15 Must-Watch Anime Like Baki for Action Fans

Baki’s tale unfolds across five significant series: “Grappler Baki,” released from 1991 to 1999 with a total of forty-two volumes; “Baki,” published between 1999 and 2005, consisting of thirty-one volumes; “Hanma Baki,” published from 2005 to 2012, comprising thirty-three volumes; “Baki-Dou,” released from 2014 to 2018 with twenty-two volumes; and “Bakidou,” which has been published since October 4, 2018.

In this write-up, we’ll provide a rundown of 15 top-notch anime that fans of “Baki” might enjoy. Previously, the series has been reimagined into an ONA (Original Net Animation) anime series.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you need further assistance or clarification on any points.

1. JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Original Run: October 6, 2012 – present
Number of Episodes: 164 + 17 OVA + 1 film

The narrative revolves around the Joestar family, a powerful British lineage with a unique destiny to battle malevolent supernatural entities using their acquired abilities. Throughout the story, various generations of this family are featured, with each part focusing on a different descendant as the main character, starting with Jonathan in 1880.

1 to 6 sections form a unified and chronological narrative, whereas parts 7 and 8 occur in an alternate reality. The title’s “JoJo” is derived from the main characters’ names, each part’s protagonist being abbreviated as “Jojo,” which can be used as a nickname for the combined character.

2. Record of Ragnarok

Original Run: June 17, 2021
Number of Episodes: 12

Every millennium, deities from every pantheon gather in Valhalla, a heavenly realm for spirits, for a grand assembly led by Zeus, the most powerful Greek god. This meeting is where they debate human fate. But this time, there was near consensus among the gods to eradicate mankind. However, Valkyrie Brunhild disrupted the conference and suggested that the gods compete against humans in the Ragnarök tournament instead, to prove if humans are indeed worthy of destruction.

In this tournament, gods from diverse mythologies will battle against thirteen remarkable human figures who have left indelible marks in history. Should humanity win at least seven out of the 13 confrontations, the gods will grant humanity mercy. Yet, overpowering deities like Zeus, Poseidon, or Shiva pose a formidable challenge for the mortal champions. However, they can rely on the aid of the Valkyries to exceed their own limits. As per Volund’s principle, each of the 13 Valkyries will merge with one of the 13 human warriors, transforming into a weapon that can inflict damage upon the gods. This way, as the competition unfolds, the gods will gradually comprehend that humanity is not as feeble as they initially believed.

3. Hajime no Ippo

Original Run: October 4, 2000 – March 29, 2014
Number of Episodes: 127 (+ 1 film + 1 OVA)

Ippo Makunouchi is a timid student who struggles to form friendships due to his obligation to aid his mother in managing their fishing enterprise. As a result, he tends to keep to himself, which makes him a target for a gang headed by Umezawa. One unfortunate day, Ippo is brutally attacked, but luckily, a professional middleweight boxer named Mamoru Takamura intervenes and escorts the wounded Ippo to the Kamogawa Gym, owned by former boxer Genji Kamogawa. There, he receives medical attention for his injuries.

Following Ippo’s awakening to the sounds of morning boxing drills, Takamura attempts to boost his spirits by encouraging him to vent his anger on a punching bag. It’s during this exchange that the spectators catch their first glimpse of Ippo’s innate boxing ability. After reflecting deeply on the situation, Ippo makes up his mind about pursuing a professional career in boxing.

When addressing Mamoru Takamura, it’s clear that Takamura perceives Ippo isn’t treating professional boxing with sufficient seriousness. Yet, he can’t dismiss Ippo immediately for a couple of reasons. Firstly, Ippo has shown extraordinary strength by punching the sandbag harder than anyone else in the gym, except for Takamura himself. This impressive display leaves Takamura pondering before making any decisions.

4. The God of High School

Original Run: July 6, 2020 – September 28, 2020
Number of Episodes: 13

The comic book follows the thrilling journey of protagonist Jin Mo-Ri, a 17-year-old martial artist residing in Seoul. Initially, he receives an invitation to participate in a martial arts competition known as “The God Of High School”. This contest, funded by a questionable corporation, gathers competitors from every corner of South Korea for the regional and subsequent national rounds. The aim is to select three representatives who will advance to the global tournament.

