80+ All-time Best Anime Characters: The Most Popular

Anime has gifted the world with an array of iconic and memorable characters, each with their own distinct personalities, stories, and abilities. From brave heroes to tragic anti-heroes, the characters that dominate these animated worlds capture the hearts of fans worldwide. The following list highlights the top 20 anime characters, showcasing their profound impact on their respective series and their lasting legacies. Whether through epic battles, intense personal journeys, or philosophical dilemmas, these characters have shaped the anime landscape and continue to inspire new generations of viewers.

81. Kaori Miyazono
Anime: Your Lie in April
Kaori is a free-spirited and talented violinist who helps Kousei Arima find his way back to music after his mother’s death. She is unpredictable, passionate, and highly autonomous. While her violin technique might be considered sloppy by traditional standards, her unique style makes her an incredible violinist.

80. Revy – A skilled combatant from Black Lagoon, with a mysterious past involving crime and violence, she is one of the most dangerous and complex characters in the series.

79. Haruhi Suzumiya – The eccentric and quirky protagonist from The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, who believes in aliens, time travelers, and espers, and starts a club to find them.

78. Hei – The main character from Darker Than Black, a covert agent with a mysterious past and abilities, known by various names and working under a secret organization.

77. Rin Toosaka – A Magus and Master from Fate/stay night, known for her independence, magical prowess, and her connection to the Holy Grail War.

76. Kaguya Shinomiya – A genius student council vice president in Kaguya-sama: Love is War, who comes from a powerful family and navigates her sheltered life while developing relationships.

75. Mikoto Misaka – A Level 5 psychic from Toaru Majutsu no Index, renowned for her powers and personality, often balancing between her tough attitude and her softer side.

74. Shizuo Heiwajima – From Durarara!!, a seemingly ordinary man with an explosive temper and superhuman strength, making him one of the most powerful characters in the series.

73. Motoko Kusanagi – The mysterious and skilled cyborg protagonist from Ghost in the Shell, leading a cybercrime investigation unit while grappling with her identity.

72. Takumi Usui – A talented yet seemingly indifferent student from Maid Sama!, who discovers the protagonist’s secret and becomes an essential part of her life.

71. Erza Scarlet – An S-Class mage from Fairy Tail, known for her strength and magical armor-changing abilities, playing a crucial role in the guild.

70. Law Trafalgar – A pirate captain from One Piece with a tragic past, renowned for his intelligence, surgical skills, and ability to manipulate people and situations.

69. Violet Evergarden – The orphaned former soldier from Violet Evergarden, whose journey is about understanding human emotions and discovering the true meaning of love.

68. Kurumi Tokisaki – A dangerous antagonist from Date A Live, known for her time manipulation and complex personality, making her a formidable and enigmatic character.

67. Houtarou Oreki – The apathetic yet brilliant high schooler from Hyouka, known for his exceptional observational skills despite his laziness.

66. Gon Freecss – The innocent and determined protagonist from Hunter x Hunter, seeking to find his father, with a pure heart and a drive for adventure.

65. Konata Izumi – The playful, anime-obsessed high schooler from Lucky Star, known for her humorous, laid-back personality and love for video games.

64. Arataka Reigen – The self-proclaimed “greatest psychic” from Mob Psycho 100, known for his comedic yet insightful nature as he mentors the protagonist, Mob.

63. Katsuki Bakugou – A highly competitive, explosive character from My Hero Academia, driven by a desire to be the strongest hero, often seen as arrogant and quick-tempered.

62. Asuka Langley – The confident and competitive pilot of Evangelion Unit-02 in Neon Genesis Evangelion, often displaying pride in her abilities but also harboring insecurities.

61. Vegeta – The proud and powerful Prince of the Saiyans from Dragon Ball Z, initially a villain but later becoming one of the series’ greatest heroes with a deep rivalry with Goku.

60. Rikka Takanashi – The delusional protagonist from Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, who believes in her “Wicked Eye” and navigates her high school life with eccentricity and charm.

59. Osamu Dazai
Anime: Bungou Stray Dogs
A member of the Armed Detective Agency, Dazai is a former executive of the Port Mafia. He has a dark past and a complex personality, often displaying a cheerful, carefree attitude that hides his tragic nature. Dazai is lazy and enjoys toying with others, often finding amusement in creating chaos.

