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15 Saddest Moments in Attack on Titan


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Credit: MAPPA

Attack on Titan has given us some of the most epic and badass moments in the history of anime. Not to mention the coolest titan fights, as well as Levi’s godlike titan slaying scenes, viewers continuously invest their own share of laughter and tears in this amazing epic.

In case you missed it, we have already compiled a list of the Top 10 Funniest Moments in the anime, but this time, we've compiled the 15 Saddest Moments in Attack on Titan that we’re pretty sure will traumatize you and had tears running down your face. Prepare your tissues, because Maroon 5 will not be here to wipe your eyes.

Warning: Heavy spoilers ahead. Read at your own risk. It also contains details on some of the massive deaths in the anime.

Related: Who Has Royal Blood in Attack on Titan?

  1. Niccolo Finds Out That Gabi Shot Sasha

    It is truly heartbreaking for Niccolo to find out that Sasha, the girl who taught him so many things in Paradis, has been shot by Gabi. Unaware of how affectionate Niccolo is towards Sasha, Gabi proudly tells Niccolo that she has taken Sasha down. To Niccolo’s distress, he attacks Gabi and Falco.

    For Niccolo, he only had Sasha. He did not care about anyone or anything, not even his identity as a Marleyan soldier. He does not come to his senses until Sasha’s father talks him out of it. If Sasha had not died, they would have been great together.

  2. Armin Or Erwin?

    The decision to choose between saving the life of Armin over Erwin is one of the most difficult moments for Levi. He has the responsibility to select which one weighs over the other for humanity’s freedom.

    At first, Levi decides to allow Erwin to have a second chance in life. However, even at near death, Erwin rejects the titan serum by raising his arm. Perhaps for Erwin, his battle is already finished, but for Armin, it is only starting. It is indeed painful to watch, not to mention Eren and Mikasa’s plea for Levi to save Armin instead.

    Related: Does Annie like Armin in Attack on Titan?

  3. Battle For Trost Arc

    The first actual battle for the Survey Corps was the one held in Trost. This is where all things begin to go down. The Scouts had one leg in their graves.

    It is painful to watch as some of the characters start dying one after another. This includes the deaths of Thomas Wagner and Mina Carolina, not to mention the star-crossed lovers, Franz Kefka and Hannah Diamant. We have been watching them together during training, hoping that the Titans would never return.

    The most gut-wrenching moment is the scene wherein Hanna tries to bring Franz to life by doing CPR. She asks Armin for help. He falls into a shock when he sees that Franz has been decapitated.

  4. Grisha Yeager's Past

    The anime shows Grisha’s past right before he went to Paradis. It tells his story as a young and naive Grisha who doesn’t understand how the Marleyans treat them the way they are.

    One day, Grisha, together with his sister Faye, ran through the internment zone after a blimp caught their attention. Unfortunately, the Public Security Officers see them. Young Grisha is punished while her sister has been taken away. In case you missed it, Faye has been chased by the guard dogs of the officers.

    Since they were Eldians, the only thing that his family could do was apologize. In Grisha’s mind, his family has surrendered their fate. His unfortunate fate does not end here, as he later married Dina Fritz and had Zeke. Zeke betrays his parents and turns them over to the Marleyans. Dina is turned into the Smiling Titan, and Grisha starts a new life in Paradis.

    In case you missed it: Attack on Titan: Grisha Actor Opens Up About Character's Pivotal Scene

  5. Hannes' Death

    We all know that Hannes is the uncle that Eren never had. Mikasa, Armin, and Eren had a very close relationship with Hannes because he witnessed how the three grew up. As a result, their bonds with one another are extremely personal.

    In Season 1, Hannes tried his hardest to redeem himself by avenging Carla. However, he dies in the end. It was a painful scene for Eren and Mikasa because they considered Hannes as their sole remaining relative. You did well, Hannes.

  6. Ymir's Letter to Historia

    Ymir and Historia have a very close relationship. They support each other in everything that they do. However, Ymir’s unfortunate fate is yet to come. Although she has managed to protect Historia, she needs to stay away from her to keep her from dangerous situations. She has no choice but to leave Historia.

    On that note, Ymir’s last letter to Historia is a very affectionate and touching one. Its contents are full of Ymir’s love, trust, and compassion towards Historia. Although they are missing each other, they both know how deep their connection is. Perhaps in an alternate universe, Ymir is with Historia.

    Read: Does Reiner Like Historia in Attack on Titan?

  7. Eren Hates Mikasa

    Pain, Rejection, and Grief. These words describe one of the most powerful scenes in Attack on Titan. Eren, all stoic and apathetic, tells Mikasa that he has hated her since childhood.

