10 Important Anime Fights That Had a Huge Impact on the Story
One of the most exciting aspects of an anime is the famous battles between heroes and villains. Fights that often result not only in the development of the story but also in the growth of its protagonist.
The most important anime fights are basically a gateway that brings more things to be explored within their respective universes.
It’s safe to say that one of the most appealing things in the anime universe are the fights — if not the most. They’re the moments when viewers can tremble with anxiety, excitement, or fear.
10 Important Anime Fights That Had a Huge Impact on the Story
Let’s start by talking about Mob Psycho, by ONE, and the fight that served as a gateway to developing the character Teru.
Mob vs Teru – Mob Psycho 100 – Paving the Way for Teru’s Character Arc
Mob Psycho had its first major fight between Shigeo and Teru, showcasing all the destruction that a battle between two espers can cause. This fight highlights Shigeo’s attempt to stick to his principle of never using psychic powers to harm others, while also representing the kind of person Shigeo fears becoming.
When Shigeo enters his ???% state, the power not only sends Teru flying into the sky but also destroys half of the school building, demonstrating the enormous destructive potential of Shigeo and what happens when he loses control.
The conclusion of this fight shows Teru that he’s not above others. This moment is key to Teru’s development, making him an important figure who helps shape the events of Mob Psycho 100.
Goku vs Beerus – Dragon Ball Z – Goku and Vegeta’s Journey to Surpass the Gods
One of the most important anime fights is undoubtedly Goku vs Beerus, which marks the beginning of a new phase in Dragon Ball and introduces divine transformations. By the end, Beerus spares Earth from destruction, and later, Whis — Beerus’s master — begins training Goku and Vegeta.
If this fight hadn’t happened, Dragon Ball wouldn’t have taken the path that greatly expanded its universe. As Beerus mentions during the battle, Goku lives in Universe 7, and there are twelve universes in total — originally eighteen, before Zeno erased six of them.
Gintoki vs Takasugi – Gintama: The Fight That Saved the Universe
The conclusion of this fight eventually leads Gintoki and Takasugi to unite for a time. After risking everything against Gintoki, Takasugi helps him fight Utsuro and the Harusame on the planet Rakuyo.
This allows Gintoki and Takasugi to stand on the same side after more than a decade, successfully saving the universe from Utsuro during their final battle.
Gojo vs Toji – Jujutsu Kaisen: The Fight That Shaped the Future
The clash between these two powerful sorcerers impacted the entire timeline of Jujutsu Kaisen, setting Geto on a dark path and forcing Gojo to experience defeat for the first time.
Geto’s descent into hatred for non-sorcerers began after Toji shot Riko. If Gojo had won this fight, Geto might never have considered killing humans.
This fight not only gave Gege Akutami’s story one of its main antagonists but also inspired Satoru Gojo to maintain the Infinite technique around himself at all times. It’s the most important fight in the series from a narrative standpoint, leading to Toji’s death and Gojo meeting Megumi.
The Scouts vs The Beast Titan – Attack on Titan: The Turning Point
The battle between the Scouts and the Beast Titan had a huge impact on Attack on Titan, resulting in Erwin’s death and fueling Levi’s relentless desire for revenge against Zeke.
Without this fight, the political dynamics on Paradis Island would have been completely different. Eren might not have obtained the Founding Titan, which ultimately led to the deaths of billions.
It also solidified Levi’s position as humanity’s strongest soldier, capable of single-handedly defeating one of the most skilled Titan shifters. The aftermath exposed the truth about the world outside Paradis and passed the Colossal Titan power to Armin, setting the stage for the story’s final arc.
Gon vs Pitou – Hunter x Hunter: The End of Gon as a Nen User
This is perhaps the most emotionally charged fight in Hunter x Hunter. In his quest for revenge against Pitou, Gon sacrifices his life energy and his ability to use Nen.
In return, he unlocks his full dormant potential and completely destroys Pitou. However, as a result, Gon loses all his Nen and suffers irreversible damage to his body.
After these events, Gon steps away as the protagonist, leading Killua to seek out Nanika to access his sister’s omnipotent powers.
Goku and Piccolo vs Raditz – Dragon Ball Z: The Fight That Set the Story in Motion
The fight between Rengoku and Akaza completely changed Demon Slayer, showing one of the strongest Hashira being easily overpowered and defeated.
Tanjiro gained tremendous motivation from this, leading him to seek out Rengoku’s younger brother and discover the Sun Breathing technique.
All Might vs All For One – My Hero Academia: The Fight That Changed Hero Society Forever
This battle exemplifies the anime’s emotional and narrative depth, as society is forced to confront the loss of its greatest hero.
All Might’s retirement causes civilians to lose faith in heroes, paving the way for Endeavor’s rise as the new Number One. His retirement also reveals the truth about One For All to Bakugo, giving him and Deku the chance to finally confront their differences and begin mending their relationship.