Judging an animated series doesn’t always depend on the quality of its writing or animation. Often, fans participate in popularity contests to decide which anime characters are the best. Intriguing, well-crafted characters can define the story, transforming a mediocre anime series into a truly unforgettable series with their star power. Some of the most beloved anime characters, from My Hero Academia has Naruto has One piece– perfectly personify the best parts of their series, while others are masters at stealing the show.

The best anime characters tend to have that “it” factor that makes them the most popular, like a combination of cool dialogue, memorable scenes, or even an interesting philosophy and worldview. Every anime fan will have their favorites, but a large handful of characters have always risen to the top of the community.

Updated January 20, 2025 by Louis Kemner: This list of the most popular anime characters of all time has been updated to include five more cool anime characters and has been streamlined for an easier and more informative reading experience.

30

Deku must become the next symbol of peace

Only Deku can defeat Tomura with One For All

My Hero Academia Protagonist Izuku Midoriya, usually referred to as Deku, has become one of the most popular anime characters thanks to his refreshingly simple and heartwarming attitude towards heroism. Deku has always dreamed of being a great hero capable of protecting a world where everyone can smile, and with the power of One For All, this idealistic dream could come true.

2:15 p.m.

Related

25 Best Anime With a Powerful Main Character

Some satisfying anime feature exciting and OP main characters, like Vash from Trigun, Mob from Mob Psycho 100, and Saiki Kusuo from Saiki K.

Deku is popular not only because of his flashy powers with One For All, but also his cheerful and innocent personality, which conflicts with his powers in a funny way. He is also intelligent and quite charming, attracting the attention of people like Ochaco Uraraka, who sought to excel and be more like him. It says a lot about his good nature that even one of his classmates would fight so hard to not be like the pro heroes, but like Deku.

29

Alucard is the best, scariest vampire anti-hero

Alucard has contempt for modern vampires

Alucard is the infamous vampire powerhouse from the manga/anime series Seinen Hellsing. He is the epitome of a compelling anti-hero, a sinister and ruthless warrior who fights his own people in the name of the Hellsing Organization without any sentimentality. He might, however, make an exception for his protégé Seras Victoria, as he feels somewhat protective of her.

Alucard is one of the most popular anime characters of all time because he is overpowered in such an engaging way. Even though his fights are predictably easy, it’s still fun to watch Alucard taunt his enemies and toy with them, then crush them without even unleashing his full power. There are few animated vampires on the same level as this one. That said, Alucard prefers to take his orders directly from the Hellsing clan, which essentially makes him a living weapon.

Hellsing Ultimate

The vampire Alucard, his master Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing and his new ward Seras Victoria attempt to protect England from a war-mad SS-Major who seeks to start an eternal war with his army of vampires.

Release date

December 5, 2006

Seasons

1

Studio

Satellite, Madhouse, Graphinica

28

Nezuko Kamado bravely fights alongside her brother

Nezuko is the kindest and cutest demon in Japan

THE Demon Slayer The anime introduced anime fans to the charming little Nezuko Kamado, the girl who tragically became a demon but stubbornly refused to sacrifice her humanity in the process. Nezuko defied all odds and remained a hero at heart, and more than once, Nezuko fought alongside her brother Tanjiro to combat her fellow demons, such as Daki and Hantengu.

Nezuko may be a fierce fighter, but fans love Nezuko because of her charm, including her small form when she shrinks. Its visual comedy is unmatched in Demon SlayerNezuko being the demon girl in pink who scoffs whenever there are no demons to fight. It was also heartwarming to see Nezuko bond with Mitsuri Kanroji, who was like an older sister to her.

Release date

April 6, 2019

Seasons

5

27

Kaguya Shinomiya is one of the smartest Waifus in anime

Kaguya was cold but now has a warm heart

Kaguya-Sama: Love is war is an ultra-popular battle of wits anime between student council president Miyuki Shirogane and wealthy heiress Kaguya Shinomiya, who are deeply in love with each other. They are too stubbornly proud to confess their feelings, so they try to trick each other into making this confession first. Miyuki has her fans, but anime fans love Kaguya Shinomiya as the series’ “Best Girl.”

