10 Best Anime Where the Main Character Gets Betrayed
Anime has this incredible knack for yanking your heartstrings—and nothing does that quite like a good betrayal arc. You know the kind: when the main character gets stabbed in the back (sometimes literally) by someone they trust, and their whole world turns upside down. It’s dramatic, gut-wrenching, and honestly? Kinda addictive.
Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or an entire kingdom that turns on them, these characters take that betrayal and turn it into something powerful. Let’s dive into the 10 best anime where the main character gets betrayed, ranked from awesome to absolutely unforgettable.
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#10: Gankutsuou – A Tale of Stylish Vengeance
Betrayed by those closest to him, the Count of Monte Cristo returns with a vengeance—in space.
“Gankutsuou” is a sci-fi retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo, and oh boy, is it dripping with betrayal and revenge. The main character, Edmond Dantès, is wrongfully imprisoned by his friends and fiancée (yes, fiancée!). Years later, he comes back as the Count, ready to destroy the lives of those who betrayed him.
What makes this betrayal hit so hard isn’t just the act itself—it’s the elegance with which the Count dismantles his enemies, all while wearing outrageously cool outfits. The art style is insane (in a good way), and the emotional payoff is totally worth the slow burn.
#9: Claymore – Betrayed by the Very System Meant to Protect
When your saviors are worse than the monsters, who do you trust?
In Claymore, the protagonist Clare is part of an elite force of half-human, half-monster warriors designed to protect humanity. But as the story unfolds, she realizes the very organization she serves is manipulating her and others for their own gain.
The betrayal isn’t just personal—it’s systemic. Clare’s battles aren’t just with literal demons, but with the twisted hierarchy that uses her like a disposable tool. The blend of internal and external conflict makes her journey all the more intense.
#8: Code Geass – Betrayal and Chessboard Manipulation
What happens when you become the villain to defeat a greater evil—and your best friend turns on you?
Lelouch Lamperouge isn’t new to betrayal. He dishes it out and receives it in equal measure. Code Geass is a masterpiece of political intrigue, manipulation, and moral ambiguity. Lelouch’s betrayal by Suzaku, and even by parts of the rebellion he creates, cuts deep.
You’re never quite sure who’s playing who, and that’s part of the genius. The betrayals hit hard because they come from people you’ve grown attached to, not random villains. This anime makes you question loyalty, justice, and power at every turn.
#7: Ranking of Kings – When Innocence Meets Treachery
Bojji may be small and deaf, but the betrayals he faces are loud and cruel.
In Ranking of Kings, little Bojji is the underdog of underdogs. Born deaf and weak in a world where strength defines your worth, he’s constantly underestimated. But what’s worse is the betrayal he faces from those who should protect him—especially within his own family.
His stepbrother’s betrayal stings the most, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Watching Bojji navigate through lies and manipulation while staying pure-hearted is nothing short of inspiring. It’s the kind of anime that hits you right in the feels.
#6: 91 Days – Vengeance is Brewed in Betrayal
Betrayal, blood, and bootlegging. Welcome to the mafia.
91 Days is a slow-burn revenge tale set in the Prohibition era. Angelo’s family is slaughtered by the mafia, and years later, he infiltrates the organization to destroy it from within. His entire life is fueled by betrayal—both the one that ruined his childhood and the lies he has to live while seeking vengeance.
This anime doesn’t glamorize revenge. It shows the toll it takes and the moral lines blurred along the way. Angelo’s path is dark, gritty, and emotionally exhausting—in the best way.
#5: Arifureta – Left to Die by His Own Team
Imagine getting shoved into a pit by your own teammate… during a dungeon raid.
In Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest, Hajime starts off as the weakest member of his class, summoned to another world. During a dungeon raid, one of his classmates literally betrays him—sending him falling into darkness, left for dead.
What follows is an epic glow-up. Hajime doesn’t just survive—he thrives, turning into an absolute powerhouse. His transformation is brutal, but it’s the betrayal that makes it so satisfying. He becomes someone you don’t want to mess with.
#4: Dororo – A Father’s Ultimate Betrayal
Sold to demons before he was even born. Thanks, Dad.
Dororo is a gut-punch of an anime. Hyakkimaru’s own father sacrifices his newborn son’s body parts to demons in exchange for power. Yeah—it’s that brutal. The result? Hyakkimaru is born without eyes, limbs, or even skin.
What makes this betrayal so tragic is how innocent Hyakkimaru is through it all. He didn’t choose this. But instead of giving up, he sets out to reclaim his stolen parts and confront his cursed past. It’s a journey full of pain, but also healing.
#3: The Kingdoms of Ruin – Trust Broken, Vengeance Ignited
A fragile alliance shattered in an instant. Now it’s personal.
In The Kingdoms of Ruin, humans and witches once coexisted, but the tide turned quickly. Adonis, an apprentice to a kind witch, watches her get executed by the very system that was supposed to protect her. Betrayed by the kingdom he trusted, Adonis snaps.
What follows is a dark tale of revenge, as Adonis unleashes his wrath on a world that wronged him. It’s a brutal, unforgiving anime that doesn’t shy away from the emotional scars betrayal leaves behind.
#2: Ubel Blatt – False Heroes and Betrayed Justice
Imagine being hailed a traitor while the real villains wear medals.
Ubel Blatt is all about flipping the script. Koinzell, the main character, is one of the “true heroes” who helped save the kingdom—but his comrades betray him, frame him as a traitor, and nearly kill him. He barely survives and returns, under a new identity, to right the wrongs.
This anime is raw, violent, and driven by righteous fury. Watching Koinzell take down each of the fake heroes is immensely satisfying. The layers of political corruption and lies make this betrayal one of the nastiest—and most rewarding—to watch unfold.
#1: The Rising of the Shield Hero – The Ultimate Betrayal
Framed. Shamed. Cast out. And still, he rises.
When it comes to anime betrayals, The Rising of the Shield Hero takes the crown. Naofumi is summoned to another world as one of four heroes, but things take a sharp turn when he’s falsely accused of assault. Betrayed by the kingdom, hated by the people, and abandoned by allies—he hits rock bottom fast.
But instead of giving up, Naofumi claws his way back up, rebuilding his reputation and forming real bonds with those who believe in him. His rise from the ashes is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is betrayal at its most raw—and redemption at its sweetest.
Conclusion
Betrayal hits differently in anime—it’s personal, painful, and transformative. Each of these stories doesn’t just use betrayal for shock value; they let it shape the characters, pushing them to grow stronger, wiser, and more determined.
Whether it’s revenge, redemption, or resilience, these anime remind us that betrayal might break you—but it can also build you into someone unstoppable. So next time you’re in the mood for drama, tears, and epic comebacks, give one of these shows a watch. You won’t regret it.
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