Summary
Many animes use death as a narrative device, often killing characters during important moments and changing everything in the main plot, either as a sacrifice or at the hands of a powerful villain. However, sometimes these deaths aren’t permanent, as it’s not unusual for some characters to return later in a plot twist that is very common across different media.
As a result, while some scenes lose their initial impact, a character returning from the dead is also an epic moment, especially when they have new powers or transformations. Moreover, several anime characters oftenreturn even stronger in these situations, allowing them to help their friends in many new ways. For those individuals, death is not the end of their journey but rather a way to grow even more.
Sailor Moon
Reincarnated from Princess Serenity,Sailor Moonis a magical warrior who fights to protect the universe from the forces of evil. As one of the most powerful female fighters in anime, Usagi sacrifices herself to safeguard the universe inSailor Stars. In one ofthe biggest moments of the animation,she shows her strength and selflessness when facingSailor Galaxia.
Despite her defeat, Usagi later is resurrected thanks to the Silver Crystal, a mystical artifact that operates in synchrony with the love of her friends. Physically and emotionally stronger, Usagi displays maturity and compassion by forgivingSailor Galaxia, becoming a more confident heroine who fully understands her mission to protect Earth and the entire universe.
Natsuki is one of the most unique characters in the anime world, serving as the protagonist inRe:Zero. With the heavy emotional burden, as he must shoulder the traumatic memories of every death he experiences and the people he has lost.
Transported to Lugnica unexpectedly, he is a former hikkikomori who discovers his ability and dies multiple times until fully understanding its power. By learning about the world he is in and getting to know those around him, he becomes a better fighter, capable of facing formidable enemies and protecting allies, sacrificing himself countless times on their behalf.
Ajin: Demi-Human
In his death, Kei becomes aware of his true nature as an Ajin. Until that point, he lived as a normal young man, an exemplary student and an obedient son, without involvement in supernatural or military matters. However, after being resurrected in a car accident witnessed by many people, he is viewed as a threat by the government, which pursues Ajins to use them as testsubjects in cruel experiments.
As one of the strongest individuals to return to life, Kei grows more determined upon realizing how merciless and dangerous the world around him can be. He must explore his Ajin abilities to escape and survive. In addition to being immortal, he summons the Invisible Black Matter, an entity invisible to the human eye, which can fight on his behalf, delivering thrilling battles in the anime.
In one of the saddest and darkest story arcs, Denji is killed by an army of zombie demons. Controlled by the Zombie Devil, a horde of zombies surrounds the protagonist and Pochita, who sacrifices itself so Denji can return to life. That sacrifice is one of the turning points in the anime, as Denji then bears the burden of the Chainsaw Devil’s power in a world that despises him.
Upon becomingChainsaw Man, he turns into an unstoppable force of destruction and chaos, able to take on fearsome demons directly, beings he could never have faced before. As episodes unfold, he dives deeper into his own nature and learns to use his abilities, using them to save friends and defeat emerging Devils, all while becoming reflective about humanity, desire, and a sense of alienation from the world.
Few anime protagonists have been as beloved as Ash Ketchum, the face ofPokemonfor years. His journey introduced fans to new regions, fierce gym battles, and constant run-ins with Team Rocket. But inPokemon: The Movie 2000, he faced something even more terrifying than any opponent - his own death.
As Mew and Mewtwo’s battle reaches a breaking point, Ash steps in, hoping to stop the destruction. In an instant, he is struck and turned to stone. Pikachu desperately tries to wake him, unleashing one heartbreaking cry after another. Then, something extraordinary happens - the tears of the surrounding Pokemon bring him back to life, a powerful reminder that their bond is more than just trainer and creature.It’s friendship in its purestform.
The protagonist ofHigh School DxD, Issei is killed by Raynare in the anime’s first episode. When he finally goes out on a date with a girl, she unexpectedly reveals herself to be a fallen angel and kills him to claim his Sacred Gear. Rias Gremory resurrects him, turning him into one of her pawns, a group of servants with distinctive combat abilities.
In a journey marked by growth and self-discovery, Issei is one of the strongest characters to have come back to life, becoming a powerful warrior and a respected leader. Thanks to the Sacred Gear, he gains supernatural powers and evolves into a more mature and protective figure. Setting aside his perverted tendencies, he emerges from each battle progressively stronger and more experienced.
As one of the most unusual characters inOne Piece, Brook was part of the Rumbar Pirates crew. While sailing, the entire crew fell victim to tragedy when they all died from an illness during their voyage across the Calm Belt, one of the most perilous regions of the ocean. As one of the last members to succumb, he possessed the Yomi Yomi no Mi, allowing him to return to life.
When he died, however, his soul took too long to locate his body, and by then it had decomposed completely. Even so, the fruit’s power enabled him to live again, although now in skeletal form, giving him a distinct look. In this new life, he acquired abilities to manipulate his own soul, becoming intangible and invisible. He is also an excellent swordsman, evolving into one of themost powerful pirates inOne Piece.
At the start of the series,Yusuke dies while saving a child from being hit by a car. Seen as a selfish troublemaker, his sacrifice even surprises the spirit world, where he is received by Botan, who explains his peculiar condition. There is no place for the protagonist in either heaven or hell, so he goes through a series of tests to become eligible for resurrection.
With help from friends and family, through faith and effort, they bring his soul back. Assuming the role of a spirit detective, he investigates and battles supernatural threats in the human world, using a technique called the Rei Gun. His return makes him stronger both physically and mentally, making him one of the most iconic characters in anime.
One of the most iconic characters inNaruto, Kakashi dies during Pain’s invasion of Konoha, in theNaruto Shippudenarc. During this invasion, the ninja confronts one of Pain’s bodies, Tendo, Nagato’s form that controls gravity. In an exciting battle to protect allies,Kakashi employs multiple techniques, including the Mangekyou Sharingan, an advanced Sharingan technique that manipulates space-time.
The fight ends with Kakashi fatally wounded, delivering one of the most emotional scenes inNarutoas he briefly converses with Sakumo Hatake. At Naruto’s request, Nagato uses Rinne Tensei no Jutsu to resurrect Kakashi, who returns both emotionally and mentally stronger. After speaking with his father, he finds inner peace, remaining one of the most respected ninjas in Konoha and a favorite among fans due to his might.
Goku is a Saiyan warrior who has died several times to save Earth and the universe. Facing countless powerful enemies over the course of the anime, he has perished on multiple occasions but always comes back stronger, showing unyielding resolve in saving friends and the planet. His first death occurs inDragon Ball Z: Saiyan Saga, when he fights his brother Raditz, and Piccolo’s Makankosappo technique kills them both.
Resurrected by the Dragon Balls, after a training period with King Kai, he learns techniques like Kaio-ken and the Super Kamehameha, helping him battle Nappa and Vegeta. As one of the strongest characters in anime, he also dies while confronting Cell, self-destructing alongside the villain. Returning in the Majin Buu saga, he appears in an much stronger form, defeating and destroying Buu.
