Anime might be one of the best art forms for fights out of any. The best fights in anime come in such a different array of forms that it’s hard to navigate the best, but some are so good that they stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Anime is filled with a wide variety of brutal fights. Some feature two characters duking it out with just their fists, while others feature a few characters using abilities so strong that the Earth itself is at risk of being destroyed.
To be considered one of the best fights in anime, there has to be an aspect of the conflict that nearly transcends the art form. The stakes have to be high, the characters have to put everything on the line, or the fight itself needs to be expertly choreographed. No matter who loses in some of the best fights in anime, the viewers always come out on top.
10
Naruto and Sasuke vs. Momoshiki
Boruto
Boruto is a fairly controversial series to many. Naruto is one of the most well-respected and longest-running anime series of all time, and most fans of the hit franchise were happy with where the series ended. When a sequel series was announced, fans were less than optimistic about where the series would be headed.
While Boruto is a mixed bag, one thing is for sure: Naruto and Sasuke’s fight against Momoshiki will go down in history as one of the best fights in anime. The fact that two of the biggest rivals in the art form finally fought on the same side is just a small reason as to why this fight is so mind-meltingly good.
The two strongest ninjas of their time are facing off against an opponent who, by many, is considered to be a god. They use expert tactics, amazing teamwork, and some of the strongest jutsu in Naruto to take Momoshiki down.
9
Endeavor vs. Hood
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has made a name for itself as one of the best shōnen anime series of the latest generation. It features an interesting world of powers, a lovable and determined main character, and some of the best fights in the genre. There are a ton of great fights to choose from, but one amazing battle is often overlooked: Endeavor vs. Hood.
Most people would point to All Might vs. All For One as the best fight in the series, and they’re not entirely wrong. While that fight is worth watching over and over again, it’s missing something that Endeavor’s fight is full of.
Endeavor isn’t just fighting Hood in this bout: he’s fighting himself. He knows that he has to become a different man if he wants to lead the country, and his family, through the hardship heading their way. It’s an emotional fight that culminates in one of the best moments of the franchise with Endeavor’s first ever Plus Ultra Prominence Burn.
8
Denji vs. Katana Man
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man pushes the shōnen genre past its limits better than any series that has come before it. It’s a brutal, hilarious, action-packed thrill ride that feels like exactly what the genre needed. In a genre filled with series that pull their punches, Chainsaw Man goes where no other series has gone before.
There are plenty of excellent fights in the series, but Denji’s fight vs. the Katana Man stands out because it’s everything that the series is trying to be. The fight itself is brutal, as Denji is ripped apart more than once. After he wins, though, he celebrates his victory with a contest that only Chainsaw Man could put forward.
7
Shimazaki vs. Everyone
Mob Psycho 100
Mob Psycho 100 is easily one of the best anime series of all time. It’s moving, heartbreaking, hilarious, and deeply profound in just three concise seasons. Somehow, it also has one of the best fights in anime history, and the main character of the franchise isn’t even involved. It’s also an absolute brawl, featuring several side characters taking on one monstrous villain.
Shimazaki is on another level in Mob Psycho 100. His ability to teleport is unparalleled, and if it wasn’t for Teruki’s quick thinking, he would’ve mowed down the group opposing him. This fight is amazing because of how well Bones animated it. The fight feels fierce, unpredictable, and exciting thanks to their amazing skills.
6
Goku vs. Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z
Goku and Vegeta’s first fight was the first time Dragon Ball Z showed what it was all about. There were a few good fights before this, but this was truly the moment the series announced to the world that it was taking the Dragon Ball franchise to an entirely different level. While the pair have fought a few times after this fight, their first bout is easily the best.
Vegeta is one of the most well-written characters in anime, and it all started with his villainous streak. He was the first villain who was a true threat to the entire planet in Dragon Ball Z, forcing Goku and his friends to unite against one of the biggest threats that they had ever faced.
5
Asuka vs. Evas
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion is basically required viewing for anyone who wants to call themselves a true fan of anime. It’s a staple of the genre and a cornerstone of any anime that wants to be known for doing its own thing. Out of all the fights in the renowned franchise, none stand out more than Asuka’s nine-versus-one battle against the mass-produced Evas.
Asuka’s battle is so visibly destructive, it makes other fights look weak in comparison. This fight is almost 30 years old and there still haven’t been many like it. It’s a heartbreaking fight that pushes Asuka well past her limits, but she couldn’t care less. She rips each of the Evas apart monstrously, showcasing the true power of an Evangelion Pilot.
4
Kurapika vs. Uvogin
Hunter x Hunter
When the best fights in Hunter x Hunter get brought up, most people rightfully point towards Netero vs. The Ant King. It’s an amazing fight, but it doesn’t have the sheer emotion that Kurapika’s fight against Uvogin does. Kurapika has no business fighting someone as horrifically strong as Uvogin, but thanks to a key sacrifice, he created a way to win.
Kurapika’s fight is amazing because of how badly he wants to win. He wants to avenge his clan more than anything, and Uvogin is the first member of the Phantom Troupe on his list. Up until this point in the series, Uvogin has seemed untouchable. This fight changes everything, however, showing that members of the Troupe aren’t as invulnerable as they seem.
3
Saitama vs. Boros
One-Punch Man
One-Punch Man is both one of the funniest anime series of all time and one of the most action-packed. It has a ton of great fights, but there’s only one where the main character puts in even an ounce of effort. Saitama’s fight vs. Boros is so well animated that it feels like Madhouse, the studio animating the project, is just bragging.
Even though it’s the first time that he’s appeared in the series, Boros is clearly one of the strongest characters in it. He’s the only character shown to survive one of Saitama’s punches, and he’s so strong that he even punched Saitama all the way to the moon. Unfortunately for the villain, even that isn’t enough to take the titular One-Punch Man down.
2
Simon vs. Antispiral
Tengan Toppa Gurren Lagann
Tengan Toppa Gurren Lagann is both a cult classic and just a good old-fashioned hit. It’s one of the best anime series without a manga, showcasing an incredible story in less than 30 episodes. It’s one of the best mech animes of all time too, with a finale so good that fans will be talking about it for the next few decades.
Simon started the series as a timid, introverted character that would rather hide than speak up for himself. By the end of the series, he’s fist fighting god. Simon’s brawl against Antispiral is truly on a scale that hasn’t been touched before. The two are fighting at a galactic level, but by the end, they’re just punching each other in the face.
1
Naruto vs. Sasuke 5
Naruto: Shippuden
Naruto might have the best fights in all of anime, and out of every fight in the entire franchise, Naruto’s final fight against Sasuke is the clear winner. Naruto’s fifth fight against his best friend and rival is masterful. The battle features amazing choreography, stakes that couldn’t be higher, and one of the best sound designs anyone could have asked for.
While a lot of fights are made better by the scores underlying them, there is no music to be heard in this fight. The sound of Naruto and Sasuke’s blows hitting one another is absurdly good. The pair start their battle with their fists before using jutsu that could level the world. By the end, Naruto has finally succeeded at winning Sasuke over.
- First Episode Air Date
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October 3, 2002
- Cast
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Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Noriaki Sugiyama, Chie Nakamura, Kazuhiko Inoue, Nana Mizuki, Hideo Ishikawa, Yûko Sanpei
