30 Best Anime With Guns: Firefights, Outlaws, and Bullet-Packed Action

Black Lagoon doesn’t just feature gunfights, it goes absolutely insane with them.

The series drops you into a world of modern-day piracy and criminal syndicates, following the Lagoon Company, a crew of mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia’s treacherous underworld.

Their “dangerous jobs” typically involve firepower sufficient to level small buildings.

This is gun-themed anime in its rawest form: gritty, stylish, and populated by characters steeped in the lore of smuggling and organized crime.

Embodying the show’s spirit is Revy “Two Hands,” one of anime’s most iconic dual-wielding maniacs.

Her battles are legendary, featuring mid-air acrobatics and beautifully choreographed shootouts that feel ripped from a blockbuster action film.

What makes this even better is that Black Lagoon isn’t concerned with philosophical debates.

It’s a straight shot of stylized violence, with pirates and mobsters locked in explosive conflict.

From the iconic opening bar shootout, the series establishes an unforgettable tone of relentless, stylish action that never lets up. This is a ride you won’t regret taking.

Black Lagoon info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2006
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action
• Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
• Score: 8.03 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)

Watch Black Lagoon trailer:

If you’ve ever wondered who supplies all those ridiculous arsenals to action anime protagonists, Jormungand has the answer.

This show follows Koko Hekmatyar, a brilliant and utterly unhinged arms dealer, and her team of elite bodyguards as they traffic weapons through global conflict zones.

Among them is her newest bodyguard Jonah, a child soldier who despises arms dealers and their ilk with a burning passion.

This series is basically one long, globe-spanning tour through black-market and war zones.

It’s packed with intense firefights, strategic ambushes, and stylish action that blends military thriller tension with dark humor.

The heart of the show is its unforgettable crew. Each bodyguard brings a specialized lethality and personality, making their dynamic as compelling as the action itself.

With spectacular set pieces and complex, morally grey characters, it’s a must-watch for fans of mercenary stories. This is gun-themed anime at its most charismatic and unhinged.

Jormungand info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2012
• Studios: White Fox
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: Adult Cast, Military, Organized Crime
• Score: 7.79 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)

Watch Jormungand trailer:

When people think “anime with guns,” Trigun is often the first title that comes to mind, thanks to its poster boy for stylish gunplay, Vash the Stampede.

The story follows Vash, a man with a 60 billion double-dollar bounty and a reputation for destroying cities.

There’s just one problem: Vash is a pacifist who values all life above everything else. He’s a goofball, a donut-loving klutz, who would rather play the fool than hurt anyone.

Though Vash avoids killing at all costs, his world is constantly erupting in wild gunfights.

His signature revolver becomes an extension of his philosophy. He’ll dodge bullets, ricochet shots, and pull off superhuman feats just to avoid killing anyone.

The anime’s brilliance lies in blending spectacular action with profound meaning.

The gunfights are incredibly cool, but it’s the emotional weight, ethical dilemmas, and deep lore surrounding Vash and his brother Knives that cement Trigun as a classic.

And if you’re up for a more modern take, Trigun Stampede offers wild animation and slick reimagined action, but obviously the original’s impact still hits hard.

Trigun info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: 1998
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Adult Cast
• Score: 8.22 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

You can’t talk about the best anime with guns without paying respect to Cowboy Bebop, the blueprint for stylish action anime.

This iconic space western follows bounty hunters Spike Spiegel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, and the rest of the Bebop crew as they chase criminals across the solar system.

The series is celebrated for its seamless fusion of hard-boiled detective grit with smooth, jazz-infused action.

The gunplay, particularly protagonist Spike Spiegel’s effortlessly acrobatic shooting, moves with a rhythm and grace that feels both visceral and poetic.

Every shootout feels grounded yet incredibly slick, elevated by brilliant direction and Yoko Kanno’s legendary soundtrack, which transforms even minor scuffles into iconic moments.

More than just an exceptional action series, Cowboy Bebop is a cultural touchstone whose influence on animation and style remains undeniable.

Cowboy Bebop info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 1998
• Studios: Sunrise
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Adult Cast, Space
• Score: 8.75 (MAL), 8.9 (IMDb)

Saga of Tanya the Evil delivers a brutally strategic and darkly comedic take on war, where tactical genius and overwhelming firepower decide battles.

