Best Action Comedy Anime Series

Anime has a special way of capturing our hearts and minds. With its visual style, limitless creativity, and the ability to mix multiple genres within a single story, anime stands out as a fascinating art form. One of the greatest strengths of the medium, however, is its capacity to effortlessly combine two fan-favorite genres – action and comedy.

While anime is no stranger to exploring the deep and complex corners of the human psyche or navigating rich and imaginative fantasy worlds, some of the most beloved series are those that find the perfect equilibrium between intense action and delightful comedy. The combination of these genres is a match made in heaven, with pulse-pounding fight sequences providing something to look forward to and the comedic relief acting as a necessary backbone. From classic fan favorites to hidden gems, these 10 anime series deliver thrills and laughs equally.

10

‘That Time I Got Reincarnated As a Slime’ (2018)

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime tells the story of Satoru Mikami, a 37-year-old unassuming corporate worker who is content with his life, but after getting in a fight on the streets, he is stabbed to death. To Satoru’s surprise, he’s reborn in a fantasy world as a slime monster named Rimuru Tempest. With his extraordinary power of absorbing the abilities of anything he consumes, Rimuru embarks on several adventures in his new world.

Hilarious Isekai Anime Brimming with Heart

In the hands of lesser creators, the premise of this anime could have easily dissolved into a predictable power fantasy. But under Yasuhito Kikuchi’s deft direction, it thrives by balancing high-octane action sequences with a continuous stream of hilarious escapades as the main character interacts with dragons, goblins, and other fantastical creatures. Rimuru’s bumbling, good-natured charm paired with bizarre plot twists makes the anime more delightful.

9

‘Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple’ (2006)

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Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Release Date

October 8, 2006

Cast

Jessie James Grelle
, Carrie Savage
, Christopher Sabat
, Kent Williams
, Vic Mignogna
, Sonny Strait
, R. Bruce Elliott
, Trina Nishimura

Seasons

1

The main character of this anime, Kenichi Shirahama, is a quintessential “shy guy.” A high school student with a weak disposition, he has a passion for reading self-help books about martial arts. When he befriends transfer student Miu Fūrinji, and at the same time, hears about an upcoming fight at karate club practice, Kenichi begins training at the Ryozanpaku dojo and pushes himself to become the “mightiest disciple.”

An Underdog Story Packed with Thrills

A joyful fusion of martial arts battles with humorous, often heartwarming, moments, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple is a series you can breeze through without pause. The main character’s journey is packed with scenes of rigorous training, electrifying fight scenes with various adversaries, including members of a criminal martial arts gang known as “Ragnarok,” but there are also moments of lighthearted interactions with quirky peers and mentors.

8

‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016)

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Release Date

July 12, 2016

Cast

Kyle McCarley
, Jason Liebrecht
, Chris Niosi
, Michael Sorich
, Max Mittelman
, Erik Scott
, Kimerer
, Casey Mongillo
, Cherami Leigh

Seasons

3

Based on the manga series created by One, Mob Psycho 100 follows Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, an average eighth-grader whose harmless presence belies an extraordinary secret – he possesses immense psychic powers. But Mob just wants to lead a normal life, so he suppresses his powers and works part-time for Reigen Arataka, a self-proclaimed psychic who exploits Mob’s powers to make a quick buck.

Offbeat Supernatural Anime

Despite its supernatural premise, Mob Psycho 100 focuses more on the daily challenges faced by the main character, as well as his desire to control his emotions and find his place in the world. A true marvel of the anime medium, characterized mainly by its unique, sketch-like animation, it often breathes life into the most spectacular psychic battles as well. The characters, particularly, the Muscle Club Guys and Reigen, are well-liked and hilarious.

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7

‘Spy x Family’ (2022)

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Release Date

April 9, 2022

Cast

Takuya Eguchi
, Atsumi Tanezaki
, Saori Hayami
, Alex Organ
, Megan Shipman
, Natalie Van Sistine

Seasons

2

Taking viewers to the world of global espionage and political intrigue, Spy x Family centers around the peculiar Forger family, where each member is hiding a secret. Master spy Twilight, under the alias Lord Forger, faces his most daunting mission yet – starting a family. He adopts a child and marries, but what he doesn’t know is that his “wife” Yor is an assassin, and their adopted daughter, Anya, has telepathic abilities.

Well-Paced and Wholesome

Created by Tatsuya Endo, Spy x Family is a modern anime that combines the all-or-nothing stakes of the spy world with the heartwarming chaos of family life. The series’ trio of protagonists – each with their own set of skills and quirks – form the perfect comedic ensemble and their clash of personalities delivers the funniest moments. At the same time, Twilight’s missions are tension-filled and intense and full of action.

6

‘Assassination Classroom’ (2015)

A unique and bizarre action-comedy anime set against the backdrop of the elite Kunugigaoka Middle School, Assassination Classroom follows the students of Class 3-E, who are tasked with the mission of assassinating their new teacher, Koro-sensei, a power-obsessed, tentacled, octopus-like professor who has destroyed part of the moon and now intends to obliterate Earth.

Subversive Blend of Chills and Thrills

As deadly as the premise of Assassination Classroom sounds, the anime is more about watching each student realize their true potential and grow both personally and academically. Of course, they do this while plotting their professor’s demise and fending off a threat. The series cleverly subverts expectations and introduces a seemingly one-dimensional villain only to peel back the layers and enhance the action-packed scenes as well as the poignant character moments.

