Anime Where Main Character is an Assassin
Assassins in anime offer a unique blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth. These protagonists often walk the fine line between justice and morality, giving us stories filled with complex characters and thrilling plot twists. From silent killers to those seeking redemption, this list explores some of the best assassin-themed anime, complete with their genres, episode counts, and ratings.
Featured Anime
1. Canaan
- Genre: Action, Thriller
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: 7.3/10
Canaan tells the story of Canaan, a highly skilled mercenary with a tragic past. She’s embroiled in a deadly conflict against a terrorist organization known as Snake. The anime masterfully combines intense action with emotional moments, weaving in themes of friendship, revenge, and survival. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Shanghai, the fast-paced narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
2. Buddy Daddies
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.8/10
What happens when two professional hitmen become accidental guardians of a young girl? Buddy Daddies answers this question with a heartwarming and action-packed storyline. Kazuki and Rei, despite their dangerous jobs, must balance missions with parenting duties. This unique combination of high-octane action and comedic family moments makes it a standout.
3. Blade of the Immortal
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: 7.4/10
Set in feudal Japan, Blade of the Immortal follows Manji, an immortal samurai cursed with eternal life until he kills 1,000 evil men. Teaming up with a young woman seeking revenge for her family, Manji embarks on a brutal journey of redemption. The anime is known for its gritty action scenes and philosophical exploration of life and death.
4. Rurouni Kenshin
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Historical
- Episodes: 94
- Rating: 8.3/10
Once a feared assassin known as Battousai, Kenshin Himura now roams Japan as a wandering swordsman, seeking to atone for his past by protecting the innocent. Rurouni Kenshin skillfully blends historical settings with compelling character arcs, delivering both thrilling sword fights and moments of introspection. It’s a timeless classic that explores themes of redemption and peace.
5. Love of Kill
- Genre: Action, Romance
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 6.9/10
Love of Kill revolves around two assassins, Chateau and Ryang-Ha, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. What starts as a deadly cat-and-mouse game evolves into a complex relationship filled with trust issues and emotional turmoil. The anime combines action-packed sequences with a layered romance, appealing to fans of both genres.
6. Hell’s Paradise
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: 8.1/10
Gabimaru, a ruthless assassin sentenced to death, is given a chance at freedom if he can find the elixir of immortality on a mysterious island. Hell’s Paradise offers a dark, thrilling adventure with beautifully choreographed fight scenes and deep character development. The series explores themes of survival, morality, and the human desire for redemption.
7. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens
- Genre: Action, Mystery
- Episodes: 12
- Rating: 7.4/10
In the crime-ridden city of Fukuoka, everyone seems to have a dark secret. Hakata Tonkotsu Ramens follows a group of unlikely allies, including hitmen, detectives, and even a baseball-loving assassin, as they navigate a world of corruption and betrayal. The anime stands out for its clever storytelling and unique blend of humor and mystery.
8. Akame Ga Kill
- Genre: Action, Fantasy
- Episodes: 24
- Rating: 7.8/10
In a corrupt empire, a young warrior named Tatsumi joins Night Raid, a group of assassins determined to overthrow the tyrannical government. Akame Ga Kill is known for its intense action, emotional character arcs, and shocking twists. The anime explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
9. Black Cat
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
- Episodes: 23
- Rating: 7.5/10
Train Heartnet, once an elite assassin for the secret organization Chronos, now works as a bounty hunter. Black Cat delivers a mix of action, humor, and camaraderie as Train confronts his dark past and strives to forge a new path. The anime offers a compelling mix of futuristic settings and classic action tropes.
10. Darker Than Black
- Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
- Episodes: 25
- Rating: 8.1/10
In a world where mysterious gates grant supernatural powers at a cost, Hei works as an assassin known as the Black Reaper. Darker Than Black is renowned for its complex narrative, atmospheric world-building, and morally ambiguous characters. Each mission reveals more about Hei’s enigmatic past and the truth behind the Gates.
11. Code: Breaker
- Genre: Action, Supernatural
- Episodes: 13
- Rating: 6.8/10
Rei Ogami, a seemingly ordinary student, is secretly a Code: Breaker, a government assassin with the power to destroy evil using blue flames. Code: Breaker explores the tension between justice and vengeance, offering intense battles and a deeper look into what it means to fight for a cause.
Conclusion
Assassin-themed anime offer a captivating mix of action, drama, and complex storytelling. From dark and gritty tales like Darker Than Black to emotionally charged narratives like Akame Ga Kill, these series showcase characters who navigate the shadows of morality and survival. Whether you’re drawn to intense action, thought-provoking themes, or unique character arcs, there’s something in this genre for everyone. Dive into these thrilling worlds and experience the high-stakes lives of anime’s most skilled assassins.
