Top 20 Anime Final Battles
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Scripts written by Jason Bowman
Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Final Battles.
For this list, we’re looking at the concluding battles that got our hearts racing. We’re only considering anime battles that took place at the very end of a series’ run. This means that final battles from arcs, like luffy vs. Rob Lucci or Goku vs. Freiza, will not be considered.
What’s your favorite final battle? Let us know in the comments below!
With Zeref finally defeated there is only one threat that stands in the way of peace, Acnologia, and it’s up to all of the Dragon Slayers to finally come together. After Acnologia overpowers and defeats them, Wendy channels all of the Dragon Slayers magic into Natsu. With Acnologia unable to move due to the Fairy Sphere's power, Natsu is able to combine all of their different elements and finally put an end to the Dragon King with a gigantic fire punch.
When Alucard unleashed his ultimate attack, Level Zero, he pretty much wiped out the whole competition. Everyone that is, except this one unlikely final challenge. After siding with the opposition, Walter’s youth is restored to him - returning him to the killing machine he was back in the day. While Alucard proves a formidable opponent, it is ultimately Walter who stands tall at the end of the battle with the help of some outside interference. Though that victory wouldn’t last.
The final arc in Rurouni Kenshin was never animated back in the day, but luckily we were given a very abridged version of it along with its final battle in this two part OVA. Blaming Kenshin for the death of his sister Tomoe, Enishi kidnaps his beloved Kaoru, which leads to them duking it out by the seaside. The two take advantage of the elements in this unique location and emotions certainly run high. The battle ends when Kenshin gains the advantage over Enishi, allowing him to apologize for his sister's death.
Dating all the way back to the original 1996 series, the relationship between Shinji and his father was a tumultuous one which we thought we’d never see resolved. More than two decades later we finally got to see them hash it out, but not before a surreal mecha showdown in their Evangelions. The epic finale between the two takes us to past locations in the franchise's past, as though everything was recorded on set. The battle finally ends when the two realize that it’s quickly going nowhere, and that the battle cannot be settled through might.
As the main antagonist of Trigun, Knives has a deep hatred for humans and wants them completely eradicated from the planet Gunsmoke. Opposing him is his brother Vash, and it all comes to a head in this final shootout. The two duke it out with not only their revolvers, but their incredibly powerful angel arms. When Knives appears to have the battle won, Vash unleashes his late friend Wolfhard’s Cross Gun from under the sand, giving him the opportunity to defeat his estranged sibling.
While on his way to tell Tsubomi his feelings, Mob is hit by a car which leads him to awaken his ???% state and go on a rampage. Despite the best efforts of his friends, no one is able to stop him, until Reigen arrives on the scene. The phony Psychic proceeds to battle his way through the craziest storm you’ve ever seen in order to get to his student. Thanks to a little help from Dimple, Reigan is finally able to reach Mob, and unleashes his one final attack: telling Mob the truth that he isn’t actually a psychic.
A series usually ends with the protagonist winning… right? The final battle in Yu Yu Hakusho takes our expectations and tosses them right out the window. In the third round of the Demon World Tournament, Yusuke faces off against one of the Three Kings of the Demon Realm, Yomi, who proves to be more than a match for the young spirit detective. None of his powers are enough to break the King’s shield, so he reverts back to what he knows best: throwing punches. This fight ends with a classic slugfest, which Yusuke actually loses. Bet you didn’t see that one coming.
The finale of not only the Silver Soul Arc, but the long-running franchise itself, sees Gintoki finally confront the darker side of his teacher Utsuro, who has taken over ther body of his longtime rival/enemy Takasugi. As with many battles before it, we’re treated to a fantastic sword battle that harkens back to defining moments in the franchise between Gintoki, Takasugi and Shouyou. After Utsuro realizes that he is no longer immortal in Takasugi’s body, Gintama finally puts an end to the main antagonist, while also saying goodbye to his once friend.
