Naruto Shippuden Top 10 Fights
Naruto Shippuden is filled with iconic battles that feature high-stakes action, emotional depth, and impressive animation. Ranking the top 10 fights from the series is challenging because of the many important ones. But here’s a list based on these fights’ significance, intensity, and emotional impact. So let’s get into it!
10. Naruto vs Orochimaru (Four-Tails Naruto)
This fight is one of the first times we get to see Naruto lose control. Due to this, he taps into the more dangerous side of the Nine-Tails’ power. While facing Orochimaru, Naruto goes into a berserk mode, reaching his Four-Tails state, and creating a terrifying, uncontrollable version of himself. The destructive power and raw intensity of this fight show just how dangerous Naruto can become.
Naruto’s transformation into the Four-Tails, his mindless assault on Orochimaru, and Orochimaru’s desperate attempts to survive the onslaught are some of the big key moments during this fight. Sakura also gets injured, because Naruto smacks her with his tail as she’s running up to him in tears yelling for him to change back.
9. Sasuke vs Danzo
This fight shows Sasuke’s ruthless determination for revenge. Sasuke seeks to kill Danzo, who is the man responsible for the genocide of the Uchiha clan alongside his brother Itachi. The fight is full of clever tactics, as Danzo uses his forbidden Izanagi technique to cheat death, while Sasuke systematically breaks down Danzo’s defenses. It also marks a major step in Sasuke’s descent into darkness. Sasuke’s use of Susanoo during this fight and his brutal, final Chidori attack that finishes off Danzo, solidify Sasuke’s darker path.
8. Naruto vs Kurama (Nine-Tails)
This fight represents Naruto’s internal struggle with the demon fox Kurama, who has been sealed inside him since birth. Naruto’s battle with Kurama isn’t just about subduing a beast; it’s about learning to harness and control the Nine-Tails’ immense power. This battle symbolizes Naruto’s growth and his journey toward accepting Kurama as a partner rather than a curse.
Naruto unlocking the full power of the Nine-Tails finally is a big key moment. You also have the heartfelt conversation between Naruto and Kushina (his mother) that helps Naruto overcome his inner darkness. All of this makes this one of the most important battles in the series and the biggest internal struggle for anyone.
7. Team 7 vs Kaguya
This fight is the final battle of the Fourth Great Ninja War and the ultimate showdown against Kaguya, the origin of the chakra itself. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi must work together to defeat her. The scale of the fight is astronomical, with dimensions warping and powerful techniques being unleashed. Some big key moments in this fight are Naruto’s making his massive clone army and Sasuke’s using space-time teleportation.
Then we also have the team leader Kakashi’s Susanoo-powered Kamui attacks. Then addition we have Sakura’s impressive strength with a key punch. Kaguya gets a lot of flak for being the final boss. That’s because she had almost no build-up because everything seemed built for Madara Uchiha. I still believe this is one of the best fights in the series.
6. Sasuke vs Itachi
One of the fights every Uchiha fan waited for is Sasuke vs Itachi. This battle is the culmination of Sasuke’s quest for revenge against his brother Itachi. Sasuke believes Itachi massacred their entire clan completely out of malice. Sasuke would eventually find out the complete truth regarding the Uchiha Massacre. The fight is a mix of intense combat and psychological warfare.
Itachi’s true motives were slowly being revealed throughout the battle. The emotional weight of this fight is enormous, and the outcome leaves Sasuke shattered when he finally learns the truth. We have some epic Genjutsu exchanges and Sasuke’s use of Kirin. Then to cap off the key moments, we have Itachi’s final gesture of love, tapping Sasuke’s forehead before collapsing. That is something that goes back to them being young kids.
5. Might Guy vs Madara Uchiha (Eight Gate of Death)
Might Guy, known for his Taijutsu, opens the Eighth Gate of Death. When he does this he is risking his life to battle Madara, who is at the height of his power. It is also the first time we get to see what it looks like when all 8 gates are opened. This fight is a testament to Might Guy’s bravery and strength. During this he pushes Madara to the edge, nearly defeating him.
It’s one of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged battles in the series. The biggest moment of this fight is Might Guy’s ultimate move, Night Guy. It is a “forbidden taijutsu” that distorts space itself and can only be utilized after opening all 8 gates. We also get Madara’s acknowledgment of Guy as the “strongest” fighter he has ever faced.
4. Kakashi vs Obito (Kamui Dimension Fight)
This battle has one of my favorite characters in Kakashi Hatake facing off against Obito. It’s not just a physical clash but an emotional one as well. We have these two former friends facing off in a beautifully choreographed Taijutsu fight. We also get a bunch of flashbacks to their past which are interwoven with their present-day fight. No doubt this provides a rich emotional depth to the fight.
Kakashi vs Obito is a poetic, hand-to-hand fight that’s deeply personal between two former team members. We get some key moments like their intense and fluid Taijutsu combat. Combine that with all the emotional flashbacks of their childhood and the bond they once shared. Not only does this great fight provide action we also get to feel some intense emotions.
3. Madara Uchiha vs The Shinobi Alliance
This battle truly shows how dangerous Madara Uchiha can be. Madara’s sheer dominance in this battle is absolutely jaw-dropping. He effortlessly decimates entire armies, in what what is the first time the nations have aligned with each other. All this is showcasing why he is one of the most feared shinobi in history. This fight highlights Madara’s god-like power and strategy.
It also shows his ruthlessness as he demonstrates his superiority over the entire Shinobi Alliance. We get the oh crap moments like all his meteors crashing down on the battlefield. You also get to see his single-handed combat against all five Kage. To top it off this fight shows off his nearly invincible Susanoo making this fight iconic.
2. Naruto vs Pain (The Destruction of Konoha Arc)
This fight is a major turning point for Naruto as a character. It also showcases his growth into a true leader and hero. Facing Pain, who destroyed his home and killed his mentor, Naruto unleashes the full power of Sage Mode. The battle is not just physical but also philosophical, as Naruto confronts Pain’s cynical worldview. Some big key moments are Naruto’s first Sage Mode transformation and his epic Rasenshuriken attacks. Then we all get the heart-wrenching moment when he meets finally Minato (his dad) during his near-transformation into the Nine-Tails.
1. Naruto vs Sasuke (Valley of the End – End of Shippuden)
Now the fight which is largely regarded as one of the top fights if not the best is Naruto vs Sasuke in their final battle at the Valley of the End. This battle is the climax of Naruto and Sasuke’s intertwined journey. It’s a fight that’s been building up since the very beginning of the series and represents the ultimate clash of ideologies which are Naruto’s unwavering hope and Sasuke’s path of revenge.
Their rivalry, friendship, and contrasting views are all on full display here. Then we get the beautifully choreographed combat and emotional stakes at their very peak. The biggest moment we get is the iconic Rasengan vs Chidori clash and the fact that both lose an arm in the final exchange cement this fight as legendary.
Final Thoughts on the Top 10 Fights in Naruto Shippuden
Deciding the bottom three of the list was difficult. We got honorable mention fights like Shikamaru vs Hidan, Hashirama vs Madara (Flashback), and Granny Chiyo/Sakura vs Sasori. These three fights are super important as well, so I would say they could be interchangeable with the bottom three on the list. Each of these fights in Naruto Shippuden is memorable for its unique blend of action, emotion, and storytelling.
Whether it’s the culmination of long-running rivalries (Naruto vs Sasuke), deeply personal battles (Kakashi vs Obito), or the showcasing of extreme power (Guy vs Madara), these fights are iconic moments that continue to define the series. Is there a fight that I missed you think should be on the list, feel free to let me know.