Updated January 20, 2023 by Ernie
Combat scenes have always been an integral part of anime. Whether it has super-powered individuals, giant robots, or even a simple high-stakes game of battle cards, fight scenes that are rendered beautifully can make an okay show great, and a great show a masterpiece.
Table of Contents
This blog post is all about the 36 greatest battle scenes in anime, and since these are mostly climactic battles, there’s going to be a SPOILER warning here, so be warned.
Without further ado, let’s get right to this list.
MOST UNFORGETTABLE FIGHT SCENES IN ANIME
36: Shielder and Ishtar vs. Demonic Beasts (Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front – Babylonia)
| Title | Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front – Babylonia |
| Author | Kinoko Nasu |
| Genre | Fantasy / Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | CloverWorks |
| Premiered | 5 10 2019 |
| Episodes | 22 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
This one always floats in the back of my mind whenever “great battle scene” is mentioned, simply because of the way it sets the tone for how epic the rest of the series’ fight scenes will proceed. Once you get behind every fluid movement and how raw and brutal the first episode’s fight gets, it can only get better from there… and it does. You can’t go wrong starting with this… though it wouldn’t hurt to pick up the mobile game to get you up to speed on what’s going on. Just be warned, though – “rate up is a lie” exists for a reason.
35: Kenshiro vs. Raoh (Fist of the North Star)
| Title | Fist of the North Star |
| Author | Hara Tetsuo |
| Genre | Adventure / Martial Arts / Post-apocalyptic |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Premiered | 11 10 1984 |
| Episodes | 109 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Another battle between brothers, but this time, it is to decide the fate of the post-apocalyptic world. Though at first glance, it seems like this is a contest of martial prowess, it is more an aim to understand the meaning of power and sorrow, about life and living, and how force is a way to peace, but no substitute for it. It is through Kenshiro’s fists and sorrow that Raoh the conqueror finally sees the truth, and thus conquers the darkness as his final gift to the world.
34: The 00 Qan[T]’s Advent (Mobile Suit Gundam 00: Awakening of the Trailblazer)
| Title | Mobile Suit Gundam 00: A Wakening of the Trailblazer |
| Author | Mizushima Seiji |
| Genre | Science fiction / Mecha |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 18 09 2010 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
The return of our hero Setsuna to the battlefield on board the bleeding-edge mobile suit signals the start of the tide turning back towards humanity. With the start of “Final Mission – Quantum Burst”, the mighty 00 Qan[T] served as a rallying standard for the world’s forces to redouble their efforts against the metallic aliens that seek to assimilate and convert mankind. However, there is a different way other than violence, but to attain that, the Qan[T] must make its way into the heart of the enemy’s fortress. From here, the fight becomes even harder, to cover Setsuna and the Qan[T]’s approach.
33: Two Brothers (Tekkaman Blade)
| Title | Uchuu Kishi Tekkaman Blade |
| Author | Negishi Hiroshi |
| Genre | Adventure / Drama / Science fiction |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Tatsunoko Production |
| Premiered | 18 02 1992 |
| Episodes | 50 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
There is but one obstacle standing between Tekkaman Blade and the final battle, and it is his twin brother, Tekkaman Evil. Both twins of identical power and achieving the same upgrade are now evenly matched… but one of them has to fall. Blade has already lost so much of his family to the alien parasites within them, and the fact that he can still harden his heart and fight for the rest of the world is proof of his heroism. The greatness of the animation and its attendant tragedy only makes the lead-up to the end of Blade’s journey even more catastrophic.
32: Archer vs. Lancer (Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works)
| Title | Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works |
| Author | Kinoko Nasu |
| Genre | Action / Dark Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Ufotable |
| Premiered | 4 10 2014 |
| Episodes | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
We see bits and pieces of this fight at the start of every route in the visual novel, and it is here that we see the two Heroic Spirits battle with little hesitation and no holding back, punctuated by a clash of two of their greatest techniques. Unstoppable force, meet the immovable object… though it was, admittedly, a very close result. Though the nameless Archer found himself worn down by the attempt, this all still played into his plans, and ultimately, the heroes’ eventual triumph.
