The Best Anime Rivalries. Rivalries and anime A wonderful love story. Mangakas are an excellent choice. The plot isn’t that interesting. A fiery rivalry between the main character’s best friend is a sure winner. !
Let me ask you a question before I get on to the main topic. What is a Rival? A rival is someone who motivates you to do better. He is your driving force and, in most cases, your BEST FRIEND because he knows you the best. But this is not true for everyone.
This list will reveal some of the most beloved anime rivalries. Well! In most cases it’s easy to predict who will win. But it’s fascinating to see the two characters competing. Let’s get to the point.
Anime Dragon Ball
1- Goku and Vegeta
Finallyyyy! Without them, no anime rivalry list could be complete. These two are an excellent example of sworn enemies turning into rivals. Vegeta tried to kill Earth, but Goku beat him.
After a while, we can still see him fighting villains like Cell and MajinBuu to save the things he hates. Vegeta is always one step ahead of Goku. Even though he is Almighty Princess of Saiyans, he still beats him.
Vegeta believes Goku is the only one worthy of death. This rivalry is unmatched. It doesn’t matter what you think ! !
2-Beerus and Champa
Ahhhh! It’s so common for siblings to fight, and it is likely that you have experienced it a lot if you are from an Asian family.
Beerus and Champa, respectively, are the Gods of Destruction of Universe 7 & 6. Well! It’s clear that Beerus is stronger than the other. Their rivalry extends beyond their individual strengths. They battle over who is stronger or which universe has more food lol
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They even had a tournament planned for them. It’s hilarious to watch their constant bickering while they are together. It’s strange to see two GOD OF DESTRUCTIONS fighting like children.
3- Goten and Trunks
The Best Anime Rivalries. Next are Goten & Trunks. Well! Both are still young children but their ingeniousness is incredible. Trunks is slightly younger than Goten but is always one step ahead.
Their fathers are rivals, making this rivalry even more intense. Vegeta wants his son to defeat Kakarots’ son. They are both close friends or could be considered crime partners despite this. They are friends and not competitive with Naruto nor Sasuke who constantly try to kill one another lol!
One Piece of Anime
4- Ace and Luffy
This list has featured quite a few brothers, haven’t we? Well! Although Ace and Luffy are not biological brothers, they are considered siblings. Still! They have had strong feelings of competition since the beginning.
They both wanted to be pirates and shared similar dreams. They fought until the end to determine who was stronger. Ace, Ace’s elder brother, won most of the time. Luffy didn’t give up. Their love is so strong, I love it!
They loved each other and their rivalry wasn’t like any other members on this list. Luffy’s willingness to fight three Admirals in order to save his brother is another thing.
5- Sanji & Zoro
The Best Anime Rivalries Ahhhh! These two rivals are among the most formidable. Two of the most powerful characters from the series are Zoro and Sanji. Both are extremely loyal to Luffy. They also respect one another.
They just don’t agree on certain matters. One Pieces is a big part of their fights. We don’t see them fight over stupid things in any episode. They encourage each other to be more powerful despite this. They set the ideal example for perfect rivalry!
Anime Naruto
6- Guy and Kakashi
Ahhhh! This is my favorite! Guy and Kakashi’s rivalry is so wholesome that you can’t love them. Guy regards Kakashi as his rival since childhood. Guy considers Kakashi serious.
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Kakashi is however more relaxed and accepts his challenges. Both of them respect each other and will do anything to the benefit of the other.
7- Sakura, Ino
Although there are many rivalries in Naruto’s world, this one is the most prominent. Ino and Sakura were best friends in their childhoods. Well! Their rivalry over Sasuke is what makes them so close. This is what most people believe.
Sakura was bullied as a child. Ino was always there for her. Sakura was made to believe she is in Inos’ debt. She was a little jaded. They had a crush on Sasuke.
However, Ino began to lose interest in Sasuke as the series progressed and they became friends again.
8- Naruto & Sasuke
The Best Anime Rivalries Let’s begin this list by listing the most famous anime rivalry. Naruto, Sasuke have known each other since childhood. They were officially introduced when they became part of Kakashi Sensei’s team 10.
Sasuke, unlike Naruto, was considered a prodigy. They tried to outshadow each others from the beginning. Well! They had very different motives. Naruto was determined impress Sakura. Sasuke desired more strength to defeat his brother. They had a rivalry that was not fair at first. Sasuke saw Naruto as a clown.
They became enemies in one episode of the series when Sasuke tried killing Naruto. They fought multiple battles with Naruto winning each. Well! This makes perfect sense. He is the main character. Despite all of this, Naruto still considered Sasuke his friend, despite everyone’s opposition.
