Even now, years after the end of the manga, Attack on Titan remains one of the best anime and manga stories for its compelling character drama. Throughout the series, fans have been introduced to unforgettable characters, but only a few have made it to the end. One of these characters is Eren Yeager, who also becomes the strongest character in Attack on Titan.
Even though he began as a stereotypical hero, Eren underwent major character growth that wreaked havoc on his sense of morality. As such, diehard fans of the series consider him one of anime’s most well-written and complex protagonists — although some may rightfully regard him as more of an antagonist later in the story. Eren has delivered some of the best Attack on Titan quotes throughout his journey, highlighting aspects of his character and emphasizing key points in his arc.
Updated on April 15, 2025, by Robbie Robinson: Attack on Titan continues to be one of the most discussed anime. Complex characters and elaborate dives into morality have made it such an amazing show to dissect. Fans have a love/hate relationship with Eren. He’s sympathetic but also loses sight of himself. As the leading character of Attack on Titan, it’s no surprise that he has a surplus of great quotes. This list is updated to include five more of Eren Yeager’s best quotes and reflect CBR’s current formatting standards.
35 "You're Just Tired, Aren't You?"
Season 2, Episode 6, "Warrior"
Although a lot of fans see it coming, the reveal of Reiner and Bertholdt as Titan Shifters is one of the best moments in Attack on Titan. It’s incredibly tense and the tiniest bit comical as Reiner casually drops the most sensitive information to Eren against Bertholdt’s wishes. This isn’t new for Eren, as the Scouts are already aware of Bertholdt and Reiner, but Eren is Eren.
You’re just tired, aren’t you? Right, Bertholdt?
Despite knowing it must be true, Eren still tries to find an out for Reiner. He says this quote almost desperately, as he deeply wishes for Hange’s facts to somehow be proven false. Meanwhile, Mikasa stares daggers at the trio while Bertholdt sweats bullets. Eren might end up the worst villain humanity has ever faced, but there’s never been any denying how much trust he wants to have in his friends. Eren won’t let himself believe that Reiner is the Armored Titan until he sees it for himself. It’s not always the smartest move on Eren’s part, but it is an endearing quality of his.
34 "I Want To Be Her One and Only For the Rest of My Life!"
Season 4, Episode 30, "The Final Chapters: Special 2"
The relationship between Mikasa and Eren is beloved yet has no shortage of extremely rocky moments. Eren seems almost incapable of expressing his true feelings for Mikasa, often accidentally hurting Mikasa as a result. With that in mind, it’s such a breath of fresh air when Eren is finally honest about how he feels about Mikasa. Eren says this quote as Armin regains his memories of Eren, filling him in on everything leading up to his death.
I don’t want [Mikasa] to find someone. I want to be her one and only for the rest of my life!
Initially, Eren pretends to be aloof about Mikasa spending her life with another man, which earns him a solid punch from Armin. In a fashion that Armin calls pathetic, Eren begins crying and commiserating about Mikasa moving on from him. For once, fans get an honest display of Eren’s broken heart. It’s easier to act like he doesn’t care about Mikasa moving on because it’s more painful knowing that he can’t be at her side as a result of his own actions.
33 "I'm a Slave To Freedom."
Season 4, Episode 30, "The Final Chapters: Special 2"
In the most contradictory statement, Eren says this to Armin before his death, as Armin regains memories of their time speaking with one another. While Armin is horrified by the massive death toll of Eren’s actions, Eren states that there is no other way, no other outcome. Of course, this is all a result of Eren’s unyielding passion for freedom. While the general idea of freedom is something worth pushing for, Eren becomes obsessive in his pursuit.
Armin, it’s just as you said. I’m a slave to freedom.
Responsible for innocent slaughterings and even forcing his dearest friends to clean up his mess, Eren understands that his drive for freedom is also a burden. He lost himself in his goal, losing the true meaning of freedom in the process. While he opens the door to freedom for those who live in his wake, he forfeits his own desire to be free. This quote from Eren shows the tragedy of his life and actions. Even something grand like freedom can quickly become restricting.
32 "If Strength Is the Deciding Factor, Then Why Am I On My Ass, and You're Still Standing?"
