Anime has a unique way of exploring complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives, and when it comes to stories about assassins, the medium shines. From secret organizations to lone hitmen, assassin-themed anime are packed with high-stakes action, psychological depth, and intricate plots. These shows often grapple with themes of identity, morality, and survival while delivering some of the most intense action scenes in anime history.
Whether you're a fan of suspense-filled thrillers, character-driven narratives, or high-octane action, assassin-themed anime offer it all. Here's a rundown of 10+ of the best anime shows about assassins that you absolutely need to watch.
1. Assassination Classroom
When discussing assassin-themed anime, Assassination Classroom stands out for its unique premise and emotional depth. The series centers on a group of students tasked with the seemingly impossible job of assassinating their teacher, Koro-sensei — a powerful, octopus-like creature who threatens to destroy the Earth in a year. The twist? Koro-sensei is not only nearly invincible but also a caring and supportive teacher who helps his students grow academically and personally.
While the premise may sound bizarre, Assassination Classroom masterfully blends comedy, action, and heartfelt moments. Each student, including the protagonist Nagisa, undergoes significant character development as they learn the art of assassination and grapple with the moral implications of their task. The emotional weight of the story, coupled with high-stakes action sequences, makes this series one of the most beloved anime about assassins.
2. Akame ga Kill!
Akame ga Kill! takes a much darker approach to the assassin genre, exploring the brutal world of a rebel assassin group known as Night Raid. The group, comprised of skilled killers with tragic backstories, fights against the corrupt Empire in hopes of freeing the people from its oppressive rule.
The series doesn't shy away from violence or the harsh realities of war. Characters in Akame ga Kill! are often forced to confront the moral complexities of their roles as assassins, and the show isn’t afraid to kill off main characters, leaving viewers emotionally invested and constantly on edge.
Akame, the titular character, is a deadly assassin with a tragic past, but the series also gives attention to each member of Night Raid, making for a well-rounded and emotionally charged experience. The show is filled with heart-pounding battles and explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and justice.
3. Golgo 13
Golgo 13 is a classic in the assassin genre, following the exploits of Duke Togo, a professional hitman with unmatched skill and precision. The series has been around since the 1960s, with its anime adaptations capturing the cold, calculated nature of the titular character as he takes on dangerous assassination missions around the world.
Unlike many modern anime that focus on ensemble casts or personal growth, Golgo 13 is laser-focused on Duke’s cold, emotionless demeanor and his professional work ethic. The series portrays assassination as a business, with Duke never questioning the morality of his missions. For fans of gritty, no-nonsense assassin stories, Golgo 13 delivers hard-hitting action and a deep dive into the mind of a relentless killer.
4. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is a psychological thriller that delves into the world of brainwashing, identity loss, and the life of a reluctant assassin. The series follows Zwei, a young man who is kidnapped and forced to become an assassin for a mysterious organization called Inferno. Trained by Ein, a skilled female assassin, Zwei must navigate the dangerous underworld while trying to hold onto his humanity.
The series explores themes of control, manipulation, and the loss of self, as Zwei and Ein struggle to break free from the organization’s grip. Phantom offers a more introspective take on the assassin genre, with its dark, atmospheric storytelling and complex character dynamics. The show’s grim tone and deep emotional resonance make it a standout entry in assassin anime.
5. Darker than Black
Set in a world where supernatural powers have emerged, Darker than Black blends science fiction with assassin-themed storytelling. The series follows Hei, a contractor (an individual with supernatural abilities) who works as an assassin for a secret organization. Known as the "Black Reaper," Hei is feared for his ruthless efficiency, but beneath his cold exterior, he’s driven by personal motives.
Darker than Black is a complex and layered series that combines action, mystery, and psychological drama. The world-building is intricate, with contractors, secret organizations, and a deep conspiracy at the heart of the plot. Hei’s journey as an assassin who must reconcile his own humanity with his violent occupation gives the series emotional weight, making it a must-watch for fans of morally ambiguous protagonists.
6. Black Lagoon
While not strictly an assassin show, Black Lagoon deserves a mention for its portrayal of mercenaries and professional killers in the criminal underworld. The series follows the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries operating in Southeast Asia, as they take on dangerous jobs for various clients. Among them is Revy, a foul-mouthed and deadly gunslinger who doesn't hesitate to kill when necessary.
Black Lagoon is known for its gritty action, colorful cast of morally grey characters, and unflinching depiction of violence. The show blurs the line between right and wrong, with characters who are both likable and ruthless. Revy, in particular, stands out as one of anime’s most iconic antiheroes, making Black Lagoon a thrilling ride for fans of action-packed assassin stories.
7. Noir
Noir is a stylish, slow-burn assassin anime that follows two women, Mireille Bouquet and Kirika Yuumura, as they team up to uncover their shared past while working as professional assassins. The series is filled with mystery, as Kirika suffers from amnesia and has only fragments of her memory, yet possesses incredible killing skills.
The story is deeply atmospheric, with its noir-style aesthetic and focus on character development. Noir doesn’t rely on over-the-top action sequences but instead builds tension through its quiet, methodical storytelling and exploration of the psychological toll of being an assassin. For fans of character-driven, introspective narratives, Noir is a captivating series that leaves a lasting impression.
8. Canaan
Canaan is an action-packed anime that follows the titular character, a highly skilled assassin caught in a deadly game involving political conspiracies, biological weapons, and old rivals. Canaan is a contractor with unique abilities, and the series is filled with intense gunfights, high-stakes action, and an exploration of her complex relationships with other characters.
Canaan offers a mix of fast-paced action and deeper emotional moments, as the protagonist grapples with her role as both a killer and a protector. The show’s slick animation and adrenaline-fueled fight scenes make it a thrilling watch, especially for fans who enjoy a blend of espionage and personal drama.
9. Hitman Reborn!
Hitman Reborn! takes a lighter, more comedic approach to the assassin genre. The story follows Tsuna, an ordinary high school student who learns he’s the heir to a powerful mafia family. He’s trained by Reborn, a pint-sized, gun-wielding hitman, to become a capable leader. While the series starts off with more humor and lighthearted moments, it evolves into a full-fledged action series with intense battles and character growth.
Though more whimsical in tone than other entries on this list, Hitman Reborn! balances comedy, mafia action, and coming-of-age elements, making it a fun and engaging series for fans of shonen anime.
10. Basilisk
Basilisk is a feudal-era ninja anime that pits two rival clans of assassins against each other in a brutal fight to the death. The series is a tale of love, betrayal, and vengeance, as the two clans must decide the fate of Japan’s future through bloodshed.
The show is filled with intricate battle tactics, supernatural abilities, and deadly assassins, each with their own unique powers. Basilisk offers a tragic and violent story, blending romance and action in a way that leaves a deep emotional impact on the viewer.
Conclusion
Assassin-themed anime offer some of the most gripping and morally complex storytelling in the medium. From dark, introspective narratives like Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom to action-packed spectacles like Akame ga Kill! and Canaan, these series explore the lives of those who live in the shadows, challenging our understanding of justice, morality, and survival. Whether you're drawn to psychological thrillers, stylish noir aesthetics, or explosive action, this list has something for every fan of the assassin genre.