Rising to popularity in anime are the best of the best characters, like Jujutsu Kaisen’s Satoru Gojo and Naruto Uzumaki.

Judging a Japanese anime series isn’t always about the quality of its writing or animation. Often, fans engage in popularity contests to decide which anime characters are the best. Intriguing, well-designed characters can be defining, turning a mediocre anime series into a truly unforgettable one with their sheer star power. Some of the most loved anime characters perfectly personify the best parts of their series, while others are masters of stealing the spotlight.

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

Update on May 15th, 2024 by Timothy Donohoo: The most unforgettable characters in anime have unique personalities, memorable storylines, and major impact on viewers. This list of the best and most popular anime characters of all time has been updated to adhere to CBR’s current publication standards, as well as to include even more of the best characters in anime.

60Frieren Has Spent Centuries Studying Magic

Voice Actors: Atsumi Tanezaki (Japanese), Mallorie Rodak (English)

RELATED

10 Strongest Anime Characters Frieren Can Beat

Frieren may not be the strongest character in Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End but she’s a powerful enough to defeat these mighty characters.

The elf lady known simply as Frieren is the protagonist of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, an immortal elf who has seen and done it all. Frieren helps anime fans explore the fantasy genre through a fresh set of eyes, since Frieren isn’t the obligatory Legolas type in a party — she is the lead, and that affects how the narrative is presented.

Anime fans found plenty to love about the kuudere elf Frieren, from her emotional sensitivity and stoic personality to her powerful spellcasting and advanced knowledge of the world. Frieren is a carefree hero who has no serious flaws or weaknesses, allowing her to forge ahead on her journey without worry. She is also determined to connect more deeply with the short-lived humans around her and nurture their potential, making her a mother figure to Fern.

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End

TV-14
Anime
Adventure
Drama

An elf and her friends defeat a demon king in a great war. But the war is over, and the elf must search for a new way of life.

Release DateSeptember 29, 2023
CreatorTsukasa Abe, Kanehito Yamada
CastAtsumi Tanezaki , Kana Ichinose , Mallorie Rodak , Jill Harris
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
Production CompanyAniplex, Dentsu, Madhouse, Shogakukan, TOHO animation, Toho

59Rimuru Tempest Is an OP Slime Who Rules a Benevolent Nation

Voice Actors: Miho Okasaki (Japanese), Brittney Karbowski (English)

Rimuru Tempest is an example of an overpowered isekai protagonist written well. He is the star of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, or Tensura for short, a salaryman who got stabbed to death and reborn as a mere slime in a cave. Rimuru’s best asset was the Predator skill, allowing him to absorb new skills and spells from other creatures.

Rimuru soon became massively powerful, but he wasn’t meant to be a power trip character. The real appeal of Rimuru is his mission to build an all-new nation of peace and tolerance for all monsters, a benevolent quest that makes him a historic figure in the isekai world. Rimuru will make many friends, establish diplomatic ties, and fight powerful enemies to make his dream a reality and live in peace with his fellow monsters.

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

TV-PG
Action-Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Average 37-year-old Minami Satoru dies and is reincarnated as the most unremarkable creature imaginable-a slime.

Release DateOctober 2, 2018
CreatorFuse
CastMiho Okasaki , Megumi Toyoguchi , Mao Ichimichi , Makoto Furukawa
Main GenreAnime
Seasons2
StudioEight Bit
SequelThe Slime Diaries
Number of Episodes48

58Marin Kitagawa Is Everyone’s Favorite Cosplay Enthusiast

Voice Actors: Hina Suguta (Japanese), Amanda Lee (English)

Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling is a charming example of a genki girl, or an energetic female character who’s always up to something. Genki girls like Marin often enjoy making friends and have a fierce passion for their hobbies, and in Marin’s case, that hobby is cosplay. Marin loves dressing up, but she isn’t so great at tailoring clothes. So, she decided to recruit Wakana Gojo as her new tailor.

Marin struck up a wacky yet healthy and meaningful friendship with Wakana, and they brought out the best in each other. Marin gave the lonely, insecure Wakana some validation and companionship, all while praising his tailoring skills and sharing her cosplay hobby with him. Also, Marin is a kind, whimsical, and slightly flawed girl who feels larger than life but also realistic, adding to her appeal.

My Dress-Up Darling

TV-14
Comedy
Romance

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Traumatized by a childhood incident with a friend who took exception to his love of traditional dolls, doll-artisan hopeful Wakana Gojo passes his days as a loner, finding solace in a room at his high school.

Release DateJanuary 8, 2022
CreatorShinichi Fukuda
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons1 Season
Characters ByHina Suguta, Shoya Ishige, AmaLee
Production CompanyAniplex, CloverWorks, Square Enix Company

57Kaguya Shinomiya Is One of Anime’s Smartest Waifus Ever

Voice Actors: Aoi Koga (Japanese), Alexis Tipton (English)

Kaguya-Sama: Love is War is an utlra-popular battle of wits anime between the student council president Miyuki Shirogane and the wealthy heiress Kaguya Shinomiya, who are deeply smitten with one another. They’re too stubbornly proud to confess their feelings, so they’re trying to trick each other into making that confession first.

Miyuki has his fans, but anime fans love Kaguya Shinomiya as the series’ Best Girl. She may come from a vastly wealthy family, but Kaguya also values wealth of the heart. She cherishes her meaningful friendships and loves spending quality time with her classmates, making her more than yet another ojou-sama. Kaguya is also delightfully flawed at times, from her sympathetic insecurities to her personality’s unexpected goofy side. She may be set to inherit trillions of yen, but at school, Kaguya only cares about Miyuki and their love game, and anime fans can’t get enough of it in the beloved anime character.

Kaguya-Sama: Love Is War

TV-14
Anime
Comedy
Romance

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

Release DateJanuary 12, 2019
CastAoi Koga , Makoto Furukawa , Konomi Kohara , Yutaka Aoyama
Main GenreAnime
Seasons4

56Thorfinn Karlsefni Learned to Move Beyond Vengeance

Voice Actor: Yuto Uemura (Japanese), Aleks Le

Vinland Saga may be a brutal medieval action anime, but author Makoto Yukimura never intended to glorify war and violence. Instead, this anime — and its source manga — question and criticize the role that violence plays in people’s lives. Protagonist Thorfinn Karlsefni may have vowed revenge on his father’s killer, but revenge would never bring him happiness. Instead, Thorfinn must seek his true fate by creating something new.

Thorfinn is compelling because his character arc is directly tied into Vinland Saga‘s deep themes of violence, forgiveness, and finding one’s own purpose in life. He is also a joy to watch in battle, and it’s inspiring to see the broken-down Thorfinn seize hope for the first time after losing everything.

Vinland Saga

TV-MA
Anime
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Following a tragedy, Thorfinn embarks on a journey with the man responsible for it to take his life in a duel as a true and honorable warrior to pay homage.

Release DateJuly 6, 2019
CreatorMakoto Yukimura
CastYûto Uemura , Mike Haimoto , Shinya Takahashi , Alejandro Saab , Hiroki Gotô , Aleks Le , Kaiji Tang , Michael C. Pizzuto
Main GenreAnime
Seasons2
StudioWit Studio, Studio MAPPA
Production CompanyWit Studio, Mappa
Number of Episodes48 Episodes
Streaming Service(s)Netflix , Crunchyroll , Amazon Prime Video

55Makima Is Mysterious, Beautiful, And Deadly

Voice Actors: Tomori Kusunoki (Japanese), Suzie Yeung (English Dub)

Makima is a classic example of a “bad girl” waifu whom anime fans love even if she is mysterious, eerie, and incredibly dangerous. Chainsaw Man is a refreshing read/watch because of its unique approach to female characters, making them charmingly flawed and emphasizing their personalities and not their perfect looks.

From the start, Makima has been Denji’s benefactor and almost a foster mother, but there’s been something off about her the whole time. Anime fans are eager to see what Makima’s true nature and goals are, and manga readers already know the full truth of this character — and still love her as a brutal villain waifu and one of the best Chainsaw Man characters.

Chainsaw Man

TV-MA
Anime
Action
Adventure

Following a betrayal, a young man left for dead is reborn as a powerful devil-human hybrid after merging with his pet devil and is soon enlisted into an organization dedicated to hunting devils. When his father died, Denji was stuck with a huge debt and no way to pay it back.