Anime Fairy Tail
Lyon Vastia & 9- Gray Fullbuster
Well! Others might not agree with Gray’s rivalry, and claim that Gray is a Natsus competitor. Gray and Lyons’ rivalry is worthy of being on the list. The love triangle dominates their rivalry. !
Lyon is very open and in love with Juvia. Juvia is more in love with Gray than Lyon and is somewhat scared by Lyon’s behavior. This isn’t the only thing. Both were trained by the same Ice teacher, and they have been competing since childhood. They are friendly and can have some hilarious interactions.
10- Natsu and Gajeel
The Best Anime Rivalries Gajeel, Natsu This rivalry has been going on for a while. This rivalry is my favorite. Natsu and Gajeel first met as enemies when Phantom Lord was fighting Natsus guild, AKA Fairy Tail.
Phantom Lord and Fairy Tail fought for many years. Phantom Lord finally attacked Fairy Tail with all he could but was defeated. Gajeel, an Iron Dragon Slayer is Natsu, who is a Fire Dragon Slayer.
It’s basically a rivalry between the Dragon Slayers. It’s pretty cool! After the fall of Phantom Lord, Gajeel & Fairy Tail became friends. Both are determined to do better than one another.
Anime Black Clover
11- Asta, Yuno
The Best Anime Rivalries. Next up is Yuno from Black Clover and Asta of Black Clover. Both were orphaned and raised in a single church. Asta was the most energetic of all and saved Yuno against bullies. However, one promise changed everything. !
They started to compete to be the Wizard Kings. Well! It was unfair at the start, because Asta was magically ineligible. Yuno received the 4 Clover Grimoire. Asta’s Anti-Magic Grimoire made everything better.
They are close friends and fierce rivals. It is difficult to criticize Asta and Yuno after Asta.
12- Yami, Jack the Ripper
Black Clover and another rival. Jack and Yami respectively are the Black Bulls’ captains and Green Praying Mentis’ captains. Both have unique personalities. They constantly fight, trying out to outdo each others.
Jack is clearly stronger than Yami. Their interactions are hilarious. They are a formidable team that fights together.
Anime My Hero Academia
13- Class 1A and Class 1B
Rivalry among classes is not a new phenomenon. We have all witnessed this in our college and school years. This is where the battle between the classes and the heads teachers continues. This fight gets more intense if there are sports competitions.
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This also applies to these classes. The villains’ attacks on Class 1-A made them a little too famous in the beginning. People considered them stronger because they survived the villain attack so quickly. This made Class 1-B jealous. They continue to look for ways to lower the Class 1-A level and prove that they are better.
14- Midoriya & Bakugu
The Best Anime Rivalries In the beginning, this rivalry was very one-sided as Bakugou was always critical of Midoriya’s quirkiness. He was eventually admitted to the same college.
Bakugou was a skilled and gifted man who inspired Midoriya. Bakugou saw the light after Midoriya got One for All from All Might. You could say that he was jealous. !
This was the beginning their rivalry. Midoriya still considers Bakugou a close friend. However, I don’t think the feelings are mutual.
Other Anime
15- Saitama & Sonic (One Punch Man).
Well! The rivalry is not very sexy. Sonic thought he were the strongest Ninja. Sonic was repeatedly beaten by Saitama, and he began to question his existence.
He worked hard to beat SERIOUS SIDES JOUMPS. Saitama couldn’t remember his name and called him strange names such as Seed on the Ground, Jack-o-Lantern Panic and Lost and Found. They are both hilariously funny together.
16- Ichigo (Bleach), and Renji (16
This list also features a great rivalry between Ichigo & Renji. Bleach, the most beloved anime of all time is one of these big three.
Let’s return to the topic of rivalry between Ichigo & Renji. Ichigo is a shounen protagonist. He will always have a rival: RENJI! Both are very hotheaded with strange hairstyles.
Renji was the first Ichigo that Ichigo faced when he arrived on the human world to bring Rukia and Soul Society back. Although they were enemies they now share a lot. But!!! But, it doesn’t mean their rivalry is over.
They fight each other and attempt to outdo one another.
17- Soma Yukihira and Takumi Aldini (Food Wars)
The Best Anime Rivalries. Food Wars is my favourite anime, as I love food more than cooking. This anime’s plot is very similar to other shounen, but the fighting is replaced by cooking. Soma Yokihira made a lot enemies after his challenge.
