The Naruto series, and its successor, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, is one of shonen's most action-packed franchises. With a rich roster of characters and storytelling, the Naruto franchise's battles have captivated audiences worldwide.
Each fight throughout Naruto's narrative, including Shippuden, is a testament to the series' enduring popularity and cultural significance. From Naruto and Sasuke's final confrontation the Final Valley and Boruto's intense battle against Momoshiki Otsutsuki, these fights have delivered some of the most memorable and iconic moments in Naruto's history.
10 Kawaki Thwarts Momoshiki Otusuki's Threat
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Episode 218, "Partner"
Boruto: Naruto Next Generations offers plenty of intense high-stakes fights and this one is no exception. When Boruto is possessed by the previously defeated Momoshiki, who had been lying dormant within him, Kawaki steps up to the plate to fend him off and defend a wounded Naruto.
Fans are treated to an epic flurry of blows as Momoshiki unleashes a whirlwind of Rasengans. Kawaki is also able to hold his own by finally drawing on Isshiki Otsusuki’s powers, which eventually leads to Momoshiki’s defeat once Boruto reawakens. This electrifying showdown exemplifies the series' blend of intense action, character development, and drama that is reminiscent of Naruto and Sasuke's fight at the end of Shippuden. It cements its status as one of Boruto's greatest fights.
9 Hiruzen Clashes With Orochimaru
The Destruction of Konoha Arc
Arguably the most consequential fight in Part 1 of the Naruto series, Orochimaru faces his former mentor, Hiruzen Sarutobi, The Third Hokage. This battle is unlike any that came before it, as both Orochimaru and Hiruzen unleash the full might of their legendary prowess. Viewers get their first glimpse of the Reanimation Jutsu, which also introduces the first and second Hokage and the fearsome Reaper Death Seal.
This duel also exemplifies some emotional depth as Hiruzen is forced to face the evil demon that his former student has become. Hiruzen’s death and Orochimaru’s loss of his arms at the fight’s conclusion sets off a chain of events that affect the rest of the series – Konoha must now find a new Hokage and Orochimaru’s hunger to regain his power intensifies, eventually encouraging the young Sasuke Uchiha to leave his village.
8 Killer Bee Pushes Sasuke Past His Limits
Naruto Shippuden, Episode 143, "The Eight-Tails vs. Sasuke"
This fight marks Sasuke’s debut as a member of the Akatsuki and introduces Killer Bee, the eight-tailed beast's jinchuriki. While on a mission to capture Bee, Sasuke and the members of Taka soon learn that this rapping jinchuriki is not to be taken lightly. Sasuke is outsmarted and overpowered by Bee's playful rapping and unmatched swordsmanship.
Bee unleashes his unparalleled mastery of the Eight-Tails' chakra, morphing into his fearsome Bijuu form and pushing Sasuke to the brink of his abilities. Sasuke also uses his Mangekyo Sharingan for the first time during this battle, adding another layer of excitement. It is a thrilling display of strategy, swordsmanship, and unexpected power-ups.
7 Naruto, Sasuke, and Boruto Form an Epic Tag Team Against Momoshiki
Boruto: Naruto The Movie and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Episode 65, "Father and Child"
Momoshiki Otsutsuki crashes the Chunin exams, seeking to steal chakra and conquer dimensions, resulting in Naruto and Sasuke engaging in a tag-team throwdown. The animation beautifully showcases the pair’s refined skills, with each anticipating the other's moves in a flawless display of teamwork that is elevated in the anime series’ version of the fight. There are also plenty of callbacks to techniques previously used in the original Naruto series, such as the Shadow Shuriken Jutsu.
Boruto also lands a crucial finishing blow on Momoshiki. This fight is epic because it not only reunites Naruto and Sasuke in a dazzling display of their honed skills but also introduces Boruto’s full potential and foreshadows the Otsutsuki threat that will define the next generation of ninja.
6 Madara Is a One-Man Army Against the Fourth Division
Naruto Shippuden, Episode 321, "Reinforcements Arrive"
Madara Uchiha’s debut stands as the best villain introduction in shonen. Madara and his terrifying power were built up throughout Naruto Shippuden. The very mention of his name sent chills down everyone's spine. When he was finally introduced during the Fourth Great Shinobi World War, he far exceeded fans' expectations.
Now reanimated, Madara essentially becomes a one-man wrecking crew, plowing through the Fourth Division and every earth wall and explosive tag they throw at him. His Susanoo shrugged off attacks like flies, and he even summoned a meteor to rain devastation on the allied forces. This fight shows that there is no power in numbers when up against Madara.