Release DateOctober 11, 2022
CreatorTatsuki Fujimoto
CastKikunosuke Toya , Ryan Colt Levy , Tomori Kusunoki , Suzie Yeung
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
StudioMAPPA
Main CharactersDenji, Makima, Pochita, Power, Himeno, Kishibe
Number of Episodes12
NetworkCrunchyroll
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Hulu

54Alucard Is The Coolest, Scariest Vampire Antihero Of All

Voice Actors: Jouji Nakata (Japanese), Crispin Freeman (English Dub)

RELATED

20 Best Vampire Anime For Your Watchlist

Vampires have been a continually popular genre the last couple of decades. If you like vampires, here are 10 anime to add to your watchlist.

Alucard is the infamous vampire powerhouse from the seinen Hellsing manga/anime series. He’s the very model of a compelling antihero, a sinister and merciless warrior who fights his own kind on behalf of the Hellsing Organization while having no sentimentality whatsoever. He might make an exception for his protégé Seras Victoria, however, since 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 if his fights are predictably easy, it’s still fun to watch Alucard taunt his enemies and toy with them, then crush them without even releasing his full power.

Hellsing Ultimate

TV-17
Action
Fantasy

The vampire Alucard, his master Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, and his newly sired ward Seras Victoria try to protect England from a war-crazed SS-Major who seeks to start an eternal war with his vampire army.

Release DateFebruary 10, 2006
CreatorKouta Hirano
CastFumiko Orikasa , Crispin Freeman , Jōji Nakata , Victoria Harwood , Motomu Kiyokawa , K.T. Gray , Yoshiko Sakakibara , Ralph Lister
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1

53Sasuke Uchiha Is Konoha’s Edgiest, Most Talented Ninja And Naruto’s Rival

Voice Actors: Noriaki Sugiyama (Japanese), Yuri Lowenthal (English Dub)

Sasuke Uchiha is often viewed as the ultimate shonen rival character, being the gifted, angsty counterpart to protagonist Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke made a strong impression from the start as a skilled ninja who often showed up Naruto, yet they still formed a robust rivalry and pushed each other to get even stronger.

Sasuke’s real story arc began when he went rogue to obtain more power with Orochimaru, breaking his bond with Naruto and the rest of Team 7 in the process. He also had an interesting relationship with his brother, Itachi Uchiha. From there, Sasuke blurred the line between antihero and villain, losing himself to the darkness until he reunited with Team 7 near the story’s end. This has all made him one of the most popular anime characters.

Naruto

TV-PG
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Naruto Uzumaki, a mischievous adolescent ninja, struggles as he searches for recognition and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the village’s leader and strongest ninja.

Release DateSeptember 10, 2002
CreatorMasashi Kishimoto
CastJunko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Kate Higgins
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
Production CompanyPierrot, Staralis Film Company
Number of Episodes220

52Koyomi Araragi Is A Loner Who Associates With Vampires

Voice Actor: Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese)

Koyomi Araragi is the overall protagonist of the entire Monogatari franchise and is the most commonly used narrator as well. His high school life was turned upside down when the vampire Shinobu Oshino attacked, and he’s had a connection to her ever since. Koyomi regularly feeds her his blood, and in exchange, he has some vampiric powers, such as regeneration.

Koyomi is a loner who rejects friendship, though the exact reasons for this seem to vary. In one case, Koyomi rejected friendship to avoid getting hurt if his friends were hurt, suggesting he views empathy as a weakness. Another time, Koyomi claimed he avoids friendships because he’d rather not have a popular opinion warp his view of reality and truth.

Bakemonogatari

TV-14
Action
Comedy
Mystery
Romance
Supernatural

Third-year high school student Koyomi Araragi is human again. Cured of his vampirism, he seeks to help other supernaturals with their problems. Koyomi becomes involved in their lives, revealing secrets in people he once knew.

Release DateJuly 3, 2009
CreatorNisio Isin, Shaft
CastHiroshi Kamiya , Eri Kitamura
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
Production CompanyAniplex, Kôdansha, SHAFT
Number of Episodes15
Main CastChiwa Saitou, Kana Hanazawa, Hiroshi Kamiya, Yui Horie, Emiri Katou, Miyuki Sawashiro

51Yuno Gasai Became A Twisted Yandere Waifu In Fans’ Eyes

Voice Actors: Tomosa Murata (Japanese), Brina Palencia (English Dub)

Yuno Gasai is the quintessential yandere anime character, or an obsessive lover who resorts to stalking and even violence to keep other people away from the object of their affection. Yuno has it all, from her falsely sweet exterior and monstrous interior to her habit of carrying around weapons and her jealous streak.

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

Future Diary

TV-MA
Action
Drama

A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the succesor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.

Release DateOctober 10, 2011
CastBrina Palencia , Emily Neves , Jessie James Grelle
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1 + 1 OVA
StudioAsread

50Asuna Yuuki Was Kirito’s Sister In Arms And Lover In Aincrad

Asuka’s Rapiers in Sword Art Online

Weapon Name
Acquisition

Iron Rapier
Bought in store

Wind Fleurette
Monster Drop

Chivalric Rapier
Created by the dark elf blacksmith

Wintry Stroke
Forged from the Chivalric Rapier

Lambent Light
Made by Lisbeth

Asuna Yuuki is the co-star of Sword Art Online, and in many ways, she is more compelling than her love interest, Kirito himself. Asuna feels less like a self-insert for a teenage anime fan and feels more like the wholesome best friend she is. It’s because of her help that Kirito ever made it out of the digital world of Aincrad.

Asuna got even better over time and endeared herself to fans as one of the best anime characters in isekai in many ways. She did need rescuing once, but then she returned the favor for Kirito in a big way, and she was also a fantastic mother figure and best friend for Yui, thus her rank at #45 among the most popular and beloved anime characters of all time, though fans have plenty more Best Girls to choose from, some of which Asuna can’t easily compete with.

Sword Art Online

TV-14
Animation
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

In the year 2022, thousands of people get trapped in a new virtual MMORPG and the lone wolf player, Kirito, works to escape.

Release DateJuly 8, 2012
CastYoshitsugu Matsuoka , Haruka Tomatsu , Ayana Taketatsu , Miyuki Sawashiro , Ai Kayano
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons4
Production CompanyA-1 Pictures, ASCII Mediaworks, Aniplex, Bandai Namco Games, Genco
Number of Episodes100
Creator(s)Reki Kawahara

49Sanji Vinsmoke Is The Best Chef In The Four Seas

Sanji Vinsmoke at a Glance

Place of birth: North Blue
Special move: Diable Jambe
Crew role: Chef

A variety of One Piece heroes rank among the most popular anime characters of all time, including prominent Straw Hat crew members like Sanji Vinsmoke. He’s a martial artist and a dedicated chef who’s determined to find the All Blue someday, but in the meantime, he’s simply glad to be in Luffy’s crew and nurses a rivalry with Roronoa Zoro.

Sanji won over countless One Piece fans with his goofy womanizing ways, and he’s always delighted to meet beautiful young ladies like Nico Robin, Princess Nefeltari Vivi, and the mermaid Shirahoshi, among others. Fans also adore Sanji’s food-themed kick attacks and his tough, cool-guy attitude with his suit and cigarettes in most story arcs.

One Piece (1999)

TV-14
Animation
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Follows the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew in order to find the greatest treasure ever left by the legendary Pirate, Gold Roger. The famous mystery treasure named “One Piece”.

Release DateOctober 20, 1999
CreatorEiichirô Oda
CastMayumi Tanaka , Akemi Okamura , Laurent Vernin , Tony Beck , Kazuya Nakai
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons1
Production CompanyToei Animation
Number of Episodes1K+
StudioToei Animation
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Hulu , Funimation , Adult Swim , Pluto TV , Netflix

48Eikichi Onizuka Went From Delinquent To Cool Teacher To Turn His Life Around

Voice Actors: Wataru Takagi (Japanese), Steve Blum (English Dub)

RELATED

’90s Anime & Manga Classic Great Teacher Onizuka Reveals Live-Action Revival

Releasing 26 years after the retro Great Teacher Onizuka live-action TV series adaptation, a new trailer gives a closer look at the new GTO: Revival.

Eikichi Onizuka ranks among the most popular anime characters not because of any magical powers or epic quests to save the world, but because of his sheer coolness factor and his earthly wisdom. Eikichi may be a punk delinquent turned teacher, but he does have some valuable life lessons to teach his students in classes 3-4.

