Top 10 Best Anime Swordsmen

Swordsmen have been a core part of anime for decades, bringing intense battles, unforgettable rivalries, and incredible skill to the screen.

Some rely on raw power, slicing through enemies with sheer strength, while others move with precise, almost effortless technique. There are those who fight for honor, those who wield their blades for revenge, and even some who just enjoy the thrill of battle. No matter their motivation, these characters have proven themselves to be among the best with a sword in hand.

The Top Ten

Roronoa Zoro - One Piece

Roronoa Zoro, nicknamed "Pirate Hunter" Zoro, is a fictional character in the One Piece franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. He is a master swordsman who uses a unique three-sword fighting style. Zoro is one of the main crew members of the Straw Hat Pirates and serves as their combatant.

No anime character has ever had the desire as deep as Zoro's to become the greatest swordsman. No one has tried as hard as he has to improve his swordsmanship. As you go throughout the anime, you can clearly see the improvement of his skills. He now has a range that extends from far underground.
His sword skills have incredible sharpness, and he consistently cuts giant masses casually with no major energy loss. He cut an entire ship and then later cut the gigantic Pica made of stone like it was nothing. His attacks have incredible destructive power and are very hard to stop.
Post time-skip, he has not really been seen pushed to the limits, so it can be assumed his skills, which are already top-notch, are greater than what we've seen. Even more than that, they have the clear potential to grow even more.
Himura Kenshin - Rurouni Kenshin

Himura Kenshin, known as Kenshin Himura in the English-language anime dubs, is a fictional character and the protagonist of the Rurouni Kenshin manga created by Nobuhiro Watsuki. He is a wandering swordsman who has vowed never to kill again after a violent past as the feared assassin Hitokiri Battōsai... read more

Battousai the Manslayer, the name says it all. Considered to be the best swordsman that ever existed, a title he still holds even after deciding he would never kill again. His flawless swordsmanship and his ability to evaluate every battle he ends up in to create a plan in almost an instant is why he is the best anime swordsman.
He holds expert skill in every aspect of being a swordsman. He has the speed, the skill, the power, the evaluation skills, the mentality, and not to mention a vast array of techniques that ensure no matter who or what he finds himself up against, he has a trump card for them all. Truly the best anime swordsman, hands down.
Trunks - Dragon Ball Z

Trunks is a fictional character in the Dragon Ball Z anime and manga series, created by Akira Toriyama. He is the son of Vegeta and Bulma and is known for traveling back in time to warn the Z Fighters of future dangers. Trunks is one of the series' most prominent characters and appears in several major... read more

Killed an immortal in the future who also had the power to grow infinitely stronger, and who was able to beat Vegito Blue, the strongest fighter in the history of fiction.

He is epic and has awesome Super Saiyan powers. Trunks can move at supersonic speed and teleport. He can even hold his own without a sword.

Trunks beat Zolo (not Zoro, that's the Spanish swordsman) for me by a tiny bit, probably because Dragon Ball Z is my first favorite manga/anime, while One Piece is my second or third.
Ichigo Kurosaki - Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki is the fictional protagonist of the Bleach manga and anime series created by Tite Kubo. He is a teenager who accidentally obtains Soul Reaper powers and defends the world from ghosts and supernatural threats. The Bleach franchise includes manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, and... read more

Let's see. His skill in using swords may not be the best. That may be due to the fact that he's only had about two years of experience being a Shinigami and had never trained for prolonged periods of time, apart from the time he was trying to learn the Final Getsuga Tenshou.
Now, in the Thousand-Year Blood War, he could easily be in the top 3. Erza can't do anything but bore him. Ichigo is faster than Zoro and stronger.
To those who think Erza could even lay a scratch on Zoro, keep dreaming.

Ichigo is damn powerful, that's true. But the question here is about the strongest swordsmen.
In that sense, Ichigo doesn't deserve such a high position. It's true that he's a good swordsman. But if we forget about his powers and spiritual pressure and hand him a normal sword, then I think even Renji or Ikkaku would be able to beat him. I don't know how many of you saw it, but there was a filler episode where this point was mentioned about Ichigo. As I can remember, it was shortly after Aizen's defeat.
Guts - Berserk

Guts is the main character in the manga series Berserk, created by Kentaro Miura. He is a skilled swordsman known for wielding a massive weapon called the Dragon Slayer. The series follows his journey through a dark fantasy world as he battles demons and struggles with his traumatic past.

