Top 10 Saddest Farewells in Anime
For this list, we'll be looking at the times where anime characters tearfully went their separate ways. Keep in mind, we won't be including any death scenes, but ghosts and spirits heading off to the great beyond are still viable for consideration. Prepare for feels and spoilers down the line!
#10: Besties Till The End
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14) It didn’t matter if they were up against rival Hunters, the Phantom Troupe or Chimera Ants, these two stood by each other through thick and thin. With Gon being the eternal optimist with unfathomable power and Killua being the oddly cheery master assassin, their friendship proved to be the emotional core of many of the arcs of this hit shounen. Of course, all good things have to come to an end, and while the two of them promise to meet again, we can’t help but get a little choked up seeing the dynamic duo go their separate ways.
#9: Menma Passes On
“Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day” (2011) We all knew it was going to happen, but that didn’t make it any less painful when we had to say goodbye to this adorable cherub. After her old friends confess their feelings of guilt, sorrow and undying affection, Menma appears before them for a final time. With her last wish granted, she can at last move on to a better place. While it’s a celebratory moment, it still doesn’t change the fact that the whole cast are left crying their eyes out while their beloved friend vanishes into nothingness.
#8: The Proposal
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“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94) Yusuke Urameshi may not be the most romantic individual on the planet, but even he knows when he’s got a good thing going. Knowing that he may never return from his journey to the demon world, the Spirit Detective decides to set the record straight with his love interest Keiko, not only promising to come back to her one day, but also wondering if she fancied getting hitched. He’s no Casanova, but considering this is Yusuke we’re talking about, proposing to Keiko like this is practically Shakespearian.
#7: Hachikuji Disappears
“Monogatari: Second Season” (2013) This wandering spirit certainly was a handful, with Araragi making things way more complicated with his usual outrageous antics. However, beneath all the hilarity and groping, there was a sincerity to their relationship, to the point where the thought of her suddenly vanishing was unthinkable. Alas, after finally finding her piece, Hachikuji is all set to move on, much to Araragi’s heartbreak. Yeah, she was something of a biting fiend, but she was also an essential component in his ever-expanding harem, one that will be truly missed.
#6: Last Train Out of the Digital World
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“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000) You would have thought that after saving both worlds from destruction, the Digidestined would be entitled for some down time, kicking it back with their digital partners. Alas, fate is rarely that kind. With the portal between both planes of reality shrinking, the kids are forced to say their goodbyes to their beloved friends. From there, the raw emotion just get bigger and bigger as we see each pairing say their goodbyes in their own unique way, culminating in a tear-jerking final send-off. Sure, they’d hop back over next season, but as far as conclusions go, this had every 90s kid crying their eyes out.
#5: Brotherly Bonds
“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17) Itachi hasn’t had it easy. Forced to kill his own family for the sake of the village, frame himself as a criminal, even dying at the hands of his vengeful younger brother. You would have thought he could rest in peace after that, but nope – he was reincarnated as a tool for war by Kabuto . This turns out to be a blessing in disguise, as he’s finally able to reconcile with Sasuke without having to worry about any cover ups. Passing on the will of the Uchiha, Itachi’s second departure is just as emotional as the first, only now he gets to say goodbye by confessing just how much he cares about his sibling.
#4: The End of Atem
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“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” (2000-04) Considering they spent the entire series sharing one body, it’s fair to say that Yugi and the spirit of the Pharaoh were pretty close. After finally defeating Zorc Necrophades, Atem is given one last chance to return to his own time; but it requires Yugi to best him in a no holds barred duel. Yugi begrudgingly manages to pull it off, much to the dismay of his friends. After saying his emotional farewell, Atem departs for the spirit world and is finally granted the peace he has longed for.
#3: Bye Bye Butterfree
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“Pokemon” (1997-) To this day, no other departure in this long running series has measured up to the time that Ash said goodbye to this particular Pokemon. Serving as a key member of the wannabe Pokemon master’s original team, Butterfree was a staple member of Ash’s team and the first Pokemon he ever caught. Alas, it wasn’t to last. After falling in love with another Butterfree, Ash’s Pokemon decides to part with his trainer and settle down, but not before he and Ash share a heartfelt goodbye. Admit it, you didn’t shed a tear when Ash kicked the bucket, but as soon as you saw that butterfly disappear into the sunset, you cried your eyes out!
#2: The Going Merry Goes Away
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“One Piece” (1999-) Because of course this show was able to make us cry over a pirate ship. After reaching the end of the line, the Straw Hats decided its time for a new vessel to take them to the New World, but in the process have to say goodbye to the ship that’s kept them afloat for so long. It’s no easy task, in fact the Merry’s fate almost ends up shattering the crew. However, the Straw Hats ultimately decide to leave the Merry, but not before giving it the most heart-wrenching funeral that a ship has ever received. Damn you Oda, how do you keep getting us like this?!
#1: Kanade Leaves Limbo
“Angel Beats” (2010) Just when you thought this anime was about to give us a happy ending, it decided to twist the knife one last time. Deciding to spend the rest of his afterlife helping other spirits find peace, Otonashi seems pretty happy about staying in limbo, just as long as he has his beloved Angel next to him. Just one problem, now that Kanade’s last regret has been taken care of, she’s due to pass on as well. All Otonashi can do is hold onto her while she thanks him for loving her, before disappearing like all the rest.
