This Is My Anime! - Minority Mindset

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve got to say that anime is an incredible universe with something for everyone. From heartwarming romance stories to bone-chilling horror, it’s got them all. And here’s a mind-boggling fact: there are even series where the fate of the world hinges on the spin of a children’s top!

Regardless of the vast array of genres, it’s likely that many of you found your way into this captivating realm due to the thrilling fights. For myself, I was drawn in by none other than Goku and his battles against the vibrant villains from Dragon Ball Z, which ignited my passion for anime.

During our celebration of We Adore TV and Movies Week, I’ve been penning articles about top-tier anime films, and it’s brought back a bit of nostalgia in me. Feeling inspired, I decided to compile a list of the greatest anime fight scenes throughout history. Now, you might be curious about how this list was created. To answer your question, I, as any dedicated entertainment journalist would do, picked my personal favorites!

While I acknowledge that there might be some exciting battles I might overlook due to certain limitations in my approach, rest assured, I’ve got your back. You can always nudge me if I miss something. So sit back, relax, and delight in this list I’ve curated for you!

8. Levi vs Zeke (Attack on Titan)

Episode: Season 3 Episode 54
Winner: Levi

In the Shiganshina Return arc, Captain Levi Ackerman confronts Zeke, also known as the Hirsute Beast Titan. This Zeke had recently massacred many members of the Survey Corps, including Commander Erwin, a friend of Levi’s. As you might expect, Levi is far from pleased and ends up reducing Zeke into bloody fragments.

Why I Can’t Get Enough Of It: I’m not usually into fights, but there’s something incredibly relieving about witnessing an invincible foe being defeated by a masterful combatant. The battle between Levi and Zeke embodies this satisfying feeling perfectly.

The Captain swiftly and effortlessly breaches Zeke’s defenses, much as a powerful explosive might demolish an unstable sandcastle. It’s a violent, ruthless encounter that ends almost instantaneously, leaving me in disbelief the first time I witnessed it. After all, the Beast Titan had been reducing its adversaries to nothing at that point. Yet, considering Levi’s diminutive stature as a king, such an easy victory seems fitting.

7. Gaara vs Rock Lee (Naruto)

Episodes: Episodes 48-50
Winner: Gaara

In the early stages of the Chunin Exams, the crowd’s beloved taijutsu master with bushy eyebrows, Rock Lee, encounters a formidable opponent named Gaara. The question remains: will Lee’s lightning-fast moves and potent assaults pierce through Gaara’s seemingly unbreakable barriers? Let’s see how this unfolds.

What makes us adore it: The Gaara vs Rock Lee fight in Naruto stands out as one of the most compelling underdog tales. Gaara, undeniably the deadliest ninja participating in the Chunin exams, possesses the power to manipulate sand like a demon. Compared to him, Lee’s only skill seems to be punching effectively. It appears that the fight won’t last long… but as expected, at the start of their battle, Lee appears to be at a disadvantage. However, when he removes his training weights, the situation transforms dramatically.

In the heat of the battle, I managed to breach Gaara’s sand defenses with my relentless strikes. Granted, he was too formidable to be defeated, given that he’s got a demon lurking within. However, for a fleeting instant, I showcased the unyielding might of dedication and perseverance.

6. Saitama vs. Boros (One Punch Man)

Episodes: Season 1 Episodes 11-12
Winner: Saitama… obviously!

When Boros and his extraterrestrial allies attack Earth, the Hero Association springs into action to protect it. Incidentally, Saitama also shows up, seeking some activity…

People adore the match between Saitama and Boros for several reasons. Primarily, Boros is a comical take on Dragon Ball characters, with excessive transformations that have made him extremely popular. However, what truly sets this encounter apart is that Boros was the first Mysterious Entity to ignite Saitama’s interest beyond boredom. Though it’s true that Boros wasn’t even close to Saitama’s level as a formidable intergalactic conqueror, there’s nothing quite like hearing Saitama say ‘Serious Punch’ for the first time, creating an incredibly exhilarating moment.

5. All Might vs. All For One (My Hero Academia)

Episodes: Season 3, Episodes 10-11
Winner: All Might

After a search at the villain’s secret base, the strongest villain ever, All For One, appears and easily overpowers our group of heroes. However, take comfort in knowing that All Might, the embodiment of justice, stands ready.

What makes it great: The battle between All Might and All For One is stunningly animated and thrilling to watch. There’s a terrifying allure in the way All For One transforms when he uses his numerous stolen powers, as if his body is struggling against him from within. On the other hand, All Might is like a combination of Superman and the Hulk. He doesn’t have many moves, but his signature “Smash” move is incredibly powerful.

