The 13 Best Anime From The 90s - Game Rant
13 Digimon Adventure · 12 Initial D First Stage · 11 Trigun · 10 Sailor Moon · 9 Rurouni Kenshin · 8 Berserk · 7 Dragon Ball Z · 6 Great Teacher ...
Dark Tournament arc
That "simple" premise quickly explodes in scope, leading to the all-time great <anchor>Dark Tournament arc</anchor> and the more experimental but equally fantastic Chapter Black saga. Yu Yu Hakusho is almost the perfect battle shonen, arguably even more so than Dragon Ball Z. The anime has consistently fantastic fights that never overstay their welcome, along with an expansive roster of characters who are immediately memorable and frequently surprising. The villain gallery is as good as any other '90s anime.
The Best Anime Tournament Arcs, Ranked
The Best Anime Tournament Arcs, Ranked

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# The Best Anime Tournament Arcs, Ranked

 [Dragon Ball](/tag/dragon-ball/)

![4](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress%2Fwp-content%2Fauthors%2F6640ceb15f4e0-oluwatokiloba-folami.jpeg?fit=crop&w=90&h=90)

By [Oluwatokiloba Folami](/author/oluwatokiloba-folami/)

Updated 6 days ago

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[Dragon Ball](/tag/dragon-ball/ "Dragon Ball")

### Related

[![Yowamushi Pedal One Outs Taisho Baseball Girls](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/10-Sports-Anime-That-Are-Underrated-promo.jpg)](/underrated-sports-anime/)

##### [10 Sports Anime That Are Underrated](/underrated-sports-anime/ "10 Sports Anime That Are Underrated")

[![Cult Classic Shonen- Knights of the Zodiac Outlaw Star Kuroko's Basketball](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/5-Shonen-Anime-That-Initially-Bombed-but-Became-Cult-Classics.jpg)](/cult-classic-shonen-anime-series-that-initially-bombed/)

##### [5 Shonen Anime That Initially Bombed but Became Cult Classics](/cult-classic-shonen-anime-series-that-initially-bombed/ "5 Shonen Anime That Initially Bombed but Became Cult Classics")

[![Dragon Ball Super Featured Split Image Nink, Goku, Zirloin](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dragon-Ball-Super-Goku-Eliminations-Featured-Image.jpg)](/dragon-ball-every-character-goku-eliminated-tournament-power/)

##### [Dragon Ball: Every Character Goku Eliminated In The Tournament of Power](/dragon-ball-every-character-goku-eliminated-tournament-power/ "Dragon Ball: Every Character Goku Eliminated In The Tournament of Power")

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![Best Anime Tournament Arcs](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/pjimage---2022-05-26T204445930.jpg)

Tournament arcs are [a staple in most anime](https://gamerant.com/best-shonen-anime-tropes/). It's one of the best and cleanest ways to pit two great fighters in a battle against each other, usually with a spectacular end result. There are several anime that have used tournament arcs to great effect, giving side characters some much-needed exposure while also letting these fighters develop their character extensively. In some instances, these tournaments are so great that they easily become one of the best parts of the entire show.

It's a monumental achievement, with many anime showing how to execute a tournament arc properly. The fights featured in these arcs are in a class of their own and show why these tournaments are one of the most effective settings for any anime, shonen or otherwise, to excel on multiple fronts. Suffice it to say, fans who check out these arcs will completely understand why the tournament format is so common across most anime.

**_Updated on September 7th, 2024, by Oluwatokiloba Folami:_** _Anime sure has a way of [capturing viewers' attention](https://gamerant.com/best-action-anime/). One particular method anime uses to capture attention is through the presence of a tournament arc, and it has become a staple in anime, especially shonen anime. These arcs are very thrilling, offering high-stakes battles and intense character development. [Most protagonists end their tournament arc stronger](https://gamerant.com/anime-tournaments-won-wrong-character/) than they started it, pushing themselves and going beyond their limits. There are so many anime with great tournament arcs that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. These arcs are pivotal to the storyline of the anime as they prepare the protagonist for a greater battle ahead, like the Crown Game Arc in Tower of God._

[![Shonen-Anime-With-Better-Manga-Series-featured-image-1](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Shonen-Anime-With-Better-Manga-Series-featured-image-1.jpg)](/shonen-anime-with-better-manga-series/) Related

##### [10 Shonen Anime With Better Manga Series](/shonen-anime-with-better-manga-series/ "10 Shonen Anime With Better Manga Series")

There are iconic manga series that perform better than their animated versions. Here are some of the best.

