There's nothing more satisfying than watching an anime character emerge victorious after a hard-fought battle. The victor may have won because of superior strength, a breathtaking strategy or because they surpassed their limits during a life-or-death battle. But regardless of how they won, their victory was earned.
However, not all anime victors are deserving winners. Some win simply because they're the protagonist, saved by the plot despite being the inferior character. Others win because of hax abilities gifted to them by bloodline or outside sources. And some are victorious because of their opponent's own internal struggle, rendering them unable to fight to the best of their ability. Unearned victories aren't as common in anime, but they do happen from time to time.
8 Dante's Regeneration Abilities Are Too Much For Yami To Overcome (Black Clover)
Dante Zogratis is a devil-possessed antagonist from the Spade Kingdom who requires Yami Sukehiro's dark magic to open up the world between devils and humans. So these two were bound to clash, and the fight was epic. Wielding both body magic and gravity magic, Dante is a force to be reckoned with. But Yami Sukehiro is a habitual limit-breaker and the superior mage.
During their fight, Yami dominates Dante and fatally wounds the villain time and time again. Except, these wounds aren't fatal to Dante, who can heal from almost any injury. After recruiting Asta and his anti-magic, the Black bulls duo appear to have the upper hand, but Yami ends up captured and is taken to the Spade Kingdom. It's controversial to call this a win for Dante, but it certainly wasn't a victory for Yami.
7 Hanzo Gifted Gon The Victory After Being Impressed By His Resolve (Hunter X Hunter)
Although stronger than the average human, Gon is still a child and is yet to harness his supreme talent and maximize his physical capabilities. This was evident in his battle against Hanzo, a 17-year-old shinobi who had trained his body to its absolute peak. This may have been the most one-sided battle in the entire anime, with Hanzo breaking Gon's arm and subjecting him to a brutal beat down.
However, Gon refused to quit, frustrating Hanzo who didn't feel entirely comfortable torturing such a kind and compassionate kid. This frustration eventually transformed into admiration, and Hanzo conceded defeat so Gon could pass the Hunter Exam.
6 Itachi's Loss To Sasuke Was All Part Of His Plan (Naruto)
Sasuke's victory against Itachi was unearned for multiple reasons. Firstly, Sasuke didn't technically defeat Itachi - the apparent villain died due to his long-term illness. This isn't to discredit Sasuke's performance, as the young Uchiha performed admirably, showing fans his newly developed Kirin and breaking out of Itachi's Tsukuyomi.
But Itachi was the superior shinobi, with access to the Mangekyou Sharingan and its immense abilities, including Susanoo. Secondly, Itachi always intended for Sasuke to kill him and take revenge for Itachi's massacre of the Uchiha clan. Itachi's actions were later revealed to be heroic and Sasuke discovered the true reason behind his brother's crimes.
5 Julius Sacrifices Himself For The Good Of The Clover Kingdom (Black Clover)
Whilst still posing as the reincarnation of Licht, Patri decided to take on the Wizard King, Julius Novachrono. This was a highly anticipated battle, with the two strongest characters at that point in the anime going head to head. However, this fight was rather one-sided, with Julius demonstrating his superiority by barely breaking a sweat.
Although time magic is slower than light magic, Julius' mastery of mana zone meant he could predict his opponent's future moves. With the Wizard King's superiority now evident to Patri, the elf decided to target the entire Clover Kingdom. Julius, loyal to his character, used his reversal of time to save the kingdom, but this provided Patri with the chance to kill Julius, and the elf pierced him with his sword.
4 Near Exposed Light Because Of A Mistake By Teru (Death Note)
Near was the young prodigy who took over the Kira case following L's death at the hands of Light. His takeover was understandable as Near possessed a similar intellect in addition to the same blunt and stoic demeanor. However, his victory over Light felt lazy, with fans doubting Light would be so careless with who he trusts.
Light chose Teru to do his bidding due to his unwavering devotion to Kira, but the Kira fanatic used the Death Note without Light's permission, resulting in Near capitalizing and performing a notebook swap. Light's loss felt anticlimactic and inconsistent with his brilliance. After the intense cat-and-mouse game between L and Light, the ending failed to meet expectations.
3 Todoroki Held Back In His Fight Against Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
Bakugo was determined to prove he was the strongest student in his class and he knew this would only be achieved by defeating the talented Shoto Todoroki at his best. But Shoto was in the middle of an identity crisis, brought on by his previous match with Midoriya. Like many typical shonen protagonists, Midoriya has a way with words, and he reminds Shoto that he is not his father.
The match started well, with both competitors going full out. However, as Todoroki was about to embrace his fire for the first time, he is reminded of his father's brutal treatment of his family and stops himself. Bakugo beats a distracted Shoto, but he failed in beating him at his best.
2 Netero Loses The Battle To Meruem But Wins The War (Hunter X Hunter)
Meruem vs. Netero was an epic, yet extremely one-sided battle. Although recognized as the strongest Hunter in the world, and unleashing his legendary 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, Netero was unable to do any lasting damage to the Chimera Ant King. Meruem was just too durable and eventually found faults in Netero's technique, capitalizing by removing the Chairman's legs and one of his arms.
Meruem clearly won the battle, but Netero had a trump card. Mustering the remaining strength in his body, Netero set off a small bomb implanted in his chest, which eventually killed Meruem via radiation poisoning. The Hunter technically won, preventing the Ants from taking over the world.
1 Despite Being Recognized As A Prodigy, Neji Was Fooled By A Shadow Clone (Naruto)
Neji vs. Naruto was one of the many epic battles that took place during the Chunin Exams. However, the fight's conclusion still doesn't sit right with many fans. Naruto was still very much an up-and-comer who was yet to tap into his well of potential. Neji, on the other hand, was already the finished article, a Hyuga clan prodigy who had already mastered many of the clans signature jutsu simply by observing them.
The Byakugan wielder was superior to Naruto in every way, forcing the protagonist to draw on nine-tails chakra just to compete. There were so many ways this titanic clash could have ended, but it was decided by a simple punch from Naruto who also fooled Neji with a shadow clone. The battle ended on a flat note, and Naruto's victory felt unearned.