50 Strongest Swordsmen In Anime Of All Time

The World of Anime is filled with a wide range of warrior types. We have Ninjas, Pirates, Cowboys, Espers, Magicians, Giants, Angels, Devils, Alien-warrior races, and a lot more. But out of all these ranges of fighters, the one that excites us the most is people carrying swords. We all love watching some supernatural slashings on our screen, and Anime gives us that!

These single pieces of steel provide one of the most spectacular moments. And many great men and women are wielding these single pieces of steel in all of Anime. In this list, we discover the 50 strongest of them! 

Levi Ackerman From Attack On Titan

We are starting this list with the man who is widely known as Humanity’s Strongest Soldier, Levi Ackerman. In the World of Attack on Titan, where everyone fears the might of Titans, there is Levi, who is much scarier than any other Titan.

He holds his right sword backhanded, which allows him to move in a fast circular motion. Thanks to his strength, style, and speed, he cuts down every type of Titan.

Mikasa Ackerman From Attack On Titan

Second, we have the 2nd strongest sword fighter in Attack on Titan, Mikasa Ackerman. Considered the strongest soldier of the 104th Corps, Mikasa is not far away from Levi in terms of skills, thanks to her Ackerman blood.

Ackermans have natural fighting instincts and perfect self-control over their body. She is often regarded as a prodigy because of her skills with the blades with which she cuts and strikes down Titans easily.

Kirito From Sword Art Online

The protagonist of Sword Art Online deserves to be on this list as he is the main character of an anime based on sword fighting. Kirito is the strongest swordsman in the series because of his amazing duel-wielding ability.

He can defeat the strongest of enemies when he gets his hands on his two swords. Along with his amazing sword skills, his willpower adds to his strength. When his eyes turn yellow, it’s bye-bye for everyone!

Future Trunks From Dragon Ball Series

The son of Vegeta, Future Trunks, is a Saiyan who wields a sword. All anime fans are aware of how overpowered the warrior-race Saiyan is. Therefore, this makes Future Trunks one of the strongest sword-wielders in Anime.

On his debut in Dragon Ball Z, he killed the evil overlord Frieza after easily cutting him in 2 parts with his sword. He also put an end to fused Zamasu with his ki-infused blue sword in Dragon Ball Super.

Mugen From Samurai Champloo

Mugen, the first of the two sword-wielding protagonists from Samurai Champloo, is a drifting outlaw who doesn’t miss a chance to pick up fights with strong opponents. Thanks to his “Champloo,” meaning mixed fighting style, he defeats them.

He is a self-thought samurai, and his techniques are a mix of martial arts, breakdancing, and very uncommon swordplay. Though highly impulsive, Mugen is a strong swordsman!

Jin From Samurai Champloo

Jin, the second of the two sword-wielding protagonists from Samurai Champloo, is much different from Mugen but just as strong. Unlike Mugen, who has an improvised fighting style, Jin’s skills are technical and proficient. And he keeps on training and improving his techniques.

Jin is regarded as one of the strongest samurais in Anime. And his sword fighting style, the Mujushin Kenjutsu, is regarded as the purest and most ethereal style.

Nanashi From Sword of The Stranger

The main hero of the sword of the stranger, Nanashi, is a wandering ronin who has sworn to keep his sword sheathed. But when he breaks his oath, we see how inhuman of a swordsman he is.

He can defeat enemies that use magic in their swordplay with his raw skills alone. Nanashi is a gifted samurai that cuts down his opponent no matter how heavily wounded he is.

Kisame From Naruto Series

Probably the most underrated member of Akatsuki, Kisame is still a terrifying character in the World of Naruto. This shark-like shinobi possesses an incredible amount of chakra and physical strength.

But what makes him scary is his giant sword, Samehada, a sword that eats other’s chakra and gets stronger. Thanks to Samehada, Kisame is also a terrifying swordsman. He was not part of the seven swordsmen of the mist for nothing!

Killer B from Naruto Series

Next up, we have the eight-tail Jinchuuriki, Killer B. But even without his tailed beast powers, he is a powerful shinobi, thanks to his skills with the blade.

He wields not one, not two, not three, but seven blades simultaneously – one in his left armpit, one in both elbows, one in the right leg, one in the stomach, one in the right side of his neck, and one in his mouth. This sword style makes B an unpredictable opponent.

