Top 10 Most Satisfying Anime Betrayals

Script written by Jonathan Alexander

Top 10 Most Satisfying Anime Betrayals

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most cathartic backstabs in anime history. Obviously, expect a few spoilers along the way.

#10: A Tale of Two Tails

“Fairy Tail” (2009-19)

You may want to take notes for this one; it gets kinda complicated. At first, Gajeel’s blunt personality made him an untrustworthy recruit for the Fairy Tail guild. But, as it turns out, that was the whole point. Knowing his wicked history, Ivan sent him to infiltrate the crew and spy on their expeditions. What Ivan didn’t know is that Gajeel was already undercover, serving as a double agent for Fairy Tail - or, does that make him a triple agent? Either way, Gajeel soon straightens out his loyalties, earning himself a worthwhile place on Fairy Tail’s roster, too. Talk about making a good first impression.

#9: Mahito’s Last Rites

“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)

Even for cursed spirits, this guy really knew how to get under your skin, both by murdering your friends, and then laughing about it afterwards. Suffice it to say, Mahito was well-overdue for some payback. And, while Yuji gave him a good thrashing, it’s Geto who got the honor. Using Uzumaki, the malevolent sorcerer stole Mahito’s cursed techniques for himself, and in doing so, consumed him entirely. Mahito claims he saw it coming, but from where we’re standing, he didn’t have much of a say in the matter, anyways. Although, given everything an Mahito did, getting eaten by his former ally still doesn’t feel like enough.

#8: Like Father, Like “Son”

“Aldnoah.Zero” (2014-15)

Good things come to those who wait. Especially when it comes to revenge in anime. After Saazbaum kills Slaine’s beloved in cold blood, the Terran pilot plays the long game. He serves as Saazbaum’s adopted son of sorts, pledging loyalty, and even commanding the Knight’s fleet. After a while, Slaine might even convince you he’s changed sides for good. But, in the end, nothing mends a broken heart like good, old fashioned murder. Or, in this case, leading someone straight into a fatal meteor storm. Saazbaum definitely got what he deserved. Even if he and Slaine aren’t actually related, it’s clear that brutal kills are in their blood.

#7: The Dog Days Are Over

“Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-)


Good, evil, domesticated, or hunting dogs, it doesn’t matter to Tachihara. He can’t sit back and let injustice go by. It just takes him a little while to realize that. At the start, Tachihara is introduced as a committed member of the Port Mafia. But, spoiler, he’s actually one of the Hunting Dogs working for the Military Police. Once he realizes the squad is causing more harm than good, he turns on the delinquents, causing a betrayal inside a betrayal. Tachihara even steps up to fight his former leader, Fukuchi, for the sake of humanity. Win or lose, seeing Tachihara stand up for what he believes in is admirable.
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#6: Schoolyard Pick

“Blue Lock” (2022-)

There’s no such thing as loyalty on the turf. Doubly so if your name is Nagi. The white-haired egoist wants to keep things interesting by any means necessary, so when he’s picking teammates for Blue Lock’s third round, he naturally joins up with Isagi’s gang - despite the fact it means leaving his lifelong best friend, Reo, in the dust. While you can’t help but feel a little bad for Reo, it’s undercut by the potential of keeping Nagi around in the main story. He and Isagi have a certain chemistry that nothing else in “Blue Lock” compares to, so as long as they keep scoring goals together, we’re happy.

#5: Hawks Is a Hero

“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

All’s fair in love, war, and hero society. In Hawk’s case, he had to do some really nasty things to prove he’d gone from the Number two hero to a villainous crook. But, it all paid off when he snuck some vital intel to Endeavor in a coded message. Thanks to Hawks’ warning, the heroes were able to prepare for the war against the Paranormal Liberation army, saving who knows how many lives. Even better, Hawks took the opportunity to reveal his true allegiance. If you ask Twice, it took the villains a bit by surprise. People haven’t always always so, but Hawks is a hero, through and through.

#4: A Family Ordeal

“Kill la Kill” (2013-14)

Anyone who says the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree has clearly never met Satsuki Kiryūin. Sure, Honnōji Academy's Student Council President spent most of the season ruling with an iron fist. But, in actuality, she was acting under orders from her evil mother, Ragyo. At least, presumably. Right when Ragyo is about to clinch victory, her daughter turns around and stabs her through the stomach. Like all teenagers, Satsuki has a rebellious streak. Only, in her case, it involved building a school and plotting to destroy her Mom’s sinister operation. After spending half a season as a stuck-up rule follower, Satsuki’s literal backstab is worth a standing ovation.

#3: Gin’s Slithering Scheme

“Bleach” (2004-12; 2022-)

If he looks like a snake, and acts like a snake… Well, he might just be Gin Ichimaru. Now, to be fair, he certainly gave Ichigo and the others a lot of reason to distrust him. Chief among them, he ran off with Aizen after the fiend’s opening gambit against the Soul Society. But, later on, Gin revealed he had his own plans for Aizen, including making good on a century-old blood feud. Thrifty as a real snake, Gin waited until the perfect moment to strike. He couldn’t completely stop Aizen’s ascension into godhood, but after hundreds of episodes thinking he’d turned his back on the Soul Society, Gin’s last stand was still appreciated.

#2: The Bigger They Are, the Harder They Fall

“Attack on Titan” (2013-23)

Even all-powerfuls Titans can get double-crossed. Although, in Zeke’s defense, Eren is a damn good liar. He had everyone, even Armin and Mikasa, thinking he was going along with Zeke’s euthanization plan. In reality, Eren only had his eyes on one thing: retribution. Also known as The Rumbling. Whether you agree with him or not, Eren taking the reins back from his brother is the payoff fans spent the whole season waiting for. Trust us, it’s worth the wait. Zeke doesn’t go down without a fight, but this scene is still a nice reminder that Eren makes his own choices. For better or for worse.

#1: Betrayal No Jutsu

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

What Sasuke had wasn’t a dream, because he was going to make it a reality, and no one, least of all Orochimaru, was going to stand in his way. Yes, the young Genin chose to train under the scaly Sannin. But, did anyone really think Sasuke was going to give up his vendetta to become Orochimaru’s new host? Instead, everyone was waiting for him to finally outgrow his new master. So, we waited… and waited… and waited some more. But, that just made Sasuke’s inevitable exit all the more gratifying. We hate saying goodbye to Orochimaru, but it sure was fun to watch him go.


Did we miss any of your favorite backstabs? Let us know in the comments below!