Eikichi may have a perverted streak and is highly unorthodox as a teacher, but anime fans still love him because he feels relatable as a lost young man trying to make something better of himself, albeit slowly. There’s also the charming novelty of a wacky punk becoming a teacher and barely knowing what he’s doing in that role throughout the story of Great Teacher Onizuka.

Great Teacher Onizuka

TV-MA
Comedy

About Eikichi Onizuka, a 22-year-old ex-gangster member and a virgin. He has one ambition that no one ever expected from him. His sole life purpose is to become the greatest high school teacher ever.

CastWataru Takagi , Jun’ichi Suwabe , Kotono Mitsuishi , Hikaru Midorikawa , Ayako Kawasumi , Chō
Main GenreAnime
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Amazon Freevee
Release DateNovember 3, 2003
Seasons1
WritersToru Fujisawa
Number of Episodes43
DirectorsNoriyuki Abe

47Saber Is A Noble Hero With A Special Weapon In Hand

Voice Actors: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese), Michelle Ruff, Kate Higgins, Kari Wahlgren, Emily Woo Zeller (English)

Saber is a major character in the overall Fate franchise. She is one of many mythical heroes whom the main characters can summon to fight by their side over the Holy Grail, and she is definitely one of the strongest and noblest of them all, too. After all, Saber is a gender-bent King Arthur, and she has a reputation to live up to.

In various Fate anime and novel storylines, Saber fought alongside and against all manner of characters and was even a love interest for Shiro Emiya in one of them. In battle, Saber is an expert with the sword Excalibur, which is usually invisible and has a wind-based blade. Her skill with a blade makes her one of the most versatile anime characters.

Fate/Zero

TV-MA
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Seven chosen mages and their summoned heroic spirits fight against each other to try and win the Holy Grail: a magical device that can grant any wish.

Release DateOctober 2, 2011
CreatorGen Urobuchi
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons2 Seasons
Characters ByAyako Kawasumi, Kari Wahlgren, Sayaka Ôhara
Production CompanyAniplex, Nitroplus, Seikaisha.

46Taiga Aisaka Is A Tiny, Tough Tsundere With A Vulnerable Side

Voice Actors: Rie Kugimiya (Japanese), Cassandra Lee Morris (English Dub)

Taiga Aisaka is the co-star of the popular romantic comedy Toradora!, where she and protagonist Ryuji Takasu begin the story having a crush on each other’s friend, only to gradually fall in love with each other instead. Taiga didn’t seem that likable at first as a brash tsundere, but then anime fans got to know her more intimately.

Taiga Aisaka was far more vulnerable than her tough, tiger-like exterior ever suggested, and Ryuji saw that for himself. Despite his and Taiga’s differences, Ryuji vowed to support and help her, and for that, Taiga was immensely grateful and came to truly appreciate him in every way that mattered. Thanks to the success of her series, she’s one of the most recognizable anime characters from a romance show.

Toradora! (2008)

TV-14
Comedy
Drama

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Toradora tells the tale of Ryuji (dragon) and Taiga (tiger) helping each other confess to their crushes.

Release DateOctober 2, 2008
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
StudioJ.C. Staff
Number of Episodes25

45Shinobu Oshino is a Blonde Vampire Girl With a Dangerous Curse

Voice Actor: Maaya Sakamoto (Japanese)

Shinobu Oshino of Bakemonogatari fame is one of the most popular vampire anime characters out there. She was also the protagonist of several different story arcs and is connected to some of the series’ most beloved characters, including Meme Oshino at the Eikou Cram School and Kiyomi Araragi.

Shinobu was once a human being, a princess named Rola, but then she became cursed. Anyone who got too close to her was compelled to take their own life before a powerful vampire turned her into one, too. For now, Shinobu is content to appear as an 8-year-old girl and do without most of her powers, allowing her monstrous side to remain hidden. Fun vampire characters like Shinobu tend to be popular, though plenty of cooler, non-vampire anime characters have her beat, such as shonen action protagonists.

44Kamina Was Simon’s Inspiring Friend And Co-Pilot

Voice Actors: Katsuyuki Konishi (Japanese), Kyle Hebert (English Dub)

Kamina is easily one of the most popular anime characters who fits the himbo archetype. Kamina may be the “dumb, loud but lovable” type, yet there’s more to him than that. Kamina represents humanity’s oppressed nature and its desire to be free, with Kamina and Simon leading the attack on the Beastmen to reclaim Earth’s surface.

Kamina had strong charisma in Gurren Lagann as the “cool big bro” type, serving as his team’s unofficial leader and the co-pilot of the Gurren Lagann war robot. He left a profound impact on everyone who met him, and after his untimely death, Simon made sure to emulate Simon and carry on his spirit well into the future. He’s easily one of the top anime characters from a modern mecha series.

Gurren Lagann

TV-14
Anime
Sci-Fi

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Two friends, Simon and Kamina, become the symbols of rebellion against the powerful Spiral King, who forced mankind into subterranean villages.

Release DateApril 1, 2007
CreatorHiroyuki Imaishi
Seasons1
CastShizuka Ito , Tetsuya Kakihara , Yuri Lowenthal , Michelle Ruff , Marina Inoue , Steve Blum
Main GenreAnime
StudioGainax
Number of Episodes27
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Funimation , Hulu

43Ichigo Kurosaki Is A High Schooler Turned Soul Reaper

Voice Actor: Masakazu Morita (Japanese), Johnny Yong Bosch (English Dub)

Bleach protagonist Ichigo Kurosaki didn’t become one of the world’s most popular anime characters of all time because he came from a “big three” shonen anime. Ichigo’s design makes him stand out from himbo heroes like Luffy, Naruto, and Goku, since Ichigo is a tough tsundere punk with a good heart, much like Yusuke Urameshi before him.

Ichigo became a shonen icon with his cool blend of isekai-style adventures, his tough-guy persona, his stylish Soul Reaper powers, and his stubborn determination to protect all his friends at any cost. Ichigo also has unexpected emotional depth, since he’s still wrangling with the grief of his beloved mother’s passing, which hardened his heart’s outer layer.

Bleach

TV-14
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Bleach revolves around Kurosaki Ichigo, a regular always-grouchy high-schooler who for some strange reason is able to see the souls of the dead around him.

Release DateOctober 5, 2004
CastMasakazu Morita , Fumiko Orikasa , Hiroki Yasumoto , Yuki Matsuoka , Noriaki Sugiyama , Kentarô Itô , Shinichirô Miki , Hisayoshi Suganuma
Main GenreAnime
Seasons17 Seasons
CreatorTite Kubo

42Kiyotaka Ayanokouji Is A Clever Student At A Strange High School

Voice Actors: Shoua Chiba (Japanese), Justin Briner (English Dub)

RELATED

10 Best Anime Like Classroom Of The Elite

These amazing psychological school anime series will help fans fill the void after the end of Classroom Of The Elite’s second season.

Kiyotaka Ayanokouji stands as one of the most popular anime characters to come from a high school anime series — in this case, Classroom of the Elite. He is a 2nd-year student at the Advanced Nurturing High School, an unusual institution designed to make sure the sons and daughters of society’s elite get a good education and become hardworking pillars of Japanese society.

What makes Kiyotaka such a popular anime character isn’t his self-insert qualities, but his amusing combination of extreme intelligence and his outward persona as a laid-back, unengaging person. He seems harmless and meek on the outside, but Kiyotaka is a highly insightful person who can manipulate others and get whatever he wants with his brainpower.

Classroom of the Elite

TV-14

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

When Kiyotaka enters government-sponsored elite high school, he finds out just how merit-based this education system is.

Release DateJuly 17, 2017
Main GenreThriller
StudioLerche
Main CastShouya Chiba, Akari Kitou, Justin Briner and Felecia Angelle

41Violet Evergarden Types Letters With Her Mechanical Hands

Voice Actors: Yui Ishikawa (Japanese), Erika Harlacher (English Dub)

Violet Evergarden is a popular and emotionally impactful anime series whose titular heroine, Violet Evergarden herself, is popular among anime fans. Violet survived a dreadful war and lost both arms, so now she has two metal prosthetics so she can work as an Auto Memory Doll.

Violet is a charming but emotionally vulnerable kuudere anime character who is determined to help people connect or reconnect with the power of typed letters. She might even be reduced to tears, either happy or sad, after finishing a dictated letter and helping people deliver those letters.

Violet Evergarden

TV-14
Drama

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

In the aftermath of a great war, Violet Evergarden, a young female ex-soldier, gets a job at a writers’ agency and goes on assignments to create letters that can connect people.

