The 25 Saddest Anime Deaths of All Time, Ranked
Anime sucks me in with its bold stories and characters I can’t help but root for, only to rip my heart out with losses that stick with me forever. The saddest deaths aren’t just emotional—they’re moments that leave you empty, replaying them in your head for years.
I’ve scoured anime to list the 25 most devastating deaths. These sacrifices, betrayals, and tragedies are the ones that hit hardest. Here’s the countdown.
‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011-2014) – Pokkle
Pokkle, a young hunter, was tortured and eaten by Chimera Ants in Episode 84, ‘A Fated Awakening’. His brief struggle ended in a gruesome, off-screen death.
His ambition and quick demise made this sting. Pokkle’s loss was a brutal hint of the Ant arc’s darkness.
‘Fairy Tail’ (2009-2019) – Igneel
Igneel, Natsu’s dragon father, died in Episode 265, ‘Tartaros Arc: Fire Dragon King’, fighting Acnologia. He fell protecting Natsu, leaving him with a final lesson.
His fierce love and massive presence made this hurt. Igneel’s death was a fiery blow to Natsu’s heart.
‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014-2018) – Rize Kamishiro
Rize was killed by steel beams in Episode 1, ‘Tragedy’, though her legacy haunted Kaneki. Her death, orchestrated by Aogiri, sparked his ghoul transformation.
Her enigmatic allure made her loss shocking. Rize’s early exit set the stage for Kaneki’s pain.
‘Bleach’ (2004-2012) – Rukia’s Mentor, Kaien Shiba
Kaien died in Episode 49, ‘Rukia’s Nightmare’, possessed by a Hollow and killed by Rukia. His death in her arms scarred her deeply.
His warm mentorship made this brutal. Kaien’s loss was a haunting wound for Rukia’s growth.
‘Naruto Shippuden’ (2007-2017) – Jiraiya
Jiraiya was killed by Pain in Episode 133, ‘The Tale of Jiraiya the Gallant’. He died investigating the Akatsuki, leaving Naruto a final message.
His larger-than-life spirit made this crushing. Jiraiya’s death felt like losing Naruto’s guiding light.
‘Attack on Titan’ (2013-2023) – Erwin Smith
Erwin died in Episode 55, ‘Midnight Sun’, charging into a suicidal attack against the Beast Titan. His sacrifice gave Levi a chance to fight back.
His leadership and dream of truth made this devastating. Erwin’s loss was a grim cost of victory.
‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009-2010) – Maes Hughes
Maes was shot by Envy in Episode 10, ‘Separate Destinations’, for uncovering the Homunculi’s plans. His death left his family and Roy grieving.
His warmth and humor made this unbearable. Hughes’ murder was a sharp stab to the story’s heart.
‘Death Note’ (2006-2007) – Watari
Watari, L’s loyal aide, died in Episode 25, ‘Silence’, killed by Rem’s Death Note to protect Misa. His quiet end came alongside L’s.
His steadfast support made this sting. Watari’s sudden loss deepened the tragedy of L’s fall.
‘Cowboy Bebop’ (1998-1999) – Jet’s Partner, Fad
Fad died in Episode 16, ‘Black Dog Serenade’, betrayed during a mission tied to Jet’s past. He was shot in a final, fatal showdown.
His brief role and Jet’s regret made this hurt. Fad’s death was a quiet, bitter echo of loss.
‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995-1996) – Kaji Ryoji
Kaji was assassinated in Episode 21, ‘The Birth of NERV’, for leaking secrets about SEELE. His death left Misato broken, with only a voicemail farewell.
His charm and bravery made this heavy. Kaji’s abrupt exit was a stark blow to the story’s hope.
‘Clannad: After Story’ (2008-2009) – Tomoya’s Father, Naoyuki
Naoyuki died off-screen before Episode 22, ‘Small Palms’, after years of estrangement from Tomoya. Their reconciliation came too late, adding to the grief.
His flawed love and quiet passing stung deeply. Naoyuki’s death was a somber note in Tomoya’s healing.
‘Grave of the Fireflies’ (1988) – Setsuko
Setsuko starved in the film’s final act, unable to survive post-war hardship with Seita. Her frail body faded in a makeshift shelter, clutching a candy tin.
Her innocence and slow decline were soul-crushing. Setsuko’s death is a raw wound of war’s toll.
