The 9 Best and Worst Deaths in Attack on Titan (Ranked by Impact and Emotion)

Spoilers Alert

Attack on Titan is known for its intense storytelling, high-stakes battles, and emotional depth. One of the reasons the series has left such a lasting impact is its unpredictable character deaths. Unlike many other anime where main characters are protected by plot armor, Attack on Titan doesn’t hesitate to kill off beloved figures, often in the most shocking and heartbreaking ways. These deaths serve a greater purpose, pushing the story forward and deepening the themes of sacrifice, survival, and the brutality of war.

In this ranking, we’ll evaluate the best and worst deaths based on two key factors: narrative impact and emotional resonance. The first considers how the character’s death shaped the story, influenced other characters, or altered the course of events. The second focuses on how much the loss affected the audience, whether it brought shock, grief, or even frustration. Some deaths were heroic and meaningful, while others felt pointless or unfair, leaving fans divided. Whether these moments made you cry, rage, or reflect on the cruelty of this world, each one left a mark on the Attack on Titan experience. Let's dive into the most memorable and devastating farewells in the series.

9. Ramzi and Halil's Tragic Fate

In the expansive narrative of Attack on Titan, the stories of minor characters often underscore the profound consequences of larger conflicts. Ramzi and Halil, two young refugee brothers, epitomize this theme. Fleeing persecution, they sought shelter in a makeshift camp, striving for a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos. Ramzi, driven by desperation, resorted to petty theft, enduring severe punishment, including the loss of his right hand, to secure a better future for their family. Halil, ever the cautious sibling, worried about the risks Ramzi took but remained by his side.

Their lives took a tragic turn during the cataclysmic event known as the Rumbling. As Eren Yeager unleashed the colossal Titans, intending to annihilate all life beyond Paradis Island, the brothers found themselves in the path of destruction. Amidst the chaos, Ramzi accidentally dropped his hard-earned money. Halil, attempting to retrieve it, was struck by falling debris, leading to his immediate death. Ramzi, crippled by the same debris, could only watch in despair as a Titan’s massive foot descended upon them, ending their young lives.

This harrowing episode serves as a poignant commentary on the collateral damage of war. Ramzi and Halil were innocents, their only desire was to survive and protect their family. Their untimely deaths highlight the indiscriminate nature of large-scale violence, where the ambitions of a few lead to the suffering of many. Eren’s decision to initiate the Rumbling, while rooted in a desire to protect his homeland, resulted in unimaginable loss for countless innocents like Ramzi and Halil. Their story is a stark reminder of the human cost of war, emphasizing that behind every statistic lies a personal tragedy.

8. Miche Zacharias' Brutal End

Miche Zacharias was a high-ranking member of the Survey Corps, renowned for his exceptional tracking abilities and keen sense of smell. Often regarded as the second-strongest soldier after Levi Ackerman, Miche played a pivotal role in numerous expeditions beyond the walls. His stoic demeanor and unwavering dedication made him a respected figure among his peers.

During a routine scouting mission, Miche encountered an unprecedented threat: the Beast Titan. This ape-like Titan not only possessed a distinctive appearance but also demonstrated the ability to speak, a trait unseen in other Titans. After successfully eliminating several Titans, Miche found himself cornered. In a shocking display of intelligence, the Beast Titan seized Miche's horse and hurled it towards him, knocking him off balance and into the grasp of a waiting Titan. Despite his efforts to escape, Miche was immobilized as the Beast Titan questioned him about his ODM gear. Unable to respond due to sheer terror, Miche was left to the mercy of the surrounding Titans, who brutally dismembered and devoured him alive.

This gruesome scene significantly escalated the tension within the series, marking a turning point that highlighted the evolving threat posed by the Titans. The introduction of a Titan capable of strategic thinking and communication shattered previous assumptions held by the Survey Corps. Miche's horrific death served as a stark reminder of the perils faced by humanity and underscored the unpredictable nature of their adversaries. This moment not only intensified the narrative stakes but also foreshadowed the complex challenges that lay ahead for the protagonists.

