Do you like plot twists in anime series? Some anime creators love to play with the minds of their audience by introducing false protagonists and antagonists. This gives an exciting element of surprise to the storyline. False antagonists are often used to create high stakes, and they can deceive both the characters and their audience. In this article, we will introduce five anime series that utilize false antagonists to keep their audience on the edge of their seats.
1. Attack on Titan
The Titans in Attack on Titan initially appeared as the main antagonists of the series. However, as the show progresses, it is revealed that these Titans are nothing but humans who have been transformed into monstrous beings. Their existence serves as a way to terrorize the people of Paradis Island. The true antagonists are a much more intelligent and cruel group than the Titans. Although the Armored and Colossus Titans make their appearance early on, it is revealed that they are just confused teenagers with manipulated minds. Attack on Titan can be watched on various streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, iQIYI, Viu, and Bstation.
2. Naruto
In Naruto, the first half of the series revolves around Orochimaru as the primary antagonist. However, before Orochimaru is introduced, Gaara appears as the main opponent of the show’s protagonist. Gaara is practically Naruto’s mirror image, and they share similar fates had it not been for the people in their lives who care for them. Their fight after the Chuunin exam becomes a personal one. Despite how powerful Gaara’s character is, he is only used as bait by Orochimaru. When Orochimaru’s real plan reveals, it turns out that Gaara was never intended to be the real villain. Naruto can be watched on Netflix, iQIYI, and Bstation.
3. Dragon Ball Z
In Dragon Ball Z, the Androids 16, 17, and 18 are first introduced as the destroyers who pose a new threat to the world. However, they are not Dr. Gero’s best creations as Cell is the real villain who manipulates and evolves by absorbing as many fighters as possible. Cell eventually absorbs two Androids, several humans, and even Goku, who contributes to his formidable power. Dragon Ball Z can be watched on iQIYI, WeTV, and Bstation.
4. Psycho-Pass
Psycho-Pass is set in a futuristic world where people are evaluated based on their psychological potential to commit future crimes. Despite the system that prevents people from committing crimes, mentally disturbed people still manage to do so with the backing of a notorious criminal named Shogo Makishima. Makishima is the main antagonist for season one, but his goal is to entice people to cross boundaries of morality and law by providing unique bait-like hackers, artists who produce human models, and an android that hunts humans like toys. Psycho-Pass can be watched on Netflix and Bstation.
5. Dororo
In Dororo, a remake of the original series in 2019, it follows the tale of Hyakkimaru, who was born with no limbs, skin, or facial features because his father sacrificed him to thirteen demons to secure his reign. After surviving the attack, he embarks on a journey to regain his lost body parts by defeating the demons that took them. But ultimately, the real antagonist in the story is his father, Daigo, who sacrificed his son to fulfill his ambition. The thirteen demons serve as the ultimate obstacles in this anime. Dororo can be watched on Prime Video.
In conclusion, the use of false antagonists is a powerful technique that can hook the audience and create a plot twist that no one can expect. The five anime series we introduced here are just a few examples of how effective this technique can be. Have you watched any of these anime series? If not, now is a great time to start.
