Top 10 Greatest Anime Confrontations

“91 Days” (2016) After witnessing his family’s gruesome demise by the Vanetti family, Angelo Lagusa infiltrates their ranks to exact his revenge. However, things take an unexpected turn after he meets the Vanetti family’s eldest son Nero. Despite Angelo’s initial hatred towards him, the two quickly become friends. When Angelo finally succeeds in wiping out nearly the entire Vanetti family, he refuses to kill Nero. When Angelo reveals that carrying out his revenge was all for nothing, Nero confronts him about his betrayal to which Angelo replies that he should have killed him along with his family. It’s heartbreaking to watch, and includes an important lesson about the futility of vengeance.

“One Piece” (1999-) Among the many clashes between pirates over the years, this meeting between two of the Yonkou is by far one of the most intense. At first, things start out peaceful as they swap stories over some sake. However, the situation quickly escalates after Shanks tells Whitebeard to call back his second division commander Ace from his quest to find and kill Blackbeard. When Whitebeard refuses, the two emperors take up arms, causing all hell to break loose. With enough power to literally split the heavens simply by crossing blades, it’s no wonder the World Government was so afraid of these two titans meeting face to face.

“Outlaw Star” (1998) While chasing a lead for the Galactic Leyline, the source of all knowledge in the universe, Gene Starwind winds up in the crosshairs of notorious bounty hunter Ronald MacDougall. When their meeting goes south, Gene and his comrades engage Ronald in an all-out brawl. Ronald initially has the advantage thanks to his arsenal of Space Force weaponry, but Gene and the crew manage to hold their own. The firefight is quickly cut short after Gene realizes that Ronald is keeping them busy while his brother Harry tries to kidnap Melfina, taking the tension up another notch!

“Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack” (1988) Who could have ever guessed that a relaxing trip to the Londonion Colony could go so wrong? Chasing down the Neo Zeon leader, legendary pilot Amuro confronts his old nemesis over his decision to destroy the Earth using an asteroid. Things quickly become violent as Char refuses to acknowledge Amuro’s belief that humanity’s wisdom can overcome any problem, and stubbornly insists that humans are nothing more than selfish parasites. If that’s not bad enough, his views also corrupt Quess, the young daughter of the Earth Federation’s Prime Minister, who subsequently runs away with him.

#6: Akira Confronts Ryo

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“Devilman Crybaby” (2018) After the photographer Nagasaki captures footage of Akira turning into his alter ego Devilman, Akira and his friend Ryo hunt him down to prevent him from releasing it. Things soon turn sour between the two besties when Akira witnesses Ryo kill the bottomfeeder with zero hesitation. From there, everything spirals, since Ryo not only admits to killing Nagasaki’s mother to ensure his secret remains safe, but was seconds away from doing the same to Miki. Naturally, Akira doesn’t let any harm come to his waifu, drawing battle lines between the pair that would eventually come to a head with apocalyptic consequences.

‘My Hero Academia” (2016-) Among the many villains that dominate this superpowered society, very few have convictions as powerful as those of the Hero Killer Stain. After making a name for himself by disposing of unworthy pro-heroes, he catches the attention of Tomura Shigaraki who tries to recruit him into the League of Villains. After he arrives at the League’s secret base, Stain is at first less than impressed with Shigaraki’s motivations. As a result, their meeting goes up in flames as Stain attacks and nearly kills the young leader. However, after Shigaraki claims that he’ll put an end to All Might and the current society, Stain spares his life and admits that he is curious to see the end result that Shigaraki’s warped “desires” will grow into.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” (2019-) After traveling to the city of Asakusa, Tanjiro manages to locate the monster responsible for killing his family and turning his sister into a demon. However, he is shocked to see him posing as a human alongside an oblivious wife and child. Muzan takes advantage of Tanjiro’s terror and hesitation to infect an innocent civilian. As Tanjiro moves to subdue the demon, Muzan makes his escape, now aware that his perfect camouflage has been uncovered. However, Tanjiro still gets the final word, as he vows to hunt the demon lord down and end his reign of terror.

“Seven Deadly Sins: Revival of the Commandments” (2018) When the Ten Commandments invade the Kingdom of Liones, the holy knights are powerless to stop them. Things are especially severe for the poor saps forced to face against the demon Estarossa, whose Commandment of Benevolence strips them of their will to fight. All hope seems lost, until Estarossa is confronted by the man who stands at the pinnacle of all living creatures, the Lion Sin of Pride, Escanor. The confrontation between these two warriors is one of the series’ most monumental as they appear evenly matched in terms of power. In the end, Estarossa’s darkness proves to be no match for Escanor’s blinding light.

#2: Naruto Confronts Sasuke

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“Naruto Shippuden” (2007-17) After working together to defeat an immortal goddess, you would think Naruto and Sasuke would put aside their differences and take things easy. No chance. Straight away, Sasuke announces his plans to usher in a new era by killing the Five Kage, challenging Naruto to one final fight to decide the future of the Shinobi world. Thus, the two rivals engage in a legendary face-off that literally tears the surrounding land asunder. While some fans may be at odds with how character motivations were twisted to allow such a conflict to take place, the result was arguably the greatest battle to stem from the sequel series.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (2014-15) Following months of literal Stand-offs and shedding tons of blood, sweat and tears, Jotaro was finally brought face to face with his family’s sworn enemy, Dio Brando. After witnessing Dio brutally murder his grandfather, Jotaro and Star Platinum hold nothing back as they take on the time-stopping power of Dio’s World. While most would be downright terrified by the vampiric tyrant’s godly abilities, Jotaro remains unfazed. Along with support from his fallen comrades and Joestar stubbornness, Jotaro is able to turn the tables on Dio and put a stop to his evil ambitions with one last ORA.