In anime, there are marked divisions in their stories into sagas and arcs. Because of this, many animes become puzzles made up of so many parts that it's often difficult to determine which are good ones and which are filler, deserving to be forgotten quickly. However, in both classic and new series, some anime story arcs have stood out more than others, with some even considered masterpieces that any enthusiast of the medium should watch at least once in their lifetime.

Maintaining consistency throughout the story isn't enough for an anime to into history, it must have a defined turning point that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. This way, some anime arcs not only deserve praise but are also well-written and have epic moments that elevate the status of their series to legendary and make the whole experience of watching them worthy.

10 Marineford Arc

One Piece Episodes 457–489

It might seem curious that the best One Piece arc would be one in which the Straw Hats don't appear, but that is the case with the Marineford Arc. After the incredible arc of Impel Down and often compared with other highlight moments in One Piece like the Water 7 Saga, the Marineford Arc was a real all-out battle of ideologies and heavyweights, pitting one of the emperors of the sea and notorious pirates who escaped from Impel Down against the 7 warriors of the sea and the highest ranks of the world's government.

This conflict, motivated by Ace, features some of One Piece's best moments: Luffy's arrival at Marineford, when he stands in front of Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru; the awakening of the conqueror's haki; the appearance of Shanks; and the death that fans haven't been able to overcome even years later. Likewise, it was a necessary pivoting moment in One Piece, exploring the concept of family and crew, with Luffy learning what it means to feel powerless, which set the basis for what was to come in the story and became the perfect midpoint that split the series with the time skip.

9 Shogun Assassination Arc

Gintama Episodes 300-307

Gintama is characterized by its parody and surrealism, being an anime where anything can happen. However, Gintama's serious arcs don't fall short of crude moments and emotional developments, with the Shogun Assassination Arc having the necessary feats to sit on the throne of the best in the anime. While it's not the longest, the arc is one of the most rounded and exciting in the series, with action-packed and bloody fights creating unprecedented political conflict in Gintama's story as the protagonists had to defend the Shogun from the murdering plots that stalked him.

Featuring legendary fights such as Gintoki against Takasugi, the Shogun Assassination Arc is the most ed moment in Gintama, showcasing Gintoki, Katsura, and Takasugi's past, giving more depth to Zenzou's character, and having the best drama in the anime with tear-jerking and unexpected deaths. This way, the Shogun Assassination Arc is a fitting culmination for secondary characters, transcending and lasting in the viewer's memories.

8 The Dark Tournament Saga

Yu Yu Hakusho Episodes 26-66

Not for nothing, The Dark Tournament is the best-known arc of Yu Yu Hakusho. From its setup of Toguro forcing Yusuke and Kuwabara to participate, to the development of characters like Kurama and Hiei and many thrilling fights, this arc became the blueprint in shōnen of what a tournament should be. In it, the newly formed Team Urameshi face a rigged committee and a public that despises them while making their way to fighting the Toguro brothers, improving the world-building of the series by showing the contrast between spiritual, demonic, and human worlds and how they coexist to prevent chaos.

It was a distressing event where viewers didn’t know what was going to happen, but it also explored emotional backstories and the psychology of the villains, being a turning point for Yusuke to become strong and what solidifies Yu Yu Hakusho as one of the most influential shōnen of all time. Moreover, the battles to the death with high stakes that make the of Team Urameshi sur their limits make this arc unforgettable.

7 Soul Society

Bleach Episodes 21-63

The rescue of Rukia Kuchiki was the saga that made Bleach one of the most popular shōnens. This arc delves into another version of heaven, the Soul Society, which is the world where the spirits of the dead go and is ruled by the Shinigami, and it has some of the most memorable fights in Bleach between Ichigo and Byakuya, between Kurosaki and Kenpachi, and others. Additionally, it explores the Gotei 13, presenting its internal hierarchy, the commanders of each division, and their interactions, deepening the world-building of the series.

Although Byakuya Kuchiki initially emerges as the great obstacle to overcome, with the arc focusing on the family and personal conflicts around Rukia, the Soul Society has one of the best plot twists in anime history, revealing who is the mastermind responsible for the crimes and who orchestrated Rukia's execution. Furthermore, it wasn't all action, as Soul Society features very emotional moments, with several intense flashbacks and the heartbreaking scenes of Rukia accepting her death. This arc also laid the foundation for the following Arrancar saga.

6 Return to Shiganshina

Attack on Titan Episodes 49-59

Attack on Titan may have a contradictory reception among viewers, but Return to Shiganshina as a standalone arc deserves all its praise for the way it brings together the series' overarching plot, redefining all that viewers thought they knew about the anime. Return to Shiganshina doesn’t only have a stunning animation elevating one of the best fights in all anime of Levi against the Beast Titan, but the way it portrays duty and sacrifices with Erwin Smith and Armin took this short arc to another level with a perfect mix of tension and emotional developments.

