Attack on Titan: 5 Things Fans Don’t Want to Admit About the Anime

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Attack on Titan is a hugely popular anime, and its success is well-earned. However, despite being a fantastic show, there are some issues that many viewers overlook. The series often leads to passionate discussions, particularly about complex themes. This isn’t surprising, as Attack on Titan doesn’t offer simple answers or clear heroes and villains. Instead, it explores the imperfections of both people and society, encouraging viewers to form their own opinions.

It’s easy to see why certain viewpoints about Attack on Titan are common, but I think it’s time we acknowledge some difficult truths about the show. Things like one character being unfairly criticized and the ending not quite living up to its potential – these less popular opinions often have a valid point.

5) Gabi Doesn’t Deserve All the Hate She Gets

Gabi is a very unpopular character in Attack on Titan, but much of the negativity towards her isn’t really fair. She appears at the start of Season 4, which dramatically changes the story’s point of view – and that’s a big reason why people dislike her so much. After Eren attacks Marley, Gabi wants revenge for those who were hurt. She tries to get it by boarding an airship and accidentally killing Sasha, a beloved character. Many viewers haven’t forgiven her for this, which overshadows the rest of her story. Initially, Gabi isn’t that different from Eren; her response to the attack is understandable, even if flawed. Importantly, unlike Eren, she eventually realizes she was wrong. It’s surprising she remains so controversial.

4) Jean Was Always Better for Mikasa Than Eren

Throughout Attack on Titan, Eren and Mikasa dance around their romantic feelings, and many viewers became invested in the possibility of them ending up together. We initially want the best for both characters, so it’s natural to hope they find happiness with each other. However, as the series progresses, their relationship appears increasingly unhealthy. Mikasa’s feelings often seem overly intense, and Eren frequently mistreats her, even before actively trying to distance himself. In contrast, Jean offers Mikasa a much healthier dynamic, providing genuine support and protection. While Mikasa doesn’t develop feelings for him during the series, it’s easy to imagine her falling for him after mourning Eren and growing as a person.

3) Eren’s Fate at the End of Attack on Titan Made Total Sense

It’s easy to see why fans debate what happened to Eren in Attack on Titan. We often hope for happy endings for characters we’ve followed for a long time. But Eren becoming a villain and ultimately dying actually fits the story and his personality very well. Even from the beginning, Eren showed a tendency towards violence and wanting revenge. Given everything he experiences, it’s not surprising he’d resort to extreme measures to protect his people. The series subtly foreshadows this outcome, and once Eren makes certain choices, there’s no other logical path for his story to take.

2) A Bleak Ending Was Tonally Consistent & Right for the Anime

A common criticism of the ending of Attack on Titan is that it’s overly depressing. However, I believe this fits with the anime’s overall tone, as it consistently portrays characters and societies making poor decisions. The show fundamentally examines flawed human nature and how it perpetuates violence. From the very beginning, Attack on Titan has been heading towards a tragic outcome – and despite moments of kindness, negativity ultimately prevails.

1) Attack on Titan’s Final Season Needed to Be Longer (Yes, Really)

The final season of Attack on Titan felt incredibly long, split into three parts by the studio MAPPA, which became a bit of a running joke. While it could have been divided into more traditional seasons, the truth is the ending actually needed that extra length. The final story arcs in the manga were quite complex, and the anime could have benefitted from exploring certain elements more thoroughly. There was a lot of world-building and backstory that felt rushed, and the complicated time travel plotline alone could have easily filled several more episodes. Ultimately, expanding the length allowed for a more complete adaptation.

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2026-06-15 04:41