After a long and grueling battle, Dai finally unlocks the full power of both his Dragon crests and transforms into a new Dragonoid form. In order to counter this, Vearn himself unleashes his full power, transforming into a huge monster that towers over Dai. The two battle it out in stunning fashion in space, with both of them pushing the other to the limit. The battle finally ends when Dai grabs his sword, which had already been lodged inside Vearn many episodes ago, and tears right through the Dark King, ending him once and for all.
To say we’ve been waiting years for this moment is certainly an understatement. After winning the Alola league, Ash enters Masters Eight Tournament and goes all the way to the finals against Galar champion Leon. After a grueling battle, everything comes down to their two final Pokemon, Pikachu and Charizard in a dazzling display. After finding the will to continue fighting thanks to the support of Ash’s previous companion Pokemon, Pikachu launches one final attack alongside the iconic Pokemon theme to win the battle, allowing Ash to become world champion.
Usually when rivals have their final showdown, they’ve already had a few battles. However, this climactic fight is unique simply because it is the first and last time Kiritsugu and Kirei meet, and they’re both keenly aware of just how deadly the other is. With no super powered servants to get in the way, it’s just two men in a concrete basement with guns and knives. Kiritsugu manages to pull off a surprise victory but he’ll soon find that it may not have been worth it....
#9: Akira vs. Ryo “Devilman Crybaby” (2017)
Once best friends, now the main obstacle standing in front of each other’s goals. Following the heartbreaking penultimate episode, in which the person Akira loves most was brutally murdered, the stage was set for one of the biggest blood feuds in history. Akira versus Ryo. Devilman versus Satan. Though their battle takes central stage, it’s the ensuing chaos around them between the demonic legions, the Devilmen, and the last of humanity’s numbers that makes this battle so epic. Alas, when the dust settles we learn that bloodshed truly wasn’t the ending these two wanted…
They say that you are your own worst enemy and that couldn’t be truer for this final duel in Yu-Gi-Oh! There can’t be a bigger challenge than overcoming an opponent that knows every move you’re going to make. Though luckily for Yugi, he knows Atem just as well resulting in a duel with no tricks, no cheats or gimmicks, and no Exodias. It’s just a battle of wits between a kid and his Egyptian pharaoh friend, and one of the fairest duels in the series. Like all feel-good stories, Yugi overcomes his companion in the end and gives him a tearful farewell.
The Gundam series is no stranger when it comes to rival battles. However, Char and Amuro stand out not just because of how many times they clash over the series but the unrelenting pace of their final battle in the anime. As the Battle of A Baoa Qu reaches its climax, the two rivals engage in a fierce mecha battle with both performing at their peak ability. However, they decide to up-the-ante and end their rivalry with a sword fight in zero-gravity. Though they both manage to walk away from the fight alive, it is not without some permanent scars.
One of the classic finales in anime, Spike and Vicious’ duel is short but very, very sweet. Former comrades in the Red Dragon crime syndicate, the two share a bitter rivalry over their differing opinions on who should become the new head of the syndicate as Spike’s calm and lazy attitude doesn’t really gel with Vicious’ cold sadism. Spike is not only heavily injured from the start but he also only has a pistol which puts him at a disadvantage in close-quarters. Alas, the space cowboy comes out on top… barely.
The end of the Naruto series and an emotional fight for the fans, these two ninja really know how to go out with a bang. Friends and rivals since their younger days as ninja-in-training, it was inevitable that even after defeating all the enemies in their path that Naruto and Sasuke would face off one final time. It’s one intense fight too with both of them bringing out all their signature techniques and moves that they’ve honed over the course of the series. The final clash costs them each an arm but makes their bond even stronger.
There have been many big-bads over the course of Dragon Ball Z. However, none of which were close to the nightmare that is Kid Buu. Every other antagonist at least had some goal in mind such as conquering a planet or winning a tournament, but Kid Buu was just chaos incarnate; a being bent on nothing but the destruction of life. Goku wouldn’t even stand a chance if it weren’t for Vegeta, Majin Buu and, yes, Hercule, backing him up. They barely eke out a win with the super spirit bomb which completely obliterates Kid Buu, making him one of the only villains killed by Goku in the entire series.