The victor gets to have his desired wish granted as a prize. This piques Mo-Ri’s interest, and he’ll meet numerous other competitors along the way, each with their distinct flair and reasons for participating. In this mix are two martial arts phenoms: Han Dae-Wi, a master of full-contact karate, and Yu Mi-Ra, a skilled swordsman.

After squaring off against Mo-Ri, these two combatants will develop friendships with him, and all three individuals will be chosen as a team to represent South Korea in the World Stages. As the preliminary rounds conclude and teams are assembled, the true nature of the enigmatic organization and the malicious plans of its members will be revealed.

5. Megalobox

Original Run: April 6, 2018 – June 27, 2021
Number of Episodes: 26

The story unfolds in a future metropolis, divided between its affluent residents who enjoy life within the city limits, and those who struggle in the impoverished slums on its outskirts. In this world, Megaloboxing – a form of boxing utilizing mechanical enhancements known as Gears – is widely appreciated across all social classes. These Gears are worn on the shoulders and arms, amplifying the power of punches beyond their natural capabilities.

The narrative unfolds as we track the path of Junk Dog, a street-smart youth hailing from the grimy slums who engages in rigged bouts within the clandestine fighting circuit under the guidance of his trainer, who dictates when he should emerge victorious and when he must succumb. Yearning for authentic combat, he harbors ambitions far beyond this circumscribed life. When he discovers that the formidable Shirato Corporation is backing a worldwide Megalobox competition, he initially balks, convinced that such an undertaking lies beyond his grasp.

However, his encounter with Yuri, the current sports titleholder, ultimately alters his perspective. Despite having no legitimate identification to present, he resolves to take a chance and participate in the tournament.

6. Air Master

Original Run: April 2, 2003 – October 1, 2003
Number of Episodes: 27

Maki Aikawa is much like any other high school student, but when she’s not at school, she’s a renowned street fighter. Despite being quite solitary, she will eventually find companionship among a small circle of high school girls whom she had earlier rescued from an attack. Accompanied by Renge, Mina and others, Maki will then engage in various brawls to hone her combat abilities.

7. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Original Run: October 7, 2006 – September 29, 2007
Number of Episodes: 50 + 11 OVA

16-year-old high school student named Kenichi Shirahama, often referred to as ken-chan or funuken (weak legs), has unfortunately become a frequent target of his classmates’ bullying due to his inexperience and lack of fighting skills, causing him to avoid confrontations. However, one day, he sees an elderly man being assaulted by thugs, which prompts a new student, Fuurinji Miu, to intervene with martial arts moves that captivate Kenichi’s interest and desire to learn.

In this scenario, Miu will introduce him (Kenichi) to his mentors so they can train him. Regrettably, these masters won’t be wearing gloves during training. However, he will be amazed to discover that the training will lead to significant advancements in a brief period. This development will bring about unforeseen circumstances: every gang in the city now wishes to challenge Kenichi, who, from his very first fight, had already gained recognition as an accomplished fighter.

This individual practices the “Katsujinken” martial arts style, similar to his mentors, which emphasizes a “fist of life.” This is an approach that aims to vanquish opponents without causing harm, instead aiming to quell their aggression and persuade them to cease fighting. He chooses to adopt this philosophy in order to safeguard Miu and those he cherishes, as it represents a means of combating violence and the urge to take lives.

Through his exceptional mastery of Ancient Karate, Chinese martial arts, Jujitsu, Muay Thai, and an array of weapon-based techniques, he is poised to swiftly amass immense power. Remarkably, this skill set might also help him forge alliances with those who were once his adversaries.

8. Fist of the North Star

Original Run: October 11, 1984 – February 18, 1988
Number of Episodes: 152

The narrative unfolds in the 1990s, a time not so far off in the future, within a devastated territory that suffered a nuclear catastrophe. This disaster led to the disappearance of most of the world’s seas and oceans, as well as the annihilation of large portions of its vegetation.

