Attack On Titan: The Saddest Character Deaths, Ranked

In terms of deeply impactful emotional turmoil, not many anime can match the intensity of “Attack on Titan”. In this series, death serves not only as a plot tool or means to heighten tension, but as an unforgiving entity that snatches away the beloved characters we root for, often without any prior notice.

Instead of shows that save key characters for last, Attack on Titan doesn’t hold back – no one is invincible, not even the bravest warriors, the humorous sidekicks, or those who appear untouchable. Here’s a list of the top eight most heart-wrenching character deaths in Attack on Titan, ranked based on their emotional impact, influence on the storyline, and lasting effect on the fanbase.

Marco Bodt

A Betrayal That Redefined Trust Forever

Episode: (Season 3, Episode 15)

Marco Bodt may not have been the most flamboyant member of the 104th Cadet Corps, yet he was undoubtedly its core. His demise in Season 1 carries a subdued sadness, but it isn’t until Season 3 that the full impact is felt, as a flashback unveils a heart-wrenching revelation: Marco was deceived by his fellow comrades.

Listening in on Reiner and Bertholdt’s hidden conversation, Marco is left vulnerable—his equipment taken by Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie, followed by being devoured by a Titan while his presumed companions looked on from the darkness. What makes Marco’s fate so chilling isn’t merely the violence, but the despair and sorrow evident on Marco’s face as he comprehends the situation. There’s no valiant struggle, no honorable farewell, only the growing terror of deception and the harsh unpredictability of death in war.

Isabel Magnolia & Furlan Church

The Friends Who Forged Levi’s Path

Episode: Attack on Titan: No Regrets – Part 2 (OVA)

Fans of anime alone might recognize Levi as a stern, relentless figure, but the No Regrets OVAs reveal a more tender and vulnerable side of him at a younger age, along with his two cherished friends – Isabel, who was full of life, and Furlan, who was practical to a fault. In the bleakness of the Underground, these two provided the only glimmer of hope. Their end comes unexpectedly and violently: during an excursion, Furlan is savagely attacked by Titans, and Levi witnesses the horrifying scene; meanwhile, Isabel’s life is claimed by a Titan’s bite.

Levi arrives after the event, leaving him to grieve in the rain while holding on to what remains of his found family. This sad incident didn’t just shatter Levi; it transformed him utterly. This tragedy serves as the blacksmith that forges Levi’s unwavering loyalty to the Survey Corps, his steely determination, and his reluctance to form new bonds. Fans who know about this past story view Levi’s cold demeanor differently after learning this backstory.

Carla Jaeger

The Mother Whose Death Changed Everything

Episode: (Season 1, Episode 1)

A defining moment in the ruthless atmosphere of ‘Attack on Titan’ is the demise of Carla Jaeger. In the initial episode itself, we witness Wall Maria collapsing and crushing Eren’s caring and nurturing mother, Carla. What follows is a gruesome spectacle as she is eaten bit by bit by the Smiling Titan, with Eren unable to intervene.

This event transcends being merely a personal misfortune; it’s the catalyst for Eren’s wrath and the flame that sets the whole narrative ablaze. The last moments of Carla are almost too emotional to bear. Her desperate entreaties for Eren and Mikasa to flee, and her poignant words before her selfless sacrifice, still resonate powerfully with viewers today.

Hannes

When Second Chances End in Familiar Tragedy

Episode: (Season 2, Episode 12)

Hannes wasn’t just a secondary character; he was an integral part of the Jaeger family, almost like their spirit protector, adding warmth even to the grimmest parts of the series. His death in Season 2 is incredibly heart-wrenching. Despite his previous failure in saving Carla, Hannes gets another opportunity in later seasons to confront the Smiling Titan.

Driven by remorse and affection, Hannes bravely rushes to shield Eren and Mikasa, but ends up suffering the same gruesome fate as Eren’s mother. He is viciously torn in two while the children can only watch, powerless once more. This horrific scene mirrors the events of episode one, causing Eren to endure a harrowing reenactment of his darkest nightmare.

Levi’s Special Operations Squad

When Hope Got Torn Apart in Minutes

Episode: (Season 1, Episode 15)

Levi’s carefully chosen team consisting of Petra, Eld, Oluo, and Gunther represented humanity’s elite. However, their sudden, violent annihilation at the hands of the Female Titan came as a shocking twist to the series, leaving fans feeling like the rug had been pulled out from under them, as if each team member was swatted away like pesky mosquitoes.

In this fictional universe of Attack on Titan, I’ve witnessed the profound impact of loss within our squad on various levels. For Eren, it seems to have shattered his newly formed trust; for Levi, it’s a harsh reminder that even legends are not immune to personal setbacks that only serve to deepen their stoicism. As an observer, I can’t help but feel the collective stun of the audience as we ponder over the grim reality: no matter our skills, survival is far from guaranteed in this world.

Erwin Smith

The Commander Who Chose Humanity Over Dreams

Episode: (Season 3, Episode 18)

Commander Erwin Smith demonstrates an exceptional level of self-sacrifice. During the Battle of Shiganshina, he bravely leads his recruits on a perilous assault against the Beast Titan, a risky yet ingenious strategy that provides Levi with an opportunity to secure victory. Despite being fatally struck by a falling rock, Erwin’s death lacks the conventional heroic flair; it is sudden, gruesome, and marked by remorse.

The climactic moment comes when Levi is compelled to decide between rescuing Erwin and Armin. In the end, she gives Erwin a tranquil passing – a tribute to the commander’s unspoken request for solace. This loss signifies the end of a significant part in humanity’s pursuit of truth, leaving an empty space in the Survey Corps that remains unfillable.

Sasha Braus

When Victory Turned to Heartbreak in Seconds

Episode: (Season 4, Episode 8)

It’s tough to envision Attack on Titan without Sasha’s contagious enthusiasm and passion for food. A vital part of the 104th, Sasha was the soul of the team – the one who fearlessly put herself in danger to save others and had an uncanny ability to lighten everyone’s spirits. Her death in Season 4 came as a heavy blow.

In the wake of the raid on Liberio, Sasha was fatally shot by Gabi, and her last utterance, “meat,” served as a poignant mix of sorrowful humor and gut-wrenching reality. The scene that followed was unfiltered: Connie’s inconsolable shock, Jean’s silent sorrow, even Levi momentarily losing his composure. Sasha’s death underscores the fact that in Attack on Titan, joy is transient, and no character can be considered invincible.

Hange Zoë

A Scientist’s Final, Fiery Stand Against Apocalypse

Episode: (Season 4 Part 3 Special)

In the world of Attack on Titan, the extraordinary and unconventional leader, Hange Zoë, introduced both radical experiments and heartfelt leadership. The climactic battle in the Final Season is remembered as both tragic and legendary: standing solo against the encroaching Colossal Titans, Hange sacrificed herself, managing to eliminate numerous enemies before meeting her end amidst flames and steam, buying invaluable time for the alliance.

As Hange’s final smile lingers, it stirs tears among fans, symbolizing the profound influence of her sacrifice. This act signifies the departure of the last of the old guard and the dawn of a new era. For viewers, it’s an emotional blend of pride and sorrow, witnessing a beloved character depart with courage, selflessness, and without remorse.

2025-08-04 16:36