“The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies” – Anonymous.
The kingdom of anime is filled with stories that focus on betrayals of all kinds. It can come from family members, lovers, and best friends. In many situations, self-centered people often try to snatch happiness away from those who genuinely deserve it.
Note: May contain spoilers
Here is a countdown of 33 anime shows in which the betrayal is profound and significant.
#33 Redo of Healer
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Flare Arlgrande Jioral, Blade, and Bullet
Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi is a story that focuses on humankind’s cruel, problematic aspects. Keyaruga is the healer hero who aids all the other warriors.
Once a compassionate boy, Keyaru was brutally assaulted, drugged, raped, and spent a significant amount of time in prison. Keyaru snaps and turns into a misanthrope. After defeating the demon king, Keyaru uses the philosopher’s stone to travel back in time and unleash hell on all his enemies.
The brown-haired MC enjoys inflicting pain and suffering on Flare, who he later names Freia after she becomes his obedient slave. The maniacal hero also tortures and kills Blade and the Captain who raped Anna, a woman who was kind to him.
#32 Evil or Live
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: The Instructors
In a world where most youngsters are addicted to the internet, many wayward men and women are sent to Elite Reeducation Academy, where they are subjected to inhumane torture so that individuals may grow up disciplined.
Hibiki is the protagonist of this series and is made to endure severe pain and suffering because of the cruel and demonic instructors. Because of all these events, Hibiki decides to commit suicide, but a chance encounter with a violet-haired man named Shin changes his destiny.
The rest of the story is about how Hibiki transforms into a sly and efficient fighter who uses his intuition and skills to hunt down and demolish the bullies and the instructors who put him through hell. Shin’s influence is a crucial factor in this story.
#31 Initial D
Number of Seasons: 6
Number of Episodes: 83
Who Betrays MC: Natsuki Mogi
Takumi Fujiwara is the son of legendary street racer Bunta Fujiwara; he works at a gas station near Mount Akina. Takumi’s first love interest is Natsuki Mogi. The lady is cute but has a secret; Natsuki has a sexual relationship with a salaryman she refers to as “Papa” in exchange for financial help.
However, the main character is unaware of this tiny bit of information and keeps going on dates with Natsuki. Over time, Mogi falls in love with Takumi and expresses her desires to the salaryman. “Papa” meets her one last time for the sake of closure. Unfortunately, our brown-haired MC gets a glimpse of Natsuki inside the salaryman’s Mercedes, and the truth is finally exposed.
Feeling betrayed by the woman he gave his heart to, Fujiwara ignores Mogi when she attempts to talk to him. Takumi later tells her the reason for his behavior, and a shocked Mogi cannot comprehend how Takumi discovered the truth. Mogi tries to make amends, and while Takumi later forgives her, he doesn’t date her again. When Natsuki leaves for Tokyo, she bids goodbye to Takumi and breaks down inside the train.
#30 Guilty Crown
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 22
Who betrays MC: Arisa and later Gai
In a post-apocalyptic society, Japan is overrun by a virus and subjected to the tyrannical rule of the GHQ. Ouma Shu is the one who obtains the “Power of the Kings” after locating the Void Genome.
After the death of Hare Menjou, who is Shu’s childhood friend, Shu becomes a domineering personality. He implements the Void Ranking System, but his unkind actions lead to a betrayal led by none other than Arisa, a supporting character allied with the Undertakers.
Accepting that he was wrong, Shu reverts to his true self under Inori’s care, and she gets captured trying to save Shu. The protagonist foils Gai’s plans and tries to rescue Inori, but in turn, is saved by her as his pink-haired lover sacrifices herself. The Apocalypse Virus is eliminated at the end of the story.
#29 Seven Deadly Sins
Number of Seasons: 5
Number of Episodes: 103
Who betrays MC: Merlin and Fraudrin (the latter disguised as Dreyfus)
The Kingdom of Liones was a prosperous region protected by the Holy Knights, including the Seven Deadly Sins. Meliodas, alongside the other sins, were betrayed by Fraudrin, who used the body of Dreyfus and Henrickson to poison and kill Zartras. The Holy Knights wrongfully assumed that the Sins were behind the assassination.
