Top 100 Greatest Anime Characters of All Time

“Psycho-Pass” (2012-19)

Whenever you need a suave detective to steal a scene, Kogami’s on the case.

“Bocchi the Rock!” (2022)

“Dr. Stone” (2019-)

Watching Seku save the world isn’t just thrilling, it’s science made easy.

“FLCL” (2000-2001)

“Darker than Black” (2007-09)

You don’t earn a nickname like "Black Reaper" unless you’re the coolest of the cool.

“The Rising of the Shield Hero” (2019-)

From falsely accused to steadfast hero, Naofumi holds his shield with pride.

“Toradora!” (2008-09)

“Dr. Slump” (1981-86; 1997-99)

Arale’s quirky sense of humor will leave you in stitches, not a slump.

“Ouran High School Host Club” (2006)


Her down-to-earth examination of gender-roles is groundbreaking to this day.

“City Hunter” (1987-891)

Give this guy a gun, and you’ll see why he’s the best marksman around.

“Digimon Adventure” (1999-2000)

The Crest of Courage is in good hands with Tai and Agumon.

“The Apothecary Diaries” (2023-)


Brewing potions, solving mysteries, and falling in love are all a part of a day’s work for the always-charming Maomao.

“Overlord” (2015-22)

Step into the ring with this Isekai’d warlord, and it’ll be the last thing you do.

“Serial Experiments Lain” (1998)

14-year-olds aren’t supposed to have such darkness in them. But, that’s also what makes Lain so compelling.

“My Neighbor Totoro” (1988)

By now, Totoro might just be one of the central faces of anime.

“Samurai Champloo” (2004-05)

A rogue shinobi with some serious moves, Mugen never disappoints.

“Cardcaptor Sakura” (1998-2000)

Sakura tried to catch-em-all before it was cool!

“Getter Robo” franchise (1974-)

He may be a bit hot-headed, but Ryoma always pilots Getter-1 like there’s no tomorrow.

“Slam Dunk” (1993-96)

As a self-insert for the manga’s author, Sakuragi dribbles his way to one of anime’s most relatable protagonists.

“Chainsaw Man” (2022-)

He’s got a devil in his chest that gives him chainsaw limbs. What’s not to love?

“Black Lagoon” (2006)


Watch her gun down these thugs, then try to tell us Revy’s not an absolute badass.

“Golden Kamuy” (2018-)

The Immortal Sugimoto lives up to his name; we’re not forgetting him any time soon.

“Kuroko's Basketball” (2012-15)

He may initially struggle to stand out on the court, but in our books, Tetsuya is impossible to ignore.

“Classroom of the Elite” (2017-24)

Ayanoki can kick ass and takes names all before the first period bell.

“Initial D” series (1998-2014)

The unassuming White Ghost of Akina puts the pedal to the metal where character growth is concerned.

“Oshi no Ko” (2023-)

Enduring reincarnation, his mother’s murder, and the dark side of the idol industry, it’s never a dull day with Aqua.

“The King of Braves GaoGaiGar” (1997-98)

Only a true mech pilot could pull off that golden armor.

“A Certain Magical Index” (2008-19)

With her power, Mikoto is the last esper you want to tick off. Unless you like her fiery side, that is.

“Devilman” (1972-73)


Even though he houses the embodiment of evil inside him, following Akira sure is a good time.

“Kaguya-sama: Love Is War” (2019-22)


If it were any other romance lead, the will-they-won’t-they would get tiresome. For Kaguya, we’d happily sit through twelve more seasons.

“Noragami” (2014-15)

Is there anything more charming than a wayward destruction God trying to live out a nice, pacifist life?

“Assassination Classroom” (2015-16)

He’s the only tentacled alien who could make training an army of preteen killers so damn heartwarming.

“Ashita no Joe” (1970-71; 80-81)

Considering Joe inspired a whole new generation of boxers, it’s safe to say he’s a heavyweight in anime history.

“My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, as I Expected” (2013-20)

Is he close-minded? Yes. Is he also one of the most realistic portrayals of a jaded teen boy? Also, yes.

“Kill la Kill” (2013-14)

There’s a lot of great student council presidents in anime - and Satsuki is at the very top of the list.

