Top 10 Most Traumatic Scenes in Anime
Script written by Jonathan Alexander
#10: Hellish Atonement
“Vinland Saga” (2019-)
Violence and redemption have always been at the heart of Thorfinn’s journey. But, nothing has ever visualized it quite like this. After falling into a devilish hallucination, Thorfinn discovers that he isn’t in Valhalla. He’s in his own personal hell; one that encompasses all the pain and bloodshed he’s ever caused. Yes, that even includes Askeladd. It’s a truly horrifying sight, not just for its ghastly imagery, but because of what it conveys about Thorfinn. After all, there’s nothing more disturbing than seeing someone literally held down by their own trauma. Even though Thorfinn eventually pulls himself out of this hellscape, this scene won’t be forgotten any time soon.
#9: A Killer Reveal
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“Erased” (2016)
Satoru knew better than to get in a car with a stranger. And yet, no one warned him to watch out for his teacher, too. The whole car ride simmers with an unnerving sense of dread until, suddenly, Yashiro drops the bomb: he’s the killer Satoru’s after. The same one that, if left unchecked, will claim four lives. Including three students, and Satoru’s own mother. This cruel twist of the knife shatters every bit of their student-mentor bond. But, to make matters worse, Satoru nearly becomes Yashiro’s next victim, too. After such a gut-wrenching betrayal, we wouldn’t blame Satoru if he couldn’t trust anyone ever again.
#8: Amateur Brain Surgery
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)
Pokkle literally hid in a pile of human remains, and that’s still not the worst part of his day. As a matter of fact, it’s not even the worst thing to happen to Pokkle this episode. Once Neferpitou sniffs out his location, she extracts his knowledge of Nen the old-fashioned way. No, not through bribery or coercion. Neferpitou does it by performing a lobotomy. She pokes and prods his brain for everything he knows, and all the while, Pokkle can do nothing but sit there and endure it. This scene singlehandedly proved that the Chimera Ants are not to be messed with. Though, it might’ve gotten the point across a bit too well.
#7: Connie Comes Home
“Attack on Titan” (2013-)
For the longest time, the worst way to die in Paradis was becoming a Titan’s next meal. But, as Connie soon discovered, there is one thing even more gruesome than being eaten by a monster. And that’s becoming one. On principle, the revelation that Titans are former humans is enough to make anyone lose their lunch. But, that’s nothing compared to the moment Connie realizes the abomination in front of him is actually his Mother. Or, more specifically, what’s left of her. In a show with more than its fair share of dark moments and crazy plot twists, this scene easily takes the motherload.
#6: All That Remains of Bernie
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“Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket” (1989)
All is fair in love and war, but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow. See, the most grueling part of this mecha smackdown isn’t that it’s a duel between friends, but that it could have been avoided. If Al had just been a bit faster announcing the planet’s safety, the warring mecha pilots Bernie and Chris wouldn’t have had to fight. Instead, all Al can do is sit, watch, and cry as Bernie becomes a quote-unquote “pile of hamburger.” Oh, and it’s Christmas Day, just to really rub it in. After all that, it’s hard to blame Al when he goes completely catatonic with shock.
#5: Kaworu’s Death
“Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo” (2012)
Kaworu’s role in the original “Neon Genesis Evangelion” is irreplaceable, and his part in the Rebuild films are no different. Unfortunately for Shinji, that means he has to die. There’s a few misdirects here and there, but by the time Kaworu puts on the explosive DSS collar, even Shinji should’ve known what was coming. Though, to be fair, accepting his death doesn’t make the scene any less gruesome. At the very least, it’s fitting that Kaworu goes out by giving Shinji what he needs, not what he wants. As a result, even though it’s Kaworu who dies, it’s safe to say Shinji’ the one who suffers the most.
#4: The Eclipse
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“Berserk” (1997-98)
Guts has seen a lot of carnage in his day, but it’s crazy to think he ever bounced back from this. Once the apostles started tearing everyone to shreds, most people would’ve just rolled over and accepted their fate. But, somehow, Guts made it through. At least, his body did. His mental state is a different story. It must have taken days just to wash all the blood off, let alone start to process the casualties. And the grief. And the betrayal. Yeah, the Eclipse left a lot for Guts to mull over, and something tells us he’ll be holding that grudge for a while.
#3: The Atomic Bomb
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“Barefoot Gen” (1983)
Fair warning, this is not a movie for those with weak hearts or queasy stomachs. While it’s a moving piece about grief and perseverance, it also depicts the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima in excruciatingly grotesque detail. The music fades out as the Atom bomb drops, and that’s that. Suddenly, buildings are falling, people are dying, and there’s nothing anyone can do. It’s a whole other level of disturbing, particularly because it’s presented through the eyes of the young boy, Gen. He may be fictional, but he represents an experience that’s all-too real. Trust us, Gen’s harrowing journey will stay with you long after the credits roll.
#2: Setsuko’s Last Breath
“Grave of the Fireflies” (1988)
Tragically, fireflies aren’t the only ones who get buried in this movie. When the second World War leaves Seita and his sister without a home, he takes it upon himself to provide for them. He lies, he steals, and he works every bone in his body just for a single ration of rice. But, it still isn’t enough. In a moment that’s nothing short of soul-crushing, Seita comes home to discover his little sister, Setsuko, has finally succumbed to malnutrition. The ensuing burial scene is as profound as it is depressing. Add in the historical backdrop, and this is yet another reason why “Grave of the Fireflies” should come with a box of tissues.
#1: Nina’s Fate
“Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003-04)
Even the most brutal, heartless works of art usually spare the children. But, not “Fullmetal Alchemist.” Instead, it intentionally let Ed and Al befriend the innocent Nina. Then, when her father turned her into a mindless chimera, it hurt even more. There’s not a word in the dictionary capable of conveying what Shou Tucker did to his daughter. The only small justice is that Ed beat the lights out of him in retribution. But, that’s still hollow recompense for what Nina went through. It’s extremely telling that even someone as ruthless as Scar decided she was better off dead. By that point, it probably came as a mercy.
