Top 10 Epic War Arcs in Anime and Manga, Ranked

Article Overview

Anime war arcs provide intense and exciting battles, but their true value lies in the character development and exploration of the nature of war.

The finest war storylines highlight the intricacies of warfare, presenting protagonists confronting overwhelming challenges and enduring devastating setbacks.

From Akame Ga Kill to One Piece, these anime masterfully depict war through breathtaking imagery, intense battles, and compelling storytelling that mesmerize audiences.

Many of anime and manga's most memorable storylines revolve around war. Although anime often portrays violence in a brutal manner, there is a heightened excitement that comes with witnessing a lengthy, multi-episode narrative centered on war. While some war narratives clearly portray one side as good and the other as evil, the most exceptional anime war arcs do not villainize any particular faction, but rather highlight the inherently evil nature of war itself.

What truly captivates audiences in war arcs goes beyond epic battles, but rather the immense challenges faced by the anime's characters. Observing the main characters of a series fight their way out of danger and come to grips with the true horrors of war provides anime enthusiasts with unparalleled examples of character development. The finest anime war arcs adeptly weave together character growth, intricate plotlines, and captivating action sequences to offer fans an unforgettable experience.

10. Revolutionary Army vs The Empire

Akame Ga Kill

After enduring years of suffering under the despotic and corrupt rulers of the empire, the Revolutionary Army of Akame Ga Kill finally initiated a full-scale war following numerous smaller clashes. Before them stood an enormous and seemingly impenetrable obstacle in the form of Esdeath, the merciless and bloodthirsty general who incited rebellions solely to suppress them. With a staggering kill count of 400,000, Esdeath had claimed the lives of countless soldiers. Fortunately, Night Raid stood alongside the Army, offering their support. Despite experiencing heart-wrenching losses like that of Tatsumi, the Army emerged triumphant, toppling both Esdeath and the empire's leadership.

9. Magnostadt Arc

Magi

In the latter half of the Magnostadt arc in Magi, a complex three-way conflict unfolded between Magnostadt, Reim Empire, and Kou Empire. Initially initiated as a war between Magnostadt and Reim, the protagonist, Alladin, tirelessly fought to defuse the tension and thwart the plans of Al-Thamen, the instigators of the conflict and the impending apocalypse. Although the war was brief, Al-Thamen achieved their sinister goal and resurrected Father, a catastrophic entity capable of annihilation. With the world hanging by a thread, influential figures from various empires, such as Sinbad and his Seven Seas Alliance, assembled to confront the imminent threat. The awe-inspiring employment of the Djinn weapons by the chosen individuals solidified Magi's status as more than just an ordinary fantastical series.

8. Thousand-Year Blood War

Bleach

Bleach's Quincies have returned after a millennium to seek revenge on the Soul Society for their massacre. The initial attack resulted in significant casualties for the Soul Reapers, including the loss of their esteemed leader, Captain Yamamoto. Ichigo suffered a crushing defeat, forcing him and his allies to confront their vulnerabilities and undergo rigorous training. The subsequent assault proved to be more evenly matched, with Ichigo now stronger than ever as he prepares to confront Yhwach and bring an end to the brutal war. The arc showcases stunning visuals, beloved characters undergoing power-ups, and breathtaking battles that captivate viewers. Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War stands as one of the best resurgences in anime, and the anticipation for its third installment is currently sky-high.

7. Zero Requiem

Code Geass

Lelouch, the mastermind behind Code Geass, devised an ingenious strategy to bring an end to all conflicts and pave the way for an era of tranquility. By overthrowing his own father and assuming the mantle of Britannia's emperor, he acquired the means to realize his vision. Collaborating with Suzaku, he orchestrated a scheme to conquer the world, portraying himself as the ultimate villain. Ultimately, Lelouch orchestrated his own demise, as Suzaku took his life, thereby uniting humanity against a shared enemy. Code Geass stands out in the realm of anime for its unique portrayal of warfare, defying the conventional tropes typically associated with the genre. Remarkably, the protagonist emerges as the 'villain' and the instigator. Despite these unconventional dynamics, Lelouch's aspirations ultimately materialized, leading to a prolonged period of peace in the world.