7. Bertholdt Hoover's Demise

Bertholdt Hoover, known as the Colossal Titan, was a key member of Marley's Warrior Unit. Alongside Reiner Braun and Annie Leonhart, he infiltrated Paradis Island with the mission to reclaim the Founding Titan. Despite his role as an antagonist, Bertholdt was often portrayed as a calm and reserved individual, grappling with internal conflicts about his actions and their repercussions.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, Bertholdt's fate took a decisive turn. In a strategic move, Armin Arlert and Eren Yeager devised a plan to neutralize the Colossal Titan. Armin, willing to sacrifice himself, confronted Bertholdt head-on, enduring the intense heat emitted by the Colossal Titan. This diversion allowed Eren to approach unnoticed and dislodge Bertholdt from his Titan form. Subsequently, the severely injured Armin was transformed into a Pure Titan and consumed Bertholdt, inheriting the power of the Colossal Titan. This event not only saved Armin's life but also shifted the balance of power in favor of the Survey Corps.

Bertholdt's death had profound implications for the remaining Warriors and the overarching narrative. His demise marked the loss of a significant asset for Marley and intensified the resolve of his comrades, particularly Reiner and Zeke. For the story's progression, this event underscored the high stakes of the conflict and the personal sacrifices made by those involved. It also highlighted the moral ambiguities faced by characters on both sides, as friendships and loyalties were tested amidst the turmoil of war.

6. Hannes' Redemption

Hannes, a dedicated member of the Garrison Regiment, held a close bond with Eren Yeager and Mikasa Ackerman. During the fall of Shiganshina, he rescued the two from imminent danger but was unable to save Eren's mother, Carla Yeager, from the Smiling Titan. This failure weighed heavily on him, leading to feelings of guilt and regret.

Years later, during a critical confrontation, Hannes faced the same Smiling Titan in an attempt to avenge Carla's death. Demonstrating courage and determination, he engaged the Titan to protect Eren and Mikasa. Despite his valiant efforts, Hannes was overpowered and killed by the Titan, mirroring the tragic loss Eren had previously endured.

Hannes' death had a profound emotional impact on Eren, intensifying his resolve to eliminate the Titans and fueling his personal growth. This event underscored the harsh realities of their world and served as a pivotal moment in Eren's development.

5. Marco Bodt's Betrayal

Marco Bodt, though a minor character in Attack on Titan, played a pivotal role within the 104th Training Corps. Graduating as the seventh best in his class, he was known for his optimism, loyalty, and aspiration to join the Military Police Regiment to serve humanity. His keen perception and leadership qualities made him a trusted comrade among his peers.

During the Battle of Trost District, Marco overheard a conversation between Reiner Braun and Bertholdt Hoover, inadvertently discovering their true identities as the Armored and Colossal Titans, respectively. Realizing the potential threat Marco's knowledge posed, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie Leonhart conspired to silence him. They restrained Marco and removed his Omni-Directional Mobility Gear, leaving him defenseless on a rooftop. Helpless, Marco was devoured by a Titan, a fate that left his friends, especially Jean Kirstein, devastated upon discovering his mutilated body.

Marco's tragic death served as a catalyst for significant character development and plot progression. It exposed the duplicity within the ranks, highlighting the moral complexities of war and the blurred lines between friend and foe. Jean, in particular, was profoundly affected, with Marco's demise strengthening his resolve and commitment to the cause. This event underscored the harsh realities of trust and betrayal, emphasizing that in the battle for humanity's survival, allegiances are not always as they seem.

4. Erwin Smith's Charge

Erwin Smith, the 13th Commander of the Survey Corps, was renowned for his strategic brilliance and unwavering resolve. His leadership was instrumental in numerous expeditions beyond the walls, driven by a relentless pursuit of truth about the Titans and the world. Erwin's charismatic presence and inspirational speeches motivated his soldiers to face insurmountable odds with courage.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, the Survey Corps faced the formidable Beast Titan, leading to devastating losses. Recognizing the dire situation, Erwin devised a bold strategy: a suicidal frontal assault to divert the Beast Titan's attention, providing an opening for Captain Levi to launch a counterattack. In a stirring address, Erwin acknowledged the futility of their dreams in the face of death but urged his soldiers to find meaning in their sacrifice, rallying them with the cry: "My soldiers, rage! My soldiers, scream! My soldiers, fight!"

Leading the charge, Erwin was struck down by debris hurled by the Beast Titan, sustaining a fatal wound. His death had a profound impact on the morale of the Survey Corps. While it momentarily plunged the soldiers into despair, it also steeled their resolve to honor his sacrifice. Levi, in particular, was deeply affected, feeling a personal responsibility to fulfill Erwin's final command to defeat the Beast Titan.

Erwin's demise marked a turning point in the series, underscoring the harsh realities of war and the cost of pursuing one's ideals. His legacy continued to influence the decisions and morale of the Survey Corps, serving as a testament to the power of leadership and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming adversity.

