Action in animes has always been over the top and that’s the beauty of it. Gunfights have always been my favorite and that is why I’ve watched many Gun Action animes and can suggest you some fine animes with authority.
In this post, I’ll be specifically mentioning animes where major fights are fought with guns and animes where the MC’s choice of weapon is guns. Here the list of 15 Badass Gun Animes that’ll make your goosebumps. Also, I’ve added 5 Honorary mentions that are just as good.
15. Arifureta
- Logline: A story of an average guy and his journey to becoming the strongest.
- Year: 2019
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Harem
- Studios: asread., White Fox
In a world where magic and magical creatures hold the power, our MC has the ability to conjure up magical guns as deadly weapons to fight his adversaries. It is an average anime that you can watch when free time and have a good time.
Synopsis
Hajime Nagumo along with his classmates was summoned to a magical world as a hero. Where everyone got cool powers, Hajime got an average power. While exploring a Labrinth, he was betrayed by his classmates and he falls deep inside the labyrinth. Hajime struggles hard to survive and decides that he will become the strongest.
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Hulu.
14. SAO: Guns Gale Online
- Logline: LLENN is a legendry player in a virtual game and she is up for her new challenge as she decides to fight in a squad battle royale.
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Action, Fantasy, Game
- Studios: Studio 3Hz
Guns Gale Online is the spin-off version of the very famous Sword Art Online franchise. The anime majorly focuses on battles fought by anime girls with guns. It is a decent anime that can provide you a good amount of enjoyment.
Synopsis
Karen Kohiruimaki is a university student who goes by the name LLENN, in Guns Gale Online, an MMORPG game. She is considered a legendary player in the game. While playing she comes across another female player who asker LLENN to join her team and enter in Squad Jam, a battle royale that pits teams against one another, fighting until only one remains.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Streaming on Netflix.
13. GATE
- Logline: When a portal to another world is opened in Japan, Itami is tasked to lead an expedition to the new world.
- Year: 2015
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- Studios: A-1 Pictures
GATE is an anime that links the modern world with high-tech warfare and the medieval world with low-quality weapons and tactics. It shows how it would look liking fighting with guns and missiles against a medieval army that got some magic and catgirls.
Synopsis
One day out of nowhere, a portal gets opened in the middle of Tokyo city and hundreds of supernatural creatures and warriors clad in medieval armor emerge out from it and start ravaging the city.
Three months after the attack, Youji Itami is tasked with leading a special recon team, as part of a JSDF task force, that will be sent to the world beyond the portal.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Streaming on Netflix.
12. No Guns Life
- Logline: Juuzou is a kind guy who likes to help the helpless and fights the corruption in his city.
- Year: 2019
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama
- Studios: Madhouse
The reason that I put this anime on this list might make you laugh. Our MC of this anime doesn’t wield a gun, he has a freaking gun on his head. Yeah, he’s a cyborg that has a big gun as his head and he is a private detective who helps the helpless and fights the corruption.
Synopsis
In a world where the technology of cyborg is common, many people have modified themselves and are called Extended. Juuzou Inui is one such Extended who comes across another Extended that kidnapped a kid.
Juuzou could turn that guy in but apparently, it seems that everyone wants hold of this kid and a treacherous conspiracy is going on in the city.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Available on Funimation.
11. Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
- Logline: A fight for survival against a lethal alien virus.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Action, Survival
- Studio: Wit Studio
To the worshippers of zombies and thrillers, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is an anime relief for you. At first, the story seems like a typical survival theme, but as the chapters unfold the mystery will keep you guessing of the real evil. It is a complex story framed around an intellectual premise. Don’t watch it if you are looking for a light quick to finish anime series.
Synopsis
Humans are hit by a dreadful wave of lethal creatures. Known as the Kabane, these beings feed on human flesh and their single bite can leave the victim to death. The only way to end this horrific situation is to kill them one by one. A tedious process that requires their heart to be pierced off. The story orbits around Ikona who is one such soldier battling against Kabane.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Binge this on Netflix.
10. City Hunter
- Logline: Ryou Saeba is a member of a group called ‘City Hinter’ that takes all kinds of dangerous jobs for a good price.
- Year: 1987
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Mystery
- Studios: Sunrise
City Hunter will give you the feel of those 90’s movies where our dashing hero fights the bad and is a lover of the ladies. It is an OG anime that everyone should watch if they call themselves anime fanatics but more importantly because it’s a really good gun anime.
