8 Iconic Anime Fights That Completely Defied Expectations (Ranked)

Anime battles are known for their intensity and for their ability to redefine audience expectations, whether through stunning animation or by raising the narrative stakes. Then there are the anime fights that completely reshape the story, delivering unpredictable, often thrilling sequences that challenge the power hierarchy and twist the series' dynamics.

These are the battles and outcomes that fans never saw coming, creating an unforgettable experience that leaves behind a lasting impression on viewers. Many of these battles did what fans thought was unthinkable, allowing them to stand out among the rest for better or worse.

8 Kento Nanami vs. Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident)

During the Shibuya Incident, Kento Nanami, despite being gravely injured, travels through the tunnels of Shibuya to clear the transfigured humans. When he confronts Mahito, Nanami doesn’t hesitate to take him on in an intense battle that ultimately leads to his gruesome death after his upper body is completely obliterated.

The scene is witnessed by Yuji, adding to the shocking twist of fate. Many fans expected a heroic comeback, only to be met with the opposite. While Nanami was a talented jujutsu sorcerer, his injuries were too grave, and Mahito was too quick, turning the tide and injecting a sense of unease into the series.

7 Katsuki Bakugo vs. All For One (My Hero Academia)

Bakugo versus All For One in My Hero Academia’s Final Season stands out as one of the highlights of the series. Despite being critically weakened, having come back from death itself, Bakugo intercepts All For One before he can kill All Might in an absolutely stunning display of power. This battle served as his true redemption and completely redefined expectations.

Bakugo’s determination and skill were on full display during his thrilling comeback, culminating in a decisive win that fans did not see coming. With his intense firepower, he not only slows down All For One and prevents him from reaching Shigaraki but also proves that his raw talent truly cements him as one of the series’ greatest characters.

6 Maka Albarn vs. The Kishin (Soul Eater)

​As the world sat on the edge of chaos following the Kishin Asura’s awakening in Soul Eater, it was Maka Albarn and Soul Evans who stepped forward to take on the disastrous threat. With the support of Black Star and Death the Kid, Maka was able to make a stand that audiences weren’t expecting.

Rather than a dramatic battle between Kishin, Meister, and Weapon, Maka’s victory against Asura came from a single decisive blow. Channeling all her courage and willpower, Maka throws a punch that leads to the end of the feared Kishin by triggering a collapse in his mind. While some fans consider the moment a cop-out, it’s undeniable that it completely defied expectation.

5 Future Trunks vs. Perfect Cell (Dragon Ball Z)

After Vegeta and Future Trunks emerge from the Hyperbolic Time Chamber, the two confront Cell on a remote island. At first, Vegeta has the upper hand, but driven by pride, he allows Cell to achieve his perfect form, leading to a battle that puts some of the most powerful Z-Fighters to shame.

In an attempt to fix his father’s mistake, Trunks takes on Perfect Cell; however, despite achieving Super Saiyan Third Grade, Future Trunks finds that his power does little against Cell. Paired with the massive drawback that costs Trunks his speed, he has no chance against Perfect Cell and inflicts no lasting injuries on the villain.

4 Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha vs. Madara Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden)

During the final stretch of the series, Naruto and Sasuke confront the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, Madara, in a high-stakes battle that determines the fate of their world. Empowered by the Six Paths chakra, the duo fights with immense coordination and power, leading to a thrilling battle that completely shifts the power hierarchy.

However, despite all its strengths, the final battle against Madara ends with Naruto and Sasuke struggling against his regenerative capabilities, only for Black Zetsu to intervene in the battle and betray Madara. This then led to the revival of Kaguya Otsutsuki, a very polarizing character many fans found frustrating.

3 Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka vs. Akaza (Demon Slayer)

Within the Infinity Castle, Tanjiro Kamado and Giyu Tomioka confront Akaza, the Upper Rank Three demon. In the film, their battle serves as the climactic high point with stunning visuals and intensity that can be felt through the screen. The battle marks several major evolutions, including Tanjiro’s Selfless State and Giyu gaining a mark.

The encounter is one of the best in Demon Slayer; however, Akaza’s death is unlike any of the other demons, completely defying fan expectations. After his past fully comes to light, Akaza chooses to take his own life rather than continuing to live as a demon and fighting for Muzan.

2 Akira Fudo vs. Ryo Asuka (Devilman Crybaby)

Akira Fudo and Ryo Asuka’s clash at the end of Devilman Crybaby takes place as the world is already collapsing. With Akira embracing his Devilman powers, he fights desperately to protect humanity, while Ryo, revealed as Satan, manipulates events to isolate and confront him in a final battle that is as visually stunning as it is narratively twisted.

There were high stakes, but also emotional and psychological stakes that enhanced the battle. In the end, it’s Ryo who wins, completely subverting expectations in many good versus evil anime. The finale lingers on heartbreak and devastating consequences, making it one of the most memorable anime finales of all time.

1 Zanka vs. Jabber (Gachiakuta)

Zanka and Jabber's confrontation near the end of Season 1 of Gachiakuta stands as one of the most thrilling and unconventional battles in modern shōnen anime. With Jabber’s toxic, hallucinogenic attacks completely shredding Zanka’s defenses, the battle turns into an unforeseen and unforgettable twist, with Zanka not granted a second chance.

After Zanka’s backstory, fans expected a triumphant comeback, but were instead met with a hallucination of one, with Zanka still wounded on the ground. To add insult to injury, Jabber lies beside him and begins to laugh with him, creating one of the most humiliating and crushing defeats in modern anime.