Most Despicable Betrayals in Anime, Ranked

While surprising twists can be shocking, a truly great anime betrayal completely alters a story’s direction—breaking apart friendships, changing the meaning of past events, and leaving everyone to deal with the fallout. Here’s a list of some of the most famous betrayals and shocking reveals from both classic and recent anime series. Each entry details the show, the specific moment of the betrayal, and how it impacts the rest of the story, including who was involved and when it happened.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam 00’ (2007–2009) – Ribbons Almark’s turn against Celestial Being

In ‘Gundam 00’, Ribbons Almark is introduced as someone created by the Innovade program, but he secretly works against the main characters and their efforts to intervene with force. His manipulative actions become clear later in the first season, leading to the events that jump the story forward into Season 2. This betrayal changes how we see the A-Laws and reveals the Innovators’ real goal: controlling the world’s satellite systems. This new information shifts the focus of the conflict to gaining access to VEDA and the competition to develop more powerful GN Drives, ultimately leading toward the series’ final showdown.

‘Aldnoah.Zero’ (2014–2015) – Slaine Troyard’s reversal during the Vers–Earth conflict

The anime series, created by A-1 Pictures and TROYCA, follows Slaine, a boy from Earth who becomes involved with the royal family of Mars. As Earth comes under attack, Slaine’s allegiances change, and he turns against those who once helped him, disrupting the power structure of the Vers Empire. This action intensifies a brewing power struggle among the Orbital Knights, setting up a major conflict for the second half of the series and a fight for control of powerful Aldnoah technology.

‘Danganronpa: The Animation’ (2013) – The traitor twist within Class 78

The Lerche adaptation streamlines the story’s core mystery – a deadly game with a hidden traitor orchestrated by the person in charge of Hope’s Peak Academy. This traitor isn’t just a character; they’re a key part of how the story unfolds, influencing the investigations and throwing the group off track during the Class Trials. The reveal of the traitor is tied to the academy’s secrets and surveillance, and it ultimately connects the individual mysteries to the larger conspiracy that’s revealed at the end of the season.

‘Gurren Lagann’ (2007) – Rossiu’s removal of Simon from power

After the battle against the Anti-Spiral, the story jumps forward in time to a period where humans are governing themselves. Simon finds himself targeted by Rossiu, a former ally, who uses legal maneuvers to remove him from power, citing dwindling resources and strict population control measures. This shift moves the focus from adventurous battles to legal struggles, imprisonment, and attempts at emergency leadership, ultimately setting the stage for the story’s move into space and the final confrontation with the Anti-Spiral.

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’ (2012–2021) – Kakyoin’s possession and initial attack on the Joestars

The ‘Stardust Crusaders’ anime begins with a surprising attack: Noriaki Kakyoin, controlled by DIO, fights Jotaro. This initial betrayal introduces DIO’s method of using flesh buds to control people with Stand abilities, a trick he’ll use against other enemies. It also shows how far DIO’s influence stretches before the story moves to Egypt. This event leads to Kakyoin receiving surgery and eventually becoming a key member of the team as they face future challenges.

‘Tokyo Ghoul’ (2014–2018) – The Aogiri Tree abduction that flips Kaneki’s path

The anime adaptation by Studio Pierrot uses the Aogiri raid to dramatically change the main character’s path, leading him to question his loyalties. This event destroys the peaceful life the character had built and reveals the complex power struggles within the ghoul world. As a result, the character’s fighting style and training change, setting the stage for future conflicts with the CCG and the major character developments that drive the second half of the series.

‘Neon Genesis Evangelion’ (1995–1996) – SEELE’s move to seize NERV

As the series progresses, it shifts from focusing on individual monster battles to a conflict within the organizations themselves, particularly when SEELE betrays NERV. This betrayal causes security failures, deaths within NERV headquarters, and the seizure of the Eva units. This change in direction is the beginning of the plan to initiate Instrumentality, and it reveals that everything that happened before was part of a larger, long-term scheme that comes to a head in the final episodes and beyond.