She cherishes her meaningful friendships and enjoys spending quality time with her classmates, which makes her more than just an ojou-sama. Kaguya is also delightfully flawed at times, from her likable insecurities to her unexpected goofiness. She may be about to inherit billions of yen, but at school, Kaguya only cares about Miyuki and their love game. Anime fans can’t get enough of this beloved anime character.

The two top students at an elite school, proudly privileged, each make it their mission to be the first to extract a confession of love from the other.

Release date

January 12, 2019

Seasons

3

Studio

Photos A-1

26

Yuno Gasai Became a Twisted Yandere Waifu in Fans’ Eyes

Yuno is an example of a popular anime bad girl

Yuno Gasai is the quintessential anime character Yandere or an obsessive lover who resorts to harassment and even violence to keep others away from the object of his affection. Yuno has it all, from his deceptively sweet exterior and monstrous interior to his habit of carrying weapons. Additionally, his jealous streak can cause serious damage.

Yuno’s love interest is Yukitaru, and she will say or do anything to make him like her and drive everyone away. Ironically, Yuno is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of femininity and motherhood.but there is nothing sweet and maternal about this yandere anime character. Yet despite her extreme behavior, Yuno Gasai is one of the anime community’s favorite characters, serving as a reminder that there will always be an audience for bad girls like her.

A young man competes with people from around the world for a chance to become God’s successor, with a journal that can predict the future.

Release date

October 10, 2011

Seasons

1 + 1 OVA

Studio

As read

25

Ichigo Kurosaki is a high school student who became a Soul Reaper

Ichigo from Bleach saved the universe from Aizen and Yhwach

BleachIchigo Kurosaki’s powerful protagonist didn’t become one of the most popular anime characters of all time because he came from a “Big 3” Shonen anime, although the series certainly helped. Ichigo’s design also sets him apart from extreme comic heroes like Luffy, Naruto, and Goku. In other words, Ichigo is a kind-hearted tsundere punk, much like Yu Yu HakushoIt’s Yusuke Urameshi before him.

Ichigo became a Shonen icon with his cool mix of isekai/Shonen adventures, tough-guy persona, stylish Soul Reaper powers, and stubborn determination to protect all of his friends at all costs. Ichigo also has unexpected emotional depth, as he still struggles with the grief of his beloved mother’s death, which has hardened the outer layer of his heart. BleachThe Bloody Thousand Year War The arc is currently airing, with not much left before Ichigo unleashes his full potential.

Bleach revolves around Kurosaki Ichigo, a regular and always grumpy high school student who, for some strange reason, is able to see the souls of the dead around him.

Release date

September 6, 2006

Seasons

16

Studio

Pierrot

Streaming service(s)

Hulu

24

Kirito quickly became Aincrad’s #1 swordsman

Kirito is famous for his dual-wielding swords

Sword Art Online has gradually become an anime giant. This series influenced the isekai boom that fans are experiencing today and became one of the most successful franchises in the medium. Even now, new seasons of anime are trying to acquire SAOThe success is dazzling and there seems to be a new isekai series announced every year.

Related

10 Best Shonen Anime Characters, Ranked By Growth

Heroes like Killua Zoldyck and Edward Elric prove that Shonen characters can be just as complex as any other.

While each member of SAO The eclectic casting has played a role in defining the series, its leading man will always be the professional gamer himself, Kirito. Whether anime fans appreciate Kirito’s calm demeanor or love his various adventures in video games and romance, Kirito fills heart containers everywhere with his charisma. Sword Art Online is still one of the most popular modern anime, with Kirito becoming a hugely popular anime character thanks to the franchise’s continued success.

Sword Art Online

In 2022, thousands find themselves trapped in a new virtual MMORPG and the lone wolf player, Kirito, struggles to escape.

Release date

July 8, 2012

Seasons

4

Studio

Photos A-1

23

Saitama is the masked bald guy with an incredible punch

Saitama’s action-packed story about finding meaning in life is loved by fans

At first glance, bald superhero Saitama isn’t quite like the typical seinen. The one-punch manbut there is more to him than his comedy. On one level, he’s entertaining as a casual homemade superhero who can defeat absolutely anyone or anything with a single punch. However, the real substance of Saitama’s character lies in his internal struggle.

