5 Anime backstories sadder than Acrobatic Silky's (& 5 that aren't anywhere close)

Anime backstories often revolve around loss, suffering, and endurance, making for a memorable emotional event for viewers. Acrobatic Silky's story from Dandadan is a captivating tale of desperation and love, which depicts a mother's final sacrifice for her child. The tragic life and how she becomes a yokai are etched in fans' minds as one of the most moving narratives for anime.

However, there are many backstories even sadder than this one, but some are not even on the same level of sadness. From tales of utterly catastrophic tragedy to some that pale in comparison, here are five anime backstories sadder than Acrobatic Silky's and five not even anywhere close.

Disclaimer: This list is ranked in no particular order and reflects the writer's opinion.

Nico Robin's and 4 other anime backstories sadder than Acrobatic Silky's

1) Hyakkimaru (Dororo)

Hyakkimaru as seen in anime (Image via MAPPA)

Hyakkimaru of Dororo was born without limbs, senses, and organs, as his father traded his newborn baby in exchange for great power from the demons. Abandoned as an infant, he survived a cruel and unforgiving world.

With prosthetic limbs and fighting for the very thing that made him human, Hyakkimaru had endless battles mixed with rejection, even with his own family members.

Unlike Acrobatic Silky, whose suffering ended with her death, Hyakkimaru endured a lifetime of anguish, making this one of the heart-wrenching anime backstories.

2) Gaara (Naruto)

Young Gaara as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Gaara, from Naruto, was born as the Jinchuriki of the One-Tailed Shukaku and was rejected by his village as he was dangerous to them. His mother died upon giving birth to him, and his father, the Kazekage, considered him a failed experiment to be assassinated many times. His uncle Yashamaru, the one person who showed him love, tried to kill him.

Experiencing constant betrayals and loneliness, Gaara was left shattered and far more traumatized than Acrobatic Silky and many other anime backstories with its unrelenting despair.

3) Guts (Berserk)

Guts' backstory in Berserk starts with his birth from the dead body of his mother and his adoption by mercenaries who ill-treated and exploited him. His adoptive father, Gambino, sold him to a soldier for assault and later attempted to murder him; Guts had to defend himself in the latter attempt.

The continuous trauma, loss of trust, and alienation Guts puts up with from an early age surpass the tragedy of Acrobatic Silky. While her hurt emanates from a one-time terrible circumstance, Guts' suffering is an all-time torment. This makes Guts' story one of the anime backstories sadder than Acrobatic Silky's.

4) ⁠Nico Robin (One Piece)

Nico Robin as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Nico Robin's past in One Piece is one of isolation and tragedy. As a child, she was born into persecution and labeled a demon because of her high intellect and the ability to read Poneglyphs. Her whole island, Ohara, was eradicated in a Buster Call executed by the World Government, leaving her as the sole survivor.

Unlike Acrobatic Silky, whose pain ended with her death, Robin sustained decades of loneliness, betrayal, and constant pursuit while carrying the burden of her people's annihilation. This makes Nico Robin's past one of the saddest anime backstories.

5) Kurapika (Hunter x Hunter)

Kurapika as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Kurapika's origin in Hunter x Hunter is stamped by the extermination of his whole Kurta Clan, targeted for their Scarlet Eyes that were harvested as prized mementos. As the only survivor, he alone lives under the weight of responsibility for not being able to safeguard his people and the vengeance against Phantom Troupe.

This, combined with the aching loneliness of his being the last of his kind, tells a tale that is sorrowful enough to surpass Acrobatic Silky's tragedy in the scope of loss and emotional depth. This places Kurapika's past among the most tragic anime backstories.

Rei Kiriyama's and 4 other anime backstories that aren't as sad as Acrobatic Silky's

1) Ray (The Promised Neverland)

Ray as seen in anime (Image via CloverWorks)

Ray's past in The Promised Neverland reveals that Isabella, Grace Field House's caretaker, is his biological mother. As a child, Ray first learns truthful and horrific facts about the farm but puts off his emotions and quietly starts planning with those closest to him how to escape the farm.

While his suffering is profound, it lacks the personal, immediate despair and irreversible tragedy of Acrobatic Silky’s story. Ray’s ability to take action and form connections contrasts with Silky’s ultimate helplessness, making his past one of the anime backstories that are less emotionally devastating.

2) Sakura Matou (Fate/stay night)

Sakura Matou as seen in anime (Image via Studio Deen)

Sakura Matou's background entails abuse and neglect by her adoptive family, the Matous, and the trauma of being forced to absorb the Dark Magic of the family's legacy. Despite all these hardships, she somehow manages to gain strength and make friends, particularly Shirou.

While Sakura's tale is tragic, it cannot be as shatteringly miserable as that of Acrobatic Silky, whose story concludes with the absolute loss of her daughter and her very life. Hope and growth eventually blossom for Sakura, in contrast to Silky's more permanent and devastating ending.

3) Rei Kiriyama (March Comes in Like a Lion)

Rei Kiriyama as seen in anime (Image via Shaft)

Rei Kiriyama's background in March Comes in Like a Lion focuses on his trauma of losing his family in a car accident when he was young. He lived alone, fighting his isolation. Despite such a tormented past, he heals through the relationships with the Kawamoto sisters and from his adoration for shogi.

While Rei’s story is deeply emotional, it lacks the same tragic end as Acrobatic Silky’s, whose life was marked by death, making Rei’s history one of the anime backstories that is less impactful.

4) Escanor (The Seven Deadly Sins)

Escanor as seen in anime (Image via A-1 Pictures)

Escanor's background reveals a harsh upbringing. He was mocked for his weakness and loneliness. As he grew up, he found his strength, becoming the "strongest man in the world." From suffering as a child, Escanor journeyed towards change, taking over by self-empowerment.

While Escanor's narrative constitutes personal drama and development, it is not marked by overwhelming tragedy and the painless despair of Acrobatic Silky's story, making it one of the less challenging anime backstories.

5) Gyutaro and Daki (Demon Slayer)

Gyutaro and Daki as seen in anime (Image via ufotable)

Siblings Gyutaro and Daki grew up poor during the Edo period, living in the lowest class of the Entertainment District. They were maltreated by society and were later turned into demons by Doma.

While their suffering as humans is tragic, their transformation into demons and subsequent acts of violence overshadow the empathy one might feel for them. Unlike Acrobatic Silky’s heartbreaking maternal love and sacrifice, Gyutaro and Daki’s descent into darkness diminish the emotional depth of their backstory.

Final thoughts

Anime backstories often provide good emotional depth to the plot and characters, but some stories are too pitiful and tragic. Acrobatic Silky's story and the sacrifices she made out of maternal love made it one of the saddest ones. Characters like Kurapika and Guts are far more sorrowful, while others, such as Gyutaro and Daki, who are also tragic, don't quite reach that level of tragedy.

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Edited by Somava