Best Action Anime of 2010

It all began without warning: the dead rose from their graves, plunging Japan into utter chaos. When these creatures invade a high school, Takashi Kimuro is forced to kill his best friend after he is bitten and becomes one of the walking dead. Swearing to protect Rei Miyamoto, the girlfriend of the man he just put down, they manage to escape their school-turned-deathtrap, only to find a society that has already collapsed. Takashi and Rei soon join forces with other students, embarking on a journey to locate their families and discover the source of this overwhelming outbreak. Their group includes Saeko Busujima, the refined president of the Kendo Club; Kouta Hirano, an otaku obsessed with firearms; Saya Takagi, the daughter of a powerful politician; and Shizuka Marikawa, their attractive school nurse. Yet even with their combined strength, they must question if it will be enough to survive the undead apocalypse.

In the downtown area of Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, strange rumors swirl about anonymous gangs and dangerous individuals, but the most famous urban legend is the headless "Black Rider"—a figure seen riding a jet-black motorcycle through the city streets. Mikado Ryuugamine has always craved the excitement of city life, and an invitation from a childhood friend convinces him to move to Tokyo. On his very first day, he glimpses the Black Rider, and it seems his wish for adventure has been fulfilled. However, as supernatural events unfold, ordinary people like himself, along with Ikebukuro's most eccentric residents, become entangled in the chaos erupting throughout the city.

Kuroshitsuji II turns its attention to Alois Trancy, the young heir to the Trancy earldom. While he now lives a life of privilege, his childhood was marked by darkness; after being kidnapped and enslaved, he was rescued and sent back home, only to watch his beloved father die soon after. Alois’s legitimacy and history are called into question by those who believe the Trancy household conceals sinister secrets. At the heart of this deception stands Claude Faustus, Alois’s supernatural butler dressed in black. As a web of lies envelops the mansion, the true nature of Claude’s connection to Alois is uncovered, and their bond is tested to the limit when hell arrives at their door.

Set in Edo-era Japan, where numerous martial arts traditions thrive, Shichika Yasuri trains in the unconventional Kyotouryuu, a style that utilizes the practitioner’s body as a weapon. Living in seclusion with his sister Nanami, the secluded seventh head of the school has his quiet life disrupted by the arrival of Togame, a highly ambitious strategist. Togame boldly recruits Shichika to aid her quest to gather twelve legendary weapons known as the Deviant Blades on behalf of the shogunate. Shichika agrees, driven more by personal interest in Togame than by political motives, and the pair embark on a journey. They face opposition from the fierce masters who wield these iconic swords, as well as other factions intent on sabotaging Togame’s goal. To survive and succeed, the duo must unite into a cohesive force as they navigate a dangerous and unpredictable path.

Seeking to make the world a better place, Akuto Sai enters Constant Magic Academy and befriends Junko Hattori, who comes from a prestigious ninja family. They vow to build a brighter future together, but this dream collapses when Akuto’s presence awakens a prophecy that labels him the Demon King. As whispers spread, the school turns hostile and Junko’s trust begins to falter. Although Akuto fights against this destiny, his deeds inadvertently reinforce his image as a villain. His situation grows more complex with a harem of captivating girls holding opposing motives, ranging from wanting to punish him to showing him affection. Leveraging his growing powers, Akuto struggles against his mounting bad luck to prove that his fate is not fixed.

The ongoing hostility between the magical realm and Academy City intensifies, forcing Touma Kamijou to wield his negation ability against espers and magicians alike to safeguard his companions. He does not fight alone—both familiar faces and fresh adversaries, whether fighting alongside him or operating from the shadows, join the struggle. Toaru Majutsu no Index II advances the tale of action and humor as Touma and his allies confront an expanding conflict. A looming war gradually takes shape, and magic and science are destined to collide once more in the approaching battle.

The "Anarchy Sisters," Panty and Stocking, were cast out of Heaven for misbehaving, to say the least. Under the guidance of a priest named Garterbelt, these angels must earn their way back by eliminating ghosts in Daten City. However, this mission calls for unusual weapons for these unconventional angels—they transform their lingerie into tools to take down the spirits. Unfortunately, neither takes their duties seriously, as they prefer to indulge in other "hobbies": Panty sleeps with anything that moves, and Stocking is more interested in gorging on sweets than hunting ghosts. Follow these two unruly angels as they battle ghosts, an excess of bodily fluids, and their own tendency to get distracted in Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt.

