Top 20 Best Anime Moments of the Decade

Top 20 Anime Moments of the Decade

They defined an era in anime that won’t soon be forgotten. Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 20 Anime Moments of the Decade.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the scenes in anime that stood out from the rest in terms of style, substance and impact. Whether it’s battles, romances, or narrative twists from series old and new, when you think of anime over the past ten years, these are the moments that spring to mind.

#20: Karasuno Defeats Shiratorizawa
“Haikyu!!” (2014-)

It was a long rise to the top for the flightless crows, but with one final spike, they managed to show the world that they were deadest on their path towards the summit, and no one was going to stand in their way – not even volleyball demigods like these guys. While the likes of Ushijima proved to be quite the hurdle given his intense ability as an ace, the combined skill, teamwork and athleticism of Karasuno managed to earn them that all important final match point, sealed when Hinata practically soared through the air and smashed the soul out of that ball!

#19: Yuri and Victor Embrace
“Yuri on Ice” (2016)

We’re still not sure if this was just a highly emotional hug or the two of them actually locked lips, either way this little snuggle ended up breaking the internet with its passion and its purity. After successfully pulling off the greatest routine of his life on the ice, Yuri’s awe-stricken teacher rushes into the rink before tackling him into he ground while holding the young skater as close as possible, with the camera suspiciously lingering on their mouths as they inch closer. Aww, aren’t they adorable!

#18: Battle Across Time and Space
“Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn” (2010-14)

Forget the franchise, this might be the GOAT moment in Gundam’s storied history. In spite of two Unicorn Gundams at their command, Banagher and Riddhe are barely able to counter Full Frontal and the unstoppable power of his Neo Zeong.
However, what follows is a transcendental vision of some legendary Gundam moments that led up to this point…as well as humanity’s dark future – nothingness. As bleak as the situation is, Banagher is undeterred and claims that hope still remains, a statement which brings warmth to the devious clone and even summons the ghosts of Lalah, Amuro and Char himself. It’s a profound moment that instils hope not just in the characters, but even us viewers.

#17: That Toothbrush Scene
“Nisemonogatari” (2012)

Look, we’re not proud of including this, but as far as weird anime moments that carved its way into the mainstream over the past few years, no scene better sums it up than the time Araragi brushed Karen’s teeth for five minutes straight while the two of them become increasingly more into it. Honestly, the fact that the animation is of such shockingly high quality, dancing around the scene as the two siblings get way too much their dental hygiene, makes the whole thing a bizarre chimera we’re unable to look away from for better or worse, but then again that’s the Monogatari franchise in a nutshell.

#16: Off With His Head
“Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World” (2016)

Subaru…went through a lot of shit when he ended up in a fantasy world, most of which involved him losing his life in a variety of unpleasant ways, though arguably his lowest point came as he carried the contorted, lifeless body of Rem through the snow, all the while suffering a mental breakdown at how his life has become nothing but despair. It’s suffering at its apex, and the cherry on top is when Puck puts him out of his misery. Really makes you think twice about how great it would be to end up in an isekai.

#15: Escanor vs. Estarossa
“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-)

Let’s be honest here, the best thing to come out of this swashbuckling fantasy is without a doubt the Lion Sin of Pride, who’s overwhelming strength is only matched by his charming arrogance, making him the ideal opponent for one of the deadliest demons among the Ten Commandments. While immune to Estarossa’s innate ability to subdue those that feel hatred, that doesn’t stop Escanor or his amazing moustache getting the stuffing beaten out of them, to the point where it looks like the Commandment of Love has him beat. At least, until he decides that’s not how things are going to go down, and launches a miniature sun right into the demon’s face!

#14: Mami’s Death
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (2011)

This was the moment we knew that this was no longer your run of the mill magical girl anime. Despite her status as a veteran witch-killer and being able to summon an unlimited set of magically-charged rifles, Mami’s luck eventually runs out when her prey turns the tables on her, transforming into a nightmarish entity before it promptly takes her head off with just one bite. Oh, you thought she was going to survive to the end? Sorry, the power of friendship means jack all here. Welcome to Urobutcher’s world!

