Each anime arc brings unique magic to its respective show. Even if those arcs are a filler, they somehow contribute to the story by focusing on the character development, strengthening the bond between the characters, or by simply focusing on the lives of the characters beyond the main storyline. However, there are some arcs in the story that change the whole course of the story, and their impact is seen for the years to come.

The events of those arcs are unforgettable even after the show is completed, and the viewers are left wondering, “How did the mangaka manage to craft such a brilliant arc?” While such an arc is present within every anime, there are a few arcs from some of our beloved shows that we can’t forget for ages.

15 Valhalla Arc (Tokyo Revengers)

Tetta Kisaki Joined Toman And Altered The Course Of The Story

Major incidents that happened in Valhalla Arc:

• Keisuke Baji sacrificed his life.
• Kazutora was put in jail.

The Valhalla Arc, also known as the Bloody Halloween Arc, propelled Tokyo Revengers to new heights. Spanning chapters 34 to 77 in the manga and episodes 13 to 25 of the anime, it focused on Tetta Kisaki, a main antagonist, and revealed the fate of Keisuke Baji. This intense arc hooked fans with its intense and cunning storytelling and major character development, fortifying Tokyo Revengers’ status as a must-watch series.

Kisaki’s twisted psyche and Baji’s pivotal role in the story added a unique spice and excitement to the second season of Tokyo Revengers. The Valhalla Arc became a turning point that left viewers craving for more of Tokyo Revengers’ captivating narrative.

14 Paranormal Liberation Arc (My Hero Academia)

The Battle Against The Biggest Villain Group In The Series

Major incidents that happened in Paranormal Liberation Arc:

• Dabi’s true identity as Toya was revealed.
• Twice’s death shocked the community.

The Paranormal Liberation War Arc, within My Hero Academia’s sixth season, astounded fans with its unexpected plot twists. The clash between Pro Heroes and the villainous Paranormal Liberation Front, led by Tomura Shigaraki, brought forth intense battles, character growth, and shocking revelations. This arc holds immense significance as it pushes the young heroes to their limits, shaping their resolve and laying the groundwork for a new era of heroism in the world of My Hero Academia.

In the Paranormal Liberation War Arc, the stakes are raised to unprecedented levels. The conflict forces our heroes to confront harsh realities and make difficult choices. With the introduction of the greatest villain group and game-changing moments, this arc proves to be a pivotal and unforgettable chapter in the My Hero Academia series.

The Ultimate Conflict With Father Homunculi Was Seen

Major incidents that happened in The Promised Day Arc:

• Father’s sinister plans were revealed.
• We saw the tragic death of Maes Hughes’.

The Promised Day arc from Fullmetal Alchemist is a standout masterpiece that solidifies why it is one of the most highly-rated series of all time. This arc encompasses the culmination of the Elric brothers’ journey as they confront the Homunculi in an epic showdown on the long-awaited Promised Day.

The arc showcases the brilliant storytelling, significant character development, and moral dilemmas that make Fullmetal Alchemist so renowned. With mind-bending plot twists, intense battles, and major truths revealed, The Promised Day Arc left viewers in surprise, cementing its place as an unforgettable and beloved arc in anime history.

12 Jailbreak Arc (The Promised Neverland)

The Orphans Finally Experienced The Outside World

Major incidents that happened in Jailbreak Arc:

• The orphans faced off against Isabella.
• Emma and the other orphans devised the escape plan.

The Jailbreak Arc in The Promised Neverland spanned across chapters 10 to 37. Filled with tension and suspense, this arc follows the protagonists’ desperate attempts to escape from the treacherous confines of Grace Field House. Realizing the dark secrets of their existence, the arc showcases their strategic planning of the orphans, heart-pounding chases, and unexpected alliances formed along the way.

While the Jailbreak Arc is a standout in The Promised Neverland, the series as a whole is a masterpiece that demands the attention of every anime fan. The Promised Neverland offers a unique and captivating experience that leaves a lasting impact. Whether it’s the gripping Jailbreak Arc or the series as a whole, The Promised Neverland is an essential watch, deserving a place on the must-watch list of every anime enthusiast.

11 ???% Arc (Mob Psycho 100)

The Series Finally Ended With This Arc

Major incidents that happened in ???% Arc:

• Mob finally defeated his greatest enemy.
• Mob confessed his love to Tsubomi.

???% marked the final arc of Mob Psycho, standing out as the series’ pinnacle and a standout within the anime world. While we witnessed Shigeo Kageyama battling powerful villains throughout, this arc unveiled the series’ ultimate antagonist, residing within Mob himself. All this time, we had seen the side of Mob as pure and serene as a saint, but this Mob was the complete opposite.

