Top 30 Best Anime Fights of All Time [2024]

Nothing gets the adrenaline pumping than watching epic, edge-of-your-seat fight scenes from anime!

From intense fist fights and sword battles to robot wars and power blasts – these scenes just hit differently.

In today’s Nerd Bear listicle, we’ve gathered the best anime fights of all time. Some are from classic shows of yesteryears, while others are from newer titles that are popular for a reason.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Spoilers ahead!

With that being said, let the battles commence! Ready? Fight!

Best Anime Fights

30. Mob vs. Toichiro

Mob Psycho 100 – Season 2 Episode 12-13

Let’s start this list with a fight from one of the bestest boys in anime. Mob has strong psychic powers but with the kindest heart in all of the land. He just wants to make friends and live life peacefully.

In Season 2, Mob finds himself battling Claw, a terrorist group with espers as its members. Toichiro, their leader, is heartless and devoid of morals but is insanely powerful.

As expected, this fight ends with a bang!

29. Samurai Champloo Finale Fight

Samurai Champloo – Evanescent Encounter Part 3 – Season 1 Episode 26

In the finale of the show, Fuu finally finds out about the Sunflower Samurai.

Meanwhile, Jin battles Kariya, while Mugen fends for his life against Umanosuke.

Jin shows his sharp sword fighting abilities, while Mugen maneuvers with his skills and luck.

In the end, the trio concludes their journey in a bittersweet fashion.

28. Ippo vs Sendo

Hajime No Ippo – Lallapallooza Arc – Episode 69 – 75

For sports and boxing fans, you absolutely cannot skip Hajime no Ippo. In this arc, Ippo fights Sendo in the ring, who is one of his mightiest foes in the series.

The build-up to it is great. Ippo thinks his Dempsey Roll technique won’t work on Sendo due to Sendo’s widened stance.

But the moment the fight starts, Ippo quickly rushes in, surprising Sendo.

Sendo can only guard Ippo’s hits from the side, causing Ippo to hit him squarely in the face!

27. Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra

Bleach – The Fake Karakura Town Arc Part 2 – Ep 269 – 272

Bleach has had a lot of impressive fights over the years. Ichigo and Kenpachi duking it out were memorable due to Kenpachi’s character.

The Ichigo and Byakuya fight was impressive because of Byakuya’s elegant but intense Bankai.

But what won us over is Ichigo and Ulquiorra’s battle during the Fake Karakura Town story. In it, Ulquiorra reveals that he actually has two Arrancar released forms.

Ichigo seemingly gets defeated, only to come back in his Hollow form and go berserk.

26. Balsa vs. Assassins

Seirei No Moribito – Episode 3

If you’re looking for impressive anime fights with a spear, look no further. Balsa, the protagonist, mercenary, and prince protector, fights as a spear-wielder.

Episode one and two set up the plot of the story. The king wants to sacrifice his son to stop the drought, so the son runs away with a mercenary who promises to defend him.

In episode three, the action picks up. You see Balsa skillfully battle against assassins with her spear.

Swords are aplenty in anime, so seeing a main character fight with a spear is definitely a treat for spear fans.

25. Gintoki vs Takasugi

Gintama – Episode 304

Gintama dishes out the comedy majority of the time.

From quirky characters like Elizabeth to Gintoki goofing around with his lies and parodies, Gintama is one wacky anime.

But every now and then, things get serious. In this fight, you see bits and pieces of Gintoki’s troubled past.

What makes this fight stand out is that these two aren’t fighting for the fate of the universe and whatnot.

They are simply broken men with heartbreaking stories, fighting it out to release their emotions.

24. Rengoku vs. Akaza

Demon Slayer Mugen Train Movie

Demon Slayer’s movie took Japan by storm. It topped the box office charts and became the highest-grossing Japanese film of all time.

Aside from having a gripping plot and superb animation, the fight scene in the finale is fantastic.

Rengoku faces Akaza and shows his fire abilities. Akaza replies with his own speed and regeneration.

