Anime is renowned for its dramatic moments where the odds seem insurmountable, featuring a solitary hero who stands resolutely against overwhelming forces. These pivotal scenes transcend mere action; they encapsulate the essence of determination—prompting viewers to ponder the strength of an individual fighting against adversity.
From warriors wielding swords against legions to divine entities vanquishing foes with effortless grace, these protagonists have fought alone, without the need for allies or reinforcements. Below, we explore seven of the most memorable “one-man-army”moments in anime—iconic sequences that showcase the battlefield as the sole domain of a single combatant.
7 Guts vs.100 Tudor Men
Berserk
What transpired was not merely a battle; it was a relentless massacre, with Guts positioned at its heart, wielding a massive sword forged from rage and the weight of betrayal.
After his departure from the Band of the Hawk and severing ties with Griffith, Guts sought information in a tavern but instead found himself marked for death by a hundred soldiers of the Tudor army. Under the cloak of night, they encircled him, eager to claim the bounty on the lone mercenary’s head.
The ensuing carnage has become legendary in anime lore.
Not only did Guts endure the assault, but he also annihilated every single one of his assailants. He carved through flesh and armor with primal ferocity, bleeding profusely and sustaining wounds that would fell others. Yet, Guts remained undaunted; this was before the Eclipse, before the Brand and the Berserker Armor—just a furious man fighting for survival.
6 Striga vs. Humans
Castlevania
Striga, surprisingly, is not one for violence; she thrives as a strategist, a keen analyst of warfare. However, when a commander faltered during a critical moment, she donned her daylight armor and joined the fray against a battalion of humans.
Without uttering a word or making unnecessary movements, she executed her assault with surgical precision.
Adorned in dark steel that shielded her from sunlight, Striga dismantled her opponents wielding a sword that towered over her stature. Arrows deflected harmlessly, and blades shattered against her armored form. Each cut was meticulously lethal. It resembled a machine designed for destruction; yet beneath that exterior lay a weary, astute woman performing a task she felt only she could accomplish.
5.Gotou vs. Yakuza
Parasyte: The Maxim
Believing they held all the cards, the Yakuza established a tactical advantage with firearms, manpower, and superior intelligence. Yet, they failed to realize that Gotou was no ordinary parasite—he embodied five parasitic entities in a singular form.
As the Yakuza initiated their assault on the building, Gotou remained unfazed, appearing almost entertained. The moment the first bullet rang out, the disparity in power became apparent.
His limbs morphed into lethal weaponry, decapitating opponents in seconds, while bullets ricocheted off his adaptive body. One man, one form—eliminating over fifty Yakuza operatives in moments.
4 Shimizaki vs. Teru and Friends
Mob Psycho 100
Often overlooked, Shimizaki may not have dominated the spotlight as a leader, unlike his counterpart Suzuki, or evoked tragedy like Ritsu. Nevertheless, during episode 12 of Mob Psycho 100 II, he adeptly reminded audiences of his formidable prowess.
Blind but composed, Shimizaki confronted an entire cadre of espers, including Teru and Koyama, emerging completely unscathed. His strategy relied on teleportation and reflexes that coupled efficiency with brutality. He expended no unnecessary energy or grand powers—only a relentless, efficient approach.
Even Teru, newly empowered since season one, could not land a single blow.
Shimizaki was not fighting out of fury or desperation; his intent was merely a means to an end, moving through skilled adversaries blocking his path.
3 Levi vs. Kenny and His Squad
Attack on Titan
As the church bells tolled, Levi found himself trapped in the streets of a city that once felt like home.
When Kenny Ackerman and his elite squad orchestrated an ambush in Attack on Titan Season 3, it should have signaled Levi’s demise. Though armed with advanced gear and hunting expertise, they underestimated one critical aspect—Levi’s origins rooted in the underground.
What ensued was a breathtaking display of choreography. Levi gracefully navigated through crowded alleys, shattering windows, and evading gunfire with preternatural speed. He didn’t simply avoid bullets; he redefined the battlefield in his favor.
Every member of Kenny’s crew trembled at the thought of facing him—not solely because of his rank but because Levi was unrivaled in his capacity to slay foes without relying on Titans to validate his legendary status.
2 Madara vs. The Shinobi Alliance
Naruto: Shippuden
The Fourth Great Ninja War amassed armies, thousands of shinobi united to thwart a singular common threat.
Then, Madara Uchiha made his entrance.
Without formalities, he strolled into battle with an air of indifference. What followed would forever alter the landscape of Naruto: Shippuden.
Initially, he refrained from utilizing his full capabilities, decimating waves of shinobi through sheer martial prowess alone—no Sharingan, no intricate jutsu—just raw physicality. When they thought they had him cornered, he summoned meteorites, not one but two. The alliance lost an entire platoon merely to halt the first, while the second barreled down upon them with disastrous force.
This encounter served as a stark reminder: Madara was no ordinary antagonist. Once a stalemate against Hashirama, he had instilled fear across nations. On that battlefield, Madara epitomized the absence of alliances, leaving only devastation in his wake.
1 Goku vs. Red Ribbon Army
Dragon Ball
This arc featured Goku before the Super Saiyan transformation, before encounters with beings like Frieza—where he faced the Red Ribbon Army armed with little more than a Power Pole and innocent determination.
The uniqueness of this saga lies in Goku’s methodical approach. He dismantled the organization gradually, defeating each base and their commanders such as General White, General Blue, and Colonel Silver without truly grasping the enormity of his achievement.
Contrary to assumptions, the Red Ribbon Army was not a mere street gang but a formidable paramilitary force wielding technological advancements and firepower rivaling entire nations. Meanwhile, Goku’s motivating goal remained the pursuit of the Dragon Balls.
Upon reaching their headquarters, he had already dismantled several battalions, and when Commander Red faced him, it was with a palpable dread rather than bravado.
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