Villain-versus-villain fights do happen from time to time, and they mainly occur when both parties are in pursuit of the same goal but don’t want to share the spoils of victory. If not that, then it’s because one villain wants to prove dominance over another. Less commonly, a morally gray villain may fight another villain whom they deem to be unconscionably evil. Such villains have a good side to them that bubble up at times, especially when they come up against someone who violates their own personal code. Whatever the reason, villain-versus-villain fights can be quite thrilling—and sometimes they’re far more interesting than typical hero-versus-villain fights. Here are our picks for the best anime fights where villains fight other villains.
13. Sosuke Aizen vs. Tier Harribel (Bleach)
Sosuke Aizen is a defector of Soul Society, who later formed his own army of Arrancars (with the highest-tier soldiers known as Espadas). But he turned his back on Haribel, attacking her and blankly stating that he was done with her. Harribel fought back, only to fall victim to Aizen’s illusion. It’s not an action-packed scene, but definitely full of drama.
12. Konan vs. Madara (Naruto Shippuden)
This fight happened right after Pain’s assault on the Hidden Leaf Village, which Konan anticipated. She knew the tricks of his space-time ability and his invulnerability to attacks. Konan carefully studied everything about him before this fight, allowing her to devise a strategy that actually drove her masked opponent into a corner. Unfortunately, Madara used the Sharingan’s Izanagi to alter reality and escape death, losing his spare eye in the process.
11. Meruem vs. Pitou (Hunter X Hunter)
This fight between Meruem and Pitou only took a mere few seconds to play out, but it was a moment that showed us how terrifying these creatures are—whom our Hunters eventually have to fight. The Ant King Meruem and the feline Royal Guard Pitou got a taste of each others’ powers and strengths, but it’s ultimately a one-sided fight as Pitou wouldn’t dare to hurt her king. The king later praised his Royal Guard after receiving—and surviving—an attack that was meant to kill in one hit.
10. Muzan vs. Lower Moon Demons (Demon Slayer)
What could the Lower Moon Demons possibly do in the face of the progenitor of their race? Nothing! That makes this a one-sided fight, but still, it packs a lot of awesomeness. Muzan, who appeared as a lady in front of his subordinates, killed them all without remorse (leaving only Enmu alive) after they failed to prove their worth to him. He doesn’t need weaklings, so he disbanded the Lower Moon Demons altogether.
9. Ryomen Sukuna vs. Special Grade Curse (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Ryomen Sukuna is the Curse who lives in Yuji Itadori, and he comes forth and takes over Yuji when called to fight. In that sense, every fight is him (a villain) against a villain. But one of Sukuna’s best fights was against a Special Grade Curse, who happens to be a bearer of one of his fingers. This fight introduced us to his awesome Domain Expansion: Malevolent Shrine ability.
8. Feitan vs. Zazan (Hunter X Hunter)
This villainous matchup during the Chimera Ant Arc came between the Phantom Troupe and the new hive of Chimera Ants, highlighting the fight between Feitan and the hive’s queen, Zazan. At first, the fight seems to be a normal one—until both unleash their true, hidden abilities after they’re injured. Feitan easily dominated the fight, burning his enemy down along with the castle.
7. Speed o’ Sound Sonic vs. Deep Sea King (One Punch Man)
The Deep Sea King is one of the villains of One Punch Man that was given pretty intense developments before being killed by Saitama. Sonic, on the other hand, is a recurring villain who wants to prove that he’s stronger than any hero, especially Saitama. Sonic, who’s pretty confident in his powers, faces the king of the sea folk using his incredible speed. Though he puts up a decent fight, his enemy manages to adapt to his speed and overpower him.
6. Shie Hassaikai vs. League of Villains (My Hero Academia)
Shie Hassaikai went to the lair of the League of Villains, wanting to negotiate about teaming up. But their first impressions of one another messed things up, ultimately losing one member each. The League isn’t an ordinary hotshot wannabe, and they managed to convince the opposing group of their loyalty and enter a deal. Unfortunately for Shie Hassaikai, Twice and Toga ruined everything, causing the fall of their gang, with Overhaul getting his hands off.
5. Ryunosuke Akutagawa vs. Francis Fitzgerald (Bungo Stray Dogs)
In Bungo Stray Dogs, The Guild poses a threat not only to both the Armed Detective Agency and Port Mafia but also to their own turf, thus prompting both organizations to launch attacks on The Guild. Because Akutagawa (of Port Mafia) hates Atsushi (of Armed Detective Agency), he fights the leader of The Guild, Francis Fitzgerald, alone. His Rashomon ability, though a powerful one, is defeated by Fitzgerald (who’s willing to spend his riches to greatly enhance his physical attributes). Learning that he can’t beat The Guild leader alone, Akutagawa later accepts Atsushi’s aid.
4. Vegeta vs. Majin Buu (Dragon Ball Z)
Vegeta wasn’t a hero in the early arcs of the Dragon Ball franchise. He started as a villain who only later turns over a new leaf. Unfortunately, he gets tainted with Babiddi’s magic and turns into a villain again. After rendering Goku unconscious, he goes off to face Majin Buu alone. Yet because Buu is way too powerful for him, he’s left with no other choice but to sacrifice himself to destroy the sinister chubby villain.
3. Risotto vs. Doppio (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind)
In this bizarre fight, Risotto Nero seems to be on the winning side against Doppio. From scissors coming out of the throat to getting his severed foot stapled back onto his legs, he’s got a lot of tricks to throw at his seemingly mentally unstable opponent. But Doppio, or rather Diavolo, manages to turn the tide of the battle in favor of “them”—in the most quirky way. He gives away his location, making Risotto a target of the Aerosmith Stand.
2. Uchiha Sasuke vs. Danzo Shimura (Naruto Shippuden)
Uchiha Sasuke isn’t totally a villain to start with, but he certainly becomes one after he leaves the Hidden Leaf Village in pursuit of power, cementing his status as a rogue ninja. Danzo Shimura, on the other hand, has always been plotting sinister plans for the sake of the Village, sometimes to the point where he’d conspire with the enemies of the Leaf. As it turns out, Danzo played a role in the massacre of the Uchiha Clan, and he also disrespected the Uchiha Clan by taking several Sharingan eyes and implanting them into his arms for the Izanagi ability. Sasuke will have none of that, thus they clash.
1. Tomura Shigaraki vs. Re-Destro (My Hero Academia)
It seems like our favorite villain from My Hero Academia, Tomura Shigaraki, is always looking for trouble. In this fight, he’s up against a much bigger organization: the Meta Liberation Army, an organization led by Re-Destro that aims to “free” all the ability users of the world. Re-Destro wanted the complete annihilation of the League, but the League of Villains won’t let that happen. The fight is as satisfying as any other great fight scene, where we can see Tomura and the rest of his gang surpass their limits. This arc was named “My Villain Academia,” which temporarily twists the series in making the League of Villains the protagonists.