58. C.C.
Anime: Code Geass
C.C. is an immortal character with the power to grant others the Geass, a supernatural ability that can control minds. She is mysterious and enigmatic, capable of surviving any injury and not aging. C.C. plays a pivotal role in Lelouch’s journey, offering him the power that helps him wage his rebellion.

57. Mai Sakurajima
Anime: Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai
A popular actress who struggles with the phenomenon of being invisible to others. Mai is independent and strong-willed, though she is often misunderstood. She forms a bond with Sakuta Azusagawa, who helps her navigate her strange situation. Mai’s tsundere nature and her vulnerability are central to her character.

56. Homura Akemi
Anime: Puella Magi Madoka Magica
A mysterious and determined magical girl who repeatedly travels back in time to try and prevent Madoka from becoming a magical girl. Homura is stoic, highly intelligent, and deeply devoted to her mission, even if it means making painful sacrifices.

55. Sebastian Michaelis
Anime: Black Butler
A demon butler serving the Phantomhive family, Sebastian is incredibly skilled and efficient, excelling at every task. Bound by a Faustian contract with his young master, Ciel Phantomhive, he is a figure of elegance, always exuding calmness and competence despite the chaos around him.

54. Natsu Dragneel
Anime: Fairy Tail
Natsu is a fire-wielding mage from the Fairy Tail Guild. Known as “The Salamander,” Natsu is passionate, hot-headed, and deeply loyal to his friends. His fiery personality is matched by his powerful abilities, and his quest to find his missing adoptive father, Igneel, is central to his storyline.

53. Yato
Anime: Noragami
Yato is a lesser-known god who dreams of becoming famous. Despite being a God of Calamity, Yato is quirky and often acts like a carefree, eccentric individual. His goal is to help people and build a reputation, but he is also haunted by his past and the nature of his divine duties.

52. Izaya Orihara
Anime: Durarara!!
A manipulative information broker, Izaya thrives on chaos and enjoys watching people suffer for his amusement. He is charismatic, cunning, and always scheming, with a particular rivalry against Shizuo Heiwajima, whom he delights in provoking. Izaya’s love for humanity is paradoxical, as he revels in their misfortune.

51. Chika Fujiwara
Anime: Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Chika is a lively and unpredictable third-year student who serves as the secretary of the student council. Known for her clumsy and chaotic nature, she often disrupts the carefully planned strategies of her fellow council members. Despite this, her carefree personality and genuine kindness make her a lovable character.

50. Koyomi Araragi
Anime: Bakemonogatari
A high school student who became a semi-vampire after surviving an attack, Koyomi is laid-back and often caught up in the supernatural events around him. Despite his struggles with his vampiric nature, he is selfless and often helps others in need, particularly the various oddities and supernatural beings he encounters.

49. Onizuka Eikichi
Anime: GTO (Great Teacher Onizuka)
A former delinquent turned teacher, Onizuka is known for his unorthodox methods and lack of professionalism. Despite his flaws, he cares deeply for his students and goes to great lengths to help them overcome their personal struggles, often using humor and unconventional teaching strategies.

48. Holo
Anime: Spice and Wolf
Holo is a wolf deity who takes the form of a young woman with wolf ears and a tail. She accompanies Lawrence, a traveling merchant, on his journey, and their relationship is central to the story. Holo is intelligent, playful, and often manipulative, but her deep longing for her homeland and her complex personality add depth to her character.

47. Alucard
Anime: Hellsing
Alucard is an incredibly powerful vampire and the main protagonist of the Hellsing series. He serves the Hellsing Organization, fighting against supernatural threats. His immense strength and near invincibility make him a fearsome foe, but he is also bored by immortality and seeks death by a human hand, revealing a tragic side to his character.

46. Ichigo Kurosaki
Anime: Bleach
Ichigo is a teenager with the ability to see ghosts and spirits, which leads him to become a Soul Reaper tasked with protecting the living world. He has a strong sense of justice and a fierce determination to protect his loved ones. His unique spiritual abilities and inner conflicts are central to his character.

