Top 10 Underrated Anime Battles

“Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings” (2009-10) They may both be lacking an eye, but it doesn’t diminish their stature as a pair of crazy-powerful samurai. While Masamune’s clashes with the likes of Oda Nobunaga are often opted as the highlight of this off-the-chain action series, his duel against Motochika still has all the tropes you could want out of a Dynasty Warriors-esque battle. After all, Motochika does come armed with a spear that’s equipped with an anchor as well as a freakin’ cannon. Best turn your brain off here and watch the sparks fly.

“Gundam Build Divers” (2018) Look, let’s admit it, Divers was a bit of a disappointment. The virtual reality world setting lacked the grit and overall fun of its predecessor. Thankfully, resident antagonist Tsukasa felt the same way, leading him to challenge our hero Riku to an illegal match where losing meant the destruction of their personal Gunplas. As a result, we got to watch the Gundam 00 Diver Ace take on the metal as all heck Astray No-Name in a battle that reminded us of Gundam Build Fighters at its peak. Shame we couldn’t have had more of it.

“Granblue Fantasy: The Animation” (2017) Anime based off fantasy JRPGS don’t tend to do that well in terms of overall presentation, but at least this one had the courtesy to give us a pretty sweet sky battle. Facing off against the might of the Primal Beast known as Tiamat, Gran has no choice but to leap into the eye of the storm in a bid to free her from the Empire’s control. From there, it’s a rapid freefall as he tries to avoid the wind goddess’s blasts while hopping from platform to platform like he’s in a Mario game before delivering the final strike.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (2014-15) On an average day, this Stand user would normally be getting the crap kicked out of him before pulling out a miracle comeback with his French wit and plot armour. However, in this instance we get to see Polnareff go all out against a fellow sword user in a spectacular fashion. After being possessed by the sentient Stand known as Anubis, Chaka challenges Polnareff to a battle to the death. What follows is a slick slash-fest, ending with Silver Chariot pulling out one hell of a victory with his projectile blade.

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14) Normally Gon and Killua would be the ones raking in the best fights, but in this case we have to hand the crown over to one of Netero’s loyal allies. A master Hunter in his own right, Morel found himself in literal deep water when going up against the Chimera Ant known as Leol…who apparently had a major surfer fetish. While at a territorial disadvantage, Morel manages to overcome the underwater hazards by using his immense lung capacity to drain the room of all oxygen, essentially poisoning Leol with carbon dioxide. Cowabunga.

“Fate/Extra: Last Encore” (2018) This might be the most confusing incarnation of the Holy Grail War to date, but like all things in the Fate franchise, you can always count on at least one awesome (if trippy) fight scene to come from it. In this case, it’s a far more malicious version of Robin Hood peppering a much more adorable version of Saber with wave upon wave of arrows, some of which have a nasty habit of inducing a deadly poison or even exploding. Is that enough to put down Nero Claudius? Of course not! After brushing off some rather grievous wounds, Red Saber turns Archer’s own abilities against him in order to slip by and cut him down to size.

“One Piece” (1999-) While Luffy and Zoro arguably went through more punishment in their personal matches with Baroque Works, the unlucky pair of Usopp and Chopper went through quite the ordeal out in the desert. As something of a deadly tag-team, Mr 4 and Miss Merry Christmas put Usopp through the ringer by bashing his face in with a steel bat. Refusing to give up, the Straw Hats’ resident marksman manages to turn the tables, blinding them both before Chopper comes to give the pair a taste of their own medicine.

#3: Ichigo vs. Kageroza

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“Bleach” (2004-12) Given how much filler this series shoved down our throats, it only makes sense that they give us an awesome battle to make up for all the wasted hours. After sending Mod-Soul clones of all the Captains and Lieutenants on a rampage, Ichigo decides to show the rogue scientist why nothing can beat the original, wherein the two clash in an admittedly fluidly frantic duel. Despite all of his portal-jumping abilities, Kageroza is woefully unprepared for Ichigo’s Bankai and Hollowfication, leading to him getting his shit profoundly wrecked.

#2: Gohan & Piccolo vs Universe 6 Namekians

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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18) Goku vs. Jiren may have been the battle that fans lost their mind over, but let’s not forget about how the former student and teacher once again teamed up to show they still knew how to throw down. Due to fusing with multiple Namekians, Pirina and Saonel had the strength of multiple fighters at their disposal, and while it did manage to push Gohan and Piccolo down a notch, it just can’t compare to the latter’s badass bond. Sorry to say, but the souls of numerous Namekians haven’t got a patch on the Special Beam Cannon.

#1: Yusuke vs. Kamiya

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“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94) If you were afraid of going to the doctor before, then you’d best look away now. As a member of the Sensui Seven and a lunatic in general, Kamiya soon came into contact with everyone’s favourite Spirit Detective, where they proceeded to turn a hospital into a battleground. Able to alter and heal his body at will, the M.D certainly managed to put Yusuke through his paces, but in the end was no match for his signature punches. Even when trying to mess around with Yusuke’s moral compass, all the good doctor accomplished was sending himself to the infirmary.