“That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime” (2018-)


As a slime that can transform into literally anything, Rimuru chose to become a lovable, modern day fan-favorite.

“Higurashi When They Cry” franchise (2006-21)


Rena may appear innocent to a fault. But, boy can she wield a machete!

“Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” (2021-)

He took getting hit by a bus like a champ, and later turned into a surprisingly mature hero.

“Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World” (2016-)


Say it with us, everyone: best girl.

“Black Clover” (2017-21)


Wizard king or not, Asta delivered enough throat-shredding screams to earn his place among the greats.

“Durarara!!” (2010-16)

Psychopaths sure have a way of making things interesting.

“Haikyu!!” (2014-20)

Hinata Shoyo from the concrete is already the little giant in every way that counts.

“Inuyasha” (2000-10)

Half-human, half-demon, and all parts iconic.

“Hajime no Ippo” franchise (2000-14)

In or out of the ring, no one can stand toe to toe with Ippo.

“Yu Yu Hakusho” (1992-94)

Even in death, Yusuke is one of shonen’s finest protagonists!

“Fairy Tail” (2009-19)


Natsu lives by a very simple motto: keep calm, and Fire Dragon’s Roar!

“Ghost in The Shell” (1995)


Smart, cunning, and enigmatic, Motoko is a cyborg with some of anime’s best fight scenes under her belt.

“Spy x Family” (2022-)

Not even trained assassins can resist the cuteness overload that is Anya Forger.

“Lupin the 3rd” franchise (1971-)

He’s the world’s number one thief, and number one in our hearts, too.

“Baki The Grappler” (2001)

Even the strongest man alive struggled in the parenting department.

“Crayon Shin-chan” (1992-)

At just five-years-old, Shin’s mischievous schemes have catapulted him to Japanese stardom.

“KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World!” (2016-)

This sorcerer’s best spell is her ability to keep you laughing no matter what.

“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

Never forget; Deku is the name of a hero.

“Monster” (2004-05)

He’s the reason this anime is called “Monster.”

“Hellsing” (2001-02) “Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)

As far as we’re concerned, you can stop putting vampires in anime. None of them will ever match Alucard.

“The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.” (2016)


For a guy who’s such a magnet for trouble, Saiki sure knows how to use his powers to great comedic effect.

“Saint Seiya” (1986-89)

The Bronze Saint of the Phoenix might have one of fiction’s greatest redemption arcs.

“Trigun” (1998)

A feared outlaw gunman who’s actually a pacifist. Yep, Vash is special, all right.

“Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-)

Pretty soon, people will know the name Dazai from “Bungo” instead of the author he’s based on.

“Tokyo Ghoul” (2014-18)

Is there any other anime character that endured so much, and still kept on fighting?

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba” (2019-)

Sporting a heart of gold and a sword of steel, Tanjiro knows when a demon needs a helping hand. And, also, when their head just needs to come clean off.

“Sword Art Online” (2012-20)

Whether he’s inside the game or not, Kirito’s high up on our leaderboards.

“Kinnikuman” (1983-86)

In this show, you’re split between wanting to give Kinniku a hug, and watching in awe as he decimates the competition.

“Great Teacher Onizuka” (1999-2000)

Class is in session for warm, cozy father figures!

“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (2011)

Akemi is the rare character that’s just as mysteriously fascinating after you learn her backstory as she was before.

“Rurouni Kenshin” (1996-98; 2023-)

A badass with a soft side and a killer katana - Kenshi really is the best of every world.

“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters” (2000-04)

No trap card needed: Yugi’s already a household name.

“Mob Psycho 100” (2016-22)

Reigen’s the best con artist around - he even tricked us into caring about him!

“Legend of the Galactic Heroes” franchise (1988-)

Whether you know him as the Golden Brat or the Golden Lion, the common denominator is Reinhard’s the gold standard.

“Fist of the North Star” (1984-88)

He might just be one of the strongest anime characters ever. He’s definitely one of the most impactful.

“Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” (2006)

She may not realize she’s an all-powerful Go, yet, but clearly, she’s already worked her magic on anime history.

