The best anime arcs aren't just parts of the story; they're the heart of the emotions, battles, and twists that keep viewers engaged from start to finish. It's in these arcs that characters grow, face their greatest challenges, and leave unforgettable impressions on fans. From intense journeys to epic conflicts, they're what transform a good anime into a true masterpiece.
In this article, you'll find a special selection of the 10 best story arcs that deserve to be watched at least once in your life. Get ready to relive the emotions and, who knows, discover new favorites. Keep reading and discover which stories left a legacy in the most acclaimed anime of all time!
Death Note: Kira Confronts L
Among the best anime arcs, the initial clash between L and Kira in Death Note is a veritable psychological chess game. The plot delves into Light's calculated actions and L's genius, creating constant tension with each episode.
With iconic characters and a dense atmosphere, this arc won over fans by avoiding action clichés and focusing on suspense. The clash of minds raised the bar for the genre and cemented the anime as a must-see classic.
Bleach: The True Powers of the Soul Reaper Captains
Here's another title that deserves to be among the best anime arcs, as the Battle of Karakura Town in Bleach explodes with pure adrenaline as it pits Squad Captains against the fearsome Arrancars. Led by Yamamoto and Aizen, characters like Hitsugaya, Soi-Fon, and the newly arrived Vizards take center stage in duels that elevate the power of each Bankai to new heights, without revealing decisive outcomes.
The impact was immediate: fans were thrilled with the revelations, twists, and choreographed fights that set the series' epic tone. The scale of the conflict, coupled with the tension between loyalty and betrayal, cemented this segment as a must-see for those who enjoy high-level shounen action.
Haikyuu: The most complicated game for Karasuno
The finale between Karasuno and Shiratorizawa in Haikyu!! delivers everything sports fans could want: rivalry, resilience, and on-court excitement, securing the anime's place among the best anime arcs. With Hinata and Kageyama leading the pace of the match, every point is fought for with intensity and strategy, putting both teams under extreme pressure.
Characters like Tsukishima shine with decisive moments, while Ushiwaka emerges as the most challenging opponent yet. This arc has left its mark on the fan community with electrifying scenes and a narrative that elevates the spirit of sportsmanship.
Naruto: The Three Tails of the Kyuubi
Naruto is such a famous anime that it's hard not to be among the best anime arcs. The Three-Tails arc in Naruto Shippuden offers an intense and layered plot. With Deidara, Tobi, and even Orochimaru involved, the arc features a struggle for control of the beast, which has the shape of a giant turtle and devastating powers.
The introduction of Yukimaru, a boy with a mysterious connection to the creature, brought an unexpected emotional charge to the narrative. The arc stood out for deepening the universe of the Tailed Beasts and showcasing the conflicting interests of major villains, captivating fans with strategic battles and moving moments, making it one of the longest anime arcs of all time.
Sailor Moon: The Underworld Tree
Another important arc among the best anime arcs, Sailor Moon's Underworld Tree arc is a rare example of filler that has captured the hearts of fans. With the arrival of an alien tree on Earth, accompanied by its enigmatic "children" An and Ail, the plot blends emotion, dilemmas, and engaging battles.
Usagi Tsukino and the other Sailor Senshi face unprecedented challenges as they deal with the threat and the antagonists' emotions. The arc stands out for further developing the protagonists, delivering moments that will move and remain in the memories of series fans.
Attack on Titan: A Great Victory for Humanity
If you were hoping to see Attack on Titan among the best anime arcs, you won't be disappointed! It's the Shiganshina Reconquest arc, a turning point in the plot, that secures its place on this list. It marks the moment when the Scouts, led by Levi, Eren, and Hange, launch a daring attack to retake the territory lost to the Titans.
The arc is remembered for its brutal confrontations, emotional decisions, and shocking discoveries. Fans were moved by the fall of the Beast Titan, the sacrifices made, and, most importantly, the revelation that completely changes the worldview of Shingeki no Kyojin.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Saving an Entire Nation
The "Promised Day" arc in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is considered one of the best in anime for its perfect combination of intense action and emotional depth. In it, characters like Edward, Mustang, and Hohenheim face decisive challenges involving sacrifices and shocking confrontations, elevating the drama to a new level.
This pivotal moment in the story highlights the strength of the characters' bonds and their motivations, resulting in a conclusion that deeply impacted fans of the series. The narrative's skill in balancing epic battles with personal dilemmas makes this arc an unforgettable experience for fans of the anime.
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Awakening of the Dragons
In Yu-Gi-Oh, the Orichalcos arc in Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters is surprisingly emotional and character-driven, establishing itself as one of the best arcs in anime. Yugi, Joey, and their allies face the threat of the Doma organization and the dreaded Orichalcos Seal, capable of imprisoning souls.
Even though it was a filler arc, it brought memorable moments for fans, deepening the connection between Yugi and the Pharaoh's spirit. The narrative is dark, intense, and full of dramatic duels, leaving a lasting impact on the protagonist's journey.
Jujutsu Kaisen: The Shibuya Arc
The silver medal among the best anime arcs goes to the Shibuya Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen is a truly important milestone in the story. The plot intensifies when the villains enact a daring plan to capture Gojo, plunging the district into absolute chaos.
With breathtaking battles and losses that shook fans, the arc brought thrilling twists and highlighted characters like Yuji, Sukuna, and Mahito. The dramatic intensity and quality of the animation made this moment unforgettable for the otaku community.
Hunter x Hunter: The Ants Arc
The gold medal winner for best anime arcs is the Chimera arc in Hunter x Hunter, which stands out for its emotional intensity and moral complexity. In it, Gon, Killua, and the Hunters face formidable enemies as King Meruem threatens to rewrite the fate of humanity.
Considered by many to be the answer to "what's the best arc in all of anime?", this arc is impressive for its character development, including that of the antagonist. The psychological and philosophical impact it left on fans made it unforgettable and highly respected in the anime world.
Conclusion
The best anime arcs are marked by unforgettable characters, thrilling twists, and battles that stay with fans. In this article, we explore iconic moments from series like Bleach, Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hunter x Hunter, revealing the lasting impact of each narrative.
Now we want to know: which of these arcs is your favorite? Or which one do you think is missing from the list? Leave a comment with your opinion! Also, check out our article on the best manga to read And, if you like rankings, don't miss the special video with the Top 10 most epic anime and manga arcs of all time: it's unmissable!