‘Code Geass’ (2006-2008) – Rolo Lamperouge
Rolo died in Episode 19 of Season 2, ‘Betrayal’, overusing his Geass to save Lelouch. His sacrifice came despite his twisted loyalty and tragic past.
His conflicted heart made this brutal. Rolo’s death was a surprising, aching loss for Lelouch.
‘Steins;Gate’ (2011) – Kurisu Makise
Kurisu was stabbed in Episode 1, ‘Prologue of the Beginning and End’, sparking Okabe’s time-travel quest. Her repeated deaths haunted every timeline.
Her wit and bond with Okabe made this unbearable. Kurisu’s loss was a relentless stab to the heart.
‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007) – Kittan Bachika
Kittan died in Episode 24, ‘I’ll Never Forget This Minute, This Second’, sacrificing his mech to destroy an anti-spiral weapon. His final grin honored Kamina.
His bold spirit made this crushing. Kittan’s death was a fiery blow to the team’s momentum.
‘Akame ga Kill!’ (2014) – Leone
Leone was shot by the Minister in Episode 24, ‘Akame ga Kill!’, after killing her target. She died in Akame’s arms, content with her fight.
Her fierce loyalty made this painful. Leone’s sudden end was a brutal loss for Night Raid.
‘Made in Abyss’ (2017-2022) – Nanachi’s Friend, Mitty
Mitty was mercy-killed by Nanachi in Episode 10, ‘Poison and the Curse’, to end her suffering from Bondrewd’s experiments. Her pained existence faded quietly.
Her tragic fate and Nanachi’s grief were devastating. Mitty’s death was an intimate, heartbreaking farewell.
‘Vinland Saga’ (2019-2023) – Arneis
Arneis was killed by Thorfinn in Episode 6, ‘The Journey Begins’, during his raid on her village. Her death haunted him as he later sought redemption.
Her innocence and Thorfinn’s guilt made this heavy. Arneis’ loss was a quiet scar on his journey.
‘Yu Yu Hakusho’ (1992-1994) – Elder Toguro
Elder Toguro was killed by Kurama in Episode 65, ‘The Demon Plane Conspiracy’, during the Dark Tournament. His death ended his twisted immortality.
His vile nature made this oddly sad. Elder Toguro’s end was a grim victory for the team.
‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012-present) – Kakyoin Noriaki
Kakyoin died in Episode 24 of Part 3, ‘The High Priestess’, punched through by DIO. His final act sent Joseph a clue to defeat the enemy.
His quiet loyalty made this brutal. Kakyoin’s death was a heroic, gut-wrenching loss.
‘Mob Psycho 100’ (2016-2022) – Teruki’s Mentor, Ishiguro
Ishiguro, a Claw leader, died in Season 2, Episode 7, ‘Cornered’, killed by Mob’s power. His death marked Mob’s resolve to protect others.
His minor role still hit hard. Ishiguro’s loss showed the cost of Mob’s growing strength.
‘Demon Slayer’ (2019-present) – Shinobu Kocho
Shinobu died in Episode 25 of Season 4, ‘Hashira Training Arc’, poisoning herself to kill Doma. Her sacrifice avenged her sister and aided Tanjiro.
Her grace and hidden rage made this crushing. Shinobu’s death was a bitter triumph for the Corps.
‘One Piece’ (1999-present) – Going Merry
The Going Merry, the Straw Hats’ ship, was burned in Episode 312, ‘Thank You, Merry!’. Its spirit spoke, thanking the crew for their adventures.
Its loyalty as a “crew member” made this unbearable. Merry’s farewell was a tear-soaked loss.
‘Your Lie in April’ (2014-2015) – Kousei’s Mother, Saki
Saki died off-screen before Episode 1, ‘Monotone/Colorful’, from illness, leaving Kousei with trauma from her harsh piano training. Her death shaped his pain.
Her complex love and absence hit deep. Saki’s loss was a quiet wound in Kousei’s story.
‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011) – Mami Tomoe
Mami was beheaded by a witch in Episode 3, ‘I’m Not Afraid of Anything Anymore’. Her sudden death shattered Madoka and Sayaka’s innocence.
Her warmth and quick loss made this soul-crushing. Mami’s death redefined the show’s dark stakes.
Which anime death still breaks your heart, or did I miss one that haunts you? Share your thoughts in the comments!