Merlin knocked out the main character to prevent him from turning into the uncontrollable version of the Dragon’s Sin of Wrath when a young Elizabeth Lioness got hurt trying to help him escape. Later, Merlin asked for forgiveness, but the magician has yet another strategy that she has been focussing on for 3000 years that involves the ruler of Camelot, Arthur Pendragon.
#28 Chivalry of a Lost Knight
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Itsuki Kurogane
This tale is about facing adversarial situations head-on no matter what comes your way. Ikki Kurogane is a representative of the Kurogane family; widely regarded as a resounding failure, Ikki was dubbed the “Worst One” because of his many weaknesses.
When our MC entered Hagun Academy, he had to repeat an entire year due to his father’s intervention. Ikki’s father, Itsuki Kurogane, is the head of the Kurogane family and tries hard to stop Ikki from becoming a Blazer. Despite this betrayal, Ikki never loses hope and stays committed to his goal. He even forgives his father.
Ikki quickly became one of the most prized students at the academy, under the guidance of the Kurono Shingunji. The black-haired MC beat many menacing enemies and fell in love with Stella Vermillion.
#27 Vermeil in Gold
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: Still Ongoing
Who betrays MC: Professor Obsidian
Alto Goldfield is a student at Royal Ortigia Magic Academy. At the tale’s beginning, Alto is an exceptional child who fails miserably only when it comes to summoning magic. Given an ultimatum, Alto has no choice but to head to the library.
The solution presents itself as a rusty book. A desperate Alto ends up summoning a mighty demon named Vermeil. Vermeil is a voluptuous woman who takes a liking to Alto and also kisses him to obtain mana. Alto asks the professor of Magic History Obsidian tips about love, and the professor betrays his trust by trying to control Vermeil using a drug.
Vermeil’s true form of a terrifying demon is unleashed, but she breaks out of Obsidian’s chain and is about to strike him down when Alto interjects and accidentally gets stabbed. Vermeil decides to give him her demon heart, and the duo stays together. After suffering a humiliating defeat at the hands of Vermeil and Chris Westland, Obsidian is arrested by the authorities.
#26 Naruto: Shippuden
Number of Seasons: 9+17
Number of Episodes: 220+500
Who betrays MC: Uchiha Sasuke
Team 7 consists of Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Uchiha Sasuke; the trio is trained by the expert ninja Kakashi Hatake. Sasuke Uchiha decides to join Orochimaru’s camp to become his vessel and thus betray the trust of Naruto and Sakura.
Sasuke gets access to more power due to Orochimaru’s curse mark, and he hopes to use it to kill Itachi Uchiha and prove to Naruto that he’s the stronger of the two. The duo meet and have a battle at the Valley of the End, and Sasuke is victorious even though Naruto had an immense amount of chakra and the Kyuubi residing within.
In Naruto Shippuden, Sasuke switches back to Konoha’s camp after learning the truth behind his clan’s massacre and consulting with the previous reanimated Hokages. The melancholic Uchiha helps his old friend overcome Madara and later Kaguya.
#25 High School DxD
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 48
Who betrays MC: Raynare
Matsuda, Motohama, and Hyoudou Issei are three lecherous perverts at the Kuoh Academy. The trio never fails to leer at attractive women at the Academy. Issei meets a woman named Yuuma Amano, whose physical attributes and seemingly sweet demeanor tempt him.
The two go out on a date, and later, Yuuma reveals her true self. As a Fallen Angel Raynare, she stabs and kills Issei because he possesses a Sacred Gear that could pose a massive threat to her associates and lords. Issei is rescued by Rias Gremory, and he also awakens his Sacred Gear.