Using time-stop in a fight is almost like cheating, and Dio is the king of it. His stand, The World, can stop time for a full 5 seconds, which is more than enough to take down both Kakyoin and Grandpa Joseph. The final battle is pretty one-sided with Dio stopping time to inflict heavy damage on Jotaro at every turn. However, the stylish delinquent manages to turn the tables by pushing his Star Platinum to the limit and trapping Dio in; you guessed it, an even stronger time-stop and destroys The World, defeating the villain for good.
If this list were based solely on the scale of the fights, then this clash of the titans would take the number one spot for sure. Gurren Lagann is a series known for constantly outdoing itself when it comes to battles and it culminates in two gigantic mecha fighting in space. Seriously these two are so massive that the galaxies around them are used both as shields and as weapons. The momentum in this fight is hyper-charged, with characters coming in to help in any way they can, and if the final clash doesn’t get you on your feet screaming then we don’t know what will.
Nothing quite gets us cheering like characters coming together to take down a seemingly invincible foe. Father not only hits like a truck but he can deflect alchemy, bullets and bombs like they’re nothing. Even with the combined efforts of several alchemists, the army and some returning foes, he barely takes any damage. However, just when things are looking grim, Greed sacrifices himself to give Ed an opening to deliver a well-deserved, rage fuelled beat down. For a finale, this fight has it all and is a great send off to an overall fantastic series.
Top 20 Anime Final Battles
Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Anime Final Battles.
For this list, we’re looking at the concluding battles that got our hearts racing. We’re only considering anime battles that took place at the very end of a series’ run. This means that final battles from arcs, like luffy vs. Rob Lucci or Goku vs. Freiza, will not be considered.
What’s your favorite final battle? Let us know in the comments below!
#20: Dragon Slayers vs. Acnologia
“Fairy Tail” (2009-19)With Zeref finally defeated there is only one threat that stands in the way of peace, Acnologia, and it’s up to all of the Dragon Slayers to finally come together. After Acnologia overpowers and defeats them, Wendy channels all of the Dragon Slayers magic into Natsu. With Acnologia unable to move due to the Fairy Sphere's power, Natsu is able to combine all of their different elements and finally put an end to the Dragon King with a gigantic fire punch.
#19: Alucard vs. Walter
“Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)When Alucard unleashed his ultimate attack, Level Zero, he pretty much wiped out the whole competition. Everyone that is, except this one unlikely final challenge. After siding with the opposition, Walter’s youth is restored to him - returning him to the killing machine he was back in the day. While Alucard proves a formidable opponent, it is ultimately Walter who stands tall at the end of the battle with the help of some outside interference. Though that victory wouldn’t last.
#18: Kenshin vs. Enishi
“Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection” (2001-02)The final arc in Rurouni Kenshin was never animated back in the day, but luckily we were given a very abridged version of it along with its final battle in this two part OVA. Blaming Kenshin for the death of his sister Tomoe, Enishi kidnaps his beloved Kaoru, which leads to them duking it out by the seaside. The two take advantage of the elements in this unique location and emotions certainly run high. The battle ends when Kenshin gains the advantage over Enishi, allowing him to apologize for his sister's death.
#17: Shinji vs. Gendo
“Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time” (2021)Dating all the way back to the original 1996 series, the relationship between Shinji and his father was a tumultuous one which we thought we’d never see resolved. More than two decades later we finally got to see them hash it out, but not before a surreal mecha showdown in their Evangelions. The epic finale between the two takes us to past locations in the franchise's past, as though everything was recorded on set. The battle finally ends when the two realize that it’s quickly going nowhere, and that the battle cannot be settled through might.
#16: Vash vs. Knives
“Trigun” (1998)As the main antagonist of Trigun, Knives has a deep hatred for humans and wants them completely eradicated from the planet Gunsmoke. Opposing him is his brother Vash, and it all comes to a head in this final shootout. The two duke it out with not only their revolvers, but their incredibly powerful angel arms. When Knives appears to have the battle won, Vash unleashes his late friend Wolfhard’s Cross Gun from under the sand, giving him the opportunity to defeat his estranged sibling.
