We all know that rivalries in anime have been a way for the producers to incorporate the deep bond between characters and is a really effective tool that helps the protagonist of an anime to grow. This sort of rivalry is not just healthy for the anime characters but is also good for the viewers as they get emotionally attached to the characters and can learn a lot from them. Anime rivalry has always been an integral part of many anime and it will always be.
Now, putting that aside, let’s talk about some of the best anime rivals that are based on my personal preferences, but I am certain that you all might like them as well.
Best Anime Rivals
Before we start, I will say it again that this list will be based on my personal preferences and the order is not necessarily ranked.
Also Read: Dragon Ball Super Movie and Anime Discussion!!
-
Kakashi and Might Guy (Naruto)
Anyone who is infatuated with anime rivalries must be aware of this duo which is quite famous due to their backstories and how they progressed throughout Naruto. The attributes of “genius who worked hard” and “genius at working hard” was showcased very beautifully with their bond. It is quite safe to say that Kakashi and Guy is among the list of best anime rivals and I think that almost everyone would agree with them making it to the list.
-
Bakugo and Midoriya (Boku No Hero Academia)
I am not sure if many would agree with this choice, but, after watching these grow together in the anime there was no doubt in my mind that they had to be put on the list. Their relationship had started off as Deku being an admire of Bakugo, however, over time, being quirkless made it a bitter relationship. However, Deku tries to get into the same academy as Bakugo and surpass him as a hero. As the season progressed their rivalry also started developing and gave both of them more depth in their characters.
- Ash and Paul (Pokemon)
In the whole Pokemon series, there was no other rivalry that was better than Ash and Paul. Their rivalry was a symbol of their contrasting ideologies that often clashed with each other in the form of pokemon battles. On one hand, we had Ash who was compassionate and wanted to be friends with Pokemon and get stronger with them, whereas, on the other hand, there was Paul who was a ruthless Pokemon trainer who would do anything to get stronger and his role in the Diamond and Pearl series was most critical in the growth of Ash as a trainer and the opposite was also true as Paul was also able to realize that he can not grow stronger without the help of his pokemon and it was the turning point of his life. I loved them and the rivalry might have also been the factor that makes this series the best out of all the Pokemon series so far.
-
Goku and Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
We all love the classic enemies turned rivals concept in the anime and this is what we can call the relationship between Goku and Vegeta. They both were Saiyans, Vegeta being the elite of them. However, after witnessing the prowess of a low-ranked Saiyan Goku he gave up his ego in order to catch up to the man he, sort of, admired. It can be said that it was due to this relationship that Vegeta was able to reach levels he never could have imagined and in the process became a friend to Goku as well. If rivalry is not the best description for them then what is?!
-
Asta and Yuno (Black Clover)
This is the sort of typical rivalry that took time to develop and in turn deepened the bond of friendship between Yuno and Asta. Asta was the sort of person who was admired by Yuno when he was a kid, even though Asta had no magic he was never afraid to show his determination to his dream of becoming the Wizard King. This was what inspired Yuno as they both got stronger and turned into rivals and are now racing to reach the top and become Wizard King. Though, we all know who is more deserving of the two, but, let’s not delve too much into it.
Final Words
These are some of the best anime rivalries that I have come across and I know that there are a lot more that I have not mentioned, so, I will update this list whenever I come across a good rival relationship that is worth mentioning. I hope that you enjoyed reading through everything and I am grateful if you have reached here. If there is anything that you’d like to mention then you can let me know in the comments or simply dm me on Instagram via my profile @theanimeguy24 and we can have some other discussions as well. Until we meet again, see you all later.
Also Read: Bleach Anime Movies(in order)
