The culmination of the intense buildup of the Enies arc comes to a satisfying climax in this banger of a fight scene. Both Luffy and Lucci give it their all in this fight. The fact that Luffy did all this just to save Robin, makes the fight even more emotional. In the end, the one who poured his whole heart into every blow, was victorious in typical One Piece fashion.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
This might be less of a fight and more of a slaughter. Gon, enraged over the fact that Pitou can't save his dear friend and mentor Kite, sacrifices his life to receive all the power he will ever have in this one moment. Gon turns into an adult version of himself and takes hateful revenge on Neferpitou. The sheer scope of the boy's power and rage, makes this scene so tragic.
© MADHOUSE, Inc.
This fight encapsulates the series' core themes of breaking through limits and defying impossible odds. The sheer scale of the battle, with universe-sized mechas clashing, is a spectacle that embodies the show's over-the-top style. What makes this fight great, is that it's more than a physical battle. It's a philosophical showdown where Team Dai-Gurren's unwavering belief in their own power and potential faces off against the Anti-Spiral's nihilistic determinism. All this makes this fight an easy pick for this list.
© Gainax Co., Ltd.
The first time that Saitama really had to try while fighting an opponent was bound to be spectacular. Every cylinder is firing in this fight, with its intense choreography and over the top animation. The climax of this battle, when Saitama unleashes his “serious punch”, is so satisfying, because our hero finally got his wish of having a worthy opponent.
© MADHOUSE Inc.
This fight is so awesome. It's the first time we get to see human on human action in Attack on Titan, and it's glorious. The pace and suspense of this fight is incredible, with the animation serving as the main appeal. This might be the most beautifully animated sequence in all of AoT. Of course, it's also great to see Levi facing off against multiple foes at once and actually winning.
© WIT Studio, Inc.
The final fight between Spike and Vicious in Cowboy Bebop is an iconic clash that deserves its spot for its emotional depth and narrative significance. This confrontation isn't just about skill or power—it's the culmination of a long-standing rivalry steeped in betrayal, loss, and unresolved feelings. The fight is raw and brutal, reflecting the deep personal history between the two characters. The atmosphere is heavy with tension, and the choreography is swift and precise, emphasizing the lethal intent behind each move. Spike's final words and the haunting aftermath leave a lasting impact, solidifying this as one of anime's most powerful and emotionally charged battles.
© SUNRISE Inc.
This is a fight for the ages. Scar, driven by vengeance and a desire to end the cycle of oppression, faces off against Bradley, the embodiment of ruthless authoritarianism and the ultimate enforcer of the corrupt state. With all the glimpses we get of Scar's past, it's incredibly fitting that he would be the one to take on King Bradley in this epic clash of ideals. The combat skills of both fighters are shown beautifully through the flowing animation of the sequence. The battle also serves as a critical turning point in the story, highlighting the power of human resolve against seemingly insurmountable odds.
© BONES Inc.
This battle is a test of endurance, willpower, and strategy, as Luffy faces an opponent who is not only stronger but also shares a similar fighting style. Katakuri, with his advanced Observation Haki, initially overwhelms Luffy, forcing him to adapt and evolve his own abilities in real-time. The fight is notable for its intense, back-and-forth nature, with each combatant pushing the other to their limits. Katakuri, initially an antagonist, comes to acknowledge Luffy as a worthy opponent, leading to one of the series' most respectful and sportsmanlike conclusions.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
The reveal that the masked man behind all the suffering of many of our favorite characters, was none other than Obito Uchiha, shook Kakashi to his core. The friend, he thought to be dead, turned out to become the mastermind behind the Akatsuki. Their inevitable clash, was an emotional battle to say the least. With great juxtaposition of their current fight and their training sessions in the past, this scene manages to show the weight of these characters' shared history and pain. A great fight, both visually and emotionally.
© Pierrot Co., Ltd.
This is a standout battle that deserves a top spot for its exhilarating combination of teamwork, strategy, and pure adrenaline. This fight showcases Yuji's rapid development as a jujutsu sorcerer and his dynamic partnership with Todo, whose experience and confidence perfectly complement Yuji's raw potential. The synergy between the two is electric, with Todo's ability to read the flow of battle and his unique Boogie Woogie technique adding an unpredictable and exciting element to the fight. Hanami, a powerful and intelligent cursed spirit, poses a significant threat, pushing both Yuji and Todo to their limits.
