The Ultimate Nostalgic Journey: Unveiling Anime's Most Memorable Flashback Episodes

Rewriting: The ability to successfully execute the best flashback episodes in anime is no easy task. In the worst case scenario, a flashback can come across as a tedious information overload that disrupts the flow of the story, or it can create an excessive number of flashbacks that hinder the progress of the plot.

On the flip side, when done exceptionally well, a flashback is seamlessly integrated into the narrative, captivatingly overshadowing the current storyline. It enhances the overall story and provides viewers with a complete comprehension of a character. At its utmost peak, a flashback can evoke profound emotions and become one of the most memorable moments in the entire series.

10 And So Kyouya Met Him – Ouran High School Host Club

One notable aspect of the Ouran High School Host Club anime adaptation is the inclusion of flashback episodes for each Host, depicting their initial encounters with Tamaki. These episodes effectively highlight the loneliness and despair experienced by each Host before Tamaki's arrival. However, the most captivating of these episodes revolves around Kyouya Ohtori.

Being the youngest among four brothers and having a strained relationship with his distant father, Kyouya understandably carries resentment. Initially displaying a cold and impatient demeanor towards Tamaki, it is Tamaki who successfully liberates Kyouya from his self-loathing mindset and encourages him to embrace a life without limitations. This transformation is beautifully symbolized by Kyouya's once blank canvas, now vividly colored and brimming with possibilities.

9 Heavy Weather Part 2 – JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Enrico Pucci, one of the top villains in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, has his background revealed in relation to his connection with Dio. Weather Report, Jolyne's silent ally, suffers from amnesia and does not remember his true identity. However, when Weather finally recovers his memories, he becomes filled with anger and cruelty, especially upon discovering his past.

Surprisingly, Weather and Pucci are actually twin brothers who were separated at birth. When Pucci, who is older, learns of this truth, he realizes that his younger sister is unknowingly dating their own brother. Disturbed by this situation, Pucci secretly plans to break them up, which ultimately leads to Weather being targeted by a racist gang, resulting in the death of their sister. This tragic event triggers the awakening of both their supernatural abilities, known as Stands. After erasing Weather's memories and imprisoning him, Pucci fully dedicates himself to serving Dio.

8 Turn Back The Pendulum – Bleach

Turn Back the Pendulum, a flashback arc in Bleach, is widely regarded as one of the series' most beloved storylines. Sosuke Aizen, a masterful deception artist, successfully concealed his true intentions from his comrades for an extended period of time. He manipulates events, resulting in the exile of Kisuke Urahara and his team, who dared to interfere with his sinister experiments.

This captivating and heartbreaking narrative inevitably leads to the downfall of the Visored, offering a glimpse into the younger years of other well-known characters. Byakuya, once reserved and distant, was once passionate and driven to prove himself. Although Aizen's schemes didn't fool everyone, he diligently eliminated anyone who suspected him.

7 Berserk – Berserk

The story of Berserk is primarily conveyed through a series of flashbacks. In the first episode, viewers are introduced to Guts, a tough mercenary known as the Black Swordsman for his ability to defeat both demons and wicked humans. However, Guts has not always wandered alone.

At one point in time, he was a member of the Band of the Hawk, led by Griffith, who formed a deep bond with him. With Guts' physical prowess and Griffith's magnetic personality, their group grew in strength and gained some influence in politics. However, as Griffith ventured further and made dangerous enemies, Guts found himself having to fight with more determination than ever to protect his own life and the lives of his loved ones.

6 The Birth Of NERV – Neon Genesis Evangelion

Throughout most of the show, Shinji's parents, particularly his late mother Yui, remain enigmatic figures. However, this episode provides some insight into their backgrounds and their motivations behind creating the EVA program. As a result of Shinji's spiritual connection with his mother, viewers gain a more tangible understanding of who Yui truly was.

Fuyutsuki, one of the few individuals who knew Gendo and Yui during their younger years, reminisces about the catastrophic event known as Second Impact and Yui's subsequent death. It is revealed that while Gendo has always pursued his own personal agenda, his reason for initiating Third Impact has evolved from personal ambition to longing for a reunion with Yui, and he is willing to sacrifice anyone to achieve this goal. In the present time, Kaji becomes the latest person to painfully discover this truth.