Hyoudou developed a fear of women after being betrayed by Raynare, but Rias and Akeno comfort him. The male protagonist later befriends Asia Argento, a human girl with a righteous heart. She is kidnapped by Raynare because the Fallen Angel wishes to steal Asia’s Sacred Gear which has the power to heal wounds. Hyoudou rescues Asia after her resurrection, thanks to Rias and other devils. Mrs. Gremory angrily banishes Raynare, and the villainous Fallen Angel turns to ashes.
#24 Gungrave
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 26
Who betrays MC: Harry McDowell
Brandon Heat was a human who was a street gangster at first. Later, he becomes a formidable sweeper who joins the mafia organization Millenion to serve Big Daddy. Brandon becomes one of the finest assassins and a close friend of Big Daddy’s.
However, as the story unfolds, his dear pal Harry McDowell starts craving more power and decides to rebel against Big Daddy. After relaying his plans to Brandon, the latter fights Harry and is about to finish him off when he changes his mind at the last second. McDowell takes this opportunity to kill Brandon and later murders Big Daddy when confronted with the truth.
Dr. Tokioka resurrects Heat and turns him into Beyond the Grave using the process of necrolyzation. The two old friends-turned-rivals then target each other, and at the end of the series, Harry shoots Brandon and vice versa. The brotherly bond between McDowell and Heat and the consequences of a terrible betrayal is a real tear-jerker.
#23 Tokyo Ghoul
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 48
Who betrays MC: Rize Kamishiro
In a world of ghouls, death, despair, and betrayals are common occurrences. Kaneki Ken is an ordinary human boy who comes across an attractive woman in a cafe. The purple-haired woman seems impressed by his knowledge about books, as the two get to talking and discover that they have a lot in common.
After a date together, the woman ambushes Kaneki and shows her true form as the gluttonous ghoul known as Binge Eater. Hell-bent on consuming Ken’s flesh, Rize Kamishiro stabs Kaneki’s abdomen with her kagune. While her victim is bleeding to death, a bunch of steel beams land on Rize, flattening the assailant almost completely.
At Kanou General Hospital, Akihiro revives Kaneki by implanting some of her organs into Ken’s body, turning him into a One-Eyed ghoul. Near the end of the manga, she transforms into a Dragon. Kaneki later defeats her after reaching the core.
#22 Masamune-kun’s Revenge
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Yoshino Koiwai (disguised as Aki Adagaki)
Damage sustained at a young age leaves a lasting impression and sometimes resentment. Masamune Makabe is a good-looking man who draws the attention of everyone around him. Once a chubby child, his love interest cruelly rejected Masamune by likening his appearance to a “Pig’s Foot.”
Masamune started dieting and working out heavily after this traumatic incident and transformed into an attractive teenager. He plans to ensnare Aki Adagaki by making her fall for his handsome persona and then rejecting her just like Aki did all those years ago.
It later turns out that this was just a big misunderstanding, and Aki’s maid, Yoshino Koiwai, had disguised herself to break Masamune’s heart. Yoshino was jealous because his mistress was genuinely drawn to Masamune when he was chubby, but she tried to reunite the two. Yoshino finally succeeds at the end of the season.
#21 Akame Ga Kill!
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: Aria
In a brutal world, assassins are the good guys trying to salvage what’s left of the kingdom. Tatsumi is a cheerful boy who sets out in the direction of the Empire accompanied by Sayo and Ieyasu. The trio got separated because of bandits, and Tatsumi encountered a kind-natured girl named Aria.
While residing at her house, Tatsumi learns about the corrupt Prime Minister manipulating the young King and a band of assassins called Night Raid. Members of Night Raid attack Aria’s house, and Tatsumi tries to defend Aria from Akame’s onslaught. However, he is beaten, but before Akame unleashes her final killing blow, Leone interrupts and reveals the true nature of Aria’s family.
Tatsumi discovers that Sayo was tortured severely by Aria before she succumbed to her wounds. Ieyasu has been infected with the Lubora disease and imprisoned in a dungeon by Aria and her parents. Enraged at the deaths of his closest compatriots, Tatsumi stops Akame when she is about to kill Aria and takes matters into his own hands. The male protagonist then proceeds to join Night Raid.