Release DateAugust 22, 2022
CreatorKana Akatsuki
CastYui Ishikawa
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
StudioKyoto Animation
FranchiseViolet Evergarden
Number of Episodes13 + 1 OVA
Streaming Service(s)Netflix

40Osamu Dazai Solves Mysteries And Is Based On A Real Person

Voice Actors: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese), Kaiji Tang (English Dub)

Osamu Dazai is one of several Bungou Stray Dogs anime characters based on a real person — in this case, Osamu Dazai the Japanese author and novelist, who lived from 1909 to 1948. The anime version of this character is also meant to contrast with Bungou Stray Dogs‘ protagonist Atsushi Nakajima.

This popular anime character belongs to the Armed Detective Agency, though he also used to lead an underground organization called the Port Mafia. Osamu is also one of the darkest anime characters, with the bandages on his body representing his fixation on suicide. Despite the moody darkness of the characters, Osamu is quite popular and cool, coming in at #35 among the most popular anime characters of all.

Bungou Stray Dogs

TV-14
Action
Comedy

Follows Atsushi Nakajima as he joins the Armed Detective Agency in battling the Port Mafia and other superhuman threats to public safety.

Release DateNovember 8, 2018
CreatorKafka Asagiri
CastMamoru Miyano , Yûto Uemura , Kaiji Tang
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons6 Seasons
Production CompanyStudio BONES

39Hisoka Morow Is Gon’s Creepiest Enemy

Voice Actor: Hiroki Takahashi/Daisuke Namikawa (Japanese), and Brendan Hunter (English Dub)

Hisoka Morow is the antagonist whom Hunter x Hunter fans love to hate and reluctantly love. On one hand, Hisoka is genuinely creepy toward the series’ young hero Gon Freecss, and has fought Gon before, but fans still admire Hisoka anyway because there’s more to him than villainy.

Hisoka sometimes defends or helps Gon if he has good reason to, mainly to make sure Gon is strong enough to properly challenge him someday. Hisoka also has a memorable jester-like appearance and a fascinating Nen fighting style based on gum-like properties.

Hunter x Hunter

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

GenreAdventure, Fantasy, Martial Arts
LanguageEnglish, Japanese
Number of Seasons6
Debut DateOctober 2, 2011
StudioMadhouse, Shueisha

38Arataka Reigen Runs A Business And Relies Heavily On Mob’s Powers

Voice Actors: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese), Chris Niosi (English Dub)

Anime fans love dandere anime characters like protagonist Shigeo Kageyama in Mob Psycho 100, but according to MyAnimeList, they love the secondary character Arataka Reigen even more. Unlike Mob, Reigen has no psychic or supernatural powers, but he makes up for it with clever tricks and sheer charisma.

While Mob is the real psychic powerhouse of the Spirits and Such Consultation Office, Reigen is the suit-wearing businessman in charge, and he makes it look good — and silly. With his sly words and his “fake it till you make it” mentality, Reigen has convinced many clients that he, too, is a master of the arcane.

Mob Psycho 100

TV-14
Action

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

A psychic middle school boy tries to live a normal life and keep his growing powers under control, even though he constantly gets into trouble.

StudioBones
Release DateJuly 12, 2016
CreatorOne
CastKyle McCarley , Jason Liebrecht , Chris Niosi , Michael Sorich , Max Mittelman , Erik Scott , Kimerer , Casey Mongillo , Cherami Leigh
Main GenreAction
Seasons3
Number of Episodes37 + 2 OVAs

37Roy Mustang Can Incinerate Anyone With A Snap

Signature move: Flame alchemy
Rank: Colonel
Namesake: P-51 Mustang fighter

Roy Mustang is a major supporting anime character in the popular series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, an ambitious military officer who aspires to lead the entire nation of Amestris one day. He almost lost himself to rage and hatred toward Envy, but his friends pulled him back from the brink, and he learned his lesson.

Roy Mustang has many fans because of his devastating flame alchemy, his charming personality as a good-hearted antihero with a comedic side, and his engaging relationship with other characters. He and Edward often annoyed one another, but Roy was best friends with Maes Hughes, and Riza Hawkeye is special to him, too.

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

TV-14
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Two brothers search for a Philosopher’s Stone after an attempt to revive their deceased mother goes awry and leaves them in damaged physical forms.

Release DateApril 5, 2009
CastRomi Park , Rie Kugimiya , Vic Mignogna , Maxey Whitehead
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1

36Zero Two Is The Most Talented Mech Pilot In Her World

Voice Actors: Haruka Tomatsu (Japanese), Tia Ballard (English Dub)

RELATED

10 Best Mecha Designs in Anime, Ranked

The best-designed anime mecha are often among the strongest in their respective series, including classics like Mobile Suit Gundam.

Zero Two is a fairly popular anime waifu from the mecha anime series Darling in the FranXX. She was introduced as a wild and mysterious girl with pink hair and short red horns, and she quickly latched onto protagonist Zero Two as her darling co-pilot.

Even if anime fans didn’t like the anime’s ending, Zero Two still made a strong impression as an off-beat warrior waifu. Her forceful yet sweet personality secured her position as one of the most popular anime characters out there.

Darling in the Franxx

TV-14
Action
Drama

In a future world where humanity has been driven to endangerment by giant beasts, a strike force is assembled to destroy the monsters and save the world.

Release DateAugust 2, 2019
CreatorAtsushi Nishigori, Naotaka Hayashi
CastYûto Uemura , Kana Ichinose , Jeannie Tirado
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons1 Season
Production CompanyA-1 Pictures, ABC Animation, American Zoetrope, Aniplex, Asahi Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)

35Mai Sakurajima Just Wanted Someone To Notice Her

Voice Actor: Asami Seto (Japanese)

Mai Sakurajima made a strong first impression when she first appeared in the Rascal anime, standing in the middle of a library in a bunny girl costume while everyone ignored her. She was one of many victims of adolescence syndrome, and she also befriended the protagonist, Sakuta Azusagawa.

Mai is a bit of a kuudere and tsundere. Still, she is also one of the most popular anime characters out there since she has a good heart under that chilly, emotionally distant exterior. She also got along well with Sakuta’s younger sister, Kaede, who definitely needed personal support from a big sister figure like Mai. Mai’s kind, smart personality earned her a place among the most popular anime characters of all time, though there are plenty of Best Girls even more popular than her.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

TV-PG
Drama
Fantasy

The seemingly normal life of Sakuta Azusagawa, a high school student changes drastically when he meets a wild bunny girl that seems to be invisible to others.

Release DateOctober 3, 2018
CreatorHajime Kamoshida
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
StudioCloverWorks
Number of Episodes13
Streaming Service(s)Netflix , Crunchyroll , Hulu

34Yato Is A Lesser God With Father Issues

Voice Actors: Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese), Jason Liebrecht (English Dub)

Noragami is a popular fantasy anime based on the ongoing manga of the same name. In this series, the gods are quite real, but some are frustrated with minor gods like Yato, who aims to form a huge religion around himself someday, one favor at a time.

Yato can be bratty and vain at times, but he is also a genuine friend of Hiyori’s, and he’s oddly relatable for a deity, too. Most of all, Yato has an ongoing feud with his selfish father, and the two of them may come to blows, with Hiyori getting caught in the middle of it all.

Noragami (2014)

TV-14
Action
Adventure

A minor god seeking to gain widespread worship teams up with a human girl he saved to gain fame, recognition and at least one shrine dedicated to him.

Release DateJanuary 5, 2014
CreatorDeko Akao
CastHiroshi Kamiya , Maaya Uchida , Yûki Kaji
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons2 Seasons
Production CompanyBones
Number of Episodes29 Episodes

33Kirito Became Aincrad’s #1 Swordsman And Best Hope For Escape

Voice Actors: Yoshisugu Matsuoka (Japanese), Bryce Papenbrook (English Dub)

Sword Art Online has steadily become an anime behemoth. This series influenced the isekai boom that fans know today, as well as rose as one of the most successful franchises in the medium. Even now, new anime seasons attempt to catch SAO‘s lightning-in-a-bottle success and there seems to be a new isekai series announced every year.

While each member of SAO’s eclectic cast has played a part in defining the series, its main man will always be the pro gamer himself, Kirito. Whether anime fans relate to Kirito’s quiet attitude or love his various adventures within video games and romance, Kirito is filling up heart containers everywhere with his charisma. Sword Art Online is still one of the most popular anime at the moment, with Kirito one of the most popular anime characters because of it.