When a popular anime character like Saitama is overpowered and cannot be physically threatened by anyone, these characters have to deal with a problem that no overpowered move can ever overcome. In this case, Saitama struggles to find meaning and happiness in his daily life, as neither his superhero life nor his private life matters much. But with new friends like Genos and King, that might just change for the better.

The one-punch man

Release date

October 5, 2015

Seasons

2

22

Joseph proudly continues the legacy of the Joestar name

JoJo’s Stylish Joseph Joestar Used Hamon and Got the Purple Hermit Stand

Joseph Joestar is the clumsy and carefree second protagonist of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventureand he feels very different from his Kenshiro-inspired grandfather, Jonathan. In the Fighting Tendency In the story arc, Joseph became one of the best anime characters of all time through a combination of clever tactics, wacky antics, and a sincere desire to avenge Caesar Zeppeli.

Then, in Stardust CrusadersJoseph returns as an older man with more wit and charm than ever as he hunts the powerful vampire DIO alongside his grandson Jotaro. Joseph would also play a small, albeit notable, role as a wizened 79-year-old man in The diamond is unbreakable. If Jotaro Kujo remains the most emblematic JoJo hero, Joseph Joestar was voted as one of the most popular anime characters. Furthermore, almost every JoJo owes something to the only Joestar capable of using Hamon.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Release date

October 6, 2012

Seasons

5

Studio

David Productions

21

Rem is Subaru’s best friend in a scary Isekai world

Rem has been Subaru’s emotional rock for a long time

Rem of Re:Zero is one of the most loyal anime characters in the series and perhaps all of anime. Early in the series, Subaru meets Rem and her twin sister, Ram, while they are employed by Roswaal L. Mathers. Overall, Rem is a big sister to Ram and her loyalty to Subaru is admirable. Although a little impulsive, Rem is ready to step in and defend either one, whatever it takes.

Even though she’s not the strongest fighter in the world, there’s no denying Rem’s mental resilience. Although she didn’t really trust Subaru Natsuki at first, Rem served as his emotional pillar when he needed it most, lifting Subaru’s spirits and convincing him to continue fighting despite all the fear and pain he experienced. ‘he felt. Subaru owes Rem a lot, and anime fans love her for going from a minor villain to a major hero.

Re:Zero − Starting life in another world

After being suddenly transported to another world, Subaru Natsuki and his new partner are brutally murdered. However, Subaru wakes up to a familiar scene, meeting the same girl again. The day begins to repeat itself mysteriously.

Release date

April 4, 2016

Studio

White fox

Seasons

2

20

Spike Spiegel is a nifty shooter drifting through space

Spike from Cowboy Bebop is a well-dressed thug with a maverick personality

Cowboy BebopSpike Spiegel’s has a cool fashion sense and an even cooler job. As a former gangster turned bounty hunter, Spike is a talented fighter who marches to the beat of his own drum, even if it greatly annoys his teammates. Notoriously lazy and rarely seen without a cigarette in his mouth, anime fans generally agree that Spike is one of the bravest characters in the medium.

Between Spike’s fashion sense, his stoic yet approachable attitude, and his badass gunslinger moves, it’s easy to see why anime fans love Spike so much. With a free spirit like Spike, fans are always kept in suspense and never know what to expect next. Cowboy BebopIt is the plot also highlights Spike’s spiritual naturewhich both conflicts with and synchronizes with the pure technology society in which he lives.

Studio

Sunrise

Release date

April 3, 1998

Seasons

1

19

Ken Kaneki learned to accept his dark side

Ken is a famous half-other

Ken Kaneki is one of the most iconic anime characters of all time, even those who have never seen the Tokyo Ghoul the series will at least recognize his ghoul form. The story of One-Eyed Ghoul is truly a tragedy with very little respite, which is why anime fans admire it deeply. Many consider Kaneki to be one of the best anime protagonists due to his checkered past as well as his determination to move forward.

Related

10 Best Anime Character Designs of 2024, Ranked

Freshness isn’t the only factor to keep in mind when analyzing great character design.