Synopsis
‘City Hunter’ is a contractor group that takes all kinds of jobs and fight criminals and bad people. Ryou Saeba is the key member of the group who hits all his targets with perfect accuracy with his Colt Python. Along with his partner Kaori Makimura, every day’s an adventure in Ryou’s life.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Watch it on Crunchyroll.
9. Saga of Tanya the Evil
- Logline: A story of a vicious 9-year-old military commander.
- Year: 2017
- Genre: Action, Military, Magic
- Studios: Nut
If you like animes where the MC is an anti-hero and the story is dark then this gun anime is surely up your alley. It has badass characters, Magical gunfights, a clever plot, and is engaging throughout. Definitely worth your time.
Synopsis
Tanya Degurachaff is a 9-year-old but she is not ordinary. Tanya used to a sociopathic man in her previous life and she remembers it all. In short, she’s a man trapped in a little girl’s body.
Tanya joins the military and through her shrewd tactics, she decides to rise in the military ranks and live a comfortable life.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Available on Crunchyroll.
8. Lupin III
- Logline: A tale of a mastermind thief from a family of high-profile thieves.
- Year: 1977
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Studio: Tokyo Movie Shinsha
This anime from the 70s is an extraordinary work of Japanese animation. The show is based out on a legendary manga called the “monkey punch”.
It’s definitely not for every other otaku but If you are strictly looking for a fast-paced police-thief chase type series that involves moving action in form of gunfires, Lupin 3rd is the show for you. It was one of the very first anime show that was directed towards an adult audience along with kids.
Synopsis
Arsène Lupi was a famous thief of his time. Inspired by his daredevil acts of robbery his grandson Arsene Lupi III decides to carry forward the legacy of his grandfather.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Can be streamed online on Netflix.
7. Jormungand
- Logline: Story of a young woman who sells weapons around the world while constantly doing any troubles.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action
- Studio: White Fox
What separates a good series from a bad one? Premise? Characters? Animation? A big yes to all three. But what we tend to forget is the element of what we expect out of a show concerning its genre.
The best overall anime may not be the best action anime. Likewise, a hardcore gun anime may not score a high rating in terms of other aspects. Having said that Jormungand is the best gun anime you’ll ever come across.
Synopsis
Koko Hekmatyar is a young and blunt woman who works for Arms and ammunition dealers. She travels around the world selling weapons. She is guarded by her team of bodyguards. Her newest bodyguard recruit is a rookie and hates arms dealers.
Where to watch this gun anime?
This anime can be watched online on Hulu.
6. Hellsing
- Logline: Hellsing is an organization that deals with supernatural threats and are tasked to eliminate a Vampire who’s creating chaos in the world.
- Year: 2001
- Genre: Action, Horror
- Studio: Gonzo
Hellsing is that OG Vampire anime that all other Vampire animes look up to. It has got everything to get you hooked: a fun story, impactful characters, ruthless brutality, a nice pinch of humor, and mesmerizing art.
Synopsis
The story revolves around Hellsing, an organization that deals with supernatural threats. It is asked to eliminate a vampire that is turning the people of a village into ghouls. They dispatch their ace agent, Alucard, who is also a vampire. During the mission, he comes across a mortally wounded girl named Seras Victoria.
He feels pity for her and offers her to become a Vampire, to which she agrees. Seras begins her new life as a member of Hellsing and along with Alucard, gets on the trail to hunt the vicious vampire.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Hellsing is available on Hulu.
5. Cowboy Bebop
- Logline: The Bounty Hunters will do anything to get hold of the fugitives before the cops get them to score bounty.
- Year: 1998
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Studio: Sunrise
Your anime career isn’t really complete till you watch Cowboy Bebop. Like I said earlier some anime are perfect in the set genre while others are an overall masterpiece. Cowboy Bebop fits the latter. I often used to skip vintage anime shows that showed futuristic actions and fights but after watching Cowboy Bebop I realized Japanese animators were way ahead of their time in designing futuristic action themes.
Synopsis
Set in a futuristic world in the year 2071 the show describes the chronicles of the policemen of the galaxy known as “Cowboys” and their clash with “The Bounty Hunter.”
Spike Spiegel, the bounty hunter is a mellow and carefree personality. Though he looks naive his martial arts skill is brushed to perfection. He joins hands with few other bounty hunters to hunt the highest-priced fugitives.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Available on Hulu.
