Top 20 Anime Characters Based on Real People

“Baki Hanma” (2021-)

Most shows wouldn’t even try to touch the legacy of a famed Marxist revolutionary, but “Baki” isn’t most shows. Throwing caution to the wind, it shamelessly introduced Jun Guevara, a radical pirate with the strength to back up his bark. And, with one look, it’s abundantly clear who his character is supposed to reference. Outside of the obvious physical similarities, Jun’s ideals and backstory are practically a modern retelling of Che Guevara’s own insurgent efforts. Heck, their last names are only one letter apart. They didn’t even try to hide their inspiration. We didn’t expect to get a history lesson from a show about high-stakes fist-fights, but here we are.

“M.D. Geist: Most Dangerous Soldier” (1986)

On paper, a deranged, homicidal robot and a punk-rock legend don’t have much in common. In fact, narratively speaking, there’s nothing in “Most Dangerous Soldier” that even remotely applies to the music industry. But, for some reason, Geist himself was modeled after Billy Idol. Although, you probably don’t need us to say that. If you look at them side by side, the similarities are too glaring to ignore. We’re not just talking about the bleach-blonde hair or eccentric style choices, either. Geist’s entire face-shape is practically Idol’s spitting image. This OVA found inspiration in a bit of an odd place, but at least Idol can say he inspired such a cool character.

“Highschool of the Dead” (2010)

One measly letter is all that separates Kohta Hirano from Kouta Hirano. Yeah, not confusing at all. It doesn’t help that they look alike, too. Still, there is one foolproof way to tell them apart: one is real, and the other one is an anime character surviving a zombie apocalypse. Apparently, Kohta - that is, the one in the anime - was originally going to be named Nagumo. But, somewhere along the way, they decided to instead base him on the celebrated manga artist, Kouta Hirano. AKA, the guy who made “Hellsing.” It’s impossible to know whether the real Kouta appreciated this meta-joke, but it’s pretty entertaining from where we’re sitting.

“Fist of the North Star” (1984-88)

It’s hard to put into words just how hilariously jarring it is to be casually watching “Fist of the North Star” when, suddenly, Hulk Hogan is on your screen. Sorry, we mean “Bask.” Not that changing the name hides anything; we’d recognize that mustache anywhere. Hulk Hogan’s look is simply too iconic to hide, so “Fist of the North Star” barely even tried. Instead, they basically just made an anime Hulk Hogan, complete with the same hair color and body type. The only difference is that Bask doesn’t have quite the same track record in the ring. Kenshiro easily splits him down the middle, proving that an imitation can never outdo the original.

“Yo-kai Watch” (2014-18)

The apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree on this one. You see, instead of a fruit-named tech conglomerate, the “Yo-kai Watch” universe has “Yopple.” If you think that’s uncanny, just wait till you see their CEO. Introducing: Steve Jaws! Yes, he’s exactly like he sounds. Even setting aside the Yopple connection and his punny name, there’s just no mistaking that black turtleneck. Especially since “Yo-kai Watch” has a habit of poking fun at tech legends. When Steve Jaws steps down from Yopple, guess who takes his place? Mark Orckerberg. Send out a warning: there’s no CEO safe from the wrath of a “Yo-kai Watch” parody.

“Dragon Ball” (1986-89)

Goku’s ascendance through Muscle Tower had him facing enemies with a lot of, well, muscle. And, at the time, no one personified big, bulky, and brutish like Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’d just delivered a career-defining turn as T-800 in “The Terminator,” and wouldn’t you know it, the movie hit Japan just a few short years before Goku reached Muscle Tower. With that kind of serendipitous timing, it’s no wonder Major Metallitron became Schwarzenegger’s self-portrait. The glasses, the physique - author Akira Toriyama knew exactly what it was doing here. Although, something tells us this isn’t what T-800 meant when he said “he’d be back.”

“Bastard!! Heavy Metal, Dark Fantasy” (2022-23)

When you think about it, the name “Di-Amon” sounds a lot like the word “Diamond.” There’s a good reason for that - the Sorcerer General is actually modeled after an influential Danish rock singer. His name? King Diamond. If you need any more evidence, just look at their faces. King Diamond was known for his signature black-and-white make-up job, and wouldn’t you know it, Di-Amon’s gauche look copies it almost stroke for stroke. While King Diamond isn’t an actual immortal vampire, it’s still a worthwhile easter egg. “Bastard” has “heavy metal” in its name, so it’s only natural that it nods to the legends that helped define the genre.

“How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift?” (2019)

There’s taking inspiration, and then there’s flat out copying. Jason Sgatham is the latter. For one, his name doesn’t leave much to the imagination. And second, his overall design is a very obvious homage to the actual Hollywood actor, Jason Statham. Bald head and all. The action star made a name for himself by punching sharks and taking names on the big screen. Sgatham hasn’t quite checked all those boxes, but with muscle mass like his, it’s only a matter of time. Sure, he’s got a few scars and a surprisingly dirty mind. But still, when it comes to anime counterparts, Jason Statham could do a whole lot worse.

“Millennium Actress” (2001)

If you know any Japanese film history, you know who Setsuko Hara is. In 1962, the prolific star infamously decided to quit acting. The lack of warning or explanation sparked decades of frenzied media speculation. Forty years later, that scandal inspired a movie of its own - “Millennium Actress.” The anime film follows Chiyoko Fujiwara, a Japanese performer who leaves the limelight to focus on her personal struggles. Sound familiar? What’s more, the movie also took bits and pieces from Hideko Takamine’s life, another Japanese actress who famously abandoned studio-work. These real-world inspirations helped shine a light on what is one of the most underrated anime films of its time.