Sasuke Uchiha From Naruto Series

The last pure-blooded Uchiha, Sasuke Uchiha, is one of the strongest characters in Naruto and all of Anime! He started wielding the sword of Kusanagi after training under Orochimaru and soon became the strongest swordsman in the series.

When added with his Sharingan, Sasuke cuts down a large number of opponents in no time. He also infuses his sword with Chidori making it a sword of lightning and paralyzing his opponents with it.

Aki Hayakawa

Aki Hayakawa, the public safety officer who also babysits Power and Denji, is a proficient swordsman. He always had high reflexes and skills with the sword, which helped him fight devils.

After gaining a contract with the future devil, he can predict his opponent’s attacks, making him an even stronger swordsman. Later, the angel devil gifts him a sword that can harm and kill intangible beings such as ghosts.

Inuyasha From Inuyasha

The half-demon Inuyasha possesses superhuman strength, speed, stamina, speed, senses, and durability. Even with a normal sword, he would make up a strong swordsman. But he wields the sword of destruction, Tessaiga, which can “kill a hundred demons in a single strike.”

The sword absorbs the abilities and powers of any material, substance, and demonic energies it comes in contact with, making itself more powerful and granting new abilities. The sword guides Inuyasha and makes him one of the strongest swordsmen in Anime!

Sesshomaru From Inuyasha

Inuyasha’s big brother, Sesshomaru, is an even stronger and more skilled swordsman than his little brother, who is feared across the feudal World. He wielded several Yokai swords, but his most powerful blade was the blade of life, Tenseiga.

The blade can resurrect the dead and heal the wounded. It has the power to bring back a hundred lives in one swing! Sesshomaru wields the sword with great efficiency by using only one hand.

Polnarref From Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Is it necessary to wield a sword yourself to be considered a great swordsman? Well, because in Jean Pierre Polnarref’s case, his stand is the one that wields the sword, a fencing one at that. Polnarref’s stand, Silver Chariot, is one of the fastest stands in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.

He expertly controls his stands thanks to his years of training. In a world where people possess abilities to erase matter, control flames, and skip time, Polnarref is considered one of the strongest stand users for a reason.

Zoro From One Piece

Every conversation about anime swordsmen is incomplete without Roronoa Zoro, the right-hand man of the future king of pirates. His goal is to become the World’s strongest swordsman, and he will not stop at anything!

Zoro is a powerful foe when he uses his one-sword. He becomes more terrifying when he uses two swords. But it’s time to run as soon as possible when Zoro gets his hand and mouth on three swords.

Dracule Mihawk From One Piece

Is Zoro the strongest swordsman in One Piece? He is getting there, but currently, there is someone else who owns the title. Dracule Mihawk is the man who is known as the “world’s greatest swordsman.”

He showed how far Zoro was from the title when he defeated Zoro with the tiny sword he wore as a necklace. The “Hawk-Eye” is the single greatest swordsman currently, with no rival whatsoever!

Shanks From One Piece

One of the four emperors, the “red-haired” Shanks, is one of the most destructive forces in One Piece. And he is also one of the most skilled swordsmen in Anime.

He fought numerous battles with Mihawk and was considered his rival before losing one of his arms. But even with one arm, he matched Whitebeard’s blow, the man who was considered the strongest in the World!

Oden From One Piece

Kozuki Oden was the daimyo of Kuri in Wano Country, a country that was widely known as the land of the samurai. He was an extremely skilled samurai who was even able to cut Kaido the beast and could’ve finished him off.

His “Oden Two Sword Style,” where he wielded the legendary swords, Enma and Ame no Habakiri, is one of the most destructive sword techniques in all Anime.

Gol D Roger From One Piece

The King of Pirates is also a contender for the strongest swordsman! He was seen using a Haki-infused sword in the Anime.

He sent someone as strong as Oden flying with just one blow from his sword. He later also went toe to toe with Whitebeard in his prime! Gol D Roger might have been even stronger and more skilled than Mihawk.

Nobunaga Hazama From Hunter X Hunter

Nobunaga Hazama is one of the members of the terrifying Phantom Troupe and is regarded as its 9th strongest member thanks to his skills with his Katana. He is very confident in his swordplay, often taking on powerful foes, such as Hisoka.

