There's nothing better than a good plot twist. When done right, a twist in the story can completely blow the audiences' minds and leave a lasting impression for years to come. Many anime throw curveballs at their viewers, and while they're often unexpected, they still add a lot to a series and make the story even better than before. But not all twists are met with a positive response. In fact, sudden plot twists often receive mixed feelings from fans.
Over the years, a lot of anime series have shocked viewers with their twists. Sometimes these developments are necessary and important parts of the plot, while other times, they’re purely thrown in for shock value. Either way, many anime have been defined by these shocking moments and are now infamous among fans.
10 Higurashi: When They Cry Is Filled With Wild Twists From The Start
At first glance, Higurashi: When They Cry looks to be just a typical slice-of-life series. However, it doesn't take long for viewers to realize that this couldn't be further from the truth. From the first few episodes, Higurashi stuns its audience with one plot twist after the next.
The series has become infamous for its shocking story and disturbing moments, with many comparing it to series such as School Days. Despite that, others also believe the unexpected horror of the story is what makes it so great. It's definitely not a series that everyone can handle, but for those who can take it, Higurashi's suspenseful story is one of the best.
9 Madoka Magica's Dark Twist Begins The Magical Girl Deconstruction Trend
Magical girl deconstruction is so popular nowadays that it's become a trope of its own., but back when Puella Magi Madoka Magica first aired, it was something pretty unheard of. Madoka Magica fooled everyone, starting off like any classic magical girl series.
The devastating plot twist at the end of the third episode shocked viewers everywhere when the sweet innocence of the story turned into something much darker than most fans were used to, and the rest is history. Since then, magical girl fans have been divided on their opinion of this controversial series that changed the genre forever.
8 Gurren Lagann Hits Fans Where It Hurts Very Early On
There's no shortage of shocking twists in the classic Gainax series, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, but one of the most heartwrenching turn of events happens very early on in the series, and nothing is the same after. At the start of the series, everything points to Kamina as the true hero and protagonist of the story, and little Simon simply acts as his sidekick.
This all changes just a few episodes in with Kamina's sudden death. It's a complete shock to the audience and characters alike, and it shifts the entire story, changing the very premise as fans knew it. While his death is ultimately necessary and a great plot device, it still remains infamous due to the pain fans feel over losing one of the series' best characters.
7 Panty & Stocking Ends With A Shocking Twist That Fans Still Aren't Over
Even years later, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt is still a beloved favorite among anime fans. Everyone loves the wacky and outlandish duo of angels and all the mischief they get into together. Despite its popularity, Panty & Stocking is an infamous series, all thanks to the shocking twist that came out of nowhere right at the end.
In the final scene of the series, Stocking suddenly attacks Panty, slicing her into pieces and seemingly killing her. As to be expected, this ending was met with harsh criticism from fans, who still aren't over this horrific cliffhanger.
6 Death Note's Biggest Twist Is The Unexpected Death Of A Fan-Favorite
Given the premise of Death Note, it's no surprise the series is filled with many shocking twists and turns. However, none can compare to the devastating death of fan-favorite L. Some fans could see this coming a mile away, while others had no idea this would be L's fate.
Either way, this sudden twist in the story changed everything about the series, for better or worse. Many feel that after this shift in the series, Death Note's plot began to go downhill. As a result, it's become an infamous part of anime history that fans still can't forget.
5 Danganronpa's Big Plot Twist Takes The Series To New Levels Of Ridiculousness
The Danganronpa franchise is well-known for its wild and crazy twists that seem to get bigger and bigger with each new addition to the series. The anime adaptation of the first game may have left out a lot of key moments, but it perfectly captured the mindblowing reveal at the end of the series.
After fighting to survive in the killing game, the remaining characters discover the horrific truth about the outside world, and it's this very moment that earns Danganronpa its infamous reputation. Ever since, the series' ridiculous plot twists have frustrated fans and even divided the community with their outrageousness.
4 The Promised Neverland Suddenly Becomes Very Dark Early On
When it first came out, The Promised Neverland blew fans away with its many twists and shocking revelations. Even in the very first episode of the series, viewers are thrown for a loop by the iconic ending scene — but it doesn't stop there. The Promised Neverland keeps the audience on their toes the entire time, every new shocking discovery only adding to the building suspense.
The Promised Neverland definitely isn't for everyone and takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster almost immediately. Its horrific beginning has become infamous among anime fans, and many have even poked fun at its shocking and sudden change in tone.
3 Neon Genesis Evangelion's Big Plot Twist Still Confuses Fans
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a beloved mecha series from the '90s, and despite its infamy, it still receives a lot of praise from fans today. At first glance, it seems like any other typical mecha series with the usual rag-tag team fighting to save the world from evil. What makes it so infamous among fans is its shocking twist ending. Up until then, everything seemed like a normal mecha story.
But by the end, Neon Genesis Evangelion transforms into a bizarre psychological story delving into deep topics with strange imagery and an abstract storyline. This sudden tonal change still confuses fans to this day, and even with many reboots and continuations, much of Evangelion's Third Impact still makes little sense.
2 Naruto Is Full Of Shocking Twists, Including Its Ending
Naruto is one of the most popular and long-running shonen series of all time, and it's filled to the brim with many shocking twists and turns. From the truth about Itachi to Tobi's real identity, there's no short supply of mindblowing and controversial revelations.
Even the very end of the series manages to surprise fans after Naruto is revealed to have married Hinata and started a family. This twist tends to be the most shocking of all for fans, who didn't see this endgame couple coming and still protest this controversial decision.
1 Attack On Titan Surprises Everyone With Eren's Descent Into Villainy
Attack on Titan has always been a dark series from the very start, and it's had its fair share of plot twists since the beginning. However, no one could ever predict the dark and depressing path protagonist Eren Jaeger would go down as the series progressed. He was first introduced as a young, wide-eyed, and hopeful youth who just wanted to save his people from the Titans.
But as the years went on, Eren slowly lost the light in his eye and became a shell of his former self. Now, Eren is one of anime's biggest villains and has committed some of the most atrocious acts known to man. His change is a shock to fans and is certainly a twist no one saw coming.
