Top 20 Most Brutal But Deserved Anime Punishments
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Script written by Jonathan Alexander
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the cruelest anime characters who got just the right kind of karma. Expect a few spoilers along the way.
After walking into an enemy ambush, Priestess gets some very unwanted attention from a frisky goblin. Fortunately, his comeuppance is quick and ruthless. In response to Priestess’ screams, Goblin Slayer leaps into action and gives the monster something to squeal about, instead. First, by strangling him with a tether made of human hair, and then by plucking one of the goblin’s eyes out, altogether. You know it’s morbid when even the other goblins decide it’s best to stay clear. Priestess may leave a bit shaken up, but at the very least, no one’s going to be touching her again for a very, very long time.
Alai Jr. just can’t catch a break today. But, then again, that’s what you get for being an arrogant prick. It all started when Jack Hanma knocked him down a few pegs in a one-on-one. Afterwards, Alai got his face pounded in by Gouki, too. And then Doppo. And then everyone else he’s ever pissed off. Even Alai Jr.’s own father decides to get in on the fun. By the time he finally retires for the night, Jr.’s been K.O.’d by just about every member of the main cast. Next time, he should really make sure he has the bite to back up his bark.
If there’s any justice in Ace’s death, it’s that Whitebeard doesn’t wait long before becoming the judge, jury, and executioner. Slimy as always, though, Akainu tries to slip away. But, his fate eventually catches up to him. Mostly in the form of one, jaw-dropping punch to the gut. This isn’t your average blow, either. It’s all of Whitebeard’s grief and rage poured into one attack, and the force of it literally splits the ground in two. Admiral or not, no one wants to be on the wrong side of a punch like that. Although, considering everything he did, it still feels like Akainu got off easy.
There’s a whole lot of people who want a crack at Shogo. After all, he’s personally responsible for the death of countless Tempest citizens. That’s a lot of pressure, but thankfully, Geld made everyone proud by delivering one hell of a wince-inducing beatdown. While the orc’s mystical Chaos Eaters come out for support, most of this mauling boils down to Geld’s fist, and Shogo’s face. In the end, watching the pitiful crook crawl back to his master is a victory in itself. But, it’s even sweeter when he returns with more power, only to get his stuff handed to him all over again. Clearly, no one does vengeance quite like Geld does.
Hanami’s first mistake was allying with Mahito’s team of curses. Their second was going after the young Jujutsu Sorcerers. And, their last was thinking they could take on Satoru Gojo. Even with a three-on-one advantage, the Jujutsu Sorcerer proved that no one messes with his students, and gets away with it. Using nothing more than the raw might of his domain expansion, Gojo flattened Hanami until they were a fresh piece of graffiti on the wall. It’s not a very clean end, but it sure is satisfying. Given how fast it all happens, it’s clear that Hanami didn’t just lose this fight. They never even had a chance in the first place.
In a poetic way, Iok’s narcissism was his own undoing. Instead of taking the killing blow, he relished his victory with a hateful monologue about his achievements. Including the fact that he helped kill several of Akihiro’s comrades. Turns out, that’s exactly the motivation Akihiro needed to finish this fight for good. He stands up, takes the enemy’s mech by the throat, and proceeds to crush the iron hull into bits - with its pilot still inside. Iok can scream and cry all he wants, we’re with Akihiro on this one. The only thing better than seeing Iok pop like a balloon is knowing that he lost to his own hubris.
Tonegawa bet it all on a life-or-death game of E-card, and lost. However, the stakes were only deadly for his opponent. So, besides his life, what did Kaiji’s smarts actually get him? An apology, that’s what. Not a wimpy, half-hearted one, either. No, in order to prove his sincerity, Tonegawa had to grovel while pressing his hands, knees, and head to a flaming-hot grill. But, even as he cries in pain, it’s hard to feel any sympathy for the con artist. Tonegawa is the one who challenged Kaiji in the first place, and he even tried to cheat his way to victory, too. Kaiji just cheated better, is all.
For a guy who led the Church of the Three Heroes, Pope Biscas T. Balmus needed some serious divine intervention. Thankfully, Naofumi and his band of colleagues were more than willing to do the honors. Despite the Pope’s dangerous magic, the Shield Hero eventually put an end to the villain’s corrupted reign. Or, should we say, his all-powerful dragon summoning did. Once Naofumi called upon his new friend, the Pope didn’t even have time to pray before he became Dragon food. The spell took a lot out of Naofumi, but it was oh, so worth it to see Balmus finally meet his maker - this time, permanently.