Season 2, Episode 7, "Close Combat"
Even though Annie ends up being the big bad guy for a while, Eren learns a lot from her. Many of the Scouts do. One of the greatest lessons Eren ever receives from Annie is in martial combat. In a flashback of their training days, he says this quote as Annie stands victoriously over him. Annie teaches Eren that blind, brute strength is not always the most critical part of a fight. Eren uses this information throughout the series. He uses his skills against Annie herself, but also against Reiner, which is when this flashback plays out.
If strength is the deciding factor, then why am I on my ass, and you’re still standing?
Eren is often impulsive, but taking a moment to be smarter than one’s opponent is typically a necessity. This quote is important because it comes back around throughout the series and even fuels the discourse about whether Annie or Mikasa won during their one-on-one match. Most importantly, this quote pertains to more than just Eren and extends to many of the victories under the Scouts’ belts.
31 "Forget All About Me."
Season 4, Episode 30, "The Final Chapters: Special 2"
Eren likes to punish himself because he thinks he deserves it. To a degree, maybe he does, but he usually hurts the ones who care about him without even thinking about it. He cares too much about atoning for his sins, so, as a result, he overlooks the feelings of his closest companions. A great example of this is when Eren says this quote to Mikasa before she kills him. In a perfect world where it’s just the two of them, Eren urges Mikasa to forget him once he’s dead.
Once I’m dead, throw this scarf away. You’re going to live a long time after this. Forget all about me.
Of course, Mikasa will never do that. Eren is the love of her life and the greatest reason for fighting. In saying this, Eren thinks he can give Mikasa peace of mind and encourage her to let herself love and be loved. But it also shows how little Eren thinks of himself and his emotional impact on others. Whether he wants to admit it or not, the remaining Scouts will never forget Eren. And they will also miss him for the man he once was.
30 "We Can Stay Inside the Wall Our Entire Lives…"
Season 1, Episode 1, "To You, in 2000 Years: The Fall of Shiganshina, Part 1"
Even before Wall Maria came crashing down in the Shiganshina district, Eren was hopeful about exploring the world outside. Even before the brutal death of his mother at the hands of the Smiling Titan, the former wife of his father, Eren knew that hiding from danger was not the way to evolve. As only the Scout Regiment dared to venture beyond the Walls, Eren wanted to know what the Garrison Regiment had been doing their entire careers.
Sure, we can stay inside the wall our entire lives and do nothing but eat and sleep! But… that basically… That basically makes us cattle!
After realizing that Hannes was drunk, Eren furiously asked him to do his job garrisoning the walls rather than wasting his time on booze. Eren even suggested that the Walls could come crashing down suddenly and without warning, but Hannes dismissed the boy with the claim that he would «take care of business.» Eren never wanted to be like other people and their cattle-like traits of indolence and incompetence. He doesn’t realize it at this point, but the vast majority of people in Attack on Titan are indeed mindless herd animals.
29 "If You're Too Scared to Fight for Your Lives, Fine! Let Me Do It!"
Season 1, Episode 14, "Can't Look into His Eyes Yet: Eve of the Counterattack, Part 1"
Eren’s first transformation into the Attack Titan left his friends shocked and upset. However, they’re even more surprised upon discovering that he could control himself in that form, not to mention being able to transform back into a human. That said, the Paradis military refused to trust Eren even after Armin’s passionate argument for clemency, at least until Dot Pyxis’ timely intervention saves all of them.
If you’re too scared to fight for your lives, fine! Let me do it! You’re all cowards!
Eren is subsequently made to stand trial before a military tribunal, where the Scout Regiment demands his release so the Attack Titan could be exploited as a weapon. On the other hand, the Military Police Regiment was unwilling to let such a dangerous person loose. In the end, they agreed to put Eren under Erwin Smith and Levi Ackermann, but not before he delivered this juicy line. Eren never fails to express whatever is on his mind, even if it puts himself at risk.
28 "I Just Keep Moving Forward. Until My Enemies Are Destroyed."
