10 Greatest Attack on Titan Episodes of All Time, Ranked

For several years, numerous anime series have left an indelible mark on the industry, including titles like Hunter x Hunter, Naruto, Bleach, and countless others. However, one anime series has truly stood out from the crowd, and that’s none other than Attack on Titan. As of 2023, the manga for this series had over 140 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the most popular anime ever animated. The genius behind Attack on Titan is Hajime Isayama, and its enduring appeal lies in its captivating complexity, diversity, and deeply rooted narrative. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that many fans adore Attack on Titan for these very reasons.

Written and presented with exceptional care, “Attack on Titan” captivated audiences immediately upon release, earning high praise for a valid reason. Despite its graphic violence, the series isn’t simply gratuitous gore – it has a deeper storyline crafted by Hajime Isayama that is dark yet intriguing and distinct. Spanning four seasons and 94 episodes, each installment contributes to the overall narrative, making each one essential. However, certain “Attack on Titan” episodes stand out as particularly impactful, even causing a stir online. Therefore, let’s embark on the task of ranking the finest “Attack on Titan” episodes ever!

10) Sole Salvation (Season 4, Episode 15)

In “Sole Salvation,” viewers are taken on an emotionally intense journey into Zeke Yeager’s past, revealing the complex reasons behind the Beast Titan’s actions. This episode focuses on Zeke’s upbringing in Marley, where he was burdened with his parents’ aspirations for Eldian restoration and the harsh reality of being a Warrior candidate. The standout part is undoubtedly Zeke’s mentor, Tom Ksaver, whose compassion and warmth serve as a stark contrast to Grisha and Dina’s indifference, making Zeke’s suffering feel genuine and poignant.

The voice performances in this episode are exceptional, heart-wrenching, and impactful, with Grisha’s pleas being particularly poignant. This installment of Attack on Titan stands out as one of the most emotionally intense episodes due to its portrayal of Zeke’s suffering and the genesis of his extreme euthanasia plot. The creative decision to use muted colors in Zeke’s memories effectively highlights his isolation. However, what truly sets this episode apart is its portrayal of a complex “villain,” provoking viewers to ponder morality within the world of Attack on Titan, leading to countless discussions about Zeke’s actions.

9) Friends (Season 3, Episode 10)

In this episode titled “Friends,” the turbulent history between Levi and Kenny takes an unexpected turn. Instead of adversaries, they share a past that ranges from mentor-mentee to something more complex. This episode focuses on Kenny Ackerman, Levi’s uncle, revealing his intricate life as a ruthless killer with a surprising tender heart. Through flashbacks, we delve into his unique relationship with Uri Reiss, the Founding Titan who extended kindness towards him despite their contrasting natures.

In his last moments, as he passes the Titan serum to Levi and contemplating his life, Kenny’s death scene turns out to be unexpectedly emotional. The conversation between Levi and Kenny adds weight and solemnity that fits perfectly. Moreover, this episode eloquently portrays the essence of pursuing dreams in a world fraught with hardship.

8) That Day (Season 3, Episode 20)

In the show, the episode titled “That Day” serves as a pivotal moment that continues to captivate viewers even today. This installment delves into the extensive backstory beyond the walls and dramatically changes the entire narrative’s viewpoint. What was perceived as the final stronghold of humanity unexpectedly expands into a much broader struggle.

Following the growth of the world-building, the narrative grew increasingly grim when Grisha’s family suffered punishment. The brutal slaying of his sister and harsh treatment towards Eldians left viewers in a state of shock. By the episode’s end, a chilling feeling of despair prevailed, but it was met with widespread acclaim for unveiling Marley’s true power and setting the series on an entirely fresh course.

7) Assault (Season 4, Episode 7)

In this episode, “Assault” was an exhilarating whirlwind of action! It showcased some of the most thrilling animation in the entire series. Eren unexpectedly attacks Marley, assuming the form of the Attack Titan to engage the Warhammer Titan in combat. Meanwhile, Levi cuts through the Beast Titan’s troops like a lone warrior. The dynamic battle sequences from MAPPA, filled with glowing Titan abilities and intense battles, breathed life into the episode.

Furthermore, not only was this incident significant, but it also stirred up controversy due to Eren’s transformation into an antagonistic character. Unforeseen by many, his sudden assault led to innocent civilians being caught in the line of fire, a fact that characters like Armin and Reiner were painfully conscious of. This added an emotional depth to the episode.

