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The episodes with the best fight scenes and where to watch them
Studio Pierrot
By: Jared Wolf
Published Feb 6, 2024
Dattebayo, fam. We got a laundry list of ninja clashes, iconic rivalries, mind-blowing jutsu debuts, and enough emotional sucker punches to rival Sasuke's "Amaterasu." Grab your headband. For fans of the Shonen genre (and other anime like Hunter x Hunter), epic battle sequences are one of the best parts. Seeing the most powerful characters in anime go head-to-head is arguably the most exciting part of the genre. So with this in mind, we compiled the 19 best Naruto fights, ranked. These are the episodes with the most memorable fight scenes, and where you can watch them right now. And if you want to watch some more anime like Naruto, we've got you covered.
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19. Team 7 vs. Zabuza and Haku
- Episode(s): 12 (Naruto)
- Key techniques: Hidden Mist Jutsu, Water Style: Water Prison Jutsu, Naruto Summoning Jutsu
Why it's epic: This early clash sets the stage for the entire series. It showcases the raw potential of Team 7. We get some previews of what’s to come in the saga: Naruto's unwavering belief in teamwork, Sasuke's burgeoning Sharingan prowess, and Haku's tragic sacrifice – prepare for goosebumps, folks.
18. Naruto & Sasuke vs. Kaguya
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- Episodes: 46o (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Six Paths, Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, Sage Mode, Chidori, Inda's Arrow
Why it's epic: Naruto and Sasuke don't just throw their strongest attacks around. They strategize, adapt to Kaguya's abilities, and use their unique skills to complement each other, showcasing their bond and growth as teammates. Plus, the stakes are incredibly high with Kaguya threatening to enslave humanity with the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
17. Naruto vs. Pain
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- Episodes: 163-169 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Rasenshuriken, Planetary Devastation, Talk no Jutsu (of course)
Why it's epic: In this battle, Naruto confronts his inner demons, the legacy of Pain, and the power of forgiveness. It’s an emotional rollercoaster. And it will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about ninja philosophy.
16. Kakashi vs. Obito
- Episode: 375 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Chidori, Kamui, memories (seriously, the feels)
Why it's epic: This fight is a tearjerker disguised as a ninja showdown. It delves into the complex bond between Kakashi and Obito, forcing them to confront their past and redefine their destinies.
Get your tissues ready because this one's a gut punch. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
15. Might Guy vs. Kisame Hoshigaki
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- Episodes: 250-251 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Eight Gates, Dynamic Entry, Water Style Release: Great Shark Bomb Jutsu
Why it's epic: This is a clash of titans, pitting raw power against tactical brilliance. Witness Guy, the eternal underdog, pushing his body to the limit with the Eight Gates and unleashing a whirlwind of taijutsu against Kisame's devastating water jutsu.
High-octane action. Breathtaking animation. In this match, Guy protects Naruto at immense personal cost. It’s truly a sight to behold.
14. Might Guy vs. Madara Uchiha
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- Episodes: 418-421 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Eight Gates, Taijutsu mastery, sheer willpower
Why it's epic: It’s Might Guy again. Sorry, not sorry. I have a soft spot for him, don’t ask me why. Plus, this fight defies logic and physics.
Guy, the underdog, pushes his body to the absolute limit in a desperate attempt to stop Madara. Witness the true meaning of "burning bright."
13. Sasuke vs. Itachi Uchiha
- Episodes: 134-143 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo
Why it's epic: Transcending, rivalry, Sasuke vs. Itachi is a dance of love, hate, and vengeance. A little dramatic but true. This fight features a gut-wrenching revelation that will leave you questioning everything about the Uchiha clan.
12. Naruto vs. Sasuke (Valley of End, Part 1)
- Episodes: 476-478 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Rasengan, Chidori, emotional baggage
Why it's epic: Any fight with Naruto is epic. But this isn't just about winning or losing. This battle highlights the clash of childhood dreams and the unwavering bond of friendship.
Naruto vs. Sasuke is a fist-pumper and a tear-jerker. It’ll stick with you long after the credits roll.
11. Kabuto Yakushi vs. Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha
- Episode: 334 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Izanami, Edo Tensei, Tsukuyomi
Why it's epic: Kabuto vs. Itachi is a mind-bending chess match of illusions and reanimations. Witness Itachi, reincarnated by Edo Tensei, pulling the strings. Itachi traps Kabuto in the infinite loop of Izanami and forces him to confront his past sins. This is a masterclass in strategic jutsu usage.