Ken Kaneki is a man of many layers and with just as many flaws. He plays both heroic and villainous roles throughout the story, forcing his allies and the audience to recalibrate to his changing personality. Kaneki’s journey into Tokyo Ghoul is a reality made of suffering, pain and a horrible and nightmarish reality. The series depicts a constant tug of war between Kaneki’s ghoul side fighting against his humanity.

Tokyo Ghoul

A Tokyo student is attacked by a ghoul, a super-powered human who feeds on human flesh. He survives, but has become part ghoul and becomes a fugitive on the run.

Studio

Pierrot

Release date

July 4, 2014

Seasons

4

18

Gintoki Sakata is the clumsiest swordsman in Shonen anime

Gintoki may be silly, but his skills are serious

Sakata Gintoki is one of the most adorable male anime characters of all time. As the protagonist of GintamaGintoki is the ultimate class clown. He is the king of animated comedy, rightfully deserving the crown with his surreal sense of humor and almost incomprehensible level of laziness. Plus, the juxtaposition between his eccentric attitude and his remarkable samurai skills makes him even more impressive.

Formerly known as “White Yaksha”, Gintoki became a revolutionary during the Edo period. However, when the public meets him, he accepts whatever “odd jobs” he can find to make ends meet. All things considered, Gintoki is humble, stupid, and awesome all at the same time. Although he regularly wastes his money gambling, the public finds him particularly accessible and endearing. Gintoki certainly knows how to protect people, the ideal mark of a Shonen hero.

In a time when aliens have invaded and taken over feudal Tokyo, an unemployed samurai finds work any way he can.

Release date

April 4, 2006

Seasons

10

Studio

Photos of Sunrise, Bandai Namco

17

Kenshiro is one of the deadliest anime characters

Kenshiro set the mold for heroes like Goku and Guts

Essentially the love child of Bruce Lee and Mad Max, Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star is an iconic anime character known for his brutal justice. That said, this anime series is also considered one of the most influential of all time. Traversing the barren lands of his dystopian future, Kenshiro is the last disciple of the martial art “Hokuto Shinken”. This allows him to literally explode his opponents after quickly tapping on their bodies.

While he’s best known for being one of the best anime characters at violently ending the lives of their enemies, that’s not all he’s got going on. Kenshiro also has a softer side and selflessly protects innocents. Although Fist of the North Star finished in 1988, modern anime fans might recognize Kenshiro from the wildly popular “Omae wa mou shindeiru” or “You’re already dead” meme.

Fist of the North Star

Release date

October 11, 1984

Seasons

6

16

Rintaro Okabe is the best scientist in anime

Rintaro is a conflicted scientist who tinkers with time

The original Steins;Door This visual novel game inspired an anime of the same name, featuring popular anime characters like the kuudere Kurisu and most importantly, the popular but troubled Rintaro Okabe. It was he who founded a laboratory where he and his colleagues could send messages back and forth through time, leading to a fascinating story about the passage of time itself.

Personally, Rintaro isn’t just compelling because of his “mad scientist” persona. The colorful character is also beloved because of his chunibyo tendencies, meaning he has a flair for the dramatic and thinks he’s special. Such traits are usually associated with middle schoolers, so having a young man like Rintaro do the same is memorable and quite entertaining.

Steins;Door

Release date

April 6, 2011

15

Guts is a haunted and scarred swordsman who seeks revenge

Guts wields one of the best swords in anime, the Dragon Slayer

As the protagonist of BerserkGuts is the ultimate tragic hero and poster child for dark fantasy anime. Known as the Black Swordsman for the gigantic weapon he wields, Guts is one of the best-written protagonists of all time and one of the most unique in the business. Guts’ youth was defined by a series of traumatic events, but his character experienced admirable growth throughout the original. Berserk animated.

Following an unspeakable act of betrayal in the final episode, he is forced to confront a whole new set of emotions in order to survive. In the sequel Berserk series as well as in the manga, Guts learns to overcome the pain of betrayal and childhood trauma to become a better man. Far from being a one-dimensional character, Guts fits many tropes associated with Shonen and Seinen protagonists giving them nuance and depth.