Even in a tournament like this, it’s common courtesy to keep all the fighting inside the ring. Doubly so if your opponent is someone like Kurama. Despite that, Roto threatens Kurama’s mother in order to get a few cheap shots in. But, all his scheming does is plant the seeds for some blood-soaked payback. Kurama doesn't even have to lift a finger. Once his death plant latches on, it starts to drain Roto from the inside out. It’s gross, it’s effective, and if Roto’s begging is any indication, it’s extremely painful, too. But, most of all, it’s fair. Roto sealed his own fate the moment he decided to use dirty tricks against Kurama.
Colonel Roy Mustang has the right idea: revenge is a dish best served grilled. He practically devoted his life to avenging the murder of his fallen comrade, Maes Hughes. It took a few arcs to track down the killer, but that just made Envy’s fiery fate all the more explosive. Mustang roasts the homunculus alive, waits for them to regenerate, and then burns their flesh off all over again. It’s a vicious cycle, and every second of it is downright glorious. Blasting Envy can’t completely fill the hole Maes Hughes left in the series, but seeing Mustang blaze his way through the stages of grief comes pretty damn close.
Placed inside of a school setting, told you must kill to escape, and constantly plagued by the wicked machinations of a robotic bear, someone was bound to crack. Unfortunately for Leon, he just happened to be the one to get caught. Thanks to some last-minute deduction by Makoto during the Class Trial, he discovers that the baseball prodigy was the one to beat Sayaka to death. While he would argue that it was all in self defense on account of Sayaka being the one to attack first…he could have just stopped wailing on her after the first swing, instead of permanently ending her idol career. The result? Pelted to death with an endless barrage of baseballs. Oh the irony.
#9: Poisoned by Frogs
Top 20 Most Brutal But Deserved Anime Punishments
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the cruelest anime characters who got just the right kind of karma. Expect a few spoilers along the way.
#20: An Eye for an Eye
“Goblin Slayer” (2018-)After walking into an enemy ambush, Priestess gets some very unwanted attention from a frisky goblin. Fortunately, his comeuppance is quick and ruthless. In response to Priestess’ screams, Goblin Slayer leaps into action and gives the monster something to squeal about, instead. First, by strangling him with a tether made of human hair, and then by plucking one of the goblin’s eyes out, altogether. You know it’s morbid when even the other goblins decide it’s best to stay clear. Priestess may leave a bit shaken up, but at the very least, no one’s going to be touching her again for a very, very long time.
#19: Humiliation Conga Line
“Baki” (2018-20)Alai Jr. just can’t catch a break today. But, then again, that’s what you get for being an arrogant prick. It all started when Jack Hanma knocked him down a few pegs in a one-on-one. Afterwards, Alai got his face pounded in by Gouki, too. And then Doppo. And then everyone else he’s ever pissed off. Even Alai Jr.’s own father decides to get in on the fun. By the time he finally retires for the night, Jr.’s been K.O.’d by just about every member of the main cast. Next time, he should really make sure he has the bite to back up his bark.
#18: Ace in the Hole
“One Piece” (1999-)If there’s any justice in Ace’s death, it’s that Whitebeard doesn’t wait long before becoming the judge, jury, and executioner. Slimy as always, though, Akainu tries to slip away. But, his fate eventually catches up to him. Mostly in the form of one, jaw-dropping punch to the gut. This isn’t your average blow, either. It’s all of Whitebeard’s grief and rage poured into one attack, and the force of it literally splits the ground in two. Admiral or not, no one wants to be on the wrong side of a punch like that. Although, considering everything he did, it still feels like Akainu got off easy.
#17: Beat to the Punch
“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-)There’s a whole lot of people who want a crack at Shogo. After all, he’s personally responsible for the death of countless Tempest citizens. That’s a lot of pressure, but thankfully, Geld made everyone proud by delivering one hell of a wince-inducing beatdown. While the orc’s mystical Chaos Eaters come out for support, most of this mauling boils down to Geld’s fist, and Shogo’s face. In the end, watching the pitiful crook crawl back to his master is a victory in itself. But, it’s even sweeter when he returns with more power, only to get his stuff handed to him all over again. Clearly, no one does vengeance quite like Geld does.
