10 Most Famous Anime Swords, Ranked From Weakest to Strongest

A variety of weapons is necessary for an action anime, including well-known swords as well as less commonly-used tools like hammers and nails. While swords have been the most commonly featured, artists have been able to infuse even inanimate objects with personality.

The influence of Japanese culture is evident in the creation of characters wielding the traditional Katana sword. Additionally, artists often draw inspiration from other cultures, such as the Jian sword featured in Ranma 1/2.

While certain individuals may prefer to use traditional swords, others choose to enhance their weapons with supernatural abilities. For example, in anime such as Demon Slayer and The Seven Deadly Sins, characters must infuse their swords with powerful forces in order to defeat demons and otherworldly beings, resulting in incredibly strong weapons. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most well-known and iconic swords in anime.

This ranking only includes the 10 most renowned anime swords and does not encompass all swords in anime. The blades are listed in order from weakest to strongest, according to the author’s personal opinion. Feel free to share in the comments which other blades you believe deserve a spot on this list.

Top 10 Most Powerful Anime Swords

Kusanagi Sword (Naruto)

The Kusanagi sword is a renowned Japanese weapon wielded by Orochimaru, a primary adversary in The Naruto anime. Its origins can be traced back to Japanese folklore, as it is a significant component of The Imperial Regalia of Japan. The sword is also referred to as Kusanagi no Tsurugi, translating to “Grass-mowing Sword.”

In the Naruto anime, Orochimaru is able to call forth the renowned anime sword by using his mouth to summon a snake that then produces the blade. This sword is highly revered as one of the most powerful weapons in the series. Its unique abilities include the ability to extend and retract over long distances for swift attacks. Orochimaru is able to manipulate the sword through telekinesis and is confident that it can cut through any obstacle.

Scissor Blade from Kill La Kill

Scissor blade (Image via Studio Trigger)

The scissor blades used in Kill La Kill may not fit the traditional definition of a sword, as they are two separate blades connected by a hinge. When combined, they create a massive scissor capable of cutting through life fibers. Isshin Matoi, the inventor of these blades, tragically met his demise at the hands of his own creation. Following his death, the scissors were split into two, with one blade passing down to his daughter Ryuko and the other falling into the hands of his killer, Nui Harime.

Ryoko possesses the red half of the scissor blade, while Nui owns the Purple blade. The red half is known as Decapitation Mode and is the longer part of the scissors. The blades have distinct abilities; Ryoko’s can alter its size whereas Nui’s can change color.

8) Demon-Dweller Sword from Black Clover

The Demon-Dweller Sword, possessed by Asta in the Black Clover anime, is an incredibly powerful weapon in a world of magic as it has the ability to nullify any magical spell or power. Asta, a magic-less individual with aspirations of becoming The Wizard King, wields this formidable weapon.

Asta gains possession of the renowned anime sword by unlocking his Five-leaf Clover, Grimoire. This sword has the ability to nullify spells and harness magic, unleashing a powerful black flash during attacks. With the ability to absorb magic upon contact, the sword is a formidable weapon against even the most fearsome adversaries.

Demon Slayer’s Nichirin Blades

Black Nichirin Sword (Image via Ufotable)

Nichirin Blades are renowned as some of the most iconic and well-known anime swords. These weapons are crafted with the sole purpose of permanently vanquishing demons, using the rare Scarlet Crimson Iron Sand and Scarlet Ore in their forging process.

Throughout the year, these materials are constantly exposed to sunlight and absorb its power. This imbues the swords with the ability to instantly and permanently decapitate and vanquish demons. These renowned anime swords are also customized with varying colors that reflect the user’s breathing style and personality.

6) Sacred Sword- Better Half from Devil is a Part-Timer

The Better Half is a sword that can only be wielded by someone who is the child of a human and an angel. This sacred weapon is crafted from Tengin, a heavenly metal, and its power is derived from the Fragment of Yesod, a piece of the legendary Tree of Life.

The church was in possession of the sword and bestowed it upon Emilia for her to use in her battle against the Demon King. In the anime, the sword is widely considered to be the most powerful weapon, having successfully defeated the strongest entity – the Demon King.

Dragon Slayer (Berserk)

Berserk is renowned as one of the most beloved anime series, featuring the iconic Dragon Slayer sword. This weapon, wielded by Guts as his primary choice, is unique in its massive size and weight, making it almost impractical to be classified as a traditional sword.

The sword possesses a natural strength, complemented by Guts’ extraordinary physical abilities, making it a powerful weapon and one of the most formidable swords in anime. With its proven track record of defeating numerous apostles and malevolent astral entities, the sword has been imbued with the magic of these beings, further enhancing its capabilities with each battle.

4) The Power of Lostvayne

The Dragon’s sin of Wrath, Meliodas, is the owner of Lostvayne, also referred to as the Demon Sword Lostvayne. This sword is considered a sacred treasure and has the unique ability to enhance its wielder’s capabilities. Meliodas can utilize this power to create four to six clones of himself, each possessing the strength to combat Holy Knights.

The physical clones possess the ability to utilize all of Meliodas’s powers, including Full Counter, to their maximum potential. Additionally, they serve as a protective barrier for Meliodas, minimizing any damage he may receive. The renowned anime sword is equally as formidable as its wielder.

3) Murasame from Akame Ga Kill

The Murasame is a lethal blade, capable of ending a person’s life with just one slice. Once it penetrates the skin, the sword unleashes a deadly curse that quickly spreads through the victim’s body. The poison works swiftly to stop the person’s heart, resulting in instantaneous death.

During the final battle with Akame, Esdeath had managed to destroy the famous anime sword. This sword had previously belonged to Akame’s master, who she had fatally injured before stealing the sword from him.

Zangetsu from Bleach

Ichigo's Zangetsu (Image via Pierrot) — Ichigo’s Zangetsu (Image via Pierrot)

Zangetsu is widely considered to be the most iconic and renowned anime sword. It represents the Zanpakuto of Ichigo Kurosaki and his inner hollow, and its abilities are influenced by the user’s soul. In the Bleach universe, Zangetsu is the first Zanpakuto to transform into a human form.

Zangetsu possesses an abundant amount of Reiatsu, which can be harnessed to deliver deadly blows. This boosts the power and velocity of Ichigo’s attacks, ultimately strengthening him. Through rigorous training and growth, Ichigo gains complete mastery of the renowned anime sword, solidifying his position as one of the most formidable characters in the anime.

Venuzdonoa – The Misfit of Demon King Academy

Venuzdonoa is a highly dominant weapon in the world of anime, possessing abilities that enable it to slice through not only physical objects but also the fundamental laws of the universe. This sword has the power to obliterate any target it sets its sights on, even the very concept of logic, earning it the moniker of The Destroyer of Reason.

Anos Voldigoad, also known as the Demon King of Tyranny, wields the powerful sword Venuzdonoa. Although he only uses it sparingly, the sword’s incredible power is feared by all who witness it in the anime, as it has the ability to permanently eliminate anyone who stands against it.

In Conclusion

Throughout anime, swords have held a significant cultural significance and have become iconic weapons. They have been frequently utilized, with many anime showcasing a single sword wielder as a formidable character, including popular titles like Demon Slayer. With this in mind, here is a compilation of some of the most renowned anime swords.

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