Guts, a wandering mercenary, joins the Band of the Falcon after being defeated in a duel by Griffith, the leader and founder of the group. Together they dominate every battle, but something menacing lurks in the shadows.

Release date

October 7, 1997

Seasons

1

14

Edward Elric is one of the best anime brothers

Edward is both a scientist, an alchemist, and a martial artist.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is universally considered one of the best shonen series of all time. Edward Elric directed the anime and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his courageous and passionate attitude towards his life and career. He’s a true underdog who never gives up, no matter what life throws at him.

After an experiment goes wrong, Edward loses an arm and his brother Alphonse’s soul becomes trapped in metal armor. After that, Edward takes the audience on a mind-blowing journey, giving anime fans the adventure they are desperately seeking. However, Edward’s most important characteristic is that he is willing to sacrifice everything to save Alphonse. The Elric brothers are easily some of the greatest anime siblings of all time.

Original title: Hagane no renkinjutsushi.
When a botched alchemical ritual leaves brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric with severely damaged bodies, they begin searching for the only thing that can save them: the legendary Philosopher’s Stone.

Release date

April 5, 2009

Seasons

1

13

Sung Jinwoo is one of the newest popular anime characters

Jinwoo is a hero with no limits to his potential

Sung Jinwoo is the hero of Solo Upgrade — an anime adapted from a webtoon series. Initially the weakest of the hunters Solo Upgradehe becomes one of the strongest after making a pact with the mysterious “System”. This allows Jinwoo to rely on his abilities and face enemies much stronger than him.

Sung Jinwoo and his anime series have already become extremely popular. Jinwoo in particular subverts the norms among underdog anime characters, not to mention overpowered ones. Given the success of Solo Upgrade anime, many more will come to recognize it around the world, especially with the upcoming Korean television adaptation. Sung Jinwoo fans can also check out the spin-off Single Player Upgrade: Ragnarokwhich stars his son Sung Soho.

In a world of gifted hunters and monsters, a weak hunter, Sung Jin-Woo, gains extraordinary powers through a mysterious program, leading him to become one of the strongest hunters and conquer even the most powerful dungeons .

Release date

January 7, 2024

Seasons

2

Studio

Photos A-1

12

Light Yagami tried to become the embodiment of justice

Light’s arrogance was his final downfall

Two of the major characters of Death threat is among the most popular anime characters of all time, one of them being protagonist Light Yagami himself. Light instantly made shonen anime history as a dark antihero planning to use a murderous notebook to become the embodiment of justice, one criminal killed at a time. Along the way, Light wowed anime fans with his sharp intellect and acting skills.

Light is also fascinating because his character inspires fans to sympathize with his quest to create a world free of violent crime and fear. However, he became exactly what he swore to destroy, making him a more complex shonen protagonist. The Light continued to descend further into the darkness, using and exploiting all who could serve it and discarding them to deal with the problems.

Death threat

Release date

October 4, 2006

Seasons

1

Studio

Madhouse

Streaming service(s)

Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Peacock, The Roku Channel, Hoopla, Pluto TV, Tubi

11

Killua Zoldyck gets a lot more attention from fans than Gon

Killua set the mold for Sasuke Uchiha

Even though Gon is the protagonist and arguably one of the most endearing anime characters in history, Killua really stole the show in Hunter x Hunter thanks to its rich character development. Despite coming from a family of assassins, Killua defied expectations by displaying a surprisingly healthy level of emotional development – both as a young boy and as a Shonen character.

Related

10 Best Studio Ghibli Character Designs, Ranked

Studio Ghibli characters are more than just design and the way they are created is intended to help enhance the story each character is in.

Killua had to learn the true value of human life before understanding the true power of human connection. In the Hunter Exam arc, he had no qualms about killing people. By the end of the story, however, Killua understands the weight of taking someone else’s life. Killua has an adorable but sometimes dark personality, but it’s this unexpected combination that makes him a beloved anime icon.

Hunter x Hunter

Gon Freecss aspires to become a Hunter, an exceptional being capable of greatness. With his friends and his potential, he sets off in search of his father, who left him when he was younger.

Gender

Adventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts

Number of seasons

6

Start date

October 2, 2011

Studio

Madhouse, Shueisha