## 25  63rd National High School Sensha-dō Tournament

### Girls und Panzer

![Five girls from Girls und Panzer sitting on a tank](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/girls-und-panzer-cropped.jpg)

Release Date

October 9, 2012

No. of Episodes

12

Studio

Actas

Streaming Services

Crunchyroll

While [most girls are known to partake in sports](https://gamerant.com/best-womens-sports-anime/) like basketball, volleyball, track, cheerleading, and so on, [the girls in **_Girls und Panzer_**](https://gamerant.com/anime-like-girls-und-panzer/) partake in a different, more unconventional sport: Sensha-dō. Sensha-dō is a girls-only sport that involves using a war tank to compete in elimination-based matches.

The 63rd National High School Sensha-dō Tournament is the main tournament in this anime, and the protagonist, Miho, overcomes her trauma caused by this sport and leads her teammates to victory in the tournament. This tournament brings together different teams from across the country to compete for the title of champion. In order for a team to be tagged as the champion, they have to [capture as many flags as possible.](https://gamerant.com/best-military-moe-anime/) Once a team’s flag has been captured, they are eliminated from the tournament.

## 24  All Japan Rookie King Tournament

### Hajime No Ippo

![Hajime no Ippo - All Japan Rookie King Tournament](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Hajime-no-Ippo---All-Japan-Rookie-King-Tournament.jpg)

##### Fighting Spirit

0

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Sports

**Studio** Madhouse

**Creator** George Morikawa

**Number of Episodes** 127

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/)

It is quite safe to say [that boxing saved Ippo’s life.](https://gamerant.com/best-anime-about-boxing/) Through boxing, he went from being a timid kid who was a prime target for bullies to having one of the most successful boxing careers in Japan for a new and upcoming fighter. Getting into this world was not easy, but with enough practice and plenty of sleepless nights, Ippo adjusted.

[![hajime no ippo megalobox](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/strongest-boxers-in-anime-feature-image.jpg)](/best-strongest-boxers-anime/) Related

##### [Strongest Boxers In Anime](/best-strongest-boxers-anime/ "Strongest Boxers In Anime")

These boxers not only know how to throw a punch, but having strong dedication and a love for the sport.

After winning the title of East Japan Rookie King, Ippo went on to participate in the All Japan Rookie King Tournament. During this tournament arc, Ippo undergoes significant character development, as he now has more courage in himself and his career. He faces an obstacle that allows him to withdraw from the tournament, but [after some medical advice](https://gamerant.com/best-medical-anime/), he decides to train his fists and muscles for his upcoming match. Things were not easy for Ippo during this arc, but he did not give up, and in the end, he emerged victorious and went home as the All Japan Rookie King.

## 23  Crown Game

### Tower Of God

![Crown Game Tower Of God](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/crown-game-tower-of-god.jpg)

##### Tower of God

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Action

Adventure

Fantasy

Mystery

**Studio** Telecom Animation Film (Season 1); The Answer Studio (Season 2)

**Creator** S.I.U. (Lee Jong Hui)

**Number of Episodes** 23+

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/)

Everyone has that one thing they truly desire, be it wealth, fame, or something more personal. In _**Tower of God,**_ individuals get the chance to have their desires granted as long as they can make it to the top of the tower, [a mysterious structure](https://gamerant.com/tower-of-god-anime-unsolved-mysteries-of-the-tower/) that summons people to try to reach for the top. The protagonist of this anime, Bam, decides to go after [his one and only friend, Rachel,](https://gamerant.com/tower-of-god-anime-reasons-rachel-is-a-great-character/) after she is summoned by the tower. Since Bam was not summoned, he is tagged as an irregular, and his journey is exceedingly tough, but he perseveres in hopes of seeing his friend again one day.

[The Crown Game](https://gamerant.com/tower-god-manhwa-best-arcs/) is an arc that starts early in the anime, introducing the protagonist to the challenges that the tower has to offer. The crown game involves various teams battling to seize and defend a crown, with one member sitting on a throne across multiple rounds to win the game. [This game involves strategic thinking](https://gamerant.com/tower-of-god-smartest-characters/), and it is during this game that Bam discovers he has powers. As the anime progresses, he understands more about himself and his mysterious abilities.

