The last ten years have seen action in entertainment reach new heights of spectacle. Anime-style fights are now a huge draw, and action shows are more over-the-top than ever. Studios are taking chances with bolder animation and focusing on strong emotional connections within every fight scene. This decade has also brought a noticeable change in how these battles are presented.
The most memorable fights in anime often focused on the consequences of violence, not just the action itself. Through impressive animation and visual storytelling, these scenes – whether intense duels or large-scale battles – have become iconic. Fights like Thorfinn versus Thorkell and Luffy versus Kaido demonstrate how anime has evolved and its commitment to creating truly unforgettable combat sequences.
Thorfinn vs Thorkell Shows How Brutal “Normal” Anime Combat Can Really Get
The London Bridge fight in the first season of Vinland Saga is a brutally realistic battle between a furious, young Thorfinn and a much larger, incredibly strong opponent. It’s a raw, physical fight relying on skill and weapons like axes and knives – there are no supernatural abilities or over-the-top attacks. Thorkell fights with immense power, throwing stones like projectiles and wielding weapons that seem capable of instantly defeating Thorfinn.
Thorfinn fights with a raw, animalistic instinct. Thorkell, on the other hand, represents the brutal warrior traditions that destroyed Thorfinn’s past. For Thorfinn, victory isn’t about glory—it’s about personal survival and getting closer to his ultimate goal of revenge. The intense drama, combined with incredibly realistic fight choreography, is why the battle between Thorfinn and Thorkell remains a standout in modern action sequences.
Mob vs Toichiro Suzuki Proves Emotional Maturity Can Beat Overwhelming Power
The season finale of Mob Psycho 100 delivers on everything that’s been building up between Mob and Toichiro Suzuki, the leader of Claw. The episode is a non-stop, increasingly intense battle, with psychic powers destroying a city. The stakes are incredibly high, even for an anime, and what really stands out is how the fight shows Mob developing as a character.
This fight highlights a key theme: Mob consistently chooses to protect his opponents, absorbing attacks and redirecting energy instead of destroying them. While the animation is incredibly dynamic, the most compelling part is seeing Mob’s self-control and compassion become his greatest strength. It’s unusual for a finale to be won not by a hero unleashing their full power, but by their choice to hold back.
Naruto & Sasuke vs Momoshiki Finally Lets Boruto Flex Like Peak Shonen
Episode 65, titled “Father and Child,” marks a turning point for Boruto: Next Generations, allowing it to stand on its own after years of being compared to Naruto: Shippuden. The fight between adult Naruto and Sasuke against Momoshiki is a thrilling, over-the-top action sequence. It’s packed with impressive techniques like chakra cloaks, powerful eye jutsu, and dimension-hopping attacks, and is widely considered one of the best fights in the entire series.
The seamless teamwork between Naruto and Sasuke, effortlessly switching places and combining attacks, shows a connection built from years of fighting together. Watching this, Boruto begins to understand – and eventually respect – the weight of Naruto’s responsibilities as Hokage, as well as his own feelings about those responsibilities. The battle itself is a turning point, allowing Boruto to truly grasp how demanding the Hokage’s job really is.
All Might vs All For One Ends an Era With One Last Symbolic Punch
The fight in Kamino Ward during Season 3 of My Hero Academia is a desperate, final stand. All Might, nearing the end of his power, battles All For One on live television, with the outcome determining the future of heroism. Episode 49 vividly shows All Might weakening as his abilities fade.
What truly makes this battle stand out as one of the best of the last ten years is the way it completely shifts everything. Watching it, I saw All Might’s vulnerabilities laid bare for everyone to see, shattering the image of him as an unbeatable hero. It felt like the weight of hope was visibly passed on to the younger generation, right before our eyes. It’s that powerful mix of incredible action and the huge story implications that has kept fans talking about this fight for years, and it consistently ranks high in their favorites.
Luffy vs Kaido Finally Sees Gear 5 Making Its Grand Entry
Luffy’s epic battle with Kaido in One Piece is already considered a landmark moment in shonen anime. The entire fight, from the ‘Roof Piece’ arc to Luffy unlocking Gear 5, is easily one of the best anime fights of the last ten years. What makes it so special is how perfectly it shows Luffy’s development as a fighter – each time he’s knocked down, he pushes himself further, starting with mastering advanced Haki and culminating in his final, decisive move.
