural gifts. In this list, you will find the 20 strongest swordsmen in anime ranked according to a) swordsmanship capabilities and b) extra abilities ranked by degree of effectiveness in battle.
#20 Vicious – Cowboy Bebop
Vicious is so skilled with his sword that he’s able to go head to head with his nemesis, Spike Spiegel, with only a Japanese katana versus Spike’s arsenal of guns, grenades and karate. Not only is Vicious a skilled swordsmen, he’s also a master strategist, capable of bringing down an entire ruling crime syndicate while chained up in prison.
If you see Vicious coming for you, you’d better watch out.
#19 Kento Nanami – Jujutsu Kaisen
Kento Nanami from Jujutsu Kaisen is a strong swordsmen, no doubt. Despite wielding a blunt sword, he does so with precise movements that demonstrate his training and expertise. He combines speed, accuracy, and fluidity to deliver powerful and efficient strikes. What’s more his powerful Ratio Technique allows him to identify and strike his opponent’s weak points with deadly accuracy.
However, Nanami is not just a skilled fighter; he is also a brilliant strategist. He analyzes his opponents, identifies their weaknesses, and uses his abilities to exploit them.
#18 Zabuza – Naruto
Admittedly, Zabuza’s powers go well beyond the realm of swordsmanship. However, he’s a notable swordsman within the Naruto universe, and the first real powerful bad guy we come face to face with in the anime.
Not only is he a tremendous swordsmen who wields one of the seven legendary swords of the Village Hidden in the Mist, he also has powerful jutsu – like Hidden Mist and Water Vortex – that would probably give him an edge over more traditional swordsmen.
Zabuza is so powerful that he’s even able to give Kakashi a run for his money. And although we don’t realize it at the time, Kakashi is one of the most powerful shinobi of not only his age, but of all time.
#17 Captain Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan
Despite residing in a world of titan transforming super humans, Levi still stands out as the toughest soldier humanity has to offer. He has fought his way out of countless, hopeless situations thanks to his overwhelming skill, tenacity, strategic ability and level-headedness.
However, Levi’s fighting style is somewhat unorthodox based on necessity – in his world, swordsmen fly around on ODM gear that basically works like a grappling hook. Being such, he relies on acrobatic movements to take on his biggest foes. It’s hard to determine how he would match up against the other, ground based, more traditional swordsmen on this list, but in his own domain he’s the best.
#16 Askeladd – Vinland Saga
While Vinland Saga has its own fair share of strong characters, one stands out above the rest due to his combination of top notch sword skills and strategic mind. Askeladd is both an antagonist in Vinland Saga as well as something of the protagonist. Indeed, there’s way more to him than what meets the eye at first.
All of that being said, Askeladd’s greatest strength is his mind. What he lacks in raw strength he more than makes up for in swordsmanship skill and sheer intelligence. He is, without a doubt, the single greatest strategist in all of Vinland Saga, able to overcome more powerful opponents thanks to this skill when necessary.
#15 Sakata Gintoki
Sakata Gintoki is the main protagonist of the anime and manga series Gintama. He is a former samurai who now works as a freelancer in an alternate Edo period where aliens have invaded and taken over. Gintoki is a skilled swordsman and a kind-hearted person who is always willing to help those in need. He is also a bit lazy and loves to eat, but he is also incredibly loyal to his friends and will do anything to protect them.
What lands him a spot on this list, however, is his incredibly swordsmanship abilities. Most notably, he is able to use a variety of weapons, including his trademark wooden sword. He is also able to use his sword to perform a variety of techniques, such as the "Kyoketsu Issen", which allows him to cut through his opponent's body in a single strike.
#14 Mugen – Samurai Champloo
Mugen is the rebelious hero of Samurai Champloo. And while he may get the girl in the end (did you miss that?), his unorthodox, difficult to predict sword fighting style has its limitations. Sure, it’s great in wide open areas with plenty of natural elements to leverage to his advantage. But in a strict, dojo-like setting it falls short of truly elite sword masters time after time.
