One of the many popular genres of anime is one known as Isekai, which literally translates to "other world." In these stories, the hero or heroine is transported to a realm completely different from their own, usually a fantasy world or inside a video game.
For the most part, they are tales full of fun and adventure. However, there are certain moments in Isekai anime where something truly heartbreaking happens that devastates both the characters and the viewers. Whether it is a loss or a painful memory, these moments remind us that sadness cannot be avoided, no matter what world we are in.
Overlord: The Destruction of Swords of Darkness
In the virtual fantasy Isekai Overlord, Swords of Darkness is a group of adventurers that befriends the protagonist Ainz on a quest. Unfortunately, they are decimated by the sadistic villain Clementine shortly after this mission. Three of the four members are turned into zombies, while the fourth is tortured to death.
While Ainz is usually unemotional, the loss of Swords of Darkness affects him, and he soon gets bloody revenge for their murders. It is moving to see the powerful Overlord care for anyone besides himself.
Vision Of Escaflowne: Folken's Death
A mix of fantasy and mecha anime, Vision Of Escaflowne tells the story of a girl transported to a parallel world on the brink of war. One of the anime's antagonists, Folken, is the older brother of the hero Van, and, though they fight against each other at first, they eventually join forces.
Unfortunately, Folken's past actions result in a shortened lifespan, and the brothers must part ways permanently. When Folken dies in an attempt to vanquish the evil emperor, Van's anguish resonates from off the screen and straight into the hearts of fans.
Rising Of The Shield Hero: Raphtalia's Past
A more recent Isekai, Rising Of The Shield Hero follows a young man as he is summoned to another world to become a hero. His first true companion is Raphtalia, who is trying to recover from a great deal of trauma.
Not only are her parents slain in a monster attack, but she is also sold into slavery and watches her best friend be killed by their captors. Seeing her awful experience in flashbacks and how she has overcome it in the present makes Raphtalia truly endearing to viewers.
Sword Art Online: Yuuki's Death
While the virtual reality anime Sword Art Online sparks mixed reactions among fans, it cannot be denied that it has its tear-jerking moments. One of these involves the character Yuuki from the Fairy Dance arc.
While she is a remarkably skilled fighter in the Sword Art Online game, she is terminally ill in the real world. When she finally dies, she chooses to spend her final moments in the game with those who love and respect her. The sorrow that Asuna feels holding her dying friend is the same sorrow felt by the audience.
Digimon: Wizardmon's Death
A favorite from the early 2000s, Digimon follows a group of kids as they try to save a digital world full of digivolving creatures. One of these creatures is Wizardmon, who seemingly works for the evil Myotismon but who secretly helps the DigiDestined.
When Myotismon attacks Gatomon and Kari, Wizardmon shields them but loses his life as a result. The parting words between him and Gatomon broke the hearts of many a Digimon viewer; Wizardmon dies not for the sake of the future, but for the sake of his friend.
Fushigi Yuugi: Nuriko's Death
The isekai classic Fushigi Yuugi follows modern-day teenager Miaka and her adventures with the seven Suzaku warriors. One fan-favorite among these warriors is Nuriko, whose cross-dressing attire and super strength catch a lot of attention.
Sadly, Nuriko dies after fighting an enemy from the Seiryuu faction. As the moral support of his team and their first major casualty, his loss is a serious blow to all of the Suzaku warriors, especially Miaka, as fans deeply empathize with her disbelief and her grieving.
Angel Beats!: Kanade's Goodbye
Angel Beats! is part of an Iekai subgenre where the alternate world is the afterlife. The teenagers there can leave and be reincarnated after they fulfill the unrealized desires from their former lives.
One boy, Otonashi, falls in love with the mysterious Kanade and asks her to stay with him in the afterlife. However, Kanade's final wish is to thank her heart donor, who turns out to be Otonashi himself. Seeing their tearful goodbye as this wish is fulfilled is utterly heartbreaking to watch.
Inuyasha: Kikyo's Death
Throughout the entire Inuyasha series, the resurrected priestess Kikyo is a constant presence due to her past relationship with the titular protagonist. She tries to defeat the demon Naraku, yet fails, ending up powerless and dying.
The conclusion to one of Inuyasha's saddest storylines, her final moments are spent in the arms of her former love Inuyasha before she passes away. After everything these two have been through, it is impossible not to feel immense sadness in this final parting. The only consolation is that Kikyo finally finds peace after wandering the earth as a soulless entity.
Re:Zero: Rem's Torture
Re:Zero is a pretty tragic Isekai overall; the main character, Subaru, constantly dies and is resurrected through time reversal. However, one particularly heart-wrenching moment is when the antagonist, Petelgeuse, captures him and his friend Rem.
Rem is subjected to horrendous torture while Subaru is forced to watch her suffering. Before she ultimately dies from her wounds, Rem helps Subaru escape and confesses that she loves him. The emotional knife is twisted in further as Subaru carries her lifeless body for miles to return her to her home.
Magic Knight Rayearth: Emeraude's Death
In the classic Isekai Magic Knight Rayearth, three high school girls are summoned to the world of Cephiro in order to save its Pillar, Princess Emeraude. In one of the most shocking and devastating twists in anime, it is revealed that the real reason they are summoned is to do the exact opposite by killing the corrupted princess and saving the world from collapse.
With Emeraude pleading to die in order to be reunited with her love and the young girls sobbing over what they must do, there is no way fans can watch this scene without breaking out some tissues.