10. Minato Namikaze vs. Obito Uchiha
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- Episodes: 248 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Flying Raijin Jutsu, Kamui, Spiral Zetsu jutsu
Why it's epic: More than a teacher vs. student showdown, the Minato-Obito fight is a glimpse into the legendary Fourth Hokage's prowess. Minato protects Konoha against his former student, a bittersweet reminder of the hero who died too soon.
9. Jiraiya vs. Six Paths of Pain
- Episodes: 129-132 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Rasengan, Summoning Jutsu, Sage Mode
Why it's epic: This fight isn't about winning. It's about resilience, sacrifice, and leaving a legacy. Jiraiya's final stand, this fight means protecting Naruto even against an overwhelming force. A bittersweet farewell to the Toad Sage.
8. Hashirama Senju vs. Madara Uchiha
- Episode: 367 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Susanoo, Mokuton Wood Style, legendary rivalry
Why it's epic: A clash of legends, Hashirama vs. Madara is a glimpse into the ninja world's ancient history. It just has an overall cool storyline with the Hidden Leaf Village and a visually stunning display of god-like jutsu.
7. Killer B vs. Sasuke Uchiha
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- Episodes: 143 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Eight-Tails Jinchuriki powers, Mangekyou Sharingan, epic rap battles (not really)
Why it's epic: This battle is a great showcase of the contrasting paths between jinchuriki and ninja-seeking revenge. Bonus points for Killer B's epic raps.
6. Orochimaru vs. Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi
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- Episodes: 69-73 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Forbidden jutsu galore, epic summonings, emotional baggage
Why it's epic: Another teacher vs. student showdown. Hiruzen sacrifices himself to protect Konoha from his former pupil. It’s a heart-wrenching fight with emotional depth and powerful flashbacks. Definitely worth a rewatch.
5. Rock Lee vs. Gaara
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- Episodes: 48-50 (Naruto)
- Key techniques: Eight Gates, Taijutsu, Sand Manipulation
Why it's epic: This ain’t your typical ninja battle. It's a testament to Lee's determination against seemingly insurmountable odds. Witness Lee's brutal sacrifice and Gaara's initial transformation from villain to potential ally.
4. Neji Hyuga vs. Hinata Hyuga
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- Episodes: 46 (Naruto)
- Key techniques: Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms, Gentle Fist style, surpassing destiny
Why it's epic: You get Neji's fatalistic view of destiny pitted against Hinata's belief in herself. The match culminates in a poignant moment of self-discovery for both characters.
3. Kimimaro vs. Rock Lee
- Episodes: 123-124 (Naruto)
- Key techniques: Drunken Fist, Taijutsu, Curse Mark, Bone Jutsu
Why it's epic: Kimimaro vs. Rock Lee pushes the boundaries of human endurance. It's a showcase of Lee's drunken fist style, his unorthodox skills, and sheer willpower. Lee initially dominates, but that doesn’t last long. Kimimaro reveals a brutal display of power, ending with Lee's heartbreaking sacrifice for Gaara.
2. Shikamaru Nara vs. Hidan
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- Episodes: 87 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Shadow Jutsu, Kekkai Genkai, strategic genius
Why it's epic: This fight is a testament to Shikamaru's tactical brilliance. It's not about flashy jutsu but about meticulous planning and outsmarting your opponent. Shikamaru is calm under pressure and manipulates Hidan's immortality through strategy. Even the "smartest guy in Konoha" gets his hands dirty.
1. Naruto Uzumaki vs. Sasuke Uchiha (Final Battle)
- Episodes: 475-478 (Naruto Shippuden)
- Key techniques: Six Paths Chakra, Sharingan Rinnegan, Talk no Jutsu (one last time!), flashbacks
Why it's epic: What ranking would be complete without another Naruto vs. Sasuke battle? This is the culmination of the entire series, a clash of destinies and ideologies forged in childhood.
Naruto's relentless optimism clashes with Sasuke's tormented vengeance. In the end, love and understanding triumph.
What makes Naruto battles special
Naruto's fight scenes are more than just explosions and jutsu. You can feel the heart, emotion, and character development through the fights themselves. These battles aren't just about winning or losing, it goes deeper.
The warriors of Naruto push physical limits, defy destinies, uphold their values, and learn the true meaning of friendship and connection.
What’s your favorite Naruto fight scene?
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