Top 10 Badass Anime Moments of the Century (So Far)
Top 10 Badass Anime Moments of the Century So Far
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Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most epic scenes committed by an anime character across the medium!
#10: Kenpachi Effing Zaraki
“Bleach: The Thousand Year Blood War” (2022-) Just when you thought it was impossible for Kenpachi to get any cooler, along comes his most bombastic and thrilling battle to date. Facing off against a Quincy who can turn fantasy into reality with a mere thought, the average Shinigami would be easily destroyed by the likes of Gremmy. But not our boy. Whether it's steel, a meteor or even the vacuum of space, the Captain of the Eleventh Division just keeps cutting through it like a champ! How? Because he’s Kenpachi, that’s how!
#9: Satoru Gojo, The Enlightened One
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-) Because obviously Gojo didn’t have nearly enough fangirl appeal beforehand! After being initially overwhelmed by the musclebound assailant Toji, Gojo makes his grand return from the edge of death - loving life and ready for revenge. Now in full control of his Limitless ability, Gojo truly comes into his own, able to outmaneuver and outperform anything Megumi’s daddy throws his way. All of this caps off by him unveiling the might of his purple technique. Needless to say, Toji won’t be attending any graduations.
#8: Naruto Arrives
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“Naruto Shippuden” (2007-17) Better late than never, right? In the wake of Pain’s attack on the Hidden Leaf Village, everything is at its lowest point, to the point where all Sakura can do is plead for the help of a certain blonde ninja. Who promptly answers with one hell of an entrance. In Sage Mode, on top of a giant frog, who’s on top of another giant frog, surrounded by two other giant frogs, ready to take the fight to the Six Paths of Pain. It should be ridiculous and yet Naruto makes it effortlessly effective, instantly becoming the ray of hope to the village that long despised him.
#7: Dark Hero Deku
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“My Hero Academia” (2016-) We all know that Izuku is a cinnamon roll deep down, but we’ve got to admit, his Batman phase is all kinds of epic. In a rematch against Muscular, Deku displays just how much stronger he’s become since furthering his control over One for All. Not only is he able to switch between Quirks on a whim, but his punching power is obscene. With nothing but will, grit, and some cold calculations, Deku demonstrates what happens when the sunshine boys dabbles in the darkness of being an anti-hero.
#6: Who Decided That?
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“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-21) You think such a puny thing like excessive hemorrhaging and impossible odds would be enough to best someone like Escanor? As arrogant as he is strong, Escanor displayed why he stands above all during the clash with the Ten Commandments. Even after being cut up and having his own attacks thrown back at him by Estarossa, the Lion Sin of Pride pushes past it all with a single declaration. The man’s belief in himself is so infallible that he was able to come back from the brink and one shot his foe like he was nothing. The confidence this man exudes is truly next level.
#5: Eren Crashes the Party
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“Attack on Titan” (2013-) Nothing says boss energy quite like interrupting an enemy nation’s declaration of war, just to drop your own in the most heinous of fashions. After committing to his ideal of destroying his enemies across the sea no matter the consequences, Eren transforms before the eyes of the world, only to decimate Marley armies and wipe out their beloved leader in an instant. Not only does it demonstrate Eren’s willingness to cross any and all lines, but just how terrifying the Attack Titan can be when it goes on a rampage.
#4: Wrath’s Return
“Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood” (2009-10) Given his long list of atrocities, we’re not exactly inclined to root for King Bradley as he makes his return to the battlefield…but damn it, if his counterattack isn’t one of the slickest sprees of destruction we’ve seen! Whether they be soldiers or even a tank, nothing can hold back the might of Wrath’s sword as he slices through every line of resistance, quite literally in most cases. In a single move, the Homunculus was able to turn the tide of the battle back in his favour, and all he had to do was show up!
#3: Ultra Instinct
“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18) Not since the time Goku first went golden has a Dragon Ball transformation left audiences in complete awe, but damn if Ultra Instinct didn’t deliver. As the Tournament of Power comes to a close, Goku finally manages to ascend to a stronger state of being, one complete with a new silver hair style and enough force to knock the bricks out of the seemingly invulnerable Jiren. While brief, the sight of Goku unleashing hell on his foe is quintessential Dragon Ball, capturing the classic series spirit through a modern lens!
#2: Zoro Takes Luffy’s Pain
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“One Piece” (1999-) The strength of the Straw Hat’s resident swordsman has never come into question, but with this single act, he proved without a doubt that the only thing greater than his sword arm was his loyalty for his Captain. After pleading to exchange Luffy’s life for his, the Warlord Kuma offers a lethal compromise. He will spare the rest of the crew…if Zoro can withstand all the accumulated fatigue and pain Luffy accumulated during the course of the battle. In short, a guaranteed death sentence. And what does he do? Withstands it and brushes it off like it never happened. Peak chadness right here!
#1: Kittan’s Death
“Gurren Lagann” (2007) Noble sacrifices are abundant in anime, but when it comes to a flashy exit, Team Dai Gurren’s most daring member has everyone beat. Trapped inside of the Anti-Spiral’s black hole machine, the human resistance are within a hair’s breadth of being crushed. So what does Kittan do? Gives up a future with his comrades and the woman he loves and launches a one man kamikaze mission to destroy the machine holding them captive. Imbued by unparalleled machismo and spiral power, Kittan proved he was so much more than just a side character. Which anime character do you consider a certified badass? Let us know in the comments!