When it comes to anime, sometimes it gets hard to predict what’s going to happen next in a series or a sequence. Whether it’s the smooth-going story or a heated battle reaching its climax, predicting anything at that moment is kind of a tough decision. However, in all this commotion, if there’s one thing that ends even before it gets started is one-sided fights in anime that give a sense of relief and shock to anyone’s face.
Shōnen shows have a deep connection with one-sided fights and the inclusion of such battles is very common in this genre. While it’s not that the production is lazy to make prolonged fights, it’s just fans seem very excited about such fights where one character absolutely trounces their opponent because it just demonstrates how overpowered that individual is. No one wants to miss these awesome moments that fill the viewer with awe and joy.
And, in today’s article, we’ll take a look at some of the best one-sided fights in anime that took just a couple of seconds or minutes to end. So, without any further ado let’s get started.
10. Killua vs. Johness (Hunter × Hunter)
Hunter × Hunter displays many impressive fights between skilled hunters, but the encounter between Killua and Johness can be said to be the most iconic one of them. In the third phase of the Hunter Exams, Gon’s team had to face hardened criminals to reach the next stage and as a result, Killua came face-to-face against Johness in a one-on-one match.
Seeing Johness’s notoriety and muscular build, everyone warned Killua not to accept the challenge but instead of hearing any of the pleas, Killua entered the arena and stunned everyone. In just a matter of seconds, Killua ripped out Johness’s heart and left him to perish. This moment was not just astonishing but it also gave a clear sign that how much of a crazy anime kid Killua is.
9. Gojo vs. Jogo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Gojo Satoru made headlines in the anime community in the very early stages of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime. However, the episode which gave him the highest amount of limelight was the one where he confronted a special-grade cursed spirit, Jogo. When Jogo appeared out of nowhere in the midst of the road it seemed like there will be a decent battle between the two but the results were completely different!
Instead of having any difficulties in fighting Jogo, Gojo was toying around with him by demonstrating his abilities and telling him the lessons of “infinity”. None of the attacks including the Domain Expansion of Jogo worked on Gojo. In the end, his head was rolling on the ground after Gojo unleashed his Domain Expansion “Unlimited Void” making it a mere spectacle of one-sided fights in anime.
8. Beerus vs. Goku SSJ3 (Dragon Ball Super)
Goku is arguably one of the strongest characters not only in the Dragon Ball universe but in anime as a whole. His new and ultimate Super Saiyan forms are always the talk of the debate but even the likes of Goku faced a humiliating defeat at the hands of Universe 7’s god of destruction, Beerus. All it took for Beerus to defeat Goku was just a simple flick of his fingers.
During the initial run of Dragon Ball Super, Goku reached his maximum state of energy level – Super Saiyan 3. It was his most powerful state at the moment still, he wasn’t able to land a single hit on Beerus. All his efforts did nothing to help because Beerus easily turned their battle into one of the shortest one-sided fights in anime making easy work out of Goku, who was seemingly the most powerful person on earth at the time.
7. Luffy vs. Bellamy (One Piece)
Luffy’s battle with the arrogant Bellamy in the Sky Island saga is considered to be one of the most heated encounters in One Piece. The Strawhats encountered the notorious pirate Bellamy and his crew during the Jaya arc however, the first meeting didn’t go well as Bellamy maliciously mocked Luffy, his comrades, and his goals. But, Luffy didn’t react to any of that.
However, things got out of hand when Bellamy stole the gold. Luffy ordered Bellamy to return the gold he has stolen, but he refused to do so. Shortly after, Bellamy begins springing off buildings, attacking Luffy while badgering him with insults until the final moment when Luffy knocked Bellamy down with a single punch that leaves a dent in the side of his face.
6. Saitama vs. Deep Sea King (One Punch Man)
Saitama was initially a normal human being until he went through intense training which completely transformed him into a superhuman. He doesn’t appear to be strong and isn’t technically immortal, but nothing he’s encountered so far has come anywhere close to bothering him. His ability to defeat any foe with a single blow is also quite remarkable as it pretty much makes all of his fights one-sided.