32Hitagi Senjougahara Has A Sharp Tongue As A Cool Tsundere

Voice Actor: Chiwa Saitou (Japanese)

Bakemonogatari’s Hitagi Senjougahara stands out from the other female characters in the series. She’s sarcastic, painfully blunt at times, and underwent meaningful character development. She also stands out as one of the most controversial since the fandom can’t seem to make up its mind about her.

Senjougahara is Koyomi’s main love interest in Bakemonogatari. She’s a true tsundere with a clever quip for any situation. Hitagi comes off as totally unapproachable and even purposely intimidating, but she starts opening up to others later on.

31Joseph Joestar Made Running Away Cool Somehow

Voice Actors: Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese), Richard Epcar (English Dub)

RELATED

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Reebok Team Up for Excluive Stardust Crusaders Sneakers

The radical spirit of Jotaro Kujo from Stardust Crusaders is all over these classic ’90s kicks with new JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure x Reebok sneakers.

Joseph Joestar is the goofy, carefree second protagonist of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and he feels very different from his Kenshiro-inspired grandfather, Jonathan. In the Battle Tendency story arc, Joseph became one of the best anime characters ever with his clever tactics, wacky antics, and heartfelt desire to avenge Caesar Zeppeli.

Then, in Stardust Crusaders, Joseph returned as an elderly man with more wit and charm than ever while hunting the vampire Dio alongside Jotaro. While Jotaro Kujo remains the most iconic JoJo’s hero, Joseph Joestar was voted as one of the most popular anime characters out there.

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

TV-14

The story of the Joestar family, who are possessed with intense psychic strength, and the adventures each member encounters throughout their lives.

Release DateOctober 6, 2012
Main GenreAnime
Seasons5
StudioDavid Production
FranchiseJoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Characters ByHirohiko Araki

30Megumin Is Determined To Set Off The Biggest Explosions Around

Voice Actors: Rie Takahashi (Japanese), Erica Mendez (English Dub)

Megumin is a goofy parody of most magical girls and witches in anime, which fits the subversive satirical themes of the cmedic Konosuba franchise perfectly. Megumin is a talented young teen who specializes in explosive magic and absolutely nothing else, and she can only set off one explosion per day.

Megumin may be a self-centered brat who needs a lot of support, but anime fans still adore her as one of the funniest and most memorable Best Girls. She’s not just a gag character, either; Megumin becomes Kazuma’s best friend and has to put up with Yunyun’s one-sided rivalry with her, which strains their friendship somewhat. Such an engaging character would of course be one of the most popular of all time, with Megumin ranking at #25.

KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! (2016)

TV-14
Comedy
Adventure

It was a happy day for Kazuma – right up to the moment he died. A goddess intervenes and offers him a second chance in a magical land.

Release DateJanuary 14, 2016
CastJun Fukushima , Sora Amamiya
Main GenreAnime
Seasons3
StudioStudio Deen, Drive
Number of Episodes20 + 2 OVAs

29Rem is Subaru’s Best Friend in a Scary Isekai World

Voice Actors: Inori Minase (Japanese), Brianna Knickerbocker (English Dub)

Rem from Re:Zero is one of the most loyal anime characters in the series and perhaps all of anime. At the start of the series, Subaru meets Rem and her twin sister, Ram, while they are employed by Roswaal L. Mathers.

Overall, Rem is a great sister to Ram, and her loyalty to Subaru is admirable. Though a bit impulsive, Rem is willing to step up and defend either of them, no matter what it takes. While she isn’t the strongest fighter around, there’s no denying Rem’s mental resilience. She served as Subuaru Natsuki’s emotional rock when he needed one the most, lifting Subaru’s spirits and convincing him to fight on despite all the fear and pain he experienced. Subaru owes a lot to Rem, and anime fans love Rem for it.

Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World

TV-14
Isekai
Adventure
Drama

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

Release DateApril 4, 2016
Main GenreAnime
StudioWhite Fox
Main CastYûsuke Kobayashi, Rie Takahashi, Sean Chiplock, and Kayli Mills
Seasons2

28Spike Spiegel Is A Cool Gunman Drifting Through Space

Voice Actors: Kouichi Yamadera (Japanese), Steven Blum (English Dub)

Cowboy Bebop’s Spike Spiegel has a cool sense of fashion and an even cooler profession. As a former gangster turned bounty hunter, Spike’s a skilled fighter who marches to the beat of his own drum — even if it annoys his teammates to no end. Notoriously lazy and seldom seen without a cigarette in his mouth, anime fans generally agree that Spike is one of the medium’s coolest and most badass characters.

Between Spike’s fashion sense, stoic yet relatable attitude, and badass gunslinging moves, it’s easy to see why anime fans adore Spike so much. With a free spirit like Spike, fans are always kept on the edges of their seats and never know what to expect next.

Cowboy Bebop (1998)

TV-14
Animation
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi

The futuristic misadventures and tragedies of an easygoing bounty hunter and his partners.

Release DateSeptember 2, 2001
CastKoichi Yamadera , Unshô Ishizuka , Megumi Hayashibara , Steve Blum , Beau Billingslea
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1

27Kakashi Hatake Was Team 7’s First And Best Mentor

Voice Actor: Kazuhiko Inoue (Japanese), Dave Wittenberg (English Dub)

Naruto‘s Kakashi Hatake is one of anime’s most beloved mentors. Looking out for Team 7, the Copycat Ninja always imparted the importance of teamwork to the young shinobi. Although he’s strong enough to work alone, Kakashi’s experiences taught him that working as a team is always better than arrogantly rushing into battle alone.

Kakashi’s one-liners, jutsu imitation skills, and mental resilience are just a few of the reasons why fans love him so much. Kakashi has repeatedly proven himself an innovator of jutsu, a sarcastic genius, and an overall likable character and admirable ninja.

26Saitama Is Bored By His Ability To Defeat Anyone With One Punch

Voice Actors: Makoto Furukawa (Japanese), Max Mittelman (English Dub)

Saitama is the beloved bald protagonist of One-Punch Man. He’s the most powerful being to have ever existed in its universe, but he took a long road to get there with his simple yet rigorous training routine. While he originally became a hero to have fun, Saitama eventually realized he wanted to be recognized and respected as a true hero.

Since Saitama is so overpowered, no enemy truly fazes him. Unfortunately, he’s become jaded toward heroism since nobody can stand on his level. Alas, Saitama wanders around, praying for a strong opponent so that he can feel alive again. He’s both one of the strongest anime characters and one of the most nonchalant when it comes to his strength.

One Punch Man

TV-PG
Animation
Action
Comedy

The story of Saitama, a hero that does it just for fun & can defeat his enemies with a single punch.

Release DateOctober 5, 2015
CastMakoto Furukawa , Kaito Ishikawa , Zach Aguilar , Robbie Daymond
Main GenreAnime
Seasons2
StudioMadhouse

25Emilia Was Subaru’s First Friend In The Isekai World

Voice Actors: Rie Takahashi (Japanese), Kayli Mills (English Dub)

RELATED

Everything We Know About Re:Zero Season 3

It’s been a long time coming, but what do we know about the third season of beloved isekai anime Re:Zero?

Emilia was the first Re:Zero anime character whom Subaru Natsuki met when he got himself mysteriously teleported to a fantasy isekai world. At first, Emilia treats Subaru rather coldly, but then they become good friends at the Roswaal estate, and Emilia develops romantic feelings for her NEET friend.

Emilia was also a candidate to claim the royal throne, among several other candidates, and fans often romantically ship her with Subaru. However, many more Re:Zero fans see her as an obstacle to the Subaru/Rem pairing, which is definitely more popular in the anime community. Still, Emilia has plenty of fans thanks to her good looks and engaging personality, so she’s #20 among all anime characters in terms of sheer popularity.

24Ken Kaneki Learned To Accept His Ghoul Side So He Could Fight

Ken Kaneki’s Most Useful Powers

Ability
Features

Supernatural Regeneration
Able to regenerate more quickly to avoid dying

Pain Tolerance
Able to withstand high amounts of physical pain

Pain Immunity
Immunity to high amounts of physical pain

Ghoul Physiology
The physical makeup of a ghoul, including ghoul abilities

Rinkaku Kagune
Tentacles that emerge from the waist to strike out at enemies

Rinkaku Kaguya
Full body armor with a protective mask around the face

Superhuman Strength
Able to maneuver objects well beyond normal weight capacity

Superhuman Mobility
Able to move at incredible speed

Read More

Ken Kaneki is one of the most iconic anime characters of all time and even those who have never seen the series will at least recognize his ghoul form. The one-eyed ghoul’s story is truly a tragedy, but fans admire him for several reasons. Many consider Kaneki one of the best anime protagonists of all time.

