Top 15 Anime Moments We’d Waited for Years to See

Some payoffs in anime take their time, slowly building through arcs, mysteries, and character growth until the moment finally lands. Below are fifteen long-awaited scenes that resolved clues, fulfilled promises, or delivered turning points that creators had set up far in advance. Each entry explains what happens, why it mattered to the story, and the key context that made fans anticipate it for so long.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996) – Goku Becomes a Super Saiyan

On Planet Namek, Goku transforms after witnessing Krillin’s death, unlocking a new state that dramatically increases his power and alters the course of the conflict with Frieza. The moment pays off early foreshadowing about a legendary warrior and training milestones that prepared Goku for the breakthrough. It recalibrates the series’ power scale and sets a template for later transformations across the franchise. The shift also changes battle dynamics for the rest of the arc, forcing Frieza to escalate in response.

‘One Piece’ (1999– ) – Luffy Unleashes Gear Fifth

During the raid on Onigashima, Luffy activates an awakened form that reshapes both his abilities and the tone of his fighting style. The reveal ties back to clues about his Devil Fruit and prior Gear techniques introduced over many sagas. It expands the rules of combat by altering how his body interacts with the environment and opponents. The development also reframes past hints about his fruit’s classification and its link to the world’s deeper history.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023) – The Basement Key Mystery Is Solved

When the scouts reach Eren’s home in Shiganshina, they open the basement and discover documents that explain the origin of Titans and the world outside the walls. The contents connect Grisha’s past to the Marley–Eldia conflict and clarify why the walls were built. These revelations recontextualize earlier events and motivations, providing a political and historical framework for the story’s next phase. The findings also set up new objectives for the characters beyond simple survival.

‘Naruto Shippūden‘ (2007–2017) – Naruto and Sasuke’s Final Valley of the End Battle

Naruto and Sasuke meet at the Valley of the End to resolve a rivalry that began in their youth and shaped multiple story arcs. The confrontation synthesizes jutsu progressions, clan legacies, and the influence of their teachers. It concludes the immediate conflict over the future direction of the shinobi world and each character’s role in it. The duel also closes narrative loops involving the Uchiha, the Hokage ideal, and the cost of vengeance.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010) – Edward Trades Away Alchemy to Restore Alphonse

At the Gate, Edward relinquishes his ability to practice alchemy to bring Alphonse back with his original body. The exchange fulfills the series’ central law of equivalent exchange and resolves the Elric brothers’ failed transmutation. It caps a long investigation into the Philosopher’s Stone, homunculi, and the nature of truth. The decision also marks the end of a cycle that began with a catastrophic mistake and ends with restitution.

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022– ) – Ichigo Learns the Truth About His Zanpakutō and Heritage

Ichigo’s reforging of his blade reveals the real identity of Zangetsu and clarifies the sources of his power. The explanation interweaves his human, Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollow aspects, connecting earlier anomalies in his abilities. This knowledge changes his approach to combat and spiritual training going forward. It also deepens the conflict with Yhwach by linking Ichigo’s lineage to the enemy’s history.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014) – Gon Finally Meets Ging

After numerous trials, Gon reaches the World Tree and meets his father, Ging, for a direct conversation about his journey. The scene acknowledges the clues and near-misses that kept them apart throughout multiple arcs. Their talk addresses the nature of exploration, Nen, and the meaning of being a Hunter. It also transitions the narrative focus from pursuit to understanding, closing a long-standing personal objective.

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012– ) – Jotaro Ends the Battle with DIO

In Cairo, Jotaro confronts DIO in a Stand duel that explores time-stopping mechanics and counters developed over the chase. The showdown synthesizes the Stardust Crusaders’ travel, tactics, and losses into one decisive clash. It clarifies how Star Platinum’s capabilities interact with The World’s ability, resolving a key strategic question. The outcome ends a multi-generational feud that began with the Joestar bloodline’s first encounter with the Stone Mask.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996) – The Human Instrumentality Project Begins

The project’s initiation reveals the true objectives behind NERV, SEELE, and the Evangelion units. It brings the series’ psychological motifs into direct contact with its conspiracy storyline, presenting the intended unification of human consciousness. The sequence connects earlier symbolism, personal trauma, and the Evangelions’ origins. It explains the stakes of the final choices facing the pilots and the organizations manipulating them.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019– ) – The Entertainment District Climax Against Upper Rank Demons

Tanjiro’s group engages Upper Rank opponents whose abilities challenge the established limits of the Corps. The battle showcases coordinated tactics among slayers, new techniques, and the layered structure of demon powers. It demonstrates how Hashira combat experience integrates with younger fighters’ growth. The outcome reshapes the Corps’ understanding of the Upper Ranks and the threat hierarchy.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016– ) – All Might’s Last Stand Against All For One

All Might confronts his longtime adversary in a public battle that exposes the limits of his remaining power. The fight details the transfer mechanics of Quirks and the lineage of One For All and All For One. It addresses the social impact of a symbol-based hero system and the transition to a new era of responsibility. The result shifts public perception and alters training priorities for the next generation.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020– ) – The Shibuya Incident Unleashes Sukuna

A large-scale curtain traps sorcerers and civilians, allowing antagonists to execute a coordinated plan that frees Sukuna’s power. The conflict displays domain expansions, binding vows, and the consequences of cursed object consumption. It reorganizes the power structure among sorcerers and curses, affecting institutions and mentorships. The aftermath sets new objectives for surviving characters and clarifies the risks of sealing techniques.

‘Sailor Moon’ (1992–1997) – Princess Serenity and the Silver Crystal’s True Nature Are Revealed

Usagi’s identity as Princess Serenity is confirmed alongside the function and origin of the Silver Crystal. The reveal ties modern-day guardians to their past lives and the Moon Kingdom. It explains the source of the guardians’ powers and the motivations of their enemies. The knowledge reframes earlier battles as part of a legacy conflict rather than isolated incidents.

‘InuYasha: The Final Act’ (2009–2010) – Naraku’s Defeat and the Shikon Jewel’s Resolution

The pursuit of Naraku concludes with the Jewel’s manipulation exposed and its final wish addressed. The resolution clarifies the Jewel’s creation, the role of Midoriko, and the cycle of desires it perpetuated. It brings closure to the shard-gathering quest and the entanglements among the main cast. The conclusion also stabilizes the boundary between eras that the Sacred Tree and the well connect.

‘One-Punch Man’ (2015– ) – Saitama’s Battle with Boros

Saitama boards the invaders’ ship and faces Boros, an opponent whose regeneration and energy output require sustained engagement. The encounter highlights the disparity between Saitama’s capability and standard power-scaling expectations. It demonstrates movement, durability, and finishing techniques that had only been implied. The fight also shows how large-scale threats are handled when conventional heroes cannot close the gap.

Share the moments you were most excited to see—and the ones you’re still waiting on—in the comments!