#16: Crushing Defeat
“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)Hanami’s first mistake was allying with Mahito’s team of curses. Their second was going after the young Jujutsu Sorcerers. And, their last was thinking they could take on Satoru Gojo. Even with a three-on-one advantage, the Jujutsu Sorcerer proved that no one messes with his students, and gets away with it. Using nothing more than the raw might of his domain expansion, Gojo flattened Hanami until they were a fresh piece of graffiti on the wall. It’s not a very clean end, but it sure is satisfying. Given how fast it all happens, it’s clear that Hanami didn’t just lose this fight. They never even had a chance in the first place.
#15: Flatlining
“Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans” (2015-17)In a poetic way, Iok’s narcissism was his own undoing. Instead of taking the killing blow, he relished his victory with a hateful monologue about his achievements. Including the fact that he helped kill several of Akihiro’s comrades. Turns out, that’s exactly the motivation Akihiro needed to finish this fight for good. He stands up, takes the enemy’s mech by the throat, and proceeds to crush the iron hull into bits - with its pilot still inside. Iok can scream and cry all he wants, we’re with Akihiro on this one. The only thing better than seeing Iok pop like a balloon is knowing that he lost to his own hubris.
#14: The Grilling Grovel
“Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor” (2007-11)Tonegawa bet it all on a life-or-death game of E-card, and lost. However, the stakes were only deadly for his opponent. So, besides his life, what did Kaiji’s smarts actually get him? An apology, that’s what. Not a wimpy, half-hearted one, either. No, in order to prove his sincerity, Tonegawa had to grovel while pressing his hands, knees, and head to a flaming-hot grill. But, even as he cries in pain, it’s hard to feel any sympathy for the con artist. Tonegawa is the one who challenged Kaiji in the first place, and he even tried to cheat his way to victory, too. Kaiji just cheated better, is all.
#13: Take Me to Church
“The Rising of the Shield Hero” (2019-)For a guy who led the Church of the Three Heroes, Pope Biscas T. Balmus needed some serious divine intervention. Thankfully, Naofumi and his band of colleagues were more than willing to do the honors. Despite the Pope’s dangerous magic, the Shield Hero eventually put an end to the villain’s corrupted reign. Or, should we say, his all-powerful dragon summoning did. Once Naofumi called upon his new friend, the Pope didn’t even have time to pray before he became Dragon food. The spell took a lot out of Naofumi, but it was oh, so worth it to see Balmus finally meet his maker - this time, permanently.
#12: Sowing the Seeds
“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)Even in a tournament like this, it’s common courtesy to keep all the fighting inside the ring. Doubly so if your opponent is someone like Kurama. Despite that, Roto threatens Kurama’s mother in order to get a few cheap shots in. But, all his scheming does is plant the seeds for some blood-soaked payback. Kurama doesn't even have to lift a finger. Once his death plant latches on, it starts to drain Roto from the inside out. It’s gross, it’s effective, and if Roto’s begging is any indication, it’s extremely painful, too. But, most of all, it’s fair. Roto sealed his own fate the moment he decided to use dirty tricks against Kurama.
#11: Envy Gets Fried
“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)Colonel Roy Mustang has the right idea: revenge is a dish best served grilled. He practically devoted his life to avenging the murder of his fallen comrade, Maes Hughes. It took a few arcs to track down the killer, but that just made Envy’s fiery fate all the more explosive. Mustang roasts the homunculus alive, waits for them to regenerate, and then burns their flesh off all over again. It’s a vicious cycle, and every second of it is downright glorious. Blasting Envy can’t completely fill the hole Maes Hughes left in the series, but seeing Mustang blaze his way through the stages of grief comes pretty damn close.
#10: Leon Strikes Out
“Danganronpa: The Animation” (2013)Placed inside of a school setting, told you must kill to escape, and constantly plagued by the wicked machinations of a robotic bear, someone was bound to crack. Unfortunately for Leon, he just happened to be the one to get caught. Thanks to some last-minute deduction by Makoto during the Class Trial, he discovers that the baseball prodigy was the one to beat Sayaka to death. While he would argue that it was all in self defense on account of Sayaka being the one to attack first…he could have just stopped wailing on her after the first swing, instead of permanently ending her idol career. The result? Pelted to death with an endless barrage of baseballs. Oh the irony.