It begins with a ruthless, atheistic Japanese salaryman who is reincarnated by a mysterious God-like entity as a little girl named Tanya in an alternate, magic-infused version of World War I.

Enraged by this fate, she enlists to secure a safe life in the rear lines, but her terrifying tactical brilliance and divine interference thrust her directly onto the front lines.

Here, magic and modern warfare spectacularly collide. Soldiers wield computation orbs for spellcasting while relying on bolt-action rifles, machine guns, and artillery.

Tanya herself dominates the battlefield with an enchanted rifle, blending aerial magic with modern combat doctrine.

The premise sounds absurd, but the execution is sharp and shockingly effective.

Tanya von Degurechaff is a fantastically unhinged yet brilliant protagonist whose ruthless efficiency makes every engagement mesmerizing.

For viewers craving sophisticated worldbuilding, strategic action, and a protagonist who is as brilliant as she is psychotic, this anime delivers uncompromisingly.

Saga of Tanya the Evil info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Youjo Senki
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Winter 2017
• Studios: Nut
• Genres: Action, Fantasy
• Themes: Isekai, Military, Reincarnation
• Score: 7.96 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Watch Saga of Tanya the Evil trailer:

From the brilliant minds at Studio Trigger and CD Projekt Red comes a masterpiece that left countless viewers emotionally wrecked: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners.

Set in Night City, it follows David Martinez, a street kid who installs a stolen military cyberware upgrade and gets pulled into the life of Edgerunners, mercenaries who’ll do anything for cash.

The show is a sensory overload in the best way. The gunplay is fast and visceral, seamlessly blending with cybernetic abilities, hacking, and brutal dismemberments.

Weapons in Night City are loud, powerful, and come in every shape imaginable, from smart weapons that curve around corners to massive projectile launchers.

Sure, the gunfight is amazing. But what truly makes Edgerunners shine is its emotional storytelling.

You quickly grow attached to David, Lucy, and the rest of the crew, which makes every high-speed gun battle hit with unexpected emotional force.

And that final standoff? Easily one of the most iconic and emotionally devastating sequences in modern anime.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 10
• Released: 2022
• Studios: Trigger
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Gore, Organized Crime
• Score: 8.62 (MAL), 8.3 (IMDb)

Watch Cyberpunk: Edgerunners trailer:

Lycoris Recoil brilliantly reinvents the “cute girls but with guns” genre, becoming an instant standout hit.

The story is set in a seemingly peaceful Tokyo, where order is secretly maintained by Lycoris, teenage girl agents who discreetly eliminate threats before the public ever notices.

We follow two of their best agents: the impossibly cheerful Chisato and the sharply serious Takina, who now run a café as their cover.

Chisato’s combat style is a major highlight: she’s fast, fluid, and almost acrobatic, using a non-lethal approach to create thrilling, top-tier action.

Takina, by contrast, is all about precision and efficiency. Their opposing personalities create a compelling dynamic, blending comedy, found-family warmth, and intense urban gun battles.

The animation during the gun-action sequences is buttery smooth, with dynamic camera work that makes every dodge and return shot feel impactful.

Lycoris Recoil is a perfect blend of endearing character chemistry and incredibly well-animated gunplay that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. Just watch it!

Lycoris Recoil info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Summer 2022
• Studios: A-1 Pictures
• Genres: Action
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 8.15 (MAL), 7.6 (IMDb)

Watch Lycoris Recoil trailer:

For an anime that merges gothic horror with ballistic overkill, look no further than Hellsing Ultimate.

This is the kind of anime where the guns are massive, the recoil looks like it could shatter concrete, and every bullet feels blessed with holy water.

The story follows the Hellsing Organization, a secret group dedicated to protecting England from ghouls, vampires, and other undead threats.

Leading the charge is Alucard, a powerful vampire who treats every battle like a blood-soaked celebration, wielding his oversized handguns with gleeful brutality.

The gunfights here are outrageous and cinematic, packed with slow-motion carnage, dramatic camera angles, and gothic excess.

If you want action anime with firearms but also want monsters exploding dramatically, this is your pick.

