It seems that most victories come with a price, and that’s no different in the world of anime. For every major victory or reason to celebrate, there’s usually a painful decision a character has had to make. When you think about it, it’s the sacrifice and the journey that makes seeing the light at the end of the tunnel all the more rewarding. On that note, today we’re looking at some of the most emotional sacrifices in anime.
12.Elaine
Seven Deadly Sins
Starting off the list is Elaine from ‘nanatsu no taizai’. At tenth place, we have elaine’s sacrifice in the seven deadly sins. Ban and elaine didn’t start out as best friends. Ban spent a significant portion of his past seeking the fountain of youth, only to be thwarted by its guardian, Elaine. The two soon developed feelings for each other, but alas, happy moments often don’t last. A demon attacks the forest and wounds both Ban and Elaine. Instead of taking water from the fountain for herself, Elaine makes Ban drink it, granting him the immortality he sought. This flashback lingers in the hearts of viewers who have followed the seven deadly Sins for a long time.
11. Jonathan Joestar
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Jonathan Joestar’s death in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure ranks eleventh on the list. Having believed he’d put an end to his nemesis, Dio, Jonathan spends his last moments in Phantom Blood a happy and married man. However, his happiness doesn’t last long. He is attacked again by the still-alive Dio during his honeymoon. With his last ounce of strength, Jonathan traps Dio and allows his family to escape, succumbing to his wounds. Jonathan dies with a smile, having saved his family and forgiven his worst enemy. His legacy carries on through the series, and even if it ended here, Jonathan would be remembered as an honorable man who paid the ultimate price for the Joestar family.
10.Hange Zoe
Attact On Titan
Hange Zoe’s sacrifice in Attack on Titan was a heartbreaking yet powerful moment. As the Rumbling approached, Hange made the ultimate decision to stay behind and buy time for the alliance to escape. Knowing it was a one-way mission, they faced the oncoming Colossal Titans alone, taking down several before being engulfed in flames. Even in their final moments, Hange smiled, accepting death with courage. Their sacrifice allowed the alliance to continue their fight, proving that true leadership isn’t about survival—it’s about ensuring others live on. Hange died a hero, forever remembered for their bravery and unwavering spirit.
9. Rider
Fate/Zero
Number nine goes to Rider’s final battle against Gilgamesh in Fate/Zero. If there’s a list of all-time great anime moments, Rider’s battle against Gilgamesh would surely make the cut. This fight has it all: glorious Noble Phantasms, heartwarming farewell speeches, and Gilgamesh finding a worthy opponent in Rider. Despite being completely outmatched, Rider charges forward, taking everything that the Gate of Babylon can throw at him. His determination and willpower push him onward, but he is eventually defeated for good.
8. Ace
One Piece
At number eight, we have Ace’s sacrifice for Luffy in One Piece. The climax of the Marineford arc ends with a cloud of despair hanging over our heroes. Akainu gains the upper hand on Ace and moves to finish off Luffy. In a moment of selflessness, Ace steps in and takes the blow for his brother, ultimately losing his life. Instead of living on with regret, Ace chooses to die protecting Luffy. While this may feel unfair to One Piece fans, Ace’s death leaves a legacy that finally convinces Luffy to keep growing stronger.
7. Lelouch vi Britannia
Code Geass
Lelouch vi Britannia’s sacrifice in Code Geass ranks Seveth. Widely regarded as one of the most iconic endings to a legendary series, Lelouch takes the ultimate sacrifice by directing all the world’s hatred toward him. After creating a powerful empire, Lelouch allows Suzaku to kill him, pretending to be Zero, to make the world believe that the source of all the chaos is gone. Lelouch’s sacrifice makes him a messianic figure, solidifying his role as the one who saved the world at the ultimate cost.
6. Isaac Netero
Hunter x Hunter
At number six, we have Isaac Netero’s sacrifice in Hunter x Hunter during the Chimera Ant arc. In one of the series’ most defining battles, Netero faces off against Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants. Despite his age and withered state, Netero holds his own against the powerful Meruem. However, after being overpowered, Netero decides to pierce his own heart and activate a deadly bomb as a last-ditch effort to destroy Meruem. Netero’s death is not in vain—he dies content, having found a worthy opponent and knowing that his sacrifice will help humanity.
5. Erwin Smith
Attack on Titan
Erwin Smith’s sacrifice against the Beast Titan in Attack on Titan ranks fifth. As the commander of the Survey Corps, Erwin cared deeply for his men, but he was ruthless and would not hesitate to sacrifice them for the greater good of mankind. However, Erwin eventually reflects on his actions and realizes he’s been a hypocrite. With his desire to die for the cause finally realized, Erwin leads the charge against the Beast Titan, giving Levi the opening needed to defeat Zeke. In the end, Erwin’s desire to die with his fallen recruits prompts Levi to save Armin, leaving Erwin to make his final sacrifice.
4. Jiraiya
Naruto
Jiraiya’s sacrifice during his battle against Pain in Naruto is one of the most emotional moments in the series. While infiltrating the enemy’s hideout, Jiraiya faces off against Pain, only to discover that Pain is an entity composed of multiple bodies with unique abilities. Despite Jiraiya’s valiant efforts, he is overwhelmed. In his final moments, Jiraiya dies not with sadness or regret, but with a smile, knowing that he has done his part. He entrusts the future of the world to his pupil, Naruto, who will one day save the world and carve his place in history.
3. Vegeta
Dragon Ball Z
At number three, we have Vegeta’s sacrifice in Dragon Ball Z when he blows himself up in an attempt to defeat Majin Buu. When Vegeta was first introduced, he was ruthless and uncaring, focused only on strength. But by this point, his character had evolved. Though he didn’t care about Bulma and Trunks at first, it’s clear that Vegeta had undergone significant development. Realizing the consequences of his actions, he decides to sacrifice himself for the world. He blows himself up in a literal blaze of glory, choosing to die for the sake of redemption.
2.Itachi Uchiha
Naruto
Itachi Uchiha’s story is one of the most tragic in Naruto. He was forced to make an impossible choice—kill his entire clan, including his own parents, to prevent a war. But he couldn’t bring himself to kill his little brother, Sasuke. Instead, he took the blame for everything, letting the world see him as a villain. Deep down, he was just a broken soul protecting his home from the shadows. In the end, he let Sasuke kill him, making sure his brother would grow stronger. Only after his death did the truth come out—he was never the villain, only a loving brother.
1. Eren Yeager
Attact On Titan
Eren Yeager’s sacrifice in Attack on Titan is one of the most profound moments in anime history. As the protagonist, Eren carried the weight of humanity’s survival, making unimaginable choices to protect his loved ones. His decision to initiate the Rumbling, despite its devastating consequences, showcased his willingness to bear the burden of becoming a villain for the sake of freedom. Eren’s ultimate sacrifice—surrendering his life to end the Titan curse—highlighted his tragic heroism. He embraced his fate, ensuring a future where his friends could live free from oppression. Eren’s journey
Conclusion
These sacrifices show just how far anime characters are willing to go to protect the ones they love, their world, and even the people who once stood as enemies. These selfless acts of heroism resonate with viewers and serve as a reminder of the true meaning of sacrifice. Whether it’s to save lives, redeem oneself, or shape the future, these sacrifices have left an indelible mark on the hearts of anime fans.