After Tomo Yamanobe's father, the former headmaster of Saint Mikhailov Academy, vanished, all he left behind was a piece of artwork known as the "icon." Not long after his disappearance, rumors spread about a serial killer targeting female students at the academy. While walking home with her sister Mafuyu Oribe after being bullied at school, Tomo stumbles over an injured silver-haired boy who quickly disappears as she tries to help him. Mafuyu goes to search for him and discovers that the church housing the icon is on fire. When she attempts to rescue the painting, the rumored serial killer suddenly attacks her using a mysterious power to control magnesium. Out of nowhere, the silver-haired boy, who can control iron, appears and saves Mafuyu. Mafuyu learns that the boy, named Alexander Nikolaevich "Sasha" Hell, is a "qwaser"—a being capable of manipulating an element through the power of "soma," obtained by breastfeeding. Confused by the incident, Mafuyu tries to move on, but has little success when Sasha transfers into her class the next day. What will become of Tomo and Mafuyu's ordinary school life with the threat of other qwasers looming near?

Alpha Stigma are eyes capable of analyzing all forms of magic, yet they are more notoriously known as cursed eyes that bring nothing but ruin and death to those around them. Ryner Lute, a gifted mage who also possesses an Alpha Stigma, was once a student at the Roland Empire's Magician Academy, an elite institution that trains mages for military purposes. After many of his classmates perished in war, he swore alongside his best friend and fellow survivor, Sion Astal, to transform the nation into a more orderly and peaceful place. Now that Sion has ascended to the throne of Roland, he orders Ryner to seek out valuable relics that can benefit the kingdom. Accompanied by Ferris Eris, a stunning and highly skilled swordswoman, Ryner embarks on a journey to locate artifacts belonging to legendary heroes of the past, while also uncovering the truth behind his accursed eyes.

Rikuo Nura, a boy of both youkai and human blood, was raised as the young master of the Nura Clan. Though he regarded the clan—filled with youkai of every size and form—as family, he soon realized he was the only one among his classmates who saw youkai that way. To most people, they were terrifying folklore monsters that devoured children and reveled in bloodshed. Taking this to heart, he vowed to live his life as an ordinary human. But normalcy proves elusive for young Rikuo. Complicating his goal are his youkai attendant, who attends school with him under the name Tsurara Oikawa; the young onmyouji Yura Keikain; and his close friend Kiyotsugu, who idolizes youkai and hopes to prove their existence. To make matters worse, rival youkai and other threats endanger those Rikuo holds dear. If he wants to protect what matters to him, Rikuo must accept his heritage—that he is the grandson of the legendary Nurarihyon—and transform into a youkai at night, becoming worthy of leading the Nura Clan as its next master.

The second phase of the battle royale called the Sekirei Plan has started. Shintou Teito is now sealed off, preventing any Sekirei or Ashikabi from leaving. Minato Sahashi and his group of Sekirei must get ready for new conflicts as rule changes take effect. However, not every team will re-enter the battle; some Sekirei are deeply treasured by their Ashikabi partners, who would rather abandon the prize than watch them die. Amid the chaos, someone close to Minato might be more deeply connected than he ever realized, and dangers lurk everywhere. Rumors spread that the "Single Numbers," the most powerful category of Sekirei, have joined the fray. From the perspective of the "Game Master" Minaka Hiroto, everything is unfolding according to his scheme.

Yuuto Amakawa leads a fairly normal city life after losing his parents, with his only daily annoyance being his cat allergies while attending school alongside his next-door neighbor Rinko. Everything changes on his sixteenth birthday when an Ayakashi—a supernatural being—attacks him because of his ancestors' transgressions. Himari, a mysterious cat-eared swordswoman, rescues him and reveals that Yuuto is the heir to a line of demon hunters. She explains that the charm protecting him from the supernatural world has lost its power, and she must now guard him. Omamori Himari follows Yuuto as he navigates encounters with various supernatural forces and an increasing number of women who appear at his doorstep, each harboring their own dark intentions. Can Yuuto adapt to his newly "thrilling" life, or will the legacy of his ancestors' past catch up with him?