4. Psycho-Pass
- Logline: In the future, judgments are passed by a threat measurement scale called the Psyco-Pass.
- Year: 2012
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Studio: Original
Anime like Psycho-Pass tells us how broad the spectrum on anime shows actually is. The show completes in just 22 episodes. I stumbled upon it when I saw people comparing it with death note on Reddit. Within no time I binged it like theserialbinger and realized what a masterpiece I had been missing. If you are lucky enough to get this recommendation, just don’t ignore it.
Synopsis
In its 22nd century, the advancements had led to drastic changes to the world of justice. Criminals are not captured after they commit a crime but by calculating their threat level called the Psyco Pass. Each citizen is enrolled in a Psyco Pass which measures the level of criminal intent each citizen has.
Where to watch this gun anime?
This crime thriller is available on Netflix.
3. 91 Days
- Logline: Avilio wants to seek revenge on those who killed his family.
- Year: 2016
- Genre: Action, Drama, Historical
- Studios: Shuka
A story set in the early 20th century, filled with lawlessness, mafia, murder, and revenge. 91 Days will blow your mind with its captivating story and smooth animation. This anime is more than guns and action, it is an emotion.
Synopsis
Avilio Bruno returns to his hometown after 7 years with a clear goal of vengeance. His parents and brother were slaughtered by the Vanetti mafia family. Avilio plans to befriend the Vanetti don’s son, Nero, and slowly kill everyone involved in his family’s murder.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Watch it on Crunchyroll.
2. Black Lagoon
- Logline: The Black Lagoon has an enthusiastic recruit who was bought in as a hostage.
- Year: 2006
- Genre: Action
- Studio: Madhouse
You’ll find this particular anime in almost every gun and crime anime recommendation list on the internet.
Reason? Black Lagoon is a brilliant show of action-specific genre and functions on realistic grounds of mafia, bloodshed, car chases, and unlimited gunfires.
Synopsis
The Lagoon Company is a team of notorious sea pirates who take charge of buying and selling goods in the underworld market. They operate from the fictional place in Thailand called the Roanapur. The team is constantly under missions to smuggle goods.
Rokurou Okajima, a business tycoon is captured by the Black Lagoons for an exchange of negotiation for a company deal. But Rokorou’s employer betrays him and in the heat of revenge, he decides to join The Lagoon Company.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Available on Vudu.
1. Trigun
- Logline: A race to catch a legendary gunslinger who has a bounty of $60,000,000,000 on his head.
- Year: 1998
- Genre: Action, Crime
- Studio: 1998
While most crime action anime portray nonsensical ammunition or mecha fights, Trigun sets a benchmark for depicting realism in action anime. Relating the synopsis written below to real-world may sound absurd at first but the way storytelling, character development, animation, and dialogues work in Trigun, this anime surpasses every other crime tv series on Netflix.
Synopsis
The story follows a ruthless gunslinger Vash the Stampede. His overly famous notorious acts have led him to the top of most wanted criminals with an unrealistic bounty of $60,000,000,000. Two daredevils Meryl Styfe and Milly Thompson are hired to catch Vash.
Where to watch this gun anime?
Stream on Amazon Prime Video.
Honorary Mentions:
1. Outlaw Star
- Logline: A group of ragtag crew travels across planest finding answers related to their mission.
- Year: 1998
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure
- Studios: Sunrise
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Hulu.
2. Gungrave
- Logline: A story of two best friends rising through the ranks of a mafia syndicate.
- Year: 2003
- Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
- Studios: Madhouse
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Hulu.
3. Grenadier
- Logline: Rushuna is an expert gunfighter who fights for peace and happines.
- Year: 2004
- Genre: Action, Ecchi, Adventure
- Studios: Group TAC
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Crunchyroll.
4. Black Bullet
- Logline: In 2021, a virus turned the majority of humans into monsters and those who survived have to fight to keep humankind alive.
- Year: 2014
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Mystery
- Studios: Kinema Citrus, Orange
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Crunchyroll.
5. Ghost in a Shell
- Logline: Section 9 of the Police Dept. fights cyber-related crimes but a new criminal is giving them a hard time.
- Year: 2002
- Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi
- Studios: Production I.G
Where to watch this gun anime?
You’ll find it on Amazon Prime.