At the start of this series, you’ll come across a vague year towards the end of the 20th century denoted as “199X”. In this post-apocalyptic world, survivors can be found living modestly as villagers trying to eke out an existence or banding together in ruthless gangs who prey on and oppress these villagers.

9. Drifters

Original Run: October 7, 2016 – November 30, 2018
Number of Episodes: 12 + 4 OVA

In ancient Japan during the Battle of Sekigahara, Toyohisa Shimazu – a young samurai – is abruptly transported to another world. Soon enough, he realizes that other distinguished warriors, like himself, have somehow ended up in this new realm.

The inexperienced youth is suddenly thrust into a ruthless conflict, one he’s yet to fully understand, a battlefield he shares with two renowned figures of Japanese history – Oda Nobunaga and Yoichi Nasu. Later on, historical warriors and strategists from different epochs, including Hannibal Barca and Sundance Kid, join his side.

In simpler terms, these historical personalities were either warriors or strategists skilled in warfare, sometimes filling both roles. Two characters, one being the Agent Purple and another a young girl in black called Easy, are the creators of these warrior figures within our world.

Transitioning these battle-hardened figures and strategists from our reality into another realm, using dimensional portals, which appear to activate during critical moments in their lives, is a method for engaging them in a clandestine conflict whose purpose remains enigmatic.

In this scenario, there are two distinct factions at play: The Outcasts, who were dispatched by Easy with the intent of bringing about global destruction, and the Drifters. The Drifters were mobilized by Agent Purple and are supported by the October Organization, a group of powerful magicians, whose task is to thwart the Outcasts’ destructive plans.

10. Tenjho Tenge

Original Run: April 1, 2004 – September 16, 2004
Number of Episodes: 24 + 2 OVA + 1 film

Sōichiro Nagi and Bob Makihara are typically tough fighters who rule their schools through brute force. However, the school they’re now transferring to is unique: Tōdō Academy focuses on martial arts, with every student required to master one. They encounter the Jyūkenbu club, led by two sisters – Maya and Aya Natsume. In this new school, instead of enforcing their law through fists, they’ll have to learn and hone their martial arts skills.

In a turn of events, one character develops feelings for Sōichiro, while another seeks to challenge Masataka Takayanagi, a fellow club member who had handily defeated him in a fit of fury. However, tragedy strikes Bob when his motorcycle is set on fire and his girlfriend is violated (in the comic book, mistreated in the animated series) by someone named Ryuzaki. Overwhelmed by this encounter, they both come to understand that a formidable organization, the Enforcers Club, controls the campus and that they will require the club’s aid if they are to grow strong enough.

11. Sakigake!! Otokojuku

Original Run: February 25, 1988 – November 14, 1988
Number of Episodes: 34 + 1 film

The headmaster of the private school, Genius Heihachi Edajima, is a distinguished war veteran from World War II. This institution molds its pupils to contribute significantly to the political landscape, economic growth, and industrial sector not only in Japan but also on a global scale.

12. YūYū Hakusho

Original run: October 10, 1992 – December 17, 1994
Number of episodes: 112

14-year-old Yusuke Urameshi is the epitome of a troublemaker, known for his fighting skills and disregard for rules. However, an unexpected event occurs when he dies while saving a young boy from an accident. Remarkably, the child would have survived without Yusuke’s intervention. This turn of events confounds the rulers of the afterlife, as they hadn’t anticipated his selfless act.

This explains why he gets a second chance at life, following his demonstration that he deserves it. Unbeknownst to him, he then becomes a sort of supernatural detective, receiving abilities that aid him in both human world tasks and those related to spirits.

Assisted by Botan, known as the “ferryman of souls”, she handled Kuwabara’s case during his apparent demise. Guided by Enma Jr., the offspring of the Dark King overseeing soul examination, her mission is to track down three demons: Goki, Hiei, and Kurama. These rogue entities have made off with three artifacts from the realm of darkness: the Sword of Darkness, a mirror, and the Ball of Gaki.

