Sacrifices in anime are some of the most jaw-dropping, heartbreaking moments an otaku could ever experience. These are defining moments that stick with the audience long after the actual sacrifice- in a way, these characters immortalize themselves in the memory of their fans. So here are the top 10 best sacrifices in anime.
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David’s Sacrifice in Cyberpunk Edgerunners
David Martinez sacrificed himself for Lucy- the girl he fell in love with. It’s a classic trope but when executed well, it lives on forever as one of the greatest sacrifices in anime history. David lost his mother in the first episode of this show and he didn’t have much to live for when his fate began to change after he met Lucy one day randomly in a train. He joined her group which became his new family and he soon married Lucy too. Her dream was to go to the Moon one day and he died protecting that and living up to his mother’s dream of making it to the top of Arasaka Tower.
Ace’s Sacrifice in One Piece
Ace’s sacrifice and death is one of the most painful and heartbreaking sacrifices in anime. It wasn’t planned, Ace just jumped in front of Luffy to protect him from Akainu. It was simple but executed to perfection- pun intended. This donut left all One Piece fans with a void in their heart. His death also put a poignant full stop to his character arc. His last words were of gratitude as he thanked Whitebeard and Luffy for loving him.
Netero’s Sacrifice in Hunter x Hunter
Netero’s sacrifice is one of the few sacrifices in anime that exudes a sense of power and horror. Netero probably did it for the common good but the very fact that he had a nuke-level bomb in his body proves how far not just he, but humanity is willing to go to survive and eliminate their enemies. Netero’s final move against Meruem, the King who threatened the peace of the world, seemed more evil and terrifying than anything Meruem or his forces had ever done. He died sure- but he shook the very core of Meruem and his understanding of humanity.
Erwin’s Sacrifice in Attack on Titan
Erwin’s speech still rings in the hallways of sacrifices in anime. They were faced against an overwhelming, almost impossible Titan and only Levy stood a chance. Erwin had his own ambition and he knew lives were important. And yet his speech drove his entire battalion to certain death alongside him just so Levy could have that small chance to beat the Beast Titan. He wasn’t sure if his sacrifice would work but his vigor and rage resonated throughout us all. You can click here for other anime like Attack on Titan.
Vegeta’s Sacrifice in Dragon Ball Z
Vegeta, the Prince of Saiyans and the last surviving Saiyan was introduced into the story as an enemy- a goal for Goku to beat and surpass. He was cruel, cold, ruthless, and without mercy at the start. But by the end of Dragon Ball Z, he’d developed bonds that he cherished- Bulma, Goku, and several others. He wasn’t about to give all of that up against Majin Buu so he blew himself up with a technique that kills its user. One of the most iconic sacrifices in anime, it showed his growth in character and proved how far people can change- for the better.
Zoro’s Sacrifice in One Piece
For Luffy, Zoro was ready to give up on his dream to become the World’s Greatest Swordsman and he was ready to put aside his pride and bow to learn from Mihawk- the World’s Greatest Swordsman and Zoro’s ultimate goal. He’d found something greater than his ambition in Luffy. And that’s why nothing happened in one of the greatest sacrifices in anime. He also happens to be the only one on this list who survived after his sacrifice.
Kamina’s Sacrifice in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
Kamina’s sacrifice is one of the sacrifices in anime that defines and drives a show but the interesting part here is that he’s not the protagonist. He serves as the inspiration for the protagonist- Simon. Kamina’s sacrifice was his ultimate act and it changed Simon permanently. Simon followed in Kamina’s footsteps to the end. In a way, his sacrifice decided everything that was to come.
Greed’s Sacrifice in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is known for many things and Greed’s sacrifice is one of the sacrifices in anime that makes this show a timeless masterpiece. Greed acted on his own desires throughout the show and actually was a villain for the most part. But in the end, he showed everyone his true feelings and sacrificed himself for those he came to love in his journey- because he wanted to protect everyone. That was his greed.
Lelouch’s Sacrifice in Code Geass
Code Geass has the greatest ending in all of anime and it’s all because of its protagonist- Lelouch vi Britannia. Lelouch began his character arc as a rebel against the dictatorial, colonizing Empire of Britannia- the king of which was his own father. He ended the story by acting as the greatest villain and enemy of freedom just to unite the world against him. He then sacrificed himself to usher in an era of peace and cooperation. Lelouch’s sacrifice is one of the most poetic sacrifices in anime.
Itachi’s Sacrifice in Naruto Shippuden
While the other characters on this list have only sacrificed themselves and or their lives once, Itachi Uchiha’s whole life was a sacrifice- to his little brother Sasuke, and to his village Konoha. He wiped out his own clan to stop a war to prevent bloodshed and protect his village. He sacrificed his honor in doing so and lived as a rogue ninja. Even as a rogue, he sacrificed his freedom to look out for and protect his village from external threats. At the end of his life, he sacrificed himself to fulfill his brother Sasuke’s revenge. He played the villain throughout his life only to be remembered as a hero by a select few.
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These sacrifices in anime defined the medium and the genre of the stories they are telling so it’s only fitting that they get some recognition beyond their death (except Zoro- he got lost). If you want to delve into dark anime series with plenty of such sacrifices then check out our list of the top 10 dark anime series.
