Top 20 Anime Beatdowns That Broke the Internet

“Overlord” (2015-22)
The unwritten rule of this anime has always been a simple one – Bone Daddy Ainz doesn’t lose. His magic is broken to such an extent that life and death mean nothing to him. And while you’d think him going up against an armoured monster would be a breeze, Ainz decides to set things on nightmare difficulty by using the weakest melee build he can think of. This leads to some of the best choreography the series has ever seen. And while Ainz certainly doesn’t mind dabbling in some magic here and there, he mostly sticks to his guns by using a weak load out to bring the king to his knees.

“Spy x Family” (2019-23)
Yor’s impeccable skills as an assassin were already laid bare for all to see. Though her tenure as the Thorn Princess was truly put to the test when she had to face off against a ship full of mercenaries. Despite being cornered by overwhelming numbers, Yor manages to dig deep and go beast mode. With a little help from Anya off-screen, she’s able to weave through blades, block bullets, and put an end to a shocking amount of high-profile killers by her lonesome. Loid’s wife is just built different.

“Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” (2016-)
There have been few that have suffered as much as Subaru after getting his ass isekai’d into a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters and a whole lot of death. Sadly, this was one instance where he really stepped in it. While trying to defend Emilia’s honour, Subaru finds himself challenging Julius. Wherein he gets absolutely demolished. Whatever illusion he had about having main character energy gets thrown out the window as he gets beaten into submission in front of everyone. After this display, it’s a wonder he didn’t instantly go for another restart…

“Pokemon” (1997-)
It was about time that Pikachu got knocked off their perch as the official Poke-mascot. Taking on the likes of Corrina’s Lucario in a mock battle, all parties involved underestimate the power of Lucario’s mega evolution, which not only immensely raises its stats but also offers a heaping helping of madness to boot. From that point on, Lucario goes off, wrecking Pikachu with sheer strength alone before hanging it out to dry. Ash was just lucky this wasn’t another championship match!

“Cyberpunk: Edgerunners” (2022)
There are no happy endings in Night City, especially when you have the likes of Adam Smasher waiting in the wings. On a mission to save Lucy before he succumbs to cyber-psychosis, David comes face to face with the most dangerous gonk in the city, leading to all-out war between them. Unfortunately for David, his stubbornness hasn’t got a patch on Adam’s assortment of chrome. Picking off the group one by one, Adam eventually leaves David a broken shell before finally putting an end to him. The only comfort left is that knowing Lucy will live to see another day.

“Baki” (2018-23)
Introducing the son of Muhammed Ali as a rival for Baki to battle against was certainly a wild take, but given this franchise and its history with slipping real-world characters into the mix, it was nothing truly outlandish. Then came the great simpening. Whatever charm Alai Jr had shuffled off the mortal coil when he became obsessed with Kozue and beating Baki. Alas, as soon as he steps in the ring, he instantly gets his happy place smashed in and choked out by Baki. If not for his papa’s intervention, that would have been the end of a bloodline right then and there.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba” (2019-)
While strong in her own right, Nezuko’s constant hiding from the sun and fear of giving into her own bloodlust hadn’t given her much time to grow as a fighter. That all changed with the arrival of Daki. Following the sadistic geisha’s attack on her brother, Nezuko levels up in a big way. Not only drastically aging but showcasing enough force to curb-stomp an Upper Moon with shocking ease. Had she been able to contain her primal hunger, Daki would have been beaten into demonic paste then and there.

“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-)

On paper, Shogo is unbeatable. By activating his unique skill, Survivor, he automatically regenerates from any and all wounds. To Geld, though, that just sounds like a challenge - how much can Shogo take before he breaks? The answer is a lot. As brutal as it is, there is something distinctly satisfying about seeing the arrogant Shogo get pounded into oblivion again and again. In fact, Shogo got punched in the face so many times, it became a bit of a viral meme for a time. Say what you will about his methods, but clearly, no one doles out punishment quite like an Orc King.

“Tokyo Ghoul” (2014-18)


Don’t get it wrong; this isn’t a standard fight. This is pure, unbridled vengeance. Back when “Tokyo Ghoul” was still in its prime, people were lining up to see the sadistic Jason finally get his due. And, after enduring days of unspeakable torture, Kaneki was more than happy to do the honors. It’s bloody, but damn if it’s not a sight to behold. Kaneki decides it’s only fair to take an eye for an eye. Or, in this case, a torture for a torture. He even eats Jason’s own ghoul organ to supercharge himself. Kaneki’s revenge was long overdue, but based on the explosive reaction from viewers, it was worth the wait.

“Mob Psycho 100” (2016-22)

Some advice? Never stand between Mob and his brother. If you’re like Koyama and think you’re the exception, you’ll be facing a Mob that isn’t even in control of his own power anymore. At that point, all that’s left is fury, determination, and a 100% chance of some butt-kicking.”Mob Psycho” always looks great, but you can tell the animators really went all out for this one in particular. Thankfully, their work paid off with a visual spectacle that single handedly put the show on the map. This isn’t the first time Mob goes 100%, and it wouldn’t be the last, either. But, based on this scene’s impact, it’s certainly the most memorable.

“One Piece” (1999-)
For years now, we’ve heard constant stories about Red Hair Shanks and the fearful strength he wields as one of the four emperors of the sea. That being said, THIS was the first time we were witness to just how powerful Captain Shanks could truly be when he allows himself to cut loose. Taking on the full might of the Kid Pirates and their arsenal, Shanks makes a beeline for the front of the conflict, wherein we get to see the sheer magnitude of his haki. All it takes is one swing, and Eustace Kid’s dream of wiping out a Yonko is severed. Poor bastards never stood a chance to begin with.