    What’s more painful than your loved one, your most treasured one, your everything, saying unbearable things to you? Even Armin can’t believe that Eren is the one who is telling them those detestable words. What’s sadder than our beloved trio turning against each other?

    Related: Do Eren and Mikasa Get Together in Attack on Titan?

  8. Dump the Dead Bodies

    To escape from the titans during the outer wall expedition in Season 2, Levi orders the soldiers to dump the dead bodies of their comrades to slow down the impending horde of titans. If you watch it without breaking a tear as Petra Ral’s dead body rolls down, then congratulations. You are one tough nut to crack.

    This is one of the saddest moments in the history of the Scout Regiment which will not only make them question their morality but will also haunt them for the rest of their lives.

  9. Murder of Mikasa's Parents

    Of course, it is sad to see that Mikasa’s parents were murdered at an early age. She was once an innocent and naive girl with no remorse in her heart. However, her destiny is to walk down the path of grief, harsh realities, and even death.

    One might ask, what if Mikasa’s parents had not died? How will she grow up? Will she be able to awaken her potential as an Ackerman?

    You might want to see: Is Mikasa Related to Levi in Attack on Titan?

  10. Return To Conny's Village

    Conny’s village has been infested with titans. Or so we thought. Upon returning, he sees an abnormal titan lying above his home. The shocking element here is that the lying titan resembles his mom.

    Conny abandons his speculation on the lying titan in the hope that his family, relatives, and the rest of the village people have escaped. Sadly, in the end, it is confirmed that Conny’s mom and the lying titan are the same.

  11. Marco's Death

    Marco’s death will forever be remembered as one of the greatest betrayals in the history of anime. He is a pure and kind soul who puts others before himself. Just like the saying goes, betrayal doesn’t come from your enemies, it comes from your friends and the people close to you.

    On that note, Annie, Bertolt, and Reiner betray Marco when he accidentally finds out about the true identity of the three warriors of Marley.

  12. Death Of The Levi Squad

    Levi has been through a lot. He witnessed the deaths of his childhood friends, his comrades, and, of course, his beloved Levi Squad.

    The Death of the Levi Squad takes a huge toll on our hearts because we have learned to love them in the prior episodes where they protect Eren, even at the expense of their lives. Their characters and personalities are also well-accepted by fans.

    Everyone wants Levi to be happy, and killing his squad doesn’t help. Aside from their brutal deaths at the hands of the Female Titan, the only good thing that came out of it is that we have seen Levi and Mikasa fighting the female titan together.

  13. Sasha's Death

    Sasha’s death will always go down in the books. If the fans are given a chance to revive somebody in Attack on Titan, Sasha will surely top the ranking. Sasha has been with us ever since the first season of anime, and it’s sad to see her go.

    Her death will always be remembered as one of the most heartbreaking moments in the anime. The internet even broke down due to her untimely death. We cannot blame the fans, though, because Sasha is one of the most beloved characters in the series.

    Not only does she lift the spirits of her friends, but she also influences them to have a more carefree and positive outlook on life. For everyone, Sasha is the silver lining in the harsh reality of the anime. Rest in peace, potato girl. Gone too soon.

  14. Erwin's Death

    Sasageyo! Charge, my soldiers! Offer your hearts! We are missing Erwin Smith a lot. In fact, he is the embodiment of the Wings of Freedom who contributed all his years to searching for the outer walls. Indeed, he has played a huge role in advancing humanity’s knowledge of the titans.

    When Erwin passed away, Hange Zoe took his responsibilities, while Armin became the intellectual one. However, Erwin’s aura and his leadership have gone. Also, the feelings are not the same at all, so it is sad to see him go.

    It was like Erwin had the power to unite everyone, but now that he’s dead, that sort of feeling is also gone. You will forever be in our hearts, Erwin.

  15. Carla's Death

    Episode 1 of the anime traumatizes us as we watch Carla's death as she gets eaten by the Smiling Titan. It was a gut-wrenching and grueling act that will forever haunt us. As a mother, it is very sad that she will not be able to see Eren grow up and be there with him whenever he needs her.

    As a son to Carla, it is painful for Eren to grow up in a world where his mother is nowhere to be found. What’s even sadder is that Carla’s true feelings were shown right before she got devoured by the titan. She actually didn’t want Eren, Mikasa, and Hannes to leave her behind. She has realized that she has so much to do for Eren.

That’s it. Did you get emotional upon watching some of the saddest moments in the anime? Well, you’re definitely not alone.

For your next read: Who are the Titan Shifters?

For more articles like this, take a look at our Anime and Attack on Titan page.