Top 10 Greatest Anime Plot Twists
#10: The Truth About Philosopher’s Stones
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“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10) For the early part of this fantasy series, brothers Ed and Al Elric long to discover the secret behind creating a Philosopher’s Stone. These legendary alchemical objects allow one to bend the rules of alchemy, which they believe will allow them to get their bodies back to normal. However, after extensive research, the duo uncovers the dark truth - to create a philosopher’s stone, multiple human sacrifices are required. To return Al’s soul to his human body, the boys may have to damn their souls forever. The signs were there before this, but having the truth confirmed illustrates the horrific potential cost of the Elric brothers’ quest
#9: Rei’s Origins
Top 20 Craziest Anime Plot Twists
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96) This influential mecha anime has many shocking developments, yet this is one of its more subtle. In a flashback episode, we see the origins of NERV, as well as several other characters. A young Rei is introduced, with Naoko commenting on her resemblance to Gendo’s late wife, Yui. While never stated flat out, the appearance of several identical Reis at the Dummy Plug Plant make clear the implication that Gendo cloned his wife. You’d think this kind of revelation would stop people shipping Rei with Shinji, considering she’s a clone of his mom. And you’d unfortunately be wrong.
#8: Gear 5
“One Piece” (1999-) From the beginning of “One Piece,” fans knew certain things to be true. Monkey D. Luffy will become the Pirate King, and he ate the Gum-Gum Fruit. Except, over a thousand episodes into the series, we learn the latter isn’t the case! After a near-death experience in his fight with Kaido causes Luffy’s fruit to awaken, we learn that the government has been hunting his fruit for hundreds of years. They even renamed it to prevent anyone from learning its true powers. In actuality, it grants the abilities of an in-universe semi-mythical figure, the sun god, Nika. Awakened, Luffy’s rubber powers become like rubber hose animation, able to alter reality around him. This reveal had everyone’s eyes popping out of their heads - sometimes, literally!
#7: Out of Sync
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“Your Name” (2016) This beautiful anime film follows Taki and Mitsuha, two teenagers who experience a body-swapping phenomenon. Their attempts to meet in person all end in failure, and the swapping seems to stop on its own. However, Taki is eventually able to deduce the name of Mitsuha’s town and go there with his friends. Except, upon their arrival, Taki discovers that the town was devastated by the fragments of a comet several years earlier, and Mitsuha died during the event. Not only had they been swapping bodies, they’d been doing so through time itself!
#6: Goku’s Heritage
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“Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96) As the original Shonen anime hero, Goku is pretty well known by just about everyone. However, back when “DBZ” first aired, its first few episodes dropped a bombshell about the formerly monkey-tailed hero - he’s an alien! When his brother Raditz shows up, Goku learns that he comes from a race called the Saiyans, a warrior race of conquerors. He was sent to Earth as a child to take over it, but ended up forgetting his mission, thanks to a bump on the head. Is this twist well-known now? Sure. Is it basically Superman’s origin story? Yeah. But at the time, it was huge for fans of “Dragon Ball” to suddenly have Goku’s backstory completely reframed like this!
#5: Looping…Again
“Higurashi: When They Cry – Gou” (2020-21) When “Higurashi: When They Cry - Gou” debuted, fans suspected it was just a remake. After all, the animation of the original was a bit dated. A whole new set of viewers could surely find enjoyment in this franchise about cute kids in the ‘80s undergoing unspeakable horror over and over again in time loops…or other dimensions…“Higurashi” is really confusing. At least, until we see an older Rika wake up in the Sea of Fragments a few episodes in. Turns out she’s being sent back to 1983 to go a’looping all over again! Give the poor girl a break!
#4: Archer’s Identity
“Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works” (2014-15) The “Fate” franchise sees each “master” summon a heroic servant, usually some historical or mythical figure from the past. While they all have “classes,” their true names are usually revealed in short order. Except for Rin’s mysterious Archer servant. After betraying his master, Archer aims to kill Shirou, whom he has always denigrated for his ideals and desire to become a “hero of justice.” However, it’s revealed that Archer’s hate for Shirou is intensely personal. He’s actually a future version of Shirou that did become a hero, but became disillusioned. The whole “summoning a hero from the future” thing flipped the series’ premise on its head, and led to some great character development by showing Shirou one path his dreams could take him.
#3: Why Itachi Killed His Clan
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“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17) Sasuke Uchiha’s main driving force for the first part of the “Naruto” series is to avenge his clan by killing his brother, Itachi, who massacred them all. However, after his brother’s death during their duel, Sasuke learns the truth from Tobi. The Uchiha clan was planning a coup against the leadership of their ninja village. Itachi was ordered by the higher ups to kill his clan, and has been acting to protect Sasuke, and spy on Akatsuki, the whole time. This reveal completely flipped both Sasuke’s and the audience’s opinion of Itachi. He went from complete villain to complicated anti-hero. Surely his brother will honor his legacy and not try to destroy the village Itachi sacrificed so much to protect-...really Sasuke?! Right away?!
#2: Who Manipulated Who
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“Attack on Titan” (2013-23) Brothers Zeke and Eren Jaeger have a disagreement over how to use the power of the Founding Titan. Zeke is convinced that Eren was brainwashed by their father Grisha into holding supremacist views of their Eldian heritage. As they travel through memories of Grisha’s life, Zeke gradually realizes that Grisha was a much better father to Eren. Eventually, they get to the fateful night that Grisha massacres the Reiss family. But, during the confrontation, Grisha breaks down, revealing he’s not the monster Zeke believed him to be. Instead, using the ability of the Attack Titan to view each user’s future memories, it’s Eren who convinces Grisha to go through with it! This completely reframed a pivotal backstory, and illustrates just how far gone Eren is!
#1: Aizen’s True Colors
“Bleach” (2004-12) Ichigo and company’s rescue of Rukia in Soul Society is complicated when one of the Shinigami captains, Sōsuke Aizen, is murdered. His subordinate Hinamori is overjoyed when she discovers the soft-spoken captain is still alive. At least, until he stabs her! Aizen reveals that his zanpakuto’s ability is perfect hypnosis, which enabled him to fake his death. He’s also the man at the center of Soul Society’s conspiracy. The fact that Aizen easily defeats his fellow captains and Ichigo only further illustrates his power. This villain reveal is phenomenal as it helped catapult the series forward and is the capper on an already spectacular arc! The Aizen twist, like the man himself, stands above the heavens…or at least the rest of our list! Is there an anime twist you were surprised didn’t make our list? Shock us with your picks in the comments!