#20 Deadman Wonderland
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Shiro, aka the Wretched Egg
Sometimes the best shows don’t end up being popular in Japan. This is one such example. Ganta Igarashi is a student at Nagano Middle School. His best friends, Mimi and Yamakatsu, alongside his entire class, were slaughtered in a gruesome fashion by the mysterious Red Man. Ganta is sentenced to Deadman Wonderland, a project where prisoners are used as showpieces to entertain audiences across the globe.
A twisted version of an amusement park, Ganta Igarashi soon gets used to the place after he meets Shiro, a white-haired woman who was also Ganta’s childhood friend. Shiro was subjected to experimentation by Sorae Igarashi and Hagire Rinichiro and became the first Deadman. Shiro also has a second, brutal personality that lurks underneath her innocent demeanor; she is the same Wretched Egg who massacred Ganta’s classmates out of jealousy and spite.
This malevolent self of Shiro wants Ganta Igarashi to grow stronger so that he can vanquish the Red Man for all eternity. In other words, Shiro is tired of living a sickening life and hopes her best friend will end her sorrows once and for all. However, Ganta decides to help Shiro instead and tries to understand her psyche better even though deep inside his heart, Igarashi cannot fully forgive Shiro for her deeds.
#19 Btooom!
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Nobutaka Oda and Kiyoshi Taira
How would you survive a death battle inside a game you’re familiar with? Ryota Sakamoto befriended a guy named Nobutaka Oda in high school. Oda later betrayed Ryota’s trust by fornicating with the woman for whom Sakamoto had developed feelings. Enraged, Ryota fought Oda, and the duo was expelled.
Since then, Ryota turned into a NEET, spending all his valuable time playing games. He gets fascinated with Btooom! and becomes one of the renowned players associated with the game. Later, Sakamoto gets sucked into the game world and meets Kiyoshi Taira and his in-game wife, Himiko (whose real name is Emilia Mikogami). The trio sticks together to win the game.
However, after Kiyoshi is bitten by a Komodo dragon while trying to safeguard Himiko, he becomes delusional and tries to kill both Ryota and Himiko. When his attempt fails, Kiyoshi bolts but unfortunately lands amidst 3 massive komodo dragons. Kiyoshi decides to use his ability to sacrifice himself to repent for his sins in the game and in the real world.
#18 Stigma of the Wind
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: The Kannagi family
Aristocratic households place great expectations and burdens on young, tender shoulders. Kazuma Yagami was born into the prestigious Kannagi household. Banished because he couldn’t master Enjutsu, Kagami later returns to Japan as a proficient Fu-jutsu practitioner with no match anywhere in the world.
Because of an early betrayal involving his clan and the death of Tsui Ling, who was a woman Kazuma fell in love with but was sacrificed by Erwin Leszaar of Armagest to summon a monstrous demon. After establishing a contract with the Spirit King of the Wind, Kazuma became the “Grim Reaper,”; a fearsome warrior who shows no mercy to his enemies.
Kazuma later tracks down and executes Erwin. Although Yagami can be cold, relentless, and brutal, his tenderness is visible around Ayano Kannagi, who later becomes his second love interest. Yagami is also considerate of those who are weak and unable to fend for themselves.
#17 Arifureta: From Commonplace to Strongest
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 25
Who betrays MC: Daisuke Hiyama
“He who fiights monsters must take care lest he not also become a monster.”- Nietzsche
Hajime Nagumo is a “synergist” with weak stats who was summoned into a different world along with most of his classmates. Nagumo is constantly harassed by Daisuke Hiyama and his buddies.
As someone associated with Hero Party, Nagumo accompanied the rest and entered the Great Orcaus Labyrinth to hone his abilities. After he saves the rest of the group using transmutation, Daisuke betrays him, causing Nagumo to fall into the Abyss.