Hellsing Ultimate info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 10
• Released: 2006
• Studios: Madhouse, Satelight, Graphinica
• Genres: Action, Horror, Supernatural
• Themes: Adult Cast, Gore, Military, Vampire
• Score: 8.34 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

Welcome to a future where the police use “Dominators,” weapons that literally read your mental state and instantly judge whether you’re a threat or not. Yeah, crazy right?

It follows Inspector Akane Tsunemori and Enforcer Shinya Kogami who work under the Sibyl System, a surveillance network that monitors citizens and dictates their fates based on their mental stability.

The Dominator is a legendary anime weapon by design; it analyzes its target, shifts between non-lethal and lethal modes, and executes judgment with devastating force.

But Psycho-Pass is far more than its innovative hardware.

The show masterfully balances sleek, choreographed gunfights with profound psychological tension, moral ambiguity, and a dense noir atmosphere.

Characters like the idealistic Akane and the jaded Kogami give the story its soul, ensuring every confrontation carries significant emotional and intellectual weight.

Psycho-Pass is the definitive choice for viewers who demand both brains and brawn in their gun-action.

Psycho-Pass info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 22
• Released: Fall 2012
• Studios: Production I.G
• Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense
• Themes: Adult Cast, Detective, Psychological
• Score: 8.33 (MAL), 8.1 (IMDb)

86 drops you into a harsh world where drone warfare is far from the clean, casualty-free illusion the government claims.

The story follows the Spearhead Squadron, a group of young soldiers forced to fight an endless war in “Juggernaut” mechs while the rest of society pretends they don’t even exist.

While they battle in mechanized units, their primary weapons are massive rifles and cannons, making this very much a gun-centric story.

The gunplay here leans toward brutal, tactical warfare. Fights feel desperate and chaotic, emphasizing the terrifying vulnerability of the pilots trapped inside their metal “coffins.”

At its core, 86 is a profound and heartbreaking war drama that uses its mecha vs drone premise to explore heavy themes of racism, sacrifice, and the true cost of conflict.

The action is spectacular, but it’s the devastating emotional weight behind every encounter that will leave you utterly destroyed in the best way possible.

86 Eighty-Six info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 11
• Released: Spring 2021
• Studios: A-1 Pictures
• Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Mecha, Military
• Score: 8.34 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

One of the freshest additions to the gunfight anime world, Sakamoto Days brings a hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt twist to elite-hitman action.

The story centers on Taro Sakamoto, who was once the most legendary hitman in the underworld.

Then, he fell in love, got married, had a kid, and… opened a convenience store. Unfortunately for him, his past refuses to stay buried.

The show’s genius lies in its action choreography. Though now out of shape, Sakamoto’s killer instincts remain razor-sharp.

He uses everyday items, a magazine, a rice ball, a shopping basket, to disarm enemies in creative, hilarious, and brutally efficient ways.

And when he finally picks up a gun, it’s a thing of beauty.

Both action-packed and laugh-out-loud funny, Sakamoto Days stands out as one of the most entertaining modern anime with guns.

Sakamoto Days info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 11
• Released: Winter 2025
• Studios: TMS Entertainment
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Adult Cast, Organized Crime
• Score: 7.59 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

Meet Duke Togo, codename Golgo 13. He is the world’s most prolific and mysterious assassin. He shows no emotion, offers no backstory, and never ever fails.

This anime is the polar opposite of flashy, over-the-top action you usually find. Golgo 13 is a slow-burn, methodical thriller dedicated to the art of the perfect kill.

The real star here is the sniping.

The series puts surprising detail into portraying long-range assassination: calculating wind, distance, bullet drop, breath control, and the kind of patience only a predator possesses.

Most episodes play out as standalone missions, each showcasing Duke’s impossible precision, tactical brilliance, and unshakeable composure under pressure.

This show is never about firefights; it’s about the single, perfect shot.

If you’re into tactical, slow-burn thrillers where the tension lies in the setup just as much as the payoff, this iconic anime with guns offers a uniquely gripping experience.

Golgo 13 info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 50
• Released: Spring 2008
• Studios: The Answer Studio
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, Suspense
• Themes: Adult Cast
• Score: 7.51 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)

Code Geass presents a world where the Holy Britannian Empire has subjugated Japan, and an exiled prince, Lelouch vi Britannia, gains a mysterious power called Geass.

