10 Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists You Never Expected!

Anime plot twists bring immense joy to fans as they effortlessly elevate the level of tension and generate an unmatched sense of excitement. The element of surprise, when an event occurs unexpectedly and without any foreseen reasons, not only enhances the appeal of an anime but also captivates viewers, ensuring their unwavering interest.

Certain anime plot twists, such as the revelation of Tomura Shigaraki's connection to All Might in My Hero Academia, catch fans completely off guard. On the other hand, there are instances where plot twists may seem rather evident with hindsight, either due to the intricately woven storyline or through the presence of significant hints scattered throughout the series. This list will encompass both types of plot twists, presented in no specific order.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for several anime plot twists.

5 anime plot twists that nobody saw coming

One of the biggest anime twists (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The reveal of Aizen at the end of the Soul Society arc in Bleach is one of the most renowned plot twists in anime. In 2023, it is common knowledge in the anime community who Aizen is and his role in the story, resulting in the twist losing its impact. However, back in the mid-2000s, the situation was completely different.

Although there were hints of Aizen's intentions throughout the arc, especially in retrospect, the twist benefited from Tite Kubo's ability to adapt on the spot. Initially, Kubo had intended to make Kisuke Urahara the series' antagonist, but his editors warned him that it would be too obvious. Consequently, he made the decision to change his initial plans, giving rise to the character of Aizen.

1. Aizen’s true intentions (Bleach)

Another major example in anime plot twists (Image via Bones).

In the realm of anime plot twists, one noteworthy type revolves around laying the foundation for future storylines, which author Kohei Horikoshi skillfully employs in My Hero Academia with the character of Tomura Shigaraki. Initially introduced as the apprentice of All for One, many fans pondered the reasoning behind the former's decision to mentor another person, particularly someone like him who embodies the archetypal villain and possesses the potential for longevity.

However, it is later unveiled that there exists a profound reason for Shigaraki's training under All for One and his significant connection to All Might, the long-standing nemesis of the villain. This revelation significantly impacts the way All Might approaches and prioritizes Shigaraki, given the latter's unique affiliation with Nana Shimura, the mentor of the hero ranked Number 1.

2. Tomura Shigaraki's connection to All Might (My Hero Academia)

One of the biggest anime plot twists ever (Image via Studio Pierrot).

The truth behind Itachi Uchiha's massacre of his clan is an epic anime plot twist that is unparalleled in its magnitude and unpredictability. Its profound impact on Sasuke as a character has significantly shaped the entire narrative, making the revelation of Itachi's motives all the more shocking. Similar to the Aizen situation, there may have been subtle hints leading up to this revelation, but fans were completely caught off guard when the manga chapter revealed the truth in the late 2000s. This pivotal moment transformed the entire world of Naruto, charting a new course for the series and solidifying its status as a game-changing anime plot twist.

3. The truth about Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)

A game-changer among anime plot twists (Image via David Production).

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure creator Hirohiko Araki is renowned for his series, unique art style, character designs, and invention of Stands. However, not much is said about his daring and groundbreaking contributions to the manga industry. Throughout the series, Araki defies shonen conventions in various instances, but perhaps none is as prominent as the fate of Jonathan Joestar in the initial installment, Phantom Blood.

Jonathan, a virtuous and heroic character, aligned with the typical shonen archetype of the time. Yet, Araki openly admits to encountering challenges while writing him. Consequently, this is why the first part of the series concluded in the manner it did. This unexpected twist, introducing a succession of Joestars in subsequent storylines, broke new ground in 1987.

4. Jonathan Joestar's fate (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure part 1: Phantom Blood)

Something no one saw coming (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Bleach makes its appearance on this list once again due to author Tite Kubo's penchant for delivering significant plot twists in the world of anime. This was especially evident during the final arc of the series, known as Thousand-Year Blood War, where a revelation about Ichigo's Zanpakuto, Zangetsu, shook fans to their core.

