Anime has a special ability to create moments that tug at our heartstrings, often leaving us teary-eyed or even emotionally shattered. While we all expect a few heroic sacrifices and heart-wrenching goodbyes in the stories we follow, some anime deaths leave a lasting impact, not just because of the action, but because of the emotional weight they carry.
As a true anime fan, these deaths hit hard—they change the course of a story and often leave us questioning the fragility of life. Here are the top 10 saddest anime deaths that still haunt fans everywhere.
1. Neon Genesis Evangelion – Kaworu Nagisa
Kaworu Nagisa’s death in Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most poignant moments in anime. He’s introduced as a character who forms an immediate bond with Shinji Ikari, providing him with a rare sense of comfort and acceptance.
When Kaworu reveals his true nature as an Angel, his death at the hands of Shinji is devastating, not just because of the circumstances, but because of the emotional connection built between them.
It’s a tragic culmination of love, identity, and duty—leaving Shinji heartbroken and questioning everything.
2. Naruto Shippuden – Jiraiya
Jiraiya’s death in Naruto Shippuden stands out as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series. The beloved mentor and former Hokage gives his life fighting the leader of the Akatsuki, Pain, with the hope that his sacrifice will pave the way for the future of the village and Naruto. His final moments, writing a message to Naruto and telling him that he was proud of him, are painfully emotional.
His death marks a turning point for Naruto’s growth, but it’s also the end of an era for the series, leaving a permanent hole in the hearts of fans.
3. Your Lie in April – Kaori Miyazono
Your Lie in April takes us on a journey of love, loss, and growth, and Kaori Miyazono’s death is the emotional climax that breaks us. As the vibrant and passionate violinist who changes the life of Kousei Arima, her death from illness is not only tragic but feels unjust, especially as she’s never able to truly live out her dream. Her farewell is bittersweet—leaving behind a legacy of music and love that Kousei will carry forever.
Her death is heartbreaking not only because of its inevitability but because of the profound impact it has on the people who loved her.
4. Attack on Titan – Erwin Smith
Erwin Smith’s death in Attack on Titan is a moment that left fans devastated. As the leader of the Survey Corps, Erwin was a figure of immense strength, determination, and hope for humanity’s survival. His final charge, leading his troops into a battle against the Titans, is one of the most heroic moments in the series. However, it’s also a moment of deep sorrow, as Erwin sacrifices himself for the future of mankind.
His death symbolizes the cost of war and the sacrifices needed to secure freedom, making his final moments one of the most tragic in anime history.
5. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood – Hughes Maes
Maes Hughes’ death in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a shocking and emotional moment that fans never truly get over. The friendly and compassionate officer is beloved for his deep friendship with Roy Mustang and his devotion to his family. When he’s suddenly killed by Envy in a brutal attack, his death hits like a punch to the gut.
His last moments, talking about his daughter and his love for his wife, make his death even more tragic. Hughes was a beacon of hope, and his loss is felt deeply by every character in the series.
6. Clannad: After Story – Ushio Okazaki
In Clannad: After Story, Ushio Okazaki’s death is arguably the most emotionally devastating moment in the entire series. After her mother, Nagisa, dies, Ushio’s life is a constant battle against illness. Her tragic end, where she dies in her father’s arms, is an unbearable moment for fans who have seen her grow up through the series.
Her death takes away the final piece of Tomoya’s happiness, showing the cruel twists life can take. It’s a gut-wrenching moment, proving that Clannad: After Story is one of the most emotionally intense anime series to date.
7. Steins;Gate – Kurisu Makise
Kurisu Makise’s death in Steins;Gate is one of those moments that leaves fans questioning the very fabric of reality. Her death at the hands of Okabe, in an attempt to save her and prevent a future catastrophe, is heartbreaking.
The layers of time travel, love, and sacrifice make her death one of the most emotionally complicated in anime. Okabe’s struggle with guilt and the weight of the decision he made adds an extra layer of sadness to this tragic event.
8. Cowboy Bebop – Spike Spiegel
Spike Spiegel’s death in Cowboy Bebop is one of the most iconic endings in anime. His final battle with his past, as he faces off against his old nemesis, Vicious, is an explosive culmination of his journey. Spike’s death is a poignant one—it’s not just the end of his story, but a symbolic end to his entire existence.
He had lived a life of chaos and uncertainty, and his final moments are marked by a sense of peace that he’d long been searching for. Cowboy Bebop ends on a bittersweet note, leaving fans devastated by Spike’s untimely end.
9. Dragon Ball Z – Krillin
Krillin’s death at the hands of Frieza in Dragon Ball Z is one of the most infamous and tragic deaths in the series. As one of Goku’s closest friends, Krillin has been by his side throughout the entire saga. His death marks the point at which Goku truly becomes a force to be reckoned with.
Frieza’s cruel killing of Krillin pushes Goku into the iconic Super Saiyan transformation, but it also leaves fans grieving the loss of one of the series’ most loyal and courageous characters.
10. *Naruto Shippuden* – Asuma Sarutobi
Asuma Sarutobi’s death in Naruto Shippuden is a somber and emotional turning point in the series. As the mentor to Shikamaru and a beloved figure in the Hidden Leaf Village, Asuma’s death during a battle with the Akatsuki hits hard.
His last moments, where he passes on his knowledge and final words to Shikamaru, are heartbreaking. His death signifies the loss of a teacher, a friend, and a father figure, leaving a profound impact on the characters and fans alike.
These anime deaths are more than just moments in the story—they are deeply emotional experiences that shape the characters and the narrative itself. They remind us of the fragility of life and the power of sacrifice, and they often make us appreciate the journey even more. As anime fans, we’re left with a deep sense of grief when we see our beloved characters pass away, and these 10 deaths are proof that anime can touch our hearts in ways few other forms of media can.
