Top 10 Biggest Anime Betrayals
Top 10 Ultimate Anime Betrayals
Top 10 Anime Betrayals Part 2
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the cruelest and most memorable backstabs in anime history. Obviously, spoilers ahead.
#10: Hunters Become the Hunted
“Solo Leveling” (2024-) In a world nearly overrun by man-eating monsters, the hunters have two options: kill or be killed. Of course, that doesn’t usually apply to fellow humans. But, with their eyes on the precious quest rewards, Dongsuk and his mischievous crew decide to abandon Jin-woo with a very hungry dungeon boss. Leaving a comrade behind to face certain death is hard to justify, especially when it’s for a few, scant dollars. Luckily, Jin-woo knows a thing or two about getting even. Let’s just say he picks up his sword, and doesn’t stop at slicing through the spider monster. Rather than walking out with their pockets full, Dongsuk and his gang paid the ultimate price, instead.
#9: Caught in the “Act”
“Assassination Classroom” (2015-16) When junior high students show an interest in acting, most of them join the drama department. Not Akari Yukimura, though. Seeking revenge for her sister’s killer, she went full-method actor as the unsuspecting schoolgirl, Kaede Kayano. For most of “Assassination Classroom,” she plays the part to a tee. Then, when the time is right, Akari finally reveals her name, her motive, and a revenge plan years in the making. Oh, and her tentacles, too. Akari’s work was so convincing, this eleventh hour twist is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Not even Korosensei saw it coming. The ballots are in, and surprising no one, Akari was voted “most likely to double-cross.”
#8: Illuminati Unveiled
“Blue Exorcist” (2011-) It’s always the childhood best friend, huh? For years, Renzo Shima tricked everyone into thinking he was a carefree, bug-hating highschooler. But, he failed to mention that he spends his free time as a double agent for the satanic Illuminati. Shima’s only goal is to capture Izumo, alive. So, in a rather ironic turn of events, he ends up literally and figuratively stabbing her in the back. It’s hard to say which hurt more: the wound in her midsection, or the sting of losing a friend to the dark side. Then again, you can’t really say Izumo lost Shima when he was never actually on her team to begin with.
#7: Gang Wars
“Tokyo Revengers” (2021-) There is a traitor in the Tokyo Manji Gang, and Mucho is supposed to be the one helping root them out. Three guesses why he never found the culprit. In a stunning confession, Mucho lets slip that he isn’t just a part of the rival Tenjiku group - he’s a founding member. Once his previous boss came out of prison, Mucho started leaking all kinds of classified intel. The very same intel that led to the death of many Tokyo Manji Gang members. It’s a shock to everyone. Even Mucho himself wishes things had turned out differently. But, whether it was personal or not, there’s no forgiving Mucho for his part in the bloodshed.
#6: Mind-Melting Mutiny
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“One Piece” (1999-) There’s a snake among the Nine Red Scabbards, and he goes by the name of Kurozumi Kanjuro. Although, you probably wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at him. Kanjuro showed nothing but loyalty to Oden, and even once the Heir began to suspect a mole in his ranks, he never pointed a finger at his steadfast retainer. Kanjuro ate with the Scabbards. He traveled with them, joked with them, and faced lethal threats with them. It was a perfect disguise to feed info to Orochi. Kanjuro claims he never wanted to harm the others, but it’s hard to take his words at face value when he’s laughing at their heartbreak.
#5: Over the Edge
Top 10 Anime Betrayals
“Tower of God” (2020-) In one scene, Rachel went from a complex protagonist into one of anime’s most despicable villains. All it took was a single shove. For context, she and Bam were supposed to be a team. They scaled the titular tower as an unlikely duo, and when Rachel lost feeling in her legs, Bam practically carried her to make sure they crossed the finish line together. Then, after all that, as they’re finally floating to the top, Rachel turns and pushes Bam to his doom. What’s more, she laughs about it afterwards. Rachel’s deception is a soul-crushing blow that’s impossible to come back from. At this point, she deserves whatever’s coming for her.
#4: Char-ed Zabi
“Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979-80) On the surface, Char Aznable is the perfect soldier. Calm, cool, collected, and above all, loyal. In reality, though, he’s hellbent on getting revenge for his dead father, and that means killing the Zabi from the inside out. Starting with Garma. Despite Char’s friendly facade, there’s no love lost with the Zabi when he intentionally leads the Zeon Captain into enemy fire. In fact, Char says as much himself when he radios Garma to gloat about his victory. Yes, it’s a bit on the perverse side, but Garma’s explosive end is so vindicating, it’s hard to care. This is one double-cross that never gets old.
#3: Uryu’s Choice
“Bleach” (2004-12; 2022-) In a twist that shook everyone in the Soul Society to their core, Yhwach’s chosen successor isn’t a true villain at all. It’s Uryu. It’s a tough pill to swallow, even now. The bespectacled archer spent over three hundred episodes helping protect Soul Reapers everywhere. But, at the end of the day, the pull of Uryu’s Quincy blood put him squarely on Yhwach’s side of the coming war. There’s no gray area; he allied with a bloodthirsty maniac over his own comrades. Even though it meant trading blows with Ichigo himself. Regardless of Uryu’s true motives, the disappointment on his friend’s face is impossible to forget.
#2: Titans Among Us
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“Attack on Titan” (2013-23) It’s one thing to see everyone you love devoured by monsters. It’s another entirely to learn that the friends you’ve known for years are responsible. The Female Titan murdered soldiers with utter abandon, and discovering she’s none other than Annie is a sucker-punch that will leave you reeling. Reiner and Bertholdt have plenty of blood on their hands, too. Collectively, they’re responsible for countless deaths inside the walls, including Eren’s own mother. Yet, somehow, they had the stomach to join the Scouts and befriend the very same people they were sent to kill. Yeah, it’s no wonder Eren lost his cool. Titan powers or not, these guys are monsters.
#1: Femto is Born
“Berserk” (1997-98) After enduring an entire year of debilitating torture, Griffith is left without his pride, his strength, or his beloved, Casca. But, with some gentle prodding, he decides he’s willing to do anything to get them back - and we do mean “anything.” By making a somewhat literal deal with the devil, Griffith becomes the God Hand, Femto. All he had to do was sacrifice the crew that just risked their lives to rescue him. Griffith watches his men die and takes Casca back by force, even going as far as making Guts watch. The brutality defies description, but it proves one thing; Griffith is no more. This is Femto, and he has no friends. Did we miss any of your favorite anime traitors? Let us know in the comments below!