Season 4, Episode 5, "Declaration of War"
The revelation that Mr. Kruger from Marley was Eren Yeager in disguise was one of the most surprising twists in Attack on Titan. Falco is completely fooled, but Reiner instantly recognizes him. Reiner and Eren engage in conversation, discussing their past actions, but only the Armored Titan seems to express regret for his choices. Reiner even asks Eren and Paradis to team up and «protect the world’s future.»
I just keep moving forward. Until my enemies are destroyed.
Above them both, Will Tybur declared war on Paradis, something Eren had been expecting from the start. As a result, he stated that he had no intention of going anywhere until all his enemies (and those of Paradis) were deep in the ground. The firmness of Eren’s decision was different from the hot-headed young boy fans had gotten used to in the first three seasons, highlighting the next stage of his genocidal journey. Eren will not stop before his homeland becomes completely safe; the deaths of innocent non-Paradis people are of no concern to him.
27 "Show Me. Where's the Enemy?"
Season 4, Episode 16, "Above and Below"
This quote could easily be interpreted in the most possible way imaginable — a noble hero determined to save his people without killing others would have asked it as a general question. An enemy is made, not born. Eren, on the other hand, doesn’t mean it like that. He merely wants to be pointed in the direction of the enemy, anyone resisting his attempt to trigger the Rumbling, so he could kill them himself.
Show me. Where’s the enemy?
The concept of enemy is explored throughout Attack on Titan, raising more questions than offering answers. If one’s friend becomes an enemy, as Mikasa is forced to do when Eren refuses to back down, then the definition of «enemy» would be much broader. From Eren’s mouth, these words take on a bitter flavor, a darkness that consumes him relentlessly from within, threatening to engulf the world and leave humanity a permanent enemy of itself.
26 "I'll Be Waiting for You. In Hell."
Season 4, Episode 30, "The Final Chapters: Special 2"
Eren’s Founding Titan maintains a slow but sure rampage across the world, with the story coming to a head at Fort Salta. The Scouts and various other allies make it to Eren, leading to a devastating melee that only ends when Armin’s transformation into the Colossus Titan destroys Eren’s Founding Titan. Eren continues to fight as a reconstructed Armored Titan before Mikasa reaches his human head and severs it. This moment spawns a slew of memories in her head, as well as in many others.
I’ll be waiting for you. In hell.
Armin’s memories remind him of the true friend Eren once was, as the real Eren struggles to explain his drastic departure from their friendship. Armin ultimately comes to an understanding, both with Eren and with his moral digressions. He asks Eren if they would «be together forever… in hell, assuming it exists.» Eren also comprehends the unforgivable gravity of his actions, leaving him no choice but to accept his best friend’s dark reckoning.
25 "We're Born Free."
Season 1, Episode 12, "Wound: The Struggle for Trost, Part 8"
Since the beginning of Attack on Titan, Eren has always believed in the concept of freedom and fought for it, even against constant threats like the Titans and the other enemies, Eren discovers later on. No matter what he faces, though, he never gives up the belief that everyone is free, and should be able to express that freedom. The character strongly believed this from the beginning when he was just a kid, but this quote explains why he does things later in the anime.
We’re born free. All of us. Free. Some don’t believe it; others try to take it away. To hell with them!
The freedom Eren referred to was arguably the most important concept in the story, becoming the driving force for most of his actions throughout his motley character arc. This quote is from Attack on Titan’s first season but remains true even after Eren turns against his friends and ignites the Rumbling. There’s also a little bit of irony involved since murdering millions of people goes against the concept of freedom. But to him, this was being free, which showcases the essence of his actions.
24 "I am Free. Whatever I Do…"
Season 4, Episode 14, "Savagery"
Eren unexpectedly shows up to a conversation between Mikasa, Armin, and Gabi — the characters who helped Eren grow — where the former two question whether Eren has control of his actions or if other people’s influences or ideologies are controlling him. Armin asks if Zeke is the primary reason Eren launched his attack on Marley. From the beginning, Eren believes he’s in control of his actions, blaming no one for their outcome but himself.
I am free. Whatever I do, whatever I choose, I do it out of my own free will.