“Monogatari” (2009-24)

Surviving all of “Monotagari’s” bloody conflicts relatively unscathed is very impressive Doubly so since Araragi usually gets the girl, too!

“Frieren: Beyond Journey's End” (2023-)

Grab your tissues, everyone. Just the thought of Frieren gets us all misty-eyed.

“Howl's Moving Castle” (2004)

Is Miyazaki capable of creating characters who aren’t iconic?

“Kaiji” (2007-11)

When in doubt, bet it all on Kaiji.

“Fate/Stay Night” franchise (2006-20)

The bonafide Holy Grail of knights, Saber is honorable, mature, and can wield a sword like nobody’s business.

“One-Punch Man” (2015-)

He’s just a guy who’s a hero for fun. Defeating anyone with a single punch is the gut-busting gag on top.

“Sailor Moon” (1992-97)

If her decade-spanning franchise is anything to go by, Moon Prism Power is here to stay.

“Vinland Saga” (2019-23)

“Jujutsu Kaisen” (2020-)

We haven’t seen an anime character takeover the mainstream like this in a very long time. At this point, Gojo’s just showing off.

“Doraemon” franchise (1973-)


The United States has Mickey Mouse, the United Kingdom has Paddington Bear, and Japan has Doraemon. However, rather than fluffy and good natured, Doraemon is a blue time-traveling cat robot sent to the past to help his creator’s descendant through the trials and tribulations of life. Mainly it just leads to a whole lot of hijinks, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Doraemon must be doing something right, considering he’s one of the faces of iconography in Japan, even becoming the foreign ministry’s first ever anime ambassador. Mickey and Paddington better watch out; Doraemon’s coming for them!

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)


If you think your family’s got baggage, imagine growing up around a group of world-renowned assassins. Even so, at a mere twelve years old, Killua’s giving all of them a run for their title. But, crackling with Nen electricity or not, the Zoldyck heir is much more interested in what it means to be a friend than what the inside of his enemies look like. While it’s a slow and difficult process, tracking Killua’s development from cold-blooded killer to heartwarming comrade is one of the most fulfilling parts of “Hunter x Hunter.” Oh, and don’t worry - Killua can still totally throw down when necessary.

“Mobile Suit Gundam” (1979-80)

Nothing hits the spot quite like one of those classic, star-crossed anime rivalries. And, who says we can’t root for the villain every now and then? Yeah, Char’s far from heroic. But, you wouldn’t be, either, if the royal Zabi family tried to wipe you out. Jokes on them, though. Char’s not one to bury the hatchet. Instead, the festering hatred became a defining part of his character, and paired with the Red Comet’s once-in-a-generation skills as a pilot, made him the most compelling element of “Mobile Suit Gundam.” Amuro Ray is supposed to be his bitter rival, but based on sheer popularity, Char won that fight a long time ago.

“Gurren Lagann” (2007)

No matter the situation, no matter the hardship, the fact of it all is Team Dai-Gurren always needs a leader. In episode one, everyone, including Simon himself, would’ve put him at the very bottom of the candidate list. Well, everyone except Kamina. Simon’s older brother believed in him enough for the both of them. So, after tragedy struck Dai-Gurren, Simon finally stepped up and became the leader Kamina always knew he could be. The way his character arc touches on grief, perseverance, and hope is nothing short of beautiful. Although, piloting a giant, uber-cool mech doesn’t hurt, either.

“Bleach” (2004-12; 2022-)


With the help of some killer powers and a few downright unforgettable fight scenes, this substitute Soul Reaper turned into a full-time anime legend. But, you probably already knew that. There’s really no way to talk about anime in the 2000s without mentioning Ichigo Kurosaki and all the edgy heroes he inspired. But, while the spunky swordsmen is known for stuffing Hollows and quelling coup-d'etat’s, Ichigo’s real Bankai is his unwavering love for his friends. He’s willing to, and has, nearly died for them. A few times, actually. At this point, there’s no question about it. Ichigo really is number one.

