Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (2025)

Anime has become a worldwide sensation because of its innovative storyline and visually striking aesthetic. This has attracted millions of fans across the world with its uniqueness, which lies in its capacity to shock viewers with unbelievable turns of events. These turns have the potential to make fans rethink their assumptions and the entire premise of the story.

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The revelation of previously unknown information, the exposure of previously unknown identities, and the disruption of the previously established order are all hallmarks of the best anime plot twists of all time. Their narrative brilliance and ability to surprise even the most ardent anime fans are on full display.

Updated on August 2, 2024 by Ritwik Mitra: Most people feel that the majority of anime have cliched storylines that are rather predictable, but this couldn't be further from the truth. There are several amazing anime that do a great job of keeping viewers guessing, with the best anime plot twists doing a great job of catching fans by surprise while also making sense if people think about it. Many plot twists in anime have become iconic in their own right because of the major ramifications they have on the story or how they mess with a viewer's expectations of how a narrative is supposed to play out.

Warning: Massive Spoilers Ahead

1 Rei Was A Clone

One Of Many

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (2)
Neon Genesis Evangelion

Sci-Fi

Mecha

Drama

Release Date
October 4, 1995

Studio
Gainax, Tatsunoko Production

Directors
Hideaki Anno

Neon Genesis Evangelion takes a while to get going, and Shinji's poor first impression as a protagonist doesn't help things. However, all of this is made up for with one of the most introspective stories told in an anime, with many people growing to empathize with Shinji's plight. Putting the responsibility of saving the world on a teenager's shoulders is bound to make them break down time and time again, and the only support system he had was a group of friends who either understood or shared his plight.

One of the people he grows close to, Rei, is very mysterious and there's not a lot that's revealed about this character early on. It's not until the tail end of the series that it's revealed that Rei is a clone of Shinji's mother in one of the best anime plot twists ever devised. It further hammers the devious nature of his father and the lengths he went to achieve his overly pragmatic goals.

2 Aizen's Betrayal

Ends The Soul Society Arc On A High Note

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (3)

The Soul Society arc is one of the greatest storylines ever told in a shonen manga, expanding Bleach's world in a believable manner and introducing some of the best characters in the series that would play a major role in the events to come. Ichigo must reach new heights of power to beat down the many Shinigami standing in his way, culminating in an amazing clash of wills against Byakuya.

However, despite the arc nearing its conclusion on a high note, a curveball is thrown at the end in one of the best anime plot twists. It turns out that one of the captains, Aizen, is a villain who betrays Soul Society and positions himself as the major antagonist of the series. His quest to obtain the Hogyoku's power at any cost makes him a vile Shinigami who must be taken out by any means necessary, although this is easier said than done given his insurmountable power.

3 Lelouch's Orchestrated Death

The Final Step To Liberate The People Of Britannia

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (4)
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006)

Mecha

Action

Sci-Fi

Release Date
October 6, 2006

Studio
Sunrise

Japanese Title
Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch

Despite his selfish goals, an argument could be made that Lelouch was looking out for the people despite his personal interest in ascending to the throne. He concocts a revolutionary figure that inspires hope in the masses and succeeds in usurping the throne. However, the people were skeptical about their new king, and another move needed to be carried out before his plan would succeed.

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After telling Suzaku the final leg of his plan, Lelouch's best friend takes on Zero's outfit and carries out a planned assassination of Lelouch in front of the masses. It's a twist that allows the people of Britannia to be hopeful about the future, and Lelouch disappears in the background after faking his death to enjoy a peaceful life in one of the best anime plot twists that ended Code Geass on a high note.

4 Makima's True Identity

She's The Control Devil

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (6)
Chainsaw Man

Action

Supernatural

Release Date
October 12, 2022

Studio
MAPPA

Creator
Tatsuki Fujimoto

Despite only being twelve episodes long, Chainsaw Man's impact can't be stated enough. The sheer amount of love and adoration put into this show's animation is remarkable. Each episode flexes its budget with a custom ending that is gorgeous and reflects the themes of each episode with great panache. The twelve episodes felt like a teaser.