It’s a showdown where the clock is ticking as our heroes await the sunrise to defeat the demon.

23. Homura vs Mami

Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion

Rebellion continues the tragic journey of these beloved magical girls.

In Rebellion, the girls are seemingly in paradise where nothing goes wrong while also forming an ultimate Mahou shoujo team together.

Nevertheless, Homura thinks something is wrong in this reality. She takes away Bebe, Mami’s little monster-like friend. Mami opposes this, and they fight!

This scene stands out from all the other magical girl anime battles.

Aside from its awesome animation, where else can you watch magical girls duking it out?

22. Wang Ye vs. Zhuge Qing’s Followers

Hitori No Shita – The Outcast – Season 3 Episode 38

If you haven’t heard of this show, we recommend it for its stunning fight scenes.

This is based on a Chinese webcomic, with an anime adaptation that’s a Chinese and Japanese collaboration.

The first season is a bit of a drag, although season two picks up the pacing. However, season three starts with a bang with this jaw-dropping fight scene.

In it, Wang Ye fights Zhuge Qing’s people. They chase and test him, but Wang Ye still has some aces up his sleeves.

21. Guts During the Eclipse

Berserk (1997) – Episode 25

Berserk has a lot of amazing fights as well. But what makes this particular fight stand out is the utter betrayal and heartbreak that you feel for Guts and the other characters.

This heartwrenching finale shows Guts fighting for his life against demons, with only a knife in his arsenal.

To make things even worse, he witnesses his friends and comrades being defeated one by one.

He comes out of this as the Black Swordsman we all know and love. But at what cost?

20. Kenshin vs. Shishio

Rurouni Kenshin – Season 2, Episode 60 Overall

If you’re looking for a classic samurai sword fight in anime, the Kenshin vs. Shishio fight has got to be one of the best.

The fight with Shishio gets intense, and Kenshin is pushed to use his secret technique.

In a surprise, Shishio manages to dodge Kenshin’s Amakakeru Ryu no Hirameki.

However, the second part of the technique results in an air vacuum that eventually pulls Shishio towards Kenshin.

This gives Kenshin a chance to hit him with his sword!

19. Eren vs. The Female Titan

Attack on Titan – Season 1 Episode 21

Attack on Titan gives its audience surprises after surprises. Even way back in season one, it gave its fans an exciting finale, with Eren fighting another Titan like him.

Others suspect a traitor in their midst. When this impostor shows up as the Female Titan who crushes multiple Scout Corps members, Eren loses it.

He rages at the Female Titan with all his might, resulting in this larger-than-life fight.

18. Netero vs Meruem

Hunter X Hunter – Chimera Ant Arc Episode 122

In this arc, the Hunters face their most threatening opponent yet. Meruem, the Chimera Ant King, wants to wipe out humans to make the world a better place!

Of course, Netero, the Hunter Association Chairman, has to stop him and protect everyone else.

In their battle, he unleashes his hand attacks, like First Hand and Third Hand, after activating his 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva!

Unfortunately, Meruem is just too powerful, and this forces Netero to use his ace in the hole – a bomb called the Miniature Rose.

17. Gon vs. Pitou

Hunter X Hunter – Chimera Ant Arc Episode 131

If we’re talking about Hunter x Hunter, we absolutely cannot skip this fight.

While the Netero vs. Meruem fight was memorable due to its ending, Gon and Pitou’s fight is unforgettable for a different reason.

After being emotionally crushed upon knowing the fate of Kite in the hands of Pitou and the other Chimera Ants, Gon transforms his body into a mature and stronger state.

What follows is one of the bloodiest and most brutal fights in HxH.

16. Edward vs. Father

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episode 62

The culmination of Ed’s journey has him go toe to toe with Father.

As the oldest Homunculus, Father became a living Philosopher’s Stone and can make more Homunculi like him.

He misinterprets what Truth is and thinks he’s someone capable of being above humans and being perfect.

