10 Best Anime Comeback Fights After A Brutal Loss

There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a hero suffer a defeat, learn from their mistakes, and return stronger for a rematch that truly makes a difference. These stories of resilience happen across all kinds of shows and movies, but they all share a similar pattern: a loss, a period of growth, and then a powerful second fight. For each example, we’ll explain the original defeat, what changed before the rematch, and how the second battle unfolded. We’ll also highlight the animation studio or production company responsible for bringing these epic showdowns to the screen.

Ichigo Kurosaki vs Ulquiorra Cifer

In ‘Bleach,’ Ichigo suffers a devastating defeat against Ulquiorra during their first battle in Las Noches. After intense training and overcoming numerous challenges, he returns to Hueco Mundo for a rematch. The fight intensifies on a rooftop, where Ulquiorra unveils a new level of power. Seeing Ichigo fall once more sparks a powerful transformation within him, completely shifting the battle in his favor. Studio Pierrot’s animation vividly portrays this second fight, highlighting the dramatic contrast between Ichigo’s initial loss and his triumphant return.

Naruto Uzumaki vs Sasuke Uchiha

In the original ‘Naruto’ series, Naruto and Sasuke have a fierce first battle at the Valley of the End. Years later, in ‘Naruto: Shippuden’, they reunite at the same location after the Fourth Great Ninja War, each having grown stronger and more skilled since their initial fight. Their rematch features improved techniques – Naruto’s advanced Rasengan and Sasuke’s powerful Rinnegan abilities. The animation studio, Pierrot, visually connects the two battles by returning to the iconic waterfall and statues that were present during their first confrontation, creating a sense of closure.

Yusuke Urameshi vs Younger Toguro

In the Dark Tournament arc of ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’, Yusuke is overwhelmed when Toguro reveals his immense power, leaving him deeply shaken. The journey to their rematch is filled with hardship, including Genkai’s death, and forces Yusuke to rapidly improve. By the tournament’s final battle, Yusuke is able to meet Toguro’s increasing power levels with a strength he didn’t have before. The animation studio, Pierrot, effectively highlights the difference between Yusuke’s initial shock and his eventual readiness to face Toguro at his peak.

Eren Yeager vs the Female Titan

The initial battle between Eren and the Female Titan in ‘Attack on Titan’ is a disaster, resulting in the complete loss of the Levi Squad and Eren’s inability to prevent her escape. Following this defeat, the Survey Corps changes its approach, discovers the Titan’s true identity as a human, and sets up a second confrontation within the city. This rematch devastates Stohess, but Eren’s newfound resolve and the team’s coordinated efforts ultimately allow them to trap their target. The animation studio, Wit Studio, presents these two battles as a clear evolution – from a chaotic struggle in the forest to a strategic and successful takedown in an urban environment.

Gon Freecss vs Hisoka

In ‘Hunter x Hunter,’ Gon’s first fight with Hisoka is a clear defeat, but it inspires him to become stronger. He hones his skills at Heaven’s Arena and eventually challenges Hisoka to a rematch with official rules and scoring. Gon manages to fulfill his promise by landing a powerful blow and retrieving the Hunter Exam badge Hisoka had taken, though Hisoka is still considered the winner. The animation of their second fight highlights how much Gon has improved since their initial encounter.

Edward Elric vs Scar

In ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’, Edward’s initial fight with Scar in East City is difficult, forcing him to focus on protecting Alphonse. Later, after learning more about the history of alchemy and the government’s involvement, Edward fights Scar again during the chaos in Central City. This rematch is different – Edward is better prepared, has help, and fights with more skillful and coordinated alchemy than their first encounter. The animation emphasizes this change, shifting from a frantic escape to a calculated counterattack during the battles surrounding the Promised Day.

Shigeo Mob Kageyama vs Keiji Mogami

In ‘Mob Psycho 100,’ Mob’s initial encounter with Mogami leads to a manipulated reality that crushes his spirit until a powerful emotional outburst frees him. He re-engages in the conflict with a better grasp of his feelings and the damage Mogami causes. The second fight changes when Mob embraces his abilities while maintaining his compassion, enabling him to resist Mogami’s control. The animation studio Bones presents this rematch as a determined counterattack, a stark contrast to the helpless struggle Mob experienced in the spirit realm.

Inuyasha vs Sesshomaru

At the beginning of the ‘Inuyasha’ series, Sesshomaru quickly defeats his half-brother, Inuyasha, and forces him to fall back. Over time, Inuyasha learns new skills, like Wind Scar and Backlash Wave, which help him become stronger. A later fight demonstrates Inuyasha’s improved skills and control over the Tetsusaiga sword, a level he hadn’t reached in their first encounter. The rematch emphasizes Inuyasha’s technical progress and the growing power of the Tetsusaiga.

Spike Spiegel vs Vicious

Man, that first fight between Spike and Vicious in ‘Cowboy Bebop,’ at the church, was brutal! Seeing Spike get shot and fall through that stained glass… I thought he was a goner! But it all came down to that final showdown, where everything from their past with the Red Dragon Syndicate exploded. Spike fought his way through everyone, finally reaching Vicious for a last, desperate fight – a fight that had been brewing for years, even before the show started. And that final scene, with the sunrise? It felt like a mirror of the church fight, but this time Spike wasn’t falling – he was moving forward with a purpose, finally settling the score.

Izuku Midoriya vs Katsuki Bakugo

In ‘My Hero Academia’, Deku’s initial fight with Bakugo leaves him defeated and needing a desperate strategy because he hasn’t mastered his power, One For All. After gaining experience through internships, exams, and training, Deku challenges Bakugo to a secret rematch at night. This second fight demonstrates how much Deku has improved his control, timing, and ability to analyze his opponent. They also have an open and honest conversation about their past, something that was missing in their first encounter. The creators of the show, Bones, present this rematch as a significant improvement for Deku, both in terms of skill and emotional growth, compared to their first uneven fight.

Share the comeback fight that fired you up the most in the comments.

2025-10-31 11:46