10 Most Ridiculous Anime Sacrifices That Left Fans Scratching Their Heads

One powerful method for a character’s exit is through an act of selfless sacrifice, a poignant plot device that many series skillfully employ to generate unforgettable moments and complete character development arcs. These characters, who give so much at such a high price, leave an indelible mark on their respective shows. Two exceptional instances of this are _______ and _______, whose self-sacrifices have profoundly impacted the series they appear in.

mere sensationalism.

Chainsaw Man Season 1, Episode 8: “Gunfire”

Fans adored Himeno from the series ‘Chainsaw Man’ until she showed some actions that raised ethical concerns. Her demise sparked an equal divide among anime enthusiasts, with some feeling sympathetic and others feeling a sense of relief. However, many agree that her sacrifice didn’t seem to serve any meaningful purpose. The battle against Katana Man in Episode 8 of ‘Chainsaw Man’ was intense, and in order to defeat him and save Aki, Himeno sacrificed herself by giving her body to the Ghost Devil.

Unfortunately, Himeno failed to eliminate Katana Man, rendering her confrontation with the Ghost Devil futile. Nevertheless, she managed to revive Denji, who then resumed the battle. However, some viewers felt that bringing the main character back into the action was an easy feat for anyone. The situation was further aggravated as it seemed to have been manipulated by Makima, thus Himeno unwittingly played into her hands.

The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep (2025)

In the universe of The Witcher, an animated movie was unveiled, stemming from “A Little Sacrifice,” a short tale penned by franchise creator Andrzej Sapkowski. This story drew inspiration from the timeless fairy tale “The Little Mermaid” and underscored the constant theme of making sacrifices for love. Contrary to popular belief where the least impactful sacrifice might be a mermaid princess relinquishing her entire kingdom for a prince, it was instead a character’s demise that held minimal significance in this tale.

In the story of the “Sirens of the Deep,” Zelest, the brother of one of the main characters, was a character with promising growth and potential. However, his departure from the narrative wasn’t something he chose for himself, but rather an editorial decision that didn’t significantly impact the plot or other characters. Regrettably, Zelest is only noted as a loss to King Usveldt, yet Usveldt displays minimal regret over this loss. Consequently, the lesson about the price of pride not being forgotten due to Zelest’s insignificant role in the story is somewhat undermined.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 63: “The Other Side of the Gateway”

In the realm of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, I found myself observing a character who embodied the essence of Greed flawlessly. This fellow yearned for every conceivable worldly pleasure, and his self-centeredness was unparalleled. However, amidst all that greed (no pun intended), there was one glimmer of redemption – a profound affection he held for his companions, which persisted even in his new life. Interestingly enough, Greed developed a deep bond with Ling Yao, and through this connection, I witnessed him gaining insights into the complexities of human emotions.

In the climactic battle of Fullmetal Alchemist, when Greed willingly sacrificed himself to weaken Father, it beautifully wrapped up his character development, showcasing that beings such as him possess a more authentic and compassionate aspect. However, some viewers contend that his sacrifice merely added something another character might have effortlessly achieved. Moreover, the debate among fans persists that Greed’s demise could have been prevented, yet no one attempted to intervene.

Naruto Shippuden Episode 31: “The Legacy!”

One significant incident early in Naruto Shippuden was Akatsuki’s abduction of Gaara. Having captured Gaara, they managed to extract Shukaku, which led to his unfortunate demise. However, Lady Chiyo offered a solution – she could bring Gaara back to life, but at the expense of her own life.

The selfless act of Chiyo was not for nothing, for it indeed played a crucial role in his return. However, Gaara’s youth and influential position made Chiyo’s sacrifice seem insignificant due to her lack of recognition or further mention beyond the episode of her demise. Despite her vital role in preserving a significant character’s life and impacting political figures, Chiyo’s memory seemed to carry minimal importance, almost as if it had no enduring weight.

Attack on Titan Season 2, Episode 37: “Scream”

Any fan of anime readily recognizes that “Attack on Titan” isn’t a show where everything ends happily. Instead, it shares the grim reality and character mortality reminiscent of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” No one is spared from the harsh consequences, not even Hannes, who tragically became the first in a long line of victims. Hannes, despite his disreputable habits like heavy drinking and seemingly unfit for military service, demonstrated a remarkable transformation when he failed to save Eren’s mother. His story was one of many characters in “Attack on Titan” who had the potential for greatness.

The loss of Carla Yeager weighed as heavily on his heart as it did on Eren’s, leading many anime fans to believe he would be able to slay the Titan that consumed her. Regrettably, this prediction didn’t come true; instead, he was devoured by the same Titan himself. This tragic event didn’t represent a self-sacrificing act, but rather it fueled Eren’s determination enough to unlock his Titan power. Interestingly, his initial desire to save the man who saved him wasn’t sufficient to help him achieve this ability.