According to Killua, he has no chance of getting close to Nobunaga without getting his entire body cut in half. And Nobunaga will also get time to kill gon easily after that!

Zeldris From Seven Deadly Sins

The youngest son of Demon King, Zeldris is possibly the strongest swordsman in Seven Deadly Sins. The leader of the ten commandments is tremendously skilled at using his short sword.

What makes his skills scary is his Ominous Nebula ability. With this ability, a vortex is created around Zeldris that surrounds and attracts every living being around him, and Zeldris cuts anything that comes in contact with the vortex with god-like speed and reflexes.

Meliodas

The Dragon’s Sin of Wrath and the eldest son of the demon king, Meliodas, is the strongest being in seven deadly sins. The leader of the seven deadly sins possesses incredible swordplay equal to his younger brother.

Meliodas is very destructive with his giant broad sword and is often used to fight without a real sword to suppress his powers. With his abilities like Kami Chigiri, Shiden Issen, and Dark Prominence, Meliodas is able to cut down every foe!

King Bradley From Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood 

Originally the Fuhrer of Amestris and later known as Wrath, King Bradley’s swordsmanship is inhuman! After transforming into a homunculus, Bradley became a powerful combatant with strength, speed, reflexes, stamina, durability, senses, agility, coordination, willpower, intelligence, and instincts superior to any other character. 

And his skills with the swords are deadly, and he can wield five blades simultaneously without any effort. Challenging an entire military unit with only one sword is still one of his greatest flex!

Tanjiro Kamado From Demon Slayer

The protagonist of an anime where the only way to slay a demon is by cutting their heads with a sword has to be a strong swordsman. And Tanjiro is a very strong swordsman.

He can slay demons using various water-breathing techniques efficiently, and later, he also mastered sun-breathing. The best thing about him is his ability to learn faster and achieve new heights during his battles.

Giyu Tomioka From Demon Slayer

The current water Hashira of the demon slayer corps is one of the strongest swordsmen in the series! He possesses inhuman reflexes and blinding speed and has attained immense stamina and amazing strength thanks to his years of training.

In his fight with Akaza, he was able to overpower the upper demon for some time, even getting an offer to be turned into a demon, which Akaza only gives to the strongest of opponents.

Kyojuro Rengoku From Demon Slayer

The Flame Hashira of the demon slayer corps, Kyojuro Rengoku, is just as skilled and strong as the Water Hashira. He also got an offer from Akaza to be turned into a demon.

The most impressive thing about Kyojuro is that he became as powerful as he is by learning from the three volumes of the guidebook of flame breathing style. Demon Slayer Manga has a lot of skilled swordsmen that are yet to be animated!

Hyakkimaru From Dororo

The lead character of Dororo, Hyakkimaru, is on a search for his missing body parts that he gets by slaying demons who took them.

Hyakkimaru achieved demonic strength and enhanced senses as an effect of getting his body parts offered to 48 demons as an infant. He is a master at swordsmanship and cuts down the strongest of demons with his blades.

Guts From Demon Slayer

Guts are widely known as the “Black Swordsman” for a reason. He has been wielding oversized swords ever since he was a 6-year-old child, and over time he became gained magnificent strength and sword skills.

Guts now wield the Dragon Slayer, an enormous sword made from the best steel that can cut down the demonkind with no effort. That, added to his berserker armor, makes guts one of the most destructive warriors you’ll see in Anime!

Yami Sukehiro From Black Clover

Yami Sukehiro, the first captain of the Black Bull Squad of the Magic Knights, is a magic swordsman like his ancestors and coats his Katana in magic. He squashes the most powerful opponents with simply his swordplay infused with dark magic.

Yami, with the power of his dark magic, uses destructive techniques like Dark Cloaked Avidya Slash, Dark Cloaked Dimension Slash, Dark Cloaked Iai Slash, Death Thrust, and many other powerful sword techniques.

Asta From Black Clover

The protagonist of Black Clover, Asta, is also an expert swordsman. He develops sword fighting skills over time due to his experiences in battle, different swords, and ki-sensing. Asta owns many Anti Magic Swords with which he can nullify any type of magic.

