Power Rankings: Top 10 Swordsmen in Anime
There’s something timeless about a blade-wielding anime character. Whether it’s the calm precision of a samurai or the wild fury of a berserker, swordsmen have long captivated fans with their elegance, discipline, and raw power. But when it comes to ranking them, things get tricky. Who’s faster? Who’s stronger? Who’s left the biggest mark on anime?
This list dives into ten of the greatest swordsmen in anime history, ranked not just by power, but by legacy, technique, and impact.
Let the blade clash begin.
10. Kirito – Sword Art Online
Some may call him overpowered, but Kirito’s dual-wielding skills, clutch performances in death games, and signature moves like Starburst Stream make him a standout in modern anime.
- Notable Weapon: Elucidator & Dark Repulser
- Best Moment: Kirito vs. Heathcliff in SAO Season 1
While not the most technical swordsman, his adaptability and MMO instincts earn him a spot.
9. Guts – Berserk
Sheer power. Guts doesn’t rely on flashy techniques—he brute-forces through apostles and monsters using the Dragon Slayer, a sword that’s less weapon and more slab of iron.
- Notable Weapon: Dragon Slayer
- Best Moment: Guts vs. 100 Men
A symbol of rage and endurance, Guts is the definition of unrelenting force.
8. Saber (Artoria Pendragon) – Fate Series
A noble and battle-hardened knight, Saber wields Excalibur with divine precision. Her combat is a mix of chivalric honor and devastating power.
- Notable Weapon: Excalibur
- Best Moment: Excalibur Noble Phantasm activation against Caster
She represents the ideal knight: skilled, strategic, and terrifyingly strong.
7. Zoro Roronoa – One Piece
With his unique Three Sword Style (Santoryu), Zoro is both a powerhouse and a tactician. Over the years, he’s evolved from brawler to elite swordsman, capable of cutting through mountains and even abstract concepts like “nothingness.”
- Notable Weapon: Enma, Wado Ichimonji
- Best Moment: Zoro vs. King (Wano Arc)
Still not the world’s greatest swordsman—yet—but already iconic.
6. Erza Scarlet – Fairy Tail
Erza may not stick to one sword, but her Requip Magic makes her a walking arsenal. Her versatility, technique, and composure in the heat of battle put her ahead of many others.
- Notable Armors: Heaven’s Wheel Armor, Nakagami Armor
- Best Moment: Erza vs. 100 Monsters
She’s not just strong—she’s style, strategy, and strength combined.
5. Kenshin Himura – Rurouni Kenshin
Once the feared Battosai the Manslayer, Kenshin now uses his reverse-blade sword to fight without killing. His Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu style is fast, fluid, and deeply emotional.
- Notable Weapon: Sakabato (Reverse-blade Sword)
- Best Moment: Kenshin vs. Shishio Makoto
Kenshin proves that true strength lies in restraint.
4. Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach
Ichigo may not be a traditional swordsman, but his Zangetsu—and later dual swords—make him one of the deadliest fighters in anime. With a mix of Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy powers, he’s a force like no other.
- Notable Weapon: Tensa Zangetsu
- Best Moment: Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra or Yhwach
Powerful, fast, and constantly evolving—Ichigo breaks all limits.
3. Killer Bee – Naruto Shippuden
Often overlooked, Killer Bee’s seven-sword kenjutsu style is unpredictable and acrobatic. Add in his Jinchūriki powers, and you’ve got a deadly swordsman with flair and fun.
- Notable Weapon: Multiple short swords
- Best Moment: Killer Bee vs. Taka (Sasuke’s team)
Unorthodox, confident, and ridiculously strong—Bee is a wild card with real edge.
2. Gojō Sōsuke (Goemon Ishikawa XIII) – Lupin III Series
One slice. That’s all it takes. Goemon’s technique is so refined that he can cut anything—bullets, tanks, even dimensions (depending on the version).
- Notable Weapon: Zantetsuken
- Best Moment: Any time he unsheathes. Period.
Old-school cool meets mythical mastery.
1. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children / Anime)
Yes, originally from a game, but Sephiroth’s anime adaptations (Advent Children, Last Order) prove he’s a terrifying swordsman. His Masamune is absurdly long, and his skills—blended with god-like power—make him almost untouchable.
- Notable Weapon: Masamune
- Best Moment: Sephiroth vs. Cloud (Advent Children Final Battle)
The perfect fusion of style, strength, and nightmare fuel.
It’s not just about who’s the strongest. A true swordsman blends form, philosophy, and fury. Some rely on brute strength (Guts, Zoro), while others rely on elegance and speed (Kenshin, Saber). And then there are those who break all boundaries (Ichigo, Sephiroth).
No matter your pick, one thing’s clear: the sword will always be one of anime’s most iconic weapons.
Who’s your favorite swordsman in anime? Did we miss a GOAT? 👇 Drop your thoughts and battles you’d pay to see (Zoro vs. Ichigo, anyone?) in the comments!
