10 anime resurrections more celebrated than My Hero Academia's Bakugo

Anime resurrections are some of the most electrifying moments in storytelling — those rare scenes when a character we thought was gone forever suddenly returns, reigniting hope and hype in equal measure. In My Hero Academia Season 7, Bakugo’s near-death moment had fans grieving, but Season 8’s dramatic revival turned that grief into triumph. His comeback against All For One will likely define his peak moment.

But as powerful as that was, anime history is full of other unforgettable anime resurrections, from swordsmen and demons to pirates and gods, that shook their respective fanbases and redefined their stories.

Let’s dive into ten anime resurrections that were even more celebrated than Bakugo’s.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the writer's opinion. Readers' discretion is advised.

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1. Denji – Chainsaw Man

Denji’s story is the perfect embodiment of chaos and rebirth. Early in Chainsaw Man, the broke and broken devil hunter is betrayed and brutally murdered by zombies under his employer’s control. His death is gory and tragic — but his resurrection is one of anime’s most insane moments.

His pet devil, Pochita, fuses with Denji’s heart, reviving him as the half-human, half-devil hybrid known as Chainsaw Man. This anime resurrection doesn’t just bring Denji back — it gives him the power to reshape the entire world of devil hunters. His comeback turned despair into blood-soaked euphoria, setting the tone for one of the most unpredictable series in modern anime.

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2. Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan

Eren Yeager’s first apparent death in Attack on Titan was a jaw-dropping twist. During humanity’s desperate fight against the Titans, Eren is swallowed whole, seemingly dying early in the series. Fans mourned — but moments later, a mysterious Titan starts slaughtering other Titans, and from its nape emerges a very alive Eren.

This anime resurrection didn’t just revive the protagonist — it redefined the entire plot. Eren’s transformation into a Titan shifter became the foundation for every major revelation that followed. His return symbolized both rebirth and the beginning of the end for humanity’s illusions about freedom.

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3. Kakashi Hatake – Naruto Shippuden

Among all the emotional Naruto moments, Kakashi’s death during the Pain arc hit especially hard. After exhausting himself protecting Konoha, Kakashi sacrifices his life to save others, meeting his father in the afterlife. It’s a calm, almost beautiful farewell — until Nagato (Pain) uses his Rinne Rebirth technique to restore everyone killed during the attack.

Kakashi’s return is one of those anime resurrections that feels like the universe itself couldn’t let him go. His revival reminded fans of Naruto’s influence, the power of redemption, and how hope can even outshine destruction. Plus, it gave us back one of the coolest mentors in anime.

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4. Brook – One Piece

Brook’s anime resurrection might be the most unique of all — because it’s literally the reason he exists. The skeletal musician of the Straw Hat Pirates originally died with his crew decades before Luffy ever found him. However, thanks to the Revive-Revive Fruit, his soul was able to return to his body… only to find it long decayed.

The result is Brook’s iconic skeleton form, walking proof that death isn’t always the end in One Piece. His tragic yet humorous revival became a symbol of the series’ ability to mix sorrow and joy — and his soulful music adds a layer of emotional depth few characters achieve.

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5. Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen

When Yuji swallowed Sukuna’s finger and became the vessel for the King of Curses, we knew things wouldn’t end well. During the Cursed Womb arc, Yuji dies after Sukuna rips out his heart. But, in one of the slickest anime resurrections, Sukuna brings him back to life under the condition that Yuji agrees to a mysterious pact.

His comeback shocked even Gojo, and it cemented Yuji as the heart of Jujutsu Kaisen. Every step he takes after this resurrection feels heavier — he’s living on borrowed time, carrying the curse of someone who could end the world. It’s both a blessing and a countdown.

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6. Son Goku – Dragon Ball Series

You can’t talk about anime resurrections without mentioning the king himself — Son Goku. The man’s died more times than most heroes get injured, and each revival feels like an event. Whether it’s being revived by the Dragon Balls after fighting Raditz, or returning from Other World during the Buu Saga, Goku’s resurrections are practically a franchise tradition.

What makes his comebacks legendary is how they always redefine the stakes. Every death pushes him to new levels — from Super Saiyan to Ultra Instinct — making him not just a fighter, but a symbol of endless growth and rebirth in shonen storytelling.

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7. Natsu Dragneel – Fairy Tail

When fans learned the truth about Natsu Dragneel, jaws dropped. He wasn’t just any fire wizard — he was a resurrected being, brought back to life by Zeref as the demon END (Etherious Natsu Dragneel). His anime resurrection predates the series itself, meaning Natsu’s entire existence is both tragic and poetic.

That revelation reshaped Fairy Tail’s mythology, turning his fiery passion into a literal battle against his own cursed origins. Natsu’s return to life wasn’t just a plot twist — it was a statement that love and friendship could overcome even the cruel intentions of destiny.

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8. Muhammad Avdol – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure has seen its share of dramatic fake-outs, but Avdol’s death was one of the cruelest. Shot in the head early in Stardust Crusaders, fans were certain he was gone for good. So when he reappeared later, alive and ready to fight, it was one of the most cheered anime resurrections in the series.

His return boosted team morale and reminded viewers of JoJo’s flair for the unexpected. Sadly, Avdol’s second death later on was permanent — but by then, his courage and sacrifice had already become part of Joestar legend.

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9. Natsuki Subaru – Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

Unlike most heroes, Natsuki Subaru’s entire story is built on constant resurrection. His power, “Return by Death,” revives him after every fatal mistake, forcing him to relive his trauma repeatedly. This might be one of the most painful anime resurrections ever — because each one comes with emotional scars.

Instead of being celebrated with cheers, Subaru’s resurrections are felt through despair and growth. Over time, his ability turns from a curse into his greatest weapon. It’s not just about survival — it’s about endurance, empathy, and the heavy cost of being given endless chances.

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10. Joseph Joestar – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

Joseph Joestar’s anime resurrection is the kind that makes fans gasp and laugh at the same time. After Dio fatally wounds him and drains his blood, it seems like the end for the eccentric old man. But in a bizarre twist, Joseph is revived using the very blood of Dio himself.

This resurrection is classic JoJo — outrageous, dramatic, and unforgettable. It allowed the beloved trickster hero to live long enough to mentor the next generation, linking the past and future of the Joestar bloodline. His return was a joyous relief for fans who couldn’t imagine the franchise without him.

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Conclusion: Why anime resurrections never lose their magic

From Dragon Ball’s eternal Dragon Balls to Chainsaw Man’s bloody rebirths, anime resurrections remain one of the medium’s most celebrated tropes. They give creators a way to explore hope, sacrifice, and transformation while keeping fans emotionally hooked.

Bakugo’s return in My Hero Academia stands tall among them — but what makes anime resurrections like Denji’s, Eren’s, or Natsu’s so unforgettable is how they redefine identity itself. Death isn’t the end in anime; it’s often just the beginning of a character’s greatest evolution.