10 Best 2 vs 1 Fights in Anime, Ranked

In anime, 2 vs 1 fights may seem like an uneven matchup, but they are often the most memorable, demonstrating the formidable strength of the protagonists working together.

In anime, 2 vs 1 fights often involve multiple characters teaming up to face a powerful villain. However, this does not suggest that the protagonists are weak. These fights serve as a test of the protagonists’ teamwork and ability to unite against a formidable foe.

In this article, a list of the top 10 2 vs 1 fights has been curated and ordered based on their level of popularity. These battles include both amicable confrontations and instances where two heroes join forces to take down a common enemy.

Please note that all opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.

Top 10 Best 2 vs 1 Fights in Anime

Izuku Midoriya and Katsuki Bakugo versus All Might in My Hero Academia

Bakugo (left), All Might (middle), and Midoriya (right) (Image via BONES)

The initial battle between Deku and Bakugo as a duo, known as the 2 vs 1 showdown, occurred during the First Term Final Exams for Deku’s class.

This intense battle between Class 1-A students and the Symbol of Peace in anime and My Hero Academia was one of the most memorable 2 vs 1 fights. However, as the exam drew to a close, All Might reached his limit, and both Deku and Bakugo managed to reach the finish line.

Denji and Power’s Battle Against Kishibe (Chainsaw Man)

Power (left), Kishibe (middle), and Denji (right) (Image via MAPPA)

After clumsily completing their initial missions as novice Public Safety Devil Hunters, Makima brought Power and Denji to Kishibe, an experienced Devil Hunter. Kishibe assured them that he would train them effectively without putting their lives in danger.

This anime showdown between two versus one is highly regarded, spanning two intense rounds. In the first round, Kishibe effortlessly defeated Denji and Power. In the second round, the duo attempted to strategize and catch the experienced hunter off guard. However, they were once again soundly defeated, coming to the realization of Kishibe’s prowess as a devil hunter through a tough lesson.

8) Battle between Asuka and Shinji against Israfel in Neon Genesis Evangelion

Eva Unit-001 (left), Israfel (middle), and Eva Unit-002 (right) (Image via Gainax & Tatsunoko Production)

Israfel, the 7th Angel in Neon Genesis Evangelion, is a prominent antagonist. Due to its possession of two cores, it proved to be a formidable opponent and was a challenge to defeat in battle. The Angel was confronted by Shinji and Asuka in their Evangelion Pilot Units, with the battle lasting two rounds.

After Asuka’s Pilot Unit was severely injured, the first round came to an end. Despite being assigned to deal with the Angel together, Shinji chose to take on the battle alone. As a result, Israfel was trapped inside a cage for six days after injuring Asuka.

Capitalizing on the opportunity, Shinji and Asuka honed their fighting skills together. Six days later, the Angel was unleashed, but luck was on their side as their movements were perfectly synchronized to the rhythm of music. Undoubtedly, this was one of the most impressive 2 vs 1 battles in anime and the greatest one in Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Asta and Yuno’s Battle Against Licht in Black Clover

Licht (left), Asta (middle), and Yuno (right) (Image via Studio Pierrot)

During the Elf Reincarnation arc, the leader of the antagonist group, Eye of the Midnight Sun, was confronted by the two protagonists, Asta and Yuno. This showdown resulted in one of the most visually stunning 2 vs 1 fights in both anime and Black Clover, as Licht managed to retrieve his stolen sword from Asta and wield it against the magicians.

Despite being overpowered throughout the battle, Asta and Yuno fought with everything they had to defeat Licht. Despite ultimately ending in defeat for the protagonists, their showdown is still regarded as one of the greatest 2 vs 1 fights in anime.

Monkey D Luffy and Trafalgar Law face off against Donquixote Doflamingo in One Piece

Luffy (left), Law (middle), and Doflamingo (right) (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite not receiving the recognition it deserves, the 2 vs 1 battle during the Dressrosa arc is a standout moment in anime. Law, a key character in the arc, sought retribution against Doflamingo, the main villain who had killed Law’s mentor, Rosinante, in the epic showdown.

Although Law had been the one to initiate the plan to defeat Doflamingo, his role in the fight could be considered a supporting one. This was evident as Luffy activated Gear 4 and Doflamingo’s devil fruit was awakened, posing a threat to all on Dressrosa Island. Ultimately, the battle ended in Luffy’s victory as he emerged triumphant over Doflamingo.

