10 Best Anime Fights of the 2020s So Far

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The most memorable moments in anime often boil down to a single, powerful fight. It’s not just about impressive visuals; it’s everything leading up to the battle – the rising tension, the developing storylines, and the conflicts between characters. When all these elements come together, it creates something truly special—a thrilling scene that also feels deeply meaningful.

Anime in the 2020s has been full of incredible action sequences. Studios are investing heavily in high-quality animation and compelling stories that are both surprising and emotionally resonant. From battles with spirits in deserted train stations to clashes between ancient forces in vibrant settings, shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and Solo Leveling showcase the potential of the medium. What truly makes these fights stand out isn’t just the visuals, but how deeply they’re connected to the characters’ feelings and journeys.

So, here are the 10 best anime fights of the 2020s so far.

Gabimaru vs Zhu Jin

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023)


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The intense battle begins in Episode 9, and for the first time, Gabimaru seems truly vulnerable. He’s easily defeated opponents up until now, but Zhu Jin is a completely different challenge. As one of the Tensen – immortal, godlike protectors of the island – Zhu Jin possesses incredible healing abilities. Gabimaru tries everything he has – his skill, strength, and clever tactics – but it feels like he’s fighting something intangible, making no real impact.

When Zhu Jin transforms, the fight dramatically changes from a realistic ninja battle to something terrifying and grotesque. What makes this fight so effective isn’t just the incredible animation, but how it deeply affects Gabimaru. Usually emotionless, he’s now visibly panicked, struggling to cope, and falling apart. Hell’s Paradise excels at combining stunning visuals with shocking violence, and this fight perfectly embodies that contrast.

Ichigo Kurosaki vs Yhwach

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2024)


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The clash between Ichigo and Yhwach has been years in the making, and it delivers on everything fans have wanted from the Thousand-Year Blood War arc. Yhwach’s ability, “The Almighty,” allows him to see and change the future, making a fight against him seem impossible. However, Ichigo doesn’t fight with logic; he relies on his heart, instincts, and unwavering determination.

The battle is a whirlwind of attacks, energy beams, and bizarre distortions of reality, with Aizen and Uryū joining the fray to even the odds. Despite the chaos, it feels right because the fight is both deeply personal and has huge consequences for the entire universe. What makes it truly special is how it brings Ichigo’s entire journey full circle. He’s moved beyond being just a Soul Reaper – he’s a mix of Quincy, Hollow, and human, and this fight demands he embrace all three sides of himself. Yhwach makes a formidable final villain, believing himself invincible, but Ichigo ultimately defeats him with a powerful blow, aided by Uryū’s special arrow.

Asta & Yami vs Dante

‘Black Clover’ (2021)


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Okay, so episode 167 of Black Clover? It’s a whirlwind right from the start. When Dante, one of the Dark Triad, starts casually manipulating gravity, you know things are about to go south fast. Yami’s the first to jump in, and honestly, he’s the only thing standing between Dante and total destruction. But the fight really kicks into high gear when Asta joins. He’s still getting used to his devil power, still recovering, but he doesn’t hesitate to throw himself right into the middle of everything. It’s a really intense episode!

The teamwork between Yami and Asta is seamless and incredibly fast-paced – you could easily miss it! Even with all the action, Dante remains unfazed, constantly regenerating and mocking them. What’s surprising is seeing Yami, usually the one giving guidance, depend on Asta to finish the fight. The animation is spectacular, particularly with the effects of the magical shields and gravity manipulation. It’s a truly well-executed battle where everything – the tension, the speed, and the outcome – feels perfectly balanced.

Luffy (Gear 5) vs Kaido

‘One Piece’ (2023)


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One Piece is a famously long-running anime, and by episode 1071, Luffy has suffered countless defeats at the hands of Kaido. However, everything changes with the introduction of Gear 5. Luffy’s awakened Devil Fruit power transforms him into a wildly unpredictable and incredibly strong rubber-like being. He starts behaving with the over-the-top, cartoonish physics of classic Looney Tunes, leaving Kaido, still in his dragon form, completely bewildered.

The battle transforms into a dazzling display of Luffy dodging lightning, expanding his body to incredible sizes, and laughing throughout it all. It’s over-the-top and comical, yet incredibly impressive. The animation is particularly noteworthy—even for a series known for its creativity—and it fundamentally changes how we see Luffy. He now represents pure freedom, happiness, and the unexpected. Ultimately, even Kaido, known as the world’s strongest being, begins to falter under Luffy’s unwavering determination.

Thorfinn vs Snake

‘Vinland Saga’ (2023)


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The fight between Thorfinn and Snake in Vinland Saga is a brutal and realistic hand-to-hand battle between two men with vastly different backgrounds. In Season 2, episode 17, Thorfinn confronts Snake, the head of the farm’s security, after Gardar runs away. What begins as a tense standoff quickly becomes a display of fighting ability. Thorfinn, now dedicated to avoiding violence, skillfully evades Snake’s attacks without fighting back, even when Snake aggressively tries to land a blow.

As a fan, I have to say the fight choreography in this anime is incredible – it feels so real and impactful, and MAPPA’s animation makes every movement, every little detail, come alive. It’s honestly one of the best anime fights I’ve seen in years, because it really shows how much Thorfinn has changed. The first season was all about anger and getting revenge, but this season is about him finding a better path. His opponent, Snake, is just a professional doing what he has to do, which makes the tension even more interesting. It’s not about if someone will get hit, but whether Thorfinn will stick to the promise he made to himself. And thankfully, he doesn’t give in!

