Naruto Shippuden fights are some of the best in the entire franchise. The Naruto franchise as a whole is a narrative behemoth that earned millions of fans’ hearts over the past decades. Although none of the Shippuden fights are necessarily bad, let’s rank 10 of the most explosive fights from best to worst.
#1 Kakashi vs Obito
This fight was generations in the making, and it delivered more than anticipated. Not only is the choreography a contender for the best anime fight ever, but the slow onset of the soundtrack, followed by ruthless back-and-forth blows accompanied by emotional weight from previous exposition, made this Shippuden fight the most compelling in the series.
#2 Naruto vs Pain
Watching Naruto pour everything into mastering Sage Mode, only for the Nine-Tails to take over in the heat of battle, makes this one of the most memorable Shippuden fights. It’s a powerful showcase of his growth as a ninja and his unwavering dedication to broker peace, even when pushed to his limits.
#3 Sasuke vs Itachi
Shippuden fights typically offer more than simple action; they offer deeply captivating exposition, and Sasuke vs Itachi is the ultimate example. Seeing how Sasuke’s power had grown was incredible, but fans were left conflicted with the plot’s development following the fight. Regardless of the outcome, this encounter was years in the making. Sasuke vs Itachi deeply and permanently affected the story.
#4 Naruto vs Sasuke (Final Battle)
One of the longest-awaited rematches in anime history, Naruto vs Sasuke delivered everything fans wanted. This isn’t just another fight; it’s the culmination of a lifelong bond, conflicting beliefs, and an emotionally inspiring swan song for the series. Every punch carries the over-encumbered weight of each respective shinobi’s enervating journey, making this the perfect culmination for the rivals.
#5 Madara (Obito) vs Minato
Obito vs Minato is one of the shorter Shippuden fights, but equally as impactful as the bigger brawls in the series. Everything leading up to this moment—the birth of Naruto, the Nine-Tails’ rampage, and a former deceased apprentice turning against his master—makes this one of the most emotionally charged fights in Shippuden.
#6 Reanimated Madara vs Allied Shinobi Forces
One of the greatest and most intimidating introductions for any anime villain, Madara’s official debut was one for the books. Power of this magnitude didn’t exist until Madara’s resurrection. It brought with it an overwhelming and dreadful weight of uncertainty for our underprepared shinobi as Madara cut through their forces like water.
#7 Jiraiya vs Pain
A turning point in the series, Jiraiya vs Pain was one of the most grueling Shippuden fights for the entire franchise. Jiraiya’s sacrificial demise is responsible for shaping Naruto’s path forward, and it solidified the legendary Sanin as one of the greatest shinobi in the series.
#8 Guy Sensei vs Madara
Don’t be fooled by its #8 ranking—Guy vs. Madara is far from a weak fight. In fact, it’s one of the most iconic moments in the entire Naruto franchise. Ever since Rock Lee first revealed the inner gates during the Chunin Exams, fans have been dying to see what the technique could really do when pushed to its limit—and this fight delivers exactly that.
#9 Shikimaru vs Hidan
Perhaps the most satisfying of the Shippuden fights, Shikimaru vs Hidan is the most well-deserved victory. The master tactician gets the most rewarding revenge for his late master, Asuma. This conflict shows just how much Shikimaru has matured and evolved throughout the series by honing his intellect when it was most needed.
#10 Sasuke vs Danzo
Following his brother’s death, Sasuke sets his sights on the shadowy mastermind Danzo, igniting a brutal vendetta. While opinions on the fight itself are mixed, there’s no denying how much this moment underscores Sasuke’s dark and intense evolution.
Final Thoughts
Keep in mind, these are our rankings, and all rankings are subjective. Every fight mentioned is an incredible addition to the world of Naruto, and none of them are bad.
