Summary
- Anime arcs follow set patterns & tropes, but exceptional writing & character development keep fans interested.
- Some anime arcs like the Fourth Shinobi War in Naruto Shippuden can be long, but epic moments balance it out.
- The Elf Reincarnation Arc in Black Clover delivers adrenaline-rush fights with epic payoffs & powerful character growth.
Anime story arcs have a lot of set patterns and tropes that fans have long since come to accept. Beach episode? Been there, done that. A tournament arc? Seen it. A plot thread revolving around training? Check! Tragic backstories and a flashback perspective? Naturally, they’re a given.
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While they’re hardly breaking new ground, anime arcs are the norm, and fans love them. Especially the ones that have exceptional writing and character development. They move the plot along and provide insight into the characters’ motivations and resolve. But it’s a slippery slope, as long arcs tend to drag on and can cause fan interest to wane. However, these anime are so compelling that it doesn’t bother the fans to sit through more than 50 episodes just to wrap up a single arc.
8 The Fourth Shinobi War (Naruto Shippuden)
The Arduous War Arc Was Long And Draining, But It Had Its Highlights As Well
Naruto: Shippuden
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2007 - 2017-00-00
- Seasons
- 19
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Masashi Kishimoto
- Number of Episodes
- 500
Ripping the band-aid off in one go, let’s address the problem with the Fourth Shinobi War arc in Naruto Shippuden; it’s too long! With its whopping 217 episode count, it’s understandable that fans were left drained. Despite this, there are a lot of epic moments that make it really awesome as well.
Gaara found closure with his father and ended up proving himself to be a better man and ninja while also leading the Allied Shinobi Forces. Sasuke finally put aside his hatred and teamed with Naruto to fight Kaguya. However, the absolute peak of the series and the entire Fourth Shinobi War arc has to be Might Guy vs. Madara Uchiha. It was the symbolic generational clash of ideals, where there was a clear winner between effort and talent.
7 The Wano Country Arc (One Piece)
Get Ready For One Of The Most Iconic And Flawlessly Executed Moments In Anime History
One Piece
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- October 20, 1999
- Seasons
- 21
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Creator
- Eiichiro Oda
- Number of Episodes
- 1122
The One Piece anime is the undisputed king of shonen and has a lot of great arcs. However, the Wano Country Arc is in a league of its own. It’s just shy of 200 episodes and has top-tier animation behind it. The real jaw-dropping moment of the arc was the evolution of the Straw Hat Pirates, where Luffy becomes an Emperor and elevates his whole crew.
The clash between the old-guard and the new generation was also pretty significant in this arc, much grander than even the Marineford Arc. Kaido’s reputation as the strongest beast didn’t disappoint either. He was an unstoppable force of nature, and Luffy didn’t, or rather couldn’t, solo him. Wano’s liberation also marked a pivotal plot moment.
6 The Majin Buu Arc (Dragon Ball Z)
A Titanic Three-Fold Arc Featuring Thrilling Action And Some Powerful Character Debuts
Dragon Ball Z
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1989 - 1996
- Seasons
- 9
- Studio
- Toei Animation
- Creator
- Akira Toriyama
- Number of Episodes
- 291
Dragon Ball Z might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it was huge when it was airing. After getting into a comfortable pattern of Goku showing up to save the day, fans were caught by surprise in the Majin Buu Arc. Fans get a glimpse of Gohan’s school life and his alter ego, the great Saiyaman. There are also moments of hilarious outcomes, like Mr. Satan befriending the ultimate threat of Majin Buu.
Sure, the Babidi and Dabura parts are a bit weak, but this arc also highlights Vegeta’s incredible character growth. Plus, it introduces the terrifying Kid Buu. With Goku’s massive Spirit Bomb (the ultimate Power-of-Friendship finisher), the Majin Buu Arc wraps up in the most satisfying way.
5 The Grand Magic Games Arc (Fairy Tail)
Intrigue, Spectacle, Mystery, And The Ever-Persistent Power Of Friendship Steal The Show
Fairy Tail
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2009 - 2019-00-00
- Studio
- A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, CloverWorks
- Creator
- Hiro Mashima
- Seasons
- 8
- Number of Episodes
- 328
While Fairy Tail has a lot of epic story arcs, the Grand Magic Games storyline just hits differently. The guild is going through a recovery phase and wants to rebuild its status, and the perfect way to do that is through tournament-style bouts.
