Best “Villain Wins” Episodes in Anime That Actually Worked

When the bad guys come out on top, it can flip a story’s momentum and redefine what’s at stake. The episodes below capture those moments across classic and modern series, where an antagonist or opposing force decisively secures the upper hand. Each entry notes the episode where the tables turn, the characters involved, and the concrete outcome that pushes the narrative into darker territory. These are the plot beats where the villain’s victory isn’t a gimmick—it’s the engine that drives everything that follows.

‘Berserk’ (1997) – “Eclipse”

During the Eclipse ceremony, Griffith accepts a Beherit’s call and offers the Band of the Hawk as a sacrifice to ascend as Femto. The God Hand preside over the slaughter while Apostles massacre the mercenaries trapped in the astral realm. Guts and Casca are forced to witness the transformation and the group’s annihilation. The episode permanently alters the series’ status quo by removing the protagonists’ army and enthroning Griffith within the demonic pantheon.

‘Death Note’ (2006) – “Silence”

Light Yagami’s scheme culminates in L’s death after Rem writes L’s name to protect Misa Amane. The task force is left leaderless, and Light inserts himself as L’s successor to control the investigation. The plot shift enables Light to continue eliminating targets while manipulating police resources. The episode establishes a new investigative structure that conceals Kira’s identity more effectively than before.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019) – “Set Your Heart Ablaze”

Akaza arrives at the end of the Mugen Train incident and fatally wounds Kyojuro Rengoku. Despite Tanjirō’s efforts, Akaza escapes into the forest with his Upper Rank status intact. The Demon Slayer Corps loses a Hashira, weakening its lineup against Muzan’s elite demons. The aftermath reshapes training priorities and morale across the organization.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011) – “Light and Darkness”

Neferpitou confronts Kite and severs his arm in a single exchange, demonstrating the Chimera Ant Royal Guard’s overwhelming advantage. Killua evacuates Gon as Pitou occupies the area to repair the King’s mother. Kite is later converted into a puppet for training purposes, further underscoring the power gap. The sequence confirms the Hunters’ lack of readiness against the Royal Guard.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018) – “Crybaby”

Ryo’s revelation as Satan triggers a worldwide purge as humans turn on suspected demons. Akira leads a last stand with Devilmen, but Earth is devastated by warfare and celestial intervention. The final confrontation ends with Akira’s death and Ryo alone on a ruined planet. The closing images confirm the eradication of humanity and the failure of the protagonists’ resistance.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019) – “A True Warrior”

Askeladd ambushes Thors during a hostage exchange and has his archers fire once Thorfinn is secured. Thors accepts execution to protect his crew and son, leaving Askeladd free to claim victory and payment. Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band in pursuit of vengeance, effectively serving his father’s killer. The power shift places the antagonistic mercenary leader in control of the narrative direction.

‘Fate/Zero’ (2011) – “The End of Honor”

Kiritsugu coerces Lancer into suicide by exploiting Kayneth and Sola-Ui’s Command Seals. Lancer breaks his spear and dies cursing the Masters who betrayed him. Saber is ordered to destroy the relics, erasing a legitimate contender from the Holy Grail War. The move consolidates power for Kiritsugu’s camp while deepening the rivalry with Kotomine and Gilgamesh.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020) – “To You, Someday”

Mahito manipulates Junpei’s grief, turning him into an ally against Itadori. When Junpei is mortally wounded, Mahito finishes him and escapes after a clash with Itadori and Nanami. The encounter demonstrates Mahito’s rapid evolution through Idle Transfiguration. The school and sorcerers are left with casualties, unresolved threats, and an adversary who grows stronger with each experiment.

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019) – “021145”

Isabella thwarts the children’s initial escape efforts by breaking Emma’s leg and isolating key conspirators. Norman is shipped out ahead of schedule, removing the group’s main strategist. The farm’s surveillance network is expanded to monitor communications and movements. The loss forces the children to rework their methods under stricter oversight.

‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007) – “Later, Buddy”

During the Dai-Gurren Brigade’s assault, Lordgenome’s forces strike back and Kamina is mortally wounded. Simon and the team complete the operation, but the death leaves the brigade without its founding leader. Viral survives to continue opposing the protagonists under the Beastmen command. The narrative transitions into a period of instability as the group reorganizes.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012) – “Saint’s Supper”

Makishima orchestrates a home invasion case that exposes the Sibyl System’s limitations in detecting latent criminals during active violence. He neutralizes pursuit through unpredictable behavior and leaves investigators without actionable leads. The event emboldens further copycat crimes relying on bystander paralysis and system loopholes. The Public Safety Bureau must adjust tactics while Makishima advances broader plans.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014) – “High Spirits”

Jason captures Kaneki and subjects him to prolonged torture while Aogiri Tree mounts operations across Tokyo. The CCG’s simultaneous raids fail to prevent escalating ward conflicts. Kaneki’s transformation follows sustained psychological and physical abuse, altering his alignment. The episode locks in Aogiri’s momentum and the CCG’s temporary setback.

‘Overlord’ (2015) – “Jaldabaoth”

Ainz, posing as the demon Jaldabaoth, stages an invasion of the capital to test nations and heroes. The operation draws adventurers into controlled battles while Nazarick’s subordinates execute parallel objectives. Enemy factions fail to uncover the ruse or its strategic intent. The result strengthens Nazarick’s intelligence network and regional leverage.

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders’ (2014) – “DIO’s World (Part 2)”

DIO reveals The World’s time-stop ability, killing Kakyoin and critically injuring Joseph Joestar. The heroes are forced into retreat as they struggle to decode the Stand’s mechanics. Cairo’s battleground shifts entirely to DIO’s tempo, with civilians and allies at risk. The episode ends with DIO dictating the terms of the conflict going forward.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’ (2015) – “Their Place”

Gjallarhorn under Rustal Elion isolates Tekkadan and cuts their escape routes with political and military pressure. Key members fall as the organization is dismantled in a final charge to secure civilian futures. McGillis’s coup collapses, removing Tekkadan’s last external support. The conclusion cements Gjallarhorn’s authority and the protagonists’ defeat.

‘Hellsing Ultimate’ (2006) – “Hellsing Ultimate VIII”

The Millennium Organization unleashes large-scale destruction in London while Alucard remains absent due to strategic displacement. The Major’s plan triggers chaos that overwhelms local defenses and civilian infrastructure. Integra and Seras fight holding actions without reversing the larger tide. The episode confirms the enemy’s operational success and the city’s effective fall.

‘School Days’ (2007) – “School Days”

Following escalating personal conflicts, Sekai kills Makoto and later loses her life to Kotonoha. Police sirens and aftermath visuals point to an irreversible collapse of the central cast. The final developments end the romantic triangle with two deaths and no restoration of normalcy. The story closes on consequences that cannot be mitigated by reconciliation.

‘Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War’ (2022) – “Born in the Dark”

Yhwach infiltrates the Seireitei and confronts Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto after the Sternritter’s invasion. He negates the Captain-Commander’s power and kills him, erasing the Gotei 13’s strongest pillar. The Quincy forces withdraw on their own terms with new strategic options. The Soul Society faces leadership vacuum, morale collapse, and a renewed enemy timetable.

‘Chainsaw Man’ (2022) – “Gunfire”

Coordinated ambushes by the Gun Devil’s agents strike Public Safety across the city. Himeno dies during the clash with the Katana Man, and several divisions suffer heavy losses. The attackers capture Denji before an improvised counteraction recovers him. The operation confirms the enemy’s organization, reach, and willingness to escalate.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022) – “My Moon My Man”

Arasaka and its contractors close in as David leads a desperate extraction for Lucy. Cyberpsychosis claims David during the final push, ending the crew’s resistance. Lucy survives but the corporate power structure remains intact and unpunished. The outcome underscores the megacorporation’s enduring dominance over Night City.

Share the episodes you’d add—or the moments you think hit even harder—in the comments!