Chainsaw Man Vs Jujutsu Kaisen Which Anime Has More Unpredictable Plot Twists

When it comes to modern shonen anime that redefine genre expectations, few titles stand out as boldly as Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen. Both series burst onto the scene with visceral action, complex characters, and dark themes far beyond typical coming-of-age tropes. But one element consistently draws fans back: unpredictability. The ability to subvert expectations, kill off major characters without warning, and shift narrative direction on a dime has become a hallmark of both franchises. Yet when comparing the two, a critical question emerges—which anime truly delivers more shocking, unforeseen plot twists?

The answer isn’t just about body counts or sudden betrayals. It’s about narrative architecture, authorial intent, and how each story manipulates audience assumptions. Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man and Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen approach unpredictability differently—one through chaotic absurdity masked as realism, the other through tightly woven psychological tension. To determine which excels in surprise, we must examine their storytelling mechanics, pivotal moments, and long-term narrative strategies.

Narrative Philosophy: Chaos vs. Consequence

At its core, Chainsaw Man operates on a philosophy of narrative chaos. From the very first chapter, Fujimoto establishes that no rule is sacred. Characters die not because they’re weak, but because the world is indifferent. Denji’s journey begins in poverty, slaughtering devils for food, only to be betrayed and turned into a hybrid by his own pet—a twist so abrupt it sets the tone for everything that follows.

In contrast, Jujutsu Kaisen leans into consequence-driven storytelling. While shocking events occur—such as the brutal death of Kento Nanami during the Shibuya Incident—the groundwork is often laid well in advance. Characters make choices based on ideology, trauma, or duty, and those decisions lead to inevitable, if tragic, outcomes. The horror doesn’t come from randomness, but from watching a character walk knowingly into their fate.

Tip: Pay attention to minor dialogue exchanges—both series plant clues in seemingly throwaway lines that later become pivotal.

This fundamental difference shapes how audiences perceive unpredictability. Chainsaw Man shocks by defying logic; Jujutsu Kaisen shocks by fulfilling it. One asks, “Why did that happen?” The other forces you to ask, “Could I have seen this coming?”

Pivotal Plot Twists Compared

To assess which series delivers more unexpected turns, consider some of their most defining moments.

Chainsaw Man: The Makima Revelation

No twist in recent anime history has resonated as deeply—or disturbed as profoundly—as the full reveal of Makima’s true nature. Introduced as a composed government agent guiding Denji, she slowly reveals layers of control, manipulation, and emotional detachment. Then, in Chapter 76, Fujimoto drops the bomb: Makima is the Control Devil, and her entire relationship with Denji was orchestrated to harvest his power.

What makes this twist so effective is how personal it feels. Unlike typical villain reveals, this one reframes every prior interaction. Her kindness, intimacy, and even affection were calculated. Fans who rooted for a romantic arc between Denji and Makima were blindsided—not just by betrayal, but by the emotional cruelty of it.

Jujutsu Kaisen: The Death of Satoru Gojo

When Satoru Gojo—the series’ most powerful sorcerer and fan-favorite mentor—was sealed away during the Shibuya Incident, the anime community erupted. For many, Gojo was untouchable, a narrative safeguard ensuring survival against overwhelming odds. His removal didn’t just raise stakes—it shattered them.

But unlike Makima’s twist, Gojo’s defeat was foreshadowed. The Cursed Womb arcs established that cursed techniques could bypass raw power. The presence of Mahito, Kenjaku, and the Prison Realm technique had been teased for chapters. The shock wasn’t in the “how,” but in the sheer audacity of killing (or neutralizing) such a central figure.

“Fujimoto doesn’t care about your expectations. He dismantles them.” — Hiro Tanaka, Manga Critic & Shonen Analyst

Character Mortality and Emotional Impact

Both series are notorious for killing off major players, but the way they handle death differs significantly.

Aspect	Chainsaw Man	Jujutsu Kaisen
Frequency of Major Deaths	Extremely high; entire squads eliminated in single chapters	High, but spaced for maximum emotional weight
Lead-Up to Death	Minimal; often immediate and unceremonious	Detailed; psychological build-up and final monologues
Audience Attachment Before Death	Fujimoto builds connection fast, then cuts it abruptly	Characters develop over arcs before facing doom
Narrative Purpose of Death	To destabilize the status quo and emphasize futility	To explore sacrifice, legacy, and inevitability

Consider Power’s fate in Chainsaw Man. After becoming one of the most beloved characters, her death at the hands of the Bomb Devil occurs mid-conversation. There’s no last stand, no heroic speech—just a sudden explosion and silence. This moment epitomizes the series’ ethos: attachment leads to pain, and no one is safe.

In Jujutsu Kaisen, Nobara Kugisaki’s death is equally devastating but structured differently. She fights valiantly against Haruta Shigemo, declaring her belief in her own worth before being struck down. Her final words—\"I’m not lying\"—resonate because they reflect her entire arc. The tragedy lies not in surprise, but in fulfillment of theme.

Story Structure and Pacing of Twists

Unpredictability also depends on pacing. How frequently do twists occur, and how do they alter the trajectory of the story?

Chainsaw Man employs a rollercoaster structure. The Public Safety Saga begins with Denji joining the devil hunters, escalates with the Makima conflict, and concludes with a time skip that resets nearly everything. The transition into the Academy Arc introduces new characters, tones down violence, and shifts focus to teenage drama—only to hint at deeper conspiracies involving the Future Devil. Each arc feels like a fresh start, making long-term predictions nearly impossible.

