15 Longest Anime Fights That Will Blow Your Mind

It’s often pointed out in discussions about shonen anime, which are known for their action-packed fight sequences, that certain battle scenes can stretch on for such a prolonged period, sometimes even extending to the length of an entire anime series.

It’s worth noting that anime battles often last for extended periods due to various factors such as character backgrounds, speech segments, and multiple stages within a single combat sequence. While some viewers might find lengthy anime fights tedious, they have consistently been a characteristic element in the world of anime. Here, we will explore the longest anime battles ever depicted.

Anime fights are long because of background details, speeches, and multiple stages within each fight. Some people might not like this, but it’s a common aspect of anime. Let’s delve into the longest anime fights that have been created.

15. Naruto vs. Obito (Naruto Shippuden)

In this particular fight between Naruto and Obito, it can be challenging to determine its exact length due to interruptions from other battles taking place within the ongoing struggle. However, what’s certain is that, much like many significant battles in Naruto, this one is quite extensive and unfolds right smack in the heart of the Fourth Great Ninja War.

During this battle, numerous subplots unfolded since it was centered around the Great War that Obito initiated against the ninja world. However, here’s what we can confirm: Approximately 60 episodes transpired from the start of the battle until Obito’s defeat. Yet, not every episode showcased Naruto battling Obito because there were numerous other skirmishes that took place between their actual encounters.

14. Akagi vs. Washizu (Akagi)

In reality, this scenario doesn’t involve a conventional fight, as it unfolds as a captivating match of Mahjong within an anime series dedicated to the game itself. Some viewers might perceive this as a mundane battle given that Mahjong isn’t typically considered an action-packed game. However, the Akagi anime transcends the visual aspect, offering a gripping and mentally stimulating experience instead.

The fight between Akagi and Washizu stands among the longest duels ever portrayed in anime, spanning as many as 13 episodes until its resolution. On the other hand, their confrontation in the manga stretched over a staggering 200+ chapters. Therefore, to call this battle lengthy is indeed a significant understatement.

13. Yusuke vs. Toguro (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Toguro, for decades, has been recognized as one of the most formidable villains from ’90s anime due to his undeniably badass nature. Notably, the battle between him and Yusuke is widely regarded as a landmark fight in the history of ’90s anime. This battle stands out not only for its popularity but also because it spans an extensive period, culminating in this memorable confrontation.

To put it simply, the battle between Yusuke and Toguro in Yu Yu Hakusho seemed to span an entire season, even though it was actually confined to just a few episodes. This is because the build-up to the fight, with its numerous events, made it appear much longer than it really was. When the battle finally unfolded, Yusuke’s triumph over Toguro’s 100% form marked the end of the Dark Tournament, giving the impression that a whole season had transpired.

12. Yugi and Kaiba vs. Dartz (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters)

In the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series, the storyline involving Dartz from the Atlantis arc stands out as one of the strangest and yet, it’s significant that this battle is also among the longest in anime history. This epic confrontation saw rivals Yugi and Kaiba joining forces against their common adversary, Dartz. Although the Atlantis arc isn’t universally beloved in the Duel Monsters universe, it remains quite memorable.

In just six episodes, we focus on the card battle between Yugi and Kaiba against Dartz, but the overall fight lasted longer than that. After vanquishing the Divine Serpent, the Leviathan emerged as a new challenge. This indicates that the battle didn’t end with the defeat of the Divine Serpent card; rather, it continued until the three Egyptian God cards were used to finally subdue the Leviathan.

11. Survey Corps vs. Beast Titan, Armored Titan, and Colossal Titan (Attack On Titan)

Among all segments in the Attack on Titan anime, this particular scene stands out as a memorable landmark because it marked the unveiling of a world beyond the walls. The epic struggle between the Survey Corps and the trio of Beast Titan, Armored Titan, and Colossal Titan was so striking due to its pinnacle status in the human versus titan narrative of the anime series.

