Jiraiya's tragic death, alone and at the hands of his former student, still resonates with fans. He deserved to see Naruto become the Hokage he always believed he could be.
From a poverty-stricken childhood to a life working for criminals, Denji's existence is a cycle of trauma. Even the manga's controversial ending offered him no true peace.
Hange Zoe's sacrifice to slow the Rumbling seemed noble, yet many fans feel her death in Attack on Titan was ultimately unnecessary, diminishing its impact.
Sayaka Miki, a naive but good-hearted magical girl, faced heartbreaking neglect and suffering. Her tragic arc in Madoka Magica highlights the genre's dark twists.
Kento Nanami's devastating death in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 was a brutal wake-up call. He sacrificed everything, leaving a profound impact on Yuji Itadori.
Odasaku, Dazai's friend from Bungo Stray Dogs' Dark Era, was a tragic figure who yearned for a peaceful life away from the Port Mafia, but never truly escaped.
Erwin Smith, Attack on Titan's brave commander, made difficult sacrifices for humanity's victory. Many believe he deserved to live and see the fruits of his relentless fight.
Lelouch vi Britannia, Code Geass's brilliant and complex protagonist, orchestrated a world-changing plan. He sacrificed his very existence for the peace he envisioned.
Maes Hughes, the cheerful family man from Fullmetal Alchemist, embodied pure goodness. His tragic death, a consequence of knowing too much, remains one of anime's most heartbreaking moments.
Portgas D. Ace's early demise in One Piece, simply for his lineage, was a brutal display of the World Government's cruelty. Fans still mourn his undeserved fate.