Fueled by rage and insanity, ???% was a walking beast ready to kill anyone who came in his path. The inner struggles and the mind battles between ???% and Mob showed the latter’s dedication to retain his sanity. The thing that Mob feared the most, being rejected by Tsubomi, ultimately happened. While it broke his heart, his victory over ???% was a resounding achievement.

10 Entertainment District Arc (Demon Slayer)

The Outcome Of The Battle Even Scared Muzan Kibutsuji

Major incidents that happened in The Entertainment District Arc:

• The powers of Tengen Uzui were revealed for the first time.
• Daki and Gyutaro were killed in the battle.

Demon Slayer continues to dominate discussions, especially following the Entertainment District Arc release. While its record-breaking anime adaptation received immense praise, the arc also significantly influenced the storyline. It was in centuries that one of the Twelve Kizuki was defeated at the hands of a Hashira, The powers of Tengen Uzui were on full display, and it was the first major battle fought by Tanjiro and his friends.

Daki unleashed chaos in the Entertainment District, prompting the arrival of the Demon Slayers to investigate. Soon after, the Demon, along with Gyutaro, revealed themselves, commencing the finest battle of the Demon Slayer franchise. The battle resulted in the death of one of the strongest Demons, even shackling the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji.

9 Frieza Saga Arc (Dragon Ball)

Goku Transformed Into A Super Saiyen For The First Time

Major incidents that happened in Frieza Saga Arc:

• Goku fought Frieza for the first time.
• Vegeta sided with the heroes for the first time.

The Frieza Sage Arc stands as the second major plot arc within the Dragon Ball Z universe, spanning from chapters 75 to 107. This iconic arc revolves around one of the most legendary battles in the Dragon Ball series – the epic showdown between Goku and Frieza. As the fate of the universe hangs in the balance, Goku and Frieza’s clash hyped the fans with its high-stakes intensity and breathtaking action sequences.

Throughout the Frieza Arc, viewers were treated to an exhilarating display of power as Goku, the Super Saiyan, confronted the tyrannical Frieza. This battle pushed both warriors to their limits, showcasing explosive energy blasts, intense martial arts skills, and dramatic transformations. The Frieza Arc’s story and the unforgetable clash between Goku and Frieza solidified its place as a pivotal moment in Dragon Ball history.

8 Marineford Arc (One Piece)

The Arc’s Conclusion Marked The End Of An Era

Major incidents that happened in Marineford Arc:

• Ace’s fate was sealed in Marineford Arc.
• The arc saw the rise of Blackbeard.

The Marineford Arc in One Piece holds immense importance in the series’ development, reshaping the story. This arc in One Piece brings epic battles, heartbreaking losses, and powerful changes that shake up the world of the series. It stands as a turning point that left fans stunned by the sacrifices and emotional turmoil they witnessed.

In the Marineford Arc, legendary characters clashed in monumental battles. The clash between Whitebeard and the Marine forces, led by Admirals Akainu, Aokiji, and Kizaru, showcased intense confrontations. Devastating losses of beloved characters were witnessed. The impact of the incidents of the Marineford Arc can still be felt in the current story of One Piece.

7 Arrancar: Downfall Arc (Bleach)

Aizen And His Arrancar Army Was Finally Defeated

Major incidents that happened in Arrancar Invasion Arc:

• Aizen’s true powers were on full display.
• Ichigo gained his Vasto Lorde form.

The Arrancar Downfall Arc unveils the brilliance of Aizen, one of the greatest anime villains. Created by him using the Hogyoku, the Arrancars showcase their true powers. This arc forces Ichigo and his friends to surpass their limits, gaining new forms and altering the course of the story forever.

With Aizen’s mastermind at play, the Arrancar Downfall Arc proves to be a pivotal turning point. The true abilities of the Arrancars emerge, posing a deadly challenge for Ichigo and his allies. The level of battles and character development we saw in this particular arc couldn’t be found in any other arc within the whole Bleach franchise.

6 Return To Shiganshina Arc (Attack On Titan)

Wall Maria Was Finally Reclaimed

Major incidents that happened in Return To Shiganshina Arc:

• Truths about Grisha Yeager were revealed.
• Major character deaths, including that of Erwin Smith.

The Return to Shiganshina arc stands as a triumph within the Attack on Titan series, as it depicts a high-stakes mission to retake the walls, filled with risks from the deadly Titans. The arc unveils long-awaited answers about the Titans and pushes the story to new heights, giving us a deep insight into the Titans and more truths about the outer world.

