Jujutsu Kaisen has captivated fans worldwide not only with its supernatural action and thrilling battles but also with its emotional depth. The anime has woven tragic and heartbreaking moments throughout its narrative, leaving audiences reflecting on the fragile nature of its characters’ lives. Below, we rank the ten most gut-wrenching episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, where stakes were raised, and no character was ever safe.
10. Riko’s Shocking Death in Season 2, Episode 3
In Season 2, Episode 3, titled “Hidden Inventory 3,” Jujutsu Kaisen delves into its lore, revealing Gojo’s immense power and Toji’s Heavenly Restriction. But amidst the action and character development, a tragic event unfolds: Riko Amanai’s untimely death. As Riko is given the choice to reject assimilation, she opts for a normal life. However, her aspirations are shattered when Toji Fushiguro shoots her in the head, marking a devastating moment that sets the tone for the heartbreak to follow in the series.
9. Mechamaru’s Tragic Backstory in Season 1, Episode 16
Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season introduced the Kyoto school and its characters, with Mechamaru standing out due to his tragic circumstances. In this episode, Panda faces off against Mechamaru in an intense battle. Fans are exposed to Mechamaru’s painful reality: he is forced to control the Mechamaru robot due to his debilitating illness, an existence that leaves him emotionally and physically strained. The depth of his suffering and his loneliness makes his eventual fate even more heartbreaking.
8. Gojo is Sealed in the Prison Realm in Season 2, Episode 10
One of the most shocking and emotionally charged moments in Jujutsu Kaisen occurs when Satoru Gojo, the series’ strongest sorcerer, is sealed in the Prison Realm. In Episode 10 of Season 2, “Pandemonium,” Gojo’s battle with Pseudo-Geto culminates in his containment, which leaves the heroes of the series without their greatest asset. This event signals the heroes’ vulnerability in the face of overwhelming threats, intensifying the series’ sense of impending doom.
7. Junpei’s Downfall in Season 1, Episode 12
In one of the most gut-wrenching episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, Junpei Yoshino’s manipulation by the villain Mahito leads to his tragic death. Lured by promises of revenge for his bullying and manipulated by Mahito’s dark influence, Junpei becomes a victim of Mahito’s cruel plans. His tragic fate—transforming into a disfigured creature—serves as a harsh lesson to protagonist Yuji Itadori, reinforcing the painful reality that not everyone can be saved.
6. Mechamaru’s Betrayal and Desperation in Season 2, Episode 6
Season 2’s “It’s Like That” reveals the heartbreaking truth about Mechamaru’s betrayal of his friends at Jujutsu High. Stricken by a debilitating condition caused by his Heavenly Restriction, Mechamaru seeks a better life through a deal with Mahito. The episode not only explores the depths of his physical suffering but also the emotional toll his choices take. His betrayal stems from a desperate desire for a normal life, but the consequences of his actions become tragically clear as he faces the harsh cost of his decisions.
5. Toji’s Ultimate Sacrifice in Season 2, Episode 16
In a deeply emotional moment during Episode 16, “Thunderclap,” Toji Fushiguro, the formidable Sorcerer Killer, faces off against his son, Megumi. Toji’s tragic backstory and strained relationship with his son come to a head when he chooses to end his life rather than continue fighting Megumi. This unexpected act of self-destruction not only adds complexity to Toji’s character but also underscores the deep emotional scars that shape his actions and motivations throughout the series.
4. Yuji’s Breakdown in the Shibuya Incident in Season 2, Episode 17
The Shibuya Incident arc represents one of the most tragic and harrowing episodes in Jujutsu Kaisen as Yuji Itadori grapples with the consequences of Sukuna’s rampage. In this episode, “Thunderclap, Part 2,” Yuji’s struggle to come to terms with the chaos wreaked by Sukuna, who takes control of his body, culminates in a heartbreaking breakdown. Yuji’s despair, intensified by the devastation caused by his own body, marks a poignant moment in his journey—a stark reminder of the emotional toll the battle against curses takes on the sorcerers.
3. Kokichi Muta’s Sacrifice in Season 2, Episode 7
In a devastating turn of events in “Evening Festival,” Kokichi Muta, who had betrayed his comrades for a chance at a better life, meets his tragic end. Despite having gained a new body through his deal with Mahito, Kokichi’s redemption arc is short-lived. He fights bravely against Mahito, but despite his valiant efforts, he is ultimately defeated and killed. Kokichi’s sacrifice for a better life—only to lose it in battle—adds another layer of tragedy to the series, making his death all the more heart-wrenching.
2. Nobara’s Ultimate Sacrifice in Season 2, Episode 19
Nobara Kugisaki’s unwavering commitment to protect her friends leads her to make the ultimate sacrifice in Episode 19, “Right and Wrong, Part 2.” In a fierce battle with Mahito, Nobara’s resolve pushes her to the brink of death. The uncertainty surrounding her fate after this episode leaves fans heartbroken, especially as they are confronted with her last moments and Yuji’s reaction to her sacrifice. Nobara’s willingness to put her life on the line in service of others highlights the emotional depth of the series and the brutal reality of the battle against curses.
1. Nanami’s Final Moments in Season 2, Episode 18
Kento Nanami’s death during the Shibuya Incident is arguably the saddest moment in Jujutsu Kaisen to date. In Episode 18, “Right and Wrong,” Nanami, who had become a fan favorite for his calm demeanor and steadfast dedication to his work, dies in a brutal battle. His death, while protecting the innocents around him, marks the devastating loss of a key figure in the fight against curses. Nanami’s passing underscores the stakes of the ongoing conflict and the harsh reality that no one is immune to the darkness that looms over the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s exploration of loss, sacrifice, and the human condition continues to make it one of the most emotionally charged anime series today. As the story progresses, fans can expect more heartbreaking moments that push the boundaries of emotional storytelling.
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