Top 20 Heartbreaking Moments in Attack on Titan, Ranked

From its captivating opening, Attack on Titan hooks its audience with a compelling yet distressing plot. The narrative begins with young Eren and his friends, and takes a dark turn from the very first episode, setting them on a journey filled with trauma and bloodshed.

From there, until the recently aired finale of Attack on Titan's final season, viewers are exposed to the show's harsh themes and numerous tragic events. The emotional moments within the series include the deaths of numerous characters at the hands of Titans, falling victim to war, and the heartbreaking decision to sacrifice a loved one for the greater good.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion and the order of events listed is subjective.

20 instances when Attack on Titan left its fans overwhelmed with sadness

20) Connie attempts to feed Falco to his mom

The situation in Connie's village, Ragako, was devastating and heart-wrenching. Connie's mother remains trapped as an immobile titan, leaving Connie in a state of emotional distress. In the final season of Attack on Titan, Connie devises a plan to trick and feed Falco, the new Jaw Titan inheritor, to his mother. However, Armin steps in and offers to sacrifice himself to save the boy, but Connie refuses.

As a result, Falco is overwhelmed with grief upon learning of Colt and Porco's deaths. Connie also expresses deep sadness for his mother's continued suffering as a titan. The scene captures the characters' profound sorrow, loss of loved ones, and a profound sense of powerlessness, making it one of the most heartbreaking moments in Attack on Titan.

19) Mikasa's miserable past

Mikasa, a key figure in the series, experienced a series of traumas throughout the story. Her dark childhood and the heart-wrenching act of sacrificing her beloved are just some of the sorrowful moments that shaped her earlier life.

In episode 6 of the first season, the audience is exposed to the brutal murder of Mikasa's parents, her abduction for the purpose of being sold into slavery, and her ultimately being forced to kill her captors in order to save both herself and Eren. These harrowing events in her life elicit feelings of sadness and empathy, leaving fans deeply affected.

18) Ymir's farewell to Historia

Ymir's Farewell to Historia in Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio)

Despite her status as a supporting character, Ymir (not the founder) played a significant role in the show's early events due to her emotional bond with Historia, Paradis' future queen. In episode 12 of season 2, Ymir says her goodbyes to Historia before departing with Reiner and Bertholdt, leaving behind a scene filled with sadness as she apologizes to Historia for leaving.

Armin later deduces that Ymir made this choice to protect Historia and the others from the pursuing Armored Titan, even though she knew it meant her own death. Ymir's final letter to Historia adds to the sorrow of their parting, marking it as one of the saddest moments in Attack on Titan.

17) Eren and Armin's last conversation

Eren and Armin's conversation is one of the saddest moments in Attack on Titan (Image via Mappa)

The final conversation between Eren and Armin in the Attack on Titan finale was incredibly moving. Eren's heart-wrenching admission of guilt for his mother's death, his conflicted emotions for Mikasa, and his reluctance to leave their friends behind all contributed to the overwhelming sadness of the moment. The flawless execution of the scene, accompanied by powerful music, effectively conveyed the characters' emotions and deeply resonated with viewers, bringing many to tears and leaving a lasting impact on the fanbase.

16) Grisha apologizes to Zeke

Throughout the series, Eren's half-brother Zeke is depicted as holding deep-seated resentment towards his father, Grisha, blaming him for the torment he experienced in his childhood. In the final season of Attack on Titan, Zeke and Eren come face to face with Grisha as they witness past events, including Grisha's acquisition of the Founding Titan and the killing of the royal family.

When Grisha sees Zeke, he tearfully pleads for forgiveness, acknowledging his mistakes and expressing his love for his son. The emotional scene of the father and son weeping over their painful past is both poignant and heartbreaking. The powerful portrayal of their emotions and regrets in the story makes it one of the most moving moments in Attack on Titan.

15) Miche Zacharius meets his end

Miche's tragic demise perfectly embodies the show's brutal theme in the first episode of Attack on Titan season 2, as he confronts the Beast Titan and meets a horrifying end. As one of the strongest soldiers, second only to Levi, Miche's fate is one of the saddest moments in the anime, as he suffers mental trauma and stress before being torn apart and eaten alive by Titans.

14) The pitiful life of Ymir Fritz

Ymir Fritz, the progenitor of all Titans, had a tragic backstory. Her home and village were invaded and burned by the barbarian Eldians tribe led by the evil king Fritz. She lost her parents, had her tongue cut off, and was enslaved and wrongly punished for a crime she didn't commit.

Even after gaining titan powers, her suffering continued as she was compelled by King Fritz to destroy the Marleyans and bear his children. Ymir's life came to an end while saving King Fritz from an assassination attempt. Even in death, her soul remained trapped within the path, serving the will of the Fritz bloodline for the next two millennia.

Her miserable and tragic life deeply resonates with fans as it is one of the saddest moments in Attack on Titan.

