7 Incredible Anime Fights Where the Main Character Loses

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The most impactful anime battles aren’t always wins for the hero. While many popular action anime emphasize effort, teamwork, and ambition, and usually reward the main character with victory, it’s the defeats along the way that truly raise the tension. These losses make the eventual win feel more earned and satisfying.

The most impactful battles in an anime series are often those where the heroes face real danger. These fights demand more from the main characters and, unlike easy victories, they catch viewers off guard. A truly memorable anime fight combines stunning animation, emotional weight, and unexpected twists. The seven examples below showcase this perfectly, offering incredible action before the heroes ultimately fall to a more powerful enemy.

7) Eren vs. the Female Titan (Attack on Titan)

Attack on Titan is known for its heartbreaking moments, and one of the most impactful happens early in the first season. Eren’s battle against the Female Titan is driven by intense grief and anger, sparked by her recent killing of most of Levi’s squad. While Eren later learns to harness these emotions, he loses control during this fight. After briefly gaining the advantage, the Female Titan recovers and manages to overpower him, ultimately biting into the back of his Titan form and pulling Eren out.

This fight scene is amazing – the music, the movements, everything! The quick images of fallen soldiers really heighten the emotional impact. The anime cleverly leads you to believe Eren is going to win, making it even more shocking when his opponent turns the tables. It’s incredibly entertaining, even though you find yourself wanting the other person to succeed.

6) Luffy vs. Sir Crocodile Fight 1 (One Piece)

After more than 1,000 episodes, Monkey D. Luffy has had countless epic battles in One Piece. But many fans still remember his first fight against Crocodile in the Alabasta arc. After rescuing Vivi, Luffy faces off against Crocodile alone. Even with Luffy’s usual positive attitude, the fight doesn’t go as he expects.

Crocodile is a truly powerful enemy, and the situation is even more stressful because Luffy is separated from his crew. The Straw Hats were right to worry – Crocodile actually manages to seriously injure Luffy, a moment that will likely stay with fans for a long time. It’s a shocking event early in the series, brilliantly done through the animation, voice acting, and a sudden, impactful silence. While Luffy has to recover from this defeat, it’s a fantastic way to introduce the powerful Seven Warlords of the Sea.

5) Thorfinn vs. Askeladd (Vinland Saga)

In the first season of Vinland Saga, Thorfinn is driven by a desire for revenge against Askeladd, repeatedly challenging him to a fight. Despite his efforts, he’s unable to win. However, these attempts are still captivating, and his battle with Askeladd in Episode 8 of Season 1 is particularly noteworthy, even though Thorfinn doesn’t emerge victorious.

This fight between Thorfinn and Askeladd is powered by raw emotion – Thorfinn’s anger and frustration are clear to see. Askeladd points out that these feelings are actually what hold Thorfinn back, as they contrast sharply with his own calm and collected demeanor. Askeladd effortlessly evades Thorfinn’s attacks, making it hard to feel any real animosity towards him. Combined with incredible animation, fight choreography, music, and voice acting, this scene stands out as one of the best battles in Vinland Saga, especially considering it happens relatively early in the series.

4) Itadori vs. Choso (Jujutsu Kaisen)

The Shibuya Incident arc in Jujutsu Kaisen is packed with amazing fight scenes, and the battle between Itadori and Choso stands out as particularly strong, even though things don’t go Itadori’s way. Driven by a desire to avenge his fallen brothers, Choso attacks Itadori, leading to a beautifully animated, intense, and thrilling fight. The series doesn’t shy away from putting Itadori in genuine danger, and it avoids making either fighter overwhelmingly powerful, keeping the tension high for viewers who aren’t familiar with the manga.

Watching the characters clash was really engaging, so it hit especially hard when Choso suddenly turned the tables with his Blood Manipulation. I found myself really rooting for Itadori as he refused to give up, which made him a truly compelling character. Sadly, Choso still managed to win, and the way he left Itadori was brutal – a genuinely shocking image. This fight feels incredibly important for the story, and the devastating result just makes the anime even better.

3) Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra Fight 1 (Bleach)

Throughout Bleach, Ichigo often experiences defeats, though he usually overcomes these losses by winning against the same enemies later on. Interestingly, some of his most memorable battles are the ones where he doesn’t win. These losses create tension and demonstrate that even a strong protagonist like Ichigo isn’t invincible. A prime example is his initial fight with Ulquiorra, which establishes Ulquiorra as a dangerous opponent and foreshadows the arrival of even more powerful villains.

Ulquiorra is immediately established as a dangerous enemy due to his unsettling composure and ability to control Ichigo. He quickly proves how formidable he is by effortlessly deflecting attacks and matching Ichigo’s speed. What makes this fight even more chilling is the reveal that he’s only the fourth-ranked Espada, implying even stronger opponents are yet to come. This is a shocking discovery after witnessing his power. The scene culminates in a startling moment – Ulquiorra piercing Ichigo’s chest – ensuring the battle remains unpredictable.

2) Deku vs. Bakugo Fight 2 (My Hero Academia)

Deku has faced many strong villains in My Hero Academia, but one of his most memorable battles is actually against a classmate: Bakugo. Their rematch at the end of Season 3 highlights Deku’s significant growth. It’s a deeply emotional fight, as Bakugo struggles with the knowledge that Deku is All Might’s chosen successor and feels responsible for All Might losing his power. The fight reveals a more vulnerable side of Bakugo and allows Deku to truly come into his own. Beyond the compelling character development, the fight itself is exceptionally well-done.

The rematch between Bakugo and Deku is brilliantly animated, with the fight choreography being a highlight of all eight seasons of My Hero Academia. The unpredictable nature of the battle—Deku almost winning, only for Bakugo to pull ahead at the last second—keeps viewers engaged. This fight also paves the way for a more peaceful relationship between the two rivals, making it a memorable and beloved moment for fans.

1) Naruto vs. Sasuke Fight 1 (Naruto)

Despite Naruto and his friends’ efforts to bring Sasuke back, the most disheartening outcome occurs: Sasuke decides to join Orochimaru. Naruto refuses to let him go without a battle, and this emotionally charged fight dramatically alters the direction of the anime. The confrontation permanently changes the dynamic between Naruto and Sasuke, forcing them to truly see each other, but also driving a deeper wedge between them.

The battle showcases exciting new developments in both fighters’ abilities, making the action sequences incredibly well-done and captivating. While Sasuke’s victory feels expected, his decision to spare Naruto is a surprising and meaningful moment. This act suggests there’s still good within Sasuke, even if his friends can’t reach it. It’s a key development, marking a shift in the story where Sasuke begins to move towards a villainous path.

What’s your favorite anime fight where the hero doesn’t win? Share your thoughts in the comments and discuss it with other fans in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-15 02:12