Ed gives him a slap of realization by battling him in one of the fiercest alchemy fights the series has ever shown.

15. Rock Lee vs. Gaara

Naruto – Chunin Exams Arc Episode 48

When it comes to memorable shounen fights, we have to include this impressive fight that pitted underdog Rock Lee against the brooding Gaara.

In this arc, we learn that Rock Lee can’t use ninjutsu and genjutsu.

But thanks to Might Guy, he overcomes this hurdle by mastering hand-to-hand combat in the form of taijutsu instead.

When Rock Lee can’t get through Gaara’s sand shield, Might Guy gives him the thumbs up to shed his limb weights.

This results in such an epic moment, with Rock Lee zooming around with his improved speed and strength. You just can’t help but cheer for him!

14. Gilgamesh vs Berserker

Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works –  Season 2 Episode 2 – 3 / Episode 14 – 15 overall.

When it comes to Servants in the Fate/Stay Night universe, Gilgamesh is one of the fiercest due to his status, weapons, and skills.

He literally has a sword that predates the concept of swords!

So when he fights Berserker, also a fearsome Servant in his own right, it becomes quite a brutal battle.

Berserker has 12 lives thanks to his God Hand skill. However, Gilgamesh easily depletes these lives one by one.

13. Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann vs Granzeboma

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann – Episode 27

As far as mecha fights go, one of the hypest has to be the final battle in TTGL.

In order to save the universe, Team Dai-Gurren and their comrades have to defeat the threats from the Anti-Spiral.

Huge rifles, swords in space, cannons with galaxy energy, and humongous arm drills are aplenty in this finale.

It is as bonkers as it sounds but will also fill you with excitement like no other.

12. Ryuko vs Satsuki

Kill la Kill Episode 3

If hype battles are your thing, then Kill la Kill can deliver that in spades.

After only two episodes, episode three immediately delivers a finale-like fight between Ryuko and Satsuki.

This fight signals the rivalry between the two that will follow them throughout the show. Satsuki feels slighted that Ryuko wears a Kamui first, so she dons a Kamui of her own to intimidate Ryuko.

Ryuko responds with the power of nudity and powers up her Kamui.

With this power-up, she can be of the same level as Satsuki, which Ryuko hopes can help her get to the bottom of some questions she wants to be answered.

11. Jotaro vs. Dio

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders – Episode 46

While there are a lot of cool battles from JJBA, we have to hand it to this Jotaro vs. Dio battle for its significance, meaning, and overall impact on the story.

It is satisfying to watch the feud between the Joestars and Dio come to this point. This immortal foe of theirs has been menacing the family for generations.

You see Dio pull out the Time Stop while Star Platinum and The World trade fists as well. Mind-blowing!

10. Gohan vs. Perfect Cell

Dragonball Z – Cell Games Saga – Starts at Episode 16 / Episode 181 Overall / Episode 166 Toonami Broadcast

Another classic shounen fight joins our list!

Those from the 90s who religiously followed the saga of Dragonball Z definitely understand how shocking it was that Gohan stepped it up in this fight.

Perfect Cell continues to threaten our heroes, releasing mini Cell Jrs to torture everyone.

He even crushes Android 16’s head in front of Gohan! But Goku is confident that Gohan can defeat Cell.

After seeing the suffering and death around him, Gohan loses it and unleashes a power level none of them has seen yet.

9. Saitama vs. Boros

One Punch Man – Season 1 Episode 11 – 12

After searching for an opponent worthy of his time, Boros finally finds it in Saitama. But Saitama abhors how Boros destroyed and hurt people just for a silly reason like this.

During their fight, Boros starts gloating about his power, only for Saitama to respond in a deadpan manner.

It’s one of a kind fight where the intensity of a shounen fight is matched with poker faces from our protagonist.

8. Araragi vs. Kiss-shot

Kizumonogatari Movie

This is one bloody fight, with limbs tearing and flying off and vampires regenerating their body parts back.

However, beneath the blood and violence is a sadness that looms over these characters.