Hajime comes across a Divinity Stone, and the ambrosia dripping from it helps him absorb characteristics linked with monsters he is forced to consume to satiate his hunger. Daisuke tries to kill Hajime because Kaori, a girl from their party, would frequently tend to Nagumo and take good care of him.
Daisuke was infatuated with Kaori, and this unhealthy obsession continued till it spiraled out of control. Later in the story, when Daisuke tries to turn Kaori into a puppet, Nagumo arrives and takes him out.
#16 Vinland Saga
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: Askeladd and later Canute
If you spend your formative years seeking revenge and fail, how do you recover from such a blow? Thorfinn is a Viking whose father was betrayed and killed by Askeladd’s mercenaries on the latter’s orders. To fulfill his need for vengeance, Thorfinn joins the squad and keeps challenging Askeladd as he grows stronger.
However, the blonde-haired antagonist keeps winning, no matter how hard Thorfinn tries to kill him. Thorfinn could not obtain revenge as Askeladd was later killed by Canute because of a plan the two hatched secretly.
While Askeladd drew his final breaths, Thorfinn realized how meaningless his pursuit was and even lashed out at Canute for taking his father figure away. Askeladd’s last words were similar to what his father told him shortly before his death, “Become a true warrior, Thorfinn.”
#15 Devilman Crybaby
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 10
Who betrays MC: Satan (Ryo Asuka)
Akira Fudo is a close friend of Ryo Asuka. The duo was inseparable for an extended period. Akira’s father commits suicide after killing his dog and even tries to hurt Ryo. When Asuka tells Fudo that his father was possessed by a demon, Fudo hesitates and cannot wrap his head around this newfound knowledge.
Akira later fuses with the demon Amon and becomes the dominant host; he transforms into a Devilman and hopes to save humanity. Fudo’s personality also changes because of Amon’s presence in his body; he becomes a perverted creature more prone to his instinctual desires. After many battles against dynamic demons, Ryo reveals his true intentions of annihilating humankind.
As the King of Demons, the might Satan was the one who befriended Akira under the guise of Ryo. Following the death of Miki Makimura, Akira Fudo loses hope but still gathers support from the Devilman, and a war ensues against the demonkind, which continues for two decades. In the end, Akira’s body is torn apart. As Satan tells his dear friend about his complex relationship with the Creator, he notices that Fudo has passed. Mourning the loss of his friend, Satan holds on to his lifeless body and weeps as the Angels start to descend.
#14 Cowboy Bebop
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: Vicious
Previously linked with the Red Dragon Crime Syndicate, Spike’s closest friend and partner was a man named Vicious. However, Spiegel met Julia, a woman who was romantically involved with Vicious, and the duo fell in love. To avoid capture, both individuals decide to disappear.
Spike is presumed dead, and Julia decides to abandon Spike for the sake of his life and her own. Later on, Spiegel and Julia finally decide to rendezvous after the main character learns that his love is alive. However, destiny wasn’t kind to the pair as Vicious dispatches his hitmen to hunt them down.
Being betrayed yet again by someone who was once his comrade, Spike takes the path of vengeance without hesitating and faces off against Vicious. At the end of their fight, Vicious dies, and Spike collapses after sustaining a severe injury. The ending is ambiguous, but the rider of Bebop got his revenge.
#13 Lord Marksman and Vanadis
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 13
Who betrays MC: Zion Thenardier and Felix Aaron Thenardier
As a leader, kindness and humility keep people’s faith alive. Tigrevurmud Vorn is the kind and benevolent Earl of Alsace. Vorn originally served the land of Brune. However, following the army’s crushing defeat at Dinant Plains, he was taken prisoner by a war maiden named Eleonora Vitalia.
Furthermore, his homeland was attacked by Zion Thenardier, a rotten noble and the son of Felix Aaron Thenardier. Zion is a sadistic man who hates commoners and invades Alsace with a massive army and two dragons. News of this betrayal reaches Vorn, and he begs Eleonora to help him in his quest to free the people of Alsace.
