Top 10 Anime Deaths

In this reimagining of Alexandre Dumas’ classic tale, lead character and wide-eyed optimist Albert de Morcerf is completely enamoured with the Count. Fortunately -- or unfortunately, due to the nature of this list -- his friend isn’t all that trusting. This leads to Franz taking Albert’s place in a duel with the Count and being stabbed inside a giant mecha. Not only does Albert run in just in time to see his friend’s defeat, but his friend dies wishing him a happy birthday.

Some people fear death. Others... get off on it? We had a couple of... interesting... choices with this one, but we found ourselves fascinated by this particular character. Earlier in the series we’re led to believe that Junko Enoshima is killed by Monobear, only to discover that it was her twin sister who was killed instead and Junko is alive and well, temporarily at least. Her death via, and I’m quoting the show here, ‘Super Duper Nasty Torture’ is a combination of “unsettling” and “entertaining” as she smiles in ecstasy. Thrilled by her own torment while being tortured in multiple death traps is quite a stylish way to go.

As humans, we’re supposed to be rooting for our species, but that’s not necessarily the case with this series. Ghouls have the reputation of being vicious, man-eating monsters, but when these two characters die we’re convinced that humans are assholes. Not only does the demented Mado kill Asaki and steal one of his organs, but he uses it against Asaki’s wife, Ryouko. The worst part? Their daughter is there to hear it. The best part? Mado pays for it later.

War isn’t always as black and white as one might think. Lelouch was a saviour to some and terrorist to others. To the public eye, this death was absolutely necessary, as the evil emperor was slain before he could do more damage. But to those closest to him -- and the viewers -- this was a noble sacrifice. In his final words, he encourages his friend to become the hero the world needs by striking down its greatest enemy: Lelouch vi Britannia.

A lot of people see love and fate as two sides of the same coin, but very few people are willing to die for love. Sorata however, has accepted his inevitable death with a smile. The woman he loves, Arashi Kishu, does everything she can to protect him, but you can’t save a hero from himself. Despite multiple warnings about his impending doom, we’re lulled into a false sense of hope since he lives for so long -- second to last episode, really? That’s just cruel.

Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, a lesson Makoto Ito learns the hard way. Ok, so. His friend Sekai hooks him up with dream girl Kotonoha. Then Makoto leaves Kotonoha for Sekai. Then he sleeps with some other girls and ends up back with Kotonoha. Then Sekai ends up pregnant. Then Sekai kills Makoto. Then Kotonoha kills Sekai and carves out her uterus to see that she wasn’t pregnant. Then she lovingly cradles Makoto’s decapitated head! Word of advice, Mojoholics: never cheat on your waifu.

0

#4: Spike Spiegel
"Cowboy Bebop" (2001)

Also in:

Anime Duel: Spike Spiegel Vs Vash The Stampede

There is occasional debate on whether or not Spike may have survived the end of Cowboy Bebop, especially since he’s faked his death before. Sadly, our space cowboy adventures have indeed come to an end, complete with that cool Spiegel smirk and a declaration of “Bang!” At least he goes out in a blaze of glory when he returns to the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate -- which he used to be a member of -- and takes out quite a few of its members, including his former partner, Vicious.

0

#3: L
"Death Note" (2007-08)

Also in:

Top 20 Anime Deaths That Pissed Everyone Off

This is a bit of a tricky one because it’s difficult to tell whose side we’re supposed to be on. Light, the murderer who holds the world hostage or L, the brilliant detective trying to bring him to justice. Ok, so when we put it that way it’s not that difficult. With each move and counter move L gets a little closer to proving Light’s guilt; however Light holds a lot more cards and is willing to break the rules, and kill to come out on top. Just when we thought L would come out on top, he ends up as just another name in a book.

Hey there, Mojoholics, would you like to become a magical girl? Transform into adorable clothes, gain superpowers, and save the world? All you have to do is sign a contract from this cat-like creature who will grant any wish you desire. Simple, right? Of course there’s some... risks. Magical girl Mami Tomoe’s death serves as a catalyst that reveals the dark underbelly of the series, and over time, we learn that something rotten lies behind the cuteness. But enough about that, let’s talk about that contract...
Before we put the final nail in the coffin, let’s have some last words for our honorable mentions:

Portgas D. Ace
"One Piece" (2007-)
The Special Operations Squad
"Attack on Titan" (2014)
Maes Hughes
"Fullmetal Alchemist" (2004)
Zabuza and Haku
"Naruto" (2005-)
Jonathan Joestar
"Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure" (2012-15)

Our number one pick has a death that’s not only cruel, but it goes grossly overboard. In an attempt to warn the outside world of the dangerous Chimera Ants, she writes SOS messages in blood and uses her bees to get the word out. But then she’s shot. Repeatedly. Just when you think that’ll be the end of it her killer decides to eat her, laughing and loudly munching on her body. Her bees do deliver the message, but the damage to her body, and our souls is already done.

Do you agree with our list? Which anime death stayed with you all this time? For more top tens published until the bitter end, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.