Top 10 Brain Vs Brawn Anime Fights

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Brain vs. Brawn Anime Fights.

For this list, we’re looking at the clashes in anime that pit mind against muscle. Think we messed up in our calculations and missed a crucial entry? Let us know in the comments!

“Kengan Ashura” (2019)

When facing a champion boxer, there’s only so much you can do before you get your face beaten in. In spite of this, Kaneda pushes himself forward in the hope that his superior reflexes and a boat load of medication can keep him on his feet long enough. Sad to say, it isn’t enough. Not by a long shot. While he still finds himself buried under the weight of Gaolang’s fist, Kaneda at least earns some respect from the Thai God of War. Hope that was worth the hospital bill.

“So I'm a Spider, So What?” (2021)

Guess size doesn’t matter, just as long as you’ve got no end of sneaky tactics to help even the odds. Far from the weak little arachnid she was when she first got reincarnated into this eat or be eaten fantasy world, Kumoko takes on the might of a top tier beast with a medley of webs and magic. And she actually pulls it off! The Earth Dragon may have the bigger kaboom, but not even it can brush off getting pummelled with that much venom. Aww, look how far our little isekai’er has come.

“Baki the Grappler” (2001)

Both masters of their respective martial arts, and an underground tournament to decide who is truly superior. Even with his herculean strength and immense skills, Orochi still finds himself falling prey to the softer hands of the jiu jitsu practitioner. Even after getting his face pelted with Orochi’s karate, it’s not enough to stop Shibukawa from bringing an end to things with one hell of a throw. Jeez, no wonder Alai Jr lost so badly, the old man is unbeatable when he gets someone in his grip.

“Record of Ragnarök” (2021)

Even armed with the weapons of the Valkyrie, going up against an actual God is a daunting ordeal, especially when one of them happens to be the ruler of the seas. Serving as humanity’s representative, history’s ultimate loser is forced to contend with Poseidon’s relentless strikes, most of which would be enough to slay a lesser man. However, thanks to a lifetime of training, Sasaki is able to read, predict and eventually outpace the Greek God, allowing for the chance to introduce him to some Japanese steel.

“One Piece” (1999-)

Way before the days where he had beefed up and was capable of unleashing all manner of crazy projectiles, Usopp was just your run of the mill liar, who nonetheless had signed on to help save Nami and her village from the tyranny of the Fishmen. Despite running away for half the battle, the long-nosed pirate still, somehow, claims victory. Chew may be able to unleash titanic water projectiles, but even that fails in comparison to taking a hammer to the head repeatedly. God Usopp at his finest.

“Made in Abyss: Dawn of the Deep Soul” (2020)

Given all the atrocities he committed, even to his own family, it was high time this White Whistle earned an incinerator to the face. Taking on the psychotic cave raider in a war of attrition, the two armoured beings duke it out with everything they have, all the while Bondrewd slowly succumbs to the effects of the Abyss’ curse. While Reg ultimately loses out in terms of firepower, the Sovereign of the Dawn is still no match for a well-timed ambush, especially one with a vengeful and fully armed Riko waiting in the wings.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders” (2014-15)

To give credit to the ultimate MILF Hunter, it was a pretty solid plan, it’s just a shame his opponent happened to be Dio. Using his Stand to essentially create a kill-zone, Kakyoin was able to unleash countless Emerald Splashes from all directions, something that in theory should even be able to do in just about anybody. Alas, with the time-stopping power of The World at his disposal, Dio was able to brush off the onslaught like it was nothing, leaving Kakyoin’s whole plan in ruins. Much like his guts.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

It’s the law of the jungle; mess with Levi and you’re going to end up with a dozen explosives jammed in your neck and left as a heap of roasted flesh. Or maybe that’s just Zeke. None too happy that his comrades were turned into Titans by the older Jaeger brother, Levi goes berserk and brings about a much-deserved reckoning. While Zeke’s Beast form may have granted him the strength to turn anything into a lethal projectile, Levi’s use of the environment and handy collection of Thunder Spears soon turned the table. Next time, maybe Zeke will do himself a favour and give Levi a wide berth.

“Dr. Stone” (2019-)

For the fate of the Stone World, these two factions threw their all into the final battle…but only one of them came out a winner while accomplishing a bloodless victory. Tsukasa and his cronies may be able to punch their way through a mountain, but not even they can stand up to Senku’s brand of science, engineering, and ingenuity. Turns out all those muscles don’t do as well when faced with the threat of a tank, wireless communication and nitro-glycerine, something Senku uses to his advantage and forces an immediate surrender from his long-term frenemy.

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

It’s that age old question; how do you kill something that’s immortal? Unfortunately for the Akatsuki’s unkillable zealot, Shikamaru is one smart cookie, and cooks up one hell of a plan to finish him off for good. As revenge for killing his teacher, the lazy genius wires up Hidan with as many explosives as possible, reducing him to fleshy fragments. While it’s not enough to end his life, it does make burying him alive a whole lot easier. It’s a good thing Hidan is a man of faith because it looks like he’s going to be alone with his prayers for quite a while.