## 22  The Corpse Carnival

### Deadman Wonderland

![ The Corpse Carnival Deadman Wonderland](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/c1a1e0171a1f31121852201ab353be987a275dd5_hq.jpg)

##### Deadman Wonderland

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Action

Supernatural

**Studio** Manglobe

**Creator** Kadokawa Shoten

**Number of Episodes** 12

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/)

In _**Deadman Wonderland**_, the titular facility is a privately owned prison where the protagonist, Ganta Igarashi, is waiting for his death sentence. Ganta’s world is not as it used to be as he goes from a middle school teacher to a Deadman, who is someone who can control blood. [In](https://gamerant.com/anime-never-adapted-mangas-best-arc/) _[Deadman Wonderland](https://gamerant.com/anime-never-adapted-mangas-best-arc/),_ the prisoners partake in deadly and dangerous activities to entertain the visitors.

The Corpse Carnival is a brutal event similar to the gladiators’ battle that took place in ancient Rome, but in this case, the Deadmen in the prison have to compete with one another. The loser of this game will have to undergo surgery without any form of anesthesia, in which a part of their body will be removed.

## 21  The Inter High Tournament

### Yowamushi Pedal

![Utsunomiya team](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/utsunomiya42team.jpg)

##### Yowamushi Pedal

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Sports

**Studio** TMS Entertainment, 8PAN

**Creator** Wataru Watanabe

**Number of Episodes** 137

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , YouTube

Onoda’s only friend is his city bicycle. He has been finding it hard to make new friends, particularly those who share the same interests as him. Onada is a die-hard fan of anime and manga; in other words, an otaku. Going into high school, Onada’s plan was to join an anime club and make friends, but his dreams were quickly crushed when he found out that his new school does not have an anime club anymore.

[![Yowamushi Pedal One Outs Taisho Baseball Girls](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/10-Sports-Anime-That-Are-Underrated-promo.jpg)](/underrated-sports-anime/) Related

##### [10 Sports Anime That Are Underrated](/underrated-sports-anime/ "10 Sports Anime That Are Underrated")

The sports anime genre is absolutely massive, and these great underrated series have been drowned out by bigger titles.

However, Onada's love for cycling catches the attention of Naruko, who encourages him to join their school’s bicycle racing club. The Inter High is a yearly cycling event where all the schools in Japan with cycling clubs come to compete for the title of champion, and since Onoda joined Sohoku’s cycling club, he has been participating in this event. During the 43rd Inter High tournament, Onoda becomes the captain of the cycling team at his school.

## 20  Maximum Tournament Saga

### Baki The Grappler

![Maximum Tournament Saga Baki The Grappler](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/the_maximum_tournament_saga.jpg)

##### Baki Hanma

0

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Action

Martial Arts

**Studio** TMS Entertainment

**Creator** Keisuke Itagaki

**Number of Episodes** 39

**Streaming Service(s)**[Netflix](/tag/netflix/)

_**Baki The Grappler**_ has a simple storyline, follwing a young boy aiming to overtake his father as the strongest man in their world. This anime is filled with men training every muscle in their body. From an early age, Baki starts learning every technique martial arts has to offer under his mother’s guidance. After he realizes he needs more than what martial arts have to offer, he leaves to seek other types of strength.

The Maximum Tournament Saga is a martial arts tournament where different fighters come to show their strength and get the title of champion and a Pankration belt. Baki attends and participates in this tournament. He was initially disregarded because of his height, but that turns out to be a great mistake as Baki enters the ring and shows everyone he is the boss. He wins the tournament and leaves as the Champion of the Underground Arena.

## 19  Duelist Kingdom

### Yu-Gi-Oh!

![Maximillion Pegasus in Yu-Gi-Oh!](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Maximillion-Pegasus-in-Yu-Gi-Oh!.jpg)

##### Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

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Adventure

Fantasy

**Release Date** April 18, 2000

**Creator** Kazuki Takahashi

**Studio** Gallop

There's no denying that the Duelist Kingdom arc might not hold up on a rewatch. However, there's something special about this arc that got many fans into the spirit of dueling in **_Yu-Gi-Oh!_**

The fact that this tournament was arranged by the devilishly entertaining Maximillion Pegasus made things even more engaging. All in all, Duelist Kingdom is a great watch that displays what _Yu-Gi-Oh_ is all about.

## 18  Kengan Annihilation Tournament

### Kengan Ashura

![ouma in a fighting stance](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/kengan-ashura.jpg)

##### Kengan Ashura

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Action

Martial Arts

**Studio** Larx Entertainment

**Creator** Yabako Sandrovich

**Number of Episodes** 52

**Streaming Service(s)**[Netflix](/tag/netflix/)

The entirety of **_Kengan Ashura_** is one big tournament with a few breaks in between. This makes for a fun, mature thrill ride as viewers immerse themselves in the world of underground gladiatorial bouts, with Ohma Tokita at the helm.

