Top 10 Anime Battles

anime, anime battles, TV, television, Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, Fullmetal Alchemist, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, Bleach, Cowboy Bebop, One Piece, Goku, Vegeta, Frieza, Edward Elric, Homunculus, Gohan, Ichigo, Sasuke, Monkey D. Luffy,

Script written by Alex Crilly-Mckean.

Top 10 Anime Battles


They’re intense. They’re bloody. They’re out of this world. It can only be anime. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 anime battles.

For this we’ve piled together the most action-packed, thrilling and fan-pleasing battles in anime TV history. There are a few spoilers here and there, so be warned. Also, no American cartoons, so sorry to you “Avatar” fans.

#10: Monkey D. Luffy vs. Rob Lucci
“One Piece” (1999-)

“One Piece” is known for having some of the most outrageous yet badass fights in all of anime. Our pick goes to the fight between Pirate Captain Luffy and CP9 Agent, Rob Lucci. In order to save a member of his crew from being executed by the World Government, Luffy clashes with this tie-wearing Devil Fruit eater in an all-out brawl. But the two things we love most about this fight? The ideological conflict about true justice, and this –

#9: Rock Lee vs. Gaara
“Naruto” (2002-07)

It’s not easy being a ninja, especially when part of your graduation involves fighting your fellow students with often-backbreaking results. And no fight was more backbreaking than when hand-to-hand combat prodigy Rock Lee took on psychotic sand-wielder Gaara. The fight between these two polar opposites dealt with Lee’s determination and unwavering dedication, despite the fact he possessed no ninjutsu talent, as well as Gaara’s bloodstained and tragic past – and it’s the definition of epic.

#8: Spike vs. Vicious
“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

These fighters are former friends turned bitter enemies – all thanks to betrayal and their love for a woman. Spike, the Jeet Kune Do master bounty hunter, and Vicious, the amoral leader of the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate, end their long-drawn battle in a scuffle without reservation or concern for their own lives. And, it ends in spectacular and fitting fashion. Hey, it’s “Cowboy Bebop,” what do you expect?

#7: Naruto vs. Sasuke
“Naruto” (2002-07)

Disregarding the show’s layers of filler episodes, this was the epic conclusion of the anime before its sequel series “Shippuden” kicked things off again. Former teammates and rivals, these two end up exchanging blows over Sasuke’s decision to abandon their village in order to gain power. As things escalate when their personal curses get involved, these two realize that nothing will ever be the same.

#6: Gohan vs. Cell
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

Oh yeah, expect a fair few of these Saiyan brawls to show up. This one in particular is the battle between the son of Goku and the ultimate android. When his father is unable to defeat Cell, Gohan steps up to the plate. While this may seem like suicide, his inner rage and sudden transformation to Super Saiyan 2 helps him kick some android ass. Plus, with Goku’s death, and an episode-long beam-struggle thrown in, you’ve quite the battle on your hands.

#5: Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra
“Bleach” (2004-12)

This was a clash in the making. In order to save his friend, substitute shinigami Ichigo Kurosaki crosses swords with a high-ranking member of the fearsome Espada. Over the series, these two duked it out multiple times, but the crème-de-la crème comes when they ascend to their highest forms, resulting in a Hollow bloodbath. Let slip the dogs of war!

#4: Edward Elric vs. Homunculi
“Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood” (2003-04, 2009-10)

Okay, we’re kind of cheating here since there are multiple match-ups between these enemies. Still, we can’t deny that one of the greatest anime protagonists going up against the embodiments of sin is awesome. Whether it’s a grueling struggle against Greed, ripping Pride a new one, or the decisive battle against Father, the Fullmetal Alchemist takes no prisoners.

#3: Goku vs. Frieza
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

No surprise here. The battle between the legendary Super Saiyan and the transforming alien tyrant atop a dying world is one that all anime fans know and love. With enough Kamehamehas, screams and punches to keep you going for episodes on end, we’ll always remember the duel that destroyed a planet. You really should have thrown in the towel, Frieza.

#2: Naruto vs. Pain
“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-)

This was a fight fans of Naruto were dying to see, and they weren’t disappointed. After enduring some hellish training, our favorite blonde ninja took on the leader of the sinister Akatsuki organization, the man (or five men and one woman) who killed Naruto’s master and destroyed his village. This ninja showdown gives us plenty of ninjutsu, blood, and the same heart our protagonist is known for.

Before we let our number one pick loose, here are a few honorable mentions:
- Eren vs. Female Titan “Attack on Titan” (2013)
- Ippo vs. Sendo “Hajime no Ippo” (2000-02)
- Ichigo vs. Byakuya “Bleach” (2004-12)
- Alucard vs. Anderson “Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)

#1: Goku vs. Vegeta
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

For many anime fans, this was the first of “Dragon Ball Z”’s epic battles, and it holds a special place in our hearts. Eternal rivals Goku and Vegeta meet as enemies for the first time, resulting in a brawl that switches between beam struggles, blows that could crush mountains, and the oh-so famous Giant Ape transformation. Admit it, you were screaming along to the Kamehameha, weren’t you?

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite anime battle? For more of your favorite top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.

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