Top 10 Greatest Anime Story Arcs of All Time
MAJOR SPOILER ALERT. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!
You are stepping into a danger zone where plot twists, character deaths, betrayals, final battles, and "I was not emotionally prepared for this" moments are all fair game. This is a list of the greatest story arcs across all of anime, built for fans who know that a truly great arc can turn a good series into an obsession. These are the stretches of storytelling where stakes rise, heroes break, villains earn their screen time, and your watchlist suddenly becomes a sleep-deprivation plan.
You may find arcs packed with brutal fights, impossible choices, long-awaited reunions, or the kind of emotional damage that makes you stare at the ceiling after the episode ends. Vote for the anime story arcs you think deserve to stand above the rest.
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Marineford Arc (One Piece)
This was the greatest story arc from One Piece and is part of the reason the show has remained so popular to this day. An all-out battle between some of the strongest people in the series, we get to see Luffy shine like he never has before. This arc marked the show's halfway point and makes it hard to believe that there are even stronger foes later in the series.
A brilliant arc that brings hundreds of chapters of buildup to a close and helps to introduce the new direction that One Piece is moving towards. The many characters that are introduced or reintroduced are numerous, and this can be a detriment to many series. However, One Piece successfully manages to not only flesh out the characters' goals and motives but also prevent this from hindering the plot itself.
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Soul Society Arc (Bleach)
This is by far the best arc I have ever watched. It really showed us what Bleach is at its prime and never failed to impress us. The mysterious yet interesting captains gave us so much tension and excitement for further battles. The first time we all heard "BANKAI", the time we saw how captains interact, how Soul Society (a crappy version of heaven) works, the Soul Reapers' motives, etc. The time one major plot twist happened and blew our minds to become one of the most badass antagonists in anime and manga history. This was when the Bleach story rose to be one of the best arcs of all time. This anime introduced me to the anime world, and I do not regret watching it. I loved every second of it, even with shortcomings.
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Invasion of Pain Arc (Naruto Shippuden)
This arc in Naruto has to be some of the best-written fiction I've read. The theme of hatred and revenge is executed brilliantly. In this arc, what was more important than any of the fights was the dialogue. Ideals between the protagonist and the antagonist were clashing. During the big fight, they argue over whose ideal is right.
But on the way to meet the mastermind, the protagonist changes the way he thinks. Meeting up with the mastermind, the protagonist doesn't kill him. Their similar ideals and past clash, but this time in a war of understanding. Two humans coming from a similar situation - one fell into despair, hatred, and wanted revenge, while the other rose above it to prove that there is a chance for world peace without causing more unneeded hatred.
This is what the arc really asks us, the viewers: if someone has hurt you, do you ask why, or do you act with hate? To top it all off, the protagonist returns to the village. The same village which had held hatred towards him came to greet him as he entered the village - but this time not with angry voices of hate and disgust, but with acceptance and understanding, as Naruto, the true hero of the Hidden Leaf Village.
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Chimera Ant Arc (Hunter x Hunter)
You don't get better villains or a better plot in this arc. This arc not only has some of the most intense fights, but it also makes a statement about what it means to be human. The antagonist of this arc, the Ant King, is one of the most well-crafted villains I have ever seen. His character development is incredible, and honestly, he is straight-up badass. There is no filler at all, and each decision - and I mean EACH - that a character makes results in some advancement in the plot, some sort of self-learning. This arc is also extremely dark due to its message about nuclear warfare and its use of blood and gore. One of the best arcs I've seen.
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Chunin Exams Arc (Naruto)
An amazing arc, and what got me into Naruto. If it wasn't for this arc, I can honestly say that Naruto wouldn't be all that high on my list. The epitome of the arc came with Lee vs. Gaara, which was insane. I've shown the fight to people who don't even watch Naruto/anime, and they were pumped.
Another amazing Naruto arc. In this arc, we get to see several important characters introduced into the series, such as the main antagonist Orochimaru and the Konoha 12. This arc is full of fights, deception, and really lets us in on the ways of the Naruto universe.
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L Arc (Death Note)
An incredible cat-and-mouse game with a twist. The mouse, or Light Yagami, has the power to kill anyone with certain information (name, way of death, face, etc.). He is on a rampage to kill every criminal out there. One who doesn't believe in his methods is the cat, or senior detective L. Both geniuses use cunning tactics to evade and catch one another.
Truly an incredible story.
Dang it! I should've voted for this one instead of FMAB! Alchemy gets enough love, but Death Note's characters are way too underrated...
25 episodes of pure perfection. The psychological battle between Light and L was so epic. Every episode had me on the edge of my seat. This is a top-notch anime. The best thought-out anime of all time. There was never a dull moment.