Using this ability, he ignites a rebellion, commanding his forces with ruthless strategic genius.

The series showcases combat ranging from standard infantry engagements to battles between high-tech Knightmare Frames armed with massive rifles and railguns.

But the true focus is always on Lelouch’s strategic mind. Each battle is a calculated game of chess where every shot fired serves a greater purpose.

Combine that with some of anime’s most emotionally charged standoffs and you’ve got a series where the tension is always sky-high.

If you enjoy gun action intertwined with complex politics, gripping drama, and brilliant tactical writing, this is essential viewing.

Code Geass info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch
• Episodes: 25
• Released: Fall 2006
• Studios: Sunrise
• Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Mecha, Military, School, Super Power
• Score: 8.71 (MAL), 8.7 (IMDb)

Set in a world overrun by zombie-like creatures called Kabane, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress blends steampunk aesthetics with intense, high-octane survival action.

Here, humanity survives aboard fortified trains, defended by steam-powered firearms and mechanical bows.

We follow Ikoma, a young smith who becomes a hybrid of human and Kabaneri after being infected, and use his new strength to fight back.

His journey anchors spectacular action sequences featuring inventive weaponry that puts a fresh spin on gun-centric combat.

Coming from the same team behind Attack on Titan, this series delivers stunning animation, breakneck pacing, and relentless intensity.

If you like your action dramatic, brutal, and beautifully animated, this is an easy add to your watchlist.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Koutetsujou no Kabaneri
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2016
• Studios: Wit Studio
• Genres: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense
• Themes: Gore, Historical, Survival
• Score: 7.28 (MAL), 7.2 (IMDb)

Gungrave is a criminally underrated gem that blends mafia drama, heartbreaking character arcs, and supernatural warfare into something unforgettable.

This is the epic story of Brandon Heat and his ambitious friend Harry, two men whose bond is tested as they climb the ladder of a vast criminal empire.

What starts as a classic, gritty mafia saga evolves into an entirely different beast, introducing sci-fi horrors and superhuman soldiers.

Throughout this wild ride, the gun-focused action remains a central highlight.

The gunfights are dramatic and atmospheric, often loaded with emotional weight because every bullet is tied to a relationship or a consequence.

For first-time viewers, a critical piece of advice: skip the first episode entirely. It is confusing and spoils the incredible emotional journey that follows.

Gungrave info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Fall 2003
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Adult Cast, Gore, Organized Crime, Super Power
• Score: 7.81 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)

GATE asks one very important question: What happens when modern military firepower crashes into a medieval fantasy world?

When a mysterious gate opens in Tokyo, unleashing a fantasy army, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) quickly pushes back and establishes a fortified foothold on the other side.

The story follows Yoji Itami, a surprisingly capable soldier and also an otaku, who ends up leading a reconnaissance team into this new, dangerous realm.

This series is the ultimate power fantasy for gun-action enthusiasts, delighting in the overwhelming technological mismatch.

Witnessing Apache helicopters decimate dragon flocks or a single JSDF squad hold off a thousand-strong army with assault rifles is ridiculously satisfying.

GATE is a definitive pick for anyone who wants to see a dragon face off against a main battle tank.

GATE info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2015
• Studios: A-1 Pictures
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
• Themes: Isekai, Military
• Score: 7.68 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

For an anime that mixes gunpowder with jazz and immortality, Baccano! is an unforgettable ride.

Set in Prohibition-era America, the series weaves together multiple interconnected stories involving mobsters, alchemists, immortals, and lovable lunatics like the iconic duo Isaac and Miria.

Because the narrative constantly jumps between timelines and perspectives, the action is incredibly varied.

You’re treated to thrilling train shootouts, chaotic gangster ambushes, and tense alleyway confrontations, all wrapped in snappy dialogue and a brilliant jazz soundtrack.

This is a gun-centric anime that prioritizes pure style, fun, and interconnected storytelling, making every rewatch a delight.

Baccano! info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Summer 2007
• Studios: Brain’s Base
• Genres: Action, Mystery, Supernatural
• Themes: Adult Cast, Historical, Organized Crime
• Score: 8.35 (MAL), 8.2 (IMDb)

Ghost in the Shell stands as a pinnacle of thoughtful action, set in a world where the line between human and machine is blurred.