6) Warrior (Season 2, Episode 6)

In “Warrior,” an episode of Attack on Titan, viewers are left stunned as Reiner and Bertholdt shockingly reveal themselves as the Armored and Colossal Titans. For those unaware of the manga plot, the sudden betrayal by these characters, coupled with their subsequent transformation into Titans, was a startling blow that left many struggling to process the unexpected events unfolding on screen.

As the confrontation intensifies, the animation brilliantly portrays each stunned reaction, while the music escalates tension as Eren grapples with the deception. It skillfully combines intense silence with the impending thunder of war, demonstrating exceptional pacing and narrative skills that continue to spark conversation. In fact, this plot twist is often praised by fans as one of the greatest in anime history. The episode ignited heated debates within the community like never before and even inspired numerous memes.

5) From You, 2000 Years Ago (Season 4, Episode 21)

In ‘From You, 2000 Years Ago,’ we uncover Ymir Fritz’s heartbreaking backstory as the initial Titan. This episode takes us through flashbacks depicting her life of servitude under a cruel ruler who exploited her powers to construct an empire. The narrative provides valuable insights into the origin of Titans and explores themes such as freedom, oppression, and the power of choice.

I must admit, it’s not the usual spectacle that grabs your attention in this episode. Instead, what truly leaves an impact is the startling revelation of Eren’s bond with Ymir spanning over two millennia. The turning point arrives when Eren persuades Ymir to prioritize freedom over servitude, marking a significant shift in the storyline. The intricate time loop mechanisms and the crucial decision presented to Ymir by Eren, in essence, reshape the entire narrative of this anime.

4) Declaration of War (Season 4, Episode 5)

Announcement of Conflict” –

The animation in this episode was exceptionally well-done, with numerous viewers commenting on how each scene built tension, as if every second was a tick of a clock. Every glance and held breath amplified the suspense, as Eren and Reiner delved into their past, tainted by guilt and vengeance. It stands out for its role in establishing the conflict of the final arc, and for exploring Eren’s hardened personality, leaving fans debating whether he is a hero or an antagonist.

3) Midnight Sun (Season 3, Episode 18)

In “Attack on Titan,” one of the saddest events, the episode known as “Midnight Sun,” featured a significant dilemma: should the Titan serum be administered to Armin or Erwin? While Eren and Mikasa favor their comrade, there’s debate, with Levi among them, over whether Erwin should receive it instead.

As Levi prepared to administer the serum to Erwin, there was an unexpected movement in Erwin’s arm, suggesting his spirit was weary of the corrupt and twisted reality they were facing. Moved by this act, Levi decided that Armin, who had been through so much already, should be the one to receive the serum. This selfless decision resonated with fans, as it both brought a sense of sorrow for Erwin’s departure and excitement for Armin’s new journey, thereby maintaining the series’ theme of emotional depth throughout.

2) Perfect Game (Season 3, Episode 16)

One of the highest-rated episodes, not just in ‘Attack on Titan,’ but throughout anime history, is titled ‘Perfect Game.’ This episode marks the peak of the Shiganshina battle, where Erwin delivers one of the most memorable and inspiring speeches ever animated, followed by his brave charge against the Beast Titan.

In this particular episode, the animation vividly portrays the terror of the charge, depicting rocks ripping through soldiers in large numbers. However, it’s Erwin’s determination that stands out prominently. The scouts keep falling, one after another, but Erwin and his comrades persist, refusing to yield even under the relentless onslaught of the Beast Titan. This episode powerfully illustrates the harsh truth about leadership and sacrifice, with viewers commending how it sets the stage for Levi and Armin’s heroics in the following episode.

1) Hero (Season 3, Episode 17)

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable episodes in “Attack on Titan” is titled “Hero”, which features an extraordinary confrontation between Levi and the Beast Titan. This battle scene revolutionized anime fight sequences, being so captivating that rewatching it doesn’t diminish its appeal. Fans often refer to this moment as when Levi demonstrated his pinnacle abilities – creeping up on the Beast Titan and delivering precise strikes with a level of skill never seen before, particularly against Zeke.

Apart from Levi, another character emerged as a legend in this episode. Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield, Armin devised an unselfish strategy to divert Bertholdt, ultimately sacrificing himself for the cause. The animation portraying Armin’s charred body was particularly poignant. This emotional impact is heightened when considered in light of the previous episode, “Perfect Game”, where Erwin’s team suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the Beast Titan’s rain of rocks.

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2025-09-12 02:05