Anime in 2021 has been dominated by action and adventure, and nowhere is this more apparent than Funimation. The popular anime streaming service has had a bumper year, packed with excellent action and adventure anime series. This includes some returning favorites and several brand new shows that have quickly captured the imaginations of viewers.
For audiences on the lookout for some excitement this holiday season, here are the best action and adventure anime that are now available for streaming on Funimation.
My Hero Academia Season 5
My Hero Academia needs no introduction at this point. Kohei Horikoshi's manga and Studio BONES' anime adaptation have cemented themselves as modern classics. Fans were excitedly waiting for the fifth season, and thankfully, it doesn't disappoint. Season 5 rounds off Season 4's Pro Hero Arc and continues with the manga's subsequent four arcs.
These arcs see the franchise's most popular characters end up in highly unexpected situations. This includes a work-study program with Endeavor that sees Deku, Bakugo and Shoto get pushed to their very limits as they learn new things about themselves and each other. This season also sees the League of Villains hit rock bottom. However, when All For One's personal bodyguard arrives to whip them into shape, things seem to be looking up. Nonetheless, unbeknownst to the heroes, a new group lurks in the shadows, waiting for their moment to strike. When they do, the entire world is going to be turned upside down.
Watch all 25 episodes of Season 5.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime Season 2 (English Dub)
Based on the light novel written by Fuse, Eight Bit's That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime received a lot of praise during its first season for its unique twist on isekai and fantasy tropes. When 37-year-old salaryman Minami Satoru is killed, he wakes up in a world of swords and sorcery. However, he isn't in the body of a hero or king. Quite the opposite; Minami has been resurrected as a lowly slime.
At first, it looks like this life will be worse than his previous one, as slime creatures are weak, blind and deaf. However, as a slime, Minami has two special abilities: “Predator” and “Great Sage." These two abilities allow him to overcome his lowly position and quickly grow in power. As he does, the newly named Rimuru Tempest makes new friends and foes as he explores this strange new world.
Watch all 24 episodes of Season 2.
SK8 the Infinity
Animated by the world-famous Studio BONES and written by Ichiro Okouchi, SK8 the Infinity was one of 2021's sleeper hits, quickly generating a massive fanbase thanks to social media and word of mouth. It follows two high school students with a shared passion for "S." This is an underground, highly dangerous, top-secret and no-holds-barred downhill skateboarding race found only in Okinawa. However, what makes S so extreme is that the race takes place in an abandoned mine, making the already dangerous sport even riskier.
Reki, a high school sophomore, befriends his school's new transfer student, Langa. Reki decides to take Langa to S, where Langa falls in love with the sport. Together, these teens navigate this strange scene and give their all to come out on top. Studio BONES' excellent animation turns this tale of youthful exuberance into a stunning and action-packed visual spectacle.
Watch all 13 episodes.
MEGALOBOX 2: NOMAD
Produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Yo Moriyama, MEGALOBOX 2: NOMAD is the sequel to 2018's immensely popular MEGALOBOX. The series is set in an alternative Japan where citizens live in the nice Administrative Area while everyone else lives in a slum called the Restricted Area. In this world, Megaloboxing, a hyper-violent form of boxing where the fighters wear metal exoskeletons to make their blows hit harder, is a popular sport.
MEGALOBOX 2: NOMAD follows “Gearless” Joe, the man who rose his way through the Megaloboxing ranks in the first series. However, seven years later, Joe is back in the dingy underground fight clubs he started in. Now going under the name of Nomad, he is once again trying to save himself via combat -- but can his scarred and beaten body go the distance?
Watch all 13 episodes.
Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song-
Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song- was an instant cult favorite this year thanks to its unique storyline and memorable characters. Produced by the beloved Wit Studio and created by Tappei Nagatsuki and Eiji Umehara, the series follows Vivy, the first autonomous AI. Vivy spends her time at the NiaLand amusement park, where she sings for the guests. She lives a peaceful existence until one day, Matsumoto arrives from 100 years in the future.
Matsumoto warns Vivy that in the future, there will be a war between humans and AI. However, Matsumoto believes he can prevent this war by getting Vivy to alter specific events. Changing the flow of time and history in the process. Vivy, keen to protect her happy existence, agrees to help, and the songstress is quickly thrown into a twisted web of political intrigue. A gripping look at AI and the tropes surrounding it, Vivy -Fluorite Eye's Song- is one of the year's most fascinating and enjoyable series.
Watch all 13 episodes.