#9: Poisoned by Frogs
“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean” (2021)
Prison life can be rough, but only in the world of JoJo could something like this occur! Desperate to get her father’s Stand, which happened to be sealed in the shape of a disk, out of the prison and into the hands of the Speedwagon foundation, Jolyn ran a literal gauntlet, only for her to be gunned down by one of Pucci’s henchmen. And then it stops raining frogs. Thanks to his Stand ability, Weather Report is able to create a torrential downpour of poisonous frogs, one that causes the gunmen to bloat up to ridiculous degrees. It’s a nasty way to go, but that’s what you get for shooting best girl.
#8: Re-Legless-Destro
“My Hero Academia” (2016-)
He may be a bastard, but Shigaraki is the de-facto supervillain of the pro-hero landscape. If he wasn’t going to let a gangster like Overhaul put down the League of Villains, then a Dr Doofenshmirtz looking weirdo like Re-Destro had no chance. After coming to terms with the monster inside him, Shigaraki embraces his destructive urges, with his improved Quirk demolishing everything in sight. And in doing so, liberated Re-Destro from the use of his legs. He breaks the former Grand Commander so badly he practically becomes a Shigaraki simp!
#7: Pax Gets Broken In
“Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” (2021-)
Originally nothing more than a creepy gag character, this prince overstepped his boundaries when he took his perversions towards Roxy to new heights . Not only did he hold the families of his guards hostage, but planned to use Rudeus as bait as a means to lure Roxy back so he could have his wicked way with her. Thankfully, Rudy finds a way to inadvertently put Pax in his place by getting his older brother to side with him. An older brother with absurd strength and no qualms about breaking Pax’s various bones.
#6: Fratricide
“Black Bullet” (2014)
Sibling rivalry has never been so bloody. Upon discovering that her brother had a hand in hiring those that dispatched their parents, Kisara decides now would be a good time for her to become an only child. Not only does she win her duel, but she also dispatches Kuzumitsu in the most gruesome way. Lopping off a leg is usually a nasty way to go, but then Kisasa decided to push the envelope further by splitting the prick in half with a delayed slash. Ooof.
#5: Lugh Proves He’s Ready
“The World's Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat” (2021)
A legendary mercenary in his old life, Lugh still had a long way to go in order to demonstrate his willingness to be an assassin after being reborn in a fantasy world. His last trial? Kill a captured criminal, who just so happens to look like a petrified young girl. Of course, Lugh being a man on a mission, doesn’t fall for her crying act, and instead lets her bleed out. Given how she reveals her true colors right after, it’s fair to say she earned the knife to the head.
#4: Sweyn Loses His Head
“Vinland Saga” (2019)
There was only so much that Askeladd was going to take. You can dismiss him, you can look down on him, but the moment you threaten to invade Wales, you’ve gone too far. When King Sweyn demands that he make a choice between Canute or his homeland, Askeladd goes with option three; decapitating the king in front of everyone. While this does sign his own death warrant, it’s just another demonstration of his incredible character. That and Sweyn seriously had it coming.
#3: Doctor Death
“Akudama Drive” (2020)
Her fondness for surgeries and changing her own anatomy in the most extensive ways clearly demonstrated that this Akudama had no issues using and losing lives on a whim. In an effort to secure herself a passage out of a city gunning for her head, the Doctor doesn’t hesitate to kill and take hostages. Fat load of good it did her, since a final act of courage by Hoodlum and the impromptu arrival by a terrified crowd leads to her being trampled. Pretty hard to stitch yourself up when your skull is caved in.
#2: Rena Doesn’t Want a New Mama
“Higurashi: When They Cry” (2006-)
Time loops are pesky things, you never know when one character is going to incarnate as sweet and dainty, or a ruthless gold digger happy to strangle a little girl just to ensure she gets some of that moolah. Ritsuko, in this version, is very much the former, one willing to take Rena out of the picture so long as she can keep getting the money from her father. Her ploys don’t exactly end well for her when Rena gets her hands on a pipe and goes to town on her would-be stepmother.
#1: Wang Gets Chopped
“Darwin’s Game” (2020)
There are always losers in a battle royale, but there are also cheating crap-lords who are willing to do whatever it takes to win, including killing an innocent girl just to puff up his ego. Wang is that kind of crap-lord. After shooting down Shinozuka, Wang feels the full wrath of the Sunset Ravens when Shuka and Kaname come for his head. To be more accurate, they slice up all his limbs with blades chains before Kaname unloads a full clip into his face. Game over.
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