The narrative centers on Major Motoko Kusanagi and the specialists of Public Security Section 9, who tackle complex crimes in a cybernetically-enhanced society.

The gunplay here is distinguished by its chilling professionalism. Every shot is calculated, every team movement is synchronized, and every weapon is chosen with purpose.

This meticulous approach makes the action feel intensely realistic and grounded.

The animation, especially in the iconic opening sequence of the first film, set a new bar for what animated gunfights could be.

With its unparalleled blend of deep philosophical inquiry and blistering action, the series is essential viewing.

You haven’t fully experienced cyberpunk until you’ve seen the Major unleash her cyber-ninja skills with a pistol while questioning her own humanity.

Ghost in the Shell info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Koukaku Kidoutai
• Episodes: 1
• Released: 1995
• Studios: Production I.G
• Genres: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Suspense
• Themes: Adult Cast, Detective, Mecha, Psychological
• Score: 8.27 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)

Set in early 20th-century Hokkaido, Golden Kamuy blends historical drama, treasure hunting, survival storytelling, and intense guns-focused action.

The story follows Saichi Sugimoto, a war veteran who teams up with a young Ainu girl named Asirpa to find hidden Ainu gold.

Their quest pits them against rogue soldiers, cunning criminals, and the unforgiving wilderness.

The series excels at balancing brutal, realistic gunfights with hand-to-hand combat, knife battles, and survivalist hunting. Firearms hit hard and fast, making every shootout feel tense and impactful.

Beyond the action, it’s a thrilling, surprisingly informative, and often hilarious adventure.

The attention to historical and cultural detail, especially regarding Ainu traditions, adds incredible depth.

With unforgettable characters, gripping violence, and rich cultural storytelling, Golden Kamuy stands out as one of the most distinctive and compelling series on this list.

Golden Kamuy info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2018
• Studios: Geno Studio
• Genres: Action, Adventure
• Themes: Adult Cast, Historical, Military
• Score: 7.88 (MAL), 8.0 (IMDb)

For viewers drawn to psychological depth in their action, Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom offers a profoundly dark journey into professional assassination.

The narrative tracks Reiji “Zwei,” an ordinary man forcibly recruited into a secret organization, and his relationship with Ein, the legendary killer known as Phantom.

This slow-burn psychological thriller features clinical, professional gunfights where the emphasis lies in careful planning, patient stalking, and executing the single, perfect shot.

Set in a world of silencers, sniper rifles, and suppressed pistols where discretion is the key, the violence remains stark and impactful rather than glamorous.

Directed by Koichi Mashimo, this remains a standout in the genre for those who prefer their gunplay served with psychological weight and narrative consequence.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 26
• Released: Spring 2009
• Studios: Bee Train
• Genres: Action, Drama, Suspense
• Themes: Organized Crime
• Score: 7.91 (MAL), 7.5 (IMDb)

World Trigger scratches a very specific itch: watching a perfectly executed tactical multiplayer match… in anime form.

The story centers on Border, an organization that defends Earth from interdimensional invaders known as Neighbors.

Their agents battle using “Triggers,” customizable weapons that can manifest as rifles, swords, shields, and more.

This is one of the most deeply tactical gun-action anime available.

The combat system is balanced like a competitive video game, where victory depends on meticulous team composition, positioning, and strategy rather than raw power alone.

If you are fascinated by complex combat systems and strategic gameplay, World Trigger is a masterclass.

A fair note for newcomers: the deliberate, strategic pace may not hook everyone immediately, but it’s a core part of what makes the series brilliant.

World Trigger info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 73
• Released: Fall 2014
• Studios: Toei Animation
• Genres: Action, Sci-Fi
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 7.58 (MAL), 7.4 (IMDb)

Gunslinger Girl is arguably the most haunting and philosophically complex series on this list.

The story follows young girls who have been rescued from tragedy, only to be cybernetically enhanced and trained as elite operatives for a government agency.

Each girl is paired with an adult handler who acts as both mentor and manipulator, guiding them on missions that betray their youth.

The gunfights are brutally efficient, and the contrast between the girls’ innocence and the cold precision of their violence forms the core of the show’s tragedy.