Jujutsu Kaisen, meanwhile, follows a more linear escalation. Every arc—from the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons to the Culling Game—builds directly on the last. Twists are fewer but more concentrated. The revelation that Kenjaku orchestrated decades of events, including Gojo’s sealing and the resurrection of ancient sorcerers, lands harder because it ties together scattered threads.

Here’s a timeline comparing key twist density:

1. Chainsaw Man – Chapter 3: Denji becomes Chainsaw Man after fusing with Pochita.
2. Chapter 30: Aki’s dog companion is revealed to be a devil manipulating him.
3. Chapter 76: Makima is exposed as the Control Devil.
4. Chapter 94: Power dies suddenly in an explosion.
5. Chapter 97: Denji is decapitated—only to survive due to Pochita’s heart.

1. Jujutsu Kaisen – Chapter 14: Yuji survives Sukuna’s curse by eating his finger.
2. Chapter 56: Mahito alters Nanami’s soul mid-fight, disorienting readers.
3. Chapter 110: Gojo is sealed by the Prison Realm.
4. Chapter 148: Nobara dies off-screen, confirmed via flashback.
5. Chapter 173: Yuki Tsukumo reveals she’s been working with Kenjaku.

While both series average roughly one major twist per 20–25 chapters, Chainsaw Man spaces them closer together and executes them with less buildup, amplifying the sense of instability.

Expert Insight: Why Unpredictability Matters in Modern Shonen

According to Dr. Lina Park, a cultural analyst specializing in contemporary manga, “The success of both series lies in their rejection of shonen conventions. Older series protected main cast members, relied on training arcs, and resolved conflicts through sheer willpower. Today’s audiences crave moral ambiguity and real stakes.”

“True unpredictability isn’t just about surprise—it’s about dismantling the illusion of safety. Chainsaw Man does this better because it weaponizes absurdity. You can’t predict nonsense.” — Dr. Lina Park, Pop Culture Researcher

She notes that Fujimoto’s background in experimental one-shots gives him a unique edge. His narratives don’t follow three-act structures but instead resemble emotional landmines—each chapter potentially detonating a previously stable dynamic.

Mini Case Study: Fan Reactions to Power’s Death

In late 2020, the release of Chainsaw Man Chapter 94 sent shockwaves across social media. Fans had grown attached to Power, whose crude humor and gradual bond with Denji made her a breakout character. When she died instantly in an explosion—with no dramatic music, no slow-motion shot, just a blank panel—the reaction was visceral.

On Twitter, one user wrote: “I read it twice. Then cried. She didn’t even get to say goodbye.” Another commented, “This isn’t anime logic. This is life logic. People die randomly. And it hurts.”

In contrast, when Nobara died in Jujutsu Kaisen, fans mourned—but many admitted they saw it coming. “I knew she wouldn’t survive Shibuya,” said a Reddit user. “But I hoped. That’s what made it hurt more.”

The distinction is crucial: Chainsaw Man shocks through absence of warning; Jujutsu Kaisen devastates through inevitability.

Checklist: How to Prepare for a Major Anime Twist

Whether you're watching Chainsaw Man or Jujutsu Kaisen, here’s how to mentally brace for the next gut punch:

• Refrain from assuming any character is safe—even protagonists.
• Note seemingly insignificant details (e.g., a character mentioning a fear or past trauma).
• Watch for tonal shifts: sudden humor may precede tragedy.
• Avoid spoilers at all costs—both series lose impact when outcomes are known.
• Revisit earlier episodes/chapters after a twist to catch hidden foreshadowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Makima’s twist predictable?

Retrospectively, yes—there were hints of her controlling nature and unnatural behavior. However, the extent of her manipulation and her identity as the Control Devil caught nearly all readers off guard. The emotional betrayal outweighs any foreshadowing.

Can Gojo come back in Jujutsu Kaisen?

Technically, yes—the Prison Realm can be undone. But narrative momentum suggests he won’t return soon, if at all. His absence is meant to force Yuji and others to grow without a crutch.

Which anime has more long-term planning?

Evidence suggests Jujutsu Kaisen is more tightly plotted. Gege Akutami has confirmed major beats in advance. Chainsaw Man, however, was partially improvised, with Fujimoto admitting he changed directions based on feedback and mood.

Final Verdict: Which Has More Unpredictable Twists?

If unpredictability is measured by sheer surprise factor—the likelihood that a viewer cannot foresee a major event—then Chainsaw Man wins decisively. Its narrative thrives on volatility, emotional whiplash, and the dismantling of audience expectations. No relationship is sacred, no victory permanent, and no character immune to sudden erasure.

Jujutsu Kaisen is masterful in crafting tension and delivering emotionally charged, thematically rich twists. But its strength lies in inevitability, not surprise. You may dread what’s coming, but you often see it approaching.

Ultimately, Chainsaw Man doesn’t just subvert tropes—it mocks the idea that stories should follow rules at all. It’s not just unpredictable; it’s anti-predictable. Where Jujutsu Kaisen plays chess, Chainsaw Man throws the board.

💬 Which twist hit you hardest—Makima’s betrayal or Gojo’s sealing? Share your thoughts and debate with fellow fans in the comments below!