9 Years Ago Today, the World’s Biggest Anime Unveiled Its Greatest Twist Ever (And Nothing Has Surpassed It Since)

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When people think of globally popular anime, only a handful truly stand out. The most impactful anime are those that immediately grab your attention and are enjoyable from the start, without needing to promise future improvements. While long-running series like One Piece are popular, true masterpieces like Attack on Titan have a broader appeal because they instantly captivate viewers. Attack on Titan is easily accessible and keeps audiences engaged throughout the entire series thanks to its compelling story and unexpected twists.

The fifth episode of Attack on Titan stunned fans when Eren Yeager appeared to be eaten by a Titan. This shock was amplified and fundamentally changed the story when Eren unexpectedly returned as a Titan himself. This moment established that the series’ central idea involved a connection between intelligent Titans and humans, and it intensified the mystery surrounding the identities of the Colossal and Armored Titans. The revelation came fully into focus in Season 2, Episode 6, “Warrior,” which aired nine years ago today on May 7, 2017. The episode delivered a truly shocking twist that remains one of the most surprising moments in the series.

Attack on Titan’s Season 2 Twist Is Still the Greatest Anime Twist Ever

In this episode, the Scout Regiment is figuring out their next steps with Ymir captured when Reiner Braun unexpectedly reveals a shocking truth to Eren Yeager: he’s the Armored Titan, and Bertholdt Hoover is the Colossal Titan. This confession, delivered so casually, is completely unexpected. Throughout the series, Reiner had presented himself as a reliable and trustworthy character, and it’s now clear that his long-held belief in his own backstory, combined with his complex personality, allowed him to hide his true identity incredibly well.

The moment becomes even more impactful when Eren insists he wouldn’t simply surrender, even if Reiner is telling the truth. This forces Reiner to explain his own convictions and reasons, adding surprising complexity to his character. It’s here that viewers realize Eren has no one he can fully trust. The sheer shock and feeling of betrayal are almost too much to process. In the nine years since this episode aired, no other anime has managed to deliver such a stunning and unexpected twist, and it’s possible none ever will. This Attack on Titan episode perfectly captured a uniquely powerful and unforgettable moment.

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2026-05-08 02:13