Anime has always delved deeply into emotional connections by creating characters that build strong relationships with viewers. This is primarily achieved through the intricate storytelling of characters or through plot cuts in anime. Although various anime may feature characters and worlds that are far removed from reality, they resonate perfectly with audiences who are enamored with them.
Heartfelt Moments in Anime
With captivating themes, intricate worlds, spectacular adventures, and character development depicted in anime, the main characters are the heart of all stories. In most cases, there is often a character designed to evoke feelings and connect with the main character; hence, when this character dies, it leaves a huge emotional void for the audience.
In the expansive world of anime, the death of a character can leave an indelible mark in the hearts of viewers, stirring feelings of sorrow and profound loss. These poignant moments often transcend the boundaries of fictional worlds, creating a resonating impact on the souls of those who are invested in the characters’ journeys.
Whether it is the sacrifice of a beloved hero, the tragic fate of a character with a heart-wrenching backstory, or the sudden loss that strikes at the core of an emotional narrative, the deaths that resonate the most in anime highlight the fragility of life, the complexity of human emotions, and the deep connections forged between characters and the audience.
Notable Sad Moments in Anime
Here is a list of the saddest character deaths in Japanese animated films:
- 33. Tomomi Masaoka (Psycho Pass – Episode 21)
- 32. Yuuki Konno (Sword Art Online – Episode 49)
- 31. Kishou Arima (Tokyo Ghoul – Episode 16)
- 30. Kamado Family (Demon Slayer – Episode 1)
- 29. Junpei Yoshino (Jujutsu Kaisen – Episode 12)
- 28. Masaki Kurosaki (Bleach – Episode 9)
- 27. Sir Nighteye (My Hero Academia – Episode 77)
- 26. Askeladd (Vinland Saga – Episode 24)
- 25. Jonathan Joestar (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood – Episode 9)
- 24. Sohryu Asuka Langley (Neon Genesis Evangelion – Episode 25)
- 23. Ai Hoshino (Oshi No Ko – Episode 1)
- 22. Leone (Akame Ga Kill! – Episode 24)
- 21. Ash Lynx (Banana Fish – Episode 21)
- 20. Light Yagami (Death Note – Episode 37)
- 19. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden – Episode 138)
- 18. Himeno (Chainsaw Man – Episode 8)
- 17. Isla (Plastic Memories – Episode 13)
- 16. Kaori (Your Lie in April – Episode 22)
- 15. Nina Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Episode 7)
- 14. Sasha Blouse (Attack on Titan – Episode 8, Season 4)
- 13. Kyoko Honda (Fruits Basket – Episode 8)
- 12. Kite (Hunter x Hunter – Episode 85)
- 11. Kamina (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann – Episode 8)
- 10. Erwin Smith (Attack on Titan – Episode 18, Season 3)
- 9. Koro-Sensei (Assassination Classroom – Episode 23, Season 2)
- 8. Obito Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden – Episode 471)
- 7. Kozuki Oden (One Piece – Episode 974)
- 6. Escanor (The Seven Deadly Sins – Episode 20, Season 4)
- 5. Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer – Mugen Train)
- 4. Setsuko (Grave of the Fireflies Movie)
- 3. Portgas D. Ace (One Piece – Episode 482)
- 2. Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist – Episode 25)
- 1. Jiraiya (Naruto: Shippuden – Episode 133)