31: Jaden vs. Yugi (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX)
| Title | Yu-Gi-Oh! GX |
| Author | Tsuji Hatsuki |
| Genre | Adventure / Science fiction |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gallop |
| Premiered | 10 06 2004 |
| Episodes | 180 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Though we don’t see how this duel ends, we see our hero regain his passion for the cards while standing across from the proverbial King of Games. After going through so many fateful duels with unfathomable risks, and even having to make peace with his past, it’s nice to see Judai going back to dueling for the fun of it. He definitely needs all the good vibes he can, because he’s up against a living legend who will pull out all the stops… and then some.
30: The Battle for Ooarai (Girls und Panzer der Film)
| Title | Girls Und Panzer: der Film |
| Author | Yoshida Reiko |
| Genre | Action / Comedy / Military |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Actas |
| Premiered | 8 10 1997 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
High-stakes panzer warfare has never been so cute… nor more epic. Though the plot progression may be a bit derivative, the way the lovable ragtag bunch of tank commanders rally around Ooarai Academy make it worth the watch… that is until you add the fact that we have tanks that can do jumps better than motorcycles and drift better than tofu delivery cars. Isn’t that what really matters when it comes to tank warfare?
29: Defeating Bahamut SIN (Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children)
| Title | Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children |
| Author | Nomura Tetsuya |
| Genre | Action / Fantasy / Science fiction |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Visual Works |
| Premiered | 14 09 2005 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 101 minutes |
There’s a reason why the saying “teamwork makes the dream work” is as effective as it is: by working together, people can create something that is greater than the sum of their parts, and in the Advent Children movie, this is illustrated perfectly when Kadaj summons Bahamut SIN to destroy a monument and terrorize the public. With everyone in Cloud Strife’s party ready, willing, and able to help defeat this huge dragon, their combined chemistry and experience ensured that this summons would be sent back to where it came from… in style.
28: Joseph Joestar vs. Kars (Battle Tendency)
| Title | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Battle Tendency |
| Author | Araki Hirohiko |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy / Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | David Production |
| Premiered | 8 12 2012 |
| Episodes | 17 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
It takes a special kind of resourcefulness to defeat someone with no apparent weakness. That’s what Joseph Joestar pulled off, thanks to his sunlight breathing skills, unscrupulous combat tactics, his trademark Joestar Family Secret Technique… and a lot of luck. For all of Kars’ amazing abilities when he finally became an ultimate being, he forgot to account for luck… and it’s what ultimately led to his defeat.
#27: Zoro vs. Mihawk (One Piece)
| Title | One Piece |
| Author | Oda Eiichirou |
| Genre | Fantasy / Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Premiered | 20 10 1999 |
| Episodes | 1,045 episodes (and counting) |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Now this is one battle where even if you lose, you still win. Roronoa Zoro shows off his skills enough that while he is utterly outclassed by Dracule Mihawk, the strongest swordsman still sees sufficient potential within the triple-sword wielder that he takes him under his wing. Extra points for Zoro facing his defeat head-on, because as he says, each wound a swordsman has from behind counts as their shame.
26: Roy Mustang vs. Envy (FMA: Brotherhood)
| Title | Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood |
| Author | Arakawa Hiromu |
| Genre | Adventure / Dark Fantasy / Steampunk |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Bones |
| Premiered | 4 05 2009 |
| Episodes | 64 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
There’s a reason the phrases “kill it with fire” and “when all else fails, use fire” are popular. I do not mean that this scene from the 54th episode started that phrase… although perhaps it helped make the phrases even more meaningful. After all, nothing can dispose of a pesky homunculus that is putting one of your invaluable subordinates in danger as well as fire, doesn’t it? And, of course, if that doesn’t work, do what Colonel Roy Mustang did: use MORE fire. Check the series’ watch order to see this.
25: Toyota AE86 vs. Mazda RX-7 Type R (FD3S) (Initial D)
| Title | Initial D (First Stage) |
| Author | Shigeno Shuichi |
| Genre | Action / Coming-of-age / Sports |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Comet / Studio Gallop |
| Premiered | 18 04 1998 |
| Episodes | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
There are a lot of other more epic races in the Initial D series I could feature here, but the first and unofficial race is perhaps how the series established itself: fast cars traveling downhill, crazy curves and even crazier turns, all set to Super Eurobeat. The skilled street racer Takahashi Keisuke, as well as the viewers, watched in disbelief as he was caught up to and passed by a black-and-white tofu delivery car, which proceeded to make such an insane inertia drift, leaving everyone in shock.