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Promised Day and Final Battle Arc (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Wow, just everything about this arc in the storyline makes me want to burst out in tears of sadness and happiness. Why do all the higher arcs have to be the big 3, you know, One Piece, Bleach, and Naruto, when clearly this arc is a masterpiece? I don't know, but the character development, the massive emotional effect, and the amazing villains and plot are what make this arc phenomenal!
The fact that this isn't number one really bothers me. This show is fantastic as a whole and has so much depth that it really deserves that top spot. If you haven't seen FMA Brotherhood, you need to remedy that immediately because, oh man, you are missing out.
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Sasuke Retrieval Arc (Naruto)
Favorite arc of the series, bar none. The character development in Choji, Neji, Kiba, and Shikamaru is what makes it for me. The individual battles are mostly great in themselves (Kiba's was okay), but seeing the characters all come to terms with their own demons before they are about to die (Kiba, Neji, Choji) is what makes me love it so much. Then my favorite episode of the entire series of Naruto when the Sand come in and save Shikamaru, Kiba, and Lee is insane. Lee vs. Kimimaro and Gaara vs. Kimimaro are also good fights. All of this climaxes into Naruto vs. Sasuke, and the dramatic fight meets all expectations and then some. The best arc of Naruto and got me attached to the show.
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Yorknew City Arc (Hunter x Hunter)
This arc kind of reminds me of the Pain Invasion arc from Naruto. I love how it focuses more on the villains rather than the protagonists and fleshes them out as real humans with their own motives, not just obstacles for the main characters to overcome.
Incredibly well done, like all the other HxH arcs. You get just the right amount of development with the Phantom Troupe so that you become attached to them, but they still maintain that mysterious atmosphere.
It introduced the Phantom Troupe, had an unrivaled shonen ending song, and had some of the most badass fights in the entire show. It's the reason why I even had the motivation to watch through the regrettable Chimera Ant arc...
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Frieza Arc (Dragon Ball Z)
The Frieza saga portrays Toriyama's vision as he originally crafted it, without altering anything based on fan preferences. It was the initial concept from which the series unfolded.
The struggle of good versus evil is portrayed with depth, showing that even the wicked have emotions. Frieza has feelings of his own, and the audience has the chance to understand him.
The Frieza saga is the best, beginning with the Saiyan conflict between Raditz, Nappa, and Vegeta. It progresses to the three-way guerrilla war on Namek, where Zarbon, Dodoria, and Cui take on Vegeta, who later joins forces with the protagonists to take down the Mercenary Squadron of the Ginyu Force. Then there's the eventual rise of the Super Saiyan, Goku, who faces Lord Frieza to halt the tyrant's threat. This was Akira Toriyama's masterpiece.
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Water 7 Arc (One Piece)
This is definitely one of the best arcs in One Piece and is probably the arc that gets the most people to start liking One Piece.
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Shie Hassaikai Arc (My Hero Academia)
Overhaul was such a great villain. Too bad he didn't get enough screen time.
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Cell Arc (Dragon Ball Z)
This was the first anime arc I've ever seen. I remember watching this on Cartoon Network when I was 7 years old. I think this is the most badass arc and has one of the most unique storylines in the Dragon Ball universe. Trunks coming back in time to warn the Z fighters about the threat of the androids was such a huge moment of my childhood. Granted, certain arcs on this list may have better plot development, but I have to put this as my favorite because this arc is what started it all for me.
I still get chills down my spine when I watch Vegeta's Final Flash and Gohan go SSJ2 for the first time.
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Homunculus Arc (Fullmetal Alchemist)
This arc gives the Homunculi more depth and establishes goals that they have reasons to want accomplished. FMA Sloth will always have more depth than FMAB Sloth!
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Female Titan Arc (Attack on Titan)
This is an arc I have a love-hate relationship with. I love all the fight scenes, particularly when Levi and Mikasa team up to take on the Female Titan, as well as the reveal of who the Female Titan is, but that cliffhanger! Still, I can't wait to see how things will progress from there in Season 2.
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Enies Lobby Arc (One Piece)
I haven't reached the Marineford Arc yet, but this easily beats every other arc there is. I've watched Naruto and Fairy Tail. The Pain Arc was nothing too Sugoi. Just overrated. Grand Magic Games, Tenrou Island, and Tartaros (still ongoing) are amazing. Then there is the Chunin Exam Arc, which beats the Pain Arc by far. But Enies Lobby is something else. The Buster Call, Rob Lucci, CP9 was so amazing and the Straw Hats beat them. Just how awesome can One Piece possibly get?
From the epic march towards the lobby to the great escape amidst the gigantic Buster Call. Not to mention the epic fights, especially Luffy vs. Lucci, which is quite possibly the best anime fight of all time. This arc had it all. This arc is certified to leave you overwhelmed.
