Top 10 Anime Fights Won With A Single Blow
For this list, we'll be looking at the battles in anime where a character mopped the floor with their opponent after just one move. Doesn't matter if they get knocked out or not, just as long as the fight ended right after that first attack.
#10: Escanor vs. Derocchio
“The Seven Deadly Sins the Movie: Prisoners of the Sky” (2018)
This guy was doomed from the start. Strike one – he referred to himself as the king of the jungle in the presence of the Lion Sin of Pride. Strike two – he was just about to try and punch Merlin, who, as well all know, is the shining star in Escanor’s universe. Strike three – the fact he tried to square up to Escanor in the first place. What does this all amount to? An axe swing directly to the face courtesy of the Master of the Sun.
#9: Lisa Lisa vs. Wired Beck
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012)
You’ve got to be a special kind of man if you want to earn the affection of one of JoJo’s deadliest ladies, and in the case of this sadistic vampire, he just wasn’t up to task. While trying to ensnare her with a deathly embrace filled with plenty of spikes, Joseph’s mother dishes out one hell of an elegant counter by lashing out with her scarf that just so happens to be brimming with Hamon. From there it doesn’t take long for the melting to start…
#8: Sarada vs. Tarui
“Boruto: Naruto Next Generations” (2017-)
While it’s fair to say Sarada tends to favour her Sharingan overall, that’s not to say she hasn’t got some of her mother’s insane strength. In order to progress her way through the Chunin Exams, the Uchiha heir finds herself tangoing with quite the talented taijutsu user from the Hidden Rock, not that any of it matters since she manages to predict his movements and land a blow that sends him flying out of the ring and almost crashing through the stadium. No wonder Sakura’s so proud.
#7: Dio vs. Kakyoin
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (2014-15)
Apparently, Araki is a huge fan of this trope, because with each new iteration of JoJo, you can always count on one the fabulous fighters getting taken out via the fist of a Stand. In the case of the ultimate MILF hunter, his final gamble ended up falling short when facing off against the time-stopping power of The World. Able to effortlessly bypass all of Hierophant Green’s tendrils, Dio is given a free pass to ram his hand right through Kakyoin’s gut and send him hurtling into oblivion. Goodnight sweet prince, may desperate, single mothers lead thee to thy rest.
#6: Gobta vs. Gabiru
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-)
Ah yes, that one shining moment where a comic relief character ascended to the realm of badassery by kicking the shit out of the most arrogant anime reptile next to Myne. After flaunting his heritage and disrespecting Rimuru, Gobta somehow found himself in the position of kicking the lizard prince’s ass on behalf of his slime overlord. With the threat of having to eat Shion’s cooking should he lose, the goblin goes full on alpha, performing a shadow kick that crippled Gabiru so badly even the show took its time reveling in it.
#5: Natsu vs. Bluenote
“Fairy Tail” (2009-19)
Maybe it’s time for this Grimoire Heart member to quit his day job and find another use for his Gravity Magic after this brief encounter with everyone’s favorite Fairy Tail Wizard. Despite being able to take down Wendy and the rest, Bluenote was woefully unprepared for Natsu’s arrival, who after just casually letting out a burst of fire not only reduced him to a crisp, but also shattered the self-esteem of everyone watching. Everything is a scorched earth tactic when it comes to a Salamander.
#4: Saitama vs. Carnage Kabuto
“One Punch Man” (2015-19)
It’s not that we haven’t seen the world’s strongest hero pummel the crap out of his foes with just a love tap before. Heck, his entire career is built on that. However, in our minds the best example arose during his rumble with the giant insect with a talent for trash-talking and way too many muscles to spare, who was more than a little eager to throw Saitama around the room like a pinball. To see his entire carapace explode after the caped baldy retaliates with a desperate strike (only after realising the store was closing) remains priceless.
#3: Luffy vs. Urashima
“One Piece” (1999-)
Oh Wano, you have no idea what you’re in for. Even if you’re filled with giants like this sumo superstar, you’ve got little chance against the Fifth Pirate Emperor. Stepping up to the plate in order to defend Okiku from the beastly wants of the larger than life Urashima, Luffy tries his hands at sumo wrestling, which, when combined with Gear Third, results in a slap of such size and magnitude that it sends the pink-haired bastard flying. Now that’s how you beat them at their own game.
#2: Shinra & Arthur vs. Leonard
“Fire Force” (2019)
He may have the Devil’s Footprints, and he might have a knight fetish, but even with their flames combined these Fire Force rookies don’t stand a ghost of a chance against the Company 1’S Commander. Hard boiled, missing an eye and obviously hiding more than he’s letting on in regard to Shinra’s past, the duo decided to test their mettle against the grizzled veteran in a practise match. Despite launching a combined assault, all it gets them is a lesson in pain when Mr Burns flexes his chest, and in doing so sends Shinra and his flames packing!
#1: Zenitsu vs. Spider Demon
“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (2019)
The human lightning bolt may be somewhat inept while awake due to his cowardice, put if you just so happen to push him into the land of dreams then watch out, because even though he’s got just one move in his arsenal, it’s likely still going to be more than you can handle. Just look what happened to this cocky spider – he poisoned Zenitsu, knocked him out, sent his minions to devour him, and all that got him in return was an upfront demonstration of the Thunderclap and Flash.