Everyone was talking about how amazing the fight looked, but what really struck me was the weight of what Luffy was fighting for. It wasn’t just about winning – he was trying to liberate a whole nation and keep a promise made years ago. By the time he unleashed Gear 5, the battle felt like a legendary clash, and a satisfying culmination of everything that had happened before. It was wild, some people didn’t love every part of it, but I know I won’t forget it anytime soon.
Goku’s Ultra Instinct Showdown With Jiren Feels Like Dragon Ball’s Final Boss Battle
As a huge Dragon Ball Super fan, I have to say Episode 130 isn’t just another fight – it’s become legendary! Seeing Goku and Jiren go all-out with perfected Ultra Instinct was a massive event that everyone was talking about. Honestly, the whole series really perfected everything it’s known for – those incredible, fast-paced battles, the constant power-ups, and all the amazing transformations – it just took the action to a whole new level!
The way Ultra Instinct is shown visually let the animators create amazing fight scenes where Goku barely moved, even as Jiren threw everything he had into his attacks. What makes this fight special, even in a series known for epic battles, is the feeling that something truly important is at stake. Jiren wasn’t just another enemy; he represented the final obstacle Goku needed to overcome to save everything. Fans still talk about that part of Dragon Ball Super years later, showing how memorable it was.
Yuji and Todo’s Tag-Team Beatdown on Mahito Is Jujutsu Kaisen at Its Absolute Peak
Even within the action-packed world of Jujutsu Kaisen, the fight between Yuji and Todo against Mahito is particularly memorable. It’s a turning point for the characters and the animation, as Yuji struggles with recent defeats, Todo steps in to help him, and Mahito constantly changes forms trying to win.
The fight is non-stop action, with quick shifts and unpredictable movements from both sides, turning Shibuya into a chaotic battleground. But it’s more than just physical – the characters are also grappling with intense emotions. Yuji is struggling with guilt and anger, while Mahito revels in his wickedness. This fight forces Yuji to confront who he wants to be in a world where people like Mahito exist.
Tanjiro & Giyu vs Akaza Delivers Demon Slayer’s Most Relentless Tag-Team Showdown
While Demon Slayer: Mugen Train showed Akaza as a seemingly unbeatable enemy, Infinity Castle truly explores the danger he represents. The second half of the 2025 film is essentially one extended, intense battle between Tanjiro and Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka and Upper Rank Three. Akaza’s power is visually demonstrated as he destroys floors, relentlessly fighting his way through the castle to get to Tanjiro.
Tanjiro’s fire attacks and Giyu’s water techniques collide with Akaza’s powerful combos. The animation is particularly stunning during Akaza’s Compass Needle attack. What makes this fight truly exceptional is the intense emotional journey it takes you on. As Tanjiro struggles to overcome his limits, flashbacks to Hakuji add another layer to the conflict. The battle feels like a struggle between what’s happening now and the weight of the past.
Saitama vs Boros Became a Genuine Shonen Classic
The first season of One-Punch Man ends with an incredible fight between Saitama and Boros. It’s a battle that’s both a hilarious spoof and an amazing display of action. The final episode takes the fight to new heights, literally sending them soaring into the atmosphere. Boros’ ability to quickly heal and his incredibly powerful attacks finally push Saitama to use more than just a simple punch.
Honestly, watching that fight is just incredible! It’s Boros going all out with everything he’s got, but it really feels like Saitama is just… casually proving that none of it even makes a dent. The animation is insane – the camera work is so dynamic, the speed lines really sell the action, and every punch feels like it’s going to break your TV! It’s the perfect modern anime boss battle, and everything since then still feels like it’s trying to live up to it. Nothing has quite topped it, in my opinion.
Levi’s Charge on the Beast Titan is the Gold Standard
Many fans consider episode 54 of Attack on Titan to be one of the greatest anime episodes of all time, and it’s a truly unforgettable experience. The episode features a desperate, sacrificial charge led by Erwin to draw the attention of Zeke’s Titan army, while Levi takes advantage of the distraction to attempt a one-man mission to eliminate a key target. The result is a fast-paced, visually stunning sequence filled with incredible action, skillful movements, and some of the most intense animation in the entire series.
Though brief, the fight sequence is incredibly intense. The camera follows Levi as he skillfully leaps from Titan to Titan, relentlessly attacking them until he confronts the Beast Titan. More than just a visual spectacle, this battle represents the culmination of Erwin’s driving purpose, Levi’s unwavering dedication, and the Scouts’ desperate gamble for a chance at winning.
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2025-12-01 05:45