23 Times Anime Characters Actually Killed Their Own Family
Other|Fictional Characters

23 Times Anime Characters Actually Killed Their Own Family

Anna Lindwasser
Updated July 27, 2024 217.7K views 23 items
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Anime often ventures into deep and dark themes, pushing the boundaries of what traditional animation can achieve. Among the most thought-provoking scenarios are those involving anime characters who killed their own families. These tragic anime moments are rife with emotion, demonstrating the profound impact entertainment can have.

The intricate universe of anime is no stranger to heartbreak, and stories where anime characters who killed their family take center stage are a testament to this. These tragedies aren’t just meant for shock value - they delve deep into character development, intricate plots, and sometimes even redemption arcs. Whether it's a power that goes awry or an onerous duty that had to be fulfilled, these tales provide a compelling look at the sacrifices characters are forced to make. My Hero Academia and Naruto are just a couple of the many series that feature such heart-wrenching moments.

Take, for example, Shigaraki from My Hero Academia, who accidentally awakens his deadly quirk, leading to unimaginable consequences for his family. His story is a raw depiction of how a superpower can turn a child's life into a nightmare. Itachi Uchiha from Naruto presents an equally tragic case; tasked with an almost unimaginable duty, he chooses to massacre his entire clan for a greater good, leaving a lasting impact that continues to reverberate through the series. Another heart-rending instance is Eri from My Hero Academia, whose quirk goes rogue, wreaking havoc upon her loved ones. These stories exemplify how tragedies aren’t simply sad anime clichés but are pivotal to the narrative arcs that define these characters' profound and often painful journeys.

These gut-wrenching tales demonstrate the deeply emotional and sometimes morally ambiguous nature of anime, highlighting the complexity of its storytelling. Anime characters who killed their own family not only enrich the tapestry of these series but also offer a poignant look at the dire consequences of power, obligation, and the human spirit’s resilience. Through these narratives, viewers gain a deeper appreciation of the harrowing decisions characters must face and the heavy burdens they bear, making it clear that anime’s emotional depth is unparalleled in its ability to convey the full spectrum of human experience.

  • Itachi Uchiha Massacred His Clan In 'Naruto'
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    Itachi Uchiha Massacred His Clan In 'Naruto'

    2,169 votes

    Acting on the orders of the manipulative Danzo, Itachi Uchiha massacred his entire clan, including his parents. He genuinely believed that this was the only way to secure peace for the village and save his younger brother Sasuke's life. He does save Sasuke, and because Sasuke has no idea what Itachi's motives were, he swears vengeance on him. 

  • Shigaraki Accidentally Awakens His Quirk In 'My Hero Academia'
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    Shigaraki Accidentally Awakens His Quirk In 'My Hero Academia'

    1,334 votes

    Awakening one's quirk can be extremely dangerous, especially if the quirk in question is powerful and destructive. Unfortunately for a young Shigaraki, who used to be called “Tenko Shimura,” his Decay quirk activated at the worst possible time.

    Just when his entire family decided they wouldn't stand for his father's abusive behavior towards him any longer, tragedy strikes. His dog, sister, grandparents, and parents all fall victim to his quirk spiraling out of control, making it one of the most brutal scenes in the series.

  • Eri's Quirk Goes Rogue In 'My Hero Academia'
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    Eri's Quirk Goes Rogue In 'My Hero Academia'

    2,407 votes

    When she was a toddler, Eri's quirk, Rewind, got out of control and ended up rewinding her father so far backward in time that he no longer existed. She had no malicious intent, but her mother still responded with fear and left her in the care of her yakuza relatives - and ultimately the villainous Kai Chisaki. 

  • Rui Misjudged His Parents In 'Demon Slayer'
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    Rui Misjudged His Parents In 'Demon Slayer'

    1,136 votes

    When Rui was transformed into a demon, he quickly went from a sickly and peaceful young boy to someone inclined towards ending humans. Seeing what their child had become, Rui's parents try to take his life. He defends himself and annihilates them, but ultimately realizes that they had intended to die with him. This spawns the complex about family life that would later drive him to create the Spider Family and make him despise Nezuko and Tanjiro so much. 

  • Lelouch Lamperouge's Geass Spelled Disaster For Euphemia In ' Code Geass'
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    Lelouch Lamperouge's Geass Spelled Disaster For Euphemia In ' Code Geass'

    1,090 votes

    After accidentally using his Geass on his half-sister Euphemia, Lelouch is forced to take her down or watch her massacre a stadium full of the very people Euphemia most wanted to help. Her demise is one of the most tragic moments in the whole show. Lelouch - and the audience - may never truly get over it.

  • Akame Kills Her Younger Sister In 'Akame Ga Kill!'
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    Akame Kills Her Younger Sister In 'Akame Ga Kill!'

    711 votes

    Akame and her younger sister, Kurome, were sold by their parents to the Empire in order to be trained as assassins. And despite their efforts to stay together, they were forced to part ways when they were drafted into different assassin groups. When Akame turns her back on the capital and joins the Night Raid, Kurome angrily confronts her. Realizing that they'll never see eye to eye, Akame kills Kurome during their fight in order to free her from her suffering.