#24: Double Jeegs (Kotetsushin Jeeg)
| Title | Koutetsushin Jeeg |
| Author | Hayakawa Tadashi |
| Genre | Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Actas |
| Premiered | 4 05 2007 |
| Episodes | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
One Steel Jeeg is great. What’s even better? Two Steel Jeegs raining hell upon the Jama Kingdom. It starts from where the cockpit lid opens up, Shiba Hiroshi reveals that yes, he can breathe in space, and the opening riff of JAM Project’s “Dead or Alive ” starts to play. Once it gets going, you know you’re going to be in for a treat… and a lot of pulverized haniwa.
23: Kurosaki Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Cifer (Bleach)
| Title | Bleach |
| Author | Kubo Tite |
| Genre | Adventure / Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Premiered | 5 10 2004 |
| Episodes | 366 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
The passing of time has been quite unkind to this battle, but the spectacle remains. It starts with Ichigo biting off more than he can chew, and leads to his apparent doom. From there, more powers manifest, the combat kicks up to an even higher notch… and at the end, we see Ichigo victorious. However, what price has he paid to attain even more power? All of that will come into play eventually… but he has to thwart a rogue Shinigami captain first. But have you ever wondered if we let Ichigo fight another strong anime character? How about Ichigo vs Naruto? I don’t think we can handle that!
22: Spike vs. Vicious (Cowboy Bebop)
| Title | Cowboy Bebop |
| Author | Watanabe Shinichirou |
| Genre | Neo-noir / Space western |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 3 04 1998 |
| Episodes | 26 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
You’d think I’d be picking the final battle for this… but no. The fight scene from Cowboy Bebop I’m picking is the one in “Ballad of Fallen Angels”, where Spike Spiegel goes to an abandoned church, starts off the party with one of the nicest headshots, and generates enough mayhem that his teammate Faye can sneak out of there. The action, pun unintended, spikes into a crescendo when Vicious enters the fray, and climaxes beautifully as Spike leaves a parting shot as he’s thrown outside the cathedral window to the ethereal strains of Yoko Kanno’s “Green Bird”.
21: Kujo Jotaro vs. Dio Brando (Stardust Crusaders)
| Title | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders |
| Author | Araki Hirohiko |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy / Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | David Production |
| Premiered | 4 05 2014 |
| Episodes | 48 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
“Oh, you’re approaching me?” Once this question is asked, the stage is set for one of the most epic confrontations in anime. We start with their stands exchanging blows, showing off their skills, and then we get to throwing knives, stopping time, swinging traffic signs around, stashing books in your coat to avoid grievous injury… and it all comes to a head with a steamroller being dropped on someone. You would think it’s over, but the immortal vampire will not go out without a fight, and before the end comes, still manages one last trick before his hubris ultimately gets the better of him.
20: Guts vs. Griffith (Berserk)
| Title | Berserk |
| Author | Miura Kentaro |
| Genre | Dark Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | OLM |
| Premiered | 8 10 1997 |
| Episodes | 25 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Knowing what we do now about what happens after in Berserk; this battle becomes even more tragic. Guts show his strength, but Griffith also shows off his vast skill and technique. Though Guts does pressure Griffith with his unorthodox technique and sheer determination, the gap between the two is still significant, and thus Griffith wins and successfully recruits Guts into the Band of the Hawk. This is one of the fights in anime that only gets better as time goes by, as it shows you two men at the point where the concepts running each of their lives intersect, and much later, tragically disperse.
19: Giorno Giovanna vs. Cioccolatta (Vento Aureo)
| Title | Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind |
| Author | Araki Hirohiko |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy / Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | David Production |
| Premiered | 6 10 2018 |
| Episodes | 39 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
This fight is most remembered by a simple phrase: “seven pages”. Seven pages of what, you say? Seven pages where the son of Dio Brando lays down a stand-powered beatdown onto his opponent. Fans everywhere were looking forward to this scene being animated, and both David Production’s animation and Ono Kensho’s cries of “MUDA MUDA MUDA” and enraged “WRYYYYYY” did not disappoint at all. DavidPro hiring several extra animators for the seven-page beatdown showed their passion for this scene, and thanks to it, they hit it out of the park… right into a garbage truck.
