Top 10 Anime Fights That Broke the Internet
Script written by Jonathan Alexander
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Top 10 Anime Fights That Broke the Internet
Top 10 Anime Beatdowns That Broke the Internet
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Fights That Broke the Internet. For this list, we’ll be looking at the epic animated brawls that sent social media and online forums into an utter frenzy. Since many of these are jaw-dropping climactic moments, expect plenty of spoilers ahead. Which of these scuffles took over your Twitter feed? Let us know in the comments!
#10: Nobara & Yuji vs. Kechizu and Eso
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-) Playing with dolls has never been this fun - or deadly. Despite a seemingly insta-win decay technique, these cursed brothers are no match for Nobara and her resonance, especially since she’s partnered with the vessel of a certain almighty cursed spirit. This thrilling scuffle capped off a brilliant debut season with everything the show does best: stunning hand-to-hand combat, flashy displays of cursed energy, and even a final Black Flash for good measure. Throw in Nobara’s hairpin technique that’s good for more than just holding back her bangs, and this fight is left with too many epic moments to count on one hand, even with Sukuna’s fingers.
#9: Eren vs. The War Hammer Titan
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“Attack on Titan” (2013-) The scale of this duel is absolutely colossal, and we don’t just mean the Titan. In the midst of the counter-attack on Liberio, this behemoth beatdown with Lara is the kind of no-holds-barred action no series does better. There’s plenty of ferocious Titan carnage to go around, but the heaviest blow comes from the civilian casualties. Eren’s merciless rampage as the Attack Titan further muddies the series’ moral compass, but the shocking thrills make it impossible to look away, either. Lara’s crushing death from the dismembered Jaw Titan encompasses this idea perfectly; it’s gruesome to the point of excess, but deeply poetic at the same time.
#8: Netero vs. Meruem
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14) Amidst palace invasions, vengeful beatdowns, and climactic duels, it’s surprising that the greatest bout of the Chimera Ant arc - and perhaps the series overall - is between an old man and a humanoid lizard. But don’t be fooled by their appearances, this is the Chimera Ant King versus one of the best Nen users in the world, and it has all the high-stakes spectacle befitting a duel of their caliber. Both sides deliver an astounding display of strength and will, but the respect they grow for each other hits harder than even one of Netero’s Ninety-Ninth Hand punches. The Chairman’s last resort may have failed to win him the fight, but getting to learn Meruem’s name still felt like some manner of victory.
#7: Asta & Yami vs. Dante
“Black Clover” (2017-21) It takes more than a grimoire to compete with this Dark Triad’s demonic abilities, but thankfully, these thick-skulled Magic Knights were up to the task. Thanks to a literal deal with his devil, Asta powers up just in time to join his mentor for a bombastic, sky-high clash against the seemingly invincible Dante. The fluid, effects-driven animation and excellent choreography convey a sense of unreal speed and magical prowess, all topped with amazing combo attacks like the split-second katana pass. The best part: this isn’t even the end of the saga! Even so, the series’ all-in gamble for this fake-out final fight has certainly paid off in “spades.”
#6: All Might vs. All For One
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“My Hero Academia” (2016-) The star-spangled champion’s thrilling fight with his appropriately named nemesis marked the end of All Might’s era, but the former number one hero sure went out with a blaze - or, in this case, a punch - of glory. In the face of One For All’s near-endless bank of stolen abilities, All Might lives up to his quirk’s name, even if saving the greater good comes at the cost of his hero career. Accompanied by gorgeous music and breathtaking animation, he smashes his stately limits to deliver one of anime’s greatest punches. It burns through the last of his quirk, but as All Might points to the screen, the message is clear. His reign may be over, but now, it’s Deku’s turn.
#5: Slayers vs. Daki & Gyutaro
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” (2019-) It’s open season on demons, with two beheadings for the price of one. Not only does this jaw-dropping final flurry offer best-in-class animation, but it taps into an even greater stage of total concentration by letting more characters in on the Kizuki carnage. With six combatants in the ring, the stakes are higher, the action’s grander, and the payoff is utter, bloody perfection. Between Tanjiro pushing himself to death’s edge, Uzui’s mixtape of destruction and Inosuke coming in clutch for a last second save, the quality was almost overwhelming.
#4: Luffy vs. Kaido
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“One Piece” (1999-) From title card to closing credits, this episode is filled to the hull with outstanding direction that raises the tide to even greater heights. Through a masterful storyboard, brilliant color correction, and pitch-perfect music placement, Luffy’s epic entrance and grand declaration are representative of the series at its absolute peak. At every turn, the episode ups the ante, building towards the unforgettable unveiling of Luffy’s new Red Roc technique that set social media (and Kaido) ablaze. You’d think this series would be sailing on fumes after a thousand episodes, but this instantly iconic outing single handedly proved Luffy and the Straw Hats are still riding the waves.
#3: Naruto, Sasuke & Boruto vs. Momoshiki
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“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” (2017-) The series may not bear their namesake anymore, but these legendary shinobi aren’t quite ready for retirement. The striking choreography and exquisite setpieces make full use of what is, bar-none, one of the most visually impressive showdowns in any “Naruto” series to date. It’s impossible to resist the nostalgia of seeing these two cut loose again with the original series’ theme rocking in the background. Given Momoshiki’s relation to Kaguya, this fight is about figuratively, and literally, passing the Rasengan to the next generation. While Naruto and Sasuke proved they can still trade jutsu with the best of them, it’s Boruto that brings it home with a final blast that finally makes him worthy of the Uzumaki name.
#2: Ash vs. Gladion
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“Pokemon” (1997-) He hasn’t quite caught-em-all just yet, but it’s hard to deny that this Pallet-Town-prodigy isn’t (finally) one step closer to becoming a Pokemon Master. After a thousand episodes and about as many losses, it was more shocking than Pikachu’s thunderbolt when Ash defeated Gladion to become the Alolan League champion. While the duel itself features standout strategy and emotional weight, the actual combat feels less important than the journey it took to get there. The “Sun and Moon” seasons consistently reflected on just how far Ash’d come since oversleeping that fateful day, which makes this victory more like the grand culmination of a story twenty years in the making. Even if countering the counter is an actual bullshit move!
#1: Goku vs. Jiren
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“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18) Imagine this: a one-hour television event featuring a hyped brawl, top-tier production values, and the debut of a flashy new transformation for one of anime’s most recognizable characters. And that’s precisely why the unforgettable awakening of Ultra Instinct had the fandom collectively losing their minds. The rocking track choice and slick animation add a hefty weight to a finale fight that quite literally caused the internet to short circuit. After this, Ultra Instinct instantly became the gold - or silver - standard for the series.
