The Most Emotional Deaths in Anime History

Anime has a unique way of pulling at our heartstrings, and some character deaths hit especially hard. Whether it's due to their significance in the story, the impact on other characters, or the sheer tragedy of the moment, these deaths have left fans in tears. Here are some of the most emotional deaths in anime history.

1. Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

This may contain: a man with glasses standing in front of a window next to a blood stained wall

Maes Hughes (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Maes Hughes was more than just a supporting character; he was a loving father, husband, and friend. His unexpected assassination was heartbreaking, especially when his daughter asked why her father had to be buried.

2. Jiraiya (Naruto: Shippuden)

This may contain: an anime character with white hair and blood on his face is looking at the camera

Jiraiya (Naruto: Shippuden)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Jiraiya’s death was a massive blow to Naruto and fans alike. His final battle against Pain, his heartfelt message to Naruto, and his unwavering will made his passing one of the most emotional moments in anime history.

3. Ace (One Piece)

This may contain: an anime scene with the character being attacked by another character

Ace (One Piece)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Ace’s death during the Marineford War was devastating. Just when it seemed like he had been saved, he sacrificed himself to protect Luffy, leaving fans in shock and tears.

4. Kamina (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)

This may contain: an anime character with red eyes and black hair

Kamina (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Mecha

Kamina’s death came as a major shock early in the series. As the heart and soul of Team Gurren, his passing left a lasting impact on Simon and the viewers, making it one of anime’s most tragic losses.

5. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden)

This may contain: an anime character with the caption that reads, tachi was considered to be shinboi

Itachi Uchiha (Naruto: Shippuden)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

After years of being seen as a villain, Itachi’s death revealed the truth about his sacrifices. His final moment with Sasuke, where he gently taps his brother’s forehead one last time, made this one of the most emotional deaths in anime.

6. L (Death Note)

This may contain: an anime character sitting on the ground with his hands in his pockets and looking down

L (Death Note)

Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Thriller

L’s death marked a turning point in Death Note. As the only real threat to Light, his demise felt like the loss of a truly brilliant character, and his final moments made fans feel the weight of his absence.

7. Kaori Miyazono (Your Lie in April)

Kaori Miyazono (Your Lie in April)

Genre: Drama, Romance, Music

Kaori’s death was inevitable, but that didn’t make it any less painful. Her final letter to Kousei and the heartbreaking truth behind her feelings left fans in tears.

8. Nina Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

This may contain: a young boy standing next to a white dog with its tongue out and his mouth open

Nina Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Nina’s fate remains one of the most haunting and tragic moments in anime history. Her transformation and ultimate demise were both shocking and deeply upsetting.

9. Menma (Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day)

Menma (Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day)

Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Supernatural

While Menma was already deceased at the start of the series, her farewell at the end was heartbreaking. Watching the group finally come to terms with their past and seeing Menma's final goodbye left no dry eyes.

10. Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

This may contain: an anime character is standing in front of the sky with his cape over his shoulder

Lelouch vi Britannia (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Genre: Action, Drama, Mecha

Lelouch’s death in Code Geass was both tragic and powerful. His self-sacrificial plan, the Zero Requiem, brought peace to the world, but at the cost of his own life, making it one of the most bittersweet moments in anime.

Final Thoughts

These deaths have left lasting emotional scars on anime fans around the world. Whether through sacrifice, tragedy, or sheer shock, they remind us why anime storytelling is so powerful.

Which anime death hit you the hardest? Let us know in the comments!

Backward Anime

Search This Blog