18: Max vs. Millia (The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love?)
| Title | The Super Dimension Fortress Macross: Do You Remember Love? |
| Author | Kawamori Shouji |
| Genre | Military science fiction / space opera |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Artland / Tatsunoko / Topcraft |
| Premiered | 21 07 1984 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 115 minutes |
Though this scene only takes a few minutes, Haneda Kentarou’s epic soundtrack, minute details, chaos, and missiles – can’t forget about all those missiles – makes this battle short but especially sweet. Two ace pilots going at it hammer and tongs at high speed, then throwing everything and the kitchen sink at each other in an enclosed space makes you want to pilot one of these Valkyries… let’s face it, though, you would probably measure up to Kakizaki at best, the poor guy. Still doesn’t take away from the fact that yes, this dog fight is my entrant for the best in the franchise.
17: Saitama vs. Boros (One-Punch Man)
| Title | One Punch Man |
| Author | ONE |
| Genre | Action / Comedy / Superhero |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | 10 05 2015 |
| Episodes | 24 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Spectacular. If there’s a word to best describe the battle at the end of One-Punch Man’s first season, that would be it. But let me expound on it a bit: a universal conqueror against a bald guy with a cape who defeats enemies with one punch. Though the description does not do it justice, the action goes at a breakneck pace, someone gets thrown to the moon and jumps back… and then, we finally see why Saitama is the eponymous hero.
16: Tekkadan’s Last Stand (Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans Season 2)
| Title | Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans |
| Author | Yatate Hajime |
| Genre | Mecha / Military science fiction |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 5 10 2015 |
| Episodes | 50 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
It might have ended in their demise, but Barbatos and Gusion both turned what would have been an easy orbital bombardment and mop-up into a pyrrhic victory for those who sought their destruction. Gjallarhorn seemed to have forgotten that a cornered animal is at its most dangerous, and their mobile suit forces paid the price for their hubris. Oh, and a certain Iok Kujan gets rightfully flattened into paste thanks to a pair of giant nippers, too.
15: Team 5D’s vs. Team Unicorn (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s)
| Title | Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s |
| Author | Ono Katsumi |
| Genre | Adventure / Science Fiction |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gallop |
| Premiered | 4 02 2008 |
| Episodes | 155 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
This might be a little strange because of how this duel ended, but this five-episode sequence shows off the cerebral side of Yu-Gi-Oh!: team tactics, outplays, gambits, counter-gambits, surprises, and above all, ends with one of the most effective ways to achieve victory: a successful bluff. Of particular note are the parts where Izayoi Aki summons Fudo Yusei’s ace monster, the “Stardust Dragon”, in a move that surprised and delighted fans, and Yusei uses a Fusion Summon to try and turn the duel around.
14: Tengen-Toppa Gurren Lagann vs. the Anti-Spiral (TTGL)
| Title | Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann |
| Author | Imaishi Hiroyuki |
| Genre | Adventure / Comedy / Drama / Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gainax |
| Premiered | 1 04 2007 |
| Episodes | 27 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
For some reason, I prefer this to the movie version, not because of its familiarity, but because here, it’s more of a collaborative effort. Sometimes you go overboard – not in a good way – and have to spoil your broth because it’s expected for you to go above what you’ve already established. Even then, this is still a beautiful battle scene, where sacrifices are made, galaxies are thrown, and a bad future is averted, because the Great Gurren Brigade still believes in the power of humanity.
13: GaoGaiGar vs. Zonuda Robo (The King of Braves: GaoGaiGar)
| Title | The King of Braves GaoGaiGar |
| Author | Yatate Hajime |
| Genre | Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 1 02 1997 |
| Episodes | 49 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Picture this: you think you’ve already saved the world from an alien menace dead set on turning everything on Earth into machine life… and then you realize Mikoto, the woman you love, is actually the aliens’ Manchurian agent. The enemy assimilates everything around it, you summon your battered but unbowed lion robot and its components to fight it… and then everything goes wrong. You fight with every last bit of strength in your robotic body, win the day… and because love is the truest form of courage, create a miracle.
12: Himura Kenshin vs. Seta Soujiro (Rurouni Kenshin)
| Title | Rurouni Kenshin |
| Author | Watsuki Nobuhiko |
| Genre | Adventure / Martial Arts / Romance |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Gallop / Studio Deen |
| Premiered | 10 01 1996 |
| Episodes | 95 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Despite most people ranking the final battle vs. Shishio higher, this one is closer to my heart, as it shows that a battle isn’t just fought physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Soujiro may be as fast and as strong as Kenshin is, but what he doesn’t have is Kenshin’s willpower and spiritual clarity – that quality is what leads him to be able to counter Shukuchi’s speed with his own technique. One step with the left foot later, and the match is decided.
