Top 10 Anime Friends Turned Enemies

“Akira” (1988)

For the majority of their youth, it was these two against the world. With the beautifully broken Neo-Tokyo serving as a backdrop, these teens lived and breathed gang warfare, with only their boys and supped-up motorcycles for companions. Amazing how sudden telekinesis can change someone’s perspective. With a god complex to match his new ability, Tetsuo went on a little bit of a rampage, forcing Kaneda to grow up quick and try to put down the monster he once called his friend. Remember, ultimate psychic powers might sound nice, but when you end up as a massive blob of flesh and accidentally crush your girlfriend, you have to ask if it was all really worth it.

“Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-19)

Back in the dark times, when Dazai was a murderous enforcer of Port Mafia’s will, the only solace he had was the occasional drink with his two best buddies. Unfortunately, all this fell apart with the death of Odasaku, as well as the reveal that Ango was actually an agent for the Japanese Government. Given how he was a mole whose two-timing escapades had a hand in Odasaku’s fall, it’s fair to say that even with his new role as a good guy, Dazai hasn’t exactly rebuilt any bridges with his old chum!

“Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple” (2006-07)

Both fell in love with martial arts, but only one of them became obsessed with victory. Lacking the empathy and respect associated with disciplined fighting, Ryuto’s heart became darkened due to his ever-increasing desire to obliterate his opponents, including that of his former childhood friend. Taking the name of Odin and training under the merciless Ogata, it wasn’t long until he and Kenichi ended up coming to blows. Too bad for him that Kenichi got himself his own set of teachers, which when combined with his innate aptitude for mastering styles, served to educate Ryuto on how a true martial arts master handles himself.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-)

As the big brother of the new generation of Survey Corp members, Reiner was like a muscular teddy bear to the likes of Eren and Armin. While Bertholdt was always his best of buddies, there was something endearing on how he and the vengeful Jaeger compared struggles, even helping each other grow stronger through training. Then came the revelation that Reiner was in fact the Armoured Titan; the monster responsible for unleashing the cannibalistic giants past Wall Maria. It’s fair to see why Eren terminated their friendship when he found this out, and replaced it with an insatiable desire to pound his face in.

“Kuroko’s Basketball” (2012-15)

To say these guys were unbeatable when they played together under the banner of Teiko Junior High would be an understatement. With each having unparalleled skill on the court, it was only a matter of time before ego and selfishness shattered what had once been the perfect team. While graduation would put the final nail in the coffin, the biggest tragedy occurred when the Phantom Sixth Man Kuroko watched as his team humiliate an old friend in his name. After ending things on such a bitter note, the only way for this veteran squad to rekindle what was lost was with, what else, a series of shounen-style basketball matches!

“Mobile Suit Gundam SEED” (2002-03)

You can always count on an intergalactic war to find a way to pick friends apart and place them on opposing sides of the battlefield. In spite of his heritage as a Coordinator, Kira Jesus Yamato still found himself fighting for the Naturals following the destruction of a neutral space haven. This unfortunately brought him into conflict with his old friend Athrun, who just so happened to be enrolled in the Pro-Coordinator, Anti-Everyone Else group known as ZAFT. Stubborn to the core yet equally skilled as pilots, it was only a matter of time before they crossed beam sabers.

“Naruto: Shippuden” (2007-17)

To be fair, how the hell was Kakashi supposed to know his old ninja buddy had survived being crushed by a boulder and had witnessed the slaughter of Rin by his own hand? Coincidence aside, whatever feelings these two students of the Fourth Hokage had were quashed in that bloody moment, resulting in Obito turning to the dark side in a hurry. After being revealed to be the mastermind behind the Akatsuki and the Fourth Great Ninja War, the only way these two were ever going to make amends would be through the medium of a frantic battle. At least it was hella entertaining!

“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (2006-08)

The path to peace is never straight, it’s just a shame that in their fight to both liberate and unite all of Britannia, these two close friends were driven so far apart they ended up holding each other at gunpoint. Armed with the power of the Geass and under the guise of the masked rebel Zero, Lelouch’s revolution may have given the Japanese people hope, but it also resulted in the death of several innocents, including his own sister, who Suzaku just so happened to have fallen for. Such a twisted dynamic was never going to be easy to iron out.

“Berserk” (1997-98)

Across countless battles and unholy tasks, the mercenary destined to be known as the Black Swordsman continually stood by his friend, all because he believed in what the White Hawk stood for. At least until he decided he wanted to stand on equal footing with his bestie and left for a gap year. Turns out that’s all it took for Griffith to fall down the rabbit hole into madness. That and a year of being tortured. Given how he would go on to sacrifice all his friends to demons, become a member of the God Hand and assault Casca as a means of petty revenge, we think equality is now the last thing on Guts’ mind.

“Devilman Crybaby” (2018)

Don’t you just hate it when your best friend turns out to be Satan? Despite being recruited by Ryo into his lone war against the encroaching forces of hell, Akira was ultimately the one who lost everything after his old friend suddenly recalled that he was the original Prince of Darkness. As a result, the world was plunged even further into chaos and events were set in motion that would cause Akira to lose everyone precious to him. Naturally, the gloves came off, paving the way for a war between Devils and Devilmen. While Ryo would end up regretting his actions right at the very end, it’s hard to make amends when you’ve literally blown half of your friend’s body to pieces.