Every story needs some form of conflict. It's most obvious in a story that features a classic dichotomy of protagonist and antagonist, but there's always a rivalry between two characters somehow. Often it's part of the drama that pushes the main story forward, but other times rivalries are used to flush out other characters and give them more depth and personality. Anime does this as often as any other type of media, and maybe even more so since the most iconic and popular shows always seem to have an intense rivalry between two characters as a central part of the plot.Some of the anime genre's most iconic characters have been part of a rivalry, and that's exactly what makes the shows fun, interesting, and memorable. Here are just a few of the tensest and thrilling personal relationships that made the following anime shows more than just great fun to watch, partly because they're a lot more complex than a simple hero-versus-villain conflict.
7 L VS. Kira, Death Note
This could be one of the most iconic rivalries in television series history, never mind the collective genres of anime, horror, mystery, and thriller. After teenage prodigy Light Yagami comes into possession of a death god's notebook, also known as a Death Note, it seems that nobody can stop his murderous rampage. That is until the mysterious crime fighter only known as L appears to challenge him.
L is deeply suspicious of Light but has to find definitive proof of his guilt before accusing him, and what follows is an intellectual battle that drags on for months. The reluctant friendship the two characters share in addition to being bitter rivals makes this rivalry even more complex.
6 Avatar Aang VS. Prince Zuko, Avatar: The Last Airbender
This rivalry started before Aang woke up from his 100-year long sleep, and that's part of what makes these characters so different. Viewers also learn more about two of the world's important cultural groups, the Fire Nation and the Air Nomads. It's not a coincidence that Aang is peaceful and open-minded while Zuko is aggressive and stubborn.
The rivalry between Aang and Zuko drives the plot into Book Three, and Zuko has to work to redeem himself after his betrayal at Ba Sing Se. At this point, his character arc turns to reveal another conflict, this time one of sibling rivalry. Ironically, it's Zuko's former rival that defeats his father and brings peace not only to the world but to the estranged prince as well.
5 Jin VS. Mugen, Samurai Champloo
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It's an odd couple drama combined with a coming-of-age story and a Japanese history lesson. The precocious Fuu decides to go looking for her estranged father and hires two masterless samurai to escort her. The trio has some interesting adventures as they travel, and much of the comedy and drama that makes this show so watchable is the rivalry between the two master swordsman, Jin, and Mugen.
Although they're both samurai, they don't have much in common aside from that. Jin came from a distinguished school with a master, and although it came to a bitter and violent end, his character is vastly different from that of the reckless and barbaric Mugen. In the end, they unite to defeat a common enemy and in a way, end up back where they started, but more friends than rivals this time.
4 Sailor Moon VS. Sailor Mars, Sailor Moon
Rivalries don't always have to be between villains. Sometimes two of the main characters are rivals with competing ideologies, fighting over leadership roles, future plans, or boys. In Sailor Moon, the very first season had a conflict between Rei and Usagi that involved all three.
There was always some debate over who would be the leader of the Soldiers, and Rei not only thought Usagi was a bad choice but made sure everyone knew how she felt. Compound this with the dramatic detail that Rei is the one dating Mamoru in Season One and the rivalry takes on yet another layer. What is even better about this relationship is that Rei eventually becomes Usagi's most fervent supporter and best friend as the series continues.
3 Envy VS. Edward Elric, Full Metal Alchemist
Can it be a rivalry if one side doesn't know it? In this case, it took a while for our protagonist to find out exactly who he was fighting and why, and the truth nearly ends his life. It turns out it was a case of sibling rivalry, with a Homonculous that was once his brother but was abandoned by his father, Hohenheim, the master alchemist that passed his talents on to his children in one form or another.
It's a great twist near the ending, making some of the more confusing flashbacks and enemy encounters that took place make more sense. Full Metal Alchemist is a great show to watch more than once you understand how this rivalry drives the plot.
2 Saitama VS. Sonic, One Punch Man
The whole show is intended to be satire, and the depiction of a typical superhero versus villain rivalry would also have to be included. Saitama, the totally overpowered Superhero known as One Punch Man, can easily defeat any opponent, so it's impossible for him to even have a rival. However, that doesn't keep the stubborn but determined superhero Sonic from trying.
In a typical superhero show, these two would have an encounter that would start with a phrase like, "We meet again!" In this case, however, Saitama doesn't remember who Sonic is or insists that he doesn't in order to mock him, before easily beating him up like always.
1 Kotetsu VS. Barnaby, Tiger & Bunny
This show actually revolves around the conflict generated by the opposing ideologies of the two main characters in Tiger & Bunny. Kotetsu became a hero for all the idealistic reasons, but the painfully practical Barnaby sees his role as more of a mundane marketing job than protecting the victims of crime or society's most vulnerable.
This makes them intense rivals initially, not only in their personal lives but also in their day jobs as sponsored heroes, with the younger Barnaby attracting a new wave of fans and the older Kotetsu not as popular as he used to be.