45. Shouto Todoroki
Anime: My Hero Academia
Shouto is a talented student at U.A. High with the ability to control both ice and fire. He is the son of Endeavor, the No. 1 Pro Hero, and has a complex relationship with his father. Shouto’s stoic nature masks his inner struggles, and he must come to terms with his family and his powers as he pursues his hero career.

44. Nico Robin
Anime: One Piece
Robin is a member of the Straw Hat Pirates and a skilled archaeologist with the ability to produce replicas of her body parts using the powers of the Hana Hana no Mi fruit. Her tragic past and her complex character make her one of the most layered characters in the series, and her loyalty to Luffy and the crew is unwavering.

43. Yukino Yukinoshita
Anime: My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU
Yukino is a brilliant and beautiful student with a cold demeanor, earning her the nickname “Ice-cold Beauty.” Despite her aloof nature, she is driven by a sense of duty to help others, especially those in need. Her complex personality, including her hidden insecurities, is explored throughout the series.

42. Yuu Ishigami
Anime: Kaguya-sama: Love is War
Yuu is a quiet, introverted student who serves as the treasurer of the student council. He is often pessimistic and prefers to avoid social interactions, but his moments of growth and development throughout the series make him a fan-favorite character. Despite his isolated nature, Yuu proves to be an essential member of the council.

41. Sanji Vinsmoke – The cook and chain-smoking fighter from One Piece. He’s skilled in combat, only using his legs to preserve his hands for cooking. Sanji is known for his flirtations with women and his quest to find the mythical “All Blue” ocean.

40. Shinobu Oshino – A mysterious vampire from Nisemonogatari, formerly a child princess who was transformed into a vampire. She has a complex backstory involving curses and powers.

39. Zero Two – A hybrid human-klaxo sapien from Darling in the Franxx. She is known as “Partner Killer” and forms a deep bond with Hiro, her new partner in piloting the powerful FRANXX Strelizia.

38. Saber – A powerful servant from Fate/Zero and Fate/Stay Night, Saber is one of the most prominent characters in the Fate franchise. Known for her combat prowess and leadership abilities.

37. Asuna Yuuki – The skilled swordswoman and sub-leader of the Knights of the Blood guild in Sword Art Online. Asuna’s talent and beauty make her one of the most prominent figures in the virtual world.

36. Joseph Joestar – A resourceful and charismatic fighter from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. Known for his quick wit and the use of Ripple powers, he faces numerous threats throughout his life.

35. Kamina – An energetic and optimistic character from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. Kamina dreams of breaking free from his village and leads a revolution to achieve that goal.

34. Yuno Gasai – The obsessed lover from Future Diary. Yuno’s devotion to Yukiteru is intense, and her actions are guided by her diary, which tracks Yukiteru’s future.

33. Roy Mustang – The “Flame Alchemist” from Fullmetal Alchemist. Roy can control fire through alchemy and is a strategic and skilled officer, with ambitions of becoming Führer.

32. Sasuke Uchiha – A key character in Naruto, Sasuke’s journey revolves around revenge against his brother and the growth of his incredible combat abilities, eventually leading him to protect his village.

31. Hisoka Morow – A manipulative and dangerous fighter from Hunter x Hunter. Hisoka’s thrill for battle and unpredictable nature make him a dangerous foe.

30. Emilia – The silver-haired half-elf from Re: Zero. Emilia’s pure and caring nature contrasts with the challenges she faces as a candidate for ruler in the royal election.

29. Taiga Aisaka – The “Palmtop Tiger” from Toradora!. Taiga is a tsundere character who is emotionally unstable but gradually shows a more caring side.

28. Hitagi Senjougahara – The sharp-tongued and weightless girl from Bakemonogatari. Hitagi’s encounter with a supernatural crab leaves her nearly weightless and leads to her meeting Koyomi.

27. Hinata Hyuga – A member of the prestigious Hyuga clan from Naruto. Despite her timid nature, Hinata grows stronger through her admiration for Naruto and her own determination.

26. Megumin – The arch wizard from Konosuba. Megumin specializes in explosive magic, which renders her useless for the rest of the day after casting, but she is a fan favorite for her eccentricity.