Naruto Shippuden Episode 364: “The Ties That Bind”

Initially, Neji Hyuga from “Naruto” didn’t make a favorable first impression. He was haughty, self-centered, and unkind due to his belief that he was superior to others because of his predestined greatness. However, following a fierce encounter with Naruto, Neji began to reassess life and the idea of destiny from a new perspective. Throughout the anime series, Neji displayed some of the most profound and powerful character growth.

Many devoted Naruto fans feel that Neji’s character growth seemed pointless when he selflessly gave up his life to protect Naruto and Hinata in Naruto Shippuuden Episode 364. They argue that his death was underwhelming, as he died in service to the Hyuga clan’s main branch family, a source of conflict for him earlier in his life. Despite being highly respected following the Fourth Great Ninja War, fans were disappointed with how Neji’s demise was merely a reason for tears rather than a triumphant end to his struggle.

Solo Leveling Season 2, Episode 23: “It’s Going to Get Even More Intense”

Solo Leveling revolves around the exhilaration of witnessing the main character, Sung Jinwoo, becoming increasingly powerful each time he overcomes an adversary. Readers remain captivated by his transformation into this formidable figure capable of effortlessly vanquishing monsters with a mere gesture, and that won’t change anytime soon. Since Jinwoo is such a compelling protagonist, criticism of the series is scarce. However, Solo Leveling does have one area for improvement: its supporting characters.

In the series Solo Leveling, the author seems to prioritize developing the character of Jinwoo, sometimes at the expense of other potentially interesting characters. For instance, in the Jeju Island Arc, characters who had been built up, such as the Korean S-rank hunters, are eliminated, creating an impression that they were sacrificed to underscore Jinwoo’s increasing strength. Although these characters did not consciously give their lives for Jinwoo, it appears as though they were written out of the story to highlight his power. Remarkably, in Episode 22, the Korean S-rank hunters were highly anticipated only to meet a swift and unfortunate end at the hands of the Ant King. However, upon Jinwoo’s arrival, he effortlessly vanquished the creature, while none of the other hunters managed even a single effective strike against it.

Naruto Shippuden Episode 124: “Art”

In the early episodes of Naruto Shippuden, Deidara was among the initial Akatsuki members introduced. He gained notoriety after capturing Gaara, both the leader of the Sand Village and a Jinchuriki. One of the standout features of his personality were his exceptional technique and deep passion for his craft. Deidara held the belief that art should be as spontaneous and disruptive as an explosion, quite literally.

I can’t quite pinpoint when or where it started, but the animosity between him and the Uchiha brothers was palpable. Deidara held such deep grudge against Sasuke that he was willing to sacrifice himself – much like Vegeta – transforming into an explosive in a desperate attempt to eliminate Sasuke in the blast. Regrettably, Sasuke managed to survive, leaving Deidara’s act of artistic terrorism futile. However, he departed this world in a manner that resonated with his passion for art and destruction.

InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler (2003)

In Rumiko Takahashi’s “InuYasha,” the character known as Toga, or the Great Demon Inu no Taisho, permeates almost every scene. He was the father of the protagonist and a powerful demon that inspired terror, admiration, and jealousy in all who encountered him. Given his immense power and legacy, it seems unusual that he is defeated by a human samurai in “InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler.

Following his resurrection, Toga courageously protected his beloved Izayoi and their child from the grasp of Takemaru. Using the Tenseiga, he revitalized them before imploring Izayoi to flee while he confronted the envious samurai. This battle, which led to his demise, left many spectators questioning whether such a formidable warrior as Toga could truly be defeated by a mere mortal, even in a weakened state. At the minimum, it seemed plausible that he could have simply outrun Takemaru and escaped with Izayoi instead of standing his ground to perish.

Dragon Ball Z Episode 237: “Final Atonement”

In the universe of Dragon Ball Z, Majin Buu serves as a formidable antagonist. This character was revived due to the immense power generated by Goku and Vegeta’s battle, following Vegeta’s enhancement with Babidi’s aid. As Majin Buu proved to be an adversary beyond ordinary defeat, Vegeta made a crucial decision. In his final attempt to eradicate this villain forever, Vegeta opted for the Final Explosion – a potent and destructive maneuver that ultimately claims the user’s life.

Regardless of how intense Final Explosion was, it didn’t make much difference in the end. Though Vegeta sacrificed himself dramatically to eliminate Majin Buu, the villain simply regenerated and caused more destruction. Death doesn’t carry much significance in Dragon Ball Z, so viewers weren’t too concerned about Vegeta. After his heroic but fruitless act, Vegeta was eventually brought back to life using a wish from the Dragon Balls.

2025-04-19 03:47