As one of the most popular anime today, there’s a lot other shonen series should take note of from Jujutsu Kaisen. While JJK pays homage to classic shonen series in many of its general plot devices, it always puts a new spin on things that make it stand out and keep the formula fresh.
There are a lot of great moments in JJK, but a few in particular perfectly embody the unique characteristics that make JJK a top-tier anime series. In general, JJK‘s best assets tend to be its intense fights, and its likable characters, and the best scenes in the show often bring those two things together in a way that no other shonen anime has before it.
10 Geto and Gojo Reunite in Shinjuku
After Geto leaves Jujutsu High in pursuit of his dark goal, Gojo is left in disbelief at his friend’s reported actions. Gojo has to see for himself what could have happened to make Geto take this dark turn, and so he arranges a meeting with Geto in a busy street in Shinjuku.
This moment helps establish an emotional connection to a villain that just isn’t present in many other shonen anime series. Unlike the more generic, one dimensional antagonists of many shonen anime, Geto is a character that is even likable and relatable to audiences in some way, and that makes Gojo’s feelings on the situation easier to empathize with.
9 Itadori And Fushigoro Meet Their First Special Grade
On a routine mission as new Jujutsu Sorcerers, Yuji, Fushigoro and Nobara stumble upon a scene they could have never been prepared for. While they were sent to exercise a fairly powerful cursed spirit, none of them could have expected that that curse could be a special grade, and bearer of one of Sukuna’s fingers.
It’s a terrifying scene full of great animation and gruesome visuals that serve to show just how overwhelming the power of a special grade curse can be, especially when faced by inexperienced sorcerers like Yuji and Fushigoro. Yuji has a chance to fight back is after Sukuna takes control of his body,
8 The Beach Episode With Riko, Gojo, and Geto
Beach episodes are a staple of anime. They’re often a means to give a more lighthearted filler episode that displays the character’s personalities, while also providing an excuse for fan service.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, the beach episode concept is ultimately turned on its head. JJK‘s beach episode offers Riko, Gojo and Geto a brief respite from the reality that Riko is being led to her demise through her union with Tengen. It’s a chilling way to use a well-known shonen trope to make an emotional impact.
7 Gojo Is Sealed Away
Gojo is the most powerful character in the series, as has been explained and shown multiple times throughout JJK. In many ways, he is like the Goku of JJK—an air-headed, confident warrior who is pretty much guaranteed to always win in the end.
That’s why, when he is sealed away in the Shibuya Arc, is one of the most interesting writing decisions in recent shonen history. It not only causes some much-needed tension in the subsequent arcs but also gives the series’ other important characters like Yuji and Fushigoro more room to grow and come into their own.
6 Yuji’s First Fight Against Mahito
In season one, Yuji has his first meeting and confrontation with Mahito, and it’s easily a highlight of the series so far. In fact, it’s quite possibly one of the best fight scenes in modern shonen anime.
Up until this moment, Yuji was mostly powerless against most strong curses he faced, with Sukuna being the one that saves him by taking over his body. This time though, Yuji’s pure rage gives him the strength to put up a fight against Mahito in a way that only he could.
5 Jujutsu Kaisen’s Opening Scene
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s very first episode is a great example of exactly why this series is unique. It begins with a creepy scene of Yuji inexplicably tied up and surrounded by candles and talismans.
This opening sequence leaves the viewer feeling just as disoriented and confused as Yuji does himself. Shonen is a genre that often likes to ease viewers into its world, so JJK‘s use of fear and horror elements shown right from the start sets it apart and pulls the audience in from the very first scene.
4 Nobara Tries to Set Yuji Up With a Date
Nobara is known for subverting shonen stereotypes as a female protagonist, and a great example of that is when she meets Yuji’s old high school classmate, Yuko Ozawa. Nobara is at first taken aback that this girl likes Yuji, but not for the normal reason that most female protagonists in shonen anime would be.
Instead of being upset because she has a romantic interest in the main character, Nobara is more annoyed that Yuji could possibly have a more fulfilling love life than she does. Still, being the true friend that she is, Nobara sets up a meeting between the two potential lovebirds and thereby solidifies her friendship with Yuji as one of the most endearing platonic relationships in shonen.
3 Sukuna and Gojo’s First Fight
Jujutsu Kaisen‘s fight scenes are undoubtedly top tier, and the series demonstrates what fans are in for from its earliest episodes.
After Yuji swallows one of Sukuna’s fingers and is possessed, Gojo displays what it is that makes him one of the strongest characters in shonen anime, and the most powerful Jujutsu Sorcerer in JJK. Not only does Gojo’s first fight with Sukuna have some awesome choreography, but it also foreshadows the series’ greatest fight later in the series.
2 The Star Plasma Vessel’s Death
After all the development Riko got as a character, her death at the hands of Toji Fushigoro was by far one of the most devastating moments in JJK. Despite the fact that she was only around for a little while, The Plasma Star Vessel represented more than just one person: she gave a greater perspective into both Geto and Gojo as characters as well.
Riko’s sudden and unexpected death really proved to be a turning point in both Gojo and Geto’s lives, and it shows how one traumatic event can lead two individuals on completely opposing paths. It isn’t often that shonen anime series are willing to show their hero’s utter and complete failures, but JJK proves that sometimes failure is needed for true growth.
1 Satoru Gojo’s Resurrection Battle With Toji Fushigoro
After he was seemingly killed by Toji, Gojo should have had something to prove in their rematch. To the contrary though, the very fact he was still alive already proved enough.
The result ended up being more about Toji proving to himself that he could actually defeat the world’s strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer in a straight-up battle of brute strength, rather than Gojo getting revenge. What’s so amazing about this moment is that it offers insight into the struggle Gojo had to overcome to realize his true potential, even despite being born with unparalleled talent.