His skills in battle are truly unmatched. Even when struck down and all seems hopeless, he'll find a way to fight back against the tendrils of fate. If a demon stands ready to finish Guts off, he'll take his daughter hostage and use that to his advantage. He may not be a knight of valor and honor, but his dirty swordplay is what makes him akin to even the most powerful of celestial beings. He dares to strike back against fate and presumes to kill a god who was once his friend.
Add that to a magical suit of armor which transforms him into a relentless beast of the night, and you have possibly the most powerful man in any lore.
Dracule Mihawk - One Piece

Dracule "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk is a fictional character from the One Piece manga franchise created by Eiichiro Oda. Mihawk is a member of the Shichibukai and was the first to be introduced in the series. He is widely recognized as the greatest swordsman in the One Piece world.

Though personally I like Zoro, I cannot deny the fact that "Hawk Eyes" (Mihawk) is the most skilled and powerful swordsman in the anime world. He is the only character to have inflicted enormous damage to his enemies without himself or his sword getting a scratch even once in the entire series.
In the war between the Navy and Whitebeard Pirates, the strongest pirate crew, many of the big names were wounded badly. Mihawk was the only one without as much as a scratch. So, yes, he should be at the top of the list!

Though personally I like Zoro, I cannot deny the fact that "Hawk Eyes" Mihawk is the most skilled and powerful swordsman in the anime universe. He inflicts enormous damage on his enemies without himself or his sword getting a scratch. He is the only one to have not received any injury. During the great war between the navy and Whitebeard pirates (the strongest pirate crew), many of the big timers were wounded badly or dead. Mihawk was the only one without a scratch on him or his sword.
Not to mention he defeated the #2 ranked Zoro in this list with a pocket knife once. So, he should be at the top of this list!
Kenpachi Zaraki - Bleach

Kenpachi Zaraki is a fictional character and an antihero in the anime and manga series Bleach, created by Tite Kubo. He is the captain of the 11th Division in the Gotei 13 and is known for his immense strength and love of combat. Kenpachi is one of the most powerful and feared Soul Reapers in the series... read more

Now that he has Bankai, find me a better swordsman. No one has cutting power like him. He can literally cut through time and space.
He sliced one of Yhwach's elite guards, Gerard, in half. It was only thanks to Gerard's power, "The Miracle," that he survived. Anyone else gets killed.

After knowing his Zanpakuto's name, he upgrades his power by 150 times. So, with even Shikai, he can easily kill Ichigo, the protagonist of Bleach. So maybe he is the strongest swordsman in Bleach.

I voted for Ichigo, but I would have agreed here. Even Zoro couldn't cut down Kenpachi.
Erza Scarlet - Fairy Tail

Erza Scarlet is an S-Class Mage from the infamous magic guild Fairy Tail. She starts off as a lone wolf who strictly follows the rules. As the story develops, Erza changes into a loving, strong, and independent mage.
Her terrible past haunts her, and she initially ignores her nakama's calls for... read more

Just because Zoro says he can cut through anything doesn't mean he can. That's like saying he would be able to cut through one of Godzilla's scales. It's not going to happen. Erza has accomplished many things because she is powerful. She destroyed 200 of those lacrima, and just destroying one endangers your life.
She also won a fight against Kyoka without her important senses, and her sensitivity to pain was heightened. So, she won a fight blind and deaf, with her pain sensitivity unreal while her foe's attack power was rising. Zoro cut a ship in half, etc. So what? Erza cut a small island in half in the Edolas arc. And she's much more powerful than before.
Hiei - Yu Yu Hakusho

Let's not forget that Hiei was an A-class demon when he was about 5 and sacrificed this power to get the third eye implanted in his head. His third eye lets him use telepathy and see things far away. Also, in his first round in the Dark Tournament, he sliced a guy's arm off, and no one saw him move at all. Basically, he has super speed, but he doesn't use magic for it or anything. He's just that fast. He has experience, as he fought in Demon World his whole life before coming to the Human World.
And he swallowed and became the Dragon of the Darkness Flames, which is a dragon made of the hottest fire from the deepest part of Demon World. So, there's that.
Kazuto Kirigaya - Sword Art Online

Kazuto Kirigaya is a fictional character in the Sword Art Online light novel series written by Reki Kawahara. He is also known by his in-game alias, Kirito. As the protagonist of the series, he becomes deeply involved in multiple virtual reality MMORPG worlds.

Yes, I agree that Kirito himself possesses much skill and power, but for a sensible reason. He is much like Kenshin, who has the will to live and the will to protect others. I can understand why some people hate SAO because of Kirito's overpowered nature.
To those people, his abilities and power are not to an impossible degree, and he may show some weaknesses and losses in the series. However, he will battle his opponents to the fullest extent if someone's life is on the line.