“Gintama” (2006-18)

Most lazy samurai would freak out if aliens invaded Japan. For Gintoki Sakata, it’s just a Tuesday. He’s basically done it all: fought in wars, endured countless tragedies, and ate more than his body weight of sugar. And that’s before he opened his freelance business. What does he specialize in, you ask? Everything! Gintoki’s a wild, free-wheeling character unlike any other, and as a result, he’s perfectly suited to take “Gintama” in any crazy direction it wants to go. But, amid all the chaos and odd jobs, there is one thing you can count on: you’re in good hands with Gintoki.

"Detective Conan" (1996-)

How does a child detective become a long-standing face of a genre? Well, that’s one case you don’t need Jimmy to help close. The titular Detective Conan is just that good. Jimmy Kudo didn’t let a shrinking poison stop his investigative work. Instead, he uses his sharp wit and unassuming appearance to crack cases all across Japan. He may look young, but Jimmy’s been at this for over twenty five years, with no signs of retirement in sight. There’s just something about a kid wanting to help people that never gets old. And, by now, we’re beginning to think Jimmy won’t, either.

“Fullmetal Alchemist” (2003-04) & “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)


As a kid, all Ed wanted was to see his late mother. Sadly, that wish cost him almost everything - including his brother’s body, and his own arm. Ed didn’t stay down, though. With a metal appendage in tow, he refocused his efforts on restoring both him and his brother. Even if he had to bash some homunculus heads to do it! Every step of the way, Ed’s path was marred by tragedy, hardship, and heartbreak. But, he grit his teeth, made a transmutation circle, and kept fighting the good fight until the very end. That empowering journey is exactly what separates Edward Elric from the Fullmetal Alchemist.

“JoJo's Bizarre Adventure” (2012-)

When you’re sharing a family tree with the likes of Jonathan, Joseph, Josuke, and Jolyne, standing out is easier said than done. At least, for normal people. Thankfully, Jotaro Kujo is far from normal. The gruff, teenage outcast has a major chip on his shoulder, and a few long-standing family rivals, too. But, in classic Jotaro fashion, he takes it all on without so much as a crack appearing in his effortlessly cool facade. Since he’s the one who put Dio six feet deep for good, it’s safe to say Jotaro is the “JoJo,” maybe of all time. In a family like this, that’s high praise.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-23)


For a self-proclaimed neatfreak, the Captain of the scouts sure likes making a mess out of Titans. Not that we’re complaining. Nothing can compete with the sheer epicness of seeing Levi slice through foes in all the gloriously-animated beauty. He’s more than a vessel for cool fight scenes, though. Just like every scout, Levi gives his heart in every single battle. To him, not a single thing matters more than his sworn duty to the greater good. Not even Armin, Mikasa, and Eren. Using his blades, his confidence, and his sense of justice as a guide, Levi easily carved himself a path to all-timer status.

“Naruto” franchise (2002-)

From a knuckle-headed boy, to the village’s savior, to the Hokage he’s always dreamed of becoming, Naruto might just have one of the most satisfying storylines in all of fiction. Believe it. Surprisingly, he never let it get to his head, either. Even if he’s saving the entire shinobi world as we know it - which he does a lot, by the way - Naruto is still the same kid at heart, slurping Ichiraku ramen and using his trademark Sexy Jutsu. While he’s the number-one knuckleheaded ninja to the very end, Naruto is also the only anime character who can say they threw Rasengan in a generation-spanning anime for the history books.

“Steins;Gate” (2011)


Time travel is serious business. Time travel to stop a murder is even more serious. Luckily, Rintaro Okabe is on the case. If you can bypass his eccentricities, you’ll discover one of anime’s most endearing lead characters. He’s a mad scientist who really isn’t all that mad, after all. Still, the weight of so many timelines weighs heavy on his shoulders, especially as each one leads to more and more bloodshed. Like any scientist, though, Okabe refuses to abandon his experiment until his hypothesis is proven correct. He’s got heart, personality, and time on his side. But, even if he fails, it’s clear there isn’t a single timeline where Okabe isn’t fantastic.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)

A firecracker behind the seat of a mech, Asuka probably yells more lines than she speaks. That, or she skips right to the point and punches anyone who dares question her authority. Where Shinji plays it safe and Rei follows orders, Asuka boldly blazes to her own fire, imbuing every scene with a crackling sense of tension, even outside of combat. And yet, Asuka’s deep-seeded insecurities ground her into the most identifiable character in “Neon Genesis Evangelion.” So, whether you’re in it to see her smack some angels, yell at Shinji, or just command the screen, it’s obvious Asuka rules.