‘Vinland Saga’ (2019–2023) – Askeladd’s contract killing of Thors after proposing honorable combat

The anime adaptation by Wit Studio and MAPPA depicts Askeladd setting up a seemingly honorable duel, but it’s actually a trap that leads to Thors’ death. This pivotal moment, which happens early in the story, establishes the rules of conduct for mercenaries throughout the series. It also explains why Thorfinn acts the way he does and drives the main storyline of Season 1. Furthermore, the ambush reveals the unstable political landscape of the time and sets the stage for Prince Canute’s character development.

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016– ) – The U.A. traitor revelation inside Class 1-A

The series eventually reveals that a student was forced to help the League of Villains. This discovery happens alongside the aftermath of the Paranormal Liberation War and the heroes’ efforts to rebuild. It leads to changes in security at U.A. High and fuels growing public distrust, which becomes a bigger issue later on. This information also changes how students and teachers interact with each other and gives the heroes clues about who was supplying the League.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam SEED’ (2002–2003) – Flay Allster’s handoff of the N-Jammer Canceller data

Following her service on the Archangel, Sunrise’s story places Flay close to important military intelligence. When she shares crucial information with ZAFT, it changes the power dynamics surrounding weapons that can launch nuclear attacks. This decision leads to increased conflict later in the series, including the deployment of the Freedom and Justice mobile suits against constantly changing enemies. Ultimately, it highlights a common idea throughout the franchise: ordinary people can significantly impact the course of war in space.

‘Steins;Gate’ (2011) – Moeka Kiryu’s raid under orders from SERN

White Fox’s version of the story introduces Moeka at the Future Gadget Lab before the lab is attacked. Her involvement is linked to SERN’s tracking of D-Mail and their search for the first time machine. This attack is what causes the shifts between different timelines that are central to the story, and it also clarifies why the subplot involving the IBN 5100 computer is so important.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010) – King Bradley’s identity as Wrath and his coup

According to Bones’ account, the leader of Amestris is actually a Homunculus operating from within the government. This revelation happens alongside large military exercises designed to control the population and protect important alchemical locations. It all connects to the events leading up to the Promised Day and the Homunculi’s overall strategy, solidifying the show’s political themes into a single, nationwide conspiracy that fuels the story’s climax.

‘Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters’ (2000–2004) – Marik’s betrayal of his own faction during Battle City

The Battle City tournament takes a dramatic turn as Marik uses manipulative tactics, even pitting friends against each other. This betrayal shakes up the Rare Hunters group and throws the tournament standings into chaos. New cards and challenging penalties are also introduced, becoming crucial elements in the final duels. This unexpected shift ultimately connects the tournament’s climax to the ancient Egyptian mythology that forms the core of the series.

‘Psycho-Pass’ (2012–2019) – The Bureau’s quiet cover-ups to protect Sibyl’s secret

The cyberpunk thriller from Production I.G shows how leaders are actively working against investigations to conceal the truth about Sibyl. This betrayal within the system becomes clear as Inspectors and Enforcers face obstacles like denied warrants and manipulated case files. This forces Akane to change from an investigator into someone who reluctantly maintains order. Ultimately, the story highlights how criminal profiling is being used to control society, rather than simply enforce the law.

‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (2019– ) – The Upper Ranks’ internal treachery amid Muzan’s orders

The anime adaptation by ufotable highlights Muzan’s ruthless control, forcing demons to prove their loyalty with deadly consequences. This leads to infighting among demons during important story arcs, constantly changing the composition of the Twelve Kizuki and how their unique powers are used in battles. These betrayals impact how the Hashira are positioned and what they focus on during training, ultimately shaping the final showdown in the Infinity Castle by eliminating some villains and elevating others.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’ (2015–2017) – Gjallarhorn’s factional backstab on Tekkadan

Okay, so ‘Iron-Blooded Orphans’ really throws a wrench into things. We see all these fragile alliances within Gjallarhorn completely fall apart, leading to a serious crackdown that undoes any progress they’d made towards peace. This leaves our crew, Tekkadan, totally exposed and without the political backing they were promised. It also kicks the power struggle for the Bael family into high gear, setting the stage for the series’ explosive finale. What I found particularly interesting is how the show connects the kids’ fight for independence with the larger issue of who really holds the power in this broken world. It’s a smart move that adds a lot of depth.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014) – Illumi’s manipulation of Killua’s autonomy

The Madhouse anime shows how Illumi manipulated Killua from a young age, a backstory first hinted at during the Hunter Exam and developed further throughout the series. This explains why Killua sometimes abruptly stops fighting or seems unsure when given instructions. This conditioning significantly impacts who Killua works with and how missions play out in story arcs like Yorknew City and Greed Island. It also clarifies why Killua needs help from others to break free from his family’s influence.

