Anime (Japanese animation) has the power to take us on an emotional rollercoaster, but few moments are as impactful as the death of the protagonist. While many television series keep their heroes alive until the end, some masterpieces of anime have the courage to conclude with the most unexpected of outcomes – the death of the main character. Therefore, from now on you are warned that we will have spoilers for the ending of these animes.

10. Terror In Resonance

Terror in Resonance offers an intriguing look into the diabolical minds of two individuals – Twelve and Nine – who threaten to destroy modern Tokyo in order to rebel against the corrupt government and defend their ideologies in a society they no longer believe in.

9. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood

The beginning of a series is crucial both for the protagonist and for the narrative arcs that will follow. Surprisingly, the first part of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure offers a tragic yet heroic ending for one of its main characters, making it one of the rarities among anime where the protagonist dies.

8. Devilman Crybaby

The finale of the anime Netflix original horror, Devilman Crybaby, was tragic and heartbreaking, as everyone died except the main villain. It may sound ridiculous, but in a world where demons coexist with humans and violence is an everyday act, it is difficult to predict when things will take a shocking turn.

7. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners was one of the best anime produced by Studio Trigger in 2022. The anime did not skimp on gore and bloodshed throughout the season - including the cybernetic enhancements or changes that David underwent each time to become stronger.

6. Banana Fish

Ash Lynx's dark past makes him one of the characters with the saddest stories in anime, and one wonders how much worse it could get. It certainly didn't end well for Ash, because after all his trials, when a light finally shines on him, he doesn't even have a moment of peace and closure.

5. Akame ga Kill

The biggest confusion that arises with Akame ga Kill is the fact that Tatsumi is the protagonist, even though the series doesn't have his name. Secondly, it shouldn't be surprising how it ends, since that's what the story has to offer - deaths everywhere throughout the series.

 

The psychological thriller Death Note begins with a young and principled high school student, Light Yagami, who follows his evil sense of justice to purge the world of evildoers with the help of a death notebook. But in the process, he slowly descends into madness.

3. Cowboy Bebop

Space opera It's fun as long as the fan favorite characters don't die. Cowboy Bebop managed to maintain this to some extent until the shocking final episode that brought viewers to tears with its disturbing scene where Spike meets his untimely end after facing his longtime rival, Vicious.

2. Attack On Titan

Attack on Titan is a brutal and devastating series that isn't afraid to kill off its main cast if that's what the story demands. Isayama has proven time and time again that he doesn't mind toying with fans' emotions as long as it doesn't negatively affect the narrative.

1. Code Geass

A satisfying conclusion is what makes a series a masterpiece, and Code Geass delivered this perfectly. However, the way it happened was not only agonizing, but it also took away one of the best anti-heroes in television history, Lelouch Lamperouge, who met a tragic end.

Which of these animes where the protagonist dies is your favorite? Feel free to comment with your thoughts and also don't forget to recommend other animes like the ones listed above, as well as share this article with your otaku friends.