The term shonen often refers to anime series that are largely centered around action, adventure, and countless battle sequences. Despite all the fascinating events that take place in these anime, fights between characters are usually the most important features of the narrative.
From the anticipation of the battle to the constant rise of adrenaline, anime fights certainly change everything for the series, no matter the circumstances. To create an iconic and grandiose scene, some fights span several episodes. Although most anime fights are relatively short, some of them can be unduly long and convoluted.
Updated on May 18th 2023 by Ajay Aravind: Shonen anime is great for many reasons, but one of the most important attractions of this genre is the fighting. Heroes, villains, and even side-characters take part in numerous battles, many of which alter the very fabric of the overarching narrative. As such, we've revamped this list of the longest anime fights with some relevant information.
10 Meruem Vs Netero (Hunter X Hunter)
3 Episodes
King Meruem and Netero have one of the most iconic fights in Hunter x Hunter. This battle is the focal plot device within the Chimera Ant Arc and initially begins in episode 122.
At first, Meruem had no intention of fighting Netero until Netero bribed him with his name. So, the two decided to make a wager — if Netero willingly admitted defeat, Meruem would receive the information he desires. Their Nen preparation extends through one episode showcasing other characters, and then their fight ends within two bombastic episodes.
9 The Survey Corps Vs The Titans (Attack On Titan)
4 Episodes
Hoping to retake the lost territory, the Survey Corps return to Shiganshina to have Eren plug the hole in Wall Maria Unfortunately, they were not prepared for the enemies waiting for them on their return. This Season 3 Attack on Titan battle is a legendary rematch of sorts.
Upon arriving in Shiganshina, Eren successfully seals the wall, but tension fills the air. Armin brilliantly warns everyone that the enemies are among them. A fierce battle ignites as the Armored, Colossal, and Beast Titan make their appearances. Several intensive events follow, including a flashback that reveals the truth about what happened to Marco, and the battle concludes in four incandescent episodes.
8 Ichigo Vs Ulquiorra: Rematch (Bleach)
8 Episodes
Even though Ichigo and Ulquiorra have fought once before, their final fight takes place episode 267 of Bleach. Their respective zanpakuto continuously clash, and the battle's intensity increases as both combatants release different forms.
Ichigo is overwhelmed when Ulquiorra releases his Segunda Etapa, and is promptly killed by the Espada. However, after hearing Orihime's cry for help, Ichigo takes on a new Hollow Form. After facing this overpowered form, Ulquiorra realizes his approaching defeat and tells Ichigo to land the final blow. The battle finally ends after a duration of eight episodes.
7 Naruto Vs Pain (Naruto: Shippuden)
7 Episodes
The inevitable battle between Pain and Naruto begins in episode 163 of Naruto: Shippuden, when Naruto arrives in Sage Mode to confront Pain. The confrontation is between two shinobi who fight for peace, but with different ideas on how to achieve it. The course of the fight leads to multiple revelations, and at one point Naruto is seemingly defeated.
He finally defeats the Six Paths of Pain, but the battle isn't officially over until Naruto finds Nagato's true location. Here, Naruto listens to the story of Pain, conluding their fistfight in episode 169. One of the biggest fights of the series, this event transpires over seven episodes.
6 Yusuke Vs Sensui (Yu Yu Hakusho)
9 Episodes
The longest fight in Yu Yu Hakusho is between Yusuke and Sensui. Sensui makes an appearance and battles Yusuke and his friends effortlessly. Then Kuwabara is kidnapped, and after certain events that follow, Yusuke and the others finally arrive at Sensui's lair to save Kuwabara.
The final fight starts after everyone else present is taken to another dimension, so Yusuke must fight Sensui alone. The circumstances of the battle lead to a shocking turn of events and Yusuke's death. Then, strangely enough, the tables turn again — Yusuke resurrects in his Mazoku form, resulting in Sensui's defeat. The iconic fight has a runtime of nine episodes.
5 Tsuna Vs Xanxus (Reborn!)
9 Episodes
In the final match of the Vongola Ring Conflict, known as the Sky Ring Battle, candidates Tsunayoshi and Xanxus fight for the title Vongola Decimo in REBORN! The odds between Tsuna and Xanxus vary throughout the fight, with other affairs taking place behind the scenes.
Thanks to the help of the Varia members, Xanxus receives the Vongola Rings. However, the rings reject Xanxus and he angrily tries to eliminate anyone in his way. In the end, however, Xanxus and the other members of Varia are eliminated instead. The Sky Ring Battle ends with Tsuna officially inheriting the Vongola Decimo successor title.
4 Luffy Vs Doflamingo (One Piece)
10 Episodes
Luffy officially prepares for his lengthy battle with Doflamingo in episode 721 of One Piece. At first, it is a tag team fight with Luffy and Law versus Doflamingo and Trebol. But after Trebol's defeat, Luffy manages to escape with Law, albeit with Doflamingo treading behind them.
Luffy leaves Law in the hands of Robin and the others and resumes his fight with Doflamingo. Luffy activates Gear Four against Doflamingo, and the fight grows more intense. Luffy is at an advantage with Gear Four, but needs ten minutes to recuperate after it wears off. Luffy recovers after three episodes and strikes the final blow, earning victory by the end of episode 733.
3 Gohan Vs Cell (Dragon Ball Z)
11 Episodes
This eleven-episode fight begins when Gohan battles Cell during Dragon Ball Z's Cell Games Saga. The beginning of this battle marks the ignition point of one of the most legendary moments in the series. Gohan feels that it is unnecessary to fight and asks Cell to stop the violence, but Cell refuses and threatens the Earth, so Gohan now has no other option but to fight.
Desperately wanting Gohan to release his full potential, Cell finally pushes him to the edge, and Gohan transforms into Super Saiyan 2. Cell is even more desperate and a sacrifice occurs, but to no avail. With the help of the other Z fighters, not to mention the bond between father and son, Goku and Gohan finally defeat Cell. The initial fight begins in episode 181 and the battle's conclusion is in episode 191.
2 Goku Vs Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)
19 Episodes
One of the ultimate battles of the Dragon Ball Z series begins with Goku versus Frieza in episode 87. The fight is high-octane, with both sides powering up to defeat the other. Frieza has the advantage and seemingly believes that Goku is surrendering. However, in actuality, Goku is about to use a trump card.
While Goku is charging the Spirit Bomb, Gohan, Piccolo, and Krillin transfer energy to Goku and hold Frieza off. Goku finishes the attack, and he and the others are confident in Frieza's death. Unfortunately, Frieza lives and commits more evil, angering Goku and causing him to go Super Saiyan. With Namek on the verge of eradication, Goku seizes his victory from the jaws of defeat.
1 Luffy Vs Katakuri (One Piece)
21 Episodes
Luffy steps in to fight Katakuri in the One Piece's 851st episode Luffy is overwhelmed by Katakuri as they fight, and Katakuri continues to have the upper hand until Luffy figures out how to beat him and activates Gear Four. Unfortunately, Luffy's turn with the advantage doesn't last long as Katakuri regains composure and Gear Four wears off.
Luffy retreats using Brûlée, escaping the Mirro-World to buy some time to recover. Despite running into other foes, Luffy finally revives and resumes his fight with Katakuri between episodes 858 to 861. Initially, Luffy struggles with his new approach to defeat Katakuri, but ultimately defeats him. This fight concludes in episode 871.