Vampire ruler Mina Tepes announces the existence of vampires on live television, revealing her plan to establish a sanctuary in Japan called the Vampire Bund. By using her family's wealth to pay off the nation's debt, she gains permission to build this safe haven for her kind. However, not everyone is swayed by Mina's influence, as her declaration sparks conflict with humans who believe the queen's quest for peace is a front. Akira Kaburagi does not believe in vampires and feels uneasy whenever they are mentioned, though he does not know why. Aside from a head injury he suffered a year ago, he lives carefree until meeting Mina. She stirs memories of a life he had long forgotten, and he begins protecting her without understanding the reason. But Akira's secret is far stranger than he could have imagined—he discovers he is a werewolf, sworn from birth to protect the vampire queen, even at the cost of his own life. Now, as these two perform a deadly dance in the Vampire Bund, Mina and Akira learn just how deep their bond truly runs.

Great Japan is admired worldwide for its beautiful scenery and thriving populace, but a grave danger looms over the nation. The only line of defense against this threat comes from enigmatic protectors called Master Samurai. Young samurai Muneakira Yagyuu is summoned by the student council to attend Buou Academic School. Operated by the Tokugawa Shogunate, this institution provides the children of warriors with the aristocratic education necessary to govern the country. The school is overseen by student council president Yoshihiko Tokugawa and his sister Sen, who also happens to be Muneakira's childhood friend. As Muneakira arrives at the academy, he is suddenly caught in a fierce battle. Amidst the turmoil, the sky is filled with an odd white light, and a mysterious girl named Juubei Yagyuu appears, unexpectedly kissing Muneakira. Through this kiss, she awakens an unknown power that shields them. Who is this girl, and where did she come from? Muneakira becomes entangled in the nation's destiny and a threat that will profoundly shake Great Japan. To protect his country, he must uncover the truth behind the Master Samurai and the kiss that unleashed Juubei's power.

Gintoki and his Yorozuya team—really just Shinpachi and Kagura, who are essentially overworked employees enduring labor violations—continue to get by in the futuristic, alien-inhabited city of Edo. They take on any odd jobs they can find while trying to steer clear of anything too perilous. However, when Katsura, the leader of the Joui rebels and a longtime acquaintance of Gintoki, vanishes after being viciously assaulted by an unknown assassin, Shinpachi and Kagura start investigating his whereabouts and the attacker's identity. Meanwhile, Gintoki accepts a seemingly unrelated assignment: the blacksmith Tetsuya asks him to retrieve a mysterious and potent sword called the Benizakura, which was recently stolen. As the two investigations gradually converge, the Yorozuya crew finds themselves entangled in a major conspiracy revolving around the sinister nature of the Benizakura blade. Gintoki decides to confront the enemy head-on at their headquarters, and with the help of a few unexpected allies, embarks on one of his most dangerous jobs yet.

In 1864 Japan, a young woman named Chizuru Yukimura is looking for her missing father, Koudou, a doctor whose profession often takes him far from home. After months without any word from him, Chizuru dresses as a man and travels to Kyoto to find him. While trying to evade the attention of ronin, she hides and witnesses a gruesome scene: the ronin are brutally murdered by crazed white-haired men. Suddenly, members of the Shinsengumi arrive and kill the creatures. But Chizuru's safety is short-lived, as these men tie her up and take her to their headquarters, debating whether to let her live or kill her permanently. When she reveals her father's name, the Shinsengumi decide to protect her, revealing they have also been searching for Koudou. However, Koudou has deeper ties to the Shinsengumi than they admit, and soon Chizuru becomes caught up in the conflict between the Shinsengumi and their enemies, as well as the political turmoil in Kyoto.

Satoshi travels with his mother and Professor Ookido to the distant Isshu region, where he encounters Pokémon he has never seen before—and he is eager to catch them all! With Pikachu at his side and new friends Iris and Dent, he still needs to assemble a strong team if he hopes to take on Isshu's expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master has become even more difficult!