5 The Dwarf In The Flask – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Despite their differing opinions of their father, Van Hohenheim, neither Edward nor Alphonse truly know or understand him. Hohenheim's prolonged absences and secretive behavior when he does reunite with his sons only further complicates their relationship. However, in this particular episode, Hohenheim's deepest secrets are revealed, shedding light on his connection to the main antagonist, Father.

In the past, Hohenheim was enslaved in the kingdom of Xerxes, where his blood was used to create the first Homunculus. Ironically, this Homunculus developed a close bond with Hohenheim, but behind his back, he manipulated the king into sacrificing his subjects for immortality. The end result was the complete annihilation of Xerxes, while Homunculus and the horrified Hohenheim gained immortal bodies. Ever since then, Hohenheim has dedicated his life to fighting against the creature that originated from his own blood. This is the very reason why he left his home and family, his true desire, when Edward and Alphonse were still young.

4 Rem Savarem – Trigun

Trigun Stampede, the latest anime adaptation of Trigun, unveils Vash's backstory right from the beginning. Unlike the original anime, which reveals Vash's brother and adoptive mother later on, the episode named after his adoptive mother sheds significant light on why Vash is the way he is and what he truly faces.

As extraterrestrial children, Vash and his twin Knives were raised by humans during their journey to colonize a new planet. Acting as their main caregiver, Rem assumes the role of a parent, endeavoring to impart her values and kindness to them. Although Vash internalizes her teachings and incorporates them into his life, Knives is deeply affected by the mistreatment he suffers from the rest of the crew. This impact becomes so extreme that Knives not only exterminates the entire fleet but continues to harbor a deep-seated hatred towards humanity, persistently attempting to eradicate them from Planet Gunsmoke even in adulthood.

3 Everything Starts Aboard the Advena Avis – Baccano!

In Baccano!'s unique set of characters, the immortals stand out as the most enigmatic. These individuals defy the passage of time, only being able to perish if consumed by another immortal. In this particular episode, a glimpse into the past of 1711 unveils a group of thirty hopeful alchemists, a considerably smaller number compared to those who survived until 1931.

It turns out that the key to attaining everlasting life lies in simply summoning a demon and making a request. Although all the alchemists present, including Czeslaw, who was granted immortality under dubious circumstances, achieve their desire, chaos ensues that very night when Szilard embarks on a violent spree, devouring half of them. The sheer terror of being consumed is only accentuated by the eerie setting of a ship adrift in the vast ocean.

2 Roar, Chidori! Brother Vs. Brother – Naruto

Naruto's episode count is statistically divided between filler content and canon episodes, with even the canon episodes being filled with numerous flashbacks. By the latter portion of Shippuden, it's easy for audiences to forget that the show is capable of using flashbacks effectively. However, to witness this, they may need to venture back quite far into the series.

This particular episode marks the beginning of an exceptional revenge story in anime. When Sasuke receives word that his brother Itachi has returned and is targeting Naruto, he immediately sets out to find them. Throughout his journey, Sasuke constantly recalls Itachi's brutal extermination of their entire clan. Itachi intentionally spared Sasuke's life, claiming he wanted a formidable adversary in the future. Now, Sasuke is consumed by fear that he lacks the strength to protect his loved ones from his own brother.

1 I Won't Rely On Anyone Anymore – Puella Magi Madoka Magica

From the moment she appears in the show, both Madoka and the audience can sense that something is amiss with Homura. She exudes an icy and enigmatic persona, fiercely fixated on preventing Madoka from becoming a magical girl. It is in this revealing moment that we come to understand the true extent of Homura's desperation and the underlying reasons behind it.

Homura finds herself trapped in an eternal cycle, repeating countless resets, all because she made a wish to become a magical girl in order to protect Madoka. If Homura fails to alter their predetermined fate, Madoka is destined to perish in battle or worse, transform into the most powerful witch of them all. After enduring years of reliving the same month over and over, Homura has grown disillusioned but remains unwavering in her determination to ultimately rescue Madoka's life.

Rewriting:

Flashbacks in anime pose a challenging task. Going further, dedicating an entire episode or arc solely to a flashback can prove to be an even greater hurdle. However, when executed seamlessly, these episodes become the most captivating moments in anime.