10 Most Important Fights In Anime That Changed The Story Forever

Anime is notorious for featuring some of the most hype fights in any form of media. While stunning animation and choreography are the foundations of a great battle, it’s the narrative consequences that truly pull viewers in and make a lasting impact. Fights that change characters or shift the course of the world are the ones that stay with fans long after the episode ends.

Important anime fights can change how fans view the story, as they push characters to their limits and often mark a point of no return. Some of these fights may even include deaths that raise the stakes of an anime exponentially. If written well, fights like these can shape simple rivalries into legendary moments that go down in history.

Mob Vs. Teru Paved The Way For Teru’s Character Arc

Shigeo’s fight against Teru marks the first major battle of Mob Psycho 100, offering a glimpse into the destruction that a clash between two espers can bring. It highlights Shigeo’s internal struggle to uphold his principle of never using psychic powers to harm others, with Teru representing the exact person Shigeo fears of becoming. In the end, Teru pushes Shigeo beyond limits.

Once Shigeo enters his ???% state, the resulting power not only pushes Teru into the sky but also destroys half the school building, showing the sheer magnitude of Shigeo’s power and the consequences of losing control. The conclusion of the fight proves to Teru that he is not, in fact, above everyone else. This pivotal moment is crucial for his development, making Teru an important character who helps shape the events of Mob Psycho 100.

Goku Vs. Beerus Unlocked The World Of God Ki

Goku’s fight against Beerus marks the beginning of Goku and Vegeta’s quest to surpass the gods. It introduces several new concepts to the world of Dragon Ball while showcasing an entirely new ceiling of power that feels insurmountable. Goku earns the respect of Beerus, prompting him to spare Earth and giving Whis a reason to train both Goku and Vegeta.

If Goku had never fought Beerus, Dragon Ball would likely have taken a completely different direction, which would have prevented a deep exploration of the Dragon Ball multiverse. This also means that the fight helped introduce Ultra Instinct, a form that instantly became iconic across the globe.

Gintoki Vs. Takasugi’s Conclusion Helped Save The Universe

Gintoki vs Takasugi is most likely the best fight in Gintama, offering fans the culmination of years of buildup and excitement. The battle features stunning animation and choreography, coupled with some of the best voice acting performances that bring every emotion to life. The fight also sets Gintama’s ending into motion, allowing Takasugi to face his past once again.

The conclusion of the fight eventually leads to Gintoki and Takasugi having to temporarily team up. As a result of putting it all on the line against Gintoki, Takasugi later helps him fight off Utsuro and the Harusame on planet Rakuyou. This finally allows Gintoki and Takasugi to be on the same side after over a decade, successfully saving the Gintama universe from Utsuro during their final clash.

Gojo Vs. Toji Shaped The Future Of Jujutsu Kaisen

Gojo’s fight against Toji changed the entire timeline of Jujutsu Kaisen, as it put Geto on the wrong path and forced Gojo to experience defeat in combat for the first time. Geto’s descent into hating people without cursed energy started after Toji shot Riko. Had Gojo won his fight against Toji, Geto would never have thought about killing humans.

The battle not only gave Jujutsu Kaisen one of its main antagonists, but it also inspired Gojo to maintain infinity around him at all times. It’s the most important fight in Jujutsu Kaisen from a narrative point of view, even leading to Toji’s death and allowing Gojo to meet Megumi.

The Scouts Vs. The Beast Titan Marked a Turning Point In Attack On Titan

The Beast Titan’s fight against the scouts changed Attack on Titan’s history forever, as it led to Erwin’s death and ignited Levi’s relentless quest for vengeance against Zeke. Had this fight not happened, the political dynamics on Paradis Island would’ve been vastly different. It’s also possible that Eren would not have gotten his hands on the Founding Titan, which led to billions of humans dying.

Not to mention that it solidified Levi’s position as humanity’s strongest soldier, being able to single-handedly take down one of the most skilled Titan Shifters in the anime. Most importantly, the aftermath of this fight exposed the truth of the outside world to Paradis Island and passed the power of the Colossal Titan to Armin, setting the stage for the story’s final arc.

Gon Vs. Pitou Marked The End Of Gon’s Career As A Nen User

Gon vs. Pitou is an extremely tragic fight that shifts the story of Hunter X Hunter forever. In an attempt to get revenge, Gon sacrifices his life energy and the ability to wield nen. In return, Gon forcefully reaches the absolute peak of his potential, gaining enough strength to completely dismantle Pitou. While he manages to accomplish his goal, Gon loses all of his Nen and damages his body beyond repair.

This fight’s aftermath changes everything, as Gon’s loss of Nen removes him from the spotlight as the protagonist. It also drives Killua to seek out Nanika, leading him to save his sister and gain access to her near-omnipotent abilities. If the fight between If Gon’s fight with Pitou had never happened, he and Killua would likely have continued their journey together.

Goku and Piccolo Vs. Raditz Set Dragon Ball Z’s Story In Motion

Goku and Piccolo’s battle against Raditz is a classic example of the protagonist teaming up with the previous villain to defeat an even greater evil. It’s one of the most exciting anime tropes, as two rivals once viewed as the pinnacle of strength are suddenly forced to unite when a seemingly insurmountable threat appears. The conclusion of this fight sets the stage for nearly every major event that unfolds in the Dragon Ball universe.

Piccolo gets to witness Gohan’s potential for the first time, prompting him to train Gohan. The time Piccolo spends with him gradually softens Piccolo’s heart, allowing him to grow into a genuinely good person. Additionally, Raditz’s arrival on Earth set the stage for Goku and Vegeta to meet, sparking what would become one of the greatest rivalries in anime history.

Naruto Vs. Sasuke’s Conclusion Changed The History Of the Hidden Leaf Village

Naruto and Sasuke’s clashes are always thrilling, but their showdown at the end of Part 1 stands as one of the most iconic battles in anime history. It delivers on every single front, even changing the course of Naruto forever. The conclusion sees Sasuke leaving the village to seek out Orochimaru, which allowed him to gain an incredible amount of power in a short time.

Bringing Sasuke back to the village became Naruto’s primary goal, making much of his journey throughout Naruto Shippuden focused on chasing after Sasuke. If this fight never happened and Sasuke stayed in the village, Naruto’s main drive to grow stronger and much of Naruto Shippuden’s story wouldn’t exist.

Rengoku Vs. Akaza Shaped the Tone of Demon Slayer’s Major Battles

Rengoku’s battle against Akaza has already cemented itself as an iconic anime fight despite only being a few years old. Much of it is thanks to Demon Slayer’s popularity and stunning animation, but the characters and a simple but consistent narrative also play a major role.

The fight between the Flame Hashira Upper Moon 3 completely shifted Demon Slayer’s story, as it showed one of the strongest Hashira being overwhelmed and defeated with shocking ease. Not only did Tanjiro get an unwavering motivation to get even stronger, but Rengoku’s death allowed him to seek out Rengoku’s little brother. This development also introduced Sun Breathing to Tanjiro and the viewers.

All Might Vs. All For One Changed The Course Of Hero Society Forever

Contrary to what it may seem like on the surface, My Hero Academia features a deep story and complex characters. All Might’s fight against All For One is a prime example of the anime’s emotional and narrative depth, as it forces society to confront the loss of its greatest hero.

All Might’s retirement makes civilians lose their unwavering belief in the heroes, paving the way for Endeavor’s growth as he steps into the role of the new number one hero. It also revealed the truth about One For All to Bakugo, giving him and Deku the chance to finally confront their differences and begin repairing their relationship.