However, what differentiates this arc from others in the anime is the aftermath of the Battle of Shiganshima, when the story finally unveils the mystery that has been building up from the beginning of the series. Return to Shiganshina features the most surprising plot twist in Attack on Titan, revealing all the foreshadowing in the story with the real nature of the walls and the titans and the introduction of Marley. This way, the arc cemented Attack on Titan's status as a masterpiece in the medium that will be talked about for years to come.

5 Promised Day

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episodes 46-64

It's difficult to divide Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood into arcs because of how it magnificently merged them all into a consistently good story. However, the Promised Day, featuring the final battle against Father, deserves special treatment. The final segment of Fullmetal Alchemist is what put the anime at the top of the medium, showcasing an antagonist with a divine power who seems unbeatable despite going against all the strongest characters in the series.

However, more than just the final battle, what makes the Promised Day one of the best arcs in the anime is how it brings closure to Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. The arc is as round and deep as it is emotional, bringing a satisfying end to the journey of the Elric brothers and a compelling vision into humanity and the search for meaning in life.

4 Pain’s Assault

Naruto Part II Episodes 152–175

With unforgettable moments, like Naruto's epic entry using Sage mode, Hinata's confession, Pain attacking the Hidden Leaf Village using shinra tensei and his speech about the cycle of hatred, Pain's Assault remains as one of the most emblematic arcs in all anime. The arc showcases one of the best posed ideologies in the medium that also resonates in the real world, featuring an incredibly complex antagonist as Pain, who was born as a result of Konoha's ambition for power, demonstrating the negative side of the will of fire and the invisible effects of war such as pain, hatred and desire for revenge.

"Sometimes you must hurt in order to know, fall in order to grow, lose in order to gain, because life's greatest lessons are learned through pain". - Pain, Akatsuki.

Moreover, in this arc, the stakes in the series are increased, being one of the greatest challenges that Naruto had to face, who, despite mastering all that Jiraiya taught him, still seemed to have no chance of winning. However, Naruto confronts his own hatred due to the death of his master to find an answer to Pain's question about peace, showcasing one of the most uplifting moments in the series, when he managed to save the Village and changed the people around him, becoming a hero despite all the discrimination and mistreatment he experienced before.

3 Kyoto Arc

Rurouni Kenshin Episodes 28-62

Rurouni Kenshin is a classic that despite its controversy, has withstood the test of time with one of the best stories ever created about redemption. Yet, the best part of the series is undoubtedly The Kyoto arc. This arc covers the greatest repercussions of Himura Kenshin's actions as Hitokiri Battōsai, highlighting an antagonist born due to his exploits during the Bakumatsu, Shishio Makoto. Both corruption and violence play a very important role in this arc, and Shishio Makoto is arguably one of the most complex villains in anime of all time.

Shishio is a ruthless nationalist fanatic seeking revenge whose goal is to have a stronger and better Japan, even though his methods of achieving power are horrible. With many epic fights, especially Kenshin vs. Shishio, the final part of the arc, creates one of the most memorable moments in anime. Moreover, the Kyoto Arc manages to explore the complexity of the human mind in a way that had not been done in shōnen at the time. Which is why this arc is still considered the work of art that it is.

2 Ruhenheim Arc

Monster Episodes 68-74

Monster is one of those animes viewers should watch at least once, with a perfectly written and structured story full of shocking revelations and moral quandaries, so its final arc couldn't have created a better outcome for Tenma's hunt. The Ruhenheim Arc gives closure to the Monster, and it's the perfect example of how to say the end of each character's narrative. With satisfactory answers to every question, every plot twist, and every change in the cast, and especially to Johan Liebheart.

The anime adaptation is full of suspense and conveys the dark and grim atmosphere, masterfully adapting Naoki Urasawa's work. Also, not for nothing, Ruhenheim is the only fictional location in the series, as Monster ends in a vague yet beautiful way, where viewers can use their own perspective of what they think Johan's fate should be.

1 Chimera Ant

Hunter x Hunter Episodes 76-136

Anyone who wonders why Hunter x Hunter is considered one of the best animes of all time just has to watch the Chimera Ant arc. Not only does it have one of the best fights in anime history, Netero vs. Meruem, but it is also a magnificent essay on the human condition and the meaning of evolution. Additionally, Meruem, as the main antagonist, has the best character development in anime, starting as a superior being both physically and intellectually, seeking authority to gain humanity and emotions.

Additionally, the Chimera Ant arc delves into themes like existentialism, the potential of humankind for evil, social criticism of corrupt governments and nuclear war, and how people can lose themselves to hatred and its repercussions, perfectly displayed with Gon spiraling into rage. For so many reasons, the Chimera Ant arc is still recognized as the best arc in anime, leaving a void that any other series has been able to fill.