“Death Note” (2006-07)

Odd, reclusive, but above all, effective, L has earned himself a reputation as the greatest detective in the world of “Death Note.” In our world, though, he’s known as one of the greatest, period. From L’s very first scene, his peculiar posture and unorthodox speech patterns established him as a character like no other. He proved worthy of that moniker as he brilliantly faced Light Yagami in one of the most engaging games of mental chess ever written. Part ideological symbol, part psychological mastermind, and part anime rival, there may never be a character as uniquely compelling as L ever again.

“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

This guy wears a lot of hats. He’s an ex-criminal, an intergalactic bounty hunter, an old friend, and a forgotten lover all wrapped in one. But, at the end of the day, he’s really just Spike; a dude trying to make the most of his time left. The layers to Spike’s life slowly unfold throughout “Cowboy Bebop,” texturing the character until he feels as authentic as a living, breathing person. His struggles to atone for his past while hoping for a future are inherently relatable. So, it’s only fitting that such a well-rounded, iconic character ends off his show with a real bang.

“Pokémon” (1997-)

What’s the point of catching-em-all when Ash got the best Pokemon in the very first episode? Say what you will about its power-scaling over the years, but there’s simply no denying that Pikachu is the face of the franchise, if not anime as a whole. Even people who’ve never sought out the show or games probably know about Ash’s thunderbolting companion. It perfectly toes the line between cute and cool, making it the ideal partner for just about everyone on planet Earth. Since it stayed by Ash’s side for over a thousand episodes, there’s plenty of Pikachu to keep going around.

“Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion” (2006-07)


Under the guise of the masked vigilante, Zero, Lelouch plans to bring Brittania’s corrupt empire to its knees, avenging his family in the process. However, he’s far more than your average bloodthirsty rebel. For one, he’s the main character. That doesn’t stop Lelouch from using his mind-controlling Geass to murder anyone who opposes him, though. It just puts it into perspective. Lelouch’s captivating mind games keep everyone in the dark, including his allies, his friends, and yes, even the audience at home. But, when it’s all inevitably revealed, it becomes painfully obvious why Lelouch is considered anime’s finest antihero.

“Berserk” (1997-98)

Despair and suffering define who Guts is as a person. Hell, he isn’t named “Guts” for nothing. The character endures so much torment, it begs the question, how could someone possibly move forward? Guts found the answer, and it’s to carry around a big sword and start doling out payback. “Berserk’s” relentless violence serves a resounding point when Guts finally reclaims his agency. Yes, it’s awesome and satisfying and bloody and all that. But, at its core, Guts’ story is about choosing your own path in life. In this case, he just happened to choose a whole lot of vindicating revenge.

“One Piece” (1999-)


The captain of the straw hats has no limits. No, really. Luffy can stretch out his limbs like he’s made of rubber, and he’s used that power to clobber more than a few rogue swashbucklers in his day. All that aside, though, the real treasure chest of “One Piece” is Luffy’s unbreakable optimism. He and his crew have sailed through thousands of episodes of conflict, heartbreak, trauma, and more. And yet, Luffy is always there at the end with his wide smile and a dream of becoming King of the Pirates. Who needs Gear 5 when you’ve got resolve like that?

“Dragon Ball” franchise (1986-)

“Iconic” is an understatement here. Goku is… well, he’s just Goku. There’s not much to say that hasn’t been said before. If there’s any character with a legacy worthy of representing anime, it’s the Saiyan warrior raised on Earth. So much of modern media owes a debt to Goku’s well-intentioned desire to get stronger. It’s given us the Kamehameha, the Spirit Bomb, Super Saiyan, and too many more to list. There truly may not be another character in all of fiction with as much influence as Goku. And, if his track record is anything to go by, he’ll just keep getting stronger from here.




What’s your favorite anime character ever? Let us know in the comments below!