In Sword Art Online, Kirito is the strongest player. Put 2 and 2 together, and you get the strongest swordsman.
Yeah, Erza is strong, but I think Kirito is stronger. If the two were to fight, I think Erza would win because of her Requip. If it were down to pure sword skills, then Kirito would win.

The Newcomers

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Silvers Rayleigh - One Piece
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Yousuke Otoha - Karas

The Contenders

Byakuya Kuchiki - Bleach

Byakuya Kuchiki is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Bleach, created by Tite Kubo. He is the captain of the 6th Division in the Gotei 13 and the head of the noble Kuchiki clan. Known for his calm demeanor and strong sense of duty, Byakuya is a key figure in the story, especially during... read more

I don't think any other characters can practically fight as well without a sword as Byakuya can. Nor can anyone else on this list keep up with his flash step (apart from other Bleach characters).
Saeko Busujima - Highschool of the Dead

Saeko Busujima is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Highschool of the Dead, written by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō. She is a high school senior skilled in kendo and becomes one of the main survivors during a zombie outbreak. Saeko is known for her calm demeanor, combat... read more

Having her on your team during a zombie apocalypse would greatly increase your chances of survival.

Definitely one of the most badass swordsmen I've seen to date.
Inuyasha - Inuyasha

Inuyasha is a fictional character appearing in Rumiko Takahashi's manga series Inuyasha and its anime adaptation. He is the main protagonist and the title character. The series follows his adventures as a half-demon seeking the Shikon Jewel alongside Kagome Higurashi.

I am basing my comment on what would happen if there was an actual fight between my number one favorite, Zorro, and Inuyasha. If you've seen Inuyasha, his Wind Scar and Backlash Wave, after huge moves and analyzing his fights with Sesshomaru, can be easily avoided if you're not bound.
Really, in the latest series, his powers get taken away, and the way he fights with that sword without powers is really sad.

Inuyasha evolved with Tessaiga. He not only forged it with his own fang but also mastered attacks that could unleash diamond barrages or wind scars to Meidou blackholes till the end.
He not only wields it like a badass but can virtually defeat anyone with it!
Sesshomaru - Inuyasha

He is the older half-brother of the hanyō Inuyasha and the firstborn son of Tōga.
Unlike many other yōkai, Sesshōmaru had no interest in possessing even a single shard of the Shikon Jewel to enhance his powers and considered yōkai who sought its abilities only to strengthen themselves as pathetic... read more

The guy grew back his arm along with a sword that can kill thousands of demons in one big chain reaction. That there is a devotion to swords if you ask me.

He's really strong and he never panics. He's a great swordsman, unbeatable. Except Dante will beat the crap out of him, but other than that, the best.
Sosuke Aizen - Bleach

Sosuke Aizen is a fictional character in the Bleach manga series and its adaptations, created by Tite Kubo. He is a former captain of the 5th Division in the Gotei 13 and serves as one of the series' primary antagonists. Aizen is known for his intelligence, manipulation, and powerful abilities.
Sasuke Uchiha - Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Naruto, created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Uchiha clan and one of the main characters in the series. Sasuke is portrayed as Naruto Uzumaki's rival and follows a complex path throughout the storyline.

He has the speed and lightning style, which make his sword skills extra beautiful to watch.
Toshiro Hitsugaya - Bleach

Toshiro Hitsugaya is a fictional character in the Bleach manga series and its adaptations, created by Tite Kubo. He is the captain of the 10th Division in the Gotei 13, known for his ice-based Zanpakuto, Hyorinmaru. Hitsugaya is recognized for his serious demeanor and exceptional talent, despite being... read more
Dante - Devil May Cry

Dante is a fictional character and the main protagonist of Capcom's Devil May Cry series. He is a demon hunter with supernatural powers who uses a combination of firearms and a sword in combat. Dante first appeared in the original Devil May Cry game released in 2001 and has since appeared in numerous... read more

Not only does his sword look wickedly magnificent, but with Dante holding and wielding it, he's practically invincible! He slays demons constantly, not only with his guns but also with the help of "Rebellion," the name of his sword.
His sword shows perspective and details on how it helps the character win battles!

He's got some very nice moves and slices through demons as if they were nothing. And the Rebellion blade is just too awesome.

