10 Anime Friendships That Are Actually Toxic

Anime frequently highlights the importance of friendship, often portraying strong loyalty and unbreakable bonds as ways to conquer challenges. However, many famous anime friendships, despite being celebrated, actually exhibit unhealthy or even damaging patterns. These relationships can involve one person overly relying on another, or include manipulation and abuse. Viewers sometimes ignore these warning signs because the characters are likable or the story is captivating.

‘Berserk’ (1997)

Griffith and Guts’ relationship isn’t based on genuine friendship, but on Griffith’s desire to possess and control Guts. The anime beautifully shows how different these two are – Griffith, the charming leader, and Guts, the lone wanderer. Griffith sees Guts as his possession and struggles when Guts tries to forge his own destiny. This possessiveness ultimately leads to a heartbreaking betrayal during the tragic events of the Eclipse.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)

Light Yagami and L are locked in a dangerous battle of wits, constantly trying to outsmart and destroy each other. They pretend to be friends to gain an edge, but beneath the surface, it’s a ruthless game of deception driven by ego and the will to survive. The animation studio Madhouse vividly portrays this intense psychological conflict.

‘Naruto’ (2002–2007)

For years, Naruto relentlessly pursues Sasuke, even though Sasuke repeatedly tries to break away from him, often through brutal fights. These intense clashes, animated by Studio Pierrot, leave both characters severely injured. Sasuke consistently tries to distance himself, driven by a desire for revenge, but Naruto stubbornly ignores his wishes, determined to save him. Their relationship is built on Naruto’s unwavering dedication and, for a long time, Sasuke’s resistance, lasting until their final confrontation.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–)

For years, Katsuki Bakugo relentlessly bullied Izuku Midoriya because Midoriya didn’t have a superpower. Despite this constant mistreatment, the animated series by Bones portrays Midoriya as admiring Bakugo. Bakugo, secretly insecure, lashes out at Midoriya, the one person who attempts to befriend him. It takes a long time for their harmful relationship to move past abuse and fear and begin to heal.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2007)

Lelouch and Suzaku are caught on opposing sides of a war, secretly keeping their true selves hidden from each other. The story shows how their friendship tragically falls apart due to deceit and their differing beliefs. Suzaku feels hurt by what Zero does, while Lelouch uses his friend to further his own plans. Their relationship is damaged by dishonesty and the suffering of those they’re trying to save.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Gon and Killua initially seem like inseparable friends, but their relationship begins to change when faced with serious challenges. The animation subtly shows Killua becoming overly focused on protecting Gon, even at his own expense. Later, Gon becomes consumed by his own goals and doesn’t consider Killua’s feelings, deeply hurting him. This uneven dynamic, where one relies on the other too much, ultimately leads to them needing to go their separate ways.

‘Puella Magi Madoka Magica’ (2011)

Homura Akemi repeatedly relives time, desperately trying to save her friend Madoka, but each loop slowly erodes her own humanity. The animation studio, Shaft, uses dreamlike visuals to show how Homura’s protectiveness turns into controlling behavior. Her good intentions become an all-consuming obsession, ignoring what Madoka actually wants. What began as care evolves into a restrictive force that even bends reality itself.

‘Devilman Crybaby’ (2018)

Ryo Asuka tricks Akira Fudo into combining with a demon, all as part of a secret plan. The animation studio Science SARU uses dynamic and impactful visuals to illustrate how Ryo sees people – and even his friend – as mere pawns in a much larger game. Akira suffers devastating losses due to the schemes of someone he deeply trusted. Instead of finding answers, the truth about their relationship triggers a worldwide catastrophe.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996)

Shinji Ikari, already deeply troubled, desperately seeks affection and acceptance from Kaworu Nagisa. The creators of the series use their short-lived connection to set the stage for even more emotional pain for Shinji. When Kaworu reveals he’s actually an Angel, Shinji is forced to make an impossible choice: save his new friend or protect humanity. This betrayal shatters what little emotional progress Shinji had made.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Mikasa Ackerman dedicates her life to protecting Eren Yeager, often neglecting her own well-being. The animation studio, Wit Studio, powerfully portrays her strong feelings for him, even though Eren often disregards her concern and can be distant. He ultimately rejects her, intentionally pushing her away with harsh words as he pursues a destructive path. Their relationship is marked by Mikasa’s one-sided devotion and a heartbreaking lack of open communication, which remains unresolved until it’s too late.

Tell us which anime duo you think has the most unhealthy dynamic in the comments.

2025-11-24 20:45