Top 10 Inspiring Anime Moments of Respect
For this list, we'll be looking at the times in anime where a character was shown to hold another in great esteem. They can be fated foes, teachers and pupils, or anything in between, as long as there's evidence of someone manning up and displaying their reverence for the other person, it counts! Get ready for some very respectful spoilers down the line.
There’s so much mutual admiration here it’s blinding! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we are counting down our picks for the Top 10 Inspiring Moments of Respect in Anime.
For this list, we’ll be looking at the times in anime where a character was shown to hold another in great esteem. They can be fated foes, teachers and pupils, or anything in between, as long as there’s evidence of someone manning up and displaying their reverence for the other person, it counts! Get ready for some very respectful spoilers down the line.
#10: Rimuru Makes the Orc Lord's Dream Come True
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-)
Not quite what you’d expect to see after watching two monsters try to eat one another. After being tricked into becoming a weapon to be used against the other races, the Orc Lord was on track to slaughter the Lizardman populace, blinded by his fury and desire to end the famine blighting his own people. While Rimuru had no choice but to put him down, he did make his final moments one of great happiness, since before disappearing into the abyss, the sentient slime not only promised to put and end to the famine, but showed him a vision of his homeland. It’s a truly touching sight, one that brings the Orc Disaster to tears.
#9: Yuri Goes Gearless
“Megalo Box” (2018)
While the Russian pro didn’t think much of Gearless Joe to begin with, watching him box his way to victory all throughout Megalonia ended up reigniting his sporting spark. By the time the finals roled around, Yuri was determined to fight Joe on even ground, which meant removing his own gear. Of course, that’s easier said than done, since he had to get it surgically removed, with the after-effects proving to be so agonising that it nearly broke him. Here’s hoping Joe appreciated everything his rival did for him.
#8: Master Asia’s Death
“Mobile Fighter G Gundam” (1994-95)
It says a lot when a guy turns to the dark side, throws his lot in with a murderous mecha, and tries to take out his student on multiple occasions…only for said student to still wholly respect him. Yeah, Master Asia may have made some pretty poor choices when it came to his allegiance swapping, but his determination and everlasting faith in Domon ensured that he remained a character we could at the very least understand. Even when he fell in battle, he spent his final moments passing on his blessings to Domon as the new King of Hearts.
#7: Genkai’s Send Off
“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)
She may have been instrumental when it came to Yusuke getting stronger, but it’s fair to say this old bag and the Spirit Detective never saw eye to eye, and would much rather chew each other out than exchange a kind word. As it happens, Yusuke respected his mentor far more than anyone could have anticipated. Following her death, Yusuke decides the best thing to do before the Dark Tournament finals would be to honour her memory, showing off the fruits of her teachings in a display that leaves the rest of his team in awe.
#6: Kirito and Eugeo Heal Fanatio
“Sword Art Online: Alicization” (2018-)
With a sense of justice that was just as potent as the likes of our two leads, this particular Integrity Knight proved to be more than a match for Kirito and Eugeo. Of course, despite her immense skills with a blade, Fanatio was ultimately bested by the SAO veteran. Thankfully, due to her warrior spirit having such a profound effect on them, especially when it came to her desire to conquer the kingdom’s gender discrimination, they decided to use their trump card to heal her as opposed to saving it for the Final Boss.
#5: Kurama Accepts Naruto
“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)
For the longest time, the Nine Tailed Fox had been the source of both Naruto’s power and his pain. As the strongest of the Tailed Beasts, it appeared that all it wanted was to free itself and resume is hellish rampage. That ended up taking a 180 when Kurama saw Naruto’s resolve to save the other tailed beasts in the battle against Obito. And after the biggest fist bump you’ll ever see the two finally combined their power on a mutual footing. Guess friendships can bloom on a battlefield.
#4: OG Master Roshi
“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)
It’s fair to say that ever since aliens, demons and other crazy creatures started showing up, the turtle hermit has somewhat been overshadowed, especially by his students. That being said, he was still a prime candidate for Universe 7’s roster of warriors by the time the Tournament of Power came around. Sure, he didn’t last as long as some of the other warriors, but his refusal to let down Goku and the rest proved to be so staggering that he even earned the admiration of Vegeta and Beerus. As we all know, that’s no small feat!
#3: Itou Kamotarou Dies with Honor
“Gintama” (2006-)
The Shinsengumi are a colourful bunch, and sometimes they come across even more goofy than Gintoki, but much like the White Demon, when shit gets serious, they get SERIOUS. After causing untold damage to the group through acts of mutiny and betrayal, we all knew that Kamotarou’s goose was most definitely cooked. However, instead of suffering the fate he deserved, the group allow him to die with dignity. Not as a traitor but as one of their fellow comrades in a one vs one battle against Hijikata.
#2: Gilgamesh Spares Waver
“Fate/Zero” (2011-12)
When it comes to selfishness and an inflated sense of ego, no-one tops this Archer-class Servant. Not even his own Master was able to fully control him thanks to the danger he posed with his immensely powerful Noble Phantasm. With all that said, you’d think a shrimp like Waver refusing to kneel to him would equal an immediate death sentence. However, in light of the fact he had sworn his loyalty to Rider even after his passing, Gilgamesh instead commended his resolve and allowed him to walk away practically unscathed. That is unfathomably lucky. Bet Shinji wishes he had Waver’s good fortune.
#1: Luffy Covers Katakuri's Face
“One Piece” (1999-)
The Straw Hat Captain has knocked out plenty of people in his time, and while some were more stubborn than others, none of them managed to have as profound an effect on him as the son of Big Mom. After learning of how he was ostracised due to his hideous mouth, along with his refusal to fall down no matter what was thrown his way, Katakuri ended up earning Luffy’s respect. This ended up extending far outside of their battle, as following his victory, Luffy covered Katakuri’s deformity with his own hat, ensuring that the infamous Dogtooth wouldn’t have his shame exposed to the world. What a legend.
