Top 20 Best 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.
#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!