25. Spike Spiegel – A bounty hunter from Cowboy Bebop, Spike is a skilled martial artist with a past tied to the Red Dragon Syndicate. His adventures take him across the solar system.

24. Izuku Midoriya – The quirkless hero-to-be from My Hero Academia. Izuku is the successor to All Might’s quirk and aims to become the greatest hero, despite the challenges of being born without powers.

23. Eren Yeager – The protagonist of Attack on Titan, Eren is driven by revenge against the Titans after witnessing his mother’s death at their hands. He becomes pivotal in the battle against the Titans.

22.Ken Kaneki – The human-ghoul hybrid from Tokyo Ghoul. After a life-altering encounter, Kaneki becomes part ghoul and must navigate his new existence while dealing with his dual nature.

21. Saitama – The “One-Punch Man” from One Punch Man, Saitama is so powerful that no opponent can challenge him. His existential crisis stems from his overwhelming strength and lack of thrilling battles.

20.Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass: A former prince who leads a resistance movement against an empire using his intelligence and the power of Geass.

19.L Lawliet – Death Note: A world-renowned detective who aims to unmask the serial killer Kira, suspecting Light Yagami.

18. Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece: The optimistic and carefree captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, determined to become the Pirate King and find the greatest freedom.

17. Levi Ackerman – Attack on Titan: Humanity’s most powerful soldier and leader of the elite Special Operations Squad in the Survey Corps.

16. Light Yagami – Death Note: A genius student who uses the Death Note to rid the world of criminals, seeing himself as the god of a new world.

15. Roronoa Zoro – One Piece: The first member to join Luffy’s crew, a swordsman who wields three swords in his unique fighting style.

14. Edward Elric – Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood: The youngest State Alchemist who, along with his brother Alphonse, searches for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies.

13. Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto: An orphan ninja with the goal of becoming Hokage and earning the respect of his village, who later plays a pivotal role in the 4th Ninja Great War.

12. Rintarou Okabe – Steins;Gate: A self-proclaimed mad scientist who, with his lab members, discovers time travel and gets entangled in dangerous conflicts.

11. Killua Zoldyck – Hunter x Hunter: A skilled assassin and member of the infamous Zoldyck family, he runs away from home to join the Hunter exam and supports his best friend, Gon.

10. Gintoki Sakata – Gintama: A former samurai in a world where samurais are obsolete, he takes on odd jobs with his quirky team while battling alien invaders.

9. Itachi Uchiha – Naruto: A gifted ninja from the Uchiha clan who is known for his tragic story, including killing his entire clan to protect Konoha.

8. Hachiman Hikigaya – My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: A cynical and isolated high schooler with a unique worldview, forced to join a service club to help others.

7. Kurisu Makise – Steins;Gate: A brilliant young scientist who joins the Future Gadgets Lab and plays a crucial role in time travel research.

6. Rem – Re: A loyal maid who develops deep feelings for Subaru after he saves her, though she suffers amnesia after being attacked.

5.Kazuto Kirigaya – Sword Art Online: Known as Kirito, a solo player in a virtual world, his skills help him survive and navigate a deadly game.

4. Mikasa Ackerman – Attack on Titan: The adoptive sister of Eren Yeager, a highly skilled soldier dedicated to protecting him and others in the military.

3. Guts – Berserk: A lone mercenary known as the Black Swordsman, he battles against internal and external demons, wielding a giant sword.

2. Kakashi Hatake – Naruto: Shippuden: A former ANBU and later Hokage, he is known for his mastery of the Sharingan and his “Copy Ninja” title.

1. Saitama – One Punch Man: A hero who can defeat any opponent with a single punch, but struggles with the monotony of life and his search for a worthy opponent.

In the world of anime, these characters represent the pinnacle of storytelling, character development, and creativity. Their complex personalities, strengths, flaws, and growth resonate deeply with audiences, solidifying their places as legends in anime history. Whether they are seeking justice, battling for survival, or pursuing their dreams, the impact of these top 20 anime characters is undeniable. As anime continues to evolve, these figures will remain timeless symbols of the medium’s power to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought.