Killing off the main character in an anime is not common, but it has happened on several occasions. Writers use this narrative device to create a powerful impact on the story and leave viewers in shock. And the truth is that they usually succeed.
If we look back and remember, we find various traumatic deaths etched in our minds that have affected us at different times in our lives. Anime can be very cruel! But it's fair not to admit that some of these deaths made the anime worthwhile. As you can imagine, there are spoilers. Major spoilers.
Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai
The first anime adaptation didn't cover the entire story, meaning Dai was safe. But in 2020, Dai returned to television with Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Daia new version that aimed to adapt the entire series. With 100 episodes, this time the entire works of Riku Sanjo and Koji Inada, set in the famous universe Dragon Quest game universe, was adapted.
This means that Dai's adventure does not end well. After facing some of the greatest dangers in Dragon Quest history, pushing his limits and even turning adversaries into allies, Dai must make a decision to save the world. When he defeats Vearn and thinks it's all over, Dai faces one final challenge, and the only way to overcome it is through sacrifice. He dies to save the world and his friends, but he succeeds. Episode 100 was a landmark, just like volume 37 of the manga was in its day, ending with a beautiful shot of the main character's sword. A legendary hero to the end.
Death Note
Death Note is a unique anime, as not only does the main character die, but the sheer number of characters that die is likely to reach some kind of record. But with a series that includes the word Death in its title, nothing else could be expected. Light Yagami's way in Death Note takes place from the very first episode, and the viewer knows that it is only a matter of time before death comes one way or another.
In addition to light, Death Note also eliminates his co-protagonist. These deaths contributed to the increase Death Notes popularity, making it one of the most important manga and anime series in history. The fact that the author didn't hesitate to do what he did speaks volumes for a manga that, despite appearances, was published in Shonen Jump magazine, home of Dragon Ball and One Piece. The main character's death had such a profound impact on the anime that many fans were hoping the character would return as a Shinigami, but that probably wouldn't have been a good idea.
Cowboy Bebop
Cowboy Bebop redefined an era in anime and was key in showing us that anime isn't just about adventure, fighting and fantasy. Throughout the series, the viewer is subtly and imperceptibly prepared. The anime tells a mature story with complex details and subplots that can affect all people significantly.
Guess the anime from the emojis.
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Guess the anime from the emojis.
Light (120s) Medium (90s) Hard (60s)
At its core, there is a story around Spike that runs through all the episodes and gradually develops. Its protagonist is part of a tragic past and faces difficult situations that culminate in a confrontation worthy of the best thrillers. The final battle in which he participates is intense and serves as the culmination of everything the anime has been building up since the beginning. Viewers found exactly what they expected: a high-stakes duel where the past comes back to haunt both Spike and Vicious. The end of Cowboy Bebop and its protagonist's death is among the most debated topics among anime fans. Does he really die? It's not clear, but it feels like the ending the story needs.
Attack on Titan
Has Eren ever been a hero? It's surprising how Attack on Titan kept us glued to the television for years without really seeing the underlying story being told. It's an anime whose ending makes you want to watch it all over again, and much of the credit for that goes to the main character himself: Eren Yeager.
As the final episodes approach, it's clear that the anime has no intention of ending and that the protagonist's fate is sealed. The end is inevitable, and it's poetic that Mikasa is the one to finally put him down. The character leaves a huge void in the hearts of his friends and viewers. His death evokes strange feelings. Is it joy or sadness? Meanwhile, the world off Attack on Titan continues to move towards a future where the Titans are just a tragic part of the past.
Move
Children of the 80s did not expect a sports anime about baseball to become the series that would traumatize them while watching television. But that's exactly what it is Move did. Based on the manga by Mitsuru Adachi, it was the author's latest anime at the time, following his two previous series: Hiatari Ryoko! and Miyuki. Both premiered on television in the West and helped expand anime in the 80s. But when Move come, everything changed.
In section 25 of Moveone of its three main characters dies. It is Kazuya Uesugi, the older of the two Uesugi brothers, the “good brother”. He is the perfect boy who doesn't seem to have any flaws, the one who is always there for his friends. He dies in a tragic moment: just before participating in a baseball final that would bring him closer to his dream. And to make matters worse, he dies saving a child from being hit by a truck. Against all odds, Move would eventually have 101 episodes.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Including Code Geass on this list was a complicated thing. We're talking definitive deaths, not characters who have died and then resurrected. With Code Geassthe protagonist's return occurs in the film, and theoretically it is an alternate timeline. Therefore, we could accept that his death is final, at least in the anime series.
Lelouch's death is loaded with meaning and represents another tragic moment where the protagonist must sacrifice himself. It's a concept that has been seen on various occasions, although this time the character's fate is determined by the complex situation that has developed in his world. Sacrifice yourself becomes the only way to put the world on a path to peace. The ending scene between Lelouch and Nunnally is very profound and has a meaning that adds value to the anime once it's over. Again, the protagonist's death at the end of the story serves as a powerful narrative device.
Inuyashiki
With only 11 episodes, Inuyashiki is an anime that premiered in 2017 and may have been quickly forgotten. Still, it's a great series and a story that's both impactful and moving. In this case, it also fits into this list of main characters who die, again, at the end.
After various battles and the conflict that arises between Inuyashiki, the elderly cyborg protagonist, and Shishigami, the ruthless villain, everything changes. Both characters have reconnected with their lives, and Shishigami has even seen light at the end of the tunnel thanks to several people. But at that moment, the earth is approaching destruction due to a meteor. To stop it, at first only Shishigami intends to self-destruct and try to stop the impact, but the protagonist himself eventually understands that he too must sacrifice himself to stop the collision.
Akame ga Kill!
A hero to the end. It is the swordsman Tatsumi's role in this anime that aired in 2015. A series that, with 24 episodes, shows the potential of a story characterized by battles, tragedies and conflicts.
In one of the final battles, the protagonist knows very well that he should not use his ability to its full potential, as it would weaken his body to the limit. However, this is the only way to achieve victory and save as many people as possible. Using Incursio to its full level, he not only stops the Emperor but also manages to save the people who were about to be crushed by the Shikoutazern. After this, he apologizes for not being able to keep his promise and dies in Akame's arms. His body is later destroyed by Esdeath's possession, which serves as a second shock to the protagonist's death.
Tomorrow it's Joe
Fans are divided on whether or not Joe Yabuki, the tragic hero of Ashita no Joe, died in the ring. But it's clearly the definitive ending and fits perfectly with this boxer's journey. The people's fighter, a relatable character who represented the ultimate strength in overcoming adversity that a human can aspire to.
Although he neglected his personal relationships and his mission in boxing caused him to miss out on a much happier life, Joe achieved his goal. He wanted to live and die in the ring or at least leave it all there and give his absolute best. Suffering from punch-drunk syndrome, also known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy, his last fight would be his last, whether he won or lost. The ending of this sports anime, with the music and evocative flashback images of him smiling in the chair inside the ring, is a fitting reflection of the character and his tragedy.
