Top 10 Badass Anime Moments

“Solo Leveling” (2024-)


Sung Jinwoo’s journey from zero to hero is loaded with plenty of badass moments. But the turning point is undoubtedly his job change quest. After surviving waves of knights summoned by mages, Jinwoo is offered the chance to become a necromancer called the Shadow Monarch. Since he witnessed the power of summoned soldiers firsthand, Jinwoo decides to accept. The darkness swirling around him and his eyes glowing blue is amazing enough, but then he decides on a phrase to revive his shadow army - “arise.” Jinwoo being surrounded by his new, shadowy minions that glow with inner light after delivering that iconic word is just ridiculously cool.

“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-21)

The entire fight between Escanor, the Lion’s Sin of Pride, and Estarossa is essentially one big flex by the former on the latter. The arrogant knight is immune to Estarossa’s Commandment which paralyzes those who hate him - but Escanor only pities the weak. From asking him if he dropped a coin to hitting him with a miniature sun, Escanor utterly dominates. Even when Estarossa seems to be able to counter Escanor’s Cruel Sun with darkness, Escanor breaks through it. His opponent doesn’t get to decide the strength of his attacks - only Escanor’s decisions matter. Escanor’s ego burns as bright as the noonday sun that powers him up and we’re here for every badass minute of it!

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

Since the murder of his clan by the Phantom Troupe, Kurapika has long sought revenge against its members. He gets his chance when he challenges the brutish Uvogin to a fight. Despite Uvo’s incredible physical strength, Kurapika is able to heal any damage he takes. Eventually, he traps his foe in chains that prevent him from using Nen. Uvo’s strength alone can’t break through them. Kurapika’s harsh interrogation comes to nothing, as Uvo refuses to give up his fellow Spiders, leading to his death. The scarlet-eyed killer proceeds to bury his opponent with a shovel he brought to the fight. Kurapika’s complete dominance and his plan to put Uvo in the ground aren’t just cool - they’re ice cold!

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)

The rebels of Amestris seem to have the troops of Central on the run after they take over the capital. That is, until the Führer, King Bradley, returns. The Homunculus of Wrath may be just a guy who can see anything, but he storms the palace by himself. He dodges and deflects bullets. He cuts huge shells in half. When he squares up with a tank, the tank retreats! Bradley chases the armored vehicle up the entrance tunnel, slaughtering anyone he comes across. We can understand why nobody wants the smoke, because this moment is fire!

“Getter Robo Armageddon” (1998-99)

Most of this mecha anime sees the Getter team battle against Dr. Saotome, a Getter scientist now possessed by the sinister alien Invaders. Their final confrontation sees the whole team come together to deliver one of the franchise’s signature moves, Stoner Sunshine. While it’s incredibly badass to see the crew working as one to overcome their enemy, Dr. Saotome contributes to the moment as well. As the Invaders flee his body, the good doctor holds them close, ensuring that the parasites will die with him. It’s a moment that sees both the heroes and the villain look equally epic.

“One Piece” (1999-)

The Straw Hat Pirates face a near complete defeat at the hands of Warlord Bartholomew Kuma, with Roronoa Zoro one of the only ones left standing. Luffy’s right hand man offers his own life in place of his captain. Kuma agrees, and decides to push out all the pain and fatigue Luffy has endured into a bubble, which he asks Zoro to take. Just a small portion of it sends Zoro into convulsions. After leaving the others, he plunges into the whole thing. Sanji finds Zoro later and the Straw Hats’ swordsman is brutally wounded, yet still standing. Zoro’s response when he’s asked what happened only makes the feat even more legendary. What an absolute beast!

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

There have been many heroic speeches delivered in anime, but few resonate quite like this one. Goku turns Super Saiyan for the first time on Namek. Facing down Freeza, he tanks an attack to the face with zero damage. The alien conqueror is so incredulous, that he asks what Goku is. Goku reveals his name, as well as that he’s not only a Saiyan from Earth, but the Super Saiyan Freeza has long feared. This speech goes hard whether you watch it dubbed or subbed, and it always gives us chills!

“Gurren Lagann” (2007)

When they’re trapped in the Anti-Spirals’ Death Spiral Machine, Team Dai-Gurren’s situation appears hopeless. So, Kittan decides to step up. After a parting kiss to Yoko, Kittan sets out in his Gunman alone. Although he’s able to blow his way into the core, the immense pressure destroys his larger Gunman, making everyone believe he’s dead. However, he takes his smaller Gunman and uses one of Gurren Lagann’s drills to destroy the core, freeing his friends. He may often feel like he’s second best, but in his last moment, nobody outshines Kittan! “Not bad” indeed!

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

For most of this series, Madara has been talked up like no one else. So, when the legendary Uchiha clan founder is brought back from the dead, expectations are high - and he somehow surpasses them! Madara spends basically an entire episode flexing on an army. First, he goes hand-to-hand and outfights every ninja in his way. Then he overwhelms them with powerful techniques. The kicker is when he summons an actual meteor, which takes 2 Kage-level ninja to stop. Oh, and then Madara asks what they’ll do about the second one! Sure he’s the big bad, yet we can’t help but admire his strength and his swagger.

“Vinland Saga” (2019-)


Thorfinn goes to speak with King Canute, hoping to convince him not to attack the farm where he’s living. But to get his chance, Thorfinn must withstand 100 punches from Drott. Although the small man is beaten black-and-blue, he rolls with the punches to reduce their damage. By the final punch, it’s Drott who’s exhausted, and Thorfinn who’s still standing. Sometimes the most badass thing you can do is endure. Thorfinn no longer sees anyone as his enemy, but no one, us included, could stand against him if they wanted to. He’s a true warrior!


Is there a badass anime moment we forgot? Drop your favorites in the comments!