3. Hange Zoë's Sacrifice

Hange Zoë, the 14th Commander of the Survey Corps, was celebrated for their scientific curiosity and innovative contributions to Titan research. Before ascending to command, Hange led the Fourth Squad, overseeing experiments that deepened humanity's understanding of Titans. Their leadership was marked by a blend of intellectual fervor and unwavering commitment to the Corps' mission.

In the climactic events of the series, during the Rumbling, Hange made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure their comrades' survival. As the massive wall of advancing Colossal Titans threatened to overtake the Survey Corps' position, Hange took it upon themselves to delay the onslaught. Facing overwhelming odds, they engaged the Titans head-on, buying precious time for the remaining members to escape aboard a flying boat. This selfless act epitomized the themes of duty and sacrifice, core to the series' narrative.

Hange's death resonated deeply within the story, highlighting the personal costs of leadership and the burdens borne by those at the helm. Their willingness to lay down their life for the greater good served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the relentless pursuit of freedom and survival. This moment not only underscored the ephemeral nature of life amidst constant warfare but also reinforced the enduring spirit of the Survey Corps to fight against insurmountable odds.

2. Sasha Braus' Death

Sasha Braus, affectionately known as the "Potato Girl", was a cherished member of the Survey Corps in Attack on Titan. Originating from the rural Dauper Village, she was renowned for her insatiable appetite and lighthearted demeanor, often providing much-needed comic relief amidst the series' intense moments. Her exceptional skills as a markswoman and her unwavering loyalty to her comrades made her an indispensable asset to the team.

In a shocking turn of events during the raid on Liberio, Sasha met her untimely demise. After a successful yet tumultuous mission, the Survey Corps retreated to their airship, believing they had evaded immediate danger. Unbeknownst to them, Gabi Braun, a young warrior candidate from Marley, harbored a deep-seated vendetta against the invaders for the devastation wrought upon her homeland. Fueled by vengeance, Gabi infiltrated the airship and, in a moment of chaos, shot Sasha in the chest. Despite the frantic efforts of her comrades to save her, Sasha succumbed to her injuries, uttering "meat" as her final word—a poignant nod to her enduring love for food.

Sasha's unexpected death sent shockwaves through both the characters and the fanbase. Within the narrative, her loss profoundly affected the morale of the Survey Corps, intensifying the rift between Eren Yeager and his friends. Fans worldwide mourned the departure of a character who had been a source of joy and levity since the series' inception. Her death underscored the indiscriminate nature of war and the personal toll it exacts on all involved, serving as a stark reminder of the fragile line between life and death in their tumultuous world.

1. Eren Yeager's Death

Eren Yeager's journey in Attack on Titan is a compelling narrative of transformation. Initially introduced as a determined protagonist seeking vengeance against the Titans for the destruction of his hometown and the death of his mother, Eren's character undergoes a significant evolution. As the series progresses, his unwavering resolve morphs into a more complex and darker ambition, leading him down a path where he becomes an antagonist to many of his former allies. This shift is marked by his controversial decision to initiate the Rumbling, a catastrophic event aimed at global destruction to protect his homeland, Paradis Island.

Narratively, Eren's death serves as a pivotal conclusion to his arc and the series as a whole. In the final chapters, Eren is confronted by his closest friends, Mikasa and Armin, who recognize that stopping him is the only way to end the cycle of violence. Mikasa ultimately delivers the fatal blow, decapitating Eren to halt the Rumbling and save humanity. This act not only signifies the end of Eren's reign of terror but also symbolizes the tragic demise of a once-heroic figure consumed by his own ideals. His death prompts a three-year time skip, during which the world begins to heal, and the remaining characters strive to build a more peaceful future.

The fanbase's reaction to Eren's demise has been deeply divided. Some view his end as a necessary resolution to the conflict, appreciating the poetic justice in his closest friends being the ones to stop him. Others feel a profound sense of loss and sorrow, having witnessed Eren's descent from a passionate youth to a tragic antagonist. This emotional dichotomy has sparked extensive discussions and debates within the community, highlighting the complex nature of his character and the moral ambiguities presented throughout the series.

Conclusion

The deaths in Attack on Titan serve as powerful reminders of recurring themes such as sacrifice, the horrors of war, and the personal costs of conflict. Each loss, whether a heroic stand or a tragic demise, reinforces the brutality of the world and the difficult choices its characters must face. These moments have not only shaped the narrative but also left a lasting impact on fans, making the series an emotional and thought-provoking experience. Through its unforgettable deaths, Attack on Titan has solidified itself as one of the most poignant and memorable anime of all time.

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