Mob vs Dimple

‘Mob Psycho 100 III’ (2022)


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Watching Episodes 5 and 6 of Mob Psycho 100 Season 3 really hit me hard. It wasn’t just about a big psychic battle; it was genuinely heartbreaking to see Mob face off against Dimple. Dimple had become something else, connected to the Divine Tree and manipulating everyone, even Mob’s friends! It wasn’t a simple fight, though. Mob showed up confused and honestly, just wanting to understand what happened. The conflict built up slowly, with these amazing, strange visuals and powerful psychic attacks. It was more emotional than I expected.

What’s really fascinating about this arc is that Mob isn’t actually trying to defeat Dimple. He just wants his friend back, which is a total switch-up from the usual Mob Psycho dynamic. It’s strange seeing Mob, with all his incredible power, actively restraining himself. And Dimple, even as this seemingly invincible being, is just craving acceptance. The climax, where Mob finally hits 100% and breaks through Dimple’s defenses, is visually stunning – classic Studio Bones at their absolute best. I’ll never forget the image of Mob completely drained afterward, with Dimple carrying him home as the Divine Tree disappears. It’s a sequence that’s burned into my memory.

Sung Jinwoo vs Igris

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024)


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I was absolutely on the edge of my seat during episode 11, “A Knight Who Defends an Empty Throne”! It felt like a real turning point for Sung Jinwoo. He’d been growing stronger with each dungeon, surviving by the skin of his teeth, but this fight with Igris… it was something else. Igris, the Blood-Red Commander, is just breathtakingly powerful – so graceful and utterly unwavering. The battle itself was a whirlwind of shadow and steel, and honestly, I was worried Jinwoo wouldn’t be able to keep up!

For the first time, Jinwoo has to fight using his wits and planning instead of just raw power, and the suspense keeps growing with each attack. The fight feels like a dangerous game of cat and mouse, but it’s hard to tell who the hunter is. Ultimately, Jinwoo comes out on top. This isn’t just a win, though – he gains Igris, a powerful and devoted ally. More importantly, he demonstrates that he’s prepared for even greater challenges. It’s one of the most well-executed and rewarding fights we’ve seen in the series so far.

Denji vs Katana Man

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022)


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The twelfth episode of Chainsaw Man concludes the Katana Man arc with an incredibly chaotic and satisfying fight. After facing several defeats and betrayals, Denji finally gets another chance to battle Katana Man, a dangerous hybrid connected to the Gun Devil who’s been easily defeating Public Safety. The fight begins on a speeding train and quickly moves into the city, with Denji fully transforming into Chainsaw Man. What makes it truly special is the unexpected and silly addition of his Chainsaw leg – it’s the kind of unpredictable energy that makes this anime so great.

What really makes this fight memorable is its surprising mix of intense action and humor. Denji isn’t motivated by victory, but by a need to show he can win. After defeating Katana Man, he immediately challenges Aki to a silly contest. It’s an immature act, but it feels surprisingly satisfying. Chainsaw Man breaks the mold of traditional action stories, and Denji is far from a typical hero. Both embrace the strange and over-the-top nature of their world, and this fight perfectly illustrates that.

Yuji Itadori vs Choso

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2023)


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Okay, so episode 13 of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 – which is episode 37 overall – just throws you straight into the chaos of the Shibuya Incident! It’s a really intense fight between Yuji and Choso, one of the strongest curses. The whole thing starts underground in Shibuya Station and quickly becomes this incredibly brutal, non-stop battle. Choso’s blood manipulation is seriously scary – you see him using techniques like Piercing Blood, Flowing Red Scale, and Supernova, and the fight choreography is just relentless. Honestly, Yuji barely has a second to catch his breath! It’s a total adrenaline rush.

This fight in Jujutsu Kaisen is different from the series’ usual fast-paced battles. Choso isn’t just a typical enemy; he’s driven by grief and rage, believing Yuji is responsible for his brothers’ deaths. Yuji is also deeply shaken, and the fight pushes him to his physical and emotional limits. A particularly powerful moment occurs when Yuji is severely injured and Choso briefly hesitates, showing a flicker of uncertainty. Combined with the incredibly impactful animation, this fight truly stands out.

Tengen Uzui & Tanjiro vs Gyutaro & Daki

‘Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc’ (2022)


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The climax of the Entertainment District Arc (Episodes 37-43) is a non-stop action sequence. The core of the story revolves around an intense battle between Tengen Uzui, Tanjiro, and the powerful duo of Gyutaro and Daki, who are Upper Rank Six demons. This fight takes place all over the district – on rooftops, in narrow alleys, and amidst crumbling buildings – as Tengen’s Sound Breathing clashes with Gyutaro’s bladed weapons and Daki’s unique sash attacks.

Ufotable’s animation is stunning, making each scene look like a work of art. The fight sequences, featuring Tanjiro’s Hinokami Kagura, Zenitsu’s Thunderclap, and Inosuke’s Beast Breathing, are all incredibly well-coordinated. The battle is intense and desperate, with characters like Tengen suffering severe injuries and the team pushed to their limits. Despite their villainous actions, the demons Gyutaro and Daki are portrayed as tragic figures, haunted by a shared past. Their defeat, when it finally comes, is surprisingly poignant. Overall, it’s a visually breathtaking experience.

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2025-11-03 02:16