If they're just starting the show, fans may not be aware of is the fact that Makima is a heinous character who shouldn't be trusted. Part of this is already shown in the series, so most people wouldn't be surprised to know that Makima is the Control Devil. The insinuations of this revelation are massive, and anime fans can't wait to see the role she plays as the story goes on.

5 Sukuna Takes Over Megumi's Body

Lets The Cursed Spirit Run Rampant Without Restrictions

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (7)
Jujutsu Kaisen

Action

Supernatural

Release Date
October 3, 2020

Studio
MAPPA

Creator
Gege Akutami

Ryomen Sukuna is one of the strongest sorcerers in Jujutsu Kaisen. It's easy to see why so many people fear his very presence. Fans can't wait to see the sheer wealth of his powers be explored during his eventual rematch with Gojo. Given how powerful Sukuna is, fans have no idea how the other sorcerers will fare in a battle against this legendary cursed being. He takes no prisoners and toys with his prey more often than not.

What makes things interesting is that Sukuna breaks a Binding Vow to enter Megumi's body. This makes it understandable that he was careful to preserve Megumi's body to ensure that his future vessel wouldn't face any harm during the Shibuya Incident. This moment is a huge turning point in Jujutsu Kaisen, setting the stage for a battle between Sukuna and Itadori that has reached immense heights in the manga.

6 Sabito And Makomo Were Dead All Along

Both Characters Were The Victims Of Heinous Demons

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (8)
Demon Slayer

Action

Adventure

Release Date
April 6, 2019

Studio
ufotable

Creator
Koyoharu Gotoge

Demon Slayer is one of the hottest anime IPs right now. The quest of Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and the rest of the Hashira as they strive to get stronger and beat Muzan and his lackeys is proving to be a spectacle for the ages. The show makes a huge impact early on. Tanjiro's training to become a demon slayer starts with a quest to cut down a boulder using nothing more than a katana.

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During this intense training, Tanjiro receives help from Sabito and Makomo. These characters do everything in their power to ensure that Tanjiro's abilities are honed to a fine edge. It's only at the very end of this ordeal that it's revealed that both of them were long dead, and their spirits were willing Tanjiro to reach new heights as a swordsman. Eventually, Tanjiro avenges their deaths by taking out the demon that prematurely ended their lives.

7 Itachi's True Motive

Sacrificed His Entire Clan To Save His Brother

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (10)
Naruto

Animation

Action

Adventure

Release Date
October 2, 2002

Creator
Masashi Kishimoto

Studio
Pierrot

Itachi is one of the most tragic figures in Naruto, initially appearing as a daunting antagonist who is infamous for wiping out the entire Uchiha clan. However, it's only after Sasuke finally defeats his brother in a battle to the death that the truth of his sacrifice comes to light.

Under Danzo's orders, Itachi decided to kill the entire Uchiha clan to prevent a mass riot that would've plunged Konoha into ruin. His only condition was for his beloved brother to survive, showing just how much he loved Sasuke and wanted to look out for him in his way.

8 Griffith's Ultimate Sacrifice

Gave Up The Band Of The Hawk To Attain Godhood

Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (11)
Berserk

Fantasy

Action

Release Date
October 8, 1997

Creator
Kentaro Miura

Studio
OLM Team Iguchi

The bond between Guts and Griffith was a thing of beauty. The latter acknowledges Guts' strength even though he wants to follow his lofty ambitions. After Guts left the Band of the Hawk to be treated like an equal by his companion, Griffith lost his edge and ended up being captured and tortured for stealing the innocence of a princess.

After being broken and unable to fight for what he desired, he involuntarily summoned the Eclipse and agreed to sacrifice the entirety of the Band of the Hawk to be born anew as an Apostle with the strength to lead a kingdom. It's a harrowing end to Berserk's best arc. Guts is forced to watch his closest friends be tortured and killed simply because of Griffith's hubris.

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Mind-Blowing Anime Plot Twists (2025)
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