This was Eren’s response to his friends thinking he was being influenced. He took complete responsibility, though his friends still thought he was being controlled and couldn’t believe he’d do something as violently drastic as ignite the Rumbling. The problem, however, is that Eren doesn’t have free will. As the Attack Titan, he has no choice but to watch the future arrive and is completely powerless to stop it. Accepting responsibility in such a situation makes him all the more admirable.
23 "If Someone Is Willing to Take My Freedom…"
Season 4, Episode 20, "Memories of the Future"
Eren has always been defiant and unafraid to stand up in the face of injustice. He eventually developed a binary view of his enemies — hardly a surprise given everything he’d endured. Eren refused to show sympathy and now believed it was best to do to others what they’d done to him. After everything Eren had endured, he would go against anyone who threatened his freedom, regardless of whether they were a friend or foe.
If someone is willing to take my freedom, I won’t hesitate to take theirs.
At this point, Eren’s primary goal is self-preservation, which paradoxically flies against the idea of protecting the Eldian people in Paradis. Even if the people who try to take his freedom away aren’t necessarily his enemies, he’ll view them as such. This is why he attacks his friends when they try to stop the Rumbling. Eren’s black-and-white view of the world isolated him from his friends while raising questions about the moral implications of his choices. The quote symbolizes Eren embracing his darker side, which can be one of the many things that pushed him to the other side marking a turning point in the character’s life.
22 "You Were Ignorant Children."
Season 4, Episode 5, "Declaration of War"
The citizens in Attack on Titan are constantly bombarded with propaganda. It’s one of the most sinister tools in existence because it preys upon the vulnerabilities of people’s psyches. Marley knows how to do this all too well. Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt are heavily affected by this from a young age, explaining why they callously instigate countless deaths across Paradis. They don’t even feel regret after harming innocent lives for the longest time because of the way their beliefs were shaped, and they struggled to understand this as they grew up.
You were ignorant children. All of that was beaten into you by ignorant adults. What could you have done to fight back against that?
It’s easy to hate the trio at first, but once Eren learns the truth behind Reiner, Annie, and Bertholdt’s actions, this strict viewpoint starts to fade. He sympathizes with Reiner, who’s distraught and beating himself up after everything, saying there’s nothing they could have done as ignorant kids. At the end of the day, the duty of educating children falls on the adults. With this quote, Eren softens his thoughts about them as he challenges the notions of innocence in the face of ignorance.
21 "If You Win, You Live."
Season 4, Episode 9, "Brave Volunteers"
Attack On Titan gets even bleaker by the time its fourth season rolls around, as Eren triggers the Rumbling, and the Titans feel insurmountable. For the first time in a long while, the cast start to lose hope, many questioning why they’re fighting or if they’re strong enough to see the horrors through to the end. In a world like Attack On Titan, to not fight is the same as surrendering one’s life, and Eren’s always understood this. He said this with his desire to protect his people, as he agreed to go to any lengths, which included him triggering the Rumbling and unleashing the Titans on the world.
If you win, you live. If you lose, you die. If you don’t fight, you can’t win.
Eren stated that those who win the fight get to live, and those who don’t, die. It’s a grim worldview, but appropriate given everything he saw leading up to the end. More importantly, he practiced what he preached. He fought continuously for years, sometimes openly and other times in secret, but always with the same goal in mind: absolute victory. With this quote, Eren reinforced his belief that only fighting can lead to victory.
20 "I Want to See and Understand the World Outside"
Season 4, Episode 20, "Memories of the Future"
Humanity is protected behind three enormous walls to avoid the man-eating Titans that roam the outside world. However, this doesn’t stop the people within from wanting a glimpse at what’s beyond the barriers. No matter what, humanity will always have hope that better things are lying just beyond the horizon—optimism is never entirely out of reach. The quote signifies him fulfilling his long-standing dream of going to see the ocean. The quote showcases Eren’s deep desire to be free, which he shares with his friend Armin.
I want to see and understand the world outside. I don’t want to die inside these walls without knowing what’s out there!
Along with Armin, one of Eren’s driving motivations is to see the world beyond the walls, and find out if things he’d only read about, are real. Rather than dying for the Titans outside the walls, Eren decided dying sheltered inside them without seeing all the beauty beyond was worse. He eventually gets to see the ocean for the first time, learning that the world is as enormous as Armin believed. On the other hand, the world outside would have been better off without Eren. This quote also encouraged Armin to continue fighting for his dreams along with his friend.