With Vitalia’s assistance, Tigrevurmud goes after Zion and finds the selfish noble at his home. When Zion prepares to violate Vorn’s maid Titta, his hand is pierced by Tigrevurmud’s arrow. Zion bolts, but Eleonora and Tigrevurmud soon catch up to him.
An all-out battle ensues, and after accepting that Brune’s force had no way to win, Zion tries to leave the battlefield again on the back of his wyvern dragon. Using the Vorn Black Bow and borrowing Arifal’s (Eleonora’s sword) power, Tigre strikes down his enemy with a single shot, ending his life.
#12 Heroic Legend of Arslan
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 6
Who betrays MC: Marzban Kharlan
Arslan is the main character in this riveting tale that focuses on the rise and fall of an empire. Adopted by King Andragora III and Queen Tahamine at a tender age, Arslan was chosen as the heir to the throne of Pars.
During his first battle at Atropatene, the Lusitanian forces would secure victory due to Marzban Kharlan’s treacherous actions and Silvermask’s strategies. Arslan fled the war zone with his trusted companion Daryun who later became his subordinate.
Also known as the Liberator, Arslan led the resistance against the Lusitanians and was dubbed “The Liberator.” Later on, Arslan and his men would fight against Zahhak and his minions. Throughout the story, Arslan is shown to be a great reformer and a worthy leader of Pars.
#11 Akatsuki no Yona
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: Soo-Won
The crimson-haired princess of the Kouka kingdom greatly depends on Soo-Won, who happens to be her cousin. When Soo-won murders Yona’s father and becomes the usurper, she is shattered.
Hak escapes with the princess, with most presuming the duo died. Yona is the current reincarnation of the Crimson Dragon King Hiryuu. She is aided in her quests by Kija aka the White Dragon, Shin-ah aka the Blue Dragon, Jae-Ha aka the Green Dragon, and Zeno aka the Yellow Dragon, i.e., the four dragon warriors destined to follow her.
Hak, her childhood friend, and bodyguard, never abandons Yona’s side and continues to serve her. Yona decides to spare Soo-Won when she realizes her father’s follies as a ruler and how Soo-Won’s path helped bring glory back to the Kouka Kingdom.
#10 From the New World
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 25
Who betrays MC: The new-generation “Gods”
In a dystopian society set far into the future, the world is ruled by individuals who have mastered the power of telekinesis. Saki Watanabe, alongside Shun Aonuma, Maria Akizuki, Satoru Asahina, Reiko Amano, and Mamoru Itou, is raised amidst a peaceful environment with plenty of water and vegetation.
Queerats or Monster rats serve the superior humans, and if they fail to obey the new “gods,” they are subjected to punishment and even death. It was initially believed that the Monster Rats were created by evolved humans, using mole rats as the base specimen.
However, at the end of the horrifying tale, it was shown that the Queerats were descendants of humans who didn’t receive the ability to use psychokinesis. To avoid rebellious scenarios, the primitive humans were dosed with naked mole rat genes repeatedly until they became unrecognizable.
This story is a social commentary on how those in power will always take advantage of those without it. Essentially, millions of people were turned into massive rats simply because they ended up being unable to use psychokinesis.
#9 Inuyashiki
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 11
Who betrays MC: Society
The anime follows the story of Hiro Shishigami as well as Ichiro Inuyashiki. Both these individuals are treated like scum by the majority of society. This betrayal causes them to lose faith, and the two end up coming across a peculiar device in an empty park that turns them into cyborgs.
Inuyashiki tries to help people, and Hiro, a sociopath, wreaks havoc on those who enrage him or harm his loved ones. Hiro has no qualms about killing innocent people to test the abilities of his newly found body. The antagonist only shows affection towards his best friend, mother, and the woman he cares for.
Eventually, the two meet and face off against each other. It is the oldest story; the fight between good and evil and a curious question, what would you do if you woke up one day and realized you were invincible?