13. Basilisk

Original Run: From April 12, 2005 to September 20, 2005 and from January 8, 2018 to June 18, 2018
Number of Episodes: A total of 24 episodes were aired in both periods.

In a dilemma over who should succeed him as leader of the empire, feudal lord Ieyasu Tokugawa considers an unusual solution when faced with choosing between his two sons. His advisor proposes a unique competition: allow the imperial ninja clans from Iga and Kōga provinces to engage in a deadly battle, where 10 master ninjas from each clan would fight on behalf of one or the other of his sons.

In the grand spectacle that lies ahead, it’s clear that the outcome will decide who ascends to the throne. I, as a humble observer, find myself drawn to this event, especially since Ieyasu has chosen his eldest son Takechiyo to be represented by the distinguished Iga clan, and his second son Kunichiyo, by the revered Koga clan. The heads of these two illustrious clans, who have been in a state of frozen conflict for generations, have now eagerly agreed to engage in this contest, turning their rivalry into an epic battle.

Once released from the peace treaty established by Hattori Hanzō, the members of the Iga and Koga clans swiftly turned against one another, engaging in fierce and seemingly relentless violence.

In the realm of my movie-loving heart, I find myself drawn into an intriguing tale where the descendants of two clans – Gennosuke from Koga and Oboro from Iga – share a profound love for each other. Yet, this romantic bond is shattered as they become pawns in a vicious conflict, pitting them against one another. Caught in the crossfire of duty and affection, they must grapple with their allegiances and ultimately face off on the battlefield, their love story unfolding amidst the chaos of war.

14. Kengan Ashura

Original Run: July 31, 2019 – October 31, 2019
Number of Episodes: 24

From the Edo period onwards, specific regions in Japan have seen the existence of fighting arenas. These weren’t just for entertainment; wealthy business owners and traders would hire fighters to engage in brutal, bare-knuckle brawls. The victor, who gained dominance, often controlled the market. In contemporary times, these clandestine battles continue among powerful global entrepreneurs.

Ōma Tokita is a fighter concealing a secretive background, whose path unexpectedly intertwines with that of Kazuo Yamashita, a middle-aged individual lacking courage, extremely timid, and subservient, an employee under the astute and ruthless tycoon, Nogi.

In the thrilling competition known as “Kengan,” duo Tokita and Yamashita are drawn in by Nogi. Oma swiftly showcases his exceptional skills, aiming to clear long-standing debts, while Yamashita must disguise himself as a businessman, executing an unusual plan thought up by Nogi.

15. Kinnikuman

Original Run: April 3, 1983 – March 29, 2006
Number of Episodes: 295

On the alien world Muscla, the future ruler, Suguru (also known as Muscleman), was inadvertently ejected from his parents’ spaceship as a baby, believing to be a piglet, causing him to leave Earth. Years later, now a grown adult and Japanese citizen, Suguru holds the position of president in a club, the Meat Eaters Club.

But an unexpected incident disrupts his regular schedule – a spaceship crash-lands on Earth. The ship’s inhabitant, a tiny being remarkably like Suguru, Mitsu, emerges and discloses his noble heritage. Unable to return Muscleman (Suguru) to his home planet, Mitsu decides to aid him in his journey towards becoming a superhero.

The issue is that Muscleman tends to be quite accident-prone, unattractive, somewhat dimwitted, and not particularly brave. Despite this, he’s an underdog hero, gaining his strength from eating garlic. He seeks acknowledgement by joining international or interstellar wrestling competitions, where he’ll encounter other superheroes like Terryman or Robin. Sometimes these characters may work together, but they could also be adversaries.

Along his journey, he’ll encounter antagonists such as Dédé Cubitus and Pedro the Rock, not exactly the brightest bulbs. They’ll attempt to lay traps on Muscleman’s path. In this series, there are also recurring characters like Muscleman’s supportive father who never forgets to encourage him, his love interest Mademoiselle Libellule, the police whose actions can be quite absurdly timed, and a chatty TV host who seems to mysteriously appear whenever needed.

2025-06-05 16:47