Ken Kaneki is a man of many layers and just as many flaws. Kaneki’s journey in Tokyo Ghoul is one of suffering, pain, and a gruesome, nightmarish reality. The series depicts a constant tug-of-war between Kaneki’s ghoul side fighting against his humanity.

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul took the world by storm when it debuted during the summer of 2014. Studio Pierrot does some wonderful work adapting author Sui Ishida’s dark fantasy series. Tokyo Ghoul isn’t for the faint of heart. This anime combines several genres such as horror, psychological thriller, action, and drama to great success.

GenreAnimation, Action, Horror
LanguageEnglish
Number of Seasons4
Debut DateJuly 3, 2014
StudioPierrot

23Hachiman Hikigaya Has A Bizarre Relationship With The Girls In His School

Voice Actors: Takuya Eguchi (Japanese), Adam Gibbs (English Dub)

Hachiman Hikigaya is the protagonist of My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU, which is often abbreviated as Oregairu. He starts as the average nihilistic loner who doesn’t want to associate with others. That said, he’s not like other misanthropic teens in anime. Most of his behavior stems from deep insecurities, which is something that many viewers can relate to.

Oregairu‘s edgy teenage anime character eventually proves he has a soft side. Hachiman is a true tsundere who seems to push others away to hide his self-loathing. Unlike other protagonists, Hachiman can’t just use the power of friendship and optimism to force life to go his way.

My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU

TV-14
Comedy
Drama

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

About an antisocial high school student named Hikigaya Hachiman with a distorted view on life and no friends or girlfriend. His life change when he was forced to enter the “Volunteer Service Club” by his teacher.

Release DateApril 5, 2013
CreatorWataru Watari
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons3 Seasons
Characters ByCat Thomas, Melissa Molano, Takuya Eguchi
Production CompanyBrains Base, Feel, Marvelous Entertainment

22Mikasa Ackerman Risked Everything To Keep Eren Yeager Safe

Voice Actors: Yui Ishikawa (Japanese), Trina Nishimura (English Dub)

Mikasa Ackerman from Attack on Titan quickly became a fan-favorite anime character. She’s the ultimate badass and has proven her strengths as a fighter several times throughout Attack on Titan. Viewers love the dynamic between Mikasa, her foster brother, Eren Yeager, and their childhood friend, Armin Arlert.

By the end of Attack on Titan manga, it’s safe to say that Mikasa was the best soldier in the Survey Corps. ​​​​​Mikasa’s admiration for Eren is genuine, and many fans appreciate their relationship. Mikasa’s backstory is also one of the most tragic in the series.

Attack On Titan

TV-MA
Action
Adventure

Original title: Shingeki no Kyojin.
After his hometown is destroyed and his mother is killed, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the earth of the giant humanoid Titans that have brought humanity to the brink of extinction in Attack on Titan.

Release DateSeptember 28, 2013
CastBryce Papenbrook , Yûki Kaji , Marina Inoue , Hiro Shimono , Takehito Koyasu , Jessie James Grelle
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons4 Seasons
StudioWit Studios, MAPPA
CreatorHajime Isayama
Number of Episodes98 Episodes

21Satoru Gojo Is Untouchable As The World’s #1 Sorcerer

Voice Actor: Yuuichi Nakamura (Japanese), Kaiji Tang (English Dub)

Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Satoru Gojo is the strongest jujutsu sorcerer on the planet. Boasting cursed techniques that are equally flashy as they are terrifyingly powerful, Gojo is a wunderkind whose very existence keeps cursed spirits and curse users in check.

Fans love Gojo’s audacious personality and that he doesn’t take anything too seriously. As a mentor for Yuji and the rest of his students, Gojo always takes a hands-off approach and encourages them to find solutions on their own. Gojo may come off as arrogant and infuriatingly cocky, but he has every right to act as such. He’s also currently one of the most popular anime characters.

Jujutsu Kaisen

TV-MA
Animation
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

A boy swallows a cursed talisman – the finger of a demon – and becomes cursed himself. He enters a shaman’s school to be able to locate the demon’s other body parts and thus exorcise himself.

StudioMAPPA
Release DateOctober 2, 2020
CastJunya Enoki , Yuma Uchida , Yuichi Nakamura , Adam McArthur , Asami Seto
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons3
CreatorGege Akutami
Main CharactersYuji Itadori, Satoru Gojo, Ryomen Sukuna
Production CompanyMappa, TOHO animation
Number of Episodes47 Episodes
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Amazon Prime Video

20Itachi Uchiha Was Misunderstood As An Anti-Villain On A Mission

Voice Actor: Hideo Ishikawa (Japanese), Crispin Freeman (English Dub)

Itachi is one of the strongest and most nuanced characters in Naruto. The Uchiha Clan’s story is one of the most pivotal in the whole series, fundamentally altering the narrative. Ultimately, Itachi put his life on the line and pretended to be a villain to save Sasuke.

In many ways, Itachi was the true definition of a shinobi. Not only that, but he’s the ideal anti-hero. Itachi is one of Naruto’s most well-written and complex characters, so there’s no question why he’s one of the most popular across anime as a whole, ranking #15 among the most popular characters out there.

Naruto: Shippuden

TV-PG
Action
Adventure
Fantasy

Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, adolescent ninja who constantly searches for approval and recognition, as well as to become Hokage, who is acknowledged as the leader and strongest of all ninja in the village.

Release DateFebruary 15, 2007
Creator(s)Masashi Kishimoto
CastAlexandre Crepet , Junko Takeuchi , Maile Flanagan , Kate Higgins , Chie Nakamura , Dave Wittenberg , Kazuhiko Inoue , Noriaki Sugiyama , Yuri Lowenthal , Debi Mae West
Main GenreAnime
Seasons21
CreatorMasashi Kishimoto
Main CharactersNaruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, Kakashi Hatake, Madara Uchiha, Obito Uchiha, Orochimaru, Tsunade Senju
Production CompanyPierrot, TV Tokyo, Aniplex, KSS, Rakuonsha, TV Tokyo Music, Shueisha
Number of Episodes500
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Hulu

19Kurisu Makise Is A Highly Popular Redheaded Tsundere

Voice Actors: Asami Imai (Japanese), Trina Nishimura (English Dub)

RELATED

This Massively Popular Anime Was Inspired By a Real-Life Hoax

Very few anime based on real-life events truly qualify as great, but Steins;Gate’s take on the real-life ‘time traveler’ is one of the best yet.

Steins;Gate was one of the most pivotal and influential anime of its time, but one character stole the spotlight from the rest. As the quintessential tsundere, Kurisu Makise garnered lots of love and attention from fans. Kurisu is introduced in Steins;Gate as a researcher in Victor Qondria University’s Brain Research Program.

Kurisu reluctantly teamed up with Rintaro and became his partner in crime — for better or worse. Although she comes off as cold, Kurisu’s sweet side is endearing, and it sets her apart from the rest of the cast.

Steins;Gate (2011)

TV-14
Animation
Comedy
Drama

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

After discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.

Release DateApril 6, 2011
CastMamoru Miyano , Kana Hanazawa , Ashly Burch , J. Michael Tatum
Main GenreAnime
Seasons3
StudioWhite Fox
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Hulu

18Eren Yeager Fought Titans, Then Fought The Entire World

Voice Actors: Yuuki Kaji (Japanese), Bryce Papenbrook (English Dub)

Eren is the protagonist of Attack On Titan and started out as a seemingly average shonen anime character: short-tempered, impulsive, and always ready for a fight. He had noble ideals of saving humanity from the Titans to avenge those he’s lost.

As Eren learned more about the world, he became a much darker individual. At this point, it’s fair to question if Eren could truly be considered a hero because of his actions. That said, this is exactly why he’s a well-written, complex protagonist who’s strayed from the norms.

17Gintoki Sakata Is The Goofiest Swordsman In Shonen Anime

Voice Actors: Tomokazu Sugita (Japanese), Chris Patton (English Dub)

Sakata Gintoki is one of the most lovable anime characters of all time. As the protagonist of Gintama, Gintoki is the ultimate class clown. He’s the king of anime comedy, rightfully earning the crown with his surreal sense of humor and unwavering laziness that’s almost admirable.