“Bleach” (2004-12; 2022-)

It’s saying something when Ichigo almost dies, and that’s not even the most iconic part of the episode. Although, that’s probably because he immediately bounces back, completely Hollow and ready to kick some Arrancar tail. From there, it’s not really much of a fight at all. Poor Ulquiorra never even stood a chance. But, on the bright side, he certainly got a lot of people talking. To this day, “Bleach” fans are still reeling from Hollow Ichigo’s bloodthirsty fight against Ulquiorra. For an anime with hundreds of episodes, that’s saying something. If you’re going to die a painful death anyways, you could do a whole lot worse than Ulquiorra’s legacy.

“Vinland Saga” (2019-)

If there’s one thing Thorfinn knows how to do, it’s take a beating. That’s a good thing because, in order to get an audience with King Canute, he must endure 100 straight punches. So, he does. He doesn’t fight back. He doesn’t resist. He simply takes it on the chin, without so much as a whimper. Accompanied by beautiful music, it’s impossible not to be moved by Thorfinn’s display of grit, passion, and perseverance. Especially knowing what he overcame to get there. Thorfinn should be angry, but when he finally meets the King, he chooses forgiveness with a single line that deserves to be heard for itself. And cue the waterworks.

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

In all of anime, there aren't many shows that get memed more than “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure.” And, with Jotaro front and center, Stardust Crusaders was no different. See, he didn't just get revenge on the mischievous Steely Dan. He did it with style. In this case, that looks a lot like a no-holds-barred punch-fest from Star Platinum. It may not seem all that extreme, but by God, the blows just keep coming and coming until it’s almost funny. It left such an impression that Steely Dan would be punched again in all sorts of gifs, edits and remixes. Although, this is “Jojo’s” we’re talking about. What else would you expect?

“Naruto Shippuden” (2007-17)
Madara Uchiha had long been fabled as one of the strongest shinobi to ever exist. So, upon his resurrection, he was given ample opportunity to demonstrate his worthiness of the title. He did not disappoint. Single-handedly, Madara takes on the brunt of the allied army, where he doesn’t so much hold his own as he completely dominates all who step before him. Whether with his fists, his flame breath or by calling down a pair of meteors like its nothing, it is an unparalleled display of ninjutsu superiority, instantly placing Madara at the pinnacle of the modern ninja’s world’s greatest threats.

“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)


To say this blazing beatdown was a long time coming would be putting it lightly. Since the original “Fullmetal Alchemist” anime changed the series’ ending, manga readers spent years waiting for this fiery moment to be animated. And boy did it deliver. Considering Envy murdered Mustang’s best friend, the Colonel’s burning vengeance is a gratifying sight to behold. Each wave of flames is like all five stages of grief condensed into a single snap of Mustang’s fingers. It shouldn’t come as a shock that this lives on as one of the most famous scenes in all of “Fullmetal Alchemist,” both the original and “Brotherhood.” It’s just that good.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-23)


Throughout its run, “Attack on Titan” had a knack for melting social media, streaming services, and really anything else it got close to. Moments like this are precisely why. Led by Erwin, the death march of the Survey Corp rookies is easily one of the most stirring scenes in the series. Yet, somehow, Levi swoops in and immediately one-ups them with a dizzying attack on the Beast Titan. There’s no other word for it; it’s epic. Plain and simple. Given that the Beast Titan had literally just finished slaughtering his comrades, this butchering feels particularly deserved, too. “Attack on Titan” fans break the internet a lot, but at least it’s for good reason.

“Dragon Ball Super” (2015-18)
There’s no discussing record breaking anime without bringing Dragon Ball into the conversation, and no moment in the franchise sent audiences into hysteria more than Goku stepping into the realm of godhood. As the Tournament of Power comes to its end, Goku finds himself on the ropes when up against Jiren the Gray’s seemingly overwhelming might. That is, until he finally ditches the blue hair for silver, attaining the form known as Ultra Instinct. The results speak for themselves. Not since he first went Super Saiyan has a DB Brawl set the fandom alight!

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)


Everyone has a breaking point. Even someone as happy-go-lucky as Gon. Ironically, he used his breaking point to then literally break Neferpitou’s face. Although, thanks to a dangerous Nen-boosted power-up, there isn’t much left of the Chimera Ant at all by the time Gon’s done. Admittedly, Neferpitou wasn’t the only one caught off guard by this turn of events. It felt like Gon’s sinister new look had everyone’s jaw on the floor. Not just because this was the beatdown to end all beatdowns, but because Gon was barely recognizable anymore. For the sake of all our hearts, fingers crossed no one makes Gon this angry ever again.

“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-23)

Look, there’s no predicting what scenes or moments the internet will latch onto. Anime fans just like what they like, and apparently, they really, really, like Nanami. More specifically, they like when he’s holding Haruta’s hair and getting real up-close and personal to their face. To be fair, it’s still a ruthless pummeling at the end of the day. But, that didn’t stop Nanami fans around the world from going absolutely nuts with lust. It really goes to show how much power a single frame of anime can have. If “Jujutsu Kaisen” is smart, they’ll keep the Nanami content coming. It’s doing wonders for them.
Which of these battles had you by the throat? Let us know in the comments!