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Shonen anime fights are seen as the backbone of the story of the genre. Fans usually watch shows in the shonen genre because of how it offers a vibrant animation that translates to high-octane battles.
Over the years, countless anime fights have graced our screens, but only a select few ascend into the realm of "cinematic masterpieces." In this article, we will look into 10 iconic shonen anime fights that are loved by fans and are known to be masterpieces.
Disclaimer: This entire article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.
List of 10 iconic shonen anime fights
10) Rengoku vs. Akaza (Demon Slayer: Mugen Train)
Rengoku’s fight against Akaza was an incredibly intense battle. Animated by the powerhouse studio Ufotable, this battle transformed the screen into a canvas of flames and fury.
Kyojuro Rengoku, the Flame Hashira, faces off against Akaza, Upper Rank 3 of the Twelve Kizuki, in a duel that’s as soul-crushing as it is stunning. It’s no wonder fans still hold it as one of the best shonen anime fights ever created.
9) Erwin vs. the Beast Titan (Attack on Titan)
Erwin’s charge against the Beast Titan remains one of the most emotionally searing shonen anime fights of all time. This isn’t a battle about flashy moves or superpowers; it’s about strategy, courage, and sacrifice.
His attack on Zeke Yeager, aka the Beast Titan, was not to ensure victory but to give Levi enough time to leap into action. This fight isn’t long, but it's unforgettable, proof that shonen anime fights don’t need flashy powers to hit like a ton of bricks.
8) Netero vs. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)
Netero vs. Meruem from Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant arc is a masterclass in storytelling through combat. What makes this fight iconic among shonen anime fights is its subversion. Netero’s 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva technique is visually stunning, displaying rapid strikes with spiritual flair.
In a twist that elevates the entire arc, Netero activates the Poor Man’s Rose, a nuclear-level suicide bomb implanted in his chest, as a final act of defiance. His death and Meruem’s slow, tragic demise thereafter cement this as one of the most thematically rich fights in shonen history.
7) Jotaro vs. DIO (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders)
The battle between Jotaro vs Dio was legendary for many reasons. The fight against a vampire who had the power to stop time versus a 17-year-old boy who just had his Stand powers felt like impossible odds stacked against the hero.
Moreover, before this fight took place, he had almost lost all members of his team, and now the fate of the world and his family lineage relied became his sole responsibilities. Visually unique and emotionally climactic, this fight represents the best of JoJo: stylish, intense, and soaked in personality. It’s no surprise that shonen anime fights are still measured against this classic.
6)Saitama vs. Boros (One Punch Man)
The fight between Boros and Saitama in One Punch Man was intense. Boros traveled to Earth because he was bored and wanted to fight against an opponent who was worthy enough to keep up. Saitama, the protagonist of this show, was known to be so powerful that whenever he entered a battle, it would end with him punching the opponent once.
Although this was the first time that Saitama actually had to give his all, as Boros was unforgiving and equally powerful. In the end, neither got what they wanted, but the audience got one of the most visually outrageous shonen anime fights ever made.
5) Naruto & Sasuke vs. Momoshiki (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)
This is the last major fight in Boruto in which Sasuke and Naruto fought against the enemy as a team. Momoshiki is an Otsutsuki and was powerful enough to push the duo to their limits. In this battle, we saw Naruto and Kurama use a new move known as Baryon Mode.
While this secret move worked in defeating the threat, Kurama lost his life. This battle is a reminder that even after the original series, Naruto and Sasuke still set the standard for shonen anime fights.
4) Luffy vs. Kaido (One Piece)
Luffy vs. Kaido in One Piece was a highly anticipated fight. Both of these characters are known to be extremely powerful, and in the end, there could be only one who could be victorious. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hats, is pushed to his limits and is almost at the brink of death.
When all hopes are lost, he ends up awakening his new powers known as Gear 5. Toei went all-out in adapting this with surreal visuals, wild camera angles, and theatrical music. This is not just one of the best shonen anime fights; it’s Luffy’s stepping stone towards becoming the King of Pirates.
3) Naruto vs. Sasuke (Naruto)
This fight is one of the most iconic shonen anime fights in the history of anime. For the longest time, both these characters were in a battle, even though Naruto considered Sasuke to be his friend. The animation might not be modern-tier, but the direction, music, and raw emotion are unmatched.
Chidori collides with Rasengan. Curse Mark battles Nine-Tails chakra. Each blow is filled with grief and desperation. Interestingly, their fight was never about winning. It was more about Naruto trying to reach out to Sasuke and pull him away from the path of darkness.
2) Geto vs. Yuta (Jujutsu Kaisen)
In Jujutsu Kaisen 0, we see a character take center stage and showcase his powers. Yuta is a student of Gojo and shows everyone what he is made of in the finale battle between him and Geto. Yuta dominates this battle with the help of Rika. She was one of his childhood friends who turned into a spirit and is the source of his power.s
Geto, being a master manipulator, started this battle by heavily underestimating his opponent. MAPPA’s animation gives this fight cinematic weight, particles fly, lights flash, and stakes soar. Their fight can be described as a perfect blend of heart and horror, a benchmark for modern shonen anime fights.
1) Goku vs. Jiren (Dragon Ball)
The clash between Goku and Jiren during the Tournament of Power is one of the most cinematic battles in the Dragon Ball franchise. This fight was initially just supposed to be about a test of strength.
But fans are happy that it escalated as they got to witness a spectacle of god-like power and emotional stakes. This fight wasn’t just about power levels; it was about ideologies clashing, and that’s what made it an iconic shonen anime fight of all time.
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Final thoughts
The greatest shonen anime fights are about more than strength. And if these fights prove anything, it’s this: no matter how many shonen anime come and go, a truly iconic battle will always leave a mark.
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