‘One Piece’ (1999– ) – CP9’s deep cover in Water 7

The popular One Piece series recently revealed that shipwrights from the Galley-La Company – including Rob Lucci and Kaku – are actually secret agents working for the World Government’s CP9. This changes the focus of the Water 7 storyline from a simple journey to a dramatic rescue mission involving a major government conspiracy. This revelation directly leads to the attack on Enies Lobby and a formal rebellion against the World Government. It also explains why CP9 is so interested in ancient weapons.

‘Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion’ (2006–2008) – Suzaku’s capture and handover of Zero

In Sunrise’s series, Suzaku is a Britannian soldier who discovers Zero’s true identity. This leads him to participate in secret operations that significantly change the course of the rebellion. The revelation damages the Black Knights’ trust in each other and disrupts their leadership as they approach the final battles. It also complicates negotiations with Schneizel, particularly regarding the use of powerful weapons. Ultimately, these events create the circumstances for the climactic showdown in the capital.

‘Death Note’ (2006–2007) – Light’s disposal of allies to protect the Kira plan

In Madhouse’s version, Light skillfully manipulates events to remove anyone who might become a problem, even important allies connected to the media and investigative teams. This leads to changes in the task force, with investigative control moving overseas. He carries out these betrayals by strategically swapping and transferring Death Notes and control of suspects, steadily building tension towards a final confrontation in Yokohama.

‘Naruto Shippūden’ (2007–2017) – Danzo’s role in the Uchiha downfall and later power grab

Pierrot’s account details Danzo’s secret operations with Root, showing how his actions impacted the Uchiha clan and led to his power grab at the Kage Summit. The story’s records and witness statements directly link him to important decisions and cover-ups. These events change the relationships between villages and influence who Sasuke targets. Ultimately, these revelations set the stage for the Five Kage arc and the increasing threat of Akatsuki.

‘Bleach’ (2004–2012) – Sōsuke Aizen’s defection from Soul Society

As a long-time fan, seeing Studio Pierrot finish the Soul Society arc was a real turning point. It was shocking to discover Aizen wasn’t dead at all, and to learn about his elaborate scheme with Gin and Tōsen! Suddenly, so many weird things that happened during the Rukia mission made sense, and we finally understood why the Hōgyoku ended up where it did. This whole reveal completely changed the power dynamics among the Captains and set the stage for the next big adventure – heading into Hueco Mundo and meeting the Arrancar leaders. It felt like a total reset, but in the best way possible!

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023) – Annie Leonhart exposed as the Female Titan

The animation studios Wit Studio and MAPPA show the shocking reveal happening during the fight to protect humanity’s last stronghold, after the city is completely trapped. This reveal confirms clues seen during the training and actions of the 104th Cadet Corps. It leads to a chaotic chase through the capital city and ultimately ends with everyone being frozen in crystal. This event changes how they understand the danger, realizing the threat comes from within, not from an outside attack.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023) – Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover reveal the Armored and Colossal Titans

The show reveals a crucial truth during a quiet conversation, which is immediately interrupted by a fight at the Wall. This discovery proves that someone has been working against them for a long time and clarifies why important defenses were lost. It causes a major division within the 104th and leads to a chase that drives the rest of the story. This event solidifies the plans of those operating outside the Walls and establishes a power struggle that will play out going forward.

‘Berserk’ (1997) – Griffith’s sacrifice at the Eclipse

The 1997 version of Berserk’s story culminates at the Eclipse, a tragic event where Griffith betrays and sacrifices his Band of the Hawk comrades to achieve godhood as Femto. This marks the end of the Golden Age story arc and reveals how Femto joined the God Hand. The Eclipse dramatically changes the lives of those who survive and expands the series’ focus to include supernatural forces. It’s a turning point for the entire series, shifting it from battles and politics to a world of demons and otherworldly powers.

2025-11-06 06:48