#13: Gintoki vs. Takasugi
“Gintama” (2006-18)

While the samurai with the silver soul spent the majority of the decade making us laugh our backsides off with it uproarious comedy and fourth wall breaks, we can’t forget it did features one of the most brutal exchanges in the franchises’ run, that went above and beyond as a beautifully animated sequence of swords and savagery. As the Shogun Assassination arc reaches its bloody conclusion, the White Demon and the Black Beast continue to tear each other apart, using their weapons, fists and whatever they can get their hands on in order to snuff out the other. This fight was well worth the wait!

#12: Saitama vs. Boros
“One-Punch Man” (2015-19)

What happens when you pit the world’s strongest hero against a tyrant that has destroyed whole worlds? You get a battle that pushes the limits of what animation and hype can do. As his self-imposed shackles are removed, Boros is able to unleash more and more calamity Saitama’s way, to the point where he can kick him into the moon and unleash a blast that would skewer the planet without any difficulty. Of course, this is all just another day at the office for Saitama, who finally brings down the Dominator of the Universe by unleashing an actual serious punch. The results are quite spectacular…

#11: United States of Smash
“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

You couldn’t ask for a greater send off to the Symbol of Peace. With his body reduced to a weakened state, and his psyche shattered thanks to the reveal of Tomura Shigaraki’s true identity, All Might appears to be on the verge of death and defeat, especially when his eternal nemesis All for One unveils his hideous combination of Quirks. What does the world’s greatest hero do? Recalls the memory of his mentor, channels the last dying embers of One for All, and unleashes a punch that not only leaves the criminal mastermind comatose, but also signals the end of All Might’s era as the number one hero. You’re up Deku.

#10: The Meeting

“Your Name” (2016)

Prepare your feels because this is scene is a masterpiece. A beautiful, visually-breathtaking, heart-swelling masterpiece that will have you believing that true love can indeed overcome anything, including body-swapping and time. In his desperate bid to save Mitsuha from meeting her grim fate in the past, Taki endeavours to find a way to change history, which eventually results in the pair of them encountering each other in a place where both space and time merge. The only thing more spellbinding than the exquisite backdrop is the duo’s first legitimate interaction. Innocent, romantic, authentic, and over in a heartbeat – don’t pretend you didn’t cry!

#9: Reiner and Bertholdt’s Betrayal

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

The damage that both the Armoured and Colossal Titans inflicted on the last bastion of humanity was unparalleled, essentially pushing the population towards extinction as well as indirectly causing the death of Eren’s mother. So, you can imagine the shock and horror that was plastered across fans’ faces when it was revealed, rather nonchalantly at first, that big bro Reiner and nice guy Bert are behind it all. Naturally, the rest of the Scouts aren’t too happy to discover that their friends are traitors and murderers, leading to the heavyweight Titan fight we didn’t know we needed!

#8: Direct Drive Zone

“Kuroko’s Basketball” (2012-15)

As far as finales in sports anime go, none struck as much of a chord over the decade as Serien’s last bout against the nigh unstoppable Rakuzan. As if the individual talents of Akashi and his team weren’t enough of a problem to deal with, things are made infinitely worse when he suddenly pulls all of them into the Zone. How do the likes of Kagami and Kuroko manage to get past a unit of ultimate athletes? By accessing the Direct Drive Zone – using Seiren themselves to allow the dynamic duo to push past their limits and weave through the court like their superhuman!

#7: Kyon’s Choice

“The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya” (2010)

To say that Kyon is a bit of a cynical bastard would be an understatement. After all, he’s the only guy who can encounter aliens, time travellers and the manifestation of god while still remaining as neutral and grumpy as possible, insistent that his life with the SOS Brigade is nothing more than a continuous headache. That is, until Haruhi vanishes, and life as he know it drastically changes. Amidst the confusion and reality shift, Kyon is forced to literally confront himself about his true feelings towards his friends and all the misadventures they have shared along the way, finally admitting to himself just how much he loves the life he now lives.

