The Most Visually Stunning Anime Fights, Ranked

Animated storytelling is one of the most intricate art forms in the world today. A lot of time and effort is spent creating the perfect visually stunning anime with numerous steps. The art direction, plot development, and design are some of the most essential components that are easily missed, especially when watching a high-intensity fight sequence. Series such as Kimetsu No Yaiba (Demon Slayer) and Attack on Titan bagged top rankings on the charts, due to their breathtaking fight scenes. From colossal supernatural fights to ordinary people battling it out, here are the most visually stunning anime fights, ranked.

Updated on September 14th, 2023 by Danilo Raúl: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

10 Saitama Vs. Boros

One Punch Man

Saitama’s whole gimmick is being unbeatable, so no matter how powerful the foe proves to be, chances are we are likely to see the big baddie beating up a lot of the highest-ranking heroes in the city until Saitama gets a crack at him. When Boros arrives on Earth looking for a challenge, we get the most visually stunning fighting sequence of the whole season, with detailed shots of every blow and an array of transformations for Boros as he increases his powers to defeat the enemy in front of him.

Sadly, he never really had a chance. One Punch Man started as a webcomic, eventually graduating to a manga by Yusuke Murata and an animated series directed by Shingo Natsume for Madhouse Studios.

9 Gogeta Vs. Broly

Dragon Ball Super: Broly

If you want to charge Dragon Ball Super for being a show full of fanservice, Toei would have no choice but to declare themselves guilty. Dragon Ball Super: Broly is a canonical film that bridges the original show with its yet-to-be-announced continuation. It clears up a few dangling plotlines and introduces several fan favorites to DB lore, such as Bardock, Broly, and Gogeta (Goku’s and Vegeta’s fusion).

The final confrontation between Broly and Gogeta has to be one of the most dynamic fighting sequences ever created for an anime film, with fast-paced action and two legendary opponents trading blows to a standstill. Dragon Ball Super: Broly was written by Akira Toriyama himself and directed by Tatsuya Nagamine. It was the highest-grossing anime film of 2018, with a total gross of $124 million.

8 Eva-02 Vs. Mass Production Eva Line

The End of Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is mainly known for being a slow-burn story with some intense action moments delivered in short bursts. The End of Evangelion works as a remake for episodes 25 and 26 of the original series after the show proved to be a massive hit despite running out of money well into production for the story’s final act. With Asuka decommissioned after losing all traces of synchronization with her Eva Unit, she’s facing certain death until she realizes her mother’s soul is fused with the Eva-02 unit.

She dives into combat with an army of Mass Production Eva Line, defeating 12 of them within five minutes. Still, their regeneration abilities kick in, and they slaughter Asuka and disembowel Unit 02. This grand spectacle was written and directed by Hideaki Anno and animated by Gainax Studio. It remains the most polarizing piece of media ever made in the franchise.

7 Emiya Kiritsugu vs. Kotomine Kirei

Fate/Zero

The Fate saga is famous for its supernatural fight sequences and its unique storylines. Yet, it is this simple fight sequence between two ordinary men, Kiritsugu and, Kirei, which takes the cake. Choreographed and animated much like the action sequences in movies, this man-to-man combat on asphalt is raw and brutal, but the punches thrown, and the kicks received, have a beautiful grace of their own.

Adapted from the light novel written by Gen Urobuchi and illustrated by Takashi Takeuchi, Fate/Zero is an anime TV series directed by Ei Aoki, and produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Garden of Sinners and Demon Slayer.

6 Deku vs. Overhaul

My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia is known for having a large ensemble of characters with unique abilities and equally unique fight scenes. For a fight sequence to stand out in such surroundings is no small feat. Deku and Overhaul have a lot at stake in this battle, and it shows through the animation specific to each character’s style.

Where Deku’s injuries constantly threaten to slow him down, Overhaul is becoming less like himself by the minute, as he keeps fusing with his henchman. Adapted from the manga series by Kōhei Horikoshi and directed by Kenji Nagasaki, My HeroAcademia is an anime TV series produced by Bones Inc., famous for works like Bungo Stray Dogs and Ouran High School Host Club.

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5 Naruto & Sasuke vs. Momoshiki

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

No other fight sequence quite like this one captures the essence of ninjas in battle. Naruto and Sasuke get to shine and give a full display of their talents that they’ve spent years perfecting. It is the perfect nostalgic moment for longtime audiences to see every hand movement, and every gesture blossom and create an impact in this spectacularly animated showdown.

Adapted from the manga series written by Ukyō Kodachi and Masashi Kishimoto, and illustrated by Mikio Ikemoto, Boruto is an anime TV series directed by Noriyuki Abe and Masayuki Kōda. Pierrot Co., famous for works like Great Teacher Onizuka and Naruto, produces it.

4 Gintoki vs. Takasugi

Gintama

It’s not always fun and games with Gintama, and this fight sequence is indicative of how dramatic the anime can get when two former best friends go head-to-head. Both Gintoki and Takasugi have a lot to lose here, as people, as friends, and most importantly, as swordsmen. The flattering close-ups and the incredible sound design make the audience feel like they are part of the turmoil, specifically when a blood-soaked Gintoki is shown dragging his nails through the soil, a symbol of how difficult this battle has been for both men.

One of the great things about Gintoki is how he looks as though he is dancing while fighting his opponent. His moves are clean, precise, and elegant, unlike the other characters on the show. Adapted from the manga series by Hideaki Sorachi and directed by Shinji Takamatsu and Yōichi Fujita, Gintama is an anime TV series produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks, Inc., famous for works like Cowboy Bebop and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

3 Levi vs. Kenny’s Squad

Attack on Titan

The best part about this fight sequence is how it creates extraordinary effects out of simplistic movements. Combining elements of parkour and gymnastics at times, Levi is incredibly talented at maneuvering his way across the city landscape, utilizing the buildings and objects to the best of his abilities.

Adapted from the manga series by Hajime Isayama and directed by Tetsurō Araki and Yuichiro Hayashi, Attack on Titan is an anime TV series. The first 59 episodes were produced by Wit Studio (Spy × Family), while the rest of the episodes were produced by MAPPA, known for works like Yuri!!! on Ice and Jujutsu Kaisen.

2 Gon vs. Neferpitou

Hunter x Hunter

This monochrome fight sequence may look simple visually, but that’s what makes it unique. Gon is past the point of no return, with revenge on his mind. As he lands punch after punch on Neferpitou, sparks fly, and the animation changes, revealing Pitou’s disintegrating flesh bit by bit. It is raw, visceral, and frankly horrifying, but this is what makes it a stunning fight sequence.

Adapted from the manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi and directed by Kazuhiro Furuhashi, Hunter xHunter is an anime TV series and film produced by Nippon Animation, famous for works adapted from Western literature like Arabian Nights: Sinbad’s Adventures as well as original works like Bokuwa Ō-sama.

1 Tanjiro & Nezuko vs. Rui

Demon Slayer

As if the emotional stakes in this battle weren’t already high enough, the sibling duo of Tanjiro and Nezuko adds to the tension by making sparks fly. The result is this gorgeous burst of color that flows like mystical water around the characters, as they engage in intense battle that is at times brutal and at times like a graceful dance.

Adapted from the manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge and directed by Haruo Sotozaki, Demon Slayer is an anime TV series and film produced by Ufotable, famous for works like Garden of Sinners and the FateUnlimited Bladeworks saga.