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Fans see a lot of epic moments true to the series’ running themes and some chuckle-worthy gags as well. Natsu taking on the Sabertooth guild and Laxus curbstomping the entirety of Raven Tail are both spectacularly well-done moments. Same for Erza fighting 100 monsters during the Pandemonium event. There are many more similar bouts and hardcore feats during the Grand Magic Games arc in Fairy Tail, and it’s one of the most fulfilling sagas in anime.
4 The Indigo League Arc (Pokemon)
Rose-Tinted Nostalgia Is The Winning Formula That Makes Fans Remember It Fondly
Pokémon
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 1997 - 2023
- Studio
- OLM
- Seasons
- 25
- Creator(s)
- Naoko Takeuchi
Time for a blast from the past. The Pokemon anime’s Indigo League story arc was the blueprint for the entire franchise. Even the monotonous episodes of Ash Ketchum’s journey held a certain charm and a sense of wonder. Exploring the different towns’ use of Pokemon gave the anime a Flintstones vibe. Team Rocket’s shenanigans in trying to capture Ash’s Pikachu and constantly failing at it never got old.
The true appeal of The Indigo League Arc was in Ash’s bonding with his Pokemon during the fights . The clashes were nail-biting, and the animation helped sell the emotional beats whenever a Pokemon lost. The Indigo League Arc still holds a nostalgic charm that hits home for longtime fans, in large part thanks to its retro soundtrack and iconic opening theme.
3 The Arrancar Arc (Bleach)
A Juggernaut Triple Serving Of Plot Threads That Come Together Magnificently In The End
Bleach
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2004 - 2012-00-00
- Seasons
- 2
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Tite Kubo
- Number of Episodes
- 366
Bleach’s Arrancar Arc is divisive among anime fans, but it would be unfair to write it off as boring. The real threat and treachery of Sosuke Aizen and the inevitable clash between him and Ichigo all come to a head. As the sinister Hollows evolve into the powerful Arrancar, Ichigo and his friends face increasingly difficult challenges.
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Fan favorites like Grimjow and Ulquiorra had unique personalities and had deeply captivating moral codes. Their visual designs were stellar, and awesome powers made them the standouts of the Arrancar Arc. Ichigo’s mastery of his abilities is another memorable part of this story arc. Bleach’ s Arrancar Arc elevates the anime and shows why it was one of the original ‘big three shonen.’
2 The Elf Reincarnation Arc (Black Clover)
Pure Adrenaline Fights With Epic Payoffs Are A Reminder Of How Epic Black Clover Can Be
Black Clover
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2017 - 2021
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- Pierrot
- Creator
- Yūki Tabata
- Number of Episodes
- 170
Black Clover took its time to find its stride among anime fans, but those who stuck with it know it’s pretty great, especially its Elf Reincarnation Arc. This story arc introduces a powerful enemy rising against the Clover Kingdom and its best warriors charging into battle against it. The themes of discrimination and the underlying cause of the fight between elves and humans add depth to the conflict.
Black Clover’s Elf Reincarnation Arc sees both dual protagonists, Yuno and Asta, undergo amazing character growth. They realize their full potential as combat mages (or anti-mages), and their teamwork steals the show. The fan-favorite Black Bulls' leader, Yami, also gets his moment to shine during pulse-pounding magical fights. The conclusion of this arc is highly satisfying, too (but no spoilers here).
1 The Chimera Ant Arc (Hunter X Hunter)
Masterclass Reveals And Twists With The Most Unique Battle System In Shonen History
Hunter x Hunter
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2011 - 2014
WHERE TO WATCH
- Seasons
- 4
- Studio
- Madhouse
- Creator
- Yoshihiro Togashi
- Number of Episodes
- 148
Hunter X Hunter (2011)’s Chimera Ant Arc is one of the most impressive storylines in the history of anime. It constantly surprises viewers with jaw-dropping animations, tension-filled battles, and a surprising lack of plot armor for the protagonist(s). The story features a lot of moral complexity and shades of gray for everyone. Despite never going head-to-head, there’s a fascinating parallel between Gon and the arc’s antagonist, Meruem.
The fights are a delight for anyone who appreciates deep battle shonen fights. It gives every single character in the show a proper chance to showcase their abilities. The titular Chimera ants are portrayed as terrifying threats that utilize a lethal combination of deception and overwhelming power.
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