“Bungo Stray Dogs” (2016-)

Atsushi Nakajima. Osamu Dazai. Doppo Kunikida. History remembers those names as seminal Japanese authors. But, you might know them better as the main characters of “Bungo Stray Dogs.” In a novel bit of referential storytelling, just about every single cast member in the series is named after a famous writer. The resemblance doesn’t stop at their names, though. The character’s unique powers are often inspired by the famous works of their namesake author. The historical context isn’t necessary to enjoy the show. But, if you’re looking to appreciate all of the little easter eggs, you’re going to need to brush up on your Japanese literature.

“Yakitate!! Japan” (2004-06)

With a name like Brad Kidd (double lettering included) there was never any doubt that this Harvard student was anything but a caricature of the famous Hollywood heartthrob. Luckily for Ryou, he’s also a swell guy, helping with all the social conventions he was sorely lacking in, including tangoing with the ladies. What’s not to love? He’s got that hair, that silver screen smile and manages to provide some serious laughs, which is kind of needed when a show is based around bread. Let’s hope he didn’t suffer a crippling divorce later in life…

“Naruto” series (2002-17)

That jumpsuit, that posture, that bowl cut, the ninja in training is the spiting image of the legendary martial arts movie star, albeit with much more green thrown into his attire. While we doubt that Lee will ever find himself starring in the Hidden Leaf version of Enter the Dragon, it’s easy to see that his dedication to taijutsu is also inspired by Bruce’s physical talents. The man had kicks that could send people flying, Lee can slam a sand-wielding demon to the curb with lightspeed flurries. Same thing really.

“Cowboy Bebop” (1998-99)

Jeez, no wonder that Faye almost ran off with this guy, he’s got the face of THE defacto silver fox celebrity. While this epic, space-fairing action series has more than its fair share of side characters, everyone remembers this suave attorney for three distinct reasons; he nearly got Faye freakin’ Valentine to fall for him, he turned out to be the most despicable of con-men who actually planned to saddle her with debt, and that years later he really let himself go. You might want to ease up on the cheeseburgers George, lest you find yourself looking like Whitney one day.

“Yuri on Ice” (2016)

Two for the price of one. In terms of his accolades, achievements and even mannerisms in the world of figure skating, heartthrob trainer Victor best resembles Evgeni Plushenko; a four-time Olympic medallist, three-time World Champion and four-time Grand Prix Champion. While that staggering level of success can be seen mirrored in Victor’s own accomplishments, series writer Mitsuro Kubo admitted that appearance-wise, he’s based on acclaimed actor John Cameron Mitchell, the slick silver hair being a dead giveaway. We’re sure both men would be pleased to know their animated counterpart was such a triumph in his field.

“Kinnikuman” (1983-86; 1991-92)

Given how this wrestling anime is a considered a classic of the genre, it only makes sense that one of its key characters would be inspired by a figure like Terry Funk; an American wrestler who practically exploded in Japan due to his crazy outfits and stage presence. Creator Yudetamago must have been a fan, since the character of Terryman isn’t only similar in terms of build, move-set and nationality, but also obviously includes Terry in the name. Good to see that the Texas Bronco’s legacy lives on.

“Attack on Titan” (2013-23)

Eat, sleep, break walls, repeat. They are engines of pure destruction that can destroy opponents with overwhelming ferocity; is it any surprise to discover that they were based on mixed martial arts fighters? Out of all the contenders, our vote goes to famed WWE and UFC competitor Brock Lesnar, who served as the inspiration for the beastly Armored Titan. Sure, he isn’t exactly imbued with metallic plates that allow him to soak damage like a sponge, but there’s no mistaking that body build or the little tuff of hair. Jeez, Eren got wrecked by The Beast Incarnates lookalike.

“Black Clover” (2017-21)

He may not be the Angel with the Scabbed Wings nor is he the New Shit, but there’s no denying that this member of the Black Bulls is clearly riding the looks of this iconic metal singer. If the make-up and aversion to sunlight doesn’t give it away, then his creepy demeanour certainly will. While harmless in his own right and not exactly the biggest Magic Knight on the block, we’re still waiting to see Gordon interrupt one of Asta’s fights and start singing Tainted Love.

“Cromartie High School” (2003-04)

We never hear him speak, but given the fact his name is the same as the legendary Queen vocalist and is known to have an angelic singing voice, it’s pretty clear that this butch delinquent was inspired by the King of Rock. While you might miss the comparison given the fact the show likes to distract its audience with a literal robot, Freddie still manages to pay homage to the incredible frontman by leaving whole crowds floored…only in this case it’s with his fists as opposed to musical genius.

“JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable” (2016)

He may have a Stand named after a famous Queen song, but this murderer’s look is all Bowie, back when he was sporting blonde locks at least. While his obsession with a severed hand, desire to live like a plant and tendency to slaughter innocents isn’t exactly what comes to mind when thinking about the man who gave us Ziggy Stardust, there’s clearly a lot of influence from a visual perspective. One thing is for sure, Kira would beat the ever-loving crap out of the Goblin King!

“One Piece” (1999-)

So many famous faces, so little time. While they may come equipped with crazy Devil Fruit powers, the occupants of Eiichiro Oda’s masterwork have some clear real-world inspirations. Bon Clay and Franky are both right out Jim Carrey performances, Capone Bege is obviously Al Capone, Diamante is Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler, and Ivankov is very much One Piece’s answer to Frank n Furter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show, because everything needs more Tim Curry. And are we sure that Kizaru doesn’t have some-kind of Jeff Goldblum thing going on?

Did you know about any of these? Let us know in the comments below which surprised you the most!