Anime fighting games have been around for decades at this point, with the earliest example being 1994's Asuka 120% Burning Fest that was released originally on the FM Towns PC before coming to other platforms later. However, even with the genre's long history, there are shockingly few anime fighting games based on actual Anime properties.
Many great anime have yet to receive a fighting game of their own, despite having fascinating characters, world-building, and incredible action sequences filled with jaw-dropping visuals. With anime fighters coming back strong with Dragon Ball FighterZ, Guilty Gear Strive, and Melty Blood: Type Lumina, we would love to see some anime properties adapted into a fighting game of similar quality and style.
10 Bleach
With a new Bleach season on the horizon, there is no better time to have a fighting game centered around it. And, with all things considered, it isn't like the series is a stranger to the genre. Unfortunately, none of those installments are recent and lack backward compatibility on current consoles.
Bleach is one of the rare cases where pretty much any character in the series can fit into the roster without anyone batting an eye. A modern-day Bleach fighting game would be incredible, and it's something we would love to see someday.
9 Tokyo Ghoul
Aside from the poorly received survival action game "Tokyo: Ghoul: re Call to Exist," there is almost nothing outside the Tokyo Ghoul manga and anime for fans to enjoy. However, we feel a Tokyo Ghoul fighting game would showcase everything that makes the series so dang excellent in the first place.
There are many Ghouls and "Doves" that could make for an extensive and solid roster. With the mix of the Ghoul's Kagune and the Dove's Quinque, you would have flashy, fast-paced action that would work wonderfully with the genre. A Tokyo Ghoul anime fighter must happen!
8 Sailor Moon
With one of the most niche spots in the Fighting Game Community, Sailor Moon is one of the earliest examples of an anime fighting game. Developed in 1994 by Arc System Works (Guilty Gear), "Sailor Moon S" is a solid fighter and even saw a recent resurgence within major FGC events.
Unfortunately, that would be the last Sailor Moon fighting game made. But, with the recently released Sailor Moon Eternal films, we want to see what a modern-day ArcSys Sailor Moon game would be. And, if Guilty Gear Strive is any indication, it would be something of dreams.
7 Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is one of those odd cases where you know it has the fanbase, cast of characters, and overall trappings to make a fantastic fighting game but never really think about it much until it gets brought up. Which, surprisingly, doesn't happen all that much.
With Fairy Tail's expansive world, the roster possibilities are seemingly endless. There are many Guilds in Fairy Tail, with hundreds upon hundreds of characters spread across them. And, on top of that, there are Celestial Spirits, Gods, Demons, and much more that could spice up the roster. The potential here is almost unmatched.
6 That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime
That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime is one of the best ongoing anime out there and, perhaps, slightly underappreciated. The cast is chock full of wonderful characters with unique skills, fighting styles, and motives.
Slime is one of those series with tons of potential to reach well outside of its comfort zone and likely succeed, which is one of many reasons we think it would make a perfect fighting game. With the fun, vibrant world, lively characters, and fascinating villains, you almost can't mess it up.
5 Monogatari
While the Monogatari series might be one of the most popular, highest-grossing anime in the post-2000 era, many people likely have never heard of it outside of the anime community despite that fact. While that isn't necessarily a bad thing, it could explain why Monogatari hardly gets represented outside of Japan and the community in general.
Monogatari focuses heavily on supernatural phenomena such as deities, spirits, beasts, and much more. The series also has a remarkable cast of characters who possess unique abilities, which sets the table nicely for a fighting game. And, besides, who doesn't want to beat down Araragi as "Black Hanekawa" for old times sake?
4 Berserk
There are so many different genres fans may want to see a Berserk game as before a fighting game, but this is also an easy decision because of Berzerk's great care for character design. A dark, gruesome fighter in the vein of Mortal Kombat would fit Berserk like a glove.
Even with Berserk's more "grounded" approach to storytelling and world-building, it is still very much a fantastical tale, with the majority of characters possessing unique, powerful abilities that will translate quite well to a fighting game. Whatever the future holds for Berserk, we know Kentaro Miura's magnum opus will live on in the hearts of many for eternity.
3 Black Clover
Black Clover is yet another tremendous ongoing anime series that would make a great fighting game in the right hands. While the main focus of Black Clover is on Asta trying to become the Wizard King despite being born without magic capabilities, the way the show focuses on other characters is exceptional.
With magic being a primary element of Black Clover's world, the contrast of Asta's "anti-magic" is incredible to see play out, especially when you slowly see him getting stronger and stronger. The clash of magical abilities, weapons, and Asta's unique traits seems like a fun time for a fighting game.
2 Jujutsu Kaisen
Keeping in the theme of great new anime, Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the best. In contrast, some may dismiss it as "typical shonen," which is far from the case in our eyes. Jujutsu Kaisen gives off the same vibe, style, and creativeness as early Bleach, which is to say it's a fantastic anime.
While Jujutsu Kaisen does fall in the same shonen tropes as all the others, it doesn't change that the cast of characters is genuinely remarkable. Furthermore, messing around with each character's abilities and combat style would make for some exciting matches.
1 Boruto: Naruto Next Generations
Why, yes, there may have been the "Ultimate Ninja Storm" games that were released only a few years ago, but until there's a "traditional" fighting game of Naruto, we will continue to spread the good word. However, on a more serious note, the release of Dragon Ball FighterZ proved how much we truly need a Naruto game in that style and done by Arc System Works.
And, don't get us wrong, the Ultimate Ninja Storm games are very competent, and they are pretty fun to play and are even well regarded by many. However, just imagining a Boruto fighting game with a roster consisting of past and present members is too tempting not to fantasize over. Naruto Team 7 vs. Boruto Team 7? Take our money!