In the past decade, the anime industry has witnessed countless shocking deaths that have profoundly altered storylines. Even though some deaths were foreshadowed or anticipated, these heartbreaking moments left a deep imprint on the audience’s hearts.
Below are the 10 most shocking and memorable deaths in anime over the past decade:
10. Thors Snorresson (Vinland Saga)
The death of Thors Snorresson in Vinland Saga ranks at the bottom of this list because it was relatively well-foreshadowed to viewers. Fans were almost certain that Thors would die during the ambush in the Faroe Islands. However, for his comrades and Thorfinn Karlsefni, Thors’s death was a complete shock.
Thors’s demise, struck down in a manner that showcased the brutality of war, shattered the preconceived notions of what a “hero” should be, leaving a lasting impact on the narrative.
9. Aura the Guillotine (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
Frieren, while known for its melancholy narrative, presents a truly jarring moment when Aura has to take her own life using her sharp blade. This shocking death stood out due to the contrast with Frieren’s character, who had seemingly become attached to Aura, especially as she was about to kill thousands of people in a self-sacrificing act.
8. Shion (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
When Rimuru Tempest is caught off guard during an invasion, Shion’s death at the hands of the Falmuth army is a massive blow. Even after being resurrected, Shion’s image remains haunting for the main character, highlighting that even the strongest characters are not immune to tragedy.
7. Kento Nanami (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Kento Nanami is an experienced sorcerer, known for his resilience. However, his unexpected death at the hands of Mahito and Jogo left a significant emotional impact on Yuji, making him feel a burden of loss and grief. This moment is one of the most heartbreaking in this intense series.
6. Midnight (My Hero Academia)
The battle against the Paranormal Liberation Front resulted in numerous casualties in My Hero Academia. However, no death shocked fans more than that of the beloved hero Midnight. Her death highlighted that no one is truly safe in this brutal conflict.
5. Captain Yamamoto (Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War)
The death of Shigekuni Yamamoto in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War stands out among the most shocking anime deaths, as he always gave the impression of being an invincible warrior. His defeat and death at the hands of Yhwach came as a huge shock to fans, marking a pivotal moment in the series.
4. Sung Jinwoo (Solo Leveling)
Sung Jinwoo does not die in Solo Leveling, but he technically does when he is trapped by the demon Hunters in a double dungeon, setting off a chain reaction for his subsequent journey as the legendary Shadow Monarch. This moment is shocking because it’s rare for a shonen protagonist to face death so early in the story.
3. Denji (Chainsaw Man)
Denji dies early in the first episode when confronted by the Zombie Devil. This shocking and unexpected death, alongside his resurrection as Chainsaw Man by Pochita, creates a dramatic foundation for the series filled with twists and turns.
2. Ai Hoshino (Oshi no Ko)
After the story begins with the reincarnation of the doctor Gorou as Aqua, the bloody death of idol Ai Hoshino at the hands of a stalker completely shatters her family and alters the trajectory of the narrative. This is a significant shock, not only for the unexpected nature of the death but also for its impact on Aqua and his twin siblings.
1. Sasha Blouse (Attack on Titan)
In a series filled with shocking deaths, Sasha Blouse stands out as the most unexpected victim. A ray of hope, rarely in the spotlight, her death at the hands of Gabi Braun when everyone had let their guard down was a heartbreaking moment, not only for the sudden loss but also due to the emotional turmoil that followed Eren’s actions afterward.
These deaths are not just shocking moments; they symbolize profound emotional scars, contributing to the narrative depth of some of the most iconic anime stories over the past decade.
Source: CBR