12) Levi Squad's death

The original team of Levi Squad, including Eld Jinn, Petra Ral, Oluo Bozado, and Gunther, faces their demise during a confrontation with Annie Leonhart's Female Titan. After Gunther is taken down by Annie in her human form, the remaining three members meet an even more tragic end, marking this as one of the most heartbreaking moments.

13) Faye Yeager's gruesome death

After undergoing a transformation, the female titan brutally bites Eld in half and then proceeds to crush Petra and Oluo, all while Eren helplessly witnesses the unfolding horror. The entire squad is wiped out in mere moments, shattering Eren's emotional barrier and prompting him to transform and confront the Female Titan himself. The intense emotions depicted in the scene deeply resonate with fans, leaving them feeling emotionally overwhelmed.

The death of Faye is a heartbreaking moment in Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio)

Faye Yeager's tragic passing plays a significant role in shaping the series' storyline. In episode 20 of season 3 (episode 57), young Grisha and his little sister Faye escape their internment zone. Unfortunately, Grisha is beaten after being discovered, and Faye is taken away, only to be discovered the next day by the riverbanks as a mutilated corpse.

11) Sasha's father forgives Gabi

The Marleyan soldier who took her dismissed it as an accident. However, years later, Grisha reveals the horrifying truth- his 8-year-old sister was fed alive to dogs by that same soldier. The scene flawlessly captures the horrors of this event, establishing it as one of the saddest scenes in Attack on Titan.

The scene of Sasha Blouse's parents forgiving Gabi for their daughter's death is incredibly moving. As her loved ones grapple with the loss, the moment evokes a mix of heartwarming and painful emotions, serving as a poignant reminder of the beloved 'Potato Girl.' It is undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching moments in Attack on Titan.

Despite the deep pain they experience after losing Sasha, her parents resist the urge for revenge on a child, aiming to break the cycle of hatred. Even when Kaya and Niccolo attempt to take revenge on Gabi, Sasha's parents intervene to stop them.

10) Nanaba and Gelgar's final moments

The two Survey Corps members faced their tragic end in the intense battle of Utgard Castle in episode 4 of season 2. Although Nanaba had a minor supporting role, she was widely admired by fans as one of the series' most formidable characters. The depiction of their deaths evoked a profound sense of despair.

Gelgar's last wish for a final drink before facing death is seemingly granted when he discovers a liquor bottle. However, his hopes are dashed when he realizes the bottle is empty, causing him great distress.

As Nanaba is overwhelmed by a swarm of titans, she is torn apart while her terror and trauma transform into memories of her abusive father. The overwhelming horror and despair depicted in this scene make it one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the Attack on Titan series.

9) Marco Bodt's tragic end

The death of Marco Bodt, a member of the 104th Cadet Corps and the captain of Squad 19, is a tragic and shocking example of betrayal by trusted comrades. Marco meets his end in episode 13 of Attack on Titan after discovering the true identities of Reiner and Bertholdt.

Once exposed, Reiner, Bertholdt, and Annie strip Marco of his gear, leaving him defenseless against the titans. With no means of protection, Marco's final words, "We haven't even had a chance to talk this through," go unheeded as he is devoured alive by a titan.

The scene reflects his helplessness, and Jean's reaction upon discovering his half-eaten corpse leaves fans with tears in their eyes.

8) Mikasa crying at Eren's grave

Mikasa holding the bird in Attack on Titan (Image via Mappa)

The series' conclusion brought about a gut-wrenching moment for the entire fandom with Eren's demise. It was especially challenging for Mikasa, who was the one responsible for the kill, as her love for the protagonist had been witnessed throughout the show.

7) Hannes' death

In one of the most heartbreaking scenes in Attack on Titan, Mikasa grieves at Eren's gravesite beneath the tree. Being in the very place where they had shared countless cherished childhood memories, the profound emptiness and sense of loss she experiences without him resonates deeply with the audience. The emotional impact reaches its peak when a bird, believed to be a reincarnation of Eren, tenderly wraps a scarf around the grieving Mikasa.

After failing to save Eren's mother from the Smiling Titan, Hannes carried a heavy burden of regret. In a heart-wrenching moment in episode 12 of season 2, he bravely threw himself into battle to avenge Carla and protect Eren and Mikasa. Tragically, he was ultimately devoured by the very Titan he sought to defeat.

6) Deaths of Ramzi and Halil

The sight of Eren failing to transform to save him is a haunting echo of his past when he was unable to save his mother. This heart-wrenching moment leaves viewers overwhelmed with sorrow, solidifying its place in the list of saddest moments in the title.

The deaths of Ramzi and Halil are one of the most heartbreaking moments in Attack on Titan. Eren comes across Ramzi during his infiltration of Marley, saving the boy from an assault. As he leads him away, Eren contemplates the inevitable tragedy he will bring upon Ramzi and others with the looming rumbling.

