With the announcement of Yu-Gi-Oh! Go Rush and Vegeta's Ultra Ego, 2022 has seen new rivals created and old rivals strengthened The power of rivalries is a key part of any huge story, but anime has done it especially well throughout the years.
While anime rivalries are a pivotal part of the genre, there are a few rivalries that go above and beyond others. These characters push one another constantly and it's often unclear which is on top of the other at any given time. True anime rivals also aren't simply bitter enemies, but allies that push one another to get better.
Naegi and Byakuya
After Hope's Peak Academy standouts found themselves in the midst of an intense killing game, the Ultimate Lucky Student Makoto Naegi and Ultimate Affluent Progeny Byakuya Togami had much they disagreed on.
Between the original games and animated series, Naegi and Byakuya are one of the great rivalries in both video games and anime. The two constantly exchanged battles of wits and were constantly at odds during the trials. Makoto and Kirigiri usually got the upper hand on Byakuya, but they also needed his wit at times and he was essential to the gang making it out alive.
Kakashi and Guy
Childhood classmates Kakashi Hatake and Might Guy began as what many considered a one-sided rivalry. However, hard work made sure that Guy always kept up with Kakashi.
Throughout the years, Kakashi did far more than humor the initially one-sided rivalry. The two arguably became best friends in addition to rivals, and while it was often unclear who was superior, Kakashi always had the nod when it came to their competitions. In the end, however, Might Guy surpassed nearly everyone when he entered the gate of death, proving hard work was enough to rival even Madara Uchiha.
Yuno and Asta
Adopted brothers Yuno and Asta were complete opposites as children. Yuno was one of the most blessed children in terms of power that their village had ever seen, while Asta had no magical talent.
Despite the outrageous difference in ability, Asta always considered Yuno his rival, and Yuno was quick to second the sentiment. The brothers' rivalry grew to become a true rivalry when Asta received his anti-magic grimoire and became so physically powerful. Now, despite Yuno still being the superior of the two in talent, they are genuine brothers and rivals who both have a shot at becoming Wizard King.
Hinata and Kageyama
After Kageyama crushed Hinata's final middle school volleyball tournament, the boys found they had joined the same high school team and were forced to work together.
After turning former powerhouse Kurasuno into one of the best teams in all of Haikyuu!! the two boys continued to remain enemies as well as teammates. Fans can see them constantly competing against one another to become the best players they can be. Jumping contests, races, and all sorts of stamina contests are constant avenues for Hinata and Kageyama outside of meeting on the court.
Kaguya and Miyuki
The protagonists of Kaguya-Sama: Love is War antagonize each other in two different ways: academically and in their own game of trying to make the other confess their love.
Kaguya and Miyuki spend more time in the "friends" and "lovers" mode than rivals, but their academic competition is a key plot point of the series. Miyuki is ranked first in his class, with Kaguya close behind him as the second-ranked student. For Kaguya's own pride, she desires to overtake Miyuki, while Miyuki feels Kaguya won't have a reason to care romantically about him if he isn't on top academically.
Kai and Aichi
To help inspire more confidence in a younger boy, Cardfight!! Vanguard player Kai Toshiki gave him a very rare card named Blaster Blade. Years later, the two become teammates, great friends, and intense rivals.
Cardfight!! Vanguard is one of the most underrated online card games, and is an equally underrated anime. Kai and Aichi's journey together throughout the series is one of the best in any anime about games. The two constantly make one another improve, and unlike most anime rivals, they're always trading off which of the two is the superior player.
Yugi and Kaiba
From ancient Egypt all the way to modern-day Domino City, the spirits of Atem and Kaiba have been linked. In the modern world, the two have found dueling to be where their rivalry takes place.
Atem and Kaiba were so successful that they spawned six additional Yu-Gi-Oh Rivals and protagonists inspired by their relationship. The bond they share over their ancient Egyptian past is just part of their iconic relationship. The two traded wins and losses in one of the most intense rivalries the series has ever seen, and both characters grew along the way.
Goku and Vegeta
Beginning as bitter enemies in the first major season of Z, Vegeta's eventual face-turn allowed the two to become frenemies who train together daily.
Goku and Vegeta are complete foils. Goku isn't the brightest Shonen Jump protagonist, while Vegeta is cunning. Goku never grew up and chooses to get stronger over everything, while Vegeta settled down and became a genuinely caring father. Goku is happy-go-lucky and kind, while Vegeta is cold and proud. The two complement one another perfectly, and their relationship sees them each taking turns as the stronger fighter, though Goku usually comes out ahead.
Midoriya and Bakugo
The quirkless Midoriya was born without the power to become the hero he wanted to be, while his childhood friend Bakugo was born with an incredible quirk and genius combat skill.
After receiving One For All from All Might, Midoriya and Bakugo's rivalry became much closer. The two were constantly trying to one-up one another, and Bakugo has usually come out on top. Both students also have a close relationship with one another outside of combat thanks to Bakugo being the first to discover the true nature of Midoriya's quirk.
Naruto and Sasuke
The final Uchiha living in the Villiage Hidden In The Leaves found himself on the same team as a former classmate and local goofball Naruto Uzumaki, the wielder of the Nine-Tailed Fox.
Naruto and Sasuke were enemies for much of Shippuden, but their role as rivals and best friends has been well touched upon throughout the series. There have been many battles both between the duo and involving them working together. Their culminating battle at the Valley of The End was one of the best fights that the series and anime as a whole ever saw.