Kamado Tanjiro and Nezuko’s Epic Battle Against Rui in Demon Slayer

Tanjiro (left), Nezuko (middle), and Rui (left) (Image via Ufotable)

The anime fight between Kamado Tanjiro and Nezuko against Rui solidified Demon Slayer as one of the most renowned shounen series. The beautifully animated 2 vs 1 showdown showcased the siblings’ battle against Rui, one of the Lower Moon Demons.

Even though the demon had completely overwhelmed the protagonists, Tanjiro managed to tap into his Hinokami Kagura Breathing Technique for the first time and surpassed Rui. However, despite successfully beheading the demon, Rui did not perish. Luckily, the Hashira intervened and dealt with the demon and his family, resulting in victory for the protagonists.

Goku and Frieza vs Jiren: The Epic Battle (Dragon Ball Super)

Jiren (left), Frieza (middle), and Goku (right) (Image via Toei Animation)

After Goku’s Ultra Instinct form faded, he realized he was no match for Jiren’s formidable strength. In a desperate move, he sought help from Frieza, a recurring enemy in the series. Together with the unexpected assistance of 17, Goku and Frieza joined forces to defeat Jiren, despite the challenging circumstances.

Despite its brevity, the fight is hailed as one of the greatest 2 vs 1 battles in anime and in Dragon Ball. The unexpected teamwork between Goku and Frieza caught the attention of the Z fighters, who were determined to win the Tournament of Power and save their universe from erasure. In the end, Universe 7 emerged victorious, with Frieza and Goku leaving the stadium alongside Jiren while Android 17 remained as the sole remaining fighter.

Frieren and Fern vs Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

Frieren (left), Fern (middle), and Frieren clone (right) (Image via Madhouse)

The epic confrontation between Frieren and Fern, as well as the clone of Frieren produced by the fearsome monster Spiegel, took place in the second phase of the First-Class Mage Exam Arc. It remains one of the most recent 2 vs 1 battles in anime, astounding viewers with its extraordinary choreography and breathtaking animation.

Prior to the commencement of the battle, the mages deliberated on strategies to defeat Frieren’s clone, and the protagonists pledged to engage in combat. Frieren, being the only one aware of her vulnerability, held the key to defeating her clone. While Fern distracted the clone, Frieren would deliver the decisive strike.

As the battle began, Frieren and the clone were evenly matched, fighting fiercely against each other. Despite Fern’s attempt to catch the clone off guard, she was eventually defeated. However, Frieren was able to take advantage of her clone’s weakness – her inability to sense mana immediately after casting a spell – and emerged victorious.

Yuji Itadori and Todou Aoi vs Mahito in Jujutsu Kaisen

Mahito (left), Itadori (middle), and Aoi (left) (Image via MAPPA)

Despite being a product of the modern era of anime, this battle remains one of the most iconic 2 vs 1 fights, with many viewers considering it to be the pinnacle of the series. This epic clash served as a pivotal moment for the protagonist, Yuji Itadori, as he learned the importance of accepting defeat and facing challenges head on.

Despite awakening his true form (Instant Spirit Body of Distorted Killing) in the battle, Mahito was still outmatched by Itadori once Aoi became unable to use his cursed technique.

1) The Epic Clash: Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha vs Momoshiki Otsutsuki (Boruto: Naruto Next Generations)

Naruto (left), Momoshiki (middle), and Sasuke (right) (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In the world of anime, the 2 vs 1 fights are highly debated, but the clash between Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha against Momoshiki Otsutsuki is unanimously considered the top contender. Not only is it the most impressive, but it also remains a standout memory for the majority of anime enthusiasts. This epic battle is featured in two forms: the initial one in Boruto: Naruto the Movie and the second in the Boruto: Naruto Next Generations television series.

In a different dimension, Momoshiki, the antagonist, attempted to extract Naruto’s chakra for his own gain from the chakra tree. Just as he was about to succeed, reinforcements arrived to rescue the Seventh Hokage.

Despite the initial success of the protagonists, the tide turned when Momoshiki revealed his true forms. The battle reached its peak as the formidable duo of Sasuke and Naruto joined forces in a legendary 2 vs 1 showdown against Momoshiki. The two combined their powers, but it was ultimately Boruto who dealt the final blow and emerged victorious over the antagonist, utilizing a Rasengan infused with his father’s strength.