Don’t trust anyone easily, even if it’s your favorite character in the anime world. Or else, you’ll be surprised by how twisted they can be. Protagonists face devastating betrayals that lead them down a darker path. We’ve seen them seeking revenge or struggling to recover. Now, here are the 5 compelling anime series that feature the characters who are betrayed and have taken turns towards the dark side.
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Let’s start out with this isekai fantasy in our list! Hajime Nagumo, an ordinary high schooler, was transported to another world together with his classmates. In their transfer to a new world, they acquire new abilities that will help them navigate the magical world. His peers receive powerful abilities, while Hajime finds himself in a strange situation where he gains seemingly useless skills. On his expedition, one of Hajime’ classmates betrayed him and caused the man to fall into a monster-field abyss.
The treachery led Hajime to transform from a kind-hearted teenager into a hardened survivor. In his fight to stay alive in the depths of labyrinth, Hajime’s personality darkens. He becomes ruthless and driven solely by the desire to return home, no matter the cost. Indeed, it’s gripping to watch his journey from a weakling to an anti-hero.
The Rising of the Shield Hero
Naofumi Iwatana faces betrayal almost immediately upon arrival. The summoned Shield Hero was falsely accused of a horrible crime by the princess, who was supposed to be his ally. Naofumi found himself hated and shunned by the entire kingdom.
Naofumi’s trusting nature was shattered by the betrayal that happened. Eventually, it was replaced with cynicism and rage as he struggled to clear his name. As he grows stronger, Naofumi’s actions and attitudes become increasingly darker. His path to becoming an anti-hero showcases how betrayal can warp even the most idealistic individuals.
Redo of Healer
This one’s a bit controversial due to its mature content, but it presents an extreme example of a hero turned dark by betrayal. Keyaru, a healing hero, endured years of torture and abuse at the hands of his supposed allies. Keyaru embarks on a brutal quest for vengeance after he gains power to turn back time.
This delves into the psychological impact of long-term betrayal and abuse. With several betrayals experienced, Keyaru spiraled into darkness, eventually breaking his moral compass.
Tokyo Ghoul
Ken Kaneki’s transformation from gentle bookworm to conflicted half-ghoul begins with a betrayal. His date with the beautiful Rize turns horrific when she reveals herself as a ghoul intent on devouring him. His survival from the incident changed him physically and mentally.
Struggling with his new identity as a half-ghoul, he faces betrayal from both humans and ghouls. With the betrayal pushing him down the dark path, it culminated in his transformation into a formidable and morally ambiguous character as Haise Sasaki.
91 Days
Set during the Prohibition era, this story follows Angelo Lagusa’s quest for revenge after the mafia murders his family. This sets Angelo on a dark journey of deception and murder.
He infiltrates the very mafia family responsible for his loss under the alis Avilio Bruno. His single-minded focus on revenge leads him to commit excessively ruthless acts. Through the series, Angelo’s desire for vengeance is explored. It displays how darkness consumed him and turned him from an innocent child into a cold-blooded killer.
Conclusion
Betrayal is mischievous, and you’ll never know who it will kill. These anime series showed how these characters were consumed by the dark because of their betrayals. Whether it happens once or in a series, it may serve as a turning point, pushing the main characters down undesirable paths. These complex characters build the perfect narratives and perspectives on situations. For fans of dark themes, these psychologically intense anime will satisfy your desire for gripping tales of betrayal and aftermath.
