One-Punch Man stands out as one of the most distinctive shonen manga released in recent years. Its lead character, Saitama, takes the idea of an overpowered protagonist to an extreme level, turning it into a unique and surprisingly effective element that drives both the comedy and action within the series.
Although One-Punch Man is well-known for its comedic brilliance, it also delivers some of the most intense action sequences found in manga. The fact that the series maintains its excitement despite featuring a hero who cannot be defeated highlights the strength of its storytelling and the depth of its supporting characters.
Saitama’s overwhelming power fuels both humor and high-intensity battles (Photo: One Punch Man/Madhouse)Since these heroes are the ones who engage in most of the gripping battles, here is a collection of the most thrilling fights in One-Punch Man.
10. King vs. Platinum Sperm
While this particular encounter is not a conventional battle, it deserves recognition for perfectly blending humor and action, a signature aspect of One-Punch Man. King, an ordinary man credited with Saitama’s victories due to sheer luck, has unknowingly built a fearsome reputation.
His name alone instills terror in monsters, including Platinum Sperm, the final evolution of Black Sperm. Rather than attacking immediately, the powerful creature hesitates, expecting King to unleash his supposed Ultimate Hellfire Burst Wave Motion Cannon.
The tension is eventually broken by Garou’s sudden arrival, yet this moment remains a classic example of the series’ comedic side.
9. Superalloy Darkshine vs. Garou
This clash introduces the concept of the ‘limiter break’ in the series, potentially revealing the secret behind Saitama’s extraordinary strength. It also marks a pivotal moment in Garou’s transformation.
As he faces the sheer physical dominance of the S-Class hero Superalloy Darkshine, he is pushed beyond his human limits, triggering his monstrous evolution.
8. Child Emperor vs. Phoenix Man
An excellent showcase of the creativity in One-Punch Man’s fight sequences, this battle pits Child Emperor’s advanced high-tech weaponry against Phoenix Man, a monster with the ability to continuously evolve in response to his adversary.
With both fighters demonstrating a vast arsenal of abilities, the fight remains one of the most unpredictable encounters in the Monster Association Arc.
7. Zombieman vs. Vampire (Pureblood)
A key moment in the heroes’ assault on the Monster Association’s headquarters, this fight stands out not for its spectacle but for its gruesome nature and strategic depth. Zombieman possesses an unrivaled regenerative ability, rendering him essentially immortal.
Facing him is Pureblood, a vampire confident in his overwhelming strength. However, Zombieman’s relentless endurance proves too much, as he continuously regenerates and forces his opponent to exhaust himself, demonstrating his brutal but highly effective combat style.
6. Bang, Bomb, Genos, King (and Saitama) vs. Elder Centipede
This battle ranks among the greatest team efforts in One-Punch Man, as multiple heroes attempt to take down one of the largest and most formidable monsters to appear in the series. Elder Centipede’s armor and regenerative capabilities render him nearly indestructible, leading to the combined efforts of Genos, Bang, and Bomb failing to inflict any real damage.
The situation shifts when King and Saitama arrive. King, despite his terror, manages to serve as bait, drawing the monster into position. Saitama then steps in and annihilates Elder Centipede with a single Serious Punch, delivering one of the most striking moments in the series.
5. Saitama vs. Boros
Many fans consider this the most exhilarating fight in One-Punch Man, particularly due to its phenomenal adaptation in the anime’s first season. Boros is the first adversary to offer any semblance of a challenge to Saitama, resulting in a visually stunning confrontation.
However, even the alien overlord’s might proves insufficient, as Saitama remains unfazed throughout. This fight also includes the iconic moment when Saitama is kicked to the Moon, adding to its lasting impact.
4. Garou vs. A/B Class Heroes
Despite lacking the explosive spectacle of some other battles, this encounter illustrates another aspect of the series’ diverse approach to combat.
Unlike fights featuring intergalactic warlords hurling energy beams, Garou’s struggle against a group of A and B-Class heroes is more grounded, relying heavily on tactics and combat proficiency. None of the fighters wield extraordinary superpowers, yet the battle remains intense and compelling.
3. Saitama vs. Orochi
One of the most highly anticipated fights in the series sees Saitama confronting the Monster Association’s leader, Orochi, widely regarded as the strongest Mysterious Being on Earth. This battle encapsulates One-Punch Man’s core theme more than any other.
The narrative spends years building up Orochi as the ultimate villain, showcasing his formidable abilities through massive, earth-shattering attacks.
However, Saitama’s casual remark before the fight—stating that no matter their power-ups and final forms, all enemies meet the same fate—proves true once again. Orochi, despite all his grandeur, is effortlessly defeated in an instant.
2. Tatsumaki, Genos, and Drive Knight vs. Psykos (and Orochi)
Regarded as one of the longest and most intricate battles in the series, this fight takes place after Psykos fuses with the remnants of Orochi’s body, creating what she considers the ultimate lifeform.
With Saitama momentarily lost underground, the responsibility of stopping Psykos’ enormous new form falls to a group of heroes. Their combined efforts against her immense psychic powers result in one of the most visually breathtaking sequences, further emphasized by Yusuke Murata’s stunning artwork.
1. Saitama vs. Garou
This clash delivers some of the most extreme moments in One-Punch Man, featuring a planet-shattering sneeze, time travel, and even reality manipulation with a punch. Garou’s transformation into ‘Cosmic Fear Mode’ establishes him as the strongest monster ever introduced in the series.
However, what makes this fight truly exceptional is that it marks the only time Saitama fights with genuine emotion. Witnessing Genos’ apparent death before his eyes, Saitama finally taps into his full power, leading to a battle of unmatched scale and intensity.
This confrontation not only serves as the series’ most explosive fight but also represents an essential moment of character growth for Saitama.
Many more battles could have been included in this ranking, such as the unexpected romantic tension during Saitama’s recent fight with Tatsumaki. Fans will have their own favorite encounters, and as the series progresses, even more unforgettable fights are bound to take place.
One-Punch Man continues to be a constant source of entertainment, offering one memorable clash after another.