The animation during this battle is top-notch, with fluid, fast-paced sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. What sets this fight apart is how it highlights the importance of trust and camaraderie, as Yuji and Todo's bond strengthens in the heat of battle, leading to one of the most thrilling and memorable showdowns in the series.
© MAPPA Co., Ltd.
Rock Lee facing off against Gaara, was one of the hypest moments in anime history. This battle is the epitome of an underdog story, with Rock Lee, a character without any inherent ninjutsu or genjutsu abilities, going up against Gaara, a seemingly invincible opponent with immense power and a tragic past. The fight is a showcase of Lee's relentless determination, as he pushes himself far beyond his limits, revealing his mastery of the Eight Gates and delivering one of the most memorable moments in the series when he removes his training weights. And who could forget the hidden lotus, which is arguably one of the most iconic techniques in all of Naruto.
The music pops off here as well, perfectly complementing the action. Lee's unwavering spirit and his drive to prove his worth despite overwhelming odds resonate deeply, making this fight one of the most inspiring and unforgettable in anime history.
© Pierrot Co., Ltd.
Demon Slayer is known for its exceptional fight scenes, but this one really takes the cake for being the best in the series. The choreography is breathtaking, with each fighter bringing their unique skills to the table—Tengen's Sound Breathing techniques, Tanjiro's relentless resolve, Zenitsu's speed, and Inosuke's ferocity—all combining in a desperate struggle against the powerful demon duo. The stakes are incredibly high, as the battle pushes each character to their physical and emotional limits, revealing new depths of their determination and willpower.
The bond between the demons Daki and Gyutaro, despite their malevolent nature, adds a layer of tragic complexity to the fight, making the eventual victory bittersweet. The animation during this battle is nothing short of spectacular, with fluid, dynamic movements and vibrant visuals that elevate the intensity of the confrontation. For the level of animation alone, I would rank this fight as high as it is, but it also goes the extra step of involving every character, without leaving anyone on the sidelines.
© ufotable, Inc.
This is maybe the fight with the longest setup of all time, spanning the whole show. Naruto and Sasuke go for a rematch in the iconic valley of the end, showcasing their full power, holding nothing back. The fight choreography is the best it has ever been in this series, with Naruto and Sasuke both using their abilities in creative ways to land blows on each other.
I think I speak for everyone that the moment that makes this fight so iconic, is when both of them have little to no chakra left and use their last bits of strength to beat each other up. Although the fight results in a physical draw, the philosophical winner was Naruto, who finally, after all this time, managed to make his friend realize that he would do anything for him. It's simply incredible.
© Pierrot Co., Ltd.
This confrontation is more than just a fight. It's a legendary moment in anime history that defined an entire generation. Frieza, the tyrant responsible for the destruction of Goku’s home planet and countless others, represents the ultimate evil, while Goku embodies the hope and determination of all those who have suffered under Frieza's reign.
The fight itself is a marathon of endurance, power-ups, and escalating tension, with both combatants pushing their limits in a seemingly never-ending struggle. The moment Goku transforms into a Super Saiyan—triggered by the death of his friend Krillin—is one of the most iconic scenes in anime, marking a pivotal turning point in the battle and in the series as a whole. The raw emotion, the epic scale of the battle, and the incredible stakes make this fight unforgettable.
© Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
The final moments of Isaac Netero take the number one spot on this list. This battle is the climax of the Chimera Ant arc, where Netero, the greatest Hunter and Chairman of the Hunter Association, faces Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants and one of the most formidable and terrifying villains in anime. What makes this fight interesting, is that the roles are reversed. Meruem is the one who would rather avoid fighting Netero and talk it out with him, while Netero desperately wants to annihilate the ant king, to ensure humanities survival.
The final reveal of Netero detonating a Miniature Rose bomb, makes the role reversal even clearer, painting Netero as the monster. The fight itself has got incredible animation, choreography, and showcases what the best nen user of the series could do against a god-like being. For all these reasons, this is my number one pick for the best anime fights of all time.
© MADHOUSE, Inc.
Welcome to our ranking for the 15 best anime fights of all time. As the title suggests, we will be looking at the greatest battles that anime has to offer and ranking them. We will take into account the level of animation, the choreography, the emotional stakes, and the hype moments these fights include. So buckle up, and let's dive right in!