Takumi aldini is one among them. Takumi challenges Soma every day to prove his superiority, and to show him who’s the true BOSS! Some people don’t like his feelings and refuse to accept him. They make a great couple.
18- Spike and Vicious, Cowboy Bebop
Vicious and Spike, two great examples of friendship turned into foes are Vicious & Spike. They were both members of the Red Dragon Syndicate. They became great friends. They were perfect complements. The big question is: What went wrong?
Julia was the reason that they split and became friends. They clashed throughout the series and Vicious was killed during the final battle.
19- Light, L Lawliet (Death note)
It’s not all about love and strength. Sometimes it’s all about the BRAINS! L and Light were identical. L suspected Light to be Kira. Light tricked him every single time.
To be closer to Light, and to help in the investigations, he joined police force. They fought until the end, but Light prevailed. L was also killed. This rivalry is honestly my favorite. Their mind battles were just too intense!
20- Ash (Pokemon), and Gary (20
The Best Anime Rivalries This rivalry truly is extraordinary. Gary is Professor Oaks’ grandson and imo. He just spoilt Ash a little too much. He is extremely arrogant, and teases Ash often.
They have totally different personalities. Ash isn’t arrogant or likes to tease others so he wants Gary to win a Pokemon battle.
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It’s not only anime that shows this rivalry, but you can also see it in Pokemon games. They’ve been fighting since before the dawn of time, and their fights can be intense!
21- Meliodas (Seven Deadly Sins), and Ban
Next up is Meliodas our favorite captain and Ban the immortal. If I may, their rivalry is very bloody. Ban is immortal so it doesn’t matter how many times you try to kill him. Meliodas is the opposite. He has an incredible endurance.
They are both the strongest characters in the series, and they don’t hold back against one another. You won’t believe it, but they have arm wrestled at least 700 times! Yess! Yes, 700
They remain close friends and look out for each other. It’s really fun to watch their interactions.
22- Yugi Moto (Yu-gii–Oh!)
These are the best anime rivalries. This is a unique rivalry that you won’t find very often these days. This is a battle between Yugi Moto and Seto Kaiba. Both have been in numerous battles against one another. One could describe them as having a one-sided rivalry.
Yugi defeated Kaiba first. Yugi didn’t show hostility toward Kaiba. Yes! Yes!
Nowadays. They have fought so many battles that I don’t remember how long they fought.
23- Kaguya & Miyuki (Kaguya Sama: Love is War)
These two aren’t on the list? From the very beginning, Miyuki Shirogane (president of student council) and Kaguya Shinomiya Shinomiya Vice President have been close friends. It’s great that they both know it.
They aren’t DATING! Why? They want the other person’s confession first or they will lose. Their daily lives are a war because they constantly conspire against each other.
You are missing a lot if you don’t watch this show because it’s a rom-com.
24- Shizou Heiwajima and Izaya Orihara (Durarara!)
The Best Anime Rivalries The next characters on this list are Shizou Shiwajima and Izaya Oihara. Heiwajima is a strange character. It is hard for us to know what he is thinking. He is an ordinary human being, but he is strong. He has an odd habit of lifting heavy objects, such as cars, when he’s mad. He has many broken bones.
It’s quite strange that he has a rivalry against Izaya. This is not the reason. He considers Izaya his sworn enemy. You’ll be able to see them together whenever you look at the screen.
25- Ryuko Mateoi and Satsukikiryuin (Kill La Kill!)
Ryuko lost both her mother and father at a young age. Although she wanted to exact revenge, it was very difficult for her. Honnoji Academy was her only resource for information about the murderer. Satsuki Kiryuin was elected the President of the Student Council by this prestigious school.
Ofc Ruko would rather go straight to Satsuki as she is the most knowledgeable. Satsuki refused her acceptance every time. Their constant bickering turned into a fierce rivalry, with Ryuko trying to defeat Satsuki in order to prove that she was the boss.
They became close friends as in any friendship.
26- Inuyasha (Inuyasha), and Sesshomaru
The Best Anime Rivalries We also have a sibling rivalry. Inuyasha’s brother Sesshomaru has been fighting since the death of their fathers. Why? Because he inherited Sesshomaru’s Holy Sword Tessiaga.
Sesshomaru was bitter towards his brother and treated him badly. Inuyasha started to hate Sesshomaru. Although their hatred is mutual, it’s not like they would kill each other to make this happen. The details were worked out and everything was fine in the end.
27- Kamina & Viral (Gurren Lagann)
Kamina might not be the main character but his charismaticism, and the way he motivates Simon stole the show.