In this conflict, the Survey Corps aimed to reclaim the lost Shiganshina District by utilizing Eren’s ability to harden his titan form and seal a hole in the wall. They were aware that Zeke, Reiner, and Bertholdt were planning to apprehend Eren and seize his Founding Titan abilities, which resulted in an epic battle. Eventually, the Survey Corps managed to vanquish the titans and uncovered Grisha’s hidden secret beneath the Yeager family residence.

10. Meruem vs. Netero (Hunter x Hunter)

The Chimera Ant storyline stands out as the pinnacle of Hunter x Hunter’s anime series, featuring battles that required Hunters to use more than just brute strength to overcome their formidable enemies. At this point, the unnamed Chimera Ant King was marching towards global chaos, prompting Chairman Netero to provoke him into a confrontation.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but acknowledge the extended scope of this captivating storyline. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that even the confrontation between King and Netero lasted an extended period. This intense battle ensued due to Netero, a human renowned for his strength, provoking the King into combat, so he could learn the name bestowed upon him by the Chimera Ant Queen – Meruem was indeed his true name, a fact revealed only at the conclusion of this epic arc.

9. Goku vs. Jiren (Dragon Ball Super)

This fight between Goku and Jiren, spread across multiple encounters throughout the Tournament of Power Saga, which spanned over 55 episodes of Dragon Ball Super, is challenging to gauge its length due to frequent interruptions and other battles in between. Although it didn’t take up the entire 55 episodes, when considering the numerous breaks and other fights, it was quite an extended battle.

In the Tournament of Power, I, Goku, encountered Jiren quite early on. Rather than squandering time attempting to best him, I decided to leap straight into our battle. To my surprise, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t make Jiren sweat, much less exhaust himself. However, the breakthrough came when I unlocked Ultra Instinct. The entire duel required me to push beyond my limits and attain Mastered Ultra Instinct. As our fight reached its climax, both Frieza and I managed to eliminate Jiren from the tournament, along with ourselves in the process.

8. Ichigo vs. Ulquiorra (Bleach)

In Bleach, the battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra, displayed in episode 266, represented one of the series’ most thrilling highlights, not least because it showcased a breathtakingly beautiful fight scene that ranks among the best in anime history. This epic encounter allowed us to witness these formidable characters unveiling previously unseen forms, making it a truly memorable event.

The battle between Ichigo and Ulquiorra was so powerful and captivating that it showcased them as the most formidable characters throughout the entire Bleach saga. It required Ichigo’s newly transformed Hollow state to ultimately vanquish Ulquiorra, who had also unveiled his concealed form. Remarkably, this intense duel spanned across seven episodes in a series not typically known for prolonging fights.

7. Naruto vs. Pain (Naruto Shippuden)

One significant peak moment in Naruto’s anime journey was the Pain Arc, as it showcased just how powerful Naruto had become following his mastery of Sage Mode. In this storyline, Pain, a formidable enemy, was virtually demolishing the entire Hidden Leaf Village, despite the valiant attempts of its most skilled ninjas to stop him.

Nonetheless, Naruto managed to show up at the critical moment, thwarting Pain’s attempt to annihilate the village. The ensuing battle between these two ninjas, each holding contrasting beliefs, was engaging without feeling overly prolonged. Notably, during this clash, we witnessed Naruto employ his signature persuasive technique, talk-no-jutsu, which allowed him to uncover Pain’s past while convincing him to resurrect the lives he had taken.

6. Yusuke vs. Sensui (Yu Yu Hakusho)

In contrast to Yusuke’s epic showdown with Toguro, his fierce encounter with Sensui is undeniably one of the most thrilling battles in all of Yu Yu Hakusho. This is because it provided a unique opportunity for us to witness Yusuke at the peak of his abilities against a formidable opponent at the height of his power. Interestingly, this prolonged duel spanned across nine episodes, making it the longest fight in the entire Yu Yu Hakusho anime series.