Still, Mugen’s combination of insane durability and quick-on-his-feet decision making make him a noteworthy and iconic swordsman.
#13 Jin – Samurai Champloo
Although vastly different in regards to fighting styles, Jin and Mugen are very similar in combat ability. Jin is a traditional sword fighter – as traditional as you can get, raised in dojos and trained in swordsmanship in as far as it can be applied to open spaces that mimic dojo-like situations. Variation is his enemy, and he is unable to adapt to some physical fighting locations that limit his movement or require improvisation. Mugan is basically the opposite. Throw him in the midst of a dojo duel and he’ll still come up with some tricks in order to get ahead.
In a protracted battle, however, Jin has the advantage due to his higher level of skill and discipline (not to mention his secret hidden move that pretty much guarantees him victory no matter the situation).
#12 Nanashi – Sword of the Stranger
Nanashi is something of a mystery to us, and by the end of Sword of the Stranger, we don’t really know everything that there is to know about him. We know that he is a foreigner, although from where he hails we don’t know. It could be that, due to his hair being red naturally, he is from somewhere in Northern Eruope. Regardless of origin, Nanashi is an insanely skilled swordsmen, and his battle against Luo-Lang at the climax of the film stands out as one of the greatest anime sword fights of all time.
Nanashi, however, is not a wild, roving battler. He is a disciplined former Samurai, now without a lord. But his resiliance in battle makes him incredibly dangerous, and desptie all odds he has an indominable will to overcome his enemies.
#11 Atomic Samurai – One Punch Man
In Saitama’s universe, it’s hard for anyone to measure up. However, one should not overlook the Atomic Samurai simply because the strongest hero ever happens to get most of the glory. Indeed, Atomic Samurai is the strongest swordsman in the world within his own universe – and that’s not something to be taken lightly.
Need proof of what makes Atomic Samurai so strong? His signature move – Atomic Slash – is capable of delivering hundreds of lethal cuts in a single second. Couple that with insane speed, reflexes, and high degrees of durability and you easily have one of the strongest anime swordsmen of all time.
#10 Asuna Yuuki – Sword Art Online
Although more of a swordswoman than a swordsman, Asuna is one of the strongest sword wielders in any anime, ever. While she shines in the earlier Aincrad days of Sword Art online, she reaches her greatest power in the Alicization War of The Underworld Arc – one of SAO’s best arcs.
As the Goddess Stacia of Creation, Asuna not only has incredible swords skill the way she always – including lightning fight speed and precision – she can even alter the landscape to suit her needs. She does this with exceptional skill in her fight with Poh, causing him to lose his footing.
However, Asuna’s greatest strength isn’t her power – it’s her determination and loyalty – something which drives her and her friends forward to overcome whatever obstacle they face.
#9 Guts – Beserk
There are very different kinds of swordsmen in the world of anime. There are nimble, skilled fighters like Captain Levi. And there are highly skilled, well rounded masters like Nanashi. And then there are wounded beasts like Guts.
Guts is an armored tank who is likewise skilled with his sword. His incredible strength and endurance are basically superhuman. And unlike other tanky characters who wield large swords, Guts is able to use his weapon with incredible speed, making him the classic double threat. Some of his greatest feats are truly insane, such as toppling entire armies all on his own.
#8 Kenpachi Zeraki – BLEACH
Kenpachi is so strong that he can be a captain level soul reaper, beat almost any opponent, and do all of that without a Bankai. When he unlocks his Bankai, he becomes incredibly, overwhelmingly powerful. Turns out, he’s been holding himself back all this time just to feel the thrill of battle. No wonder the soul society fears him reaching his full potential. It’s scary to let one guy be that strong.
In his latest fight against Quincey Gremmy, we see just how crazy strong Kenpachi can be, refusing to let any odds – even ones that don’t make sense – stop him from cutting through anything.
#7 Kyojuro Rengoku – Demon Slayer
There are plenty of powerful Hashira in Demon Slayer that could potentially be included in this list. Yet among them, the character that stands out the most brightly is Rengoku. His epic battle against the upper-rank demon, Akaza, is arguably the single greatest fight so far in the show, showcasing not only Rengoku’s incredible swordsmanship but also his unwavering will.