11: Karna vs. Sieg (Fate/Apocrypha)
| Title | Fate/Apocrypha |
| Author | Higashide Yuuichiro |
| Genre | Fantasy / Action |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
| Premiered | 2 07 2017 |
| Episodes | 25 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
This battle is a showcase of just how reality-bending a battle between Heroic Spirits can be. The Hero of Benefaction’s eye beams, summoned weapons, solar-flare cape, and masterful spear work contrast with the Dragon Slayer’s shining sword and defenses wrought by the blood of the dragon Fafnir, all coming to an explosive finale as both heroes use their greatest attacks on each other. Though the animation is very stylized, it serves to further embellish the setting where the heroes battle in, as well as the magnitude of their attacks.
10: The Final Battle (Magical Girl Nanoha A’s)
| Title | Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A’s |
| Author | Tsuzuki Masaki |
| Genre | Magical Girl |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Seven Arcs |
| Premiered | 31 07 2005 |
| Episodes | 13 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Although this is less a battle and more a showcase of the cast’s strongest attacks, context is required to show why this battle scene is just that good. First and foremost, this is the ultimate payoff after the best rivals who we thought were lost make their grand return, coordinate their moves against their true adversary, and finally strike with everything they have. The cherry on top is, as always, Mizuki Nana’s soaring vocals over the insert song “Brave Phoenix”.
9: Arash’s STELLA (Fate/Grand Order THE MOVIE – Divine Realm of the Round Table: Camelot – Wandering; Agateram)
| Title | Fate/Grand Order Camelot Movie I |
| Author | Kinoko Nasu / Sakurai Hikaru |
| Genre | Fantasy / Action |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Premiered | 5 12 2020 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
Despite this movie being a bit underwhelming, there is one scene that carries it on its shoulders: one where the Heroic Spirit Archer – Arash-e-Kamangir – uses his Noble Phantasm to deflect a descending spear of light millions of times stronger. The power and poignancy of this moment stand as a sharp contrast to the chaos of what went before it, showing that yes, these times will end, the morning will come, and this too, shall pass. Now, though, this would have ranked higher if they used the “Man With a Mission” song, but we can’t have everything, and the soundtrack does a good job to add to the tragedy of Arash’s final and greatest shot.
8: Yugi vs. Weevil (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
| Title | Yu-Gi-Oh! |
| Author | Takahashi Kazuki |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy / Science Fiction |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gallop |
| Premiered | 18 04 2000 |
| Episodes | 224 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
You already know why this is here. We have our beleaguered hero, already traumatized by the loss of his partner’s soul, dueling a familiar opponent on top of a train. The nameless Pharaoh is brought to the brink of defeat, his gloating opponent rips up a random card, making him believe that his partner is within it… and from here on out, we see just how far our hero will go when pushed to his limits. While “The Fang of Critias” is playing, repeat after me: “Draw, monster card!”
7: Domon Kasshu vs. Master Asia (Mobile Fighter G Gundam)
| Title | Mobile Fighter G Gundam |
| Author | Imagawa Yasuhiro |
| Genre | Mecha / Martial Arts |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 22 04 1994 |
| Episodes | 49 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
“LOOK! THE EAST IS BURNING RED!” is a phrase many Gundam fans know intimately. After all, the emotional impact of the final battle of the 13th Gundam Fight (but not the final episode!) is proof that the oddball in the franchise can and will tug at the heartstrings with the intensity of its final battle. Here, the student finally surpasses the teacher as they trade techniques, push each other to their limits… and reconcile once more in the wake of their titanic clash.
6: Makunochi Ippo vs. Yamada Naomichi (Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger)
| Title | Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger |
| Author | Morikawa George |
| Genre | Action / Comedy / Sports |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Madhouse |
| Premiered | 6 01 2009 |
| Episodes | 26 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Senpai and kouhai battle in this gripping contest as part of Makunochi’s featherweight championship defense in boxing. The contest isn’t as action-packed as others, but it does serve a purpose for our hero: to grow as a champion and raise the bar for other challengers to try and clear. Hammer Nao knows his limitations, and in trying to win within them, shows his senpai how to break through his own hesitation and gain the mentality a champion really needs. In his own way, he still ended up helping his senpai out.
