YORU STAFF VOTED ON gripping and heart-wrenching anime moments, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and emotional impact. Here are the top 10 darkest moments in anime so far (in our opinion:)
1. Mitty's Transformation in "Made in Abyss: The Golden City of the Scorching Sun"
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"Made in Abyss" has always been known for its brutal and heartbreaking scenes, but Mitty's transformation and eventual fate are particularly harrowing. Mitty, once a lively and cheerful girl, undergoes a horrific transformation due to the effects of the Abyss’s Curse. Her immortal suffering and grotesque form are profoundly disturbing, and her mercy killing by Nanachi underscores the relentless cruelty of the Abyss
2. Shinji’s Psychological Collapse in "Neon Genesis Evangelion: Thrice Upon a Time"
The psychological torment of Shinji Ikari reaches new depths in the final Evangelion movie. His struggle with his sense of self and purpose, amplified by the existential threats around him, leads to a graphic and intense exploration of his mental state. This climax is a poignant reminder of the series’ masterful handling of psychological horror and trauma
3. Eren's Rampage in "Attack on Titan: The Final Season Part 3"
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Eren Yeager's transformation into the antagonist culminates in a devastating rampage. His declaration of war and the ensuing massacre depict the horrors of his resolve to annihilate his enemies. The sheer scale of destruction and the moral complexities surrounding his actions make this one of the darkest moments in the series and in anime history
4. Lucy’s Past and Escape in "Elfen Lied"
The tragic backstory and brutal escape of Lucy, a horned Diclonius, from a research facility are filled with graphic violence and deep emotional scars. Lucy's severe abuse and the subsequent bloodshed she causes highlight the relentless pain and alienation she endures, making this sequence a relentless dive into the darkness of human and inhuman nature
5. The Chimera Ant Massacre in "Hunter x Hunter"
The Chimera Ant arc remains one of the darkest in anime, with the massacre led by these evolved creatures being particularly gut-wrenching. The indiscriminate slaughter of humans and the sheer brutality witnessed by Gon and Killua push the narrative into a realm of despair, underscoring the themes of dehumanization and moral ambiguity
6. Subaru’s Death Loops in "Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World"
Subaru Natsuki’s repeated deaths and suffering in "Re:Zero" are both physically and psychologically torturous. Each brutal demise and the resulting emotional trauma he experiences add layers of horror and tragedy to the series, making his journey one of relentless despair and resilience (
7. The Eclipse in "Berserk"
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The Eclipse event in "Berserk" is infamous for its extreme violence and emotional trauma. The brutal sacrifice of the Band of the Hawk by Griffith to become a god-like being, leading to their horrifying deaths, is one of the most disturbing and impactful scenes in anime history, filled with betrayal and horror
8. The Tragedy of "Grave of the Fireflies"
This Studio Ghibli classic continues to be one of the darkest and most heart-wrenching anime films. The story of siblings Seita and Setsuko struggling to survive during the final days of World War II is a powerful depiction of the horrors of war and the innocence lost in its wake. The overwhelming tragedy of their fate leaves a lasting impact on viewers
9. The Cataclysmic Ending of "Devilman Crybaby"
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The apocalyptic finale of "Devilman Crybaby" is a whirlwind of emotional turmoil and existential dread. The final confrontation between Akira Fudo (Devilman) and his former friend Ryo Asuka plunges the world into chaos, resulting in a macabre spectacle of tragic loss and the catastrophic consequences of unchecked power and moral decline
10. Sayaka Miki's Descent into Witchhood in "Puella Magi Madoka Magica"
Sayaka Miki’s transformation into a witch after losing hope and falling into despair is a deeply tragic moment in "Puella Magi Madoka Magica." Her descent highlights the dark side of being a magical girl, where hope is intertwined with inevitable despair and horror, making her fate one of the series' most haunting moments
These moments from 2024 have left a profound impact on viewers, pushing the boundaries of emotional storytelling and exploring the darkest aspects of human and inhuman experiences. Each scene underscores the power of anime to tackle complex themes and evoke deep emotional responses, cementing their place in the annals of anime history.