Eren, filled with guilt over the future genocide he will bring about, breaks down in tears before Ramzi, offering countless apologies for his actions. The scene then shifts to the kids meeting their gruesome demise, being crushed under rubble and the feet of the Rumbling Titans. This scene stood out as one of the most agonizing moments for viewers.

5) Itterasshai Eren

Eren's death may stir up conflicting emotions among fans, but it certainly strikes a deep emotional chord. While his fate may have been necessary for the greater good, the loss of the protagonist leaves a lasting impact on the fanbase. The scene of Mikasa decapitating him and bidding him farewell overwhelms fans with emotion. Her final kiss to his severed head is particularly poignant. When Armin and the others learn of Eren's death and recall their last conversation with him, their reaction intensifies the sadness, making it difficult for fans to hold back their tears.

Fans also mourn the loss of their beloved protagonist, making this one of the saddest moments in Attack on Titan.

4) Survey Corps' suicide charge, Erwin's last scream

The culmination of Erwin's leadership is undeniably one of the most emotionally impactful moments in the entire series. As the 13th commander of the Scout Regiment, Erwin Smith has consistently captivated the fans. In the latter part of episode 16 in season 3, the Scouts embark on their final mission- a dramatic cavalry charge toward the formidable Beast Titan, who relentlessly hurls enormous boulders their way.

Following Erwin's example, they rush towards their unavoidable fate to provide Levi with a lone chance to defeat the Beast Titan, turning the scene into a historic moment for the series. As he delivers his final order to his fellow scouts, the moment sends chills down the viewers' spines, marking it as one of the most heartbreaking moments in the series.

This beloved researcher, who was deeply passionate about the titans, gained the admiration of the Attack on Titan fandom. Her selfless sacrifice made a profound impact, particularly in the series' final moments. Hange Zoë heroically sacrifices herself in episode 21 of season 4 (The Final Chapter part 1, episode 90) in order to delay the rumbling.

2) Sasha's death

Amidst the chaos, she bravely ignites herself in a desperate effort to buy time for the other Scouts and Warriors to repair the airplane and stop Eren from exterminating humanity beyond the walls of Paradis. In a remarkable display of courage, she single-handedly takes down multiple rumbling titans. Mappa's astonishing animation, coupled with gripping music, intensifies the sorrow felt by fans. Her selfless sacrifice ultimately ensures a safe escape for the rest, but her absence leaves both the fans and the remaining characters deeply bereft.

The untimely death of Sasha Blouse has left a deep impact on the devoted followers of Attack on Titan, delivering a stunning and sorrowful blow to the fanbase. This heartrending moment takes place in episode 8 of Attack on Titan: The Final Season (episode 67). After Eren's attack on Marley, they manage to secure the War Hammer Titan and Zeke, with the help of the Scouts, and flee in an airship.

1) Carla Yeager's death

The cheers of the mission's apparent success are short-lived when a vengeful Gabi, accompanied by Falco, infiltrates their airship. Gabi fatally shoots and wounds Sasha, who ultimately succumbs to her injuries with her last thoughts fixated on meat. This heartbreaking scene leaves a majority of the fandom in tears, ranking as the second saddest moment in Attack on Titan.

The death of Eren's mom, Carla Yeager, is undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching scenes in Attack on Titan. Being featured in the very first episode, it catches viewers off guard, unprepared for the harrowing events that follow. After Carla heroically saves Eren and Mikasa with the aid of Hannes, she watches them flee. Overwhelmed by the impending doom, she pleads silently for them not to abandon her.

Eventually, the smiling titan of Dina Fritz devours her, as Eren and Mikasa watch helplessly. The scene portrays the heart-wrenching feeling of witnessing his mother being eaten alive, his powerlessness to save her, and her desperate struggles in the face of death. Combined with stunning animation and background music, it leaves the audience devastated and heartbroken.

These events left a lasting impact on the Attack on Titan fandom and will be remembered for a long time.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the article "Top 20 Heartbreaking Moments in Attack on Titan, Ranked". On the one hand, I appreciate that the article acknowledges the emotional impact of the show and highlights some of the most devastating moments. On the other hand, I feel that the ranking of these moments is subjective and that some of the choices are questionable.

Overall, I think the article does a good job of capturing the range of emotions that Attack on Titan evokes. The show is full of heartbreaking moments, and it's clear that the author has put a lot of thought into curating this list. However, I disagree with the ranking of some of the moments. For example, I think that the death of Sasha Braus should be ranked higher. Sasha was a beloved character, and her death was incredibly impactful. I also think that the scene where Eren Jaeger transforms into a titan and attacks his friends should be ranked higher. This scene was a major turning point in the series, and it had a profound impact on the characters and the story.

Despite my disagreements with the ranking, I still think that the article is a valuable resource for fans of Attack on Titan. It's a great way to revisit some of the most memorable moments of the show and to reflect on their emotional impact. I would recommend this article to any fan of the show.