5 Guy Goes Beyond Superhuman Limits While Facing Madara
Naruto Shippuden, Episode 418, "The Blue Beast vs Sixth Paths Madara", Episode 419, "Night Guy" and Episode 420, "Those Left Behind"
In a logic-defying clash, the Fourth Great Ninja War saw Might Guy face Madara Uchiha. With the battlefield crumbling, Guy unleashes the Eight Gates, a forbidden technique that pushes his body to superhuman limits. The danger of opening the eighth gate was hinted at in Rock Lee’s fight with Gaara in Part 1, but here, fans finally get to see the technique in full vicious force. Each gate opens a new level of power, with Guy moving at unimaginable speeds and delivering blows that distort space itself.
Madara is forced to use everything he has to deflect Guy's attacks. The pivotal moment arrived with the Night Guy technique – a taijutsu attack so powerful it warped the very air around them. Though ultimately unsuccessful in defeating Madara and mortally wounded as a result, Guy etches his name as the strongest taijutsu user Madara has ever faced.
4 Gaara Can’t Keep up With Rock Lee’s Taijutsu
Naruto, Episode 48, "Gaara vs Rock Lee: The Power of Youth Explodes"
Rock Lee longs to prove himself despite lacking ninjutsu and genjutsu abilities. In this penultimate battle from the Chunin exams’ preliminary rounds, Lee is put to the test against the unstable powerhouse, Gaara. Despite the odds stacked against him, Lee showcases his incredible speed and taijutsu prowess, unleashing the dynamic techniques of his Hidden Lotus and Primary Lotus.
The sight of Lee removing his weights and unlocking even greater speed and agility remains etched into the brains of new and old fans. Fans are also introduced to the Eight Inner Gates, being treated to Lee opening the first five to deliver powerful punches and kicks. Lee is also defeated, but his sheer tenacity and unconventional approach push Gaara to his limits, forever altering the sand shinobi's view of the world and solidifying Lee as a fan-favorite character.
3 The Uchiha Brothers Clash in an Emotional Showdown
Naruto Shippuden, Episodes 135-138
Fueled by vengeance after the annihilation of the Uchiha clan at the hands of his older brother, Sasuke finally confronts Itachi for another showdown that was a long time in the making. Throughout the battle, Itachi shows his mastery of the Sharingan, employing genjutsu and debuting the Susanoo ability. Sasuke, in turn, unleashes the power of his cursed seal and his Kirin in a relentless assault against his older brother.
This fight is a masterpiece, not just for its action and animation, but for its emotional depth. It explores the complexities of family, loyalty, and the burden of protecting those you love. Itachi’s death at its conclusion and the subsequent revelation that he wasn’t the monster Sasuke always believed him to be is a tragic plot twist that no one saw coming. It marks a turning point in Sasuke's character arc, shaping his future actions and decisions in the series.
2 Pain Unleashes a Rain of Destruction on Naruto
Pain Assault Arc
Fans remember the excitement they felt after first witnessing this history-making battle. Pain releases a rain of devastation on Konoha and sets the stage for one of Naruto Shippuden’s best fights. The fight becomes a symbol of Naruto’s growth as a shinobi. His mastery of the Sage Mode is on full display as he uses powerful senjutsu techniques against Pain's formidable abilities.
The battle’s climactic moment sees Naruto unintentionally tapping into the Nine-Tails’ power and the introduction of Minato, the Fourth Hokage, who helps Naruto suppress the beast’s power. This legendary battle not only highlights Naruto's growth and finally makes him his village’s hero, but also challenges his ideals and beliefs, paving the way for his eventual role as a beacon of hope for the shinobi world.
1 Naruto and Sasuke's Rivalry Reaches Its Peak at The Final Valley
Sasuke Retrieval Arc
Naruto’s best fights include some key elements that make them great – build-up, intense action, emotion, and lasting consequences. Naruto and Sasuke’s fight at the conclusion of Part 1 serves up these elements in the best way. Consumed by a thirst for power, Sasuke defects from Konoha to join Orochimaru while Naruto tries to stop him. This culminates in their battle at The Final Valley. The fight is an epic display of impressive taijutusu and ninjutsu techniques as these rivals fight to assert their beliefs and express their emotions.
The battle’s climax sees the pair charging at each other with their respective Rasengan and Chidori attacks for an explosive conclusion that carves the valley and leaves both boys on the brink of death. Naruto and Sasuke’s showdown shows the destructive nature of unchecked ambition and the power of unwavering friendship, setting the stage for Sasuke's journey as a rogue ninja and Naruto's pursuit to bring him back.