5: Full Armor Gundam (Io Fleming) vs. Psycho Zaku (Daryl Lorenz), Gundam Thunderbolt
| Title | Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt |
| Author | Ohtagaki Yasuo |
| Genre | Mecha |
| Type | Original Net Animation |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 10 10 1992 |
| Episodes | 8 episodes |
| Duration | 15-20 minutes per episode |
If you ask any Gundam fan these three words: “You like jazz?”, they’ll immediately know what series you’re talking about. Gundam Thunderbolt is a two-movie anime based on the eponymous manga series, and when its heavily stylized action gets combined with Kikuchi Nariyoshi’s jazz soundtrack, the combat ramps up to something more than just epic, it’s transcendental. And adding up all the strongest gundam characters in their suits fighting their own battles? Definitely goes the way down in anime history.
4: Uzumaki Naruto vs. Uchiha Sasuke (Naruto)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Kishimoto Masashi |
| Genre | Adventure / Fantasy Comedy / Martial Arts |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Premiered | 3 10 2002 |
| Episodes | 220 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
You would think I would pick the end-of-series battle between these two. Yes, I was seriously considering it, but I like the first Valley of the End battle a little more, because it represents both a parting of the ways and our protagonist Naruto’s first true failure as a ninja. This battle sent ripples throughout the world whose effects are still being felt at the start of Boruto, the sequel series.
3: Urameshi Yusuke vs. Yomi (Yu Yu Hakusho)
| Title | Yu Yu Hakusho |
| Author | Togashi Yoshihiro |
| Genre | Fantasy / Martial Arts / Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Pierrot |
| Premiered | 10 10 1992 |
| Episodes | 112 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
The best part of this battle isn’t just the moving music, the hero’s inspiration, or the magnitude of power put into play: it’s the symmetry between the two combatants. Our protagonist Yusuke still doesn’t know what he truly wants out of life, and taps momentarily into his heritage in his search for it, and this battle helps him find his purpose. On the other end, Yomi, the antagonist has found his plans and scheming to be rather pedestrian when his warrior’s instinct reawakens, and now, he tries to reconcile both of those parts within himself, all the while trying to adapt to a new role: that of a father.
2: Rider (Medusa) and Emiya Shirou vs. Saber Alter (Artoria Pendragon), Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song
| Title | Fate/stay night: Heaven’s Feel III. spring song |
| Author | Kinoko Nasu |
| Genre | Dark Fantasy |
| Type | Movie |
| Studio | ufotable |
| Premiered | 15 08 2020 |
| Episodes | 1 movie |
| Duration | 122 minutes |
I have a confession to make: if you had to make me choose between Saber and Rider, I would choose Medusa the Gorgon in a heartbeat. That little tidbit is why I had to put this fight scene as my second favorite, as we now see our hero Shirou team up with the Bewitching Black Serpent in their attempt to save Matou Sakura from a dark fate. Shirou has gone through so much now, and both the beautifully-animated combat and tragic finish to this fight will only steel his resolve even further to save the woman he loves.
1: Star Build Strike Gundam (Iori Sei and Reiji) vs. Wing Gundam Fenice (Ricardo Fellini), Gundam Build Fighters
| Title | Gundam Build Fighters |
| Author | Kuroda Yosuke |
| Genre | Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 7 10 2013 |
| Episodes | 25 episodes |
| Duration | 24 minutes per episode |
Fans of the Gundam franchise have always called Gundam Build Fighters a “toy commercial with heart”, and despite being a battle with particle-animated model kits, this fight is one of the most action-packed, brutal, yet inspiring battles to ever grace the franchise. It’s a showcase of strategy and tactics, intelligence and grit, love and resolve, all culminating in a finish that shows off the beauty of spirited and friendly competition. Hayashi Yuki’s work on My Hero Academia is more known than his work here, but the strains of “Allied Force” starting the climax of the fight will move casual viewers and bring tears to the eyes of Gundam fans.
Conclusion
And there you go, 36 of my favorite fight scenes in anime. You might have noticed that these fights happened because of anime rivalries too. So, what’s your favorite? Did I miss one or several scenes you loved? Drop them in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.
