10 Best Anime Swordsmen Ranked ft. Zoro, Dracula Mihawk, & Guts

In the world of One Piece, Dracule Mihawk is an exceptional swordsman whose skills surpass many others, including Zoro who aspires to claim his title. Although he hasn’t yet displayed his full potential during the Egghead Arc, Mihawk’s remarkable abilities and prestigious reputation make him a formidable adversary. With just a simple dagger, he can outmatch skilled samurai warriors. However, when he unleashes his powerful technique called Yoru, he wields the steel with an elegant grace that makes it seem like an extension of his own arm. Given these extraordinary feats, Dracule Mihawk is widely recognized as the best swordsman in anime.

I, a dedicated follower, have devoted my life’s journey to mastering the title of the world’s strongest swordsman. Long before my days with the Straw Hat Pirates, I was recognized for my exceptional talents and victories on the battlefield. My skills reached new heights when I joined forces with them and underwent a rigorous two-year training regimen under Dracule Mihawk, the Strongest Swordsman in the World.

In the grim realm of Berserk, the Dragon Slayer, named Guts, is a relentless force to be reckoned with, wielding a colossal broadsword famously known as the Dragon Slayer. Channelling the turmoil of Berserk’s dark medieval saga, he reduces men, monsters, and steel to fragments. Clad in imposing armor, Guts is a terror that even deities in his world tremble at, showcasing his unparalleled might. Known for outmaneuvering hordes of enemies over prolonged battles, the devastation wrought by Guts’s sword is such that not even an army from an anime could withstand it. In the world of Berserk, Guts stands as an indomitable opponent.

In the realm of animated series, Tanjiro Kamado from Demon Slayer stands out as a cherished sword-wielding character who’s shattered numerous sales records and touched hearts through his battles against darkness. As a swordsman, he has undergone rigorous training to face diverse demonic threats, earning him respect as a formidable fighter. While his Water Breathing skill has grown stronger, he finds it challenging to master the Hinokami Kagura technique, which accounts for his position among his peers in the anime. Yet, it’s Tanjiro’s humility and strength that have endeared him to fans in the shonen genre.

In his past, Himura from Rurouni Kenshin was a deadly weapon of destruction. Today, he roams the earth as a rurouni, seeking forgiveness and safeguarding the land. Although he comes across as courteous, Kenshin is never underestimated. He’s climbed up the samurai ranks and has become known for incredible acts such as lightning-quick slashes, reattaching limbs, and slicing through solid steel. Kenshin employs Battojutsu, a swift technique of unsheathing and resheathing his sword, but he also uses his environment and physical abilities to stay ahead of opponents.

Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach, having spent years honing his skills as a Soul Reaper, is an exceptional swordsman with remarkable agility and an edge in battles. His prowess reaches new heights following his discovery of his heritage and acquisition of two potent swords. With his unmatched swordsmanship, rugged demeanor, and cool demeanor, Ichigo embodies the ideal aspiration for many Shonen protagonists. While his Getsuga Tensho technique stands out, it’s not his extraordinary abilities that typically lead to defeating the villain. Few anime characters can match up to Ichigo in terms of swordsmanship.

In the realm of Japanese anime, I’m utterly smitten by none other than Artoria Pendragon, this legendary swordswoman who wields the mighty Excalibur with unparalleled skill. She’s a powerhouse in the Holy Grail War, a beloved character in the Fate series. Saber, that’s her alias, is not just formidable on the battlefield but also tactically brilliant off it.

Characterized by her strategic mind and cunning tactics, Clare is a skilled member of an elite group, the Claymore, whose mission is to exterminate demons. Equipped with extraordinary abilities, she confronts and vanquishes creatures stronger than herself. By employing the Quicksword technique, she can boost her speed, but this comes at a price. Despite the obstacles she encounters, Clare has fought alongside – and against – some of the most renowned Claymores in the world, demonstrating that high rank does not always dictate superiority.

In his youth, Hyakkimaru, a victim sacrificed for his father’s desires, lost his physical body parts to cruel demons. However, he was reborn with artificial limbs crafted by a skilled artisan. As he traverses the realm, seeking vengeance against those who stole his body, Hyakkimaru employs an extraordinary sense of perception that reveals people’s true essence. This heightened awareness empowers him to excel beyond human capabilities in combat. Once equipped with swords integrated into his prosthetic limbs, he can attack from multiple directions. In the wake of his battles against samurai and demons, a chilling trail of remains follows him.

Erza Scarlet from Fairy Tail, excels in swordsmanship and has mastery over her magical skill, Requip: The Knight. She’s adept with numerous weapons and can subdue rogue wizards and demons. Her sword skills are formidable against some of the toughest fighters in her world, but comparing her to anime swordsmen is a whole new challenge. Despite her significant fanbase, there are those who think Natsu Dragneel or Lucy Heartfilia is the lead character.