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Best Anime Characters Of All Time (Top 10)

Characters that are engaging and, at times, even likable are a big part of what makes a series memorable and successful. 

Only a select fraction of the enormous cast of Anime characters managed to make a lasting impression on the minds of the vast majority of Anime viewers. 

They have maintained their popularity for many years, and this will probably continue for many more years.

Before I start this list, I want to mention that the characters included in the list are all my opinions only, you can agree or disagree, however, I have specifically chosen these characters due to their personality, popularity, and their role in the Anime they were in.

Let’s get onto the list.

What is Anime?

Anime is a subculture of Japanese animation that creates or is influenced by animation. It is the Japanese word for cartoon or animation, and it encompasses all cartoons from throughout the world.

Dramatic closeups and zooms, extravagant lighting, and vibrant colors all contribute to the emotional atmosphere of the anime. Aside from its distinct visual style, anime has drawn viewers in with its complex characters and interesting plotlines.

The Anime’s Evolution

Anime has existed for nearly a century. Namakura Gatana, the first known specimen, was released in 1917 and lasted only four minutes. It experienced highs and lows as it conquered various national and global obstacles.

Anime has been used by a wide range of artists to push boundaries and express stories. The genres under this umbrella are as diverse as the art form itself. Many people in the West have preconceived notions about anime’s appearance.

Artistry and styles appear to be limitless, and artists are free to express themselves creatively. Whatever the type, one thing is constant throughout these productions: the procedure takes time.

Saitama (One-Punch Man)

Saitama, the caped baldy
Saitama, known as the “One-Punch Man,” has the power to defeat every opponent with a single blow.

It’s tough to despise someone who became a hero for the sake of being a hero. In a world where all heroes must be great and glorious, Saitama is the most average character to be a hero, and yet is arguably the strongest character in Anime.

Saitama is the “One-Punch Man,” with the ability to vanquish all of his opponents with a single hit, and his detached and carefree personality is his most admired quality.

The well-known protagonist of One-Punch Man also serves as one of the narrative’s most morally decent characters.          

Genos (the deuteragonist of One-Punch Man) used Saitama’s influence and personality to put his thirst for vengeance on wait and focus on his training to develop into a formidable hero.

Along with his ridiculous strength, Saitama is also very humble and kind-hearted, which is why he’s well known.

CharacteristicsInformation
RaceHuman
AliasCaped Baldy
LocationZ-City Ghost Town
AbilitiesIndomitable will
Technique mimicry
Time manipulation
Invulnerability
Limitless strength
This is all you need to know about the character of Saitama before you begin the series!

Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)

Ichigo Kurosaki is the most endearing of shounen characters of all time.

Anime fans continue to find Ichigo to be a popular and energetic character.

Even though Bleach has been on the market for more than 15 years, Ichigo remains a popular and youthful character among Anime watchers. His design and character are still appealing to shounen lovers.

His charming appearance and distinct personality are two of the key reasons for his popularity.  He possesses the OP abilities to be a Quincy, a Hollow, and a Shinigami.

While most shounen heroes undergo dramatic character changes near the end of their tales, Ichigo’s demeanor is thought to have remained constant.

Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)

Ken Kaneki, who used to be just another regular human studying Japanese literature at Kamii University, had the most dramatic personality shift in Anime. He’s the main character in the Tokyo Ghoul Anime franchise.

Ken became a one-eyed ghoul after receiving a ghoul organ termed kagune and is one of the most well-known anti-hero figures in Anime.

Ken is also among the saddest anti-heroes in the series. In a world full of horror and dystopia, his cheery and positive appeal didn’t endure long, and he became an anti-hero after surviving several disasters.

Despite this, Ken recognizes the anguish faced by humans and ghouls and attempts to forge a new, cynical path.

Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)

Lelouch from Code Geass is a powerful and clever prince with the ability to implant orders into the minds of others through eye contact, which they will obey without question.

In a parallel reality, he played the enigmatic Zero and led the Japanese liberation troops to victory.

His most notable characteristics are brilliance and charisma. He’s widely regarded as the sharpest Anime character of all time.

Lelouch can implement tactics with incredible speed and accuracy, and he’s quick to deduce information from minor signals. His reputation in Japan skyrocketed as a result of his forceful speeches.

Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)

One Piece has been on the air for over 22 years, earning it the title of one of the most long-running Anime series of all time. Its central protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, remains popular and has become one of the most admired shounen heroes in Anime.

This foolish, innocent man is well-known for his loyalty, hilarity, and signature smile. He’ll go to any length to protect his friends and their dreams.