#8 Dororo
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: Kagemitsu Daigo
How far will you go for the sake of your land? Will you sacrifice your humanity in the process? Hyakkimaru is born as the eldest son of Lord Kagemitsu, who trades his son’s body parts and even his skin to save his kingdom from certain ruin.
This trade with 12 formidable demons results in Hyakkimaru being endowed with supernatural abilities that give him an edge when he fights against mighty opponents. Under the parental guidance of Jukai, Hyakkimaru becomes a strong warrior.
Jukai also developed prosthetics to compensate for his lost limbs and other parts that might hinder Hyakkimaru. The main character goes on a search to eradicate the demons who possess various parts of his body and eventually meets his family.
Only Lady Nui No Kata loves Hyakkimaru as any mother would care for her child. However, after meeting Daigo and Tahomaru (Hyakkimaru’s younger brother), the protagonist realizes that the duo still hates him and holds him responsible for the fate of their land. Hyakkimaru kills all the 12 demons during the series and avenges all that was stolen during his birth. In the end, he forgives his family and begins to sympathize with their actions.
#7 Seraph of the End
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 24
Who betrays MC: Ferid Bathory and Guren Ichinose
Vampires prey upon humans and seraphs for their own gains. Yuichiro Hyakuya and Mikaela Hyakuya had the “seraph” gene within them, which is why they were frequently exploited by the cruel vampires. At an orphanage, the duo met and developed a great bond.
As the kids plan to escape the underground vampire city named Sanguinem, Ferid Bathory starts killing all members of his newfound family. As Mika stands guard, Yuichiro runs and swears to enact vengeance against Bathory and all the vampires involved in killing his kin.
Later, Guren Ichinose, Yu’s trusted mentor, turns Mika, another survivor from that fateful night, into a Black Demon using a serum.
#6 Tower of God
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 13
Who betrays MC: Rachel
For a victory, can one abandon their friends and loved ones? Twenty-Fifth Baam, popularly known as Baam, is the son of Arlen Grace and V. He met Rachel, another main character when he was a kid, and the two quickly became friends. Baam is an Irregular, just like his best friend who met him inside a dark, desolate cave.
Together, the duo decides to climb a mysterious tower to fulfill Rachel’s dream of gazing at the stars. However, right at the end of Season 1, the blonde girl to who Baam dedicated his entire journey pushes him to kill her enemy, and Baam falls.
Rachel and Baam’s story will be examined in detail during the second season, but she still is one of the most hated characters in all of anime history because of her selfish nature.
#5 91 Days
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12
Who betrays MC: The Vanettis and Clemente
This anime series is set in the United States during the Prohibition Era. Angelo Lagusa’s parents Testa and Elena Lagusa, and his younger brother Luce Lagusa, were brutally murdered by Vincent Vanetti, Nero Vanetti, and Vanno Clemente.
Angelo witnessed the killings and is the sole survivor of that horrific night. As a cynic, Angelo never trusted anybody completely, especially after the betrayal of his family. After receiving a mysterious letter, Angelo heads to Lawless, where he and his loved ones once lived, and hatches strategies to take out all those involved in the killings on that fateful night.
Under the alias of Avilio Bruno, Angelo hunts down and meticulously eradicates the Vanetti Family. However, Lagusa realizes there is no closure at the end of his path. Even after he eliminates all his targets, Angelo is left feeling empty inside.
#4 Rising of the Shield Hero
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 38
Who betrays MC: Malty S Melromarc
Will you be good to those who love you after enduring terrible humiliation and rotten lies? Naofumi Iwatani is the Shield Hero summoned into a new world. When the story began, Iwatani was an optimistic man with a trusting demeanor.
However, Malty S Melromarc falsely accused Naofumi of being a rapist, and as a result of this grave betrayal, Naofumi was left hated by almost all who met him. Thus, the protagonist becomes a cynic and develops a hostile attitude towards people. After meeting Raphtalia and Filo, Naofumi softens his outlook.
