Top 10 Swordsmen In Anime

In this fantasy world, the ruthless black knight lords over the people of Marmo. Known to strike down anyone who stands in his way, Lord Ashram was the ruthless for right hand man of Emperor Beld. As devout in his conviction as he is skilled with a blade, no other swordsman has ever successfully stood against him. After Beld was killed during the War of Heroes, Ashram took up his sword, The Demon Sword ‘Soul Crusher’ and sought to avenge his fallen lord.

Due to his extensive childhood training, Guts developed massive strength and almost superhuman endurance. Even more impressive, Guts wields the Dragonslayer, an enormous great sword worthy of a Final Fantasy game. A sword that few others could even lift let alone master; Dragonslayer can cut through shields and other basic weapons as easily as flesh. Dragonslayer’s sheer intimidation factor keeps many foes completely on tilt.

While most fantasy swordsmen fight against demons, this demon is a fantastic swordsman himself. Our favorite inu hanyo, or half human and half dog demon, develops a mastery of the blade in his quest to discover the fragments of the Shikon Jewel. Inuyasha wields the mighty Tessaiga, but not in the way you would expect. He initially relied on the sword’s demonic powers, but over time has become a master the dark blade in all its glory.

The White Demon approaches, full of vigor and determination. The protagonist of the Gintama series, Gintoki is a powerful samurai veteran of the Joui War who now runs the mercenary outfit Yorozuya Gin-Chan. Gintoki earned a reputation for his terrifying appearance and is admired by many with his mastery in the sword. As this is the case, he defeats many of his enemies alone without the help of the rest of his mercenary outfit. Duel this White Demon and you’ll come back in pieces.

What happens when hip-hop invades Japan? You get the protagonist of Samurai Champloo, Mugen. While much of his past is a mystery, we do know that he grew up in a penal colony in a world similar to Edo-period Japan. Over the course of his travels, Mugen developed a sword-fighting style unique to only himself, as it combines the classic Miyamoto Musashi dual-wield style with bits and pieces from all kinds of martial arts, most notably Kendo. This style, or lack thereof, makes Mugen unpredictable, and a terror on the battlefield.

You’ve gotta be a pretty badass swordsman to earn the title of Sword God. Mifune is the very definition of the strong and silent type, mainly serving as a bodyguard due to his skill with the many swords he has at his disposal. While Mifune isn’t a major character in the Soul Eater series, he serves as Black Star’s rival and constantly tests his strength as a warrior. Mifune’s Infinite Sword Attack is the most frightening sword attack we’ve ever seen, as it slices opponents into ribbons in a matter of seconds.

Not all great swordsmen are, well, men. Erza Scarlet is perhaps the strongest member of Team Natsu, as well as the most renowned fighter in the Fairy Tail guild. She excels in a special kind of magic known as Requip Magic, which allows her to access a limitless amount of weapons and armor. Her reputation as a warrior has made her a massive celebrity. A reputation well earned, as she has also mastered sword magic, and her ability to discern enemy weaknesses and predict their actions makes her almost unbeatable.

Not many warriors can clash swords with a Shinigami death god. Ichigo is an incredible threat to humans and demons alike. As a human he is skilled in martial arts and when in Shinigami form he wields the powerful Zangetsu blade. Like our previous entry Mugen; Ichigo’s fights with a homemade style which he modifies on the go and has honed through numerous battles. It was a tough choice between the studied Unohana and Ichigo, but Ichigo takes home the gold for combining strength as well as speed.

The wandering rurouni Himura Kenshin is a perfect example of how cleverness can make an amazing swordsman. The official badass of the “Rurouni Kenshin” universe, Himura was trained by his master Hiko Seijūrō the Thirteenth to become the master of the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū style. Himura uses his light frame to his advantage, and combined with his mastery of Battōjutsu, he can strike multiple enemies down in lightening speed. Don’t blink and you’ll miss him, and be dead, you’ll definitely be dead.
While we sharper our blades for the top pick, take a look at a few honorable mentions.

Shana
“Shakugan no Shana” (2005-12)

King Bradley
“Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

Clare
“Claymore” (2007)

Father Anderson
“Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)

The One Piece series has some of the best swordsmen in all of anime. Zoro’s mentor Dracule Mihawk was a tough contender, but we’re giving the top spot to the student that surpassed his master. The former bounty hunter turned pirate, Zoro was the first Straw Hat Pirate recruit and his prowess with a sword follows him across the high seas. He is one of the strongest fighters among the Straw Hat Pirates, having defeated many high-ranking pirates with overpowering force and dexterity. Nobody’s loot is safe from this guy, just hand it over.

Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite swordsmen in anime? For more chivalrous top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.