Araragi is worried about the implications of Kiss-Shot hunting humans again.

As for Kiss-Shot, she actually wants to end it all for her. The battle concludes in an emotional way.

7. Midoriya vs. Todoroki

My Hero Academia – Season 2 Episode 10 / Episode 23 Overall

Shounen fights often result in lifetime friendships. This Midoriya and Todoroki fight definitely forged a solid companionship between these two heroes.

Todoroki is burdened by his father’s actions and refuses to use his full potential to defy him.

Meanwhile, Midoriya struggles with his powers and absolutely destroys his fingers in the process. He does this not just to survive the fight but also to help Todoroki.

6. Levi vs. Beast Titan

Attack on Titan Season 3 Episode 17 / Episode 54 Overall

Our characters find themselves trapped in the ruins of Shiganshina.

The Beast Titan has blocked their only way out while Reiner and Bertholdt battle them inside the walls.

The stakes are high, a lot of them have already perished, and more lives are in danger if Zeke isn’t stopped. But like an angel – a Titan-killing one – Levi descends on Zeke.

Levi showcases his impressive aerial moves and obliterates Zeke’s arm in a flash.

Levi then targets the Beat Titan’s eyes, followed by his legs. Zeke literally couldn’t see it coming.

5. Nanashi vs. Luo-lang

Sword of the Stranger Movie

In this final fight, the movie’s protagonist, Nanashi, faces the fight-crazed Luo-Lang.

Amidst the snow and darkness, the two clash their swords in a wonderfully choreographed fight sequence.

Seriously, if you love sword fights and animation, you don’t want to miss this one!

4. Kaido and Big Mom vs. Worst Generation

One Piece Episode 1017

One Piece just had one of its biggest fights in history! In Wano Country Arc, Luffy and other infamous pirates fight Kaido and Big Mom to stop their forces.

You see, these pirates, who are called the Worst Generation by the World Government, team up to bring these two enormous villains down.

But it’s not as smooth sailing as everyone hoped it would be.

With a lot of their allies hurt, Luffy pulls out his Gum Gum no Red Roc skill for the first time to knock out Kaido and burn him a bit.

Right after the huge punch, Luffy then announces that he’ll be the one to take them down. Right on, Luffy!

3. Asuka vs Evas

The End of Evangelion Movie

As far as impressive robot fights go, we have to hand it to Asuka’s Eva fight from the End of Evangelion movie.

Not only was the animation top-notch, with the robots and the attacks having sheer weight in their movements, but the scene was also quite intense.

It makes the adrenaline rush in. The battle happens, Asuka goes berserk, and it gives you hope for her character and what comes next.

However, the crushing reality, later on, is a whole different story.

2. Naruto vs. Sasuke’s Final Battle

Naruto Shippuden – Episode 476 – 478

Not only did production pour enough budget to make this battle the Naruto fight of a lifetime, but it was also full of emotions.

These two have known each other since they were kids. They’re polar opposites and deal with what life gave them. They’re both different, yet the same.

And in this clash, they somewhat and unknowingly resolve the problems that have built up over the years between them.

The fight is edge-of-your-seat intense, a total treat for animation geeks, as well as cathartic.

I wouldn’t blame you if you cried in the end.

1. All Might and All for One Rematch

My Hero Academia – Season 3, Episode 10

Pump your fists up in the air for the fight that we ultimately crown as the best anime fight of all time. Here’s All Might and All For One’s battle!

As everyone’s symbol of hope and peace, All Might has to continue keeping up appearances.

But his injuries have left him weaker. When he faces his old nemesis, who now seems to have recovered, it takes up all of All Might’s energy just to exchange blows with him.

Just when you think All Might has been defeated, the dust settles, and you see him raise his fist in the air!

People are overjoyed with his triumph, but those who can see past it know he has suffered a tremendous blow.

Highlights of this match are definitely All Might’s United States of Smash move and him mustering up the last of his strength to put his fist in the air to give everyone hope.

Thank you for the hope, All Might.