While it’s these attributes that land him a spot on this list, what makes him a fan favorite is his incredible kindness and selflessness – never hesitating to put his life on the line to save others.
#6 Tanjiro – Demon Slayer
Despite hailing from one of today’s most iconic anime, Tanjiro didn’t originally make this list due to his relatively green experience with his sword. Although showing incredible potential throughout Demon Slayer, it’s only in the latest film, Infinity Castle, that we see him reach insane new levels of mastery.
He’s not a character who reaches the upper echelons of this list due to raw power. Rather, he’s here because he has managed to master techniques impossible for just about any other Demon Slayer to achieve. Through his mastery of Sun Breathing and – more recently – managing to even see the transparent world, Tanjiro becomes truly dangerous – even stronger than an Upper Rank Demon.
#5 Kirito – Sword Art Online
Considered by many to be the father of all Isekai heroes, Kirito is one character you should not underestimate just because he kind of looks like a kid. Underneath is slim exterior is a young man filled with power, intelligence, and (when needed) ruthlessness.
Despite being an excellent swordsman – earning him the nickname “The Black Swordsman – his greatest skill is actually his ability to adapt to any VR/AR world he finds himself in through the strength of his mind and strategy.
In the anime’s most ultimate battle where Kirito faces off against one of his greatest foes, he simply introduces himself as “Kirito the Swordsman.” Indeed, within the anime world, Kirito is so closely aligned with the image of a swordsman that he couldn’t and shouldn’t be excluded from any list of best anime swordsmen.
#4 Rurouni Kenshin
Now, let’s talk about Rurouni Kenshin. For many, Kenshin is the definitive swordsmen in anime, and really sets the standard for what an anime sword fighter should be. In his past life as an assassin, Kenshin killed countless individuals in his quest to fulfill his duty. After a tragic experience, he changed his ways adopting the far less effective reverse edge sword. Of course, even with the reverse blade, he is still more formidable than anyone he comes into contact with.
Additionally, he is the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style as well as the Battōjutsu – the lethal ability to one shot kill his opponents.
Kenshin possesses a range of abilities, and has a tragic past, best seen not through his show but actually through the incredible “Samurai X” features.
#3 Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach
Before the Thousand Year Blood War Arc premiered in 2022, no one really knew just how strong Ichigo Kurasaki was. Now, we get to see him finally reach his full peak. And it is no doubt awe inspiring.
Massively overpowered and able to scale indefinitely, Ichigo is the Goku of the swordsmanship realm. He is easily one of the strongest swordsmen in Anime, and for an entire generation of anime lovers, the first person you think of when sword anime gets brought up.
As we find out from the show, part of the reason for why he is so strong is that Ichigo harnesses the joint powers of a Quincy, a Soul Reaper, and a Hallow, giving him unparalleled power within his world.
#2 Hiko Seijūrō XIII
Hiko Seijūrō XIII is the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, a legendary sword style that is said to be capable of killing a thousand men. Although Kenshin is usually the one who gets the most notice from the anime series, he is in fact only the second strongest swordsman in that world.
In addition to his physical and technical abilities, Hiko is also a wise and insightful man. He has a deep understanding of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, and he is able to teach Kenshin how to use it to its full potential. He is also a compassionate man, and he wants to use his skills to protect the innocent.
#1 Mihawk is the World’s Strongest Swordsman – One Piece
Dracule Mihawk, also known as "Hawk-Eye", is the current holder of the title of "World's Strongest Swordsman". He is a former Shichibukai and is considered to be one of the strongest characters in the One Piece world.
Mihawk's abilities are truly superhuman, and he is a master of all aspects of swordsmanship. He has incredible strength, speed, and agility, and he is able to wield his sword, Yoru, with incredible precision and power.
If anyone else were to ever take this title from him – either in One Piece or any other Anime – they would be true force to be reckoned with.
