Sakuragi’s follow-up
Slam Dunk
© Toei Animation.
After a missed shot from Akagi, the opposing team, Ryonan is about to get a chance for a comeback. To everyone and mostly Fukuda’s surprise, Sakuragi is already flying to get a rebound. And in high-fashion, he slams it gloriously into the rim.
Sakuragi’s rebound is partnered with a freakin’ sound of a plane taking off, making sure everyone knows he’s a force to be reckoned with.
Jedi knight F saves the bride
Star Wars: Visions
© Kinema Citrus.
When a bride is held captive by the lead raider, Jedi Knight F steps in and announced she is a Jedi as she unveils her yellow, katana-shaped lightsaber.
What we see next is a widely-used and wonderfully-executed anime trope combined with an awe-inspiring, heavenly music. As the captor is about to shoot — the music stops — Jedi Knight F slowly, and swiftly charges at the lead raider, cutting off his arm.
“I Am Justice”
Deathnote
© Madhouse Inc.
Light just lost a battle of wits against a yet unknown opponent, L. Big time.
Without seeing their faces, or knowing the name, both of them challenge each other on who’s type of justice will prevail. Light and Kira exclaims, “I am Justice”, as the episode comes to a close.
Flying raijin level 2
Naruto: Shippuuden
© Studio Pierrot
Minato’s kunai phases through Obito as he is about to declare his victory in a close combat encounter. In a blink of an eye, he teleports — the music drops — Minato catches his Kunai and smashes his rasengan to Obito, feeding him the ground.
Just one block
Haikyuu!!
© Production I.G
Being an underdog in season three’s match up, and with Shiratorizawa’s ace, Ushijima in the front lines, Karasuno clearly doesn’t have any chance of winning. Until the casually, disinterested Tsukishima blocks Ushijima, securing the second set.
Tsukishima roars as the whole team celebrates their first win.
Robin’s outcry
One Piece
© Toei Animation.
After the Straw Hat Pirates declared war by burning the world government’s flag, they are only left with one thing: save Nico Robin. Luffy, being the good captain that he is wants to hear it from Robin herself.
Reflecting on her life, Robin cries, screaming, “I WANT TO LIVE! Take me to the sea with you!” as it echoes through the great divide of Enies Lobby.
Simon becomes a man
Tengen Toppa Gurenn Lagann
© Gainax.
Joining the battle after his brother, Kamina’s demise, Simon declares his newfound motivation through a magnificent and cathartic display of confidence mixed perfectly with the anime’s main theme, Shoko Nakagawa’s Happily Ever After.
Levi Obliterates the beast titan
Attack on Titan
© Wit Studio.
The plan is simple, Erwin and the remaining troops of the scout regiment charges to their death while Levi sneaks to assasinate the beast titan. Oblivious to what’s happening on his side of the battlefield, Zeke is quickly reminded of the biggest threat he should be careful of: Humanity’s strongest soldier, Levi Ackerman.
Levi’s ferocity is animated elegantly as he spins his way to the titan’s nape, cutting limbs after limbs. The sheer satisfaction of this scene is a rare example of an anime transcending its source material.
Edward’s ironclad promise
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
© Bones Inc.
This one is probably the shortest scene in this list. The episode is about to end, the ending theme is already playing, but the scene’s not done yet. Edward busts open through the door and reminds Al’s body — with an absolute certainty — that he is coming back for him.
The final scene
Kimi No Na Wa
© CoMix Wave Films.
With a plethora of events building up to this scene, Mitsuha and Taki unconsciously yearns for each other. Incredibly directed by Makoto Shinkai featuring Radwimps’ alluring Nandemonaiya on its background, it’s the perfect ending everyone never thought they needed.