The fights in the series are fantastic, and show the vice of greed and how heinous human beings can be. The show has way more depth than what meets the eye, even if the animation can be hard to watch at times.

## 17  U.A. Sports Festival

### My Hero Academia

![Crowd looks on at the sports festival in MHA](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/image-35.jpg)

##### [My Hero Academia (2016)](/tag/my-hero-academia/ "My Hero Academia (2016)")

2

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Action

Superhero

**Release Date** April 3, 2016

**Creator** Kōhei Horikoshi

**Studio** Bones

[See at Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/my-hero-academia-b4859a95-39ba-4051-a550-256c42e70a1d)

The Sports Festival in **_My Hero Academia_** was a great celebration that helped all the students in the series showcase their powers brilliantly. After some preliminary competitions, the arc ended with a bunch of one-on-one fights in a tournament.

The highlight of this arc was easily Midoriya's fight against Todoroki, which helped the latter embrace the full extent of his powers. It was a great clash, although the fact that it happened in the semifinals did take the wind out of the sails in the finals when Todoroki and Bakugo faced off.

## 16  Universe 6 Tournament

### Dragon Ball Super

![Goku Versus Hit in Dragon Ball Super](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dragon-ball-super-goku-versus-hit.jpg)

##### Dragon Ball Super

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Action

Adventure

**Studio** Toei Animation

**Creator** Akira Toriyama

**Number of Episodes** 131

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , Funimation

_**Dragon Ball Super**_ brought the _Dragon Ball_ franchise back from the grave, after many people felt like Toriyama had stopped working on the series, barring a few one-shots. _Battle of Gods_ was a great addition to the lore of _Dragon Ball_, with _Resurrection F_ bringing back the legendary Frieza too. Following these arcs, the first original story adapted in _Dragon Ball Super_ was a tournament between Universe 6 and 7.

This made for some great moments as the concept of parallel universes allowed for some unique fights to take place. Vegeta became a mentor to Cabba, and Frost appeared as a unique version of Frieza who was just as conniving. Goku brought back the legendary Kaioken for an amazing moment that still stands strong as one of _Super'_ s best highlights...despite the poor animation that this show was riddled with.

## 15  The Grand Magic Games

### Fairy Tail

![Natsu and Team Fairy Tail at Grand Magic Games](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Fairy-Tail-Grand-Magic-Games-arc.jpg)

##### [Fairy Tail](/tag/fairy-tail/ "Fairy Tail")

2

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Animation

Action

Adventure

**Release Date** October 12, 2009

**Creator** Hiro Mashima, Masashi Sogo

**Studio** A-1 Pictures, Satelight, Bridge, CloverWorks

[See at Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/fairy-tail-ccafd798-65e0-45eb-99e1-6ab389c1056b)

_**Fairy Tail**_ is a popular shonen series, although it might not be the most groundbreaking one. However, there are moments when this anime shines. The Grand Magic Games are a great example.

[![Cult Classic Shonen- Knights of the Zodiac Outlaw Star Kuroko's Basketball](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/5-Shonen-Anime-That-Initially-Bombed-but-Became-Cult-Classics.jpg)](/cult-classic-shonen-anime-series-that-initially-bombed/) Related

##### [5 Shonen Anime That Initially Bombed but Became Cult Classics](/cult-classic-shonen-anime-series-that-initially-bombed/ "5 Shonen Anime That Initially Bombed but Became Cult Classics")

These fantastic shonen anime series didn’t set the world on fire but managed to light a spark in fans that has continued to burn to this day.

This was the moment when the _Fairy Tail_ guild would finally prove its worth. The battles in this arc are amazing, and [the final fight between the Dragon Slayers](https://gamerant.com/shonen-anime-most-unique-powers/) is a thing of pure beauty.

## 14  Battle City

### Yu-Gi-Oh!

![Yugioh - Battle City Tournament](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Yugioh---Battle-City-Tournament.jpg)

##### Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters

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Adventure

Fantasy

**Release Date** April 18, 2000

**Creator** Kazuki Takahashi

**Studio** Gallop

_Duelist Kingdom_ may be a wild ride, but many fans agree that a lot of moments in this tournament arc came out of nowhere. This made for some weird moments when viewers watch it without their nostalgia-tinted glasses. Thankfully, [_Yu-Gi-Oh!_ fans were treated to a better tournament arc](https://gamerant.com/dubbed-anime-that-changed-original-meaning/) that learned from its past mistakes to make for an excellent experience from start to end.

