Self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds for a cause or to protect loved ones remains one of the most inspiring acts human beings can do. Records from history that detail famous last stands such as Thermopylae, Saragarhi, and Myeongnyang continue to captivate people to this very day.
Anime has its fair share of famous and epic last stands. Whether in vain or successful, these characters decided to give it their all and fight to the end despite being outgunned and outnumbered, sometimes giving their lives in the process. A heads-up that there will be significant spoilers, so readers are advised to proceed with caution.
7 Invasion Of Pieta (Claymore)
In a dark fantasy and medieval world under constant assault by monsters known as Yoma, female warrior witches known as Claymores are the only thing that can stand against these creatures.
In the Northern War Arc during the Invasion of Pieta, the Claymores make their stand against the Awakened Beings, former Claymores who’ve given in to their carnal desires and that are incredibly strong. As the battle rages on, the Claymores are slowly torn apart as most of their leaders are picked off one by one. Despite being outmatched, the Claymores continue to fight and develop tactics to try and overcome their odds. Thankfully all this was not in vain as the main protagonist, Clare, eventually turns the tables against the Awakened Ones.
6 Asuka Vs Eva Units (The End Of Evangelion)
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One of the more recognizable Tsundere characters of the last couple of decades, no one wants to get on Asuka’s bad side. As a whole horde of EVA units descends to eradicate the NERV facility and those within it, Asuka comes to the rescue alone.
Despite putting up a valiant and effective defense, viewers know that the numbers are stacked against her. Refusing to give up even though her EVA unit has been torn to shreds, Asuka pushes herself to the limit in a desperate bid to take down more enemies. The results however are not pretty as she is impaled repeatedly.
5 Kamina Vs Thymilph (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
In the attempt to capture the mobile fortress belonging to Divine General Thymilph, Team Gurren Lagan and their allies go all in to take down the Beastman Empire that rule the surface. The battle goes awry when Thymilph not only stabs Kamina through the chest but also fires a beam weapon through him, mortally wounding the guy.
In one last epic move, Kamina expends the last of his strength to combine with Simon to form Gurren Lagann once more and deliver the signature ‘Giga Drill Break’, which is not only awesome to behold but wrecks the general. Kamina delivers some final wise words to Simon about believing in himself and dies soon after in his cockpit.
4 Whitebeard Vs The Blackbeard Pirates And The Marines (One Piece)
One of the manliest characters to grace the screens of anime, Whitebeard was considered the strongest man in the world within the One Piece franchise. Tragically unable to save Ace during a fight against the World Government, Whitebeard gathers himself for one final stand against the Government’s navy forces and his former turncoat crewmember, Blackbeard.
After destroying much of Marineford and imparting some wise words to Blackbeard, as to why betraying people is never a good idea. Whitebeard succumbs to his wounds (267 sword wounds, 152 gun wounds, and 46 cannonballs) and dies standing upright. What a legend.
3 All Might Vs All For One (My Hero Academia)
Two opposing giants with everything at stake. Despite both being past their prime, All Might and All For One are far from being powerless. As both their successors and the public watch the ultimate showdown unfold, the two sides give everything they’ve got against each other.
Although nearly out of juice and under All For One’s constant barrage of various quirks, All Might musters the last of his strength to overcome the odds. With help from public support and his mentor’s words, he manages to triumph over All For One, delivering one of the most epic punches in anime history in the process.
2 Spike’s One Man Assault (Cowboy Bebop)
Sometimes the best defense means an all-out offense. Trapped between two realities and feeling the loss of his only love, Julia, the bounty hunter known as Spike takes the fight to Vicious and his crime syndicate to end it all.
Despite having the upper hand throughout and making it to Vicious (whilst losing his friend Shin in the process), the two give it their all and exchange mortal blows with one another. Despite walking out from the ruins with several foes looking on, Spike is seemingly satisfied with the outcome of everything as the credits begin to roll.
1 Erwin’s Final Charge (Attack On Titan)
Known for his desire to discover the world beyond and inspired by his father’s ideals, Erwin made a great captain despite never having cared for anyone and being willing to have others die for the greater good.
Accepting that his final wish will not come true, Erwin makes a final desperate gamble to charge headlong towards the Beast Titan. Rousing the scout recruits and trusting Levi with his skills, Erwin leads his doomed regiment into the fray. Although he survives the onslaught and the Scout regiment achieves a pyrrhic victory, Erwin succumbs to his wounds after Armin is chosen to become the next Colossal Titan.