Anime isn’t just about incredible battles and deep storytelling—it’s also about the emotional rollercoasters that keep us on the edge of our seats. One of the most powerful plot twists in anime comes in the form of betrayal. Whether it’s a friend turning into an enemy or a beloved character making a shocking choice, these betrayals leave lasting impressions on viewers.
1. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto Shippuden
There’s no betrayal more iconic than Itachi Uchiha’s actions in *Naruto Shippuden*. As a member of the Uchiha clan, Itachi was loved by his younger brother Sasuke. His sudden massacre of their entire clan was nothing short of a devastating shock. For years, Sasuke hunted his brother, driven by rage and the desire for revenge, only to discover the truth: Itachi’s betrayal was an act of self-sacrifice.
Itachi killed his family to protect Sasuke and the village, leaving behind a legacy that would forever haunt both brothers. His betrayal wasn’t just about bloodshed; it was about love, manipulation, and an impossible choice that would define the entire series. This plot twist has become one of the most heartbreaking and tragic moments in anime history.
2. Rei Kiriyama – March Comes in Like a Lion
March Comes in Like a Lion may not be filled with traditional anime battles, but its moments of emotional devastation hit harder than any punch or kick. Rei Kiriyama, a young professional shogi player, is betrayed by his own emotions and the people he trusts.
The show touches on themes of family, isolation, and mental health. Rei’s feelings of abandonment by his loved ones bring his greatest betrayal to life. Rei’s emotional struggle, combined with the complexity of his relationships, makes his journey all the more powerful.
While not a classic “villainous betrayal,” Rei’s experiences with the people who failed to see his pain—his teacher, his family, and even his own inner turmoil—bring an overwhelming sense of betrayal that cuts deep.
3. Kira Yamato – Mobile Suit Gundam Seed
The betrayal in Mobile Suit Gundam Seed is not just between characters but also between the ideals of the series itself. Kira Yamato, once a close ally of his friends, ends up torn between his duty as a soldier and his love for peace. His personal moral compass leads him to betray his own side in the war, as his actions ultimately challenge the conflict and its consequences.
In a story of war and the struggle for humanity’s future, Kira’s internal battle leads him to a tragic betrayal that mirrors the devastating costs of conflict. His actions force viewers to question the thin line between right and wrong. Ultimately, his betrayal is one that challenges everything he believed in.
4. Lelouch vi Britannia – Code Geass
Lelouch vi Britannia, the antihero protagonist of Code Geass, is a master of manipulation and betrayal. He begins the series with one goal in mind: to bring down the corrupt Britannian Empire. But as the story progresses, Lelouch’s complex relationships with his friends, family, and enemies blur the line between hero and villain.
In one of the most shocking betrayals in anime, Lelouch, in his final moments, arranges his own death by the hands of his best friend, Suzaku. He sacrifices himself to bring peace to the world, but not before using everyone around him as pawns in his twisted game. His betrayal is a devastating twist of fate that leaves fans questioning the morality of his entire journey.
5. Gendo Ikari – Neon Genesis Evangelion
In the world of Neon Genesis Evangelion, betrayal is as inevitable as the apocalyptic events that unfold. Gendo Ikari, the cold and calculating leader of NERV, betrays not only the trust of his subordinates but also his own son, Shinji. Throughout the series, Gendo is revealed to have his own agenda, manipulating those around him to achieve his goals, which ultimately result in the near-destruction of humanity.
Gendo’s betrayal of Shinji, his cold detachment, and his ruthless pursuit of the “Human Instrumentality Project” is one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the series. Fans are left wondering whether Gendo was ever truly capable of love or whether his ambitions made him a monster.
6. Light Yagami – Death Note
Light Yagami starts as a promising high school student with a noble goal: to rid the world of criminals using the Death Note. But as his power grows, so does his arrogance, and Light’s transformation into a cold, calculating figure is
nothing short of a betrayal to the very ideals he once stood for.
His downfall comes when he betrays his closest allies, including his father, the police force, and ultimately, the innocent lives he claimed along the way. Light’s betrayal is deeply philosophical—he believes in his own superiority and, in doing so, sacrifices his humanity for power. His cunning and manipulation make him one of the most memorable antagonists in anime history.
7. Homura Akemi – Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a series that takes the concept of betrayal to another level, and no character embodies this more than Homura Akemi. Throughout the series, Homura’s actions seem to betray Madoka, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Homura’s motivations are far more complex.
She repeatedly rewrites time, trying to protect Madoka from her tragic fate, but her methods come at a great cost. Homura’s ultimate betrayal is one of self-sacrifice, as she abandons her humanity in an attempt to save her friend. It’s a bittersweet twist that challenges our perceptions of loyalty, sacrifice, and the meaning of friendship.
8. Hinagiku Katsura – Hayate the Combat Butler
In Hayate the Combat Butler, Hinagiku Katsura’s betrayal isn’t as morally heavy as others, but it’s still impactful. Hinagiku finds herself caught between her feelings for Hayate and her duties as the student council president.
At one point, she betrays her own emotions by trying to protect him, despite her feelings for him, which creates an internal conflict. Her emotional struggle is both painful and relatable for fans who’ve experienced the complexities of love and duty.
9. Akihiko Sanada – Persona 3 The Animation
While Persona 3 is best known for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative, Akihiko Sanada’s betrayal of the protagonist stings the most. While he’s an ally at first, Akihiko’s internal conflict leads him to betray the protagonist’s trust in an attempt to protect those closest to him.
His personal fears and unresolved trauma make his actions understandable, yet heartbreaking, as the bond between the two characters fractures.
10. Kyubey – Puella Magi Madoka Magica
The ultimate betrayal in Puella Magi Madoka Magica is none other than Kyubey. The seemingly innocent and cute creature lures young girls into making contracts with it, only to manipulate them for its own survival. Kyubey’s cold, calculating nature is revealed as it uses the magical girls as mere tools to harvest energy for its own race.
Kyubey betrays not just the characters but the audience’s expectations as well. Kyubey represents the ultimate form of betrayal by exploiting the deepest emotions of those it pretends to help.
These betrayals are what make anime so thrilling. They test the boundaries of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice, often leaving fans with more questions than answers. Whether it’s a friend turning into an enemy or a beloved character making a gut-wrenching decision, these moments continue to haunt us. In anime, betrayal is never just a plot twist—it’s an emotional experience.