His three primary swords are the Demon-Slayer Sword, Demon-Dweller Sword, and the Demon-Destroyer Sword. He also once used Yami’s Katana during battle, which became the Demon-Slasher Katana. All his swords have different but awesome skills!

Afro From Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai is a swordsman possessing enormous skills. His father was decapitated right in front of his eyes when he was just a child. This turns him into a ruthless killer who will cut down anyone who comes his way.

The only two things he thinks about are revenge and becoming number one. He is a master swordsman that can cut down bullets and deflect bolts from a crossbow easily. He once pierced a person’s throat with just his sword’s sheath!

Hiei From Yu Yu Hakusho

One of the main characters of Yu Yu Hakusho, Hiei, is a master at wielding trademark “bushido-style” katana. He exhibits incredible skills in swordsmanship as he can deliver lighting speed strikes. He can cut an opponent sixteen times in one second!

Hiei also possesses inhuman pin-point accuracy as he can stab a foe by completely missing his vital organs. Hiei can cut through anything!

Sakata Gintoki From Gintama

The President of Yorozuya, Sakata Gintoki, is a highly-skilled samurai. His spectacular swordsmanship, and silver hair, earned him the title of Shiroyasha, meaning white devil, during the Joui War. His name was feared by everyone on the battlefield.

Gintoki is invincible and strong enough to beat opponents with legendary status. Because of his incredible skills with his sword and ability to change the tide of any battle, he also got known as the ‘Ace’!

Shinsuke Takasugi From Gintama

Next up, we have the leader of the Kiheitai, Takasugi Shinsuke, whose sole mission is to cause world destruction. Shinsuke’s swordsmanship rivals that of Gintoki, who trained alongside him.

He channels his sword with hatred to cut down an entire army of opponents and leave unscathed. His speed and strength, combined with his incredible senses, make him one of the strongest samurai in the series.

Katsura Kotarou From Gintama

The infamous terrorist who is the most wanted by the authorities, Katsura Kotarou, is a genius master samurai too. He learned the art of swordsmanship together with Gintoki and Shinsuke during their childhood. Therefore, he isn’t any less impressive than the two.

He was also considered a prodigy due to his abilities as a child. He earned the title of “The Nobleman of Madness” because of his offensive style of swordplay. He was even compared to a rampaging beast showing how strong he was!

Okita Sougou From Gintama

The 1st Division Captain of the Shinsengumi, Okita Sougou, is also their strongest samurai. He has been training under Isao Kondo since he was just a child, and now he fearlessly leads the vanguard of the entire Shinsengumi.

Okita could cut an entire car in half with just a single strike and was also able to destroy a concrete building with his swordplay. 

Hijikata Toshihiro From Gintama

The no-bullshit, no-nonsense attitude of Hijikata Toshihiro has made him one of the strongest and most feared Samurai in the entire series!

His ruthless attitude has earned him the title of “Demonic” Vice Commander of the Shinsengumi. He can handle an entire force by himself. Though not as strong as Gintoki, his skills are not that far from him either!

Utsuro From Gintama

We can’t leave the list without mentioning the strongest character and the most powerful Samurai in the series, Utsuro, or, as Gintoki would say, Shoyo Yoshida.

From training Gintoki, Katsura, and Shinsuke in their childhood as Shoyo Sensei to being the final antagonist of the entire Anime. Utsuro always had terrifying sword skills. The only way to keep up with him is by fighting with him more than a hundred times, like Gintoki. And the terrifying thing? He is immortal!

Erza Scarlet From Fairy Tail

Erza Scarlet is an S-Class Mage from Fairy Tail who is very talented at using sword magic. With the help of magic, she can perform great attacks with her sword.

She can also combine her sword with different armor to make her skills even deadlier. Her skills with the sword make her one of the deadliest combatants in Fairy Tail.

Akame From Akame Ga Kill

Akame of the Demon Sword Murasame is an amazing combatant due to her wonderful swordsmanship. Since her childhood, she got her training from one of the four rakshasa demons and one of the most ruthless assassins.

She is super fast, super strong, and super durable. Akame can slay the strongest of opponents with ease. Thanks to her swordplay, she is one of the strongest members of Night Raid.