Fans praise the series for its somber atmosphere, deliberate pacing, and the overwhelming sense of sorrow that permeates every operation.

Gunslinger Girl is a masterpiece that uses its premise to explore profound themes of humanity, purpose, and the corruption of love.

Gunslinger Girl info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Fall 2003
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi, Suspense
• Themes: Military, Psychological
• Score: 7.38 (MAL), 7.3 (IMDb)

Forget everything you know about the original SAO. This spin-off trades swords for submachine guns, swapping fantasy realms for desert battlefields and battle royale madness.

We follow Karen, a self-conscious university student who finds her confidence as LLENN, a small pink-clad powerhouse in the VR FPS Gun Gale Online.

Specializing in close-quarters combat with her signature P90, she races through battlefields outmaneuvering heavier opponents.

The series shines through its understanding of FPS mechanics: weapon variety, tactical positioning, map strategy, and the psychological warfare of battle royale competitions.

LLENN’s aggressive, acrobatic combat with her pink P90 is endlessly entertaining, backed by surprisingly sharp choreography.

Tightly paced, focused, and featuring a lovable cast, this spin-off addresses many common complaints about SAO while serving as an authentic love letter to military FPS games.

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Spring 2018
• Studios: Studio 3Hz
• Genres: Action
• Themes: Military, Video Game
• Score: 7.01 (MAL), 6.8 (IMDb)

Space cowboys. Alien outlaws. Ship-to-ship battles and futuristic sidearms. Outlaw Star is a nostalgia-infused blast that still holds up remarkably well.

The series follows Gene Starwind and his crew as they hop around the universe, running jobs, stirring up trouble, and occasionally getting in way over their heads.

While spaceship dogfights are central to the action, the show features its most iconic weapon: the Caster Gun, a weapon that fires magical shells to cast spells in combat.

Embodying the spirit of classic space westerns, the show balances heartfelt character dynamics with consistently exciting action.

Its timeless appeal lies in this perfect fusion of sci-fi adventure and fantasy elements, making it a must-watch for fans seeking a clever and charismatic classic.

Outlaw Star info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Seihou Bukyou Outlaw Star
• Episodes: 24
• Released: Winter 1998
• Studios: Sunrise
• Genres: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Space
• Score: 7.83 (MAL), 7.9 (IMDb)

Canaan is one of those anime that action fans rave about but not enough people have actually seen.

The series follows Canaan, a gifted mercenary with synesthesia, as she becomes entangled in a complex web of terrorism, conspiracy, and a deeply personal rivalry.

The action is stylish and acrobatic, with Canaan using her synesthetic abilities to predict enemy movements in close-quarters combat.

This results in fluid, gun-kata style fights where choreography emphasizes precision and movement over brute force.

Beyond the spectacular action, the series delivers compelling espionage intrigue and a powerful central rivalry between Canaan and the formidable Alphard.

If you’re craving polished, modern shootouts with espionage vibes, this series is criminally underrated.

Canaan info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Summer 2009
• Studios: P.A. Works
• Genres: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
• Themes: Adult Cast
• Score: 7.20 (MAL), 6.8 (IMDb)

You read that title correctly. Akiba Maid War delivers exactly what it promises: a completely unhinged blend of cute café maids and full-blown Yakuza-style warfare (with guns).

The story follows Nagomi, a bright-eyed girl who dreams of being a traditional, idol-like maid, only to find out her new café is entrenched in a violent gang war.

What makes this series shine is how violently the tone shifts.

The genius of this show is its tonal whiplash.

One moment it’s sparkles, smiles, and “moe moe kyun!” The next, it’s a mafia-style massacre with maids pulling out revolvers and shotguns from beneath their frilly aprons.

By fully embracing its ridiculous premise, the show creates something uniquely brilliant.

It’s a chaotic, blood-soaked, and surprisingly heartfelt homage to both maid culture and gangster film tropes. A truly one-of-a-kind experience in the world of gun anime.

Akiba Maid War info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Akiba Meido Sensou
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Fall 2022
• Studios: P.A. Works
• Genres: Action, Comedy
• Themes: Organized Crime
• Score: 7.58 (MAL), 7.3 (IMDb)

From legendary director Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo) comes a new sci-fi action thriller, Lazarus.