Battle City set up many important things that would influence the rest of the series, and it helped that the arc was better structured and had great pacing too. This made for an enjoyable tournament arc that didn't have too many unexplained powerups and made for a better watch as fights had more logical and entertaining conclusions.

## 13  The Royal Knights Selection Exam

### Black Clover

![The Royal Knights Selection Exam in Black Clover](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/The-Royal-Knights-Selection-Exam-in-Black-Clover-Cropped.jpg)

##### [Black Clover (2017)](/tag/black-clover/ "Black Clover (2017)")

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Action

Fantasy

**Release Date** October 3, 2017

**Creator** Yūki Tabata

**Studio** Pierrot

_**Black Clover**_ got off to a slow start, prompting many people to drop the show before it got good . However, after a long wait, _Black Clover_ finally showed why it's worth all the hype.

This was especially prevalent during the Royal Knight's Selection Exam, where the most intimidating fighters around tried to get into this powerful group and defeat the Eye of the Midnight Sun. The matchups in this arc are great and set the stage for _Black Clover_ to become even more riveting to watch.

## 12  The Interhigh Volleyball Tournament

### Haikyu!!

![karasuno team members](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/pjimage-(1)-9.jpg)

##### [Haikyu!!](/tag/haikyu/ "Haikyu!!")

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Sports

**Release Date** April 6, 2014

**Creator** Haruichi Furudate

**Studio** Production I.G

Sports anime can be a hard sell for many people. However, shows like **_Haikyu!!_** prove why these shows are worth a watch. The Interhigh Volleyball Tournament is a major highlight of this series.

The emotions during this arc run high. The volleyball team's struggle to even get into this tournament keeps the stakes as high as possible. Karasuno High's team is one to root for, and the other groups alre quite likable as well.

## 11  B-Rank Wars

### World Trigger

![World Trigger season 2 anime](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/World-Trigger-season-2-anime.jpg)

##### World Trigger

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Action

**Studio** Toei Animation

**Creator** Daisuke Ashihara

**Number of Episodes** 99

**Streaming Service(s)** Tubi , [Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/)

_**World Trigger**_ is a decent shonen series that fans can binge through if they want to check out some quality material that is simple to get into. In a bid to fight against the monsters called Neighbors, an organization called Border decides to step up to the task, employing the services of people who can use Triggers to attain an edge in battle.

These squads participate in tournaments to decide their superiority, with the top squads being selected for important missions. This is the premise for the B-Rank Wars arc, as the top two teams in this tier are selected for the Away Team.

## 10  Kyoto Sister-School Goodwill Event

### Jujutsu Kaisen

![Aoi Todo in Jujutsu Kaisen](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Jujutsu-Kaisen-Aoi-Todo.jpg)

##### Jujutsu Kaisen

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Action

Supernatural

**Release Date** October 3, 2020

**Creator** Gege Akutami

**Studio** MAPPA

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/)

_**Jujutsu Kaisen**_ is easily one of the most popular anime these days. Such is the case with the Kyoto Sister-School Goodwill Event, which takes on the guise of a friendly tournament before turning into something else altogether.

This arc introduces many great characters, including fan-favorite Aoi Todo. There are many highlights in this arc, such as [Itadori learning Black Flash](https://gamerant.com/best-anime-fighting-stances/) and the Zenin sisters facing off in an emotional battle.

## 9  Tournament Of Power

### Dragon Ball Super

![Dragon Ball Super characters standing together](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Dragon-Ball-Super-Tournament-of-Power-roster.jpg)

##### Dragon Ball Super

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Action

Adventure

**Studio** Toei Animation

**Creator** Akira Toriyama

**Number of Episodes** 131

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , Funimation

It would be impossible to [talk about tournament arcs in anime without mentioning _Dragon Ball_](https://gamerant.com/dragon-ball-franchise-best-tournament-fights-ranked/). After all, the various Martial Arts Tournaments that take place in this series have already become the stuff of legends.

[![Dragon Ball Super Featured Split Image Nink, Goku, Zirloin](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Dragon-Ball-Super-Goku-Eliminations-Featured-Image.jpg)](/dragon-ball-every-character-goku-eliminated-tournament-power/) Related

##### [Dragon Ball: Every Character Goku Eliminated In The Tournament of Power](/dragon-ball-every-character-goku-eliminated-tournament-power/ "Dragon Ball: Every Character Goku Eliminated In The Tournament of Power")

Goku was a major player during the tournament of power. Here's every enemy he managed to get put during the event.

