The action genre is one of the most influential and widespread categories in both anime and manga. This is due to its appeal to the shonen demographic, as many of the most popular series fall under this genre. As a result, the constant demand for action-based content leads to an increase in the production of action anime and manga.
The action genre is often synergistically paired with other genres, like horror, adventure, comedy, and even romance in some cases, in any demographic. Some notable action anime effectively incorporate a significant amount of romance into their series, showcasing their ability to do so exceptionally well.
Action and Romance in Popular Anime: Gurren Lagann, Beastars, and More
Yona of the Dawn
Mizuho Kusanagi’s Yona of the Dawn manga series is a top-notch combination of action and romance. Officially categorized as an adventure, epic fantasy, and romance series, it takes place in a fictional world that features the nation of Kouka. According to legend, the nation was founded by the Crimson Dragon God, who had taken on human form and was known as the Crimson Dragon King.
Despite beginning 2000 years later, the series follows the story of Yona, a princess from the Kouka kingdom. Her life is one of luxury and protection within the Crimson Dragon Castle, leaving her unaware of the harsh truth beyond its walls. However, when one of her closest friends plots to overthrow the current Crimson Dragon King and take the throne for himself, Yona must escape with her remaining allies, gather a team of warriors, and fight to save her kingdom.
Gurren Lagann
When talking about action anime series, it’s nearly impossible to leave out Gainax, Aniplex, and Konami’s original anime series, Gurren Lagann. While the series primarily focuses on action, there are also moments of romance between certain characters. One of the most significant and memorable relationships is between the main character Simon and his love interest Nia Teppelin. Additionally, there is a brief and understated romance between the supporting characters Yoko Littner and Kamina.
In the future depicted in the series, the Spiral King Lordgenome reigns over Earth, causing humanity to reside in isolated underground villages. Certain villagers, known as diggers, are enlisted to excavate and expand these subterranean settlements. Among them are Simon and Kamina. One fateful day, Simon stumbles upon a key and a peculiar, face-like mecha, altering the course of his own destiny and that of the entire world.
Inuyasha – Anime Series
Despite its focus on action, the manga series Inuyasha by author and illustrator Rumiko Takahashi also explores the theme of romance at its core. This is evident through its classification as a romance alongside fantasy and adventure. The story follows two main characters, Inuyasha, a half-demon human, and Kagome Higurashi, a young girl living in modern-day Japan.
The story of Inuyasha and Kikyo begins with their love for each other and her role as the keeper of the Shikon Jewel. However, their relationship is strained and ultimately leads to Inuyasha being sealed to a tree with a sacred arrow for 500 years, and the Shikon Jewel being scattered through time. When Higurashi is pulled into the past by a demon through a well, she joins Inuyasha on their journey and their love story begins anew.
Sailor Moon
In the eyes of many, Sailor Moon is considered the quintessential shojo magical girl series that combines elements of action and romance. The series features numerous romantic relationships within its cast, with the most prominent being the love story between protagonist Usagi Tsukino and Mamoru Chiba, also known as Tuxedo Mask.
The story centers around Usagi, whose life changes when she encounters a talking cat named Luna. Luna grants Usagi with the power to transform into the celestial warrior, allowing her to fight against the Dark Kingdom’s wicked forces. Throughout the series, Usagi gains more allies, resulting in more intense battles, greater risks, and an abundance of action.
Beastars
Paru Itagaki’s Beastars, like Inuyasha, is an action anime with its central focus on romance. The series follows the romantic relationship between Legoshi, a large gray wolf, and Haru, a dwarf rabbit. Alongside their love story, the plot also includes plenty of action as Legoshi frequently finds himself involved in conflicts.
Legoshi’s main conflicts revolve around his dual objectives: abstaining from meat to be with Haru and uncovering the killer of Tem the alpaca. As he faces various challenges, Legoshi sets new goals for himself, driving the series forward in both its romantic and action elements.
Katanagatari
Although not widely recognized, Nisio Isin and Take’s Katanagatari light novel series is a unique action anime that seamlessly incorporates romance. The series is set in an alternate version of the Edo period and centers around Yasuri Shichika, a swordless swordsman, and Togame, a strategist determined to obtain the 12 legendary swords for the shogunate.
Togame specifically chooses Shichika for this task because she believes he is the only one who won’t succumb to the corrupting power of the swords, having been betrayed in the past. After convincing him to join her, the two set off on a journey across Japan to find the swords. Along the way, they encounter numerous formidable foes and as their journey progresses, they also develop feelings for each other, despite Shichika’s difficulty in expressing them.
Summer Time Rendering
Yasuki Tanaka’s Summer Time Rendering series is an action anime that incorporates elements of romance, as well as other genres, into the story and journey of its protagonist, Shinpei Ajiro. In addition, Shinpei’s relationship with his adoptive sister, Usio Kofune, whom he lived with after his parents’ passing, plays a central role in the anime’s main romance.
Similarly, the events of the series take place in July 2018, as Shinpei comes back to Hitogashima Island in Wakayama Prefecture for Ushio’s funeral following her drowning. However, he soon discovers evidence that suggests Ushio’s death may have been a deliberate act. As a result, he begins to experience haunting encounters with her “shadow,”and joins forces with Ushio’s biological sister Mio to uncover the true circumstances of her death and protect their hometown.
Kenshin
Nobuhiro Watsuki’s Rurouni Kenshin is renowned for being both an iconic action anime and home to one of the most beloved and well-known romances in shonen. The central focus of this series, Kenshin Himura and Kaoru Kamiya, share a deep and celebrated bond that captivates audiences.
Similarly, the events of the series occur in 1878, shortly after the start of the Meiji era. It follows Kenshin Himura as he arrives in Tokyo and meets Kaoru Kamiya. When he assists her in a confrontation with someone using a title he recognizes, she invites him to her dojo. As their friendship and romance develop, she eventually discovers his true identity.
Spy x Family
Tatsuya Endo’s Spy x Family has gained widespread popularity as a shonen action anime in recent years, skillfully combining various genres into a cohesive and engaging story. The series’ triumph is largely attributed to the subtle romantic undertones between the main characters Twilight (also known as Loid Forger) and Yor Briar (also known as the Thorn Princess).
Similarly, the romance in the story is subtle as Loid and Yor join forces to create a “fake”family for Loid’s adopted daughter, Anya Forger. This is necessary because Loid, also known as Twilight, is a spy who must maintain the facade of a genuine family man for his current assignment. Little does he know, he has unintentionally married an assassin and taken in a telepath, resulting in the chaotic and thrilling events that define the series.
Darling in the Franxx
The original anime series Darling in the Franxx by A-1 Pictures and Studio Trigger garnered mixed reviews due to various factors, but its classification as an action romance was not one of them. The series featured multiple romantic storylines, which helped to balance out the flaws in the main romance between the two main characters, Zero Two and Hiro.
The issues in their relationship can be attributed, in part, to the show’s setting where adults and children reside in distinct environments. In terms of the plot, the series commences with Hiro encountering Zero Two while skipping his graduation ceremony. Eventually, he becomes her new partner pilot and they pilot a Franxx mecha together.
In Conclusion
The list above showcases the versatility of the action anime genre, as it can be effortlessly combined with various other genres. These series incorporate elements of romance, mystery, historical drama, magical girl tropes, isekai elements, and more. Although there are numerous other action anime with romance for fans to discover, the entries listed above demonstrate just how adaptable the genre is when it comes to being paired with another.
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