Clare From Claymore

The protagonist of Claymore, Clare, started as a weak individual, but over time, she became one of the strongest warriors in the series. Clare mastered the quick sword thanks to Irene and is now able to control the sword’s berserker nature.

She also mastered the Windcutter, allowing her attacks to be extremely accurate. With Quicksword and Windcutter combined, she became an incredible swordswoman!

Saber From Fate Series

Next up, we have the King of Knights, which is a female Saber. Saber is a marvelous swordswoman. Combined with her enormous amount of magic energy, she is an unmatched combatant.

She wields Excalibur, the sword of the promised victory, the most majestic and strongest holy sword. Such a powerful sword in the hands of such a powerful person!

Himura Kenshin From Rurouni Kenshin

The legendary Hitokiri of the Meiji Revolution, Himura Kenshin, is one the most powerful warriors in Rurouni Kenshin because of his swordsmanship. He is regarded as a living legend due to his incredible feats.

He can cut through steel with ease. And he can even cut through someone without even leaving a cut! Like how ridiculously skilled can someone be to achieve such a feat?

Atomic Samurai From One Punch Man

The S Class Hero, Atomic Samurai, is widely known as the earth’s strongest swordsman. It is rumored that he can cut over 100 people with only a single strike. He can slice his enemies in pieces without even them getting an opportunity to react.

And he doesn’t even need his sword to cut monsters, as he once did such a thing with just one toothpick. His signature attack, the atomic slash, allows him to do over 100 slashes within a second.

Ichigo Kurosaki From Bleach

Bleach is filled with God-tier characters that are the most powerful in all Anime. And many of them are incredible swordsmen. The first of them is the Anime’s protagonist, Ichigo Kurasaki. He is a master’s swordsman with immense spiritual energy.

He wields his Zanpakuto with the utmost efficiency, wielding both blades perfectly from both hands. His Getsuga Tensho is enough to beat down the strongest of opponents.

Urahara From Bleach

Now we have the man who trained Ichigo in swordsmanship – Urahara Kisuke. This genius man is a master at swordplay himself. He strikes with destructive power, and all his attacks are fast and precise.

His abilities are considered dangerous by many, and many even avoid fighting him. And he combines his swordplay with his other skills, making him even more dangerous to face. Urahara’s Shikai and Bankai are also one of the strongest in the series.

Byakuya Kuchiki From Bleach

Byakuya Kuchiki, the captain of the 6th Division, is the warrior with the most pride. He belongs to the four noble clans of the soul society. He takes utmost pride in his swordplay, possessing flawless precision and being able to perform the most lethal attacks with no effort.

His swordsmanship is only enhanced by his great Shunpo skills. Byakuya’s Bankai allows him to wield countless blades at once. These blades give the appearance of Cherry Blossom, the last cherry blossom Byakuya’s opponent sees.

Kenpachi Zaraki From Bleach

The 11th Kenpachi, Zaraki Kenpachi, is an absolute beast when it comes to sword-fighting. He is so invincible that he only uses one hand to fight the strongest of opponents because he only uses two hands to finish opponents that are worthy enough.

Though unpolished, his sword skills as a child led him to injure the next swordswoman on the list. He is regarded as the most proficient swordsman in soul society. Additionally, Kenpachi’s unimaginable endurance and resistance to any damage whatsoever make him one of the strongest warriors in all Anime.

Unohana From Bleach

Retsu Unohana was previously known as Yachiro Unohana, and she was the first person who has crowned the title of “Kenpachi.” She is the best healer in soul society and uses this ability amidst battles. But her specialty is sword fighting.

Unohana has mastered the countless sword fighting styles there are in the entire World. She overpowered Zaraki during their battle, wounding him and then even healing him to make Zaraki strong enough to finally beat her.

Yamamoto From Bleach

And finally, we have Old Man Yamamoto, the captain commander of the entire Gotei 13. The reason he served the captain commander for a thousand years was that, in all those years, no one was able to match his strength.

He is probably the strongest swordsman in the entire series, thanks to his over 2 million years of combat experience. There is little to no hope of coming alive if you’re facing this old man. And his Bankai incorporates all his flames into his blade. And that blade burns everything out of existence!

Also Read: Top 10 Strongest Duos In Anime That Are Inseparable