Known as the “White Demon,” Gintoki became a revolutionary during the Edo period. When the audience meets him, however, he takes up any “odd job” he can find to make ends meet. Gintoki is equal parts humble, foolish, and absolutely awesome.

Gintama

TV-14
Action
Comedy

In an era where aliens have invaded and taken over feudal Tokyo, an unemployed samurai finds work however he can.

Release DateApril 4, 2006
CreatorHideaki Sorachi
CastTomokazu Sugita , Daisuke Sakaguchi , Rie Kugimiya , Kazuya Nakai
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons8 Seasons
ProducerHiroshi Muto, David Del Rio, John Ledford
Number of Episodes375 Episodes

16Heero Yuy Is the Stoic Protagonist of Gundam Wing

Voice Actors: Hikaru Midorikawa (Japanese), Louis Chirillo (English Dub)

Heero was the main character of New Mobile Report Gundam Wing, with the series’ popularity in the West making him one of the more beloved anime characters from that generation. Cold, calculating and determined, he stops at nothing to fulfill his goals and has little time for friends. To this end, he even threatens to kill Relena Peacecraft after only briefly knowing her.

Despite this, Heero is mostly serious due to his unusual upbringing and isn’t actually a bad guy at all. His straightforward nature also contrasted well with other Gundam pilots such as Trowa Barton. Likewise, Heero is synonymous with the beloved Wing Gundam and Wing Gundam Zero mobile suits, making him one of the most important anime characters in the Gundam franchise.

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

TV-PG
Animation
Action
Adventure

A squadron of giant robot pilots of a beleaguered Earth colony bring the war to their oppressive home planet.

Release DateMarch 6, 2000
CreatorKōichi Tokita
CastHikaru Midorikawa , Toshihiko Seki , Ryûzô Ishino , Akio Otsuka , David Kaye
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons1

15Kenshiro Is One of the Deadliest Anime Characters

Voice Actors: Akira Kamiya (Japanese), Lex Lang (English Dub)

Essentially Bruce Lee crossed with Mad Max, Kenshiro from Fist of the North Star is an iconic anime character known for his brutal justice. Traversing the barren wasteland of his dystopian future, he is the last disciple of the “Hokuto Shinken” martial art. This allows him to makes opponents’ bodies literally explode after rapidly tapping on their bodies.

Though he’s most known for being one of the top anime characters to end their enemies’ lives violently, that’s not all there is to him. Kenshiro also has a softer side and selflessly protects the innocent. This heroic trait only makes his life sadder, and he’s actually one of the most tragic anime characters, namely in classic shonen works.

Fist of the North Star (1984)

TV-14
Action

Release DateOctober 11, 1984
CastAkira Kamiya , Shigeru Chiba , Teiyu Ichiryusai , Tomiko Suzuki , Kenji Utsumi , Takaya Hashi , Yuriko Yamamoto
Main GenreAction
Seasons4
Creator(s)Yoshiyuki Okamura , Tetsuo Hara
WritersHiroshi Toda
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll
Franchise(s)fist of the north star
DirectorsToyoo Ashida

14Guts Is A Haunted, Scarred Swordsman Seeking Revenge

Voice Actors: Nobutoshi Canna, Hiroaki Iwanaga (Japanese); Marc Diraison, Kaiji Tang, Michael Bell (English Dub)

Guts is the protagonist of Berserk. He’s the ultimate tragic hero, and he has become the poster boy for dark fantasy anime. Guts is one of the most well-written protagonists of all time and one of the most unique in the medium.

Guts’ life was defined by a series of traumatic events, but he’s undergone admirable character growth throughout Berserk. He learned how to move past the pain of betrayal and childhood trauma to become a better man. Far from a one-dimensional character, Guts fits many tropes associated with both shonen and seinen protagonists; he just gives them nuance and depth.

Berserk

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

Created byKentaro Miura
First TV ShowBerserk
Latest TV ShowBerserk
Where to watchCrunchyroll
Video Game(s)Berserk: Millennium Falcon Hen Seima Senki no Sho , Berserk and the Band of the Hawk , Sword of the Berserk: Guts Rage
First FilmBerserk: The Golden Age Arc 1: The Egg of the King
Manga Volumes42
Where to StreamCrunchyroll

13Naruto Uzumaki Will Become Hokage to Prove Himself to Everyone

Voice Actor: Junko Takeuchi (Japanese), Maile Flanagan (English Dub)

RELATED

Naruto: Ninjutsu, Explained

Ninjutsu is one of the three main jutsu categories in Naruto, and by far the most common type of jutsu used in combat, but how does it work?

Naruto Uzumaki is one of the original “Big Three” shonen heroes and one of the most well-known anime characters. He started at the bottom, but now he’s the Hokage. Naruto was a complete outcast who seemed to slack off in his studies, but he put in the hard work to become the person he is today.

From training with legendary Sannin Jiraiya to fighting against his childhood frenemy, Sasuke, Naruto has experienced it all. The number one Knucklehead Ninja won the hearts of fans everywhere, so there’s no question why he’s one of the most popular anime characters of all time.

12Edward Elric Became the Youngest State Alchemist in History

Voice Actors: Romi Park (Japanese), Vic Mignogna (English Dub)

Fullmetal Alchemist is widely regarded as one of the best shonen series of all time. Edward Elric led the anime and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his spunky, passionate attitude about everything. He’s a true underdog who never gives up, no matter what life throws at him.

After an experiment goes horribly wrong, Edward loses an arm, and his brother Alphonse’s soul gets trapped in a metal suit of armor. After that, Edward takes the audience on a stunning journey, giving anime fans the adventure they’re desperately searching for.

11Sung Jinwoo Is One of the Newest Popular Anime Characters

Voice Actors: Taito Ban (Japanese); Aleks Le (English Dub)

Sung Jinwoo is the hero of Solo Leveling, and though this was originally a Webtoon, its anime adaptation makes him an anime character. Initially the weakest of the Hunters in Solo Leveling, he becomes one of the strongest after making a pact with the mysterious “System.” This allows him to build upon his abilities and take on enemies far stronger than himself.

Sung Jinwoo and his anime series have already become massively popular. Jinwoo in particular, subverts norms among underdog anime characters, not to mention overpowered ones. Given the success of the Solo Leveling anime, many more will come to recognize him around the world.

Solo Leveling

Anime
Action
Adventure

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

8 / 10

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 conquering even the strongest dungeons.

Release DateJanuary 7, 2024
CreatorChugong
CastAleks Le , Taito Ban
Main GenreAction
Seasons1
StudioA-1 Pictures
WritersNoboru Kimura
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll

10Rintaro Okabe Is An Eccentric But Cool Scientist

Voice Actors: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese), J. Michael Tatum (English Dub)

Rintaro Okabe is the eccentric protagonist of Steins;Gate. He’s the ultimate wacky scientist, and he leads the Future Gadget Research Establishment. His behavior is as bizarre as it is over the top, but fans consider his antics part of his charm.

Okabe likes playing pretend as a special agent and expresses paranoia about an “Organization” that’s out to get him. One of his strangest habits is that he likes talking to himself on the phone and seemingly laughs hysterically at nothing. Even though these tendencies are certainly peculiar, fans praise the intrigue surrounding Okabe’s character and appreciate his sincerity.

9Killua Zoldyck Is Gon’s Deadly Assassin Friend

Mariya Ise (Japanese), Cristina Valenzuela (English Dub)

Even though Gon is the protagonist, Killua truly stole the show in Hunter x Hunter thanks to his rich character development. Despite coming from a family of assassins, Killua defied expectations by displaying healthy emotional development — both as a young boy and a shonen character. He had to learn the actual value of human life.

In the Hunter Exam arc, Killua 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 a lovable personality, and fans adore him for it.

8Light Yagami Rose To Power As Kira, The God Of Justice

Voice Actor: Mamoru Miyano (Japanese) and Brad Swaile (English Dub)

Light Yagami is the protagonist of Death Note and an anime icon in his own right. After appointing himself the “God of the New World,” Light saw himself as the ultimate arbiter of justice with his notebook and pen. As he started off killing criminals, Light lost sight of his original goal and eventually started killing anybody who got in his way.

Light took on the identity of “Kira” and became a mass murderer in the name of saving the world. He wanted to create a world that perfectly matched his ideals. Light isn’t meant to be likable, but he’s fascinating to analyze and an undeniably well-written character who makes Death Note a gripping anime from start to finish.