This revelation had a profound impact on how the series was perceived, and while it garnered some criticism, what made it truly captivating was its unexpectedness and logical coherence. Kubo skillfully scattered hints throughout the series, gradually unraveling the true nature of Ichigo's blade. As a result, this plot twist stands out as one of the most notable and thought-provoking in the realm of anime over the past decade.

5 anime plot twists that were obvious in hindsight

5. The Zangetsu revelation (Bleach)

The anime plot twist has become a prominent feature in recent times, particularly with the adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen. However, amidst this trend, one plot twist that truly stands out is the one in which Suguru Geto's character takes an unexpected turn. Unlike many other surprises, this twist made perfect sense and was something readers could anticipate, given author Gege Akutami's knack for subverting expectations.

The primary factor is that Jujutsu Kaisen 0 clearly depicted the actions of his longtime friend, Satoru Gojo, towards him, leaving no room for misinterpretation. As a result, it became evident that the individual portraying Geto in the present day was harboring some unresolved issues, which ultimately gave a significant meaning to the revelation in Shibuya.

One of the most logical anime plot twists (Image via Toei Animation) occurs when it is revealed that Goku is an alien. This revelation, initiated by Raditz, is a testament to the clever storytelling of author Akira Toriyama. With a strategically placed twist, Toriyama fills a void in the series, giving it remarkable depth and ensuring its future success.

1. Suguru Geto’s presence in the present (Jujutsu Kaisen)

: The revelation of Goku's true heritage as a Saiyan shed light on various aspects of his existence, such as the significance of his tail, his remarkable superiority over his human companions, and his extraordinary ability to transform into a colossal ape. This unexpected plot twist forever solidified Goku's identity as a Saiyan, making it almost inconceivable to envision him as anything else.

Right from the beginning, it was evident (Image via MAPPA).

Initially, Makima's true motivations were ambiguous, but the reality remained that she always exuded a mysterious aura. As soon as she appeared in Chainsaw Man, it became apparent that she spelled trouble, particularly in the way she treated Denji during their initial encounter.

2. Goku being from another planet (Dragon Ball Z)

It became glaringly apparent that Makima was orchestrating a cunning plot twist within the realm of anime. Her deft manipulation of those around her, combined with her astute demeanor, left no doubt as to her true intentions. When the series eventually unveiled her identity and her ulterior motives, it was an undeniable revelation that resonated deeply with Denji, filling him with a profound sense of shame.

One of the most apparent anime plot twists is depicted in the image from Studio Pierrot.

Any devoted anime enthusiast from the late 2000s is well aware of the widespread speculation regarding Tobi's true identity within the Naruto fandom. This theory, which became a prominent topic of discussion, eventually unfolded as one of the most evident plot twists in anime. Consequently, when author Masashi Kishimoto eventually disclosed the person underneath the enigmatic mask, it did not come as a surprise to anyone.

Part of the reason why most fans knew was due to the revealing of his Sharingan, his distinctive body type, the striking similarity of his name to Tobi, and a few other discernible traits. At that time, numerous theories emerged, with a few individuals even suggesting that Tobi could be a futuristic version of Sasuke. However, the majority of fans were in consensus regarding Tobi's true identity, and their convictions ultimately proved to be accurate.

3. Makima's true intentions (Chainsaw Man)

The execution of Dabi's storyline in My Hero Academia is reminiscent of Tobi's storyline in Naruto, but it is handled much better by Horikoshi. Horikoshi successfully fulfilled fans' longstanding theories about Dabi's true identity, creating a compelling and thrilling narrative that has now become one of the series' most iconic moments.

4. Tobi's identity (Naruto)

This is one of those situations that greatly benefits from hindsight, as there were numerous indications regarding the identity of the League of Villains member. From examining his Quirk, character design, burns, connection to his family, and further aspects, Dabi's twist was both anticipated and successfully executed, which is of utmost significance.

Anime plot twists are essential for the success of a story, and the key lies in their execution. This list demonstrates the diverse approaches taken to introduce and effectively incorporate plot twists.