19 "I Have to Be the One to Do This!"
Season 2, Episode 12, "Scream"
At the beginning of Attack on Titan, Eren’s mother Carla is eaten by the Smiling Titan, which significantly impacts Eren’s motives for the rest of the anime. One of the Garrison’s soldiers, Hannes, had the opportunity to save her along with Eren and Mikasa — but he only managed to save the children. When they finally met again, Hannes was ready to avenge Carla’s death. However, Eren also wanted revenge and was determined to make things right for his mother. Eren’s desire for revenge is not merely for his mother here, but also for the horrors of the world that is full of suffering and loss.
I have to be the one to do this! I have to settle this!
Unfortunately, the Smiling Titan ended up killing Hannes, but Eren found a power he didn’t know he had as he made the other Titans around them attack his mother’s murderer. This was a core moment for his development as a character. Eren settled the matter of his vengeance by utterly annihilating the Smiling Titan, and simultaneously revealing that he had the powers of the Founding Titan within him. This theme of revenge continued throughout the series as fans were forced to look at the ethical implications that came with Eren and his actions.
18 "If We Kill the Enemy… Will We Finally Be Free?"
Season 3, Episode 22, "The Other Side of the Wall"
At the start of Attack on Titan, Eren and the others believed that if they got past the walls and eliminated the Titans, they’d be free. The question was asked by Eren when he and his friends were standing at the symbolic barrier that separated them from the Wall and the world outside. To them, the world outside the walls was freedom, and they’re the last people left who can defend humanity and claim it for themselves and everyone who’s fallen. They finally make it to the sea, the dream Eren and Armin shared since childhood, but it’s after learning they aren’t the last people alive.
So if we kill the enemy, the one waiting for us on the other side of the sea, will we… finally be free?
Both sides see the other as the ultimate enemy, and after fighting for what they believe is freedom for so long, they can only hope to get it by eliminating who they perceive to be in the wrong. Marley might be the enemy awaiting them «on the other side of the sea,» but Eren goes on to destroy numerous other countries with the Rumbling. Paradis does obtain some temporary respite, but even that doesn’t last very long. This was when Eren had a simplistic desire for change rather than the humongous actions he did later on in the anime series.
17 "How Can You Call Yourself a Soldier?"
Season 1, Episode 4, "The Night of the Closing Ceremony: Humanity's Comeback, Part 2"
Jean and Eren have always had a very interesting relationship. When they first met, their goals in life couldn’t have been more opposite. While Eren wanted to join the Survey Corps and see the outside world — even if it meant he’d face his demise — Jean wanted to join the Military Police and live a safe life. They even got into a fight during the early stages of their friendship. Eren thought true soldiers would sacrifice anything necessary for a better future, which strongly contrasted with Jean’s views.
How can you call yourself a soldier?
Eren is easily angered by those who don’t have strong morals they adhere to, and at first, Jean is only out for himself and his safety. Even though Eren and Jean eventually became close comrades, this line shows Eren’s disdain for Jean’s early character. That said, Eren doesn’t seem to understand that there are different ways of contributing to the community and that the military might be the only way to win. With this quote, viewers can be challenged to reflect on the philosophical implications of being a soldier.
16 "How Could Anything Be More Important…"
Season 2, Episode 2, "I'm Home"
When the Survey Corps found out that Colossal Titans were inside the Walls, they also learned that Minister Nick had known all along and refused to reveal this information. To convince Minister Nick to tell them everything he knew, the Survey Corps had Nick join them, forcing him to see firsthand the terrible conditions some of Paradis’ people were living in. This quote came from Eren in an attempt to get all the information possible to save humanity, by forcing Nick to witness these conditions.
How could anything be more important than keeping humanity from being wiped out?
Previously, Eren valued keeping as much of humanity alive as possible. His respect for human life initially changed due to his eventual transformation as a complex character, making him an iconic anime hero. However, these words are now incredibly ironic, since Eren became somewhat of a villain himself — his eventual metamorphosis into a mass murderer makes him one of the most complex shonen anime characters ever.