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Majin Buu Arc (Dragon Ball Z)
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Grand Magic Games Arc (Fairy Tail)
I'm truly obsessed with Fairy Tail, but this has to be one of the best arcs. Laxus was totally badass, Elfman got a great moment in the spotlight, and who can forget the epic battles of Natsu and Gajeel vs. Sting and Rogue, Erza vs. Kagura, Erza vs. Minerva, Gray vs. Rufus, Wendy vs. Sherria, and even Lucy vs. Flare, which is when Lucy really starts tapping into her potential. Coupled with Erza during Pandemonium, Cana's Fairy Glitter, and the final twist, this arc is an exceedingly amazing one.
Natsu looked incredible fighting Sting and Rogue together! I'm fangirling right now! I also liked when Lucy fought Flare. It showed how much she had grown throughout the whole series.
At first, I thought Lucy was weak, but when I saw her fight, I realized she was actually pretty strong and amazing. Natsu is just incredible, and that's enough to say about him. I also liked how the story didn't make Fairy Tail win every battle, but in the end, they still came out on top.
Fairy Tail Team B was a surprise to me, and I really liked Elfman's fight. Cana's battle also showed how strong some of the characters really are.
What I dislike about Fairy Tail is that the anime has too many fillers. They should just put Natsu and Lucy together already!
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Saiyan Arc (Dragon Ball Z)
Okay, I'm just saying that this arc was amazing. This was an all-out battle between Goku and his rival Vegeta. The start of this arc is pretty much training for everyone, but the fighting was awesome.
This should be higher on the list. Goku vs. Vegeta is one of the best fights in all DBZ history, and it was in the Saiyan arc. I'm telling you, it is awesome.
It was so interesting and so epic, especially the fight between Goku and Vegeta. Even the fight with Raditz was cool. I loved it!
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Aincrad Arc (Sword Art Online)
I'm always surprised to see how my list has changed. This is the 10th time I've gotten on here, and I find it odd that this one changes the most. However, I still consider it to be my favorite arc out of the list. Well, it or the Naruto Pain Arc.
Okay, a show about virtual reality in an MMORPG? Yeah, every little kid's dream. In this world, where if your health bar reaches zero, you die, this anime arc is sweet, and you would never guess the amazing twist at the end.
Okay, not many people have seen this show, but this arc is awesome. I don't know what it was about this arc, but after watching it, it sticks with you. This is a must-see on my list of story arcs.
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Whole Cake Island Arc (One Piece)
I LOVED Whole Cake Island. So far, it's the best arc post-timeskip. Sanji's past and his family, the Charlotte family, especially Pudding and Katakuri. It was so great! I laughed, I cried, and it was awesome!
I thought it was awesome. Drama and some great new characters.
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Kishin Revival Arc (Soul Eater)
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Arrancar Arc (Bleach)
This arc, I have to say, is better than the Soul Society arc because, in this arc, it shows the Visored, Espada, and Hueco Mundo. It brought more character development to the Soul Reapers and Arrancar. This arc is not a downfall to Bleach, it is bringing Bleach to the next level of greatness.
I loved the storyline that brought the gang to what I think of as Spanish hell, then finished in Karakura Town. It was all so epic! So many brilliant moments. For example, Ichigo's battles with Ulquiorra, the head captain tricking Aizen, and the Final Getsuga Tensho. It was so satisfying.
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Hueco Mundo Arc (Bleach)
The best arc in Bleach. We got to see great characters like Ulquiorra, Grimmjow, and Stark.
Not to mention the chemistry between Ichigo, Orihime, and Ulquiorra.
This deserves a better position on the list.
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Band of Seven Arc (Inuyasha)
This is my favorite arc in all of Inuyasha because of all the cool, kick-ass characters like Bankotsu and Jakotsu, and the way it all leads up to, well, you'll see. If you've already watched or read Inuyasha, you know what I mean by EPIC!
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Future Arc (Katekyo Hitman Reborn!)
Best arc ever, in my opinion. The intricacies of time travel and character development were well presented in this arc.
This was the worst arc of Hitman Reborn. The story got really stale.
Absolutely the greatest arc I've ever seen in anime. KHR is very underrated.
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Thousand-Year Blood War Arc (Bleach)
This has to be the best arc in Bleach since the Soul Society Arc. It kills me that Kubo got rushed at the end, as I think this could have been better than the Soul Society Arc. The Gotei 13 and Ichigo face off with the greatest enemy they have ever seen, and the stakes are higher than ever. So many interesting powers between new Bankai and the Sternritter. Ichigo had great development, with more revealed on the backstory of his parents and the truth of his Zanpakuto. Uryu also got a lot of time to shine, and I wish we could have gotten more on how Souken and Ryuken felt about the Wandenreich. The Sternritter were a great set of villains with such interesting powers and iconic personalities/designs (As Nodt, Askin, and Haschwalth come to mind). There was just so much setup in this arc that never got addressed, such as the Zero Division, Soul King, and the history of the Soul Society and the Wandenreich 1,000 years ago, because of how rushed the ending was. I wish I could get the completed version of this arc. Reading it week to week was simply phenomenal.