After a third world war devastated Japan, the organization Vischio seized control of Tokyo and renamed it Toshima. In its back alleys, battle games called Igura take place under Vischio's oversight, where contestants fight and soak in each other's blood to earn the chance to face the tournament's king, Il-re. Igura is not the only fighting tournament around; Bl@ster is a similar but vastly different game because it prohibits killing and the use of weapons. The only way to win is by knocking out the opponent. Akira, a young man cut off from his family, is known as unbeatable at Bl@ster. However, his top position is destroyed when he is accused of murder. Unable to prove his innocence, all hope seems lost... until a mysterious woman named Emma appears and offers him a chance. Now, to regain his freedom, Akira must take part in Igura and ultimately defeat Il-re.

After the events of Hakuouki, Chizuru Yukimura and the Shinsengumi are compelled to flee Kyoto and journey by ship to Edo. With their commander Isami Kondou absent, vice-commander Toshizou Hijikata takes on the role of acting commander. However, Hijikata struggles not only with the added burden of leadership—causing concern among those around him—but also with a newly emerging, uncontrollable bloodlust. Compounding the issue, this urge does not afflict him alone, and it is starting to drive some of his subordinates insane. Eventually, Kondou returns bearing orders from the emperor to defend the castle, along with a new designation for their unit: the Kouyou Chinbutai. Yet in times of war, the balance of power can shift abruptly, and loyalties may falter. In Hakuouki Hekketsuroku, Chizuru accompanies the Shinsengumi into the thick of battle while continuing her quest to locate her missing father, all as the bond between her and Hijikata deepens.

Six months after the victory in the Battle of Britannia and the liberation of Gallia from the Neuroi, Yoshika Miyafuji—a member of the renowned 501st Joint Fighter Wing—has returned to Fuso and completed her middle school education. But her struggle is far from finished. She receives a letter believed to be from her deceased father, containing plans for an advanced Striker Unit he was developing before his death. This unit, tailored specifically for Yoshika, may be able to fully tap into her immense magical abilities. At the same time, a fresh menace emerges in Europe. A colossal Neuroi nest of unprecedented size and strength appears over Venezia, obliterating local Witch forces and swiftly engulfing the northern part of the country. Complicating matters further, a newly encountered humanoid-type Neuroi is attempting to make contact with humans. Unable to abandon her comrades on the front lines, Yoshika must once again journey to the war-ravaged continent.

The deadly battle against the Demon King, Oda Nobunaga, has ended, but the fight for control of Japan during the Warring States period rages on. The armies of Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin continue to clash repeatedly at Kawanakajima. Meanwhile, on the far eastern edge of the battlefield, two outstanding figures bound by fate—one dressed in azure, the other in crimson—are about to meet in a long-awaited, decisive showdown. Then a sudden report arrives: a massive army has surrounded the forces of Takeda, Uesugi, and Date at Kawanakajima. Their commander is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the one who inherited Nobunaga's dreams and ambitions, and now he is about to plunge Japan into chaos once again!

The Digital World is engulfed in conflict as the malevolent Bagra Army seeks to gather the pieces of the Code Crown, with the collector destined to rule the realm. This sinister faction is relentless in its pursuit of the crown's power. Taiki Kudou, a compassionate middle school student who loves soccer and aids those in distress, finds his life changed when he hears a cry for help while out with friends Akari Hinomoto and Zenjirou Tsurugi. In a nearby alley, he discovers a critically injured Digimon named Shoutmon. By utilizing a mysterious gadget known as a Xros Loader, Taiki saves Shoutmon but is simultaneously transported to the Digital World alongside his companions. Refusing to allow the Bagra Army to succeed, Taiki, Akari, and Zenjirou ally with Shoutmon and other native Digimon to establish the Xros Heart army. As they traverse the Digital World to secure the Code Crown fragments and vanquish their enemies, they soon discover that they are not the only humans entangled in this monstrous war.

Hakufu's life turns chaotic when she is assigned a student who mirrors her own behavior. A competition among school leaders begins, but Hakufu’s carelessness forces her pupil to compete in her stead. As the participants discover the tournament hides a sinister agenda, they become entangled in a scheme aimed at seizing control of the various clans.