The Tournament of Power is the final arc of _Dragon Ball Super_, and it's brilliant in every way. However, the Tournament of Power does place style over substance, which is why it still doesn't reach the lofty heights set by the other arcs in the series.

## 8  Corrida Colosseum

### One Piece

![Corrida Colosseum in One Piece](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Corrida-Colosseum-in-One-Piece-Cropped.jpg)

##### [One Piece](/tag/one-piece/ "One Piece")

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Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

**Release Date** October 20, 1999

**Creator** Eiichiro Oda

**Studio** Toei Animation

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , [Netflix](/tag/netflix/) , Hulu

The Dressrosa arc is [one of the best arcs in _One Piece_](https://gamerant.com/best-shonen-anime-to-watch/). The Corrida Colosseum is just a small part of this story arc, yet easily feels like one of its more important segments.

The cast of new and returning characters that appear are all memorable in their own right. It sets the stage for what's about to come in the Dressrosa arc and does so in brilliant fashion.

## 7  Heaven's Arena

### Hunter X Hunter

![Heaven's Arena in Hunter X Hunter](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Heavens-Arena-in-Hunter-X-Hunter.jpg)

##### Hunter x Hunter

2

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Action

Fantasy

Adventure

**Release Date** October 16, 1999

**Creator** Yoshihiro Togashi

**Studio** Nippon Animation

**Streaming Service(s)** Amazon Prime Video , [Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , Hulu , [Netflix](/tag/netflix/) , Tubi , YouTube

[See at Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/hunter-x-hunter-4160deed-5e27-4f23-aa9a-a8e4f126e9cb)

_**Hunter X Hunter**_ is one of the best shonen anime of all time, featuring the brilliance of Yoshihiro Togashi at its very best. Heaven's Arena is a great tournament arc in an anime that's infinitely watchable.

The fact that Heaven's Arena isn't even the best arc in the series shows how high the quality of this series is. Gon and Killua take their time [learning the basics of Nen](https://gamerant.com/best-power-systems-shonen-anime-ranked) before facing off against Hisoka once again.

## 6  The Survival Game

### Future Diary

![the character gasai yuno from the anime mirai nikki, the future diary](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/mirai-Cropped.jpg)

##### Future Diary

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Mystery

Suspense

Action

**Release Date** October 10, 2011

**Creator** Sakae Esuno

**Studio** Asread

**Streaming Service(s)**[Crunchyroll](/tag/crunchyroll/) , Hulu

[See at Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/series/the-future-diary-0c43ee4a-8e87-4864-8496-7b215c2a3976)

_**Future Diary**_ is a riveting series in which twelve people receive diaries that allow them to see into the future in unique ways, before pitting them against each other in a battle to [become the next god](https://gamerant.com/most-powerful-strongest-anime-characters/). This, coupled with the riveting duo of Yuki and Yuno, makes this show quite a blast.

_Future Diary_ doesn't pull punches when it comes to showing just how low humanity can sink to become a divine figure. It's an incredible watch. The Survival Game is riveting to the end and easily one of the best tournament arcs in anime.

- [![Anime](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/anime-trending-header-game-rant.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=32&h=32&dpr=1.5)\
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Anime](/anime/ "Anime")
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Dragon Ball](/tag/dragon-ball/ "Dragon Ball")
- [![My Hero Academia (2016)](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/my-hero-academia.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=32&h=32&dpr=1.5)\
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My Hero Academia (2016)](/tag/my-hero-academia/ "My Hero Academia (2016)")

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## How do you rank Tournament arcs? Based on their action, character development, or overall impact on the story?

Oluwatokiloba-Folami

![User Display Picture](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/profilepics/circle-user-solid-2.png)

![Game Rant logo](/public/build/images/gr-logo-icon-colored-dark.svg?v=2.4)[Oluwatokiloba-Folami](/author/oluwatokiloba-folami)

[Oluwatokiloba-Folami\
Copy#SD650444](/author/oluwatokiloba-folami/)

![User Display Picture](https://static0.gamerantimages.com/wordpress/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/profilepics/circle-user-solid-2.png)

Jun 1, 2022

The best tournament arcs are not only filled with exciting fights but also push the story forward and develop the characters in meaningful ways.

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