A major shake-up has hit the rankings of top action anime as Jujutsu Kaisen unexpectedly loses its spot as the best battle anime.
In the latest poll organized by the respected Japanese magazine Anime! Anime!, a strong contender has successfully defended the top spot for the fourth year in a row, pushing Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Dragon Ball into tough positions.
Bungo Stray Dogs: The Unrivaled Champion
Marking “Duel Day” (April 13), commemorating the legendary 1612 duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, Japanese fans voted for the top action series. The results were stunning: Bungo Stray Dogs (BSD) claimed first place with about 11% of the total votes.
This marks the fourth consecutive year BSD has held the crown, beating out shonen giants that usually dominate global rankings. BSD’s spectacular success in 2026 is credited to its grand 10th anniversary celebrations and the intense, thrilling storylines in recent seasons.
Instead of focusing solely on physical strength or massive energy blasts, BSD captivates fans with strategic battles and a unique power system inspired by real-world literature. Characters like Osamu Dazai and Atsushi Nakajima, with abilities such as “No Longer Human” and “Beast Beneath the Moon,” create a distinct, deep flavor amidst the sea of action anime.
A Thrilling Three-Way Tie for Second Place
While BSD took the top spot, second place saw an unprecedented three-way tie. Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and the legendary Dragon Ball all shared second place, each with around 6% of the votes.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Despite the global sensation caused by the “Shibuya Incident” arc and the intense developments in the ongoing Culling Game arc, it wasn’t enough to bring Yuji Itadori back to the top. Still, the tournament-style episodes received widespread praise for their high-quality action.
Demon Slayer: The “Blade of Demon Destruction” continues to impress with stunning visuals from Studio Ufotable. The emotional bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko remains a core element that keeps fans hooked with every strike of their swords.
Dragon Ball: The presence of the “Seven Dragon Balls” among the top contenders, standing shoulder to shoulder with newer series after decades, proves the enduring legacy of Akira Toriyama’s masterpiece. Interest is heating up further with a new Beerus project slated for fall 2026.
Diverse Styles in Battle Anime
The top 10 list also features familiar names like Gintama, My Hero Academia, and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Notably, newer or uniquely styled titles such as Tougen Anki and BOFURI made the cut, showing that anime fans are increasingly drawn to diverse and creative stories.