Dante has a wickedly sharp sword that will cut anything you throw at it to pieces.
Gintoki Sakata - Gintama

Gintoki Sakata is the main character in the manga and anime series Gintama, created by Hideaki Sorachi. He is a silver-haired samurai who runs the Yorozuya, taking on various odd jobs to pay the rent. Gintoki is known for his humorous and lazy personality, but also for his strength and sense of justice... read more

He is a very strong samurai, capable of defeating or outright killing opponents with just a wooden sword. He has been shown to be highly charismatic, capable of drawing people just by his words alone.
He also has a very humorous side, which most anime swordsmen don't have, setting him entirely apart from everyone else. While acting stupid and idiotic most of the time, he has shown to have a loving and caring side, which he doesn't show very often.

How come Gintoki is ranked 13th while Trunks and Kirito are in the Top 10? Gintoki can do anything with a wooden sword! He destroyed a Benizakura, made a hole in a hand, and cut through time with just a wooden sword. This ranking is not based on facts. They're just voting for the fanbase.
Did I forget to mention he's one of the characters who survived the Joui War against a thousand Amantos? He's a monster, probably stronger than Erza. Gintoki has strong durability, keen senses, can outsmart opponents, and survive with a gunshot in his body and a slash in the back. Just a few days later, he's healthy and ready to kick ass. This guy can't be killed easily.
When he was a kid, he killed hundreds to thousands of people with just an ordinary sword. HE WAS JUST A KID AT THAT TIME! He's a God Tier Swordsman. He can give Zoro a hard time, probably even beat him. Idiot fans voting just for popularity. He should be at least in the Top 3 or 5. This guy can probably take on Kirito, Asuna, Erza, and Kenshin and still win.
Artoria Pendragon (Saber) - Fate/stay night

Saber is a fictional character from the Japanese visual novel and anime series Fate/stay night by Type-Moon and its prequel Fate/Zero by Type-Moon and nitroplus. She is the Saber-class Servant of Kiritsugu Emiya during the Fourth Holy Grail War in Fate/Zero and the Servant of Shirou Emiya during the... read more

She is a great swordsman. She gives meaning to the word badass female swordsman. She's also hot and sexy. She doesn't take any crap!
Rin Okumura - Blue Exorcist

Rin Okumura is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Blue Exorcist, created by Kazue Kato. He is the son of Satan and is determined to defeat him. Rin is the main protagonist of the series and is known for wielding a sword that unleashes blue flames when he fights.

Rin may be very powerful, but he is very immature in a fight. He can be outwitted very easily and only uses brute force.

Rin is amazing! He's the son of Satan and very talented. He deserves to be right under Kirito as number two. He's very hot and super strong and fast.

Rin is just amazingly awesome. Probably one of the best anime characters I've seen.
Kisame Hoshigaki - Naruto

Kisame Hoshigaki is a fictional character from the Naruto universe created by Masashi Kishimoto, which developed into a media franchise consisting of manga, anime, soundtracks, OVAs, movies, video games, and collectibles.
Kisame is one of the major antagonists in the series. He defected from his... read more

Samehada was the best sword in any anime, but then Masashi Kishimoto had to make it alive and give it teeth. Surprisingly, that's not the worst thing he did to it. The worst thing he did is he made it betray Kisame, and no, I am not making this up.

These people know nothing about Kisame. He's too powerful to be here!
King Bradley - Fullmetal Alchemist

King Bradley is a fictional character from the Fullmetal Alchemist manga series and its adaptations, created by Hiromu Arakawa. In the story, he serves as the Führer of Amestris and is revealed to be one of the Homunculi. Bradley is known as Wrath in the 2009 anime adaptation Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood... read more

His swordsmanship is simply the best among all the anime characters. He could take down just about anyone in a one-on-one sword fight. Also, this guy is the definition of BADASS.

If you took away all the special powers of the top ten, Bradley could take them out faster than he took out that tank.

You ever see a man kill another man without using his hands?
You ever see a man destroy a tank like it was papier-mâché with nothing but a sword?
You ever see a man take down an army, a demigod, and a ninja all on his way home?
This guy is literally Deathstroke in anime form. How is he not at least in the top five?
Yuuki Konno - Sword Art Online

Yuuki Konno is a fictional character in the Sword Art Online series of light novels by Reki Kawahara. She is introduced in the Mother's Rosario arc as a skilled player who suffers from a terminal illness. Yuuki forms a close bond with Asuna, and her storyline is known for its emotional impact.

Yuuki was said in the series to be the best swordswoman in ALO. How is she not in the top five? She beat all her challengers, including Kirito and Asuna.

She should be number one. She even beat Kirito.
Itachi Uchiha - Naruto

Itachi Uchiha is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Naruto, which was created by Masashi Kishimoto. He is a member of the Uchiha clan and plays a key role in the series' storyline. Itachi is widely recognized for his complex character and significant influence on the plot.