Set in Shanghai during 1931, a decade prior to America’s entry into World War II, the seeds of conflict sown by the previous global war are beginning to sprout. Like spiders spinning intricate webs, these forces craft complex conspiracies poised to push entire nations toward destruction. At the center of this turmoil operates Sakurai Kikan, a highly classified intelligence agency composed of exceptionally gifted individuals whose powers far exceed those of ordinary people. Tasked with thwarting sinister plots and neutralizing the most dangerous threats, the agency’s members—ranging from clairvoyants and telepaths to espers—must navigate a city steeped in deception. As they struggle to distinguish truth from falsehood, one question remains: can such extraordinary operatives resist the overwhelming power of fate itself?

Tsubomi Hanasaki, a shy and gentle lover of flowers, hopes to transform her personality into something bolder and more outgoing as she starts at a new school following her family's relocation. Her aspirations take a surreal turn when she dreams of a celestial tree protected by a warrior called Cure Moonlight. This vision proves prophetic when Tsubomi encounters Chypre and Coffret, two fairies fleeing from a mysterious woman who unleashes a colossal monster upon the city. In response, Tsubomi transforms into Cure Blossom to defend the town. She soon discovers that her opponent belongs to a sinister faction intent on turning the world into a barren wasteland, and she must rise to the challenge of stopping them. As Tsubomi fights off additional threats and investigates the truth behind Cure Moonlight, she must determine if she can conquer her inherent timidity to find the courage she seeks.

Tony Stark—the CEO of a major weapons company, a physicist, engineer, and brilliant inventor—is struck by shrapnel from one of his own weapons during an abduction by terrorists. While held captive, he creates the Iron Man suit and manages to flee. From that moment on, he commits himself to making the most of his second chance and reshaping the world for the better. With that goal, he travels to Japan. In Japan’s Lab 23, significant progress has been made on building the Arc Station, a unique power plant that requires no fossil fuels. Stark intends to contribute to this endeavor and, to that end, is prepared to announce his retirement as Iron Man. Simultaneously, he will unveil the Mass-produced Iron Men, to whom he will hand over his responsibilities. However, during the ceremony, Stark is suddenly attacked by combat mecha from an organization called Zodiac.

The third season of Koihime Musou. Han's high court general Kashin is forced by Chou Jou to swallow a cursed pill that slowly turns her into a cat, a transformation she despises. Chou Jou also uses the emperor's authority to have Kashin branded a traitor and expelled from the Han court. While fleeing, she encounters Kada, who brings her to Touka village, believing its inhabitants will assist her.

This Cobra adaptation features short arcs of Cobra saving the world, his friends or himself.

Shobu and his companions press on against the members of Fua Duelist in the world championship, defeating every one of them. Shobu emerges as the world champion. Yet before he can unwind, he is summoned to the creature world to confront Diabolos Zeta, the Temporal Ruler, who stands on the brink of unleashing total annihilation. Shobu and his friends collect the new legendary cards and employ the powers those cards grant to stop him.

This spinoff takes place in a parallel world called Shin Jigen (Shin Dimension). The titular Shin-men team consists of five heroes whose supernatural abilities are represented by fire (Gou), water (Sui), wind (Hyuu), greenery (Nyoki), and iron (Kan). United, they battle their adversaries, the wicked pigs of Ton-Men.

A flash anime featuring Airuu, the helper cats in the original Monster Hunter game.

The third season of Ninja Tamamaru.

Set in the year 1008 of the Eastern Calendar within a fantasy realm where pinball is a widespread pastime, young Ouyang Xiaofeng journeys to find the mythical Pinball Immortal in order to master advanced pinball techniques. Upon arriving at Immortal Pearl Mountain, the residence of the Immortal, he encounters four companions who join his cause, and together they become his disciples. Meanwhile, the malevolent Ghost Count harbors ambitions to control the five Pinball Demons—representing Xiaofeng and his friends’ demonic counterparts—with the goal of dominating the entire pinball universe. Driven by this desire for power, the Ghost Count targets Ouyang Xiaofeng and his four allies to capture the Pinball Demons, as well as the scattered Pinball Scepter and Pinball Ring. After prevailing in three progressively challenging matches, the Ghost Count secures both the Pinball Scepter and the Pinball Ring, using their combined strength to seize control of the five Demons.