Top 10 Anime Characters Motivated by Revenge
It's a dish best served cold, and these guys are here to collect. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we are counting our picks for the top ten anime characters motivated by revenge.
For this list, we'll be looking at both heroes and villains in anime who are primarily driven by vengeance. Since we'll be going into the reasons behind their various vendettas, be on the lookout for mature content and spoilers down the line.
Special thanks to our user Jedimperial96 for submitting the idea on our interactive suggestion tool: WatchMojo.comsuggest
#10: Ryuko Matoi
“Kill la Kill” (2013-14) She’s the rebel that’s here to flip the system on its head. Following the murder of her father, Ryuko arrives at the devious Honnoji Academy in search of his killer. Initially believing the prestigiously powerful Satsuki Kiryuuin to be responsible, she cuts her way through all manner of superpowered students to force the truth out of her. As it happens, said truth turns out to be a whole other kind of monster, leading to Ryuko almost losing herself to her bloodlust when the actual culprit reveals themselves.
#9: Marik Istar
“Yu-Gi-Oh!” (2000-04) Talk about projecting. As the son of the Tomb Keeper, Marik was bound to the less than pleasant traditions of his people, the result of which left his body scarred and his mind shattered. He of course blamed the Pharaoh for all this, and so set about to gather the Three Egyptian God cards and take his revenge via card game. Of course, things didn’t go exactly as planned, not only were all of his Rare Hunters defeated, but he eventually lost himself to his much more psychotic second personality. Yugi could have at least sent him an apology card!
#8: The Count
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“Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo” (2004-05) Given how this anime was inspired by one of the greatest revenge tales ever put to fiction, you can imagine there would a slight vengeful element to it. Originally just an ordinary man named Edmond Dantes, he suffers a terrible betrayal and is imprisoned on false charges. In order to get back at those who wronged him, Dantes made a deal with a literal devil. Now possessed by the creature known as Gankutsuou, the suave yet malicious Count goes to show that even in the 51st century, payback’s a bitch.
#7: Masamune Makabe
“Masamune-kun’s Revenge” (2017) Bullying comes in many forms, where the verbal can be just as painful as the physical. When he was younger and a whole lot chubbier, Masamune found himself rejected by the girl of his dreams, giving him the nickname “Pig’s Foot” in the process. Years on, Masamune has transformed himself into quite the handsome chap, and enters high school with revenge on his mind. What’s the plan? Seek out his tormentor and give her a taste of his own medicine…by making her fall in love with him and then breaking her heart on the spot. As you might have guessed, said plan is called into question as the chemistry between the two starts to grow.
#6: Kurapika
“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14) From day one, this remnant of the Kurta Clan has made his motivations perfectly clear; to slaughter the Phantom Troupe. Given how they killed his kin and stole their scarlet eyes for their own greed, you can kind of understand why this Hunter would have a bone to pick with them. Thanks to his feral determination and abilities as a Conjurer, Kurapika eventually managed to hunt down the Spider and took off one of its legs by means of killing the near unstoppable Uvogin. Don’t let his stature fool you, when those eyes turn red bodies are about to hit the floor.
#5: Roy Mustang
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“Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10) Scar’s mission to take down all States Alchemists as revenge for his fallen country was certainly compelling (xref) but it paled compared to the burning motives of Colonel Mustang. After discovering his beloved friend Maes Hughes was killed by the Homonculus Envy, Roy loses his usually cocky attitude and is totally consumed by hatred. Upon confronting the shape-shifting fiend, Roy goes on the warpath with the aim of burning Envy to a crisp. Seriously, he roasts Envy so many times that we almost start to feel sorry for him. Almost.
#4: Char Aznable
“Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979-80) The Red Comet is the most powerful weapon the Principality of Zeon have in their arsenal, and an absolute nightmare for the Earth Federation. Initially, we figured this crimson-clad pilot to be nothing but the main foe for Amuro to overcome, but soon it becomes clear that Char is more than just a badass character. Despite serving as their ace in the hole, in secret Char was plotting revenge against Zeon’s royal family; the Zabis, for the hand they played in the murder of his father. As fans would soon come to learn, you should never underestimate Gundam’s favourite son.
#3: Lelouch vi Britannia
“Code Geass” (2006-08) All it takes is a single spark to start a rebellion. With an overwhelming desire to crush his home county of Britannia, Lelouch takes it upon himself to sow the seeds of change. Gifted with the mind-controlling power of the Geass, he assumes the guise of Zero and sets about to destroy those who stand in his way; his own family. Of course, this sets him down a dark path where his willingness to kill for his ideals costs him dearly. It isn’t long before the line between hero and villain is blurred and we start to question just how far Lelouch is willing to go.
#2: Sasuke Uchiha
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“Naruto” series (2002-) He turned his back on everything just for the chance to kill one man. Following the slaughter of his clan by his older brother Itachi, Sasuke dedicated his life to becoming strong enough in the hope of one day getting his revenge. Betraying his friends, abandoning his home, even teaming up with the psychotic Orochimaru, there was nothing Sasuke wouldn’t do for the sake of vengeance. Granted, he finally got his wish when he succeeded in killing his brother after one of the series’ most incredible battles. And then he found out that his brother wasn’t actually a bad guy and his anger had been totally misplaced…awkward.
#1: Guts
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“Berserk” series (1997-) For most of his life, Guts lacked purpose, only finding brief solace in the relationships he formed within the Band of the Hawk. Then the Eclipse happened, in which he suffered such a monumental betrayal that revenge pretty much became his whole world. In exchange for the power of a God, Gut’s former friend Griffith willing sacrificed the entire Band of the Hawk, leading to them being massacred by Apostles. As if that wasn’t horrific enough, Griffith then raped the love of Guts’ life just to spite him. Yeah…is it any wonder that Guts has dedicated his life to killing his old comrade in the most brutal way possible? Do you agree with our list? Who is your favourite anime character motivated by revenge? With new top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.