#15: Mob vs. Reigen
“Mob Psycho 100” (2016-22)While on his way to tell Tsubomi his feelings, Mob is hit by a car which leads him to awaken his ???% state and go on a rampage. Despite the best efforts of his friends, no one is able to stop him, until Reigen arrives on the scene. The phony Psychic proceeds to battle his way through the craziest storm you’ve ever seen in order to get to his student. Thanks to a little help from Dimple, Reigan is finally able to reach Mob, and unleashes his one final attack: telling Mob the truth that he isn’t actually a psychic.
#14: Yusuke vs Yomi
Yu Yu Hakusho (1990-94)A series usually ends with the protagonist winning… right? The final battle in Yu Yu Hakusho takes our expectations and tosses them right out the window. In the third round of the Demon World Tournament, Yusuke faces off against one of the Three Kings of the Demon Realm, Yomi, who proves to be more than a match for the young spirit detective. None of his powers are enough to break the King’s shield, so he reverts back to what he knows best: throwing punches. This fight ends with a classic slugfest, which Yusuke actually loses. Bet you didn’t see that one coming.
#13: Gintoki vs. Utsuro
“Gintama: The Final” (2021)The finale of not only the Silver Soul Arc, but the long-running franchise itself, sees Gintoki finally confront the darker side of his teacher Utsuro, who has taken over ther body of his longtime rival/enemy Takasugi. As with many battles before it, we’re treated to a fantastic sword battle that harkens back to defining moments in the franchise between Gintoki, Takasugi and Shouyou. After Utsuro realizes that he is no longer immortal in Takasugi’s body, Gintama finally puts an end to the main antagonist, while also saying goodbye to his once friend.
#12: Dai vs. Vearn
“Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai” (2020-22)After a long and grueling battle, Dai finally unlocks the full power of both his Dragon crests and transforms into a new Dragonoid form. In order to counter this, Vearn himself unleashes his full power, transforming into a huge monster that towers over Dai. The two battle it out in stunning fashion in space, with both of them pushing the other to the limit. The battle finally ends when Dai grabs his sword, which had already been lodged inside Vearn many episodes ago, and tears right through the Dark King, ending him once and for all.
#11: Ash vs. Leon
“Pokémon” (1997-)To say we’ve been waiting years for this moment is certainly an understatement. After winning the Alola league, Ash enters Masters Eight Tournament and goes all the way to the finals against Galar champion Leon. After a grueling battle, everything comes down to their two final Pokemon, Pikachu and Charizard in a dazzling display. After finding the will to continue fighting thanks to the support of Ash’s previous companion Pokemon, Pikachu launches one final attack alongside the iconic Pokemon theme to win the battle, allowing Ash to become world champion.
#10: Kiritsugu vs. Kirei
“Fate/Zero” (2011-12)Usually when rivals have their final showdown, they’ve already had a few battles. However, this climactic fight is unique simply because it is the first and last time Kiritsugu and Kirei meet, and they’re both keenly aware of just how deadly the other is. With no super powered servants to get in the way, it’s just two men in a concrete basement with guns and knives. Kiritsugu manages to pull off a surprise victory but he’ll soon find that it may not have been worth it....
#9: Akira vs. Ryo “Devilman Crybaby” (2017)
Once best friends, now the main obstacle standing in front of each other’s goals. Following the heartbreaking penultimate episode, in which the person Akira loves most was brutally murdered, the stage was set for one of the biggest blood feuds in history. Akira versus Ryo. Devilman versus Satan. Though their battle takes central stage, it’s the ensuing chaos around them between the demonic legions, the Devilmen, and the last of humanity’s numbers that makes this battle so epic. Alas, when the dust settles we learn that bloodshed truly wasn’t the ending these two wanted…
#8: Yugi vs. Atem
“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” (2000-04)They say that you are your own worst enemy and that couldn’t be truer for this final duel in Yu-Gi-Oh! There can’t be a bigger challenge than overcoming an opponent that knows every move you’re going to make. Though luckily for Yugi, he knows Atem just as well resulting in a duel with no tricks, no cheats or gimmicks, and no Exodias. It’s just a battle of wits between a kid and his Egyptian pharaoh friend, and one of the fairest duels in the series. Like all feel-good stories, Yugi overcomes his companion in the end and gives him a tearful farewell.