Saitama’s encounter with the Deep Sea King was also quite similar. While other A and S class heroes like Genos were unable to make any headway, it only took Saitama a single punch to send Deep Sea King into his grave. Even though this seems a predictable outcome, it’s still supremely satisfying one-sided fights in anime.
5. Natsu vs. Gildarts (Fairy Tail)
On his path to becoming the S-Class mage, Natsu had to confront Gildarts Clive. At first, Natsu charged at Gildarts with full strength and unleashed his Fire Dragon’s Iron Fist. To Natsu’s surprise, Gildarts didn’t receive any damage because of his attack as he easily stopped it with his bare hands. Seeing his potential, Gildarts considers that Natsu has passed, but Natsu protests by saying that if he can’t beat Gildarts, then being S-Class won’t mean anything.
After hearing these words, Gildarts activates his magic and releases a strong aura that is felt throughout the island. His aura makes the ground crack and emanates an incredible amount of intimidating Magic Power. Natsu tries to charge at Gildarts but stops in the middle and soon realizes that it is beyond anything he can handle, and he eventually surrenders.
4. Gon vs. Neferpitou (Hunter × Hunter)
Gon left his village with the ambition to become the best hunter in the world so that he can find his father. On his journey, he made many friends and met some influential people of which one was his pop’s friend, Kite. Gon spend some quality time with Kite until a Chimera Ant named Neferpitou attacked them and took Kite with her.
As Gon didn’t see Kite dying in front of him, he was still hopeful about the fact that he will be alive but after witnessing Kite’s unconscious body in Pitou’s chamber, he went berserk. Due to the massive boost in his Nen energy, Gon was able to beat Neferpitou to an unrecognizable pulp. He killed Pitou by smashing her head with multiple punches making it more of a one-sided slaughter.
3. Roy Mustang vs. Envy (Fullmetal Alchemist)
“Revenge is a dish best served cold” – this saying suits very well on Roy Mustang versus Envy scenario. Even though Commander Mustang seems to be the calmest person in Fullmetal Alchemist, he lost his temper when he found out that the Homonculi named Envy killed his closest friend, Maes Hughes. Since then Envy strikes a strong chord of vengeance in Roy’s heart and he took it all out in the final clash.
When the two crossed paths for the first time, Roy didn’t hold back and he went on to destroy the mere existence of Envy by burning him to a crisp again and again. He eventually crushed Envy, humiliating it and diminishing it to its most basic form. In the end, Envy committed suicide by crushing its Philosopher’s Stone after realizing Roy isn’t going to stop!
2. Levi vs. Beast Titan (Attack On Titan)
Humanity’s strongest soldier aka Levi Ackerman is not just the most skilled swordsman in the series but is also one of the most handsome pals in anime. He has lived up to his reputation since the beginning and it would not be wrong to say that he certainly is the one-man army character, after all, the battle of Shiganshina is living proof of his heroics.
During Return to Shiganshina arc, Levi came face to face with the Beast Titan who nearly obliterated the entire Survey Corps. At that moment, Levi wasted no time in reaching the neck of Beast Titan and outclassed him totally in all aspects. To this date, this face-off is considered to be one of the best one-sided fights in anime as this brutal beatdown only lasts a minute before Levi forces Zeke out of his titan.
1. Madara vs. Shinobi Alliance (Naruto Shippuden)
Throughout the Naruto series fans have come to witness loads of iconic battles but one which made the most impression on the audience was, Fourth Great Ninja War. While everyone was working hard to face off their opponent, Madara Uchiha was toying around with the alliance of Shinobi which was comprised of thousands of competent soldiers and some of the strongest ninjas in the known world.
Madara single-handedly fought all five Kage and the entire 4th Division without even a dent in his armor. He ended up taking out thousands of shinobis on the battlefield by using his special skills like Sharingan and Rinnegan. The Shinobi alliance could do very little to defend itself against all of Madara’s spells. And it is a fight worth remembering as one of the best in the Naruto series.
Which one of the following one-sided fights in anime is your favorite? Feel free to comment down your thoughts and make sure to recommend some other face-off’s like the ones listed above, also don’t forget to share this article with your fellow otaku friends.
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