Suffice it to say that Attack on Titan is nothing short of a cultural phenomenon among the geek community. Initially airing in 2013, the acclaimed franchise went on to spawn two live-action movies and a spin-off series due to its massive popularity. It also garnered a second season, which debuted last year after numerous delays. A third season is currently underway and, though this hasn’t been officially announced, another extension is probably planned.
With nearly 40 episodes to its name at the time of this writing, a lot has happened since the first wall’s breach. The following are some of the show’s best moments so far to get you hyped for even more shocking revelations. Be warned that this article contains major spoilers.
Best Attack on Titan Moments – Eren Gets Eaten
Admittedly, the moment in which the main character of the show seemingly dies hooked most people. While most viewers had believed that Eren would survive just because he was the main character, Attack on Titan spun that formula on its head.
In the battle for Trost, the Colossal Titan reappears to break another wall. This allows a surge of titans to come in and wreak havoc on the Trost district. Eren pursues the Colossal, only for him to disappear instantaneously. Armin, Jean, and the rest of the squad move into the battle taking place below them, only to have most of their team brutally devoured in seconds. Armin is almost eaten, until Eren swoops in to sacrifice himself. Seeing the character slip into a grotesque mouth and swallowed whole was horrifying because it truly cemented that no one is safe in this world.
Of course, fans later learn that Eren is actually a titan-shifter and was safe all along. It didn’t take away from this fifth episode in the slightest and remains one of the best anime cliffhangers.
Best Attack on Titan Moments – Carla’s Death
The first episode of the show begins with the standard affair. Viewers are introduced to major characters Eren, Mikasa, and Armin, in addition to Eren’s dad, Grisha, and his mom, Carla. The protagonists go about their daily lives, wondering what dangers truly await them outside the walls.
The 24-minute pilot kicks into high gear when actual titans breach the district thanks to the Armored Titan’s efforts. Everyone scrambles to safety, lost in the panic and confusion. Eren and Mikasa are saved by a Survey Corps friend, but Carla is left buried beneath the rubble of their home. A titan comes to lift her out from the debris. Carla is crying as she bids her son farewell one last time. The titan crunches down on the mother as blood spews across the air in every direction. Eren witnesses the entire tragedy, traumatized forevermore.
This gripping introduction not only firmly established the protagonist’s motivation to kill every titan that’s ever existed, but also gave fans a reason to care about the show. The gruesomeness of everything also made clear that this was what it was all about. If viewers aren’t into blood, they should look elsewhere.
Best Attack on Titan Moments – The Deaths of Levi’s Squad
When fans are first introduced to Levi, he’s immediately established as a badass. He effortlessly swings between titans and cuts at their weak spots, killing them in seconds. He’s practically invincible. It’s a relief when the character’s humanity comes out, most notably when he interacts with his squad. Eld, Petra, and Oruo are much more playful than their leader, yet still follow his command with utmost respect. Viewers get to know a little more about each member over the course of seven episodes, and thus form a bit of an attachment.
When each dies at the hands of the Female Titan, however, one can’t help but feel irrevocably drained. The fact that each death is illustrated in painstaking detail makes it that much harder to witness. When Eren transforms to topple the titan, fans can’t help but feel his fury, too. As if adding insult to injury, Eren loses his battle and is devoured by the enemy. Talk about depressing.
Best Attack on Titan Moments – Eren vs. the Female Titan
One of Attack of Titan‘s biggest revelations comes towards the end of the first season. In it, Eren’s squad secretly plots to expose who the Female Titan is by capturing a fellow comrade named Annie in an alleyway. Armin tries to negotiate with her and coax her out of transforming into her titan form. The tension is high at this point, especially when considering that viewers don’t know the real truth. It’s set in the middle of town with tons of ordinary civilians.
The tactician fails and Annie emerges as the Female Titan, destroying every building around her and burying Eren in the rubble. Eren tries his hardest to prevent himself from turning into a titan, too, but ultimately gives into his rage. What follows is a massive fight in the middle of town, with Eren in his titan form literally pulling Annie apart bit by bit.
The hero side wins in the end, although the Female Titan’s operator is encased in glass, unable to be interrogated. With all the devastation in this peaceful district seemingly amounting to nothing, it begs the question of whether or not it was all worth it.
Best Attack on Titan Moments – Colossal and Armored Titan’s Identities Revealed
Annie’s revelation as the Female Titan is surpassed only by Reiner and Bertholdt’s admission of being the Armored and Colossal Titans, respectively. The reveal wasn’t particularly ostentatious either, forcing countless viewers to go back and replay the moment. Reiner casually spills the identities to Eren in the middle of a conversation as the dust settles from their latest battle. The wind blows and Eren is taken aback in disbelief. When Reiner lifts his arm to heal himself and a grand overture plays, however, the truth cements itself.
Each “warrior” transforms into their respective titans, grabbing onto Eren in an attempt to kidnap him. What ensues is a tense battle among giants and men, and one of the best moments Attack on Titan fans have experienced so far.
What are your favorite moments from the series? Let us know in the comments below!