As more of the story unfolds, the spoilt liar Malty is exposed when she tries to assassinate her sister and frame Naofumi yet again. Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc decides to execute Malty and her husband for their treacherous actions. Naofumi saves them and chooses Malty’s new name – “B*tch.” That’s how the Shield Hero obtains revenge against Myne, the “Sl*t” Adventurer.
#3 Attack on Titan
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 86
Who betrays MC: Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover; later Mikasa and Armin, with Levi and Falco’s assistance
Reiner Braun and Bertholdt were Survey Corps members who served alongside Eren Yeager. Together, they reveal their true identities as the Armored Titan and the Colossal Titan and beg Eren to accompany them. Angry at being betrayed by the duo, who he revered as comrades, Eren turns into the Attack Titan.
The Survey Corps later rescue Eren. Bertholdt is eaten by Armin as the story progresses, and Eren takes revenge on Reiner by attacking Liberio and killing Willy Tybur. Eren’s invasion resulted in hundreds of civilians’ deaths, but by then, he had acclimated to the terror and obtained an unbreakable resolve.
During the final arc, Yeager is betrayed by his own kin, which includes Mikasa and Armin, as he tries to destroy the rest of the world to save Paradis from future conflicts and to strike fear into the hearts of all his potential enemies.
#2 Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 50
Who betrays MC: Charles Vi Britannia and Marianne
The world of Code Geass is filled with all sorts of betrayal that will make your heart ache. The main character Lelouch Vi Britannia was the son of Britannia’s Emperor Charles and his Consort, Marianne. He and his sibling Nunnally was later betrayed by his father.
King Charles exiled him to Japan when Lelouch confronted him for his negligent behavior. During this critically acclaimed tale’s second season, Lelouch learns of Charles and Marianne’s grand plan to recreate the world. Lelouch deals with both his parents.
With CC and Suzaku’s help, Lelouch advertises himself as the world’s villain. Disguised as Zero, Suzaku executes Zero in the presence of citizens and becomes a respectable hero. Seeing Nunnally’s dream come to life, a satisfied Lelouch dies with a smile on his face as his grieving sister finally realizes his true intentions.
#1 Berserk
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 49
Who betrays MC: Griffith, reborn as Femto
Griffith, the founder and leader of Band of the Falcon has a charismatic persona. Together with Casca, Guts, and many other loyal followers, the band becomes one of the most formidable groups of mercenaries. The snow-haired man has a dream to establish his kingdom.
After the departure of Guts, Griffith grows impatient and has sexual intercourse with a princess to realize his dream. But his impulsive actions land him in prison, where he is tortured. After a year, Guts returns and, with the Band’s assistance, liberates Griffith, who had since grown insane.
Griffith uses the Beherit to summon the God Hand, and the Eclipse is unleashed. He sacrifices the lives of all members of the Band except Guts and Casca to obtain greater power and joins the God Hand, reborn as Femto. The megalomaniac then proceeds to violate Casca in Guts’s presence until the heroic Skull Knight rescues the duo.
Guts then embarked on a new journey to annihilate Femto and restore Casca’s sanity. Berserk is a tale of vengeance, written and illustrated by the late Kentaro Miura.
Honorable Mentions
- Bleach
- Record of Grancrest War
- Dimension W
- Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers
- The King of Pigs (South Korean anime film)
FAQs
Who Is the Best Traitor in Anime?
Aizen Sosuke arguably is the most celebrated traitor in all of anime history. His betrayal of Soul Society will be legendary for generations to come.
Who Is the Greatest Anime Character of All Time?
Saitama and Goku take the top two spots in terms of sheer power. If we are referring to intelligence, Johan Liebert and Light Yagami are phenomenal sociopaths who are always two steps ahead of their opponents.
Does Rachel Betray Baam?
Rachel is a talentless hack who uses Baam’s abilities for her benefit. Because she is not a chosen one; without any special qualities, her cunning and manipulative nature helps her move ahead. When Season 1 ends, Rachel pushes Baam, seemingly to his death. Rachel had always planned to kill Baam and is immensely jealous of his good fortune.
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