In contrast to the grandeur and flare of the initial attacks, what truly made this battle notable was the climactic strike. When All Might’s shattered form succumbed to his injuries and All For One revealed the world’s mightiest hero as a broken man, it appeared that evil had prevailed. But then, with nothing left but the flickers of his quirk, All Might played his final ‘United States of Smash,’ knocking out the villain in a single, powerful blow. It’s awe-inspiring to witness and perfectly illustrates the core message of My Hero Academia – that anyone can be a hero, even when they’re at their weakest moment.

4. Denji Vs Katana Man (Chainsaw Man)

Episode: Season 1 Episode 12
Winner: Denji

As a dedicated gamer, I find myself squaring off against the relentless Katana Man, who’s just taken down Himeno, in a daring raid on his hidden lair.

I adore this battle for three main reasons. First, MAPPA Studio’s stunning animation makes every strike and collision feel powerful yet fluid and swift, which is delightful to watch. Second, the ferocity of this fight (even for a brutally violent series like Chainsaw Man) adds an extra level of intensity that sets it apart from other demonic battles. Lastly, I’m not one to let wrongdoers escape unpunished, so my high ranking of this battle is due to the satisfying sight of this wicked character being split in two, much like undercooked Christmas ham.

3. Naruto vs Sasuke (Naruto: Shippuden)

Episodes: Episodes 476-478
Winner: Draw, although Naruto won the argument

After wrapping up the Fourth Ninja War, the fall of Madara, and the sealing of Kaguya, both lasting over 400 episodes, Naruto and Sasuke engage in a showdown to determine whose ideology prevails: the Fire’s Desire or the Curse of Hate.

What made us adore it: The long-awaited showdown between Naruto and Sasuke, which capped off Shippuden, did not fail to deliver. This confrontation between contrasting ideologies allowed our protagonists to demonstrate an impressive array of techniques, strategies, and power enhancements. Despite the spectacle of Thor Rasengan and Chidori exchanges, it was the motivations behind these ninjas that truly made this fight stand out.

In this confrontation, they were both resolute in demonstrating their rightness, willing to risk everything, making it a grueling spectacle reminiscent of the iconic fight from They Live. Instead of spectacular feats or fiery exchanges, you witnessed two once-friendly individuals pummeling each other with battered fists, devoid of any flashiness.

2. Monkey D. Luffy vs Rob Lucci (One Piece)

Episodes: Episodes 294-309
Winner: Monkey D. Luffy

After CP-9 kidnaps Nico Robin, Luffy and the Straw Hat crew storm the government’s island, Enies Lobby. On this island, Luffy encounters Rob Lucci, the most lethal assassin employed by the World Government.

What makes it special for us: The Enies Lobby Arc marks the transformation of Luffy from a goofy rubber man to a formidable combatant. Although he had always been strong, there was an underlying sense that he wasn’t fully committed even in the most critical situations. However, his battle against Lucci triggered a shift. This encounter compelled Luffy to devise innovative techniques and test himself beyond what he previously thought possible. The unveiling of Gears 2 and 3 revolutionized the manga, providing Luffy with his own power-ups (though technically Gear 5 is that, but let’s admit it, Gear 2 was impressive!), and witnessing Lucci, the government’s seemingly invincible pet (or feline enforcer), being defeated by Gomu Gomu no Jet Gatling remains one of the most gratifying moments in One Piece.

1. Goku vs Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)

Episodes: Episodes 86-105
Winner: Goku… although Frieza survives

It seems that despite Vegeta, Piccolo, Krillin, and Gohan’s valiant attempts, none of them can overpower Frieza, the mightiest being in the cosmos. However, when all hope appears to be gone, Goku, as usual, makes an appearance to rescue the day and deliver a brutal beating to Frieza.

What makes it special for us: Frieza stands out among all anime villains due to his unparalleled smugness. This malicious despot was not only cruel but also heartless, and what made him even more terrifying was his ability to back up his arrogant demeanor with immense power. Our heroes were no match for him, and the sight of Frieza taking on his final form and killing Vegeta with a casual gesture filled us with dread. However, everything changed when Goku arrived on the scene. Over time, through their fierce battle, it became clear that Frieza might not be invincible. The climax of this fight is considered one of the greatest moments in anime history: Goku surpassed his own limitations and transformed into a Super Saiyan.

Over the next five minutes, Goku demonstrates to Frieza why he should have been wary of Saiyan power, ultimately reducing Frieza’s body and self-confidence to ruins. By the time Frieza is left barely recognizable as the once mighty Space Emperor, I found myself sympathizing with him; his humiliation and defeat were so total.

This fight in anime stands out as the finest not merely due to its meticulously crafted choreography, thrilling nature, and emotionally satisfying conclusion, but because Goku’s triumph is so comprehensive that it momentarily erases from memory whom one was supporting.

Additionally, you may find yourself pondering the reason behind featuring two Naruto battles? Well, since it’s my compilation, I set the guidelines… Now, if you’re eager for more top-notch content, be sure to explore our selection of the greatest movies ever made, as well as a peek at the upcoming movies slated for 2025.

2025-02-11 21:53