What made the Return to Shiganshina Arc even more important was the sacrifices and the shift in power we saw. Facing the wrath of the Beast Titan and his deadly throws, Erwin came up with a plan, sacrificing his life alongside many of his comrades and giving Levi and the others the time to escape. It was also in the Return to Shiganshina Arc we saw Armin gaining the power of the Colossal Titan.

5 Shibuya Incident Arc (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Acted As A Major Development For Every Character

Major incidents that happened in Shibuya Incident Arc:

• Gojo was sealed.
• We saw the deaths of some major characters in the series.

Shibuya Incident was adapted in the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, and everyone would admit that it was the biggest release of 2023. Literally every event within the Shibuya Incident Arc was a major incident. Its impact on the story was so massive that its consequences can still be seen within the manga after so many years.

From the incident with Riko Amanai, to the introduction of Toji Fushiguro, the whole plot of sealing Gojo Satoru, Geto walking on the dark path, Sukuna’s resurrection, Mahoraga’s introduction, and not to forget so many major deaths, including that of Toji, Mechamaru, Nanami, Naobito Zenin, Jogo, and Nobara, it’s an arc that shaped the whole course of Jujutsu Kaisen.

4 Thousand Year Blood War Arc (Bleach: TYBW)

It Was The Laat Battle That The Soul Reapers Had To Fight

Major incidents that happened in Thousand Year Blood War Arc:

• Yamamoto sacrificed his life.
• Squad Zero was introduced for the first time.

Bleach stands as one of the greatest anime series, yet in our view, even its most remarkable arcs couldn’t match the exhilaration brought by the Thousand Year Blood War arc. And that’s the reason why Bleach: TYBW shattered massive records when its anime adaptation was first brought to life in October 2022.

Firstly, the animation was simply WOW! Studio Pierrot threw their finest ball in every single episode. The original Bleach series often lacked impactful deaths for the heroes, as they consistently found ways to escape dire situations. However, the Thousand Year Blood War arc introduced genuinely shocking deaths, adding a new level of gravity. The character development for the side characters and the powers of the new Quincy villains were equally enthralling.

3 Chimera Ant Arc (Hunter X Hunter)

We Saw The Good Side Of The Villains And The Dark Side Of The Hunters

Major incidents that happened in Chimera Ant Arc:

• Introduced Merum, the greatest villain of the series.
• Gon went through a major transformation.

The Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter X Hunter revolutionized the series, introducing formidable villains and showcasing the incredible growth of characters like Gon, Killua, and Netero. It was a masterful display of storytelling, with each episode and scene crafted to perfection, highlighting Yoshihiro Togashi’s brilliance as the series writer.

This iconic arc impressed fans with its intense battles, the introduction of the new villains, and the significant change in the good and bad within the heroes and villains. It pushed the boundaries of the shonen genre and left a lasting impact on viewers. The Chimera Ant Arc is a shining example of Hunter X Hunter’s greatness.

2 Pain Assault Arc (Naruto Shippuden)

Naruto Uzumaki Got The Love He Always Desired

Major incidents that happened in Pain Assault Arc:

• Pain was finally defeated by Naruto.
• Naruto achieved the Sage Mode in this arc.

As soon as Pain made his entrance in Naruto Shippuden, it was clear he’d shake things up, and that’s precisely what unfolded. He became the catalyst for more casualties than any other character in the entire series, none more shocking than the loss of Jiraiya. However, this pivotal moment marked a major turning point for Naruto.

He not only surpassed his mentor but also achieved the elusive Perfect Sage Mode, a feat even Jiraiya hadn’t accomplished. Ultimately, Naruto faced Pain alone and not only emerged victorious but also persuaded him to undo the devastation he caused in the Leaf Village. While Jiraiya’s absence remains irreplaceable, his sacrifice elevated the Pain Assault Arc to incredible heights.

1 Yotsuba Arc (Death Note)

Light’s downfall started after Yotsuba Arc

Major incidents that happened in Yotsuba Arc:

• L and Watari died.
• L realized the involvement of Shinigami in the case.

Light’s brilliance was never in question, but this particular arc revealed how far-sighted he was. He was the perfect person to have possession of the Death Note. Knowing the risks of keeping the Death Note with him, he gave up possession of the book. He executed such a brilliant plan that even after giving up Death Note, it finally returned to him within a few days.

The moment he gained the memories of Death Note when he was sitting beside L in the helicopter literally gave us goosebumps. It was also the first time L realized that the killings had to do something with supernatural entities as he saw a Shinigami for the first time. While the most unfortunate incident of this arc remained the death of our beloved L, it was at this moment Light’s downfall also started.