Top 10 Most Legendary Anime Moments

“Naruto” (2002-07)

It’s fair to say that many didn’t expect much from Rock Lee, whether due to his wardrobe, attitude or inability to perform ninjutsu. And then he promptly proved everyone wrong when he displayed just how insanely strong he truly was. In order to keep up with Gaara’s relentless sand, Lee undoes the training weights holding him back…which just so happen to weigh far more than what anyone was expecting. It not only kicks one of the anime’s best fights into high gear, but redefined Lee’s character as someone to be admired!

“Pokemon” (1997-)

Way before Ash was the Pokemon Champion of the world, he was just a struggling trainer trying to earn a gym badge, who couldn’t even get his volatile Charizard to behave. That is, until they faced off against the likes of Blaine and his equally fierce Magmar. With the odds stacked against them, the two finally decide to work together, leading to the best bout of the entire classic series, as Charizard goes all out and ultimately sends Magmar into the heart of a volcano.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)

As beautifully framed as it is emotionally devastating, no matter your thoughts on the more symbolic/convoluted aspects of this mecha juggernaut, there’s no denying that the demise of Kaoru is painfully poignant. While an Angel in his own right, Kaoru becomes a vital part of Shinji’s life, showing him support and love when no one else would, and yet, it’s by Shinji's hand that the cinnamon roll meets his end. For minutes, nothing happens save for the now iconic shot of EVA-01 holding Karou in his grasp with orchestral music playing in the background…until he crushes him and all fades to black.

“The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” (2006-09)

Usually bunny girl outfits, anime and epic rock music doesn’t tend to go hand in hand, but then again, Haruhi is known for making the impossible happen. What was supposed to be just a regular, run of the mill high school performance turns into a bonafide rock show when Haruhi and the ladies of the SOS Brigade unleash a tour de force of a song. While her attire certainly keeps the attention, the song itself is a certified banger, with guitar solos aplenty to get any fan hyped.

“Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979-80)

Everyone has their favorite mobile suit, but Amuro’s partner in crime is eternal, and no amount of copycats can ever hope to top it, especially when it had an ending like this! In spite of losing a head and an arm, the RX78 still manages to land the killing blow against Char’s Zeong. While the ensuing firefight turns it into scrap metal, the final shot of the Gundam’s blaster raised, showered in laser light before crumbling remains an image that is burned into the mind of every Gundam fanatic.

“Bleach” (2004-12)

The battle of the Bankai’s, the bouts against Grimmjow and Ulquiorra, the Substitute Shinigami Strawberry has had some incredible highlights across the canon, but nothing compares to the time where he rolled in, stopped a giant flaming bird one handed, and saved his friend from execution. It’s the epitome of shonen badassery: casually announcing his arrival to the strongest Shinigami in the Gotei 13, throwing Rukia to safety, and wiping the floor with a group of underlings – all in one fell swoop. Ichigo knows how to flex.

“Gurren Lagann” (2007)

You can imagine the hole that was left in the hearts of many when the pinnacle of manliness that is Kamina was killed off so early in the series, but that in turn only gave his younger bro the chance to shine. Finally breaking free of his depression, Simon finds the will to take the mantle of leader of Team Dai-Gurren, giving one hell of a speech in the process as he promises to never forget Kamina, and carry on the fight. The boy’s become a man, you love to see it.

“One Piece” (1999-)

For the sake of their crew, the Straw Hat Pirates would happily declare war on the entire world. That’s not hyperbole, it’s exactly what they do when they arrive at Enies Lobby to rescue Robin. Confronted by the CP9, Luffy is warned that should he dare make an enemy of them, then the wrath of the World Government will befall them. What’s his response? He gets Sogeking to light the World Government flag alight – willing to take on anyone and anything to save their companion.

“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)

It’s the transformation scene to end all transformation scenes, one that signaled the start of an era of anime power-ups that has yet to be matched. Overcome with rage following the death of Krillin at Freiza’s hands, Goku finally unlocks his inner blonde, becoming the so-called warrior of legend in a single burst of light. This wouldn’t only signal the start of the final fight on the dying planet of Namek, but also the franchise’s ever-expanding power-scale, and while future forms certainly became bigger and more bombastic, this is the true gold standard.

“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

Spike Spiegel is as tragic as he is suave, so it’s only fitting that his ending lives up to his legacy as the one and only space cowboy. Gunning his way through the Syndicate until finally coming face to face with Vicious, Spike was already on borrowed time given the wounds inflicted, that paired with a deathwish and a galaxy-sized vendetta. And yet, he was more than willing to risk it all to put his nemesis in the ground as revenge for his lost love Julia. Of course, Spike wouldn’t be Spike if he just laid down and died, so instead ends things with arguably the most stylish, and coldest, line in anime to date.