#6: Ash Wins the Alola League

“Pokémon” (1997-)

The chance of this guy from Pallet Town actually ranking first in a Pokemon Tournament by this point in his career seemed as likely as him turning eleven. And yet, lo and behold, he actually pulled it off. With an uncanny team featuring the likes of Rowlet and Lycanroc, Ash was able to conquer the Alola League and finally show non-believers that he was actually able to take that first step to becoming a Pokemon Master. It took him around twenty years to do so, but hey, progress!

#5: Gold Experience Requiem

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind” (2018-19)

JoJo-mania is likely going to continue until the sun goes out, which we’re all too happy about, though it’s fair to say the rest of the Joestar lineage is going to have a hard time topping the moment that Girono Giovanna and his Stand ascended to the realm of godhood. After absorbing the power of the arrow for himself, the son of Dio’s strength skyrocketed. Compared to something that can remove the effect from the cause, a mafia boss that can lag time is mere poultry, leading Diavolo to experience the worst fate imaginable – and endless cycle of death and rebirth. Throw in that signature Giorno theme, and this scene is JoJo personified.

#4: Gon vs. Pitou

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

And this is what pure, unadulterated rage looks like. After the reveal that the Royal Guard has no intention of bringing his deceased friend Kite back, Gon loses all control, his Nen distorting itself and transforming him into a musclebound, adult form of himself, with enough force to match that of the Chimera Ant King. Naturally, the wicked kitty wasn’t prepared for something like this, unwisely deciding to launch a sneak attack against the young Hunter. Unluckily for him, he’s no match for Gon’s newfound killer instinct, resulting in the cat getting utterly destroyed in a harrowing display of vengeance and merciless aggression. Goodbye innocence.

#3: The End of Ace

“One Piece” (1999-)

Seems like a lifetime ago we had to say goodbye to Luffy’s beloved brother, creating a wound that never truly healed for both the characters and fans. Despite managing to save Ace from his execution, Luffy can only watch on in horror as his sibling leaps in at the last second to take an attack intended for the Straw Hat Captain, his flames unable to combat the ferocity of Akainu’s magma Devil Fruit. What follows is a heartbreaking conversation between the two brothers as Ace thanks him for all the joy that came out of his cursed life, before dying with a smile on his face.

#2: The Final Battle at the Valley of the End

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

We’ll be the first to admit that Naruto’s escapades haven’t always managed to resonate in a positive way, but when it comes to its concluding fight, we’ve got nothing but praise. Not only is it a visual feast for the eyes as both Naruto and Sasuke use one uber-jutsu after another, devastating the landscape in the process. This eventually leads to the pair, now beyond fatigued, only able to lash out with their fists, beating each other senseless. The transition from the supernaturally bombastic to the intimate, almost tranquil trading of blows is a true accomplishment, one that perfectly encapsulates why this series stood for so long as a shounen juggernaut.

Before we reveal our number one pick, here are a few honourable mentions that lit up the decade!

Kaiji Bests the Bog
“Kaiji: Against All Rules” (2011)

Ichigo vs. Aizen
“Bleach” (2004-12)

The Shield Hero’s Redemption
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” (2019)

Ryuko vs. Satsuki
“Kill la Kill” (2013-14)

Tanjiro vs. Rui
Aniplex of America

#1: Complete Ultra Instinct

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)

Not since Goku first went golden have we been so awe-struck by a character’s transformation into a higher state of being. And this is Dragon Ball we’re talking about, there’s a lot to choose from! As the Tournament of Power heads towards it climax, Universe 11’s Jiren continues to dominate the other fighters, even putting the screws to Goku and Vegeta to the point their left beaten and broken, that is until the Saiyan fully awakens his newfound ability of Ultra Instinct. A form that not only comes complete with silver hair, but one strong enough to even make Gods of Destruction nervous. And this is why Dragon Ball continues to endure and excel!