Set in 2052, the story begins when a scientist creates a miracle drug that cures all disease, only to reveal it is fatal within three years.

He claims to have created a cure, but there’s a catch: the world has to track him down to get it.

True to Watanabe’s legacy, the action is pure kinetic artistry. The gunfights are a seamless fusion of precision and panache, set against vibrant, futuristic backdrops.

With its trademark slickness and high-stakes premise, azarus is a major highlight in recent gun-themed anime.

Lazarus info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 13
• Released: Spring 2025
• Studios: MAPPA
• Genres: Action, Suspense
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 7.19 (MAL), 7.0 (IMDb)

This show represents the absolute peak of a very niche, over-the-top genre: the ecchi zombie action thriller. Yep, you read that right.

The premise is straightforward: after a zombie apocalypse collapses society, a group of students must fight their way to safety.

Their journey involves scavenging for weapons and honing their survival skills, leading to several ridiculously memorable action moments.

The gun action is surprisingly well-animated, with slow-motion shots that highlight shockwaves, shell casings, and impact effects in gorgeous detail.

Of course, the show is also famous for its absurdity, culminating in the infamous “bullet-dodging bust” scene that defies all laws of physics. Yes, that scene.

This series is pure, unfiltered adrenaline. You don’t watch it for realism; you watch it for the spectacle, absurdity, and genuinely impressive action sequences.

High School of the Dead info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2010
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Horror, Suspense, Ecchi
• Themes: Gore, Survival
• Score: 7.06 (MAL), 7.1 (IMDb)

In a dystopian cyberpunk city, certain humans have been transformed into cyborg soldiers known as “Extended.”

Our protagonist, Juuzo Inui, is one of them, with a unique distinction: his head is a giant revolver. Now working as a Resolver, he takes on cases that connect to his mysterious past.

The premise is as literal as it is audacious. Juuzo’s entire head is a firearm, and his arms can transform into an arsenal of weapons.

The gunplay is brutal, close-quarters, and creatively choreographed, with a focus on the weight and consequence of being a living weapon in a society that fears you.

Drenched in a classic hardboiled detective atmosphere, the series delivers chunky, satisfying action and a perpetually scowling protagonist you can’t help but love.

It’s a bold, stylish, and unique take on the gun-action genre.

No Guns Life info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: N/A
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Fall 2019
• Studios: Madhouse
• Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Themes: N/A
• Score: 6.86 (MAL), 6.6 (IMDb)

For a lighter, comedic take on tactical gunplay, Aoharu x Machinegun delivers airsoft battles with surprising intensity.

The story follows Hotaru Tachibana, a hot-blooded high school student who gets mistaken for a boy and dragged into the competitive world of survival games.

She joins the “Team Toy☆GunGun” and discovers a natural talent for the sport, all while navigating the dynamics of her new, quirky teammates.

Though using airsoft guns, the show treats matches with the seriousness of real combat, focusing heavily on MILSIM (Military Simulation) tactics, teamwork, and gun maintenance.

It expertly explains tactical concepts and gear, making the sport both accessible and exciting.

Beyond the realistic portrayal of airsoft culture, the show shines through its character dynamics.

Hotaru’s boundless energy creates both conflict and camaraderie with her more experienced teammates.

If you’ve ever been curious about airsoft or just want a fun, energetic action-comedy, this one is absolutely worth watching.

Aoharu x Machinegun info (MAL):

• Alternative Title: Aoharu x Kikanjuu
• Episodes: 12
• Released: Summer 2015
• Studios: Brain’s Base
• Genres: Sports
• Themes: Crossdressing, Team Sports
• Score: 7.14 (MAL), 6.6 (IMDb)

Conclusion: Wrapping Up the Firefight

Anime with guns offers a unique blend of adrenaline, style, and storytelling that few other subgenres can match.

The appeal is in the clash of steel and gunpowder, the strategic tension, and sometimes the characters forged in the heat of a firefight.

As you explore these recommendations, think about what draws you in the most. Do you prefer grounded, tactical gunplay or flashy cinematic battles built for pure spectacle?

Whatever your taste is, we believed one or two titles from this list will pull you in and keep you hooked.