#7: Amuro Ray vs. Char Aznable
“Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979-80)The Gundam series is no stranger when it comes to rival battles. However, Char and Amuro stand out not just because of how many times they clash over the series but the unrelenting pace of their final battle in the anime. As the Battle of A Baoa Qu reaches its climax, the two rivals engage in a fierce mecha battle with both performing at their peak ability. However, they decide to up-the-ante and end their rivalry with a sword fight in zero-gravity. Though they both manage to walk away from the fight alive, it is not without some permanent scars.
#6: Spike Spiegel vs. Vicious
“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)One of the classic finales in anime, Spike and Vicious’ duel is short but very, very sweet. Former comrades in the Red Dragon crime syndicate, the two share a bitter rivalry over their differing opinions on who should become the new head of the syndicate as Spike’s calm and lazy attitude doesn’t really gel with Vicious’ cold sadism. Spike is not only heavily injured from the start but he also only has a pistol which puts him at a disadvantage in close-quarters. Alas, the space cowboy comes out on top… barely.
#5: Naruto vs. Sasuke
“Naruto Shippuden” (2007-17)The end of the Naruto series and an emotional fight for the fans, these two ninja really know how to go out with a bang. Friends and rivals since their younger days as ninja-in-training, it was inevitable that even after defeating all the enemies in their path that Naruto and Sasuke would face off one final time. It’s one intense fight too with both of them bringing out all their signature techniques and moves that they’ve honed over the course of the series. The final clash costs them each an arm but makes their bond even stronger.
#4: Goku vs. Kid Buu
“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)There have been many big-bads over the course of Dragon Ball Z. However, none of which were close to the nightmare that is Kid Buu. Every other antagonist at least had some goal in mind such as conquering a planet or winning a tournament, but Kid Buu was just chaos incarnate; a being bent on nothing but the destruction of life. Goku wouldn’t even stand a chance if it weren’t for Vegeta, Majin Buu and, yes, Hercule, backing him up. They barely eke out a win with the super spirit bomb which completely obliterates Kid Buu, making him one of the only villains killed by Goku in the entire series.
#3: Jotaro vs. Dio
“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (2014-15)Using time-stop in a fight is almost like cheating, and Dio is the king of it. His stand, The World, can stop time for a full 5 seconds, which is more than enough to take down both Kakyoin and Grandpa Joseph. The final battle is pretty one-sided with Dio stopping time to inflict heavy damage on Jotaro at every turn. However, the stylish delinquent manages to turn the tables by pushing his Star Platinum to the limit and trapping Dio in; you guessed it, an even stronger time-stop and destroys The World, defeating the villain for good.
#2: Team Dai-Gurren vs. Anti-Spiral
“Gurren Lagann” (2007)If this list were based solely on the scale of the fights, then this clash of the titans would take the number one spot for sure. Gurren Lagann is a series known for constantly outdoing itself when it comes to battles and it culminates in two gigantic mecha fighting in space. Seriously these two are so massive that the galaxies around them are used both as shields and as weapons. The momentum in this fight is hyper-charged, with characters coming in to help in any way they can, and if the final clash doesn’t get you on your feet screaming then we don’t know what will.
#1: Everyone vs. Father
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)Nothing quite gets us cheering like characters coming together to take down a seemingly invincible foe. Father not only hits like a truck but he can deflect alchemy, bullets and bombs like they’re nothing. Even with the combined efforts of several alchemists, the army and some returning foes, he barely takes any damage. However, just when things are looking grim, Greed sacrifices himself to give Ed an opening to deliver a well-deserved, rage fuelled beat down. For a finale, this fight has it all and is a great send off to an overall fantastic series.
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