Most of the time in anime when a character seems to have died, they didn't really expire and somehow miraculously survived. It's a form of plot armor, which protects a character's life and health for the sake of the story. However, not all anime series give their characters this kind of protection.
Fans can only wish that these anime series gave their favorite characters more plot armor because when they die, it is actually permanent. Some anime creators aren't afraid of their fans' outrage and will kill off any characters if it means staying true to their story's vision. Spoilers Ahead!
10 Banana Fish Shows the Consequences Of Being A Part Of A New York Gang
The creator of Banana Fish doesn't shy away from death and real-world problems. Based in New York, this anime follows the life of a young gang leader known as Ash Lynx. Being in a gang is extremely dangerous and this series highlights all the dangers that come with Ash's lifestyle. The death toll due to the gang violence piles up in each episode, from a young child, Ash's brother, his friends, and even himself in the end. As soon as fans start to get attached to a character the possibility of them dying gets higher.
9 The Death Note Gives The Beholder The Ability To Kill
Light Yagami one day finds a Death Note that allows him to kill anyone he wants by simply writing their name in the book. At first, he only writes the names of criminals in the book, theoretically making the world a safer place.
However, the other main characters start investigating him as the mastermind behind the slew of mysterious deaths. Thus, Light starts to use the book for his own benefit, killing off any characters that get too close to discovering his secret.
8 The Creator Of Attack On Titan Isn't Afraid To Kill Off Characters
Another anime creator who isn't afraid of killing off fan-favorite characters is the author of Attack On Titan. In a world where giant humanoid man-eating monsters known as Titans roam the earth, it can be hard to escape violent death. Fans are afraid to get attached to any characters in this series since the creator is known for killing characters no matter how popular they are. After the end of the manga, the number of major characters who passed is extremely high compared to other anime series.
7 In Devilman Crybaby Almost Everyone Meets Their Demise
After discovering the existence of demons, Ryo sets off the start of the apocalypse by creating a war between humanity and demonkind. This series contains so many brutal characters deaths that it will surely have fans weeping for days. In the end, the only survivor of the apocalypse is Ryo, who turns out to be Satan himself. Only after destroying the Earth and killing his best friend, Ryo finally figures out he truly loves Akira and regrets his choices.
6 Danganronpa Showcases Students Forced To Play A Killing Game
Dying is a major part of Danganronpa, a series about a killing game where students are forced to both kill each other and investigate the murders in order to escape. It's useless for fans to try and pick a favorite character since the odds of them getting killed off is extremely high.
In a show about a killing game, only the things the characters can do is try their best to survive by outsmarting the other characters and not murdering anyone.
5 In Madoka Magica Magical Girls Must Fight Against Witches Or Else
Don't be fooled, although this anime is about magical girls it is surprisingly dark and twisted. After being tricked into becoming magical girls, they must fight against witches, or else they become witches themselves. These witches are incredibly dangerous and even have killed magical girls in the past. One time a when a magical girl turned into a witch, one of the other girls sacrificed herself in order to kill the witch. Who knew an anime series about cute magical girls could be so morbid?
4 Akame Ga Kill! Is Filled With Character Deaths
When mentioning deaths in anime, Akame Ga Kill! is a must to discuss. With 'kill' in the name, it is no surprise that this anime series is filled with character deaths. Watching this series can be quite difficult for fans to see since so many fan-favorite characters meet their demises in such sad and gruesome ways. Although this show kills off most of its characters, it's not for nothing. Each death was important for the development of the plot.
3 Another Features A Middle School Class Plagued By A Curse
Plagued by a curse, everyone in class 3-3 and their families are destined to die gruesome deaths. After accidentally inviting death into their class, they must choose one student to pretend to be dead in order to stop the curse. However, when a new student transfers into the class everything goes wrong. This anime series takes death to a whole new level and features so many different ways to die. From accidental deaths, suicides, and murders Another is filled with death in all its forms.
2 In Mirai Nikki A Battle Royale Must Have One Victor
After a god gifts her with a Random Diary that tells the future, Yukiteru is forced to compete in a battle royale with 11 other characters that also have these future diaries. The last person alive will be awarded the power of being the new God of time and space.
In order to survive, Yukiteru must find and kill the other 11 future diary holders. Dying is one of the main plot points of this series so fans can expect to see some main characters kick the bucket.
1 With Dead In Its Name, Deadman Wonderland Showcases Mass Murder Right Away
This series with 'dead' right in its title begins with the mass murder of a classroom of students. Ganta and his classmates were getting ready for a field trip to the amusement park called Deadman Wonderland, a place where criminals perform dangerous acts for onlookers' entertainment. However, before his class could go, they were all murdered by a mysterious man. As the lone survivor, Gants is convicted of the murders and is sent to Deadman Wonderland where he faces the constant threat of death.