Death Note

TV-14
Animation
Crime
Drama

WHERE TO WATCH

*Availability in US

Stream
Rent
Buy

Not available

Original title: Death Note: Desu nôto.
An intelligent high school student goes on a secret crusade to eliminate criminals from the world after discovering a notebook capable of killing anyone whose name is written into it.

Release DateOctober 21, 2007
CastMamoru Miyano , Brad Swaile , Vincent Tong , Ryō Naitō , Trevor Devall
Main GenreAnimation
Seasons1
StudioMadhouse
Production CompanyD.N. Dream Partners, Madhouse, Nippon Television Network (NTV), Shueisha, Video Audio Project (VAP)
Number of Episodes37
Streaming Service(s)Crunchyroll , Amazon Freevee , Hulu , Tubi , Netflix , Peacock , Prime Video , The Roku Channel

7Roronoa Zoro Is Luffy’s Three-Bladed Swordsman

Voice Actors: Kazuya Nakai, Wataru Takagi (Japanese), Christopher Sabat, Marc Diraison (English Dub)

RELATED

America’s First One Piece Café Stuns in Official Photos and Video Ahead of Grand Opening

America’s first-ever One Piece Cafe, based in Las Vegas, stuns in official images and a special new video ahead of its grand opening this May.

Zoro from One Piece is one of the most beloved anime characters of all time. He proves supporting characters and second-in-commands can become fan favorites. Zoro was the first crewmate in the Straw Hats. He initially came off as the average loudmouth who believed a show of strength was everything, but he quickly learned he wasn’t the best just because he had the most swords.

Zoro’s journey to becoming a master swordsman is admirable. He’s annihilated plenty of antagonists, infrastructure, and robots in his path. Zoro is no longer the hotheaded brute fans met at the start of One Piece. Now, he’s levelheaded and proved himself a trustworthy comrade, and that, combined with the sheer coolness factor, makes Roronoa Zoro the 5th most popular anime character of all.

6L Lawliet Was Determined To Crack the Kira Case at Any Cost

Voice Actors: Kappei Yamaguchi (Japanese), Alessandro Juliani (English Dub)

L Lawliet from Death Note is one of the most recognizable anime characters of all time. L is brilliant, but he certainly has his share of odd tendencies, such as his sweet tooth and infamous sitting posture. He’s surrounded by intrigue, so there’s no question why he’s one of the most popular anime characters of all time.

Death Note is enthralling enough, but the addition of L to its cast truly cemented it as a classic. L’s social ineptitude and mysterious aura allowed him to see right through Light’s facade. With his deductive reasoning, L proved himself an outstanding investigator.

5Sailor Moon Is the Queen of Magical Girls

Voice Actors: Kotono Mitsuishi, Kae Araki (Japanese) Tracey Moore ,Terri Hawkes, Linda Ballantyne, Stephanie Sheh (English Dubs)

Also known as Usagi Tsukino, Sailor Moon is the main anime character in the Sailor Moon franchise and one of the series’ Sailor Scouts. Though she’s a reincarnation of Princess Serenity, this grand destiny is initially lost on the flighty young girl. Nevertheless, she soon comes into her own as one the most powerful and important of the Sailor Scouts.

Beyond her own universe, Sailor Moon is one of the most important and recognizable anime characters. She’s synonymous with the Magical Girl genre and showcases how anime isn’t just for boys. The Sailor Moon franchise is still going strong, and the heroine remains one of the most popular anime characters.

Sailor Moon (1992)

TV-PG
Action
Adventure

A group of schoolgirls discover they are incarnations of super-powered alien princesses, and use their abilities to defend the earth.

Release DateSeptember 11, 1995
CreatorNaoko Takeuchi
CastStephanie Sheh , Kotono Mitsuishi , Kate Higgins , Aya Hisakawa , Cristina Valenzuela , Michie Tomizawa , Emi Shinohara , Amanda Céline Miller , Cherami Leigh , Rica Fukami
Main GenreAnime
Seasons5
Number of Episodes200
Main CharactersSusan Roman, Jill Frappier, Katie Griffin
Production CompanyToei Agency, Toei Animation, Toei Company

4Monkey D. Luffy Is Everyone’s Favorite Rubber Pirate Hero

Voice Actor: Mayumi Tanaka (Japanese), Colleen Clinkenbeard (English Dub)

One Piece‘s Luffy is regarded as the leader of Shonen Jump’s “Big Three.” He’s the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates and the beloved protagonist of One Piece. He came from humble beginnings in the East Blue Sea and eventually sought to become the Pirate King.

Luffy has a memorable personality and plenty of charisma to go around. He’s made fans laugh, cry, and stare in awe as he achieves unfathomable feats. It’s just hard to dislike Luffy and even harder to disregard any of his achievements throughout the series.

3Levi Ackerman Is Quiet And Intense As A Scout Leader

Voice Actors: Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese), Matthew Mercer (English Dub)

Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan is widely considered one of the best shonen heroes of all time. He’s humanity’s strongest soldier, as well as the Captain of the Scouting Legion and Special Operations Squad. Levi has won the hearts of fans across the globe with his dry sense of humor, clean-freak behavior, and overall badassery.

Aside from being an incredible leader, Levi’s fighting skills are obviously nothing to scoff at. With a gritty upbringing and talents that make him nearly invincible, Levi has secured his place as one of the most-loved anime characters. Some of Attack on Titan’s most pivotal moments involve Levi fighting off Titans and enemy soldiers.

2Amuro Ray Is the Face of the Gundam Franchise

Voice Actors: Toru Furuya, Tsubasa Yonaga (Japanese); Brad Swaile, Michael Lindsay, Matthew Erickson, Fryda Wolff, Lucien Dodge (English Dubs)

Amuro Ray debuted in the original Mobile Suit Gundam, and he’s become one of the most iconic anime characters ever. Unlike the plucky young characters in Super Robot mecha anime, Amuro was unsure of himself and wanted nothing to do with the war against Zeon. This was despite his expertly piloting the iconic RX-78-2 Gundam, making him a vital asset to his side of the conflict.

Amuro was also a Newtype, making him an advanced human being. This never went to his head, however, and especially after the tragic death of Lalah Sune, he valued human life more than ever. Since then, he’s the most well-known Gundam franchise pilot and still synonymous with the RX-78-2 and the Universal Century timeline.

Mobile Suit Gundam

TV-14
Anime
Action
Adventure
Sci-Fi

Original title: Kidô senshi Gandamu.
In the war between the Earth Federation and Zeon, a young and inexperienced crew find themselves on a new spaceship. Their best hope of making it through the conflict is the Gundam, a giant humanoid robot, and its gifted teenage pilot.

Release DateApril 7, 1979
CreatorYoshiyuki Tomino, Hajime Yatate
CastHirotaka Suzuoki , Tôru Furuya , Toshio Furukawa , Kiyonobu Suzuki , Michael Kopsa , Brad Swaile , Cathy Weseluck , Chris Kalhoon
Main GenreAnime
Seasons1
Number of Episodes43
Creator(s)Yoshiyuki Tomino , Hajime Yatate
Production CompanyNagoya Broadcasting Network (Nagoya TV), Sotsu Agency, Sunrise
Main CastTôru Furuya, Shûichi Ikeda, Hirotaka Suzuoki, Yô Inoue, Brad Swaile, Michael Kopsa, Chris Calhoon and Alaina Burnett

1Lelouch Lamperouge Played Both Sides In A Futuristic War

Voice Actors: Jun Fukuyama, Sayaka Ohara (Japanese), Michelle Ruff, Johnny Yong Bosch (English Dub)

RELATED

Code Geass Director Goro Taniguchi & Junichi Yamamoto Power New Anime With $100 Million NFT Collection

Code Geass director Goro Taniguchi and Junichi Yamamoto tell CBR how NFTs could revolutionize anime, as seen in their new anime, Enter the Garden.

Lelouch Lamperouge is the protagonist of Code Geass and one of the most complex characters in the medium. Lelouch was a prince in line for the Brittanian throne. However, Lelouch renounced his status after his mother was assassinated and his sister was left severely injured. He swore to avenge his family members after discovering C.C. and gaining the power of the Geass.

Lelouch became the leader of the Order of the Black Knights and eventually became power-hungry. He betrayed his friends and killed thousands of innocents on his journey for revenge. As the masked Zero, Lelouch eventually became the sort of tyrant he hated. Lelouch is manipulative and plays with human lives like chess pawns, but that’s exactly why he’s so compelling as the world’s most popular anime character of all.