There are a ton of hype moments in anime, but only a few stand out as the best of the last decade. Hype is a word that has become a little too popular, but there are a few moments that truly embody the word in all its glory.
For a moment to be truly hype, it needs to make a fan want to watch from the edge of their seat. It needs to create such a thrilling, jaw-dropping feeling that it seems as if the series has always been building towards that singular moment.
Hype moments in anime are almost too powerful. They’re almost too much to watch at home, begging viewers to watch them in a movie theater or even at the gym where they can express their excitement alongside their favorite anime characters.
Deku Uses 100%
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has cemented itself as one of the most popular new shōnen anime series. The series stars Izuku Midoriya as a Quirkless person in a world that values Quirks above all else. When he finally gets one of the strongest Quirks in the entire series, everything changes for the young man.
Deku’s One For All Quirk is so strong that, for most of the series, he can’t use it at 100%. When he meets Eri, the powerful girl with a Quirk that allows him to rewind time, he finally gets his chance to shine. Deku’s fight against Overhaul is one of the best in the entire franchise because it’s one of the rare moments in which he gets to use 100% of his power.
It was a moment that nobody saw coming, making it even more exciting. Deku at 100% destoryed the incredibly powerful villain with what seemed like minimal effort, further highlighting just how strong both Deku and One For All truly are.
Luffy Unlocks Gear Five
One Piece
There are almost no anime in the same league as One Piece. It’s one of the longest-running anime series ever, and even though the series is well past 1,000 episodes, it hasn’t once seen a real drop-off in quality. One of the biggest reasons that the anime has always felt fresh is none other than the protagonist: Monkey D. Luffy.
Luffy is a breath of fresh air every time that he’s on-screen. Like a true shōnen protagonist, he has a series of transformations that show off his growth powerfully. His strongest form yet is Gear Five, transforming Luffy into the Warrior of Liberation. His fight against Kaidou was already unbelievable, and this transformation was the cherry on top.
The Hashira Descend Upon Muzan
Demon Slayer
The Hashira had been waiting to fight Muzan Kibutsuji since their inception. Thanks to Kagaya Ubuyashiki’s selfless, genius plan, they finally got their opportunity. The fallen leader of the Demon Slayer corps baited Muzan, trapped him thanks to the Stone Hashira and Tamayo, and waited for his soldiers to arrive.
There might not be a moment in Demon Slayer more hype than each of the Hashira and Tanjiro descending upon Muzan. Most of them see Muzan for the very first time, and their anger is palpable. Tanjiro was the first to pull out his sword, beating each of the Hashira themselves.
It’s the perfect moment to lead into the blockbuster hit that will be the Demon Slayer Infinitry Castle trilogy of movies.
Karasuno vs. Shiratorizawa
Haikyuu!
Haikyuu! is, without a doubt, one of the greatest sports anime series ever made. It’s unrivaled in its excitement, filled with amazing characters, and has absolutely zero skippable moments. There are so many hype moments in Haikyuu! that the entire series could be considered hype, but one match stands above the rest.
Karasuno had no right to play Shiratorizawa. They were seen as a fallen powerhouse, but with Hinata and Kageyama, they became a dominant force that swept most of their competition away easily.
Their biggest challenge came from Ushiwaka, arguably the greatest player in Japan. Karasuno vs. Shiratorizawa is masterful for so many reasons, and the hype it creates is just one of them.
Asta and Yami vs. Dante
Black Clover
Black Clover is another modern shōnen great starring a protagonist that doesn’t know the meaning of the word ‘quit’. Asta is the perfect main character for Black Clover. He’s a magicless peasant in a world that only cares about bloodlines and magical abilities, but he couldn’t care less. His work ethic has taken him to the top, and nobody recognized it more than Yami.
Yami himself is one of the strongest characters in Black Clover, but even he couldn’t handle Dante Zogratis. With Asta, however, victory was a possibility. In one of the most exciting moments of the franchise, Yami calls out to Asta for help for the first time ever. It’s an amazing moment that sees the pair team up and destroy Dante mercilessly.
Bocchi’s Solo
Bocchi the Rock!
Bocchi the Rock! has no business being as hype as it is. It’s one of the best anime series of all time, and it’s almost entirely because of its main character. Hitori Gotoh is shy, introverted, and beyond socially awkward, but that’s not all. She’s one of the most talented guitar players around, and as much as she likes to hide that fact, one moment forced her to come out of her shell.
When her band seems like they just can’t get it together, Bocchi steps up. She plays an insane guitar solo out of nowhere, revealing her absurd guitar skills for the first time. The only other person who knew about it was her drunken mentor, Kikuri. Bocchi’s solo is enough to get anyone on their feet, and it cements this series as an all-time great.
Sunraku vs. Wethermon the Tombguard
Shangri-La Frontier
Shangri-La Frontier had the potential to be one of the best isekai anime series of the latest generation. While the second season betrays everything that the first season put forward, the first season of the franchise is still amazing. The best moment of the franchise comes during Sunraku’s fight against one of The Seven Colossi, Wethermon the Tombguard.
Wethermon was untouchable at this point in the series. While a few people had completed the required steps to challenge him, nobody walked away alive. Sunraku was fearless in his approach, knowing that he alone could defeat the unshakable warrior. Their fight was amazing because of how high the stakes were, and it’s Shangri-La Frontier at its peak.
Frieren vs. Aura
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a record-breaking anime series that deserves every ounce of praise it’s gotten. It’s an amazing series from top to bottom, starring an amazing lead, featuring wonderful side characters, and putting forward one of the most refreshing stories in modern anime.
Aura the Guillotine is one of the most feared demons in existence. Her ability is about as overpowered as it gets, allowing her to control her enemies if she has more mana than them. Unfortunately for Aura, Frieren didn’t earn the nickname “The Slayer” for nothing. Frieren overpowers Aura using her own ability, commanding the demon to kill herself without blinking an eye.
Goku Masters Ultra Instinct
Dragon Ball Super
Dragon Ball is synonymous with hype. There is almost no other series that has as many hype moments as Dragon Ball, and Dragon Ball might have the single most hype anime moment of all time when Goku first turned Super Saiyan on Namek. Even decades later, Dragon Ball still proves it has what it takes to break the internet.
“Trespass into the domain of the Gods and use that might to conquer Jiren!” – Vegeta to Goku during the Tournament of Power.
The Tournament of Power was Dragon Ball at its very best. While the entire tournament is filled with hype moments, none stand out quite as much as Goku’s mastering of Ultra Instinct. Vegeta gave an incredible speech to his warrior, commanding him as his prince to ascend to higher levels. Goku obliges, mastering a godly technique in less than 48 minutes.
Exchange
Solo Leveling
Solo Leveling is a once-in-a-generation anime series. It has proven that it’s not only one of the best anime series of the past decade, but of all time. Sung Jinwoo is dark, brooding, and edgy in the best way possible. He’s also a walking hype machine, turning every event into a heart-pounding spectacle.
Out of all the moments in the franchise, there is nothing more hype than Jinwoo’s arrival on Jeju Island. As all seems lost, Jinwoo utters a single word that turns the entire raid around. He uses his “Exchange” ability to teleport to the island, taking on the Ant King and saving his friends, family, and country.
Solo Leveling
- Release Date
-
2024 – 2025-00-00
- Network
-
Tokyo MX, Gunma TV, BS11, Tochigi TV
- Directors
-
Tatsuya Sasaki, Toru Hamasaki
-
-
Genta Nakamura
Yoo Jin-ho
