My Top 5 Anime Arcs

5. Ryoka Invasion (Bleach)

Manga Chapters 70 – 178/Anime Episodes 21 – 63

The Ryoka Invasion was a conflict between the Ryoka and Gotei 13. The Ryoka, Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryu Ishida, Yasutora Sado, Orihime Inoue, and Yoruichi Shihoin invade Soul Society to rescue Rukia. Set to be executed, Rukia’s friends caused conflict among the Gotei 13. Many of the Captains and Lieutenants lost to Ichigo and the others. Aizen who was assumed dead turned out to be a traitor. Along with Captain Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen, Aizen wanted to collect the Hogyoku he hid in Rukia’s body. They escape, concluding the arc. While I found the conspiracy by Aizen and the victories by the Ryoka to be implausible, this arc is what made men a Bleach fan.

Source: Bleach Wikia

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4. Frieza Saga (Dragon Ball Z)

Manga Chapters 292 – 329/Anime Episodes 75 – 107

If your American then you were subjected to constant reruns of the Saiyan Saga. When Dragon Ball Z finally moved on to another arc I was ecstatic. Technically the Frieza Saga only begins when the Z fighters begin fighting Frieza. I’m going to include the Namek Saga and the Captain Ginyu Saga. Together the arc makes the most sense. The Frieza Saga is almost exclusively the fight Frieza and Goku. At this point in the series, power levels still mattered. So witnessing Goku reach over 200,000 and of course Freiza’s power level of 1 million. With Gohan having his usually moments of epic rage, the humanization of Vegeta, and the first Super Saiyan, thee Frieza Saga is one of the greatest.

Source: Dragon Ball Fandom

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3. Pain Assault Arc (Naruto)

Manga Chapters 413 – 453/Anime Episode 152 – 169

Pain invades Konoha searching for Naruto and the Nine-tails. Using the Asura Path, Preta Path, and Animal Path as diversions, the other three Pains interrogated villagers for info on Naruto. Unlike the battle between Jiraiya and Pain, we finally get to see all six paths in action. Without Naruto present (at least for a while) we got to see some of the other ninja fights. Kakashi, in particular, takes on the Deva Path. Konohamaru Sarutobi uses the Rasengan on the Naraka Path and the secret of the Pains is discovered. The main event, of course, is Sage Naruto vs the Six Paths. While most of the damage done to Konoha is erased by Pain, the sense of urgency going in was intense.

Source: Naruto Fandom

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2. Chimera Ant Arc (Hunter X Hunter)

Manga Chapters 186 – 318/Anime Episode 76 – 136

The Chimera Ant Queen gives birth to soldier ants waiting to bring forth the King. Feeding on humans including children, the population of the Chimera Ants grows rapidly. With the Birth of the Royal Guard and later the King the race to prepare is on. Killua and Gon train, while the King takes over the Republic of East Gorteau. This arc features a slew of battles, ending with one of the greatest anime fights ever. Coupled with the narration (in the anime) this arc is well worth the watch.

Source: Hunter X Hunter Fandom

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1. Marineford Arc (One Piece)

Manga Chapters 550 – 580/Anime Episode 457 – 489

Ace is transferred to Marineford to be executed. Luffy along with the other escapees from Impel Down Arc head to Marineford to rescue Ace. In preparation for an incoming war, Marineford is evacuated. This arc was the first one where we got to see the power of Whitebeard. One of the four Yonko, Whitebeard and his massive crew arrive to liberate Ace. On the Marine side, was the 5 Shichibukai, all three Admirals, and every other justice force. Sengoku and Garp were also present. Sengoku reveals that Ace was the son of Gold Roger. The Marineford arc is heartbreaking and action-packed. The arc marks a turning point in Luffy’s life and the series as Whitebeard confirms the existence of the One Piece.

Source: One Piece Fandom