Kamina was confronted early in the series by Viral, a Beastman Commander. Viral, a Beastman Commander, encountered Kamina as he searched for resources. Kamina’s first encounter with Viral was not very memorable. Viral, an experienced pilot, played with Simon. They had to flee in order to save their lives.
Gurren Lagann was the result of this rivalry. Simon and Kamina combined their Gunmen to create the legendary GURRENLAGAANN during their second encounter.
Viral never forgot about Kamina even after his demise.
28- Tai, Matt (Digimon).
The Best Anime Rivalries. Next are Matt and Tai from Digimon. Well! Although many people believe Matt is a bad leader, this is incorrect. This is false. Matt doesn’t like his decision-making abilities. They have totally different personalities and ideologies.
Although they were able to work out their differences over the course of the series, their mutual crush for Sora was always a problem. Their rivalry seems eternal! !
29- Mugen & Jin (Samurai Champloo)
Anyone who enjoys old-school anime should see this anime. If you’ve been living under a rock for a while and don’t know anything about this anime, you should definitely give it a try.
The show’s protagonists are Mugen and Jin. Like any rivalry, their ideologies as well as personalities are quite different. They are constantly trying to outdo one another. To spark a fight, they need a little help. They still respect each other’s skills. This is what keeps them going. They have a common goal.
30- Hinata (Haikyuu), and Kageyama (30
This is my favorite rivalry. This rivalry has a long history. Kageyama was the person who first saw Hinatas potential and told him he was wasting everything.
Both were accepted to the same university, and they decided to join the Volleyball Club. This was the beginning their rivalry. Kageyama is a prodigy. Hinata on the other side doesn’t know much. He only knows Juping!
Their rivalry is very interesting IMO. Kageyama is the only setter capable of matching Hinata’s speed. They are able to recognize each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They make the perfect couple! !
31- Karma & Nagisa (Assassination Class).
Best anime rivalries Karma and Nagisa, both elite students, will likely clash when they are part of the same class. They shared the same goal to eliminate Koro-Sensei and the Assassination Classroom. However, it was always a question of who would complete that task first.
Karma is the strongest member of his class, and he has great combat skills. Nagisa on the other side is weak, but has great observational skills and stealth moves. Their fight in the final semester, despite being best friends since childhood, was the most memorable moment of the series.
32- Alucard (Hellsing Ultimate), Anderson
The Best Anime Rivalries. Although they have little in common, it’s what makes the series so interesting. Anderson is a priest who kills Vampires. Alucard is one of the most evil Vampires. They can still respect one another despite differences. Alucard’s fight against Anderson in the anime series is still a favorite of anime fans. Even though the fight was epic, it was still one-sided. Anderson lost against Alucard. Their long-running rivalry culminated in this story-driven, one-sided battle. It was one of the most memorable anime moments.
33- Kai and Aichi, Cardfight Vanguard
Cardfight! Cardfight! was created to encourage confidence in young boys. Blaster Blade received a rare card from Kai Toshiki (Vanguard player). Years later, the two were fierce rivals but became great friends.
Cardfight!! Vanguard is not only a great online game of cards, but it’s also a fantastic anime. Aichi’s journey with Kai is among the best in anime about gaming. They constantly improve one another and, unlike other anime rivals they always trade off who’s the best player.
34- Naegi and Byakuya (Danganronpa)
The Hope’s Peak Academy students found themselves in the middle of a deadly killing game. Makoto Naegi (Ultimate Lucky Student) and ByakuyaTogami (Ultimate Affluent Progeny ByakuyaTogami) disagreed on many matters. Naegi and Byakuya have a long history in rivalry in anime, video games. They were at odds in trials and fought out their differences with wits. Makoto and Byakuya usually had the upper hand, but Kirigiri and Makoto were sometimes able to overcome Byakuya’s willpower. His wit was crucial to the success of the gang, and they sometimes needed it.
35- Aang & Zuko (Avatar: Last Airbender)
Although Avatar: the Last Airbender’s Aang, Zuko and Zuko end up becoming close friends, there are many conflicts and clashes along the way.
Both men are driven to achieve a goal that is greater than their lives. Aang seeks to control the elements and save the world, while Zuko strives to capture the Avatar so that he can restore his status with his family and homeland. They are now at odds almost instantaneously, which leads them to a long-drawn and intense game of cat & mouse with world-level stakes.
Slowly, however, they realize that their quest for regaining what they lost is intertwined in a way they didn’t initially realize. Each of them realizes that they can’t succeed together and that the only way to win is by becoming stronger together.
This story is about a friendship that grows out of a conflict. It ranks among the most memorable anime rivalries.