5

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016)

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My Hero Academia

Release Date

April 3, 2016

Cast

Aoi Yuki
, Ayane Sakura
, Christopher R. Sabat
, Yûki Kaji
, Nobuhiko Okamoto
, Luci Christian
, David Matranga
, Justin Briner
, Kenta Miyake
, Clifford Chapin
, Daiki Yamashita

Seasons

7

You’re not a true otaku if you haven’t watched, or at least heard of, My Hero Academia. Taking place in a world where superpowers, known as “quirks,” are a norm, the story follows Izuku Midoriya, a young boy who finds himself in a predicament – he’s one of the rare few born without a Quirk. Still, he dreams of becoming a great hero like his idol, All Might, so Izuku enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious academy for aspiring heroes, and dedicates himself to being stronger.

Superhero Saga That Never Compromises on Action

My Hero Academia is the ideal example of how anime seamlessly blends action and humor. As Izuku navigates the trials of training and confronts a diverse array of foes, he also befriends other aspiring heroes and develops a growing admiration for their unique quirks. The storyline delivers one mesmerizing showdown after another but also focuses on character development, which makes it entertaining, appealing, dizzying, and dynamic.

4

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012)

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JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Release Date

October 6, 2012

Cast

Kazuyuki Okitsu
, Tomokazu Sugita
, Daisuke Ono
, Unshou Ishizuka
, Takehito Koyasu

Seasons

5

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a multi-generational epic and a standout in anime. It chronicles the adventures and exploits of the Joestar family, starting with Jonathan Joestar in 19th-century England, who develops a rivalry with the sinister Dio Brando, a powerful vampire. As the series progresses, we’re introduced to Jonathan’s descendants, like Joseph, Jotaro, and more, with each fighting intense battles against the most skilled foes.

Campy and Charming

From the bespoke fashion choices to the dramatic character poses, there’s not a single element of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure that’s not laugh-out-loud hilarious. But beyond its eccentric aesthetic, the anime inspires awe with its barrage of awesome fight choreography and a healthy dose of infectious battles between multiple generations of characters. The series seems to revel in its own authenticity, which is what makes it truly legendary and endlessly rewatchable.

3

‘Gintama’ (2006)

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Gintama

Release Date

April 4, 2006

Cast

Susumu Chiba
, Satsuki Yukino
, Tetsuharu Ota
, Michael Daingerfield
, Akira Ishida

Gintama is set in an alternate Edo-period Japan, where the nation has been taken over by extraterrestrial invaders known as Amanto. We follow Gintoki Sakata, a perpetually cash-strapped silver-haired samurai who runs a freelance odd-jobs business with his companions, Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura. Unafraid of the Amanto rule about no swords in public, they take on a variety of absurd and often dangerous jobs.

Pretty Self-Aware of Its Own Irreverence

The anime is full of serious arcs and standalone comedic episodes surrounding life in a city occupied by eccentric characters. Aware of its gleeful irreverence, it creates a distinct viewing experience for fans, leaving them stunned with the pulse-pounding thrills and in stitches with the running gags. The animation is gorgeous, the setting is rich, and the soundtrack is quite engaging too. Gintama also makes several clever references to other anime and pop culture.

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2

‘One-Punch Man’ (2015)

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One-Punch Man

Release Date

October 5, 2015

Cast

Makoto Furukawa
, Kaito Ishikawa
, Max Mittelman
, Zach Aguilar
, Hiromichi Tezuka
, Robbie Daymond
, Kyle Hebert
, Shôta Yamamoto

Seasons

2

This superhero action-comedy anime is based on the webcomic of the same name written by One. It revolves around Saitama, who after three years of intense training, has become a singular force of nature. A man so powerful he can defeat any opponent with a single punch. However remarkable the ability, it’s left Saitama bored. Upon insistence of Genos, a young cyborg with a tragic past, he joins the Hero Association to find worthy enemies to fight against.

Features Jaw-Dropping Fight Sequences

One-Punch Man excels at being one of the most unique series in recent memory. Its core premise – a hero so powerful he’s lost all sense of excitement – is a brilliant subversion of the traditional superhero narrative. Saitama’s deadpan reactions to his own invincibility add a comedic twist to the otherwise fluid and dynamic battle scenes. The series has also been praised for the engaging characters like Metal Bat and Watchdog Man, and the impressive soundtrack.

1

‘Kill la Kill’ (2013)

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Kill la Kill

Release Date

October 4, 2013

Cast

Eric Mendez
, Matthew Mercer
, David Vincent
, Christine Marie Cabanos
, Carrie Keranen
, Patrick Seitz

Seasons

1

Breaking all conventions of the genre, this action-infused, magical girl anime is a vibrant and addictive one. It follows Ryuko Matoi, a fierce teenager looking for the person who killed her father. She arrives at Honnouji Academy, a school ruled by student council president Satsuki Kiryuin with a half-scissor blade, donning a sentient sailor uniform, prepared to engage in explosive battles and uncover dark secrets about her past and the origin of her powers.

A Timeless Anime Classic

Produced by Studio Trigger, Kill la Kill is known for its over-the-top action sequences and uncommon visual style. The vibrant animation, the genuine wit and grit in Ryuko’s action, and adrenaline-filled showdown with powerful opponents, and the personal growth of each character, creates a beautiful viewing experience. Apart from the high-energy fights, though, the series also has some odd plot twists and a compelling rival arc between Ryuko and Satsuki.