6. War For Paradis

Attack On Titan

The Scouts' return from their attack on Marley in Attack on Titan was chaotic, as a coup d'état unfolded while Marley, led by Reiner, launched a counter-attack. Reiner and his allies aimed to thwart Eren's plan of activating the Rumbling and causing mass destruction. Meanwhile, Mikasa, Armin, and the group attempted to persuade Eren that his intentions were misguided. Unfortunately, their efforts met a brutal twist, creating one of the most shocking moments in anime history. The war was filled with intense suspense, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. As the release of the final episode approaches, fans eagerly await the conclusion of Attack on Titan, where they will discover the fate that awaits Eren and the rest of the characters in the series.

5. Paranormal Liberation War

My Hero Academia

With the intel provided by Hawks, the second-ranked hero in My Hero Academia, the heroes launched a full-scale assault on the Liberation Army, a group aiming to dismantle Japanese society. Swiftly acting before Shigaraki could awaken, it initially appeared that they had successfully minimized the destruction. However, chaos erupted when Shigaraki regained consciousness. In a matter of seconds, numerous heroes were mercilessly slain, and despite a fierce battle involving the top heroes, Shigaraki managed to elude capture. Undoubtedly, the first part of My Hero Academia season 6 stands as the pinnacle of the series thus far, leaving an indelible mark on the year 2022.

4. Chimera Ant

Hunter X Hunter

Although not the traditional war arc, the Chimera Ant Arc still fits the description as it features humanity's best warriors battling against an invading species. This arc showcases the Hunter Association's chief finally engaging in combat, along with other highly anticipated characters like the Zoldyck family's most formidable members. While the action in this arc is undoubtedly thrilling, what truly distinguishes the Chimera Ant arc from others is its exceptional character development. Characters like Meruem demonstrate positive growth, while others, like Gon, experience negative transformations. Renowned for its incredible action and profound themes, Hunter x Hunter's Chimera Ant arc rank among the most beloved shonen arcs of all time.

3. Coalition Invasion

Kingdom

The state of Qin grew increasingly aggressive in its quest to conquer and unify China, prompting the five other states to form an alliance and prevent being swallowed up one by one. With an army of 540K, Qin's last hope rested on the formidable Kankoku Pass wall, where they would confront the approaching invaders. This battle showcased the finest generals of Qin and proved to be a remarkable highlight in the Kingdom series, captivating fans as they witnessed the heroes face an almost insurmountable challenge. From numerous victories on multiple fronts to the dramatic rescue by the Yotanwa army, the Coalition Invasion arc propelled the series to extraordinary heights.

2. 4th Great Shinobi World War

Naruto Shippuden

The Fourth Great Shinobi World War in Naruto was a momentous event, marked by significant losses and far-reaching benefits for the world. It was a unique occurrence where all the lands set aside their differences to confront the terrifying threat of Madara and the Akatsuki. This arc provided numerous opportunities for various characters to shine, with highlights including Gaara rallying the army and Darui leading his troops to victory against legendary ninjas. The war was full of unexpected twists, including the revival of the Hokage, which added an extra layer of excitement to the storyline. Widely regarded as the franchise's finest arc, it remains a challenge for future storylines to match the scale and impact of the Fourth Great Shinobi World War in Naruto. With its epic scope and captivating narrative, it's clear why this arc is lauded as one of Naruto's greatest story arcs.

1. Marineford

One Piece

One Piece's Marineford, a war between the Navy and the Whitebeard Pirates, is widely regarded as the best war arc in anime. It follows the story of Portgas D. Ace, a top commander of the pirates, who is captured by the Navy and faces execution. Luffy, Ace's brother, breaks free from Impel Down in a desperate attempt to save him. The war brings together incredibly powerful characters like the Admirals, Warlords, and eventually Blackbeard and Shanks. Marineford effectively captures the heart-wrenching death of Ace and the awe-inspiring presence of Shanks, making it a masterful portrayal of war.

While every war arc in anime and manga is intense and emotional, these narratives strive to depict the true scale and horror of such chaotic events. There are other remarkable depictions of war in anime that fans should explore, but the superior war arcs in anime and manga truly stand out from the rest.

Editor's P/S

In the world of anime and manga, war arcs hold a special place in the hearts of fans. These epic storylines often span multiple episodes or even entire seasons, and they showcase the very best of what the medium has to offer in terms of action, character development, and storytelling.

One of the things that makes war arcs so compelling is the sheer scale of the conflict. These stories often involve massive battles with hundreds or even thousands of characters fighting on each side. The action is often intense and bloody, and it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of it all. However, war arcs are not just about the fighting. They also explore the human cost of war, and they show how even the most heroic victories can come at a great price.