Indeed, much like many other anime shows, the confrontation between the two adversaries saw each character countering one another by unveiling hidden abilities. However, it wasn’t until Yusuke managed to reach his ultimate form that he was successful in overpowering Sensui during a legendary battle, making it one of the most memorable scenes from 90s anime series.

5. Tsuna vs. Xanxus (Hitman Reborn!)

Despite not being as widely recognized as other shows on this list, let me tell you that Hitman Reborn! was an incredibly enjoyable series boasting its own set of memorable battles between the main character and his adversaries. The longest battle in the show took place during the climactic Vongola Ring Conflict finale.

The conflict pitted Tsunayoshi against Xanxus in a struggle to claim the Vongola Decimo position. Just as you’d expect from an exciting shonen battle scene, the balance of power in this fight frequently changed between the two combatants, spanning approximately nine episodes. Eventually, Tsuna emerged victorious, earning him the right to inherit the Vongola Decimo title following his defeat of Xanxus.

4. Gohan vs. Cell (Dragon Ball Z)

Despite some fans expressing disappointment that Gohan has taken a backseat since Dragon Ball Z’s conclusion, it’s important to note that the Cell Games marked the zenith of his story arc. This is because he successfully overcame his adversary, Cell, who had been effortlessly defeating every opponent following his absorption of Android 17 and 18.

The final clash between Gohan and Cell marked the pinnacle of his training, as he became the first to access the Super Saiyan 2 transformation – a level far surpassing the original Super Saiyan form. It was only upon witnessing Android 16’s demise that Gohan could unlock this form, eventually outmatching Perfect Cell. Over the course of 11 episodes, this epic battle reached its end when Gohan unleashed a Super Kamehameha, colliding with Cell’s own Kamehameha.

3. Luffy vs. Doflamingo (One Piece)

It’s no wonder that One Piece features some of the longest fights in anime history given its extensive length. In this particular confrontation, Luffy squares off against Doflamingo starting from episode 721. Initially, it was a team fight, but eventually, it evolved into a one-on-one duel between them.

During Law’s injury, Luffy found himself battling Doflamingo solo because he needed to activate Gear Four in that intense confrontation. However, using Gear Four took a toll on him, and it wasn’t until three episodes later that he managed to recuperate from its effects. The fight with Doflamingo concluded in episode 733 when Luffy had recovered enough to deliver the decisive blow.

2. Goku vs. Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)

In terms of unforgettable shonen battles, few can compare to the epic showdown between Goku and Frieza. This legendary rivalry is renowned for its length and the way it oscillated between the two combatants. It was Frieza’s overconfidence that led him to survive Goku’s Spirit Bomb, a mistake he made when he chose to kill Krillin instead. However, this decision ultimately proved to be his downfall.

The tragic death of Goku’s dearest friend served as the catalyst for his intense rage, enabling him to unleash the legendary Super Saiyan transformation for the first time. Even with this newfound power, it took time for Goku, due to his compassionate nature, to ultimately defeat the ruthless Frieza in a battle that spanned 19 episodes, leaving an indelible mark on every ’90s kid who watched it.

1. Luffy vs. Katakuri (One Piece)

Although Goku’s battle with Frieza is undeniably one of the longest and most memorable fights in anime, it’s essential to acknowledge that One Piece has an even longer brawl – between Luffy and Katakuri. Initially, Luffy found himself at a disadvantage against Katakuri, but as the battle progressed, various incidents unfolded leading up to its climax. Eventually, Luffy managed to gain the upper hand in the fight.

As a passionate film buff, I must admit that even though Katakuri managed to twist the game yet again when Gear Four’s effects waned, Luffy found another way to turn the tide in his favor, ultimately leading to a 22-episode battle that felt like an entire anime series on its own. Though Luffy had to escape and encounter other adversaries during his journey, he persevered and finally emerged victorious against Katakuri. Remarkably, this duel may not have matched the epic fight between Goku and Frieza in terms of duration, but considering it spanned 22 episodes, it’s still an astounding feat given its length.

2025-05-11 03:39