Luffy’s dream, like many others, is to travel and research obscure corners of the world while remaining free. He’s truthful, gutsy, mature, and still enjoyable to be around.

In many ways, he resembles a traditional Shounen protagonist, yet he’s significantly more boyish, blunt, and laid back.

Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Satoru Gojo, a special-grade jujutsu sorcerer who teaches at Tokyo Jujutsu high school, is known as the Anime heartthrob due to his unrivaled style, powers, charisma, and attractiveness.

Gojo is tall, slim, and the strongest man in the world, and he has no shortage of charm.

While his appearance is enough to wow anybody, Gojo’s talents as a sorcerer are unrivaled due to his massive cursed energies. I mean, the man controls Infinity itself, so yeah there isn’t much anyone can do against him.

Yuji Itadori, the primary character of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, is his student. Another fun fact about Gojo is that he has a sweet appetite and he was a Digimon fan in high school, which makes him endearingly relatable.

Eren Yeager (Attack On Titan)

Eren Yeager, a revolutionist.
He didn’t start out in Attack on Titan as a powerful character, but he soon became an overpowered anti-hero.

Eren Yeager rose to prominence in Anime due to his uncommon personality and morals.

Even though he didn’t begin as a powerful character in Attack on Titan, he quickly evolved into an overpowered anti-hero. The majority of the best Attack on Titan quotations are attributed to him.

Fearlessness is something Eren is praised for. He will never back down from a fight. He’s frequently the first to act decisively and lead his team. Above all, he’s devoted to his best friends Mikasa and Armin, whose bond is one of the best in Anime.

Attack on Titan is widely regarded as the most popular dark anime and manga franchise in the world, and it’s no wonder why people love Eren as a character.

From his determination to achieve freedom to his very sexy man bun, he’s adored (and hated) by Anime lovers alike.

Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)

Naruto
Naruto

Naruto is one of the finest Shonen Jump Anime of all time and is always cited anytime Anime is considered. Naruto Uzumaki, the series’ main character, is beloved by fans for his forceful eloquence and charm.

Despite growing up without a family and being ostracised by his people, Naruto grew into a respected and upright adult.

Naruto, an amateur ninja who failed the Academy three times, is one of the most popular Shounen characters. He did, however, climb to the rank of strongest shinobi by training and sheer willpower.

He’s a beloved character because he’s an intellectual (only during fights, otherwise he’s as dumb as Shounen characters get), engaging, and a devoted buddy.

His sheer determination and his ninja way of never going back on his word have made many Shounen Anime fans around the world fall in love with him.

Light Yagami (Death Note)

Light Yagami, is the protagonist of Death Note and is one of the best anti-heroes ever created. His intelligence is his best feature, which makes him a fan favorite among Anime fans.

From the outset, he’s shown as a genius prodigy, being at the very top of his class and taking extra classes at night. Light Yagami had ambitions and a desire to better the world long before he acquired the death note.

Light vows to utilize Kira to purge the world of criminals after transforming into it. However, his sense of justice and morals get skewed, transforming him into an anti-hero. Fans adore Light for his charisma and great character features.

Goku (Dragon Ball)

Goku has been the protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise for an astounding 32 years, and his wit, charms, innocence, and sheer strength have kept the show running. This list would be wrong without including Goku.

He’s Earth’s most powerful protector and a friend to many aliens and Gods. His charm and good nature even won over the show’s first villain, Vegeta, and the two now have one of the best frenemy ties in all of Anime.

The Dragon Ball series has been following Goku since he was a baby. Goku is deemed unstoppable by his supporters because of many storyline armors and even resurrections from death.

His strongest qualities are his pure heart, altruism, loyalty, and determination, which have helped him become an all-time popular Anime character.

Although Goku as a character is the typical description of a Shounen main character, his popularity, personality, and never-ending attitude to hype us up, have earned him this spot. Goku is arguable, one of the most influential and loved Anime characters of all time.

Goku as a character.

Conclusion

  • It’s tough to despise someone who became a hero for the sake of being a hero. In a world where all heroes must be great and glorious, Saitama is the most average character to be a hero, and yet is arguably the strongest character in Anime.
  • Goku has been the protagonist of the Dragon Ball franchise for an astounding 32 years, and his wit, charms, innocence, and sheer strength have kept the show running.
  • Light Yagami, the protagonist of Death Note, is one of the best anti-heroes ever created. His intelligence is his best feature, which makes him a fan favorite among Anime fans.
  • Naruto is one of the finest Shonen Jump Anime of all time and is always cited anytime Anime is considered.

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