In anime, a character is often defined by their greatest wins and most costly losses. Their battles have defined their personalities, with each defeat helping them to grow stronger. This is especially true with protagonists who require tons of character growth.
However, a handful of heroes and villains have never actually lost a battle. They were so magnificently indomitable that they lasted throughout the entire storyline without being bested even a single time. By acknowledging these characters' skills, it becomes easier to determine why they were so successful.
10 Shanks Is A Legendary Figure Respected By Pirates & Marines Alike (One Piece)
Shanks is an emperor of the sea and one of the most powerful active pirates. Though appearing sparingly throughout the series, he has never been defeated despite the many risks he takes.
For example, Shanks' arrival at Marineford put an end to the fighting on both sides. He was similarly unchallenged when arriving at the Five Elders' doorstep. Although Shanks has been injured by Blackbeard and a sea king, neither have managed to defeat him in combat.
9 Levi Is Regarded As Paradis' Greatest Soldier (Attack On Titan)
Levi Ackerman is well regarded as Paradis' finest soldier. Between his numerous victories over Zeke, overcoming dozens of Marleyan soldiers, and crushing the Military Police, few have impeded Levi from accomplishing his objectives. There are only two instances where Levi lost the upper hand, neither of which can be counted as a defeat.
Zeke detonated a thunder spear after being subdued, which allowed his escape from the forest. Erwin also pinned Levi in Paradis' underbelly, though considering that Levi wanted a better life, he joined the Scouts voluntarily. When examining his success in the context of a mission, Levi has never let his allies down.
8 Giorno's Path To Becoming A Crime Boss Had Few Obstacles (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
Unlike other members of the Joestar family, Giorno has never been directly defeated. His ability to transform items into living things has been invaluable due to its versatility. Toward the end of his journey, Gold Experience Requiem has even made him completely invincible.
There have been instances where Giorno has gone down against an enemy Stand user, like during the fight against Pesci and Prosciutto. However, considering that Team Bucciarati ultimately won, this cannot be counted as a meaningful loss.
7 All Might Had A Successful Career As The Symbol Of Peace (My Hero Academia)
All Might's career as the Symbol Of Peace has been a successful one. His presence alone was enough to deter crime from Japan's streets. Those who could not be intimidated were crushed in a matter of moments.
Since All Might understood his limits, his retirement ensures that he'll end his career on a positive note. His only technical "loss" was in the training exercise against Bakugo and Deku. However, considering that his students did not actually take him down, it cannot be held against him.
6 Alucard Was Virtually Invincible, Even Against The Things That Could Supposedly Hurt Him (Hellsing)
Alucard was a vampire in service to the Hellsing Organization. Highly resistant against all forms of conventional weaponry, it was believed that only holy attacks could harm him.
However, Alexander Anderson of the Iscariots failed in every encounter he had with Alucard. The man grew so desperate that he even used a thorn from the crown of Jesus in order to enhance himself. Ultimately, Anderson's sacrifice was in vain since Alucard defeated him anyway.
5 Netero Lamented That No One Could Defeat Him (Hunter X Hunter)
Isaac Netero was the chairman of the Hunter's Association and a dangerously powerful nen user. Over the years, he grew so strong that he longed for an opponent capable of beating him. When the chimera ants made themselves known, Netero confronted their leader in hopes of receiving the fight he longed for.
Though Meruem outmaneuvered Netero and struck him down, it was all according to the hunter's plan. By taking Meruem with him in a deadly explosion, Netero simultaneously ended the chimera ant threat and satisfied his need to be challenged.
4 Ryo Crushed Akira & Destroyed The World (Devilman Crybaby)
Ryo was a demon who has been planning humanity's downfall for ages. Though initially manipulating Akira and placing the blame on him for recent attacks, he later fought against him as an unintended obstacle to his plans for global extinction.
In an epic battle that shattered the Earth, Akira fought against Ryo with all of his strength. However, Ryo ultimately killed him without any noticeable injuries. He only realized the gravity of his mistake after laying beside his friend's lifeless body.
3 Baki Was The Sand Village's Underrated General (Naruto)
Although not particularly powerful, Baki was one of Naruto's only villains to survive the series unscathed. This was mostly since the Sand Siblings enacted their village's will on his behalf.
Baki's most famous victory was against Hayate Gekko during the Chunin Exams' intermission. By using his wind blade to break through his opponent's defenses, he cut him down with a graceful stroke of his blade. Since the Sand and Leaf villages are now allies, Baki has yet to answer for his crimes.
2 Escanor Is Famously Known As The Pinnacle Of Humanity (Seven Deadly Sins)
Escanor's "Sunshine" gave him the strength to become the pinnacle of humanity. Though only powerful during the day, he has defeated some of the series' most deadly opponents. Villains like Galand, Estarossa, and even a corrupted Meliodas all faltered against his radiance.
There are only two instances where Escanor fell short, neither of which can be counted as defeats. Gowther shot him down in the middle of his attack against Gloxinia and Drole even though Escanor had not been fighting him. He also failed to strike a killing blow against the Demon King even though his efforts allowed his comrades to finish him off.
1 Kizaru's Limits Have Yet To Be Revealed (One Piece)
Despite his slothful and undisciplined mannerisms, Kizaru is extremely powerful. He is the only member of the original three admirals to have never been defeated, with Akainu losing to Whitebeard and Aokiji losing to Akainu. Considering that he volunteered to take on Big Mom and Kaido, it's likely that Kizaru is much stronger than he would prefer his opponents to believe.
This was further demonstrated when clashing with and nearly